Dismay and anger without hope is a recipe for disaster. 

Late on Wednesday night in Washington, D.C., an act of political violence claimed the lives of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, aides who worked for the Israeli Embassy. The suspect is identified as a 30-year-old man from Chicago who was recorded shouting “Free, Palestine” as he was detained by police at the time of the shooting. As members of one global human family, we grieve acts of evil by and against any of us. This is no exception.

Yesterday’s shooting is yet another example of how global events impact every one of us. When evil and injustice are left unaddressed, anger and hatred grow, stifling hope with further despair. Nearly everyone has an opinion of the war in Gaza in response to the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023. For many, the conflict is deeply personal because they are of Israeli or Palestinian descent, perhaps with family or friends in close proximity to the danger. Fear and anxiety among both people groups are palpable. For others, especially people of faith who trace their roots to the Holy Land—Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike—the risk of losing their cultural, ethnic, or religious identity has historical precedent. As bloodshed and starvation continue in shocking numbers in a place of spiritual origin for more than 4 billion people worldwide, our hearts ache in solidarity with the long-suffering.

The deadly act in Washington was no less than malicious. As expected, it sparked fierce opposing political narratives that have spread quickly, inciting further division and rage in our social exchanges. Free speech, activism, and protest are protected activities of free and self-determined people to elevate public awareness to the issues that affect many. On the other hand, radicalization is the extreme behavior of those who go to great lengths to ensure their ideological beliefs are atoned for. The two must not be conflated as a means to achieving moral justice.

Prejudice, discrimination, hostility, and violence against any targeted people group are unequivocally unjust. They undermine peace and collective living. They also distort and dehumanize our selfhood. But more tragically, they perpetuate a social malaise that becomes difficult to restrain so long as others fan the flames of evil by their words or deeds. Violence incites more violence, and rarely does it stay contained.

There is still reason to maintain hope and progress. It is possible and realistically attainable for people to be equally pro-Israeli, pro-Palestinian, and anti-violence. When we listen to the stories of others and curiously engage the narratives that may have disproportionately cast ourselves or those we identify with as victims or victors, the process of healing and reconciliation can begin. Humanity has a great capacity for compassion, understanding, and sustainable change when facing a crisis. Hate and injustices do not achieve true peace in our world. This is why we need a better way forward.

The moment is calling on the humble and watchful to participate in shaping the future—from our local communities to our wider global home. Our vision for tomorrow is simple: to co-create a compassionate, equitable, and inclusive world for all. While the events and bitter divides of our time threaten this vision, our unwavering hope remains because we believe change is possible when we stand on the principles of goodness and love.

Hope and Justice For All

If you’re like me, you’re looking for compassionate hearts and rational minds in our chaotic world. Hope, change, and justice for everyone, everywhere require thoughtfulness, dedication, and courage to values-based living and leading. I believe that for myself—and for you. Will you join me in this consequential cause? You won’t find ads, paywalls, partner links, or random emails from me. I’m not for sale, and neither are you. However, this work does require support, and with your help, can remain accessible and uninterrupted. Please consider making a donation to keep weekly insights for hope and change available to you and others. Thank you!