Statistics obtained by the Euro-Med Human Relations Monitor show that the equivalent populations of Raymond, South Bend, Aberdeen, and Hoquiam were killed between Oct. 7 and Jan. 14 in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli Defense Forces.

Whatever your opinion of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, the resulting response by Israel is tantamount to genocide upon the Palestinians of Gaza. According to E-MHRM, approximately 31,800 men, women and children have perished under the most inhumane circumstances brought to bear by one of the preeminent nuclear powers in the world, also assisted by our military, using our tax dollars and in our name.

As you blithely go about your day trying to to keep reality from assaulting your consciousness, instead stop for a moment and think about your family — blown to bits, buried under a collapsed building, perhaps being shot dead point-blank. Then, whatever god you worship, ask yourself if he meant for you to do nothing in his name.

TORI KOVACH

Raymond