This is a Statement made by the Leadership Team of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion in at this time of terrible conflict in Israel and Palestine.

STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR THE ISRAELI AND PALESTINIAN PEOPLE.
We, the leadership of the Congregation of Notre Dame de Sion, strongly condemn the attack on Israel by Hamas and the escalation of violence that it has unleashed, resulting in the deaths and injuring of countless people, Israelis and Palestinians. We also denounce the taking of hostages as a weapon in the escalation of this conflict.

We acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense. However, we cannot ignore the increasing violence suffered by the Palestinian people. Both peoples have a right to a secure future. We hope and pray for all those who have lost loved ones, for the injured to recover from their wounds and for the hostages to be returned to their families.

May leaders with influence in our world work towards a cessation of this violence and to a just and lasting solution that will lead to peace and justice in the region.

We pray in solidarity with all in our congregation and with all people around the world who long for a time when “…they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” Is: 2:4