The Duke Friends of Israel Executive Board would like to thank the Muslim Students Association and the Arab Student Organization for emphasizing commitment to the relationship between MSA, ASO, DFI and the Hillel student board. Over the past several years, these groups have accomplished a lot together and we look to continue that pattern in the future. We are happy that despite some disagreement over the conflict in Gaza our relationship is strong and will continue to grow. We agree that the best way to create peace in the long-run is by showing that our groups can work together and have friendly relationships.
Although Friday night's vigil was very moving, we found it incomplete because Hamas was never mentioned. It is necessary to stress that Israel's current actions are in self-defense in response to the thousands of rockets that have fallen on Israel over the past year, including those that Hamas sent during the ceasefire. As a sovereign state, Israel has a fundamental right to self-defense and no country should be forced to tolerate continued attacks without response.
We recognize that the most tragic element here is the civilian deaths. It is heartbreaking that so many innocent lives have been lost in this conflict and we mourn such suffering. It is important, however, to recognize that Israel is working hard to minimize casualties. Israel sends fliers and text messages and makes phone calls to notify civilians in advance of military incursions despite the possible danger to Israeli soldiers. Most importantly, Hamas plays a crucial role in the number of casualties by placing its military installations among civilians in mosques, schools and civilian homes, effectively using civilians, including children, as human shields. These actions are heinous and completely indefensible, and discussions of the tragic civilian deaths in Gaza should not take place without accounting for Hamas' culpability in deliberately placing its own civilians in the line of fire.
The current situation in Gaza is indeed a crisis and under no circumstances should the tragic deaths of innocent people be taken lightly. We stand with the leaders of MSA and ASO in wishing for a quick resolution and a restoration of peace that sees civilians on both sides free from violence.
Max Kligerman President, DFI Trinity '11
Jeff Fox Executive Vice President, DFI Trinity '10
Rachel Silverman VP of Communications, DFI Trinity '10
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