Our pain will enter a new phase when the identities of the Americans killed or kidnapped are revealed, as this will certainly include many New Yorkers.
Tragically, the residents of Gaza themselves are also victims of Hamas. I grieve for these losses as well. My desperate hope is that a new Middle East emerges from this crisis, in which both Israelis and Palestinians can at last live in a secure, just peace.
The days ahead will be difficult. New Yorkers will not be immune from the pain. It will be more important than ever that we support each other during this time of trauma.
I know New Yorkers will respond generously in the current crisis, as we always do. Thank you for helping in any way you can.
Standing together,
Mark |