Friends, 

The tragic events in Israel have left me at a loss for words. Although I have been trying to articulate my thoughts, the profound shock and mourning of the lives lost over the past few days have made it difficult to write this message.

This past weekend, the world witnessed horrifying events in Israel, live-streamed for all the world to see. We watched in shock and disbelief as Israeli citizens were senselessly murdered. People simply enjoying a day of music, food, and friendship, a day of families sleeping peacefully in their beds, mothers, sisters, fathers, brothers, young children, and infants going about their everyday lives, killed simply because they existed. 

Not since the Holocaust has the world lost so many Jewish people in a single day. Let us not, for one moment, allow ourselves to be swayed, confused, or misinformed by the sheer gravity of this terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas on Israel – a cowardly act devoid of humanity or morality, a stain on history forever etched in the world's collective memory.

In this moment of global mourning, as unjust actions continue to transpire and we grapple with the profound sadness we collectively face, may we come together to support and hold each other up. Let us stand with the people of Israel and Palestine as they face terror and tragedy brought on by Hamas. Let us stand with the world in saying hate has no place in our shared society.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the individuals who have lost their lives, the grieving families and friends they leave behind, and all those worldwide affected by this senseless act of terrorism and hate. Please take a moment today to share your light, love, and kindness, share your gifts, learn something new about someone you don’t know, ask questions, and be open to their answers.

Love over hate, kindness over intolerance, and information over ignorance will always win. Today, may we be the light we seek while also honoring the depth of sadness this tragedy has brought. 

In peace, 

Wendy Sullivan
Chief Executive Officer 
Easterseals Midwest