Eissa, I can't say how relieved I feel when I see your name pop up in my notifications here and I know you're safe.

You're far, far too kind to me. I promise you I'm a completely normal person, and there are many like me in Israel. I was thinking about all the other people I know who are fighting for the rights of Palestinians and Israelis both, and I wanted to share a couple of organizations with you that I thought would warm your heart. You might already know them, but just in case, these are the organizations that have been giving me hope over the past month and long before:

1. Combatants for Peace (joint org of ex-combatants on both the Israeli and Palestinian side) https://cfpeace.org/

2. Breaking the Silence (org collecting testimonies of Israeli soldiers about their service) https://www.breakingthesilence.org.il/

3. Standing Together (joint org of Jewish and Palestinian Israelis who work together for a better life for everyone https://www.standing-together.org/en

I don't know if you're active on Instagram or Twitter but if you are you should look them up on there. Some of the leaders of these groups have been such lights of hope in these painful times, sharing the most humane, compassionate voices. Maybe you can share some of their messages as well with your sister and niece, so they know many more people are thinking about all of you.

You write so beautifully and I appreciate it so much. I don't know if you write professionally but I do hope you manage to share your thoughts and beautiful words with many people. They really are healing.

Thank Samah for me please, that is so so kind of her. Olive branches are among my favorite signs of peace, especially for us in the Middle East. I can't tell you how much I hope that one day, not too far into the future, I could visit you and your family in Gaza, see your trees and rebuilt homes, and hear your stories. And I hope that you can come visit my family in the small town I grew up in, and that we could all travel freely and safely all around this beautiful land. I grew up surrounded by orange, pecan, and olive trees, and I know one day we can all share in their fruits and enjoy their shade together.

And to Lujain you can safely say that I don't know anyone who doesn't like cookies. Yuval and Yufaal are both big fans, and maybe one day I can bake her some as well.

Thank you again for the kind words, please stay safe and give your family a hug from me,

Yuval