SURVIVORS' PLEA TO ISRAEL

TWELVE Jewish people who survived the Holocaust and escaped the Nazis have written an open letter to anyone with responsibility for, or influence over, the provision of humanitarian assistance and food to those living in Gaza.

- BY FRAN BOWDEN and SIMON MURPHY

We are not comparing Israel's action in Gaza to the Nazi gas chambers. The murders of October 7th, when Jews were slaughtered in the land that promised refuge, horrified us and we understand Israel's grief.

We condemn Hamas for its genocidal goals, its taking of hostages, and its contempt for both Palestinian and Jewish lives. But our anger should not lead us to dehumanize those we fear, as we know where that can lead. Every human life, Jewish, Palestinian, or any other, has equal value.

We support Israel's right to defend its people. But that defence must not result in the slow death of Palestinian children from hunger. We know too well what it means to feel hunger, watch the young grow thin and weak and to see neighbours waste away.

We join with the Arab League and many governments in calling on Hamas to release all hostages immediately, to stop using civilians as shields and diverting aid.