Since October, the conflict between Israel and Hamas has dominated headlines. Thousands of people have taken to the streets to call for peace, while many more people have been active on social media condemning both sides. To get an understanding of how controversial this topic is, as well as what conversations our own SCH community is having, I interviewed a few students and faculty members.

But when interviewing people, I faced a problem: No one wanted to talk. This is understandable given how  controversial and complex the topic is. “It’s polarizing,” said Mr. Pevear, an SCH faculty member, “And we try to avoid it when talking.” The word “polarizing” sums up this conflict best. Each side or opinion seems so weaponized that it is hard to root out the good from the bad. Mr. Pevear’s answer was about the best I got when it came to asking about the conflict. 

In the midst of all this, an SCH faculty member Katy Friedland worked with the Jewish community to plan a Hanukkah celebration. “We found that one way to support each other is being connected,” said Ms. Friedland. The event featured an array of Jewish foods along with a Hanukkah candle lighting.

Ms. Friedland’s event is one of many peaceful ways people have tried to bring together their different communities in trying times. The idea of coming together peacefully is an idea that so many people can benefit from. It allows people to honor their social contract of being peaceful with each other.