Seeds Will Grow

Mairead Maguire has begun a 40-day fast for peace in Gaza and for the children of the world. She is 81 years old.

Here is her statement released to invite others to join her in an act of solidarity through fasting and prayer (watch the video):

My name is Mairead Corrigan Maguire. I am a Nobel Peace Laureate from Northern Ireland. I have just started a 40-day fast and prayer for the children of Gaza and for the children of the world.

I would like to read to you an open letter on behalf of the Palestinian children of Gaza and children everywhere in the world suffering from the violence of hunger and war.

In Gaza this week, over 400 innocent Palestinians – including 100 children – have been killed overnight as Israel unilaterally ended the ceasefire deal without any warning. This continuing genocide and ethnic cleansing policy of the rogue Israeli government of the Palestinian people is not only fully known by all our governments all around the world, but is supported by money, arms, and silent complicity of many governments – particularly the USA, Britain, European Union leaders.

There is a propaganda war against the truth being told of the over 55 wars going on in the world, in which millions of children are dying as a result of militarism and war. The political leadership in Europe is now planning to increase defense spending of 2.5% so that they can continue to fund wars around the world. The rearmament of Europe and its nuclear weapons being built and whipped up fear and enmity amongst people will lead to World War III. It won’t lead to peace and reconciliation, which we all need amongst the human family.

What to do to save our children from the madness of militarism and war?

Each of us, no matter where we live, we must raise our voices to say, “NO! We will not allow these mad militarists or armed extremists to destroy anyone’s children.” Refuse to hate. Refuse to kill each other, and demand instead dialogue and negotiation.

Today in Gaza, the policy of starvation of 2.5 million people by Israeli policies is continuing, and it’s killing the children. We see it, and we break our hearts.

As the children of Gaza are hungry and injured with bombs – an actual Israeli government policy – I have decided I must too be hungry with them, as I can in good conscience do no other.

From today, I will fast and pray – fast and pray – that I in watching so many – so much purposely imposed destruction of children – will not allow my heart to be hardened against the killers of little children but will stay gentle and demand of our governments and armed militarists, “Stop the madness of violence, cruelty, militarism, and war.”

In the season of Ramadan and Lent, let us join in fasting and praying in solidarity for a world fit for all our children, built on non-killing, peace, and justice.

It is possible, and it starts with us teaching and living the science of peace – not war.

Shalom. Salaam. God bless you all.

Choose a day or more to fast with her,
and please share this action widely.

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