What to say when there are no words: 24 responses to renewed conflict in the Middle East

On Oct. 7, Hamas militants killed nearly 1,400 Israelis in communities near the Gaza border, along with 23 Thai and Filipino migrant workers and 10 Nepali agriculture students. Another 250 people were taken hostage in the attack, according to reports published by the Guardian.

In the following days, Israel began a bombing campaign in Gaza, ordering about 1.3 million people to leave the northern portion of the tiny territory while also cutting it off from humanitarian supplies. At the time of publication, Time Magazine and the BBC put the Gazan death toll at roughly 3,300, with a further 13,000 wounded and thousands more missing, believed to be trapped under rubble.

People worldwide have responded to the violence on social media. Still, many companies and organizations that took strong public stands on other conflicts, like Russia’s war on Ukraine, have remained silent.

“While political leaders such as President Biden have come out in full support of Israel, and business leaders have addressed the conflict in internal memos to staff, major corporations that are often quick to speak out on socio-political issues have largely remained silent,” said Alison Weissbrot, writing for Campaign.

Phillip Haid, CEO of Public, a social impact agency and accelerator, said he’s seen the same trend. Fewer organizations, for-profit companies or non-profits, are issuing statements on the situation in Gaza and Israel.

“There’s a reluctance to engage because it is such a heated and divisive topic, so we’re seeing a lot of organizations shy away because the stakes just feel too high,” he said.

“Most organizations want to make their key constituents, their key customers happy. And this is one where you’re going to make people unhappy.”

Silence also sends a message, said Haid, noting that while many companies and non-profits have no direct ties to the Middle East, it’s likely some of their employees, clients, or customers do, making it important to acknowledge the situation.

“Your people are always looking and watching,” he said. “They’re constantly evaluating the leadership of an organization … and they’re saying, are you walking the walk? Are you living your values?”

It’s helpful for organizations to have precise positions on complicated topics before issuing public statements, Haid said. Those in leadership positions should also remember that internal communications are inherently public.

“This is a really, really tough issue,” he said. “But history tells us that when people stay silent, atrocities happen or continue to happen. So we need to all step up.”

WHAT PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS ARE SAYING

1) Rotary International

“Recognizing there has been protracted suffering in the long history of conflict between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza, Rotary International urges all parties to seek avenues to peace.

At the same time, we unequivocally condemn the horrific attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians and are appalled at the number of people injured, killed, and kidnapped.

“As the war between Israel and Hamas intensifies, we remain deeply concerned about the potential for further escalation as well as the loss of life and the humanitarian crisis that is occurring in Gaza. We denounce the violence against innocent civilians and support upholding international humanitarian law.” READ MORE.

2) OXFAM International

“The decision to implement a ‘total siege’ by the Israeli government, in addition to the ongoing blockade, will further deny Gazan civilians essentials like food, water and electricity. This constitutes collective punishment of a population that bears no responsibility for the violence and is illegal under international law. It will not contribute to peace and security. Instead, it will further fan the flames of this crisis.” READ MORE.

3) Joelle Emerson, Co-Founder & CEO at Paradigm

“I want to start today by acknowledging the terrorist attack this weekend in Israel – which included killing hundreds of civilians, including many young people, elderly people, and children, and kidnapping countless more. Many people on our team have family members and friends that have been impacted directly or indirectly by this. I spent the weekend scrolling through the stories of murdered children, missing parents, and mass grave sites. It’s almost too much to bear.

“Israel has now begun a response that has already killed many innocent Palestinian civilians, including many, many young children. There will be much more suffering ahead, and I am so scared for the Palestinian people. The loss they are now experiencing is unthinkable.” READ MORE.

4) Public Service Agency of Canada

“PSAC deeply mourns the many civilian lives lost and the ongoing suffering in the face of escalating violence in Israel and Palestine over the past week.

“We condemn the horrific attack and killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas in southern Israel and the ongoing Israeli military siege and killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The recent forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, coupled with threats of violence towards Jewish and Muslim communities worldwide, has reached a crisis point that requires urgent intervention.

“The Canadian government must call for an immediate cease-fire to prevent any further loss of life. It must also oppose Israel’s illegal restriction of water, electricity, food and medicine to the more than 2 million people of Gaza and demand a humanitarian corridor be established immediately.” READ MORE.

5) Mennonite Central Committee

“As conflict has escalated in the region, MCC laments the violence and mourns all lives lost in Palestine and Israel.  MCC remains committed to a just peace for all, and we invite you to join us in praying for an end to the violence.” READ MORE.

6) International Committee of the Red Cross

“Nothing can justify the horrific attacks Israel suffered last weekend. Our hearts go out to people who lost family members or are worried sick about loved ones taken hostage. We reiterate our call for their immediate release and stand ready to conduct humanitarian visits. But those attacks cannot, in turn, justify the limitless destruction of Gaza. The parties must not neglect their legal obligations regarding the methods and means used to wage war.” READ MORE.

7) Maryann Kerr, CEO of Peel Children’s Aid Foundation

“As the old saying goes, an eye for an eye leaves us both blind. We must condemn violence no matter where we see it, no matter the scale, no matter our political and religious beliefs. We cannot stand against intimate partner violence and be silent in the face of brutality anywhere in the world.” READ MORE.

8) Action Against Hunger

“Action Against Hunger is deeply concerned about the escalating violence in Gaza and Israel. We unequivocally condemn the deliberate and disproportionate targeting of civilians as both unacceptable and illegal. Furthermore, we are deeply concerned about the collective punishment of populations and the use of hostages as human shields.

“It is vital that both sides of the conflict prioritize civilian protection, facilitate access to essential humanitarian aid and allow for the opening of humanitarian corridors,” said Chiara Saccardi, Action Against Hunger’s Middle East Officer.

“The ‘complete siege’ of Gaza ordered by Israel is another major concern, as preventing fuel, water and food from reaching the civilian population is a violation of international humanitarian law.” READ MORE.

9) Plan International

“Plan International condemns this violence in the strongest terms and calls for an immediate and complete ceasefire by all parties involved. We call upon all parties involved in the conflict to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

“All sides must comply with International Humanitarian Law and do everything possible to safeguard the lives and rights of civilians, especially children. Civilians, especially children, must be respected and protected at all times. Civilian infrastructure must never be a target.

“As an organization striving for a just world that advances children’s rights and equality for girls, we urge the global community to remember that in situations of violent conflict, it is always children who endure the deepest suffering.” READ MORE.

10) Canadian Union of Public Employees

“CUPE grieves the loss of life brought by the recent escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine.  We are horrified by the Hamas attack on Israel and the retribution by the State of Israel on the people of Palestine and condemn all acts of violence against innocent civilians. We recognize that many Canadians are terrified for their loved ones, and we offer heartfelt condolences to all affected families and communities.

“Canada has longstanding positions against the targeting of civilians and religious sites and against illegal settlements. We urge the Government of Canada to call for a ceasefire, for the enforcement of international law, and to work toward a peaceful resolution that upholds the rights to life and freedom of Palestinians and Israelis.” READ MORE.

11) Medecins Sans Frontieres

“As the ultimatum given to the population expires, MSF calls on the Israeli authorities to show humanity.

“Despite Israeli announcements suggesting that there are safe areas for the population trapped in the Gaza Strip, they are, in fact, exposed to bombardment throughout all the territory, including in the south, where tens of thousands of people have fled following the ultimatum.

As the Israeli army has been bombarding the Gaza Strip without restraint for a week, we are calling for the most elementary humanity to be shown.” READ MORE.

12) Canadian Medical Association

“The sheer courage and dedication of health and humanitarian organizations working in the affected regions are nothing short of heroic. We commend them and join their appeal to protect access to medical care and essential supplies. As reported, medical services and supplies are desperately needed in the affected regions and all efforts must be made to maintain safe access to both. Medical facilities and health care providers must be protected.

“The CMA further recognizes the impact on Jewish and Palestinian Peoples living in Canada. No one should feel unsafe in our communities, and all acts of antisemitism, violence, discrimination or intolerance against Jewish and Palestinian Peoples must be condemned.” READ MORE.

13) World YWCA

“In 1920, the World YWCA World’s Committee, meeting in Champery, Switzerland, made the following Statement of Peace: The World’s YWCA, including as it does women of all nations, shall give itself to the development of public opinion on international questions such as shall strengthen all those forces which are working for the avoidance of war and the promotion of peace and better understanding among the nations.

“Since then, YWCA has provided leadership in conflict and post-conflict spaces for over a century, and the global movement has adopted resolution after resolution toward a vision of peace and justice in homes, communities, countries, regions, and the world.

“Many of those resolutions, over the decades, focused on conflict in the Middle East and the women and girls living under the Israeli Occupation. The statements acknowledged that all women in Palestine and all over the Middle East deserve to live a life free of oppression, fear, shock, and anger, and all people deserve a life that promises freedom and dignity.” READ MORE.

14) International Rescue Committee

“We are dismayed by the dramatic escalation of violence and mourn the extensive loss of civilian life in Israel and Gaza today. We are focused on the humanitarian needs of civilians in the coming days. We are assessing needs on the ground and IRC’s capacity to ensure critical, life-saving humanitarian relief reaches affected civilian populations. The IRC calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian Law and ensure humanitarian access to those affected.” READ MORE.

15) CARE

“We are alarmed by the outburst of violence in Israel and Gaza that shows no signs of abating and risks spreading to other territories. The atrocities committed against innocent civilians are beyond comprehension. If the current escalation continues, the price already paid by civilians will surpass anything we have seen in decades.” READ MORE.

16) Humanity & Inclusion

“The recent attacks by Hamas and the retaliation by Israel are having a devastating impact on civilians. The continued escalation of violence will cause further loss of civilian life. We are deeply concerned for the safety of civilians on both sides.

“The safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure should be the priority. We are calling for an immediate ceasefire. As long as hostilities last, HI is appealing to all parties to at least establish daily humanitarian ceasefires to allow humanitarian aid workers to deliver assistance safely.” READ MORE.

17) Harbourfront Centre

“Harbourfront Centre is profoundly saddened by the attack on Israel by Hamas and the tragic loss of innocent lives. Our hearts ache for the families who are suffering the loss of their loved ones, those who are enduring injuries and those who are still missing. We unequivocally condemn all forms of terrorism. We hope for peace.” READ MORE.

18) Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East

“Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is expressing extreme concern over the Canadian government’s failure to secure evacuation for citizens stuck in Gaza and the West Bank. While Canada has already completed four evacuation flights for its citizens in Israel, it has yet to secure plans for its own citizens in the occupied Palestinian territories despite the catastrophic humanitarian situation.

“Israel told Canadian officials earlier today that they had decided against proposals to allow foreign nationals to flee Gaza via Egypt. This leaves at least 150 Canadian citizens trapped by Israel alongside more than 2 million Palestinians, without any relief or safety from Israeli siege and bombardment.” READ MORE.

19) Canadian Red Cross

“The Canadian Red Cross shares the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement’s deep concerns about the humanitarian consequences of the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the impacts on civilian populations. Our message is clear: under International Humanitarian Law, civilians must not be targeted.

“The instructions issued by the Israeli authorities for the population of Gaza City to immediately leave their homes, coupled with the complete siege explicitly denying them food, water, and electricity, are not compatible with International Humanitarian Law.” READ MORE.

20) RBC

“Like so many around the world, RBC stands firmly against all hatred, violence and acts of terror. We have made an initial donation of $250,000 to be divided between the Canadian Red Cross Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal and the United Jewish Appeal to provide aid for immediate and future humanitarian and relief needs on the ground. RBC continues to assess additional opportunities for support based on evolving needs.” READ MORE.

21) Anthony G. Ostler, President & CEO, Canadian Bankers Association

“Our thoughts are with those personally affected by these tragic events. Banks in Canada understand the desperate need for humanitarian assistance and hope that by encouraging donations and supporting organizations responding to urgent needs, we can help facilitate assistance to those most in need of our help.” READ MORE.

22) Pablo Di SiPablo Di Si, President & CEO Volkswagen Group of America

“The recent attacks on Israel were shocking and horrifying. Our thoughts are with the people of Israel who are facing terror and violence and our colleagues who have families impacted by this tragedy. While our production and operations in Israel have so far not been affected, we are continually checking in on our team members in Israel and monitoring the situation.” READ MORE.

23) Women Wage Peace

“It took us a week to formulate this statement. We are a movement made up of Jewish and Arab women with diverse opinions and positions, and we found ourselves inside this crazy, threatening, horrible and frightening movie. There are no words in any language to describe what we all went through this past week.

“We are still searching for the right words that we can share at this moment. First of all, we mourn the brutal murder, in an indescribable and unforgivable massacre carried out by Hamas, of over 1300 civilians, babies, children, women, men, the elderly, male and female soldiers, members of the security and rescue forces, among them Arab civilians and soldiers. We wish complete recovery and rehabilitation to the thousands injured in body and soul.” READ MORE.

24) Eric Pliner, Global Lead for Leadership & Culture at Accenture and CEO at YSC Consulting

“That there are a wide range of views about Israel, Palestine, and the region does not imply that those views – or actions associated with those views – are moral equivalents. Morality is deeply personal, and it is not for any of us to try to impose ours upon one another.  (It likely wouldn’t work anyway; our own inner sense of right and wrong is typically formed by about age 10.)  I recognize that even some of my language choices in this message could confer a view of a particular morality that perhaps I do not intend. That said, I believe that leadership is a moral exercise, one that demands that we understand our own views of what is right and what is wrong and learn to be thoughtful, articulate, curious, and humble about these.” READ MORE.

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