What to do? We can try to alleviate one or more of these every week, or every day. At least pay attention, be aware, do not let this flood of pain blind us or make us indifferent. An early rabbinic teaching is: study is not the crucial thing, but rather action (Pirke Avot). We need both. /end

The same problems that have always been with us - hunger, domestic violence, housing insecurity, mental health care, and so many more - are still with us, and the resources to address them are more limited than ever. /8

Antisemitism is stronger and more prevalent on both sides of the political aisle. And antisemitism is being deployed in a challenge to higher education as a whole. We Jews are forced to balance a deep respect for free speech with our own safety, security, and wellbeing. /7

After three and a half years, Russia's war on Ukraine continues, with untold military and civilian suffering on both sides. The conflict has revolutionized warfare, and devastated families, for far too long. /6

Millions of undocumented immigrants (many are otherwise law-abiding) are being targeted by anonymous ICE officers. Jewish traditions of respecting & caring for the resident alien, intersect with human compassion for neighbors/friends & our desire to combine respect for the law with compassion. /5

Trans people, both young and old, feel disregarded, attacked, erased. A federally-supported LGBTQ youth suicide hotline has been shut down, states are allowed to prevent gender-identity-affirming treatments both children and their parents want, and military inclusion has taken steps backward. /4

After almost two years, thousands of Gaza civilians are dead, hunger and suffering are widespread, and Hamas and Israel are unable to reach ceasefire terms that could allow aid and rebuilding. The war should end. /3

After almost two years, some 20 living Israeli hostages and several more bodies remain in Hamas captivity in Gaza. The war should end and they should return home to their families. /2

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We are in this together. If that sometimes causes conflict and danger, it can also provide solidarity and resolve. We will continue to live our best Jewish lives. /end

Yet it is also wrong to assume the world would criticize Israel just as harshly and global Jews would be in just as much danger from targeted violence no matter what Israel might choose to do. /6

The disasters in Gaza have expanded, 22 new W. Bank settlements were just announced, the Netanyahu government has lost the confidence of its people, which believes the war continues for political not strategic reasons. None of this justifies murder and assault of Jews in the wider world. /5

Slogans like "globalize the intifada" and "by any means necessary" may be intended in non-violent ways, but obviously they are not always heard to nonviolent results. /4

Thinking that attacking Jews and Jewish institutions in Boulder or in Paris (where synagogues and a Holocaust memorial were recently defaced) will change Israeli prosecution of the Gaza War either assumes a global Jewish cabal or collectively blames all Jews for Israel's deeds. /3

We know that many who want an end to the war and suffering in Gaza in exchange for a release of the remaining hostages do not hate Israel or Jews - that group includes many Israelis and Jews, including me! /2