The European Buddhist Union expresses deep concern about what is happening in Israel and Gaza and appeals that peace may return as soon as possible to a place that has been marked by too much suffering for years.

History shows us that from hatred can only come hatred, from violence only more violence. In every violent conflict innocent people from all sides become wounded and to them our solidarity and prayers go first.

Our task is to take care of every wound in such a way as to reduce suffering wherever possible. Guided by the values of compassion and equanimity that are at the heart of Buddhist teaching, we are deeply sympathetic to the friends of other religious traditions and to all those who are working in these hours to save lives and for dialogue, listening and peace to prevail, and in the hope that this tragedy will come to an end as soon as possible.