“They’re not like us.” That’s how 50,000 children have been able to be wounded or killed in Gaza. That’s how basic human rights like food, water and medicine are being kept from CHILDREN. But it’s a lie. They are the same. One day everyone will see. Everyone will know the absolute preciousness and sacredness of their lives and will have to face that they were silent. This is me and Rahaf’s mom video chatting with Rahaf’s sweet brothers in Gaza. I think about them every day and text Rahaf’s mom about them. “How are the boys?” It sounds like a text I send a friend whose kids are here. But her answer couldn’t be more different. “I haven’t been able to reach them for days.” “They are so hungry.” “They ask me when they can be with me and Rahaf again every time.” “They ask if we have bread.” Can you imagine? My other mama friends talk about school wrapping up, picky eaters and send pictures full of joy and laughter. It upsets me so much when my religion is used to justify cruelty. Jesus said the most important commandments were to love God and love our neighbor. He didn’t mean only neighbors of the same religion. He said that he is with “the least of these” meaning the poor and oppressed. He asks, when he was hungry did you feed him? When he was sick, did you help him? Many people will have to answer, “No, I didn’t recognize you.” He also said to turn the other cheek instead of choosing violence. The bombs keep falling. The little children keep being killed. I understand that when you don’t sit with people and cry and laugh and talk about your kids - they seem like “others.” But I am lucky enough to have dear friends from so many backgrounds and I am blessed enough to know that we are all equal. Our kids are all equal. We’re meant to love each other, we’re not made to hate. We’re meant to help each other, not to hurt. We’re met to feed each other, not to starve. We’re meant to listen to each other, not turn away. Please join me in a prayer today that Israa and Rahaf can be with Rahaf’s brothers and dad again. My heart is so broken for Israa because I’ve sat with her and cried and laughed and talked about our kids. She’s just like me. #gaza - @msrachelforlittles