Groups gather in Goshen as part of national event

Mar. 6—GOSHEN — A rally to end the fighting in Gaza took place at the Elkhart County Courthouse in Goshen Wednesday.

While the Seniors for Peace holds rallies by the Historic Police Booth every Wednesday at lunchtime, this week's rally was part of a national day of rallying for peace that brought together the Goshen group with Michiana Voices for Middle East Peace, specifically to focus on a ceasefire in Gaza.

"There's a number of cities across the country that are calling for an immediate ceasefire and for Israel to stop its bombing and warfare there and to find a peaceful way to settle this because the death toll now is somewhere in the 30,000 range, and it's not getting any closer to a resolution," said David Janzen of Michiana Voices for Middle East Peace.

Janzen clarified the concerns his organization expresses aren't raised toward the Jewish people but toward the state of Israel. Janzen said last summer he visited Palestine and met with Jews, Muslims, and Christians in the region.

"I found that there is a strong desire for peace," he said."There's many people who are on the side of change and of finding a way of peaceful coexistence."

Michiana Voices for Middle East Peace aims to educate the public on ways to solve conflicts internationally. This year, they'll begin sponsoring Middle Eastern speakers through the Indiana Center for Middle East Peace in Fort Wayne. The organization was renewed, stemming from the Iraqi War in the 2010s, with a new focus.

"The war goes on, and the killing goes on," Janzen said. "The idea that they're going to get rid of Hamas by killing, it's not going to work. It can only happen by talking to people, and if Palestinians can be respected and have a place to stay that isn't taken over by Israel settlers and the military which has been happening in the West Bank and Gaza for a long, long time."

Jim Norton of Seniors for Peace, whose organization meets at the site weekly said they've no intention to stop meeting every Wednesday at noon to help raise awareness.

"As long as the wars are going on, we're always going to be here," Norton said. "For today, of course, the focus is on Gaza because that really is the worst of everything right now."

To stay up-to-date on future events with Michiana Voices for Middle East Peace or to get involved, visit www.facebook.com/MV4MEP. A website is also in the works.

Dani Messick is the education and entertainment reporter for The Goshen News. She can be reached at dani.messick@goshennews.com or at 574-538-2065.