Local organizations are hosting an interfaith conversation on the conflict in Gaza — and you’re invited

Earlier this month, Hamas attacked Israel, killing over 1,400 and abducting over 200 people.

Israel has retaliated with heavy airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, which have killed over 5,000 people so far, including more than 2,000 children.

Now, a local organization is hosting an interfaith discussion about the conflict.

Samar Ali, whose family is Palestinian, is the founder of Millions of Conversations, a Vanderbilt professor and a conflict resolution expert who works with the United States government and the United Nations. She explained that believes the Nashville community has a responsibility to talk about this high-stakes and deeply emotional topic in a humanizing way.

“Words are very, very important,” she said, “Don’t discount the impact your voice has internationally.”

More: International conflict expert talks Israel-Hamas war, civilian casualties, and the inevitability of peace

Words are important, Ali explained, because “demonizing” language can allow people to dehumanize one another, which can escalate to physical violence.

“It starts with demonization, the labeling of another person or of a group of people, and that leads to blame, which then leads to fear. That fear leads to anger, the anger leads to hate and — in some instances — that hate leads to violence,” she said.

That conversation will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26 at Anzie Blue.

The event will be hosted by Millions of Conversations, alongside local organizations including Vanderbilt, the Jewish Community Relations Committee, the Metro Human Relations Commission and the Islamic Center of Nashville.

The event is free, but registration is required. You can RSVP here.