On October 7, I sent out a message recognizing the one-year anniversary of tragic events from 2023. While my intention was to focus on the wellness of all children and youth in Limestone, the October 7 e-mail failed to fully address the significant and ongoing impact on Palestinian families and others with direct connections to the region. I apologize for this under-emphasis in my initial message and any harm this caused for some local families most impacted by the Israeli military response to events from October 7, 2023, and the widening war in the region.
I understand that the continuing military action has caused significant pain and distress to families in our community with direct connections to the region, some of whom have lost family members and/or friends. Regardless of who you are, the emotional toll of worrying about loved ones and witnessing suffering from afar is profound. The continuing violence in Gaza has resulted in significant loss of life, ongoing fear for loved ones, and loss of critical infrastructure. In the past year, military action has also extended to the West Bank, and more recently extended to Lebanon and Syria. Additionally, tensions have increased between Iran and Israel risking a further expansion of war in the region. It is important to acknowledge the suffering and challenges faced by all those affected by continuing hostilities and military action in the region, and the humanitarian crisis that has resulted in some areas.
In these challenging times, it is crucial for us to come together as a community across Limestone. The current crisis in the Middle East is only one example of current, global challenges that have a ripple effect into our region. We must stand in solidarity with all those affected and offer our support and compassion to one another. In polarizing and divisive times, bringing people together and focusing on dialogue is critical. Limestone schools and classrooms must be places where we build bridges between people, promote kindness, empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and inclusion for all. We must support one another and continue to work together to create a safe and supportive environment for all students, families, staff, and school communities.
As indicated in my October 7 message, supports are available for children and youth in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to reach out if your child/student needs support during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Krishna Burra
Director of Education