To the editor: A few weeks ago I visited the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, Japan. I was surprised by a moving statue in memory of the girl Sadako Sasaki, who died of leukemia about 10 years after being exposed to radiation from the bomb. (“Hamas attacked Israel. Hamas broke a ceasefire. Are we forgetting this already?”, letters, January 23)
One thing that stood out at the memorial was this: These horrible wars are usually fought by a few “leaders,” but the people who suffer the most are the men, women and children who get caught up in the chaos of war.
Yes, we all know that “Hamas attacked first”, but do we know how many people were involved in the actual kidnappings and murders? How many totally innocent Israelis and Palestinians are caught up in all the subsequent bombings and other reprisals? Will there be winners?
The Hiroshima memorial did not place blame anywhere, but the facts were clearly stated. Each of us must focus on peace and how we can achieve it.
Linda Mele Johnson, Long Beach
