“This, American.”

IN JUNE 1982, my wife, Sharon, a pediatric nurse, was working in an emergency room in Beirut’s Akka hospital. Among the first victims of Israel’s invasion that month were 35 children on a school bus. One young boy asked my wife where she came from. When she replied, "America,” the boy lifted up his pajama top, pointed to his shrapnel wounds, and said: “This, American.”
How did those Lebanese children look just before their bus was bombed? Much like the children in this collection, I suspect. And how many of their families blame the United States?
In order to help protect the innocent children still living, Americans must acknowledge our responsibility. We must insist that our political leaders do all they can to end the violence and negotiate a just peace. Israeli and Palestinian young people deserve hope, reconciliation and a future.
When my wife returned from Beirut, she could not assuage her grief or outrage until she told our government officials and media what she had seen. I implore those of you who feel such grief or outrage to contact your local newspapers, radio talk shows and TV stations. Most importantly, tell your politicians that you know what’s going on and that you don’t approve.
Now that you’ve seen the faces, read the names and personal details in this collection, tell your elected representatives and administration officials that the killing must end.
When I call them, I think of that young Lebanese boy who showed my wife his shrapnel wounds, and I tell my elected representative I don’t want more kids being killed or wounded with American-supplied weapons, paid for with my tax money.