My name is Joni. I’m a Digital Designer living in Israel. In my spare time volunteer as an EMS medic. I’ve been a medic for over a decade now. I want to address these words to the forgotten people of Gaza.

As a medic, I’ve seen the the destructive results of terror on both sides. I’ve treated Israeli casualties of suicide-bomber attacks and rocket attacks. I’ve seen wounded patients from Gaza and the West Bank getting treatment in Israeli hospitals, in peace time and in war time. Most of those treatments are sponsored by Israeli tax payers, like me. Both sides are suffering and bleeding. It’s time to face our common enemy. Its time to face reality, the fact is that Hamas has taken you, the people of Gaza, hostage, firing over your shoulders.

The Hamas want to see the people of Gaza bleed so they have legitimacy to be in control. It’s time to put an end to that. It’s time to raise your voices. It’s time to join efforts to remove this spoke in your wheels of progress. Once Hamas falls, the people of Gaza will have a true chance to start over. You will have the chance to rebuild, invests your efforts to build and grow. Stop being victims, be pioneers. Once the will and sweat will be directed to building, there would be a better future for Gaza, for a reality without a siege, a reality with jobs and tourists on your beaches, a chance for better education for your children, a reality of peace in mind and soul. Don’t let these terrorists do to Gaza what Hizballa did to Beirut.

I am speaking for myself now, but I am positive that I am not the only one that thinks this way. I have more than a few Arab friends, and I have a lot of respect to the culture and the hospitality that are embedded into your daily lives. I have nothing against the Palestinian people, and I’m sure that I’m not the only one.

I personally want to see prosperity in the region. It’s time to abandon the old ways of violence and bloodshed. You need to find a way to invest you assets and energy in building your communities and not weapons. Invest in schools, not in rockets. Get a hold of those assets. We need to stop staring at each other and start looking at the same direction. It’s not too late. People of gaza: It’s time for deeds. Break the silence. Have hope.