Local Southwest Virginia group appeals to Senator Tim Kaine regarding Israel-Hamas war

ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) – As the war in Gaza continues, people across the nation are calling for a cease-fire. In Southwest Virginia, one group is calling on federal lawmakers for action.

The Appalachian Peace Education Center (APEC) hosted United States Senator Tim Kaine, who has voiced support for Israel’s right to defend itself. This discussion is one APEC has been planning for a while.

“We’ve been gathering petitions and getting a lot of concern from other people here in Southwest Virginia,” said APEC board member Eleanor goodrich-port. “We were trying to find a way to get those petitions to the senator.”

When the group caught word that Kaine would be in the area over the weekend, they planned to take action.

“We heard he was going to be at Trail Days,” said goodrich-port. “We were going to just try to bring them to him somewhere at Trail Days.”

Kaine’s team found out about the group’s plan and offered to let Kaine spend time with them. The event included several speakers, all sharing their reasons for a call to action.

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“I’m speaking on behalf of the Muslim community, which is grieving for the loss of human lives,” said speaker Mohamed Nasr.

“Let’s look for ways to reduce the violence for the people of Israel and Palestine, and for our Grandchildren,” said APEC board chair Buckey Boone.

Yogev Von Kundra spoke as a Jewish representative, empathizing with both sides of the conflict.

“Being of Jewish faith myself and going to Israel just really deepened the issue for me,” said Von Kundra. “And really gave me a lot of sympathy for the Israeli perspective and wanting to have peace not only for Palestinians but for Israelis as well.”

Von Kundra shared the last few lyrics from a song written by his great-grandmother, titled “Israeli Lullaby.”

“I gave Senator Kane that hope for peace,” Von Kundra said. “And I hope that he nurtures that and takes care of that, and is the bold leader that we so desperately need.”

Following the speakers, Senator Kaine addressed the crowd who took the time to appeal to him.

“I do believe there is a role for the United States to play in figuring out a way to help Israel defend itself,” said Kaine “But Israel does not have a right to turn a defense against Hamas or a defense against those who are annihilated into an all-purpose war against Gazans or Palestinians.”

Kaine’s response received mixed reviews from those who attended.

“I definitely like his response,” said Emily Hodgens. “I think everything he said was great.

“What I heard is a defense of what he’s already done,” Von Kundra said. “And a promise to continue this course, which is not enough.”

goodrich-port said she hopes Senator Kaine will apply the words of the group to his future work.

“We’re looking for him to change his votes,” goodrich-port said. “We’re looking for him to sign on to a cease-fire.”

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