June 3, 2026 Editor, The News-Gazette: I believe that one of the best traits of the Lexington and Rockbridge community is our ability to extend a helping hand to people all over the world.
Growing up, I watched our town welcome displaced people from Congo and Ukraine, and I learned the value of inclusivity and compassion across borders.
I carried that lesson with me in 2023 when I first started reading headline after headline about unspeakable brutality, mass destruction, and famine in Palestine. Just like I’d been taught by my home, I acted on my mounting anger and grief through education and connection with Palestinian families. I strongly believe that being well-versed in the nature of violence in this area of the world is the best first step when it comes to positively impacting its future.
Fortunately, there is an upcoming opportunity for local community members to educate themselves about exactly this topic. The 50 Ways for Palestine Group is hosting a teach-in, “The State of Health and Aid in Gaza and the West Bank,” on June 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the Piovano Room at the Rockbridge Regional Library.
This event will feature two speakers: a medical professional from Doctors Without Borders and a humanitarian aid worker, both of whom will discuss the specific challenges related to medical care and aid distribution in this area.
Here is an excellent opportunity to learn about Palestine from people with direct, extensive experience. And, for those interested, there will be the option to join ongoing campaigns to help Palestinian families in need.
We are a small town, but I’ve seen the scale of our kindness. We have the ability to form international community and we need to be informed to build productively. Let’s continue on this path together.
OISHANI BASUCHOUDHARY Baltimore, Md. Lexington native
