In an interview, Zayed M. Yasin '01, president of the Harvard Islamic Society (HIS), reflected on Hillel's statement and elaborated on the perspective of the Muslim and Arab community at Harvard.

"We agree on several core things," he said. "First, that peace is essential, but peace will not be possible without a just peace and without an understanding of the inequities and injustices that have dominated recent Middle East history."

"We have a lot of hope for the current cease-fire," Yasin added. "But if the solutions are temporary and cosmetic, then the peace will be temporary and cosmetic, and that would be a real tragedy."

Last week representatives of Hillel approached the Society of Arab Students (SAS) and HIS about holding a joint vigil to mourn the loss of life in the Middle East.

The groups ended up holding two separate vigils, one organized by Hillel and one by SAS and HIS, when they were unable to come to an agreement on who and what was being mourned.

Following that thwarted effort, "there was a sentiment that [the Arab, Muslim and Israeli communities] would like to do something constructive together towards the situation," said Sarah D. Beller '03, co-chair of Hillel's Interethnic Committee.

Yasin said his group and Hillel have yet to settle on a way to create avenues for dialogue.

Beller and Rayd K. Abu-Ayyash '01, president of SAS, are spearheading the effort for their respective groups.