What if our leaders saw every child's worth?

Dear editor:

I just finished listening to a heartbreaking interview with Dr. Morgan McMonagle, an Irish trauma surgeon who volunteered in Gaza.  He described seeing "wave after wave of dead children."

Now famine has been declared in Gaza City, and Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened to "open the gates of hell" on this region.

I am appalled that my country stands by and witnesses the slaughter.  Is this what is meant by "American exceptionalism"? 

I can't help but wonder what actions national leaders would take if they believed in their hearts that we are created in God's image, and that every human life has intrinsic value and is worthy of respect.  We must urge them to place the preciousness of all life before ideology and power.

Terry Hansen

Milwaukee, WI