May 2, 2011

Dear FOS11 Members,

The news of the death of Osama bin Laden nearly 10 years following the horrific attacks
of September 11, 2001 is yet more reason to remember and honor the thousands of lives
lost on that day. They are joined in our hearts by the all too many other victims of
terrorist attacks and the millions of people worldwide whose lives have been forever
changed due to perpetrators of hate and intolerance.

While we do not advocate celebrating the death of any person, we are relieved that a
voice of terror has been silenced. We agree with the comment of a family member who
stated, "It would be better if the ideas would die instead of just the man."

If only this act would now end the conflicts. We look urgently to the time when swords
can indeed be turned into plowshares and the world's community of the faithful of all
religions can speak up and say, let it stop!