Page 86 of Privilege

NEW YORK TIMESLETTERS TO THE EDITOR

AUGUST 14, 2025

One year after the bombing near Tehran, Iran, we’re all still mourning the loss of life from that terrible attack (“Anniversary of nuclear bomb dropped in Iran marked with silence and memorials worldwide”). I’m grateful for the nations that have come together to sign the Universal Accord.

The Earth has always been a home forsomepeople to live their lives in peace, but never for every single human to do so. People Against Violence has changed that, with the cooperation of our banking and communications partners.

Now that peace is spreading to all corners of the Earth, we must remember the words that founded Mothers Against Violence. We all made a pledge of nonviolence from our very first meeting. These are the words we spoke when we joined the group: “My heart is with the safety of all people. Killing is a choice I choose not to make.”

I write this letter from the town of Najafabad in Iran. I’m concerned about the plans for finishing the “Integration” as our leaders call it. What does PAV intend for the tunnels of Gaza? What will they do with the nuclear plants in Iran and North Korea that refuse to dismantle?

I urge all members of PAV to advocate that these final cells of combatants be dealt with humanely. We must not abandon our peaceful ideals. To value human life is to value all lives, including the men who refuse to comply with the Universal Accord.

Sincerely,

Mikayla Adamson

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