There's very little about the current situation in the Middle East that can make me laugh. In fact, I'm so anxious I get up in the middle of the night to watch the news. But today's New York Times article "Peace Advocates in Arafat Compound Hope to Deter Israeli Troops" totally cracks me up.

The reporter describes in great detail a shipment of food, medicine and water sent to Arafat's office -- "600 pieces of pita bread, 23 cans tuna, 12 cans hummus... more than 120 pounds of coffee..."

Coffee. Coffee?!?!? All I could think was that the last thing cornered, humiliated, exhausted and angry men - men with AUTOMATIC WEAPONS - need is 120 pounds of coffee. Next time, I hope the Israelis send in decaf.

If you're like me you might be feeling frustrated and powerless. Start small: bookmark, then share this website http://www.iacenter.org/. There you will find information on upcoming protests against the Israeli occupation, like the one to be held this Friday at Times Square.

Go to your local library and get this book: Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh. As my dear friend Heidi says, it's a good time to hear what the Buddhists have to say about peace. I find Hanh's words challenging:

"In the peace movement there is a lot of anger, frustration, and misunderstanding. The peace movement can write very good protest letters, but they are not yet able to write a love letter. ... Can the peace movement talk in loving speech, showing the way for peace? I think that will depend on whether the people in the peace movement can be peace. Because without being peace, we cannot do anything for peace. If we cannot smile, we cannot help other people to smile. If we are not peaceful, then we cannot contribute to the peace movement."