Our hearts are broken by the devastating violence and tragic loss of life in Israel and Gaza. We mourn the loss of all lives and pray for those who have lost loved ones.
In war, civilians always pay the highest price. As the crisis in Israel and Palestine deepens following the attack by Hamas on Israel and Israel’s retaliatory violence, our voices are needed.
As Quakers and advocates for peace, we have an important role to play in advocating for a ceasefire to protect lives—including those of the Israeli hostages and the roughly 1 million children who live in Gaza.
On Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m. EDT, we will gather as a community in grief and action. Join experts from the Friends Committee on National Legislation and American Friends Service Committee for insights into what is happening in Israel-Palestine, the response from U.S. lawmakers, and what we can do as advocates to respond.
Speakers
Bridget Moix
Bridget Moix is the fifth General Secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation. She also leads two other Quaker organizations, affiliated with FCNL: Friends Place on Capitol Hill and FCNL Education Fund. She is a passionate Quaker peace advocate, activist, and mother.
Joyce Ajlouny
Joyce Ajlouny joined the American Friends Service Committee as general secretary in 2017. A Quaker leader who is committed to help bring peace and justice to oppressed and vulnerable communities globally, Joyce brings to AFSC a depth of experience in international development and relief, education and 30 years of non-profit management. Under her leadership AFSC is entering its second century with a bold strategic revisioning and planning initiative that set organizational goals for the next decade (2020-2030). A Palestinian American, Joyce started her career working in international development in Palestine, focusing on minority and refugee rights, gender equality, economic development, and humanitarian support.
Hassan El-Tayyab
Hassan El-Tayyab is an author, songwriter, and FCNL’s legislative director for Middle East policy and advocacy organizer. Hassan leads FCNL’s work to end U.S. military involvement in the Saudi-led war on Yemen, advocate for Palestinian human rights, and advance diplomacy with Iran. Hassan was honored by Arab America Foundation as an awardee of its 2022 “40 under 40” initiative, for his policy work on Capitol Hill.
Odeliya Matter
Odeliya Matter is a program assistant for the Middle East Policy team. Odeliya assists the team in efforts to lobby for nonviolent U.S. engagement to promote peace and prosperity in the region, reduce violence, and resolve long lasting conflicts. As Odeliya herself grew up in Jerusalem, she has a specific perspective, built upon professional and personal experience, and is especially invested in promoting positive change for the region.