Israel/Palestine

As the crisis in Israel and Palestine deepens, the students at RFS sent the following letter to members of Congress. In it, they urge lawmakers to prioritize a ceasefire, protect the lives of innocent children, and secure humanitarian aid. They ask: “Is it justifiable for us to endure life under occupation, live in constant fear, and be haunted by the unsettling presence of settlers in our dreams?”

We remain profoundly disturbed by the ongoing violence in the region and Israel’s indiscriminate bombing of Gaza. Yet, we are inspired that with each passing day, the movement for peace continues to grow stronger. Our voices demanding a ceasefire are being heard and are making a difference.

We urge our government to call for an immediate ceasefire, immediate and adequate humanitarian aid, and negotiations for a long-term peace.

With a new Speaker finally installed in the House, funding the government past its Nov. 17 extended deadline is the most pressing item on Congress’s agenda. Lawmakers and their staff are making decisions right now that will shape the spending debate in the coming weeks.

The future for Palestinians and Israelis is being erased each passing day.

Quakers believe in the sacred worth of each person and stand against violence in all its forms. As Quaker organizations, we mourn all lives lost and lament with everyone who is suffering. We grieve for those in Israel and Palestine who have lost precious lives. We pray with those waiting for the return of loved ones and those living under siege and bombardment.

As Quaker organizations, we mourn all lives lost and lament with everyone who is suffering.

The statement, led by prominent Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Arab-American groups. condemns all violence against civilians by Hamas and the Israeli military, urges policymakers to publicly call for a ceasefire; and urges all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law.

In recent days, I’ve counted losses that I still cannot comprehend. This is a human crisis, and one thing is very clear: no one will win if this war continues to escalate. The U.S. must act urgently to help de-escalate the violence in Israel-Palestine.

FCNL condemned the attack by Hamas on Israel and Israel’s retaliatory violence while calling on world leaders to press for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza and southern Israel moving forward.