Israel/Palestine

As we look toward the next eight decades—or even the next five years—we wonder how to remain brave and constant amid deep partisan divides, ongoing horrors of war, racism, xenophobia, and an environment in crisis.

Early this year, Hassan El-Tayyab returned to Ramallah Friends School in the West Bank. In talking with students, he asked them if they support a ceasefire in Gaza and their hopes for Palestine. Their interviews were recorded and can be viewed on Instagram.

As the war in Gaza enters its sixth month, grassroots advocacy for a ceasefire continues to grow stronger.

As our plane descended into Tel Aviv on Jan. 11, a small rainbow arced over the Holy Land. I had come looking for signs of hope amid a time of devastating violence and suffering in Israel and occupied Palestinian territory.

We urge government and university leaders to permit peaceful protests on campuses, protect freedom of speech, oppose all forms of violence against people exercising their fundamental rights, and work to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. 

Many Quaker organizations, meetings, and churches are sharing their concern around the war in Gaza and escalating violence across the Middle East.

As members of the Quaker community in Newtown, Pennsylvania, we are a part of 375 years of testimony and action against all war and violence. We reaffirm the application of the peace testimony to the conflict in Israel and Gaza.

With others, we call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, greatly increased humanitarian aid, and diplomatic negotiations toward a just peace.

Durham Friends Meeting is deeply concerned about the continuing violence in Israel, Gaza, and the Middle East. As Quakers, we believe that we are never called to fight with weapons either for God or country.