Israel/Palestine

The second week of the new Donald Trump administration brought more pain, fear, and confusion.

President Trump’s executive actions obstructing federal funding fueled more chaos, with far-reaching consequences for millions across the country and the globe.

These actions have impacted critical government programs including health care and food assistance for seniors, children, and low-income families. The freeze has also halted almost all foreign assistance programs that save lives, promote peace, and make both the U.S. and the world safer and more secure.

Monday, January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term as president. Through his executive orders, he immediately began aggressively sowing chaos.

With cautious optimism and persistent hope, we welcomed the news that a long overdue ceasefire deal was reached between Israel and Hamas.

“While this ceasefire cannot bring back the tens of thousands who have died, it is our sincere hope that news is a real and lasting step toward a new future,” FCNL General Secretary Bridget Moix said.

“The frustrating part about watching that hearing was the lack of concern for how the United States military could really impact billions of people on this planet,” said Hassan El-Tayyab of the Quaker advocacy group Friends Committee on National Legislation. “There were so many pressing issues and existential issues to the United States, our allies, and the planet at large that were not addressed.”

FCNL welcomes reports of a ceasefire and hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas with cautious optimism and persistent hope.

This is a critical step forward for peace, but the work is far from over. We must secure a permanent ceasefire, ensure the return of all remaining Israeli hostages and Palestinian political prisoners, provide unfettered access to humanitarian aid, and work toward a just and lasting peace for all.

Tomorrow, January 11, 2002, 23 years ago, Guantánamo was opened as a prison for the War on Terror. Its history has been marked by abuse, torture, and indefinite detention.

Friends of Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting ask the US to prohibit the transfer of more weapons and military assistance to Israel and use its leverage in restricting the use of the already supplies weapons.

As members and attenders of the Santa Cruz Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, we pledge to continue our efforts to understand the needs of Israelis and Palestinians as they evolve, and to take action at home that would enhance their peaceful resolution of conflicts

In response to the recent widening of armed conflict in the Middle East, Abington Friends affirm the call for the immediate cessation of violence.