We are holding everyone threatened by the escalating violence in Lebanon, Israel, and Gaza in the light. This is a frightening and volatile moment that demands restraint, reflection, and humanity.
This past week, Israel increased its attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, including a ground invasion. Iran attacked Israel with missiles on October 1, and Israel has continued to bomb Gaza and the West Bank.
The U.S. must use the leverage it has to promote peace and center the humanity of all those under threat.
More escalation poses a serious threat to tens of thousands of U.S. servicemembers in the region. Americans do not want to be embroiled in another regional war in the Middle East. U.S. policymakers must not put more Americans’ lives at risk by taking military action against Iran, which has not been authorized by Congress and would only further fuel this already devastating violence.
We never should have gotten here. For months, it’s been clear that a permanent ceasefire is needed to end the Gaza war, bring all the hostages home, and stop this devastating cycle of regional escalation.
Yet the U.S. government has continued to provide the weapons and military support that enable Israel to continue its brutal war in Gaza while attacking throughout the region with impunity.
As New York Times opinion writer Megan K. Stack put it, “the US has always had, and still has, power over Israel’s ability to attack both Gaza and Lebanon. Failing to use that leverage is a choice.”
Our leaders must choose a different path toward peace. We need urgent action to secure a ceasefire across the region and prevent more senseless death, destruction, and suffering.
One concrete step we can take right now: The U.S. should cut off weapons to Israel and stop fueling its aggressive actions.
Elsewhere
Climate Chaos with Helene
More than two hundred people have been confirmed killed in Hurricane Helene, making it the deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. since Katrina. More than 600,000 are still without power and thousands are without clean drinking water.
FEMA is providing aid, but the agency needs more funding to make it through this hurricane season. Some lawmakers are falsely claiming that FEMA doesn’t have the resources it needs because of the Shelter and Services Program, short term assistance it gives to localities helping migrants resettle. This program is funded under a different program than FEMA’s disaster response. We must stop blaming migrants for every problem we face.
Our climate crisis will make disasters like this worse. We need to focus on solutions, not scapegoating, in our climate future.
United Arab Emirates Funding Violence in Sudan
A major investigation from the New York Times has revealed the extent of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) support for the Rapid Support Force (RSF), one of the military groups fighting in Sudan. While the UAE claims it is just supplying food and medical aid for refugees, it is also funding the RSF and supplying weapons and drones.
The Sudanese people continue to suffer under a humanitarian crisis with famine, threats of genocide, and nine million people forced from their homes. FCNL has been urging U.S. policymakers to hold violators of arms embargo accountable, including U.S. partners and allies. While the United States government is trying to broker a peace, it is only applying minimal pressure to the UAE.
Upcoming Poll Chaplain Training
As the 2024 elections are coming up, we know our network is anxious and wants to strengthen our democracy. Our partners at Faiths United to Save Democracy have an training next week, on October 10 at 7 p.m. ET, to train peacekeepers to serve as poll chaplains. Community leaders and ordained poll chaplains in their sacred garb help people feel safe as they exercise their sacred freedom to vote. Join in to help create a safe and joyful environment for vulnerable voters.
