In historic votes Wednesday evening, 19 senators sent a strong message: U.S. complicity in the Israeli government’s catastrophic war in Gaza is unacceptable and must end!
For the first time, the Senate voted on Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block weapons sales to Israel. Introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT), these resolutions sought to halt the kinds of offensive weapons the Israeli government has used in its relentless, devastating attacks on Palestinian civilians.
While the outcome of the votes was expected, it was no less painful that these resolutions failed to pass. We are deeply saddened that too many U.S. legislators continue to ignore U.S. law, the will of the public, and the immense suffering of Palestinians inflicted by U.S. weapons.
At the same time, we must recognize the significance of this moment. After 13 months of devastation in Gaza and the destructive escalation across the region, these votes show the growing demand in Congress for a new path to end the conflict.
This momentum is a testament to the pressure created by your persistent advocacy. We are proud that Sen. Sanders cited FCNL as one of the leading organizations supporting this effort, along with a diverse coalition of Jewish and pro-Israel organizations, unions, humanitarian agencies, human rights groups, and faith-based allies.
We are grateful to all of you who have made your voices heard, including hundreds of FCNL advocates who lobbied their members of Congress last week to support the resolutions at the Quaker Public Policy Institute. You made this progress possible.
As reporter Akbar Shahid Ahmed explained, we were up against enormous pressure from the Biden administration, the Israeli government, and its allies. Yet still, the resolutions garnered unprecedented support. “That’s huge,” Ahmed said. “This is historic and symbolic,” and a “momentous showing.”
As international pressure continues to mount to secure a ceasefire and hold Israeli officials accountable, we will continue to build on this momentum in Congress.
This week, we supported the introduction of the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act (H.R.9649) in the Senate. This is another crucial effort in our work to urge Congress to “take a stand for humanity, justice and peace,” said FCNL’s Hassan El-Tayyab.
Our work persists. We hope you will persist with us.
Elsewhere
U.S. to Transfer Antipersonnel Landmines to Ukraine
On Wednesday, President Biden announced that the United States plans to transfer antipersonnel landmines (APLs) to Ukraine, going against U.S. policy. These weapons are indiscriminate, internationally banned, and militarily ineffective.
This decision risks undermining global norms against APLs and their use. The United States needs to join the consensus to end the use of these immoral weapons.
More weapons will not bring peace to Ukraine. Only diplomacy can build a lasting peace.
Major Climate Conference Underway
The U.N.’s major annual climate conference, COP29, is winding down in Baku, Azerbaijan. FCNL’s Daren Caughron is there urging COP29 negotiators to set a new, ambitious climate financing target to support those most in need. As UN Secretary General António Guterres, puts it: climate finance is an “investment against the devastation that unchecked climate chaos will inflict on us all.”
There is a draft deal which many developing nations say is insufficient. Wealthy nations like the U.S. which have done the most to cause the climate crisis have a basic moral duty to support poorer nations enduring most of its consequences. As we work for an Earth restored, we need to strive for justice in that restoration.
Work with FCNL!
If you are a young adult looking to develop your professional skills and serve the cause of peace and justice, apply to be a program assistant at FCNL Apply today for a slot in the 2025-2026 cohort! Please share this opportunity in your community. Applications are due Jan. 2, 2025.
Please note: There will be no edition of This Week in the World next week. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
