SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 2023
Weekend Reading
Dear John,
This week, Atlanta’s City Council approved $67 million in funding for "Cop City,” despite over 16 hours of public comment overwhelmingly opposed to the plan. If constructed, Cop City would be the largest police training facility in the U.S.—all built by clear-cutting the Welaunee forest, known as the “lungs of the city.”
AFSC is supporting community members and has joined a growing list of partners organizing to stop the project. “We are opposed to the continued destruction of protected forests that are the lungs of this city and to the continued militarization and expansion of a policing strategy that is failing our communities,” says AFSC’s Tim Franzen. Read more in the Guardian. [link removed]
Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:
Victory: World’s largest private security company divests from Israeli apartheid: [link removed] Facing mounting public pressure, G4S has decided to sell all its remaining business with the Israeli government. The decision follows more than 13 years of global campaigning, in which AFSC played a key role. This victory shows that even the largest private security company in the world can't afford to do business with apartheid, writes AFSC's Noam Perry.
A voice for Quakers at the United Nations: [link removed] Did you know that Quakers have been at the U.N. since its beginnings, helping to carry out the U.N.’s original vision for peace and human rights? This weekend, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO). Learn more about the history of QUNO’s work over the years.
Apartheid-Free Communities’ campaign kicks off: [link removed] Last week, AFSC and a coalition of faith groups and secular organizations launched a new initiative to end Israeli apartheid. We’re urging congregations, faith communities, schools, and organizations to take a pledge to work against apartheid in all its forms. More 100 groups have already signed on. “Witnessing is not enough,” says AFSC’s Jennifer Bing. “More collective action is needed to dismantle apartheid.” (Mondoweiss)
Sign the petition: Restore the right to asylum: [link removed] We’re still collecting signatures for our petition urging President Biden to stop denying people their right to claim asylum. All people—regardless of where they’re from—should be welcomed with dignity and have their rights respected. If you haven't already, please add your name today.
In case you missed it: [link removed] Did you take our quiz last week? Test your knowledge about refugees and why so many people are forced to leave home. Then share with others to help raise awareness.
Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.
American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States
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