SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023
Weekend Reading
Dear Friend,
Over the past few weeks, the AFSC community has sent over 70,000 letters to Congress demanding an end to the violence in Gaza. As bombings escalate and more people are killed and displaced, the U.S. must support an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian access to Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us. Send a message today. [link removed]
Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:
Join us for AFSC’s weekly Action Hour for a Cease-fire Now (Nov. 3, 10, 17 at 12 noon ET / 9 a.m. PT): [link removed] Every Friday, we’ll get the latest updates from AFSC staff in Gaza and take action to end the violence. Together, we'll make calls to the White House and Congress, write letters, and talk about how to use our collective voice to call for peace. Register now.
End the violence: [link removed] In this letter to the editor, AFSC’s Mike Merryman-Lotze acknowledges the fear, pain, and anger experienced by Israelis after the Oct. 7 attacks. But more violence against Gaza is not the answer. Instead, policymakers, the media, and the public must examine what’s happening in the context of Israel’s brutal 16-year blockade of Gaza. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Los Angeles youth advocate for transit justice: [link removed] Earlier this year, 25 young people took part in AFSC’s Freedom School to learn organizing and advocacy skills. Then they applied what they learned to support a campaign for free bus and train rides in their city. “A fareless Metro in Los Angeles would bring justice to low-income communities, especially people of color, by boosting equity, empowerment, mobility, health, and sustainability,” said one participant.
New Hampshire groups oppose expanded border patrol: [link removed] Gov. Chris Sununu wants to expand immigration enforcement to allow state and local police to patrol within 25 miles of New Hampshire’s border with Canada. AFSC’s Grace Kindeke spoke out against the plan and urged the state to provide more accurate information about what’s happening at the border. “Inaccurate representations … inevitably will lead to a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment” as well as other harms to community members, particularly immigrants and people of color, she said. (Boston Globe)
How to intervene when someone is being harassed: [link removed] With tensions on the rise, it’s helpful to know what to do when you see public instances of racist, anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-Muslim, antisemitic, anti-trans, or other forms of harassment. Use these tips on how to intervene while keeping everyone safe.
Listen to the latest “Quakers Today” podcast: [link removed] AFSC is sponsoring season two of the “Quakers Today” podcast, a project of Friends Publishing Corporation. The latest episode, “Quakers, Witchcraft, and Pentecostals,” invites listeners to consider the many ways the Spirit speaks to us. Friends are also asked to call in and respond to the question “Outside of Quaker worship, where do Quakers seek inspiration, spirituality, and community?” Share your thoughts by calling 317-QUAKERS (317-782-5377) and leaving a message, which will be featured on the program.
Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.
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