John,

Our movement for a ceasefire is gaining momentum. At least 43 members of Congress have now called for a ceasefire, and we welcome the news of a first step: a temporary pause in violence in Gaza.

But I want to be clear: A temporary pause is not an end to the violence that has already killed 14,000 Palestinians.

This negotiation is thankfully leading to release of some hostages and those arbitrarily detained, mostly children and women. For a real end to the violence and release of all hostages and those detained, we must facilitate a permanent ceasefire that can lead to a real end to the war crimes, the siege on Gaza, the occupation, and the apartheid system.

If this short-term agreement expires, the bombing of innocent civilians will continue. We need a permanent ceasefire that saves lives, brings all the hostages and those arbitrarily detained home, and puts an end to this horrific violence.

As Jewish Voice for Peace wrote:

“This is the moment to be loud and clear: we need a full and lasting ceasefire now. We will double our organizing. We will keep protesting, keep calling, keep pushing.”

Can you chip in now to help continue the urgent push for a permanent ceasefire agreement?

We must move with urgency to save as many lives as possible and achieve a permanent ceasefire agreement. We know that more bombs won’t make any of us safe.

We must also stay firm against any further displacement of Palestinians and forced annexation of their land, which will only perpetuate this conflict. Expanding the illegal occupation will never lead to a just and lasting peace.

Israeli settlers and soldiers have also escalated violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, where my grandmother lives. I pray that one day, my grandmother will be able to pick her olives and figs on her farm while she is truly free and lives with no fear.

Together, we must address the root causes of this conflict. We must raise our voices and demand that our federal government stop funding war crimes, and stop supporting human rights violations.

We know that Palestinians are not disposable.

Please donate today to support my unwavering advocacy not only for a ceasefire, but to ensure the human rights of all people.

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I will keep pushing for peace, humanity, to stop the displacement of Palestinians, and for an end to the occupation.

Together, we are building a world that values all life—no matter people’s faith or ethnicity.

In solidarity,

Rashida