SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

Weekend Reading

Dear John,
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights. From Dec. 10 (International Human Rights Day) through Dec. 18 (International Migrants Day), AFSC and partners will host events in several U.S. cities to demand the right to migrate be respected. Learn more about our week of action. [link removed] You can also take action today by contacting Congress. Tell elected officials: Stop funding violence against immigrants and uphold human rights! [link removed]

As the bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza continue, please also continue to advocate with us for a cease-fire and humanitarian access. Register for our weekly action hour. [link removed]

Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:

Providing relief to earthquake survivors in Morocco: [link removed] On Sept. 8, a powerful earthquake struck Morocco. More than 2,400 people were killed and entire villages were destroyed. Since then, AFSC and partners have assisted displaced people in some of the country's most remote areas. Thanks to our efforts, over 1,000 people have received water, food, and other critical supplies, writes AFSC’s Bilal Olimat.

In memory of Refaat Alareer: [link removed] Last week, Refaat Alareer—one of Gaza’s most prominent writers and activists—was killed when Israeli forces bombed his sister's home where he was staying. His brother, sister, and four of their children were also killed. Refaat was a contributor to AFSC’s anthology “Light in Gaza: Writings Born of Fire.” He also mentored many young Palestinians over the years to tell their own stories. “He built up those around him, helping them envision a different future and encouraging them to speak up for their rights,” AFSC said in a statement.

The companies profiting from Israel’s attacks on Gaza: [link removed] Over the past two months, Israel has waged unprecedented aerial and ground attacks on Gaza. More than 16,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 1.9 million displaced. AFSC has compiled a list of the companies that are providing Israel with the weapons it has used on Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. U.S. taxpayers have paid for most of these weapons, and this resource will be updated continuously with their use in documented war crimes and crimes against humanity.

African peacebuilders advocate with U.S. policymakers: [link removed] Last week, a delegation of peacebuilding experts from Africa traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of Africa Advocacy Week. The event was organized by the Salama Hub, a peacebuilding consortium that includes AFSC. The delegation met with members of Congress and the State Department. These peacebuilders serve "as a vital voice, reminding the U.S. of how the forgotten conflicts in Africa continue to take a heavy toll on lives and demand immediate attention,” says AFSC’s Pauline Muchina.

No Way to Treat a Child webinar (Dec. 12, 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT): [link removed] Join our monthly webinar from AFSC and Defense for Children International - Palestine on advocacy for Palestinian rights. 2023 has been a devastating year for Palestinian children from Gaza to Jerusalem to Jenin. During this webinar, we'll examine the ongoing human rights violations faced by Palestinian children and advocacy efforts to hold the Israeli government accountable.

Enjoying Weekend Reading?: [link removed] Each week we bring you a mix of stories, action opportunities, and ways to learn more about the issues you care about. And it is all made possible through the generous support of kind people like you! If you haven’t yet made a gift, please consider a donation today. Every contribution is meaningful and plays an important role in sustaining our worldwide work.

Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.
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