SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023
Weekend Reading
Dear Friend,
Over the past year, supporters like you have helped AFSC make a difference around the world. Together, we have provided relief to earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria and refugees from Ukraine and Sudan. We have advocated for policies to protect the rights of migrants and ensure people have the resources they need to thrive. Now, we're delivering food and other critical aid to Palestinians in Gaza as we advocate for a cease-fire and an end to violence and oppression.
Thank you for supporting our worldwide work! Watch this video to see how we’ve made a difference together this year. [link removed]
Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:
Keep telling Congress: Cease-fire and humanitarian access for Gaza now!: [link removed] Every day, more Palestinians are killed by Israeli attacks on Gaza and more people face hunger and disease. The safe return of hostages and all civilians held captive is urgent—but should be pursued through nonviolent means. The United States has supplied Israel with many of the weapons it is using. Urge your senators and representatives to call for a permanent cease-fire and humanitarian access for Gaza. Contact them as often as you can!
Humanitarian relief for Sudanese refugees: [link removed] Since the start of the war in Sudan, millions of people have fled to neighboring countries. Thanks to supporters like you, AFSC and partners are aiding Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia. We're supplying them with food, medicine, hygiene kits, and other resources they need to live with dignity. Read more from AFSC’s Yomif Worku and Moses Chasieh.
Demonstrating for migrant rights: [link removed] Last week, AFSC and partners organized vigils, protests, and other events as part of our "Migration is a Human Right" week of action. We celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and took action to demand that migrants be treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. See photos and a recap from the week.
Victories in working for healing justice: [link removed] AFSC’s Fatimeh Khan writes about two new laws that will bring positive change to California’s criminal legal system. One will help people in California challenge racist convictions and sentences. The second will inform survivors of their right to restorative justice alternatives—instead of punitive processes—in criminal cases.
Florida immigrant activists push Biden administration to approve work permits for more migrants: [link removed] Work permits are vital to protect immigrants and their families as Congress debates more restrictions on immigration. “There are millions of undocumented immigrants who have been living in the U.S. for years, working without permits, and are in constant fear of being detained by immigration officers,” said AFSC Guadalupe De la Cruz. “We urge the president to expand parole, TPS (Temporary Protected Status), and DED (Deferred Enforced Departure).” (WLRN)
From our Archives: [link removed] In December 1940, the first Civilian Public Service (CPS) camps were created. CPS was created to give conscientious objectors a meaningful alternative way to serve their country at war. The three historic peace churches—Quaker, Brethren, and Mennonite—partnered with the Selective Service to administer the organization. Learn more.
Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.
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