Hi John,

Today, Muslims here in New York and across the globe celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the festival of the breaking of the fast, at the end of the holy month of Ramadan where they fast from sunup to sundown for 29-30 days. It is a time to understand the pain and suffering of the poor around the world and commit to action. The urgency of our solidarity and action has never been more critical, especially now as we reflect on the past six months of genocide in Gaza. Our action was crucial then, and it remains imperative as we move forward. 

As an education justice organization, we recognize the need to continually raise our voices in solidarity, as the crisis persists and demands ongoing advocacy. Our mission has always been to advocate for the rights of all children, regardless of race or economic background, ensuring they have access to safe and fulfilling lives. We can't be silent with over 33,000 Palestinians killed, including more than 13,000 children, schools, hospitals, and homes lie in ruins, leaving more generations traumatized and deprived of life’s most basic necessities.

This moment demands that we recognize the interconnectedness of our struggles for justice and liberation. Whether it’s in our efforts for a more equitable public education system and universal child care in New York or our solidarity with Palestinians, Sudanese, and Congolese facing occupation and violence, we must stand together loudly, in unwavering solidarity. We call on you to continue raising your voice, urging your elected representatives to support a permanent ceasefire and an end to these occupations. The future of all children depends on our commitment to liberation. 

Our sustained protest to free the Palestinians has opened our hearts and eyes to demand freedom not just for Palestine, the Congo, and Sudan, but for so many across the globe. As Maya Angelou so eloquently said, none of us are free until we are all free.

Eid Mubarak

Happy Eid