SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2024
Weekend Reading
Dear Friend,
Last month, AFSC General Secretary Joyce Ajlouny joined 30 Nobel Peace Prize laureates at the Vatican for a gathering with Pope Francis. The group worked together on a declaration that called on all nations to commit to peace, justice, and human rights for all. It also denounced the attacks on Gaza and called for international action for an immediate cease-fire. The declaration “was much more meaningful than a simple global call for peace,” Joyce writes. “It was bold in bringing in the imperatives of justice and accountability.” Read more. [link removed]
Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:
The near-impossible task of providing food aid in Gaza: [link removed] Over 1 million Palestinians have fled Rafah amid Israel's ground invasion and expanded airstrikes. At least 45 people were killed last week when the Israeli military bombed a tent camp in a designated safe zone. In this op-ed, AFSC’s Kerri Kennedy urges the U.S. to use its power to help stop the killing and insist Israeli adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law. (CNN)
Aiding migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border: [link removed] For months, Border Patrol has held migrants between border walls without access to basic services. Every day, AFSC staff, partners, and volunteers are there to help. We provide emergency aid to migrants through the border barriers, including water, food, blankets, medical care. And we’re continuing to advocate for Border Patrol to end this inhumane practice and respect the rights and dignity of all migrants. (PBS SoCal)
Cultivating food, resilience, and community in New Orleans: [link removed] In the Hollygrove neighborhood, residents are building sustainable green spaces and a thriving community. Since 2016, AFSC has supported their efforts. Together, we manage five community gardens that grow produce for residents year-round. Beyond providing food, "we are working to build a self-determined community that controls the distribution of its resources and responds to the needs of its people as well as the planet,” writes AFSC’s Dee Dee Green.
Urge Congress to prioritize human needs in the federal budget!: [link removed] Our tax dollars should be invested in health care, housing, and other programs that create safer, healthier communities for all. But right now, Congress is negotiating a federal budget that includes over $1 trillion on weapons, war, and other forms of militarism. Tell elected officials to move that money to invest in human needs!
San Francisco police fail to comply with state law on use of military equipment: [link removed] In 2021, AFSC helped advocate for a new California law that requires more transparency from local police departments on their use of militarized equipment. Now, we’re helping communities hold police departments accountable in publicizing that information—and calling for change to those policies. One recent example is calling on San Francisco to fulfill its legal obligations. (CBS News)
Celebrating one year of Apartheid-Free Communities (June 7, 12 noon ET/ 9 a.m. PT): [link removed] It's been nearly a year since AFSC and partners launched this initiative to show solidarity with Palestinians by taking action against Israeli apartheid. Since then, 335 groups have joined our efforts. This Friday, join us to celebrate our inaugural anniversary and recommit ourselves to the work ahead. This webinar will be part of the AFSC Action Hour for a Cease-Fire NOW series.
Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.
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