SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2025
Weekend Reading
Hi Friend,
A deal has finally been reached for a cease-fire in Gaza, which should be formalized on Sunday. While there are many steps involved in achieving a permanent cease-fire, we remain cautiously optimistic. We are moved and grateful to our team in Gaza who have acted with love and courage to help people in impossible circumstances. We are also grateful to all of you who have taken action to end the genocide.
As a Quaker organization, AFSC’s work is guided by our belief in the divine worth of every person and our unwavering commitment to human dignity. We are making plans for the next phase in our humanitarian relief efforts as we continue to advocate for a just, lasting peace.
Together, we must keep pushing for a long-term political solution that brings an end to forced displacement, occupation, and apartheid. Read AFSC’s statement. [link removed] For insight on what the cease-fire deal means, read more from AFSC’s Mike Merryman-Lotze. [link removed]
MIGRANT RIGHTS
6 ways to support immigrants right now [link removed]
By Amy Gottlieb
Everyone deserves a chance to build a good life, regardless of where they were born or when or how they migrated. But today, the incoming Trump administration is threatening immigrant safety by calling for mass deportations, the dismantling of longstanding rights, and policies that dehumanize immigrants. Here are six ways you can join us in resisting harm to our communities and building toward the world we want to see.
TAKE ACTION
Stop deportations now! [link removed]
Immigrants are our neighbors, community leaders, and friends. The incoming Trump administration’s plan for expanding deportation and detention across the U.S. puts families and beloved community members at risk of separation. Write to your representatives in Congress today. Tell them to take action now to stop deportations!
JOIN US
Third Tuesdays: Protect, Resist, and Build with AFSC (starting Jan. 21, 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT) [link removed]
Are you looking for ways to support your community while advocating for lasting social change? Join our new monthly webinar series every third Tuesday of the month. You'll hear directly from AFSC staff and partners and learn concrete ways we can all take action for migrant rights, economic justice, and peace. Register today. [link removed]
POLICING AND PRISONS
Cop City has opened, but our struggle for justice grows stronger [link removed]
By Jacob Flowers
In 2023, our Cop City Referendum coalition collected over 116,000 voter signatures. We were demanding the city of Atlanta let the people vote on the construction of a new police training facility. Despite our efforts, the city plowed ahead with the project and, last month, cut the ribbon on a facility that so many residents opposed. Despite the setbacks, our movement is not going anywhere. Together, we will keep pushing for our vision of community safety beyond policing.
MLK still guides us to healing justice [link removed]
By Lewis Webb Jr.
This Monday is Martin Luther King Day. In this article, AFSC’s Lewis Webb Jr. reflects on how Dr. King’s words and spirit call us to take courageous action to realize a more just world. That includes challenging the punitive criminal legal system that has incarcerated so many—and working toward a future that promotes healing and is grounded in love. To hear more from Lewis on Dr. King, you can watch him speak at this livestreamed event hosted by Eastern State Penitentiary on Monday, Jan. 20 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT. More details. [link removed]
Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.
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American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States
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