SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2025

Weekend Reading

Hi Friend,

Earlier this month, AFSC's Marcia Aguiluz Soto visited Costa Rica's immigration detention center—one of the few outsiders granted access since February. That's when 200 migrants, including 80 children, arrived on deportation flights from the United States. Most of these individuals had no idea they were being deported to Costa Rica. Many had escaped dangerous conditions in Afghanistan, Russia, Armenia, Iran, China, and other Asian countries and were forcibly displaced once again.

As a Quaker organization that believes in the divine worth of every person, AFSC is working to support these detained migrants. We are working with local partners to connect them with legal representation and advocate for their rights, freedom of movement, and dignity. Read more from Marcia. [link removed]

TAKE ACTION

Tell Congress: Protect our planet, not corporate profits! [link removed]

As we commemorate Earth Day on April 22, we know that climate change demands more than just awareness—it requires immediate action. The Trump administration continues to roll back environmental protections while Congress advances policies that benefit fossil fuel companies. It’s up to us to speak out on behalf of the health and safety of all people. Join AFSC in telling Congress to reject harmful climate proposals and invest in clean energy solutions to protect our future. Take action today! [link removed]

IN THE MEDIA

If police act like immigration agents our communities lose [link removed]
By Grace Kindeke and Eva Castillo

The Trump administration is now deputizing state and local police as federal immigration agents. It’s part of the administration’s aggressive campaign to deport millions of loved ones, neighbors, and community members from the U.S. The result is that even routine traffic stops and other minor interactions with police could lead to detention and deportation, devastating families and communities. New Hampshire—and every state—must reject this program and ensure public safety for all residents. Read more in the Union Leader. [link removed]

JOIN US

Courage to Resist: Commemorating 50 years since the Vietnam War (April 26) [link removed]

This month, AFSC is holding a special event—in person and online—to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The gathering will bring together conscientious objectors, draft counselors, community organizers, former AFSC staff, and many others who have worked tirelessly for peace. Join us to connect with fellow war resisters and hear powerful firsthand accounts. Register now. [link removed]

Values-Based Financial Planning (May 8, 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT) [link removed]

Want to make sure your values are incorporated into your retirement and other financial planning? Join AFSC to learn more about why you need a well-crafted financial plan and how your plan can include support for organizations that are important to you. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. Register today. [link removed]

GAZA

What does just peace in Palestine and Israel look like? [link removed]

In this QuakerSpeak video from Friends Journal, AFSC’s Joyce Ajlouny reflects on her experience as a Palestinian American as the genocide continues in Gaza. Although it is “easy to fall into the trap of wanting to fight back, and wanting revenge,” she has relied heavily on her Quaker faith in continuing to call for nonviolent solutions. She has also been moved by the millions of people across the U.S. and around the world who have spoken out, protested, and taken action to stop these atrocities. “My message to them is not to tire,” Joyce says. [link removed]

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

DONATE [link removed]

American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
United States

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