SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2025
Weekend Reading
Hi Friend,
Across the U.S., our communities are strengthened by immigrants. But in towns big and small, we are seeing more of our beloved community members detained and deported. Families are being torn apart. And friends and familiar faces are being ripped from our neighborhoods.
As a Quaker organization, AFSC recognizes the inherent worth of every person. Together, we must stand up for our values and our community members. Join us in telling the Trump administration to stop detention and deportation—and treat all people with dignity and respect. Sign our petition today. [link removed]
CRISIS IN GAZA
A child’s life cut short in Gaza [link removed]
By Serena and Ahmed
Karim was a 9-year-old boy in Gaza who loved to learn. He enjoyed coming to AFSC’s learning spaces. There, he had a chance to continue his education and rebuild a sense of normalcy among other children. Last month, Karim was killed by an Israeli airstrike. Recently, his mother visited our learning space, joining Karim’s classmates and teachers to honor his memory.
STRONGER WITH IMMIGRANTS
Breaking down language barriers [link removed]
By Jon Krieg
In Guatemala, there are at least 22 Indigenous languages spoken. But in the U.S., interpreters for Indigenous languages face obstacles in providing translation services. They can’t get the credentials needed for this important work. This means interpreters often aren’t paid for helping immigrant community members access government services, health care, and other resources. In Oregon, that’s finally changing, thanks to advocacy by local interpreters with support from AFSC. The state is formally recognizing Indigenous language interpreters. It has also set aside $750,000 in funding for their work.
JOIN US
Follow the money: How we can hold big companies accountable [link removed] (Aug. 28, 8:30 pm. ET/ 5:30 pm. PT)
Big corporations are fueling climate change, the genocide in Gaza, and the rise of authoritarianism worldwide. How can everyday people hold companies accountable and push them to change? Join us to learn how activists are confronting three corporations—Vanguard, Palantir, and Wells Fargo. AFSC will be joined by our partners Earth Quaker Action Team, Planet Over Profit, and Oil and Gas Action Network. Register today. [link removed]
IN THE MEDIA
San Diego County schools reaffirm protection from ICE [link removed]
Last week, the San Diego County Board of Education voted unanimously for more protections for undocumented students. Now, schools won’t collect citizenship information or cooperate with ICE agents. AFSC’s Pedro Rios helped advocate for these protections. Many parents have worried about their children's safety at school, Pedro says. “That’s why hearing directly from school board officials or school district officials or even their teachers is important.” (Fox 5 San Diego)
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
Facebook [link removed]
X (Twitter) [link removed]
Instagram [link removed]
News [link removed]
View this email as a webpage. [link removed]
If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe: [link removed] .
Update your AFSC email preferences [link removed]
