SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2026
Weekend Reading
Hi Friend,
We hope you and your loved ones are well as we enter the new year. As 2026 begins, we are grateful—to everyone who has donated to support our work and to all who share our commitment to building a more just, peaceful, and welcoming future for all. Thank you for your support and your solidarity! Every action matters as we work to keep families and communities together and build a world where everyone can live in safety and peace.
So far, more than 16,000 people have signed our petition to stop immigrant detention and deportations. In just a few weeks, as President Trump begins his second term, we’ll deliver those signatures in Washington, D.C.—a powerful reminder that our communities stand with immigrants.
This is your last chance to add your name—the deadline is Jan. 6. [link removed] Together, we can reinforce a simple truth: Immigrants make our communities stronger. Sign the petition and share it widely. [link removed]
IN THE MEDIA
Observing immigration enforcement from the front line [link removed]
AFSC volunteer Billy Botsch has spent thousands of hours watching immigration court proceedings in downtown Miami. He’s documenting a disturbing shift: ICE agents now arrest people as they leave their court appearances. In his work as a court observer, Billy collects and shares crucial information with family members and legal advisors in a system where many lack representation. He has documented almost 200 arrests over the past year. “There's a lot of people who are there and confused and they don't have anybody to turn to,” he says. (WLRN)
CRISIS IN GAZA
Israel's new registration restrictions will block lifesaving humanitarian work [link removed]
The Israeli government has imposed new registration requirements on international organizations. These requirements are part of a systematic effort to criminalize humanitarian organizations and block lifesaving aid from reaching Palestinians in Gaza. Complying with these requirements would compromise humanitarian principles and endanger the lives of our staff and partners. For these reasons, AFSC did not apply for registration under these conditions. We join our partner organizations and the U.N. in demanding that these restrictions be removed. We remain committed to providing vital support to the people of Gaza. Learn more in this interview with AFSC's Kerri Kennedy. [link removed] (WBUR)
GLOBAL PEACEBUILDING
Youth transform their communities in Somalia [link removed]
In Somalia, AFSC is working to equip youth with tools to build peace. Through the Alternatives to Violence Project, young people learn to resolve conflicts and strengthen their communities. They take on local initiatives, from addressing practical problems like garbage to leading community groups. In this video, AFSC staff discuss these efforts and the strategies these peacebuilders are using. Watch the video. [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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