SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021
Weekend Reading

Dear John,

We are heartened that a cease-fire has been declared nearly two weeks after Israel launched new attacks on Gaza. Since May 10, more than 240 Palestinians have been killed in the bombings, and tens of thousands have fled their homes. Rocket fire from Gaza has killed 12 people in Israel.

Thank you to all who took action this week urging Congress to stop a $735 million weapons sale to Israel and support a sustained cease-fire [link removed]. Now we must focus on addressing the longstanding injustices that continue to impair prospects for all people to live in safety in peace—including ending the blockade on Gaza and the occupation. Here are five ways we can stand with Palestinians in Gaza today. [link removed]

Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism: ​​

​​The Gaza cease-fire is no excuse for the world to look away: [link removed] “Until the suffocating blockade ends and we see accountability for the war crimes committed against the people of Gaza, our freedom will remain incomplete,” writes AFSC’s Jehad Abusalim, who is from Gaza and whose family continues to live there today. (Washington Post).  

Here’s why members of the Pillsbury family are boycotting their own brand: [link removed] The great grandson of the founder of the Pillsbury Company explains why he refuses to buy Pillsbury products from General Mills, which operates in an Israeli settlement in the occupied Palestinian territory. (NowThis News)

Tell President Biden: Reopen our borders to asylum seekers: [link removed] At the start of the pandemic, the Trump administration closed the southern border to asylum seekers, deporting many migrants—including children—back to dangerous conditions, against the advice of public health experts. Biden must reverse this draconian policy and protect the health and human rights of all who seek refuge in the U.S.

Standing up to anti-Asian racism: [link removed] As reports of attacks and harassment against Asians in the U.S. continue to rise, here are some ways we can stand against racism and help build safe and peaceful communities for all.

Creating community safety beyond policing : [link removed] This Tuesday, May 25, marks the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police. To learn more about ways we can stop police violence, join our monthly webinar series on how communities are working toward a future where we rely less on police—and ensure community safety for all. Our next webinar takes place on June 2, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

Protecting civil liberties during COVID-19 and beyond: [link removed] Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve seen examples of governments around the world exploiting crises to enact policies that would be unacceptable in normal times. AFSC’s Under the Mask project offers civil society organizations, peacebuilders, and others tools for resisting authoritarian policies.

Be well and take care

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