We have watched in horror, in heartache, and at times in paralyzing dismay at the atrocities that have unfolded in Israel and Palestine since October 7. We have also had our resolve and love for humanity restored and intensified while watching activists around the world organize for peace,  an end to violence, and distribution of necessary humanitarian aid. No one should fear violence in their communities, period.

Here in the U.S., many demonstrations organized by If Not Now, Jewish Voice for Peace, and Palestinian Youth Movement, and others have promoted messages of love for humanity, hatred of violence, and yearning for peace. As an organization co-founded in multi-racial leadership with expertise in non-violent direct action and fighting white supremacy, we can only look on this critical international, cross-religious movement-building with admiration.

It’s long past time for cessation of attacks on civilians and release of hostages and prisoners targeted for their identity. Here in the U.S., it is important to challenge biases, stand up against prejudices, and prevent identity-based hatred from infecting our movement spaces. As Shireen wrote elsewhere on our blog: we cannot let disinformation cloud judgment and feed Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Discrimination feeds violence, and violence is never the way forward. This is our call for peace.

Sources:

1 – https://twitter.com/IfNotNowOrg/status/1726016564804173859

2 – https://twitter.com/jvplive/status/1728918410040672482

3 – https://twitter.com/palyouthmvmt/status/1720872180487991461

4 – https://www.huffpost.com/entry/calls-for-congress-ceasefire-gaza-israel_n_654d4d0ce4b0373d70b16b0f

5 – https://www.npr.org/2023/11/04/1210669096/palestine-march-washington-dc-cease-fire-israel-protest-gaza

6 – https://prospect.org/world/2023-10-17-progressive-american-jewish-groups-cease-fire-rally/

7 – https://www.middleeasteye.net/opinion/israel-palestine-war-gaza-protests-against-war-game-changer-how

8 – https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/2023/11/21/jewish-movement-for-ceasefire/

9 – https://www.csmonitor.com/text_edition/World/Middle-East/2023/1126/Hamas-releases-more-hostages-seeking-to-extend-fragile-cease-fire

10 – https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/2023/11/21/breaking-temporary-ceasefire/