Dear Friend,
I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to all who have joined us at AFSC for our action hours, Meetings for Worship, and protests to call for an immediate cease-fire and peace and justice in Palestine. Together we can make a difference and we can pave a path for peace, reconciliation, and healing.
Dear Friend,
This Monday, Nov. 13, AFSC is asking people across the United States to visit the district offices of their senators and representatives for our Gaza day of action, “NO Tax Dollars for War Crimes.” We will mourn the dead and demand a cease-fire and an end to military funding for Israel. AFSC is calling on everyone to build memorials in front of their congressional offices. Bring flowers, photos, candles, teddy bears, and notes to memorialize those who have died and those who will die with no cease-fire or humanitarian access for Gaza. Learn more about the Day of Action.
AFSC and partners have been working to provide humanitarian aid to those displaced in Gaza. So far, we have provided food parcels to 502 families in shelter centers and distributed 250 hygiene kits. Read more about AFSC’s emergency relief.
Please join us this morning at 11 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. PT for our Meeting for Worship with attention to Peace in Palestine and Israel. We will worship with Friends from across the U.S. for an hour and invite you to join AFSC’s Action Hour for a Cease-fire Now, immediately following meeting for worship.
Here are more ways you can engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
Drawing Hope art exhibit: For over two decades children from North and South Korea have been writing to one another, sharing self-portraits, introductions, and their hopes and dreams for peace on the Korean peninsula. The Drawing Hope art exhibit, featured in Los Angeles, showcases the artwork shared across borders between Korean children. Learn more.
Register: Stop Cop City: The issues at the heart of the movement (Nov. 14, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT): In Atlanta, a coalition of community members and organizations are campaigning to stop “Cop City.” If built, Cop City would be one of the largest militarized police training centers in the United States. It would also destroy much of the Weelaunee Forest, the city's largest green space. Join our webinar to learn about the environmental impacts of Cop City—and the history of how those in power have worked to harm our communities and our environment.
U.S. - Mexico Border: Open air detention sites: In San Diego, Border Patrol has been holding migrants for hours, sometimes days, between border walls without access to basic services. AFSC and partners are providing emergency aid to migrants through the barriers. With the help of a state senator’s office, we’ve negotiated with Border Patrol to bring in portable restrooms. And we continue to advocate for Border Patrol to end this inhumane practice.
Quaker support for refugees in Gaza: For decades, AFSC has provided support to Palestinians living in Gaza. In 1948, AFSC was asked by the United Nations to respond to the needs of those displaced during the 1948 war. AFSC has since continued to support Palestinians through humanitarian aid, and advocacy to end the blockade and create lasting peace. In this video, Ahmad Alhaaj, a Palestinian elder, shares his memories of Quaker support for Palestinians.
Register: Earth Quaker Action Team & Quaker Earthcare Witness (Nov. 15, 11a.m. in person 12 p.m. online ET): Vanguard is the world’s largest investor in fossil fuels. For over two years, there have been international efforts to call on Vanguard to change its policies. Today, EQAT and QEW are urging Vanguard to use its power as a major shareholder to push companies in its portfolio to significantly reduce their climate-harming emissions. They are also asking Vanguard to exit its investments in fossil fuel companies that refuse to transition their businesses to move toward a livable future for all." To be part of these efforts, join their Nov. 15 action.
Quakers Today Podcast: AFSC is sponsoring season two of the “Quakers Today” podcast, which features musicians, writers, and others who seek wisdom and understanding in a rapidly changing world. Tune in on Dec. 12 to hear a special AFSC “Reunion” podcast featuring Quaker leaders from the U.S. and United Kingdom gathering and sharing insights about how Quaker organizations are activating Quaker values for a just world. Each month, Friends are asked to consider a query and share their thoughts. Call 317-QUAKERS (317-782-5377) or email podcast@friendsjournal.org.
And don’t forget to follow AFSC on social media! Stay up to date on upcoming events and ways to take action by joining us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Thank you for your continued support of AFSC’s work and all that you do in working for a more just and peaceful world!
Blessings,
Sofia Di Pietro
Quaker Engagement Coordinator
P.S. You can find more ways to get involved at our Friends Engage page. And as always, feel free to contact me with questions or comments at friends@afsc.org.