As members and attenders of the Santa Cruz Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, we pledge to continue our efforts to understand the needs of Israelis and Palestinians as they evolve, and to take action at home that would enhance their peaceful resolution of conflicts
We, the members of Fifteenth Street Friends Meeting urge our lawmakers and President Biden to endorse a ceasefire, protect lives, including hostages held by Hamas and civilians, provide humanitarian aid, address and resolve the root causes to the longstanding regional dispute, and speak out against both antisemitic and anti-Islamic words and actions.
As Quakers we value Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, Justice, and Stewardship. We are called to search for the Truth and to recognize “that of God,” a divine Light, that is inherent in every person. We believe the policies of the current governments are in stark conflict with the values and holy guidance we believe we are called to follow.
As the crisis in Israel and Palestine deepens, the students at RFS sent the following letter to members of Congress. In it, they urge lawmakers to prioritize a ceasefire, protect the lives of innocent children, and secure humanitarian aid. They ask: “Is it justifiable for us to endure life under occupation, live in constant fear, and be haunted by the unsettling presence of settlers in our dreams?”
Shadi Khouri is a 16-year-old student at the Ramallah Friends School, a 150-year-old Quaker school in Palestine. This week he was arrested, held in Israeli military detention, and interrogated without the presence of a parent or lawyer. What is happening to Shadi is terrifying and—devastatingly—not unique. This violation is just one example of the systematic abuse felt by Palestinian children living under occupation.
Seeking and speaking truth motivates us to create the following statement of our deep concern with the current government’s stark disregard of Constitutional principles and laws, and the harm being done to the people of our country.
To answer the call of the inherent worth and dignity of all people, members of the Society of Friends (Quakers) stand firmly in support of the safety, rights, and religious freedoms of everyone, including immigrant communities.
We are called to act — not just hope — for peace and justice in 2026.
Stand with FCNL for human dignity over corporate profit, compassion over cruelty, and peace over militarism.