gaza

Members and attenders of the Santa Fe Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) mourn all loss of lives, homes, and communities that are the result of violence in the Middle East, regardless of the nationality or politics of these victims.

As Quakers we believe in the sacred worth of each person and stand against violence in all its forms. We are deeply concerned about the suffering, death, and destruction that this conflict is causing. We call on our leaders to recognize that we are complicit in the devastation of Gaza.

We believe with moral clarity, and in line with the definition of the crime of genocide, that the current actions in Gaza perpetrated by the Israeli government constitute genocide.

Because of our testimonies of integrity and equality and our commitment to peaceful resolution to conflicts, Quakers from Austin Texas call on our US government to end American complicity in genocide as defined by the international Genocide Convention.

The Northern Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, Quakers of the Upper Midwest of North America, wish to voice our opposition to the deliberate starvation and destruction of civilians’ lives and properties in Gaza by the government of Israel.

Because of our testimonies of integrity and equality and our commitment to peaceful resolution to conflicts, Quakers from Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas call on our US government to end American complicity in genocide as defined by the international Genocide Convention.

On a beautiful August morning in Richmond, VA, more than twenty Christian, Muslim, and Jewish faith leaders gathered for a day of advocacy. As prayers, readings, and stories were offered from across traditions, a shared purpose emerged: to bring our faith into action for peace and an end to suffering in Gaza.  

In a historic vote on July 30, 27 senators voted to block more U.S. arms sales to the Israeli government.

We applaud these senators for taking a principled stand against our country’s shameful role in enabling the mass starvation and genocidal violence against Palestinians in Gaza.

With the ceasefire and hostage release negotiations stalled and Israel blocking humanitarian aid into Gaza, there is no time to lose. Congress must pass the Block the Bombs Act (H.R. 3565) and use all forms of U.S. leverage to bring about a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and across the region.

We invite you to read, reflect on, and respond to Quakers discern genocide is occurring in Gaza and urge courageous action. This vital statement follows extensive discernment within and between our eight global Quaker organizations.