This Week in the World

During a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington, President Donald Trump made appalling comments proposing the ethnic cleansing and U.S. “takeover” of Gaza.

While outlandish, Trump’s comments must be taken seriously. They raise alarming implications – both for Palestinians who are suffering now and for the long-term prospects for a just peace.

The second week of the new Donald Trump administration brought more pain, fear, and confusion.

President Trump’s executive actions obstructing federal funding fueled more chaos, with far-reaching consequences for millions across the country and the globe.

These actions have impacted critical government programs including health care and food assistance for seniors, children, and low-income families. The freeze has also halted almost all foreign assistance programs that save lives, promote peace, and make both the U.S. and the world safer and more secure.

Monday, January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term as president. Through his executive orders, he immediately began aggressively sowing chaos.

With cautious optimism and persistent hope, we welcomed the news that a long overdue ceasefire deal was reached between Israel and Hamas.

“While this ceasefire cannot bring back the tens of thousands who have died, it is our sincere hope that news is a real and lasting step toward a new future,” FCNL General Secretary Bridget Moix said.

Tomorrow, January 11, 2002, 23 years ago, Guantánamo was opened as a prison for the War on Terror. Its history has been marked by abuse, torture, and indefinite detention.

As we begin a new year, we are preparing for a new chapter for our advocacy.

With the new Trump administration just weeks away, the 119th Congress is officially underway with new members being sworn in beginning today.

As we look to challenging work ahead, we are also taking a moment to reflect on the pain and progress of the past year.

BREAKING: Today, the Senate unanimously passed the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act (S. 1723)! This is “a landmark milestone in the fight for truth and healing,” FCNL’s Rachel Overstreet said. It is also a major testament to your advocacy and the courageous, persistent efforts of Native advocates and boarding schools survivors. Now, the House must follow suit and move swiftly to pass this vital legislation before the end of the 118th Congress on Jan. 3, 2025.

This week, FCNL’s Daren Caughron reflected on his experience attending COP29, the latest of a series of major international climate conferences held annually since 1995.

In historic votes Wednesday evening, 19 senators sent a strong message: U.S. complicity in the Israeli government’s catastrophic war in Gaza is unacceptable and must end!

On Wednesday, were thrilled to have hundreds of Friends and advocates join us as we kicked off our 2024 Quaker Public Policy Institute (QPPI).

Reflecting on our time so far together, two words stand out: inspiration and gratitude.

Yesterday, we were inspired by the courageous advocacy of hundreds of advocates who went to Capitol Hill to stand up against U.S. complicity in the horrors ongoing in the Middle East.