Update

Since the Israel-Palestine war began following the deadly attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, we have witnessed a dramatic rise in Islamophobic and antisemitic rhetoric and violence throughout the United States. Hadiya and Odeliya are colleagues and friends at the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Hadiya is a Muslim American and Odeliya is an Israeli Jew. This rising tide of hate is something that they can’t ignore—as individuals or as advocates for peace.

As the year winds down, lawmakers are racing to reach an agreement to deliver emergency military aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. As negotiations progress, we are seeing a concerning willingness by the White House and members of Congress to trade permanent, harmful changes in immigration policy for more money for weapons and war.

On this 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it’s important to take account of the ways in which the United States is failing to adhere to its commitments under the declaration.

In this video, Paula discusses Friends’ role in the traumas inflicted on the indigenous peoples of North America since the arrival of European colonists—particularly in the administration of boarding schools where Native children were forced to abandon their heritage and embrace the ways of White Christian culture, where they would never be truly accepted as equals.

Representing diverse backgrounds—from Egypt to Niger, Bhutan to the Democratic Republic of Congo—these organizers spent four days engaged in deep discussions, advocacy training, and meeting with Hill staff.

After more than six weeks of horrific violence, it’s welcome news that Israel and Hamas have agreed to exchange dozens of hostages and commit to a pause in the fighting. These exchanges acknowledge the inherent value of every single civilian, whether they are Israeli or Palestinian.

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?”

In a time when war and violence appear to be on the rise across the globe, the emphasis on peacebuilding and conflict prevention is more important than ever. Read excerpts from Amelia Kegan’s rousing speech at FCNL’s 2023 Quaker Public Policy Institute & Annual Meeting.

At its core, Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon is a story of racism and environmental injustice. More than just a gripping tale of crime and corruption, the movie also serves as a parable for the climate crisis and the perils associated with the fossil fuel industry.