On the one-year anniversary of the horrific Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel, we took some time this week to reflect and mourn the lives lost and forever changed that day, and in all the days since. As we hold everyone impacted by this horrible violence in the Light, we know that war is not the answer.
Sadly, we are coming closer to a broader regional war between Israel and Iran. Israel is increasing its attacks in Lebanon while Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis in Yemen, and militant groups in Iraq are sending rockets and drones to attack Israel. Israel seems to be preparing to carry out further attacks on Iran. Here are two upcoming action hours that our partners are organizing to enable you to act for peace:
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No War with Iran Action Hour on Thursday, October 17 at 12 p.m. ET
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Action Hour with AFSC on Friday, October 18 at 12 p.m. ET, focusing on escalations in Lebanon
There are also efforts in the Israeli legislature to designate UNRWA as a terrorist entity and collapse their operations. UNRWA is the U.N. agency which is key for supplying aid for Palestinians in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and in other parts of the region.
Our recent briefing on UNRWA explains why their work is so important. We are calling on the U.S. government to reinstate funding for UNRWA so it can continue its vital work.
Updated QPPI Theme
With the Middle East conflict escalating quickly, the United States needs to use the leverage we have to bring peace. We must win a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Israel, and Lebanon while ensuring a broader regional war does not break out between Iran and Israel.
That is why we are making an emergency shift in our theme for Quaker Public Policy Institute (QPPI), Nov. 13-14, 2024. Our policy team has decided that we need to focus our efforts on stopping new offensive weapons going to Israel.
Elsewhere
Hurricanes Milton and Helene Devastate Southeastern U.S.
Our hearts are heavy for people living in the southeastern United States who lost power, homes, and lives from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These storms are worse because of climate change – warmer water caused rainfall for Helene to increase by 10% while winds blew about 11% harder.
We’re still waiting to see Milton’s full impact. Over 200 people died because of Helene, making it one of the deadliest storms to hit the mainland U.S.
“We’ve never seen such widespread devastation and destruction as we’re seeing in this region,” said Jason Hollifield, Duke Energy storm director for the Carolinas.
Unfortunately, we are still hearing serious misinformation about FEMA’s response to Milton and Helene. People are falsely accusing the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) of taking money which ought to go to care for hurricane victims. SSP supplies funding to relieve localities which are struggling with the urgent needs of migrants.
The SSP is funded in a completely different funding stream than emergency relief for storms, even though both programs are within FEMA. This immigrant-blaming misinformation is dangerous and unfair to our immigrant communities.
Please consider donating to support victims of Helene and Milton if you are able. We’re holding the victims of these natural disasters in the Light.
Court Hearing for DACA Highlights Need for Action
This past week the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard yet another challenge to the legality of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). They have ruled against DACA before, highlighting the need to protect friends in our community who are undocumented.
Congress must act swiftly to establish a pathway to citizenship for thousands of Dreamers. Without a pathway to citizenship, we are always under the threat of mass deportations ripping apart families and causing a lot of suffering. Only Congress can provide the kind of long-overdue security that Dreamers and their loved ones deserve.
Nuclear Weapon Survivors win Nobel Peace Prize for Abolition Efforts
Nihon Hidankyo, an organization of Japanese nuclear weapon survivors, won the Nobel Peace Prize today for their testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again. Congratulations to Nihon Hidankyo and thank you for your witness to peace and abolition!
