“This is a human crisis, and one thing is very clear: no one will win if this war continues to escalate... As an Israeli who also cares about Palestinian lives, [urging support for a ceasefire] is a meaningful, effective way you can take action to bring us closer to an end to this nightmare.” ~ Odeliya Matter, FCNL Program Assistant on Middle East Policy

Violence continues to escalate in Israel and Palestine, and people continue to die.

From one angle, this new explosion of death, destruction, and deprivation is another complex chapter in the complex story of the Middle East region. My children might be forgiven for thinking this after a seemingly simple question—“what is happening in the Middle East?”—led to a lengthy history lesson at dinner this week.

But from another angle, there are some fundamentals that seem clear. Killing civilians, whether in Israel or in Gaza, is wrong. Violence and escalating retaliation have not supported peace and true security for Israelis or Palestinians, and it is unlikely to do so now. A cease-fire is a necessary first step to prevent more injury, death, and anguish, and to enable efforts to address the underlying causes driving this violence.

Friends, I encourage you now to care for each other, and for the people in your lives who are hurting because of this violence. And I encourage you to urge your members of Congress to act. Already, advocates have sent more than 24,000 letters to Congress via FCNL to ask for U.S. support in de-escalating the violence, calling for an immediate ceasefire, protecting civilians, and addressing root causes. Please write, if you have not already, and share this invitation with your meeting or church at fcnl.org/deescalate.

This week, FCNL joined other Quaker organizations and more than 70 Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Arab-American, and other groups in calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Witnessing such immense violence and suffering can feel paralyzing. And yet, we have power through our actions to let our lives speak and show the way of peace. Advocating within our political system is one way we exercise that power. Thank you for being part of this work.

May we work together on this path towards peace,

Sincerely, Alicia McBride  Senior Director of Quaker Leadership

Actions and Opportunities for Friends

• Tell Congress: The U.S. Must Act to De-Escalate the Violence in Israel and Palestine
• Register to attend our upcoming Quaker Changemaker event, Calling for a Ceasefire: Israel-Palestine Briefing on Oct. 25.
• Join FCNL online every Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. EDT for a period of silent worship and reflection: register here or join at fcnl.org/ww-stream.

Act With Your Friends Community

• Register with a Friend to join FCNL’s 2023 Annual Meeting and Quaker Public Policy Institute, Nov. 15-19, online or in Washington, D.C.
• Organize a workshop on Quaker advocacy, storytelling, lobbying, or engaging across political differences for your community.

FCNL and the Wider Quaker World

• On Oct. 16, FCNL and other interfaith leaders joined together to condemn all violence against civilians from the Hamas and Israeli military. Read the letter to Congress “Call for Ceasefire in Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory”
• Watch Odeliya Matter, Program Assistant for Middle East Policy and an Israeli American, share her story and call for de-escalation “No One Will Win if This Violence Continues to Escalate”
• FCNL is hiring several staff positions, including an economic justice policy & advocacy manager and IT administrator. Please spread the word!