End the violence and occupation in Palestine and Israel

Urge Congress to speak out now to prevent further deaths and destruction. [AFSC logo]( [TAKE ACTION]( Congress needs to hear from us Dear Friend, In just the past few days, more than 1,600 people have been killed in Palestinian attacks on Israel and Israeli military strikes on Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu has promised “mighty vengeance” and that Israel’s military actions would continue “with neither limitations nor respite.” Israel has also sealed all entrances to Gaza, blocking water, food, medicine, electricity, and other essentials. If Israeli actions continue, thousands more people will die. But instead of working to protect lives, the U.S. has responded by sending military forces to the region and offering more weapons to Israel. [Tell Congress to speak out today and call for an immediate end to all violence in Palestine and Israel!]( Congress needs to hear from us that many people want our government to do what is needed to end the violence. The administration must work on de-escalation and also demand an end to the roots of violence. That means lifting the Israeli blockade on Gaza and the system of apartheid and occupation. For over 16 years, the people of Gaza have lived under a brutal military blockade imposed by Israel. Under Israeli occupation, Palestinians have faced killings, demolitions of their homes, restrictions on their movement, and a lack of access to basic services. But for decades, the U.S. has provided uncritical support—and an annual $3.8 billion in military aid—to Israel as it has systemically violated Palestinian rights. Security cannot be built on a foundation of oppression and inequality. For violence to end and to protect both Palestinians and Israelis, U.S. policy must change. Israel must be held accountable for its rights violations, and the system of apartheid that exists must be dismantled. Israelis and Palestinians should be incentivized for finding ways to build peace with justice, not further militarizing the conflict. [Urge Congress to call for an immediate end to the violence.]( Elected officials must work for policies that promote freedom, justice, and equality for all people in Palestine and Israel. In peace, Mike Merryman-Lotze Just Peace Global Policy Director [TAKE ACTION]( American Friends Service Committee 1501 Cherry Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 United States [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram |]( [Blog]( If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please [unsubscribe](.