In the enduring struggle of Palestine, our commitment is unwavering. The parallels between settler colonialism in the United States and its role on the global stage are strikingly clear. We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, rooted in the shared experience of imperialism and dispossession. It's crucial to remember that the same European nations that perpetuated the Jewish genocide are responsible for much of the world's suffering due to colonialism. As land-based people and farmers in the US, particularly as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, we understand the significance of land and its connection to our own histories of displacement and struggle. Our advocacy for the Palestinian right to self-determination is intrinsically linked to our work in reclaiming and preserving our own ancestral lands. It's crucial to acknowledge that the media and international institutions are often influenced by the same imperial forces that have driven the displacement of countless peoples. In our work as farmers and land-based advocates, we are not just cultivating crops; we are nurturing the roots of resistance and solidarity, aiming to support the displaced and oppressed communities globally. Our commitment to justice, rooted in the struggles of our own communities, transcends borders, affirming the universal right to self-determination for all. As a person of Yemen, I've witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of conflict and global indifference on my homeland, where millions suffer without adequate care or attention. Despite the hardships faced by my own people, I've harbored unwavering support for Palestine for many years. Yemen, like Palestine, has been subjected to the ravages of conflict and displacement, highlighting the undeniable interconnectedness of global struggles. At Frontline, we're not swayed by the distractions of social media or superficial displays of activism. Instead, we engage in deep reflection about how to drive meaningful change on a global scale. We recognize that the battle for justice and self-determination requires more than just words; it demands collective and persistent action.
In that spirit, we have provided resources and links for action in support of Palestine. These resources encompass strategies for advocating for a cease-fire, participating in rallies, and taking direct action to bolster the Palestinian cause. It's our collective effort that will drive change and bring us closer to a more just world.
Fatuma Emmad
Co-Founder & Executive Director | Frontline Farming
Co-Conveening Partner | Project Protect Food System Workers
President | Mile High Farmers
Resources Provided by American Friends Service Committee
To get involved, AFSC holds a Weekly Action Hour for a Ceasefire Now
Registration link to future action hours is here every Friday at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT
This Action Hour is modeled on Jewish Voice For Peace’s daily power hours.
Welcome to this Action Hour
Action 1: Tell Congress to demand an immediate ceasefire
The ceasefire bill is House Resolution 786, introduced by Cori Bush. There is no parallel Senate resolution.
66% of U.S. voters agree that the U.S. should leverage its relationship with Israel to reach a ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza - see this poll.
Use these dialers by USCPR or JVP to call your congressional representatives now. There are suggested scripts on the next page of this document.
If the dialers don’t work, look up your Congressperson here and Senators here.
Call often, every day, both their DC office and their local office in your state.
If their mailbox is full, email them here.
Action 2: Write a letter to the editor
Find a newspaper you will write to. You can use this FCNL tool to identify one (after putting in your address, scroll down past the national newspapers.)
Tips on writing impactful letters are below in the slideshow
Use this JVP link to quickly send a letter to the New York Times.
Consult, as needed, JVP’s guide on writing letters to the editor.
Action 3: Take to the streets
What is needed most right now is thousands of people in the streets.
There are daily rallies around the country. Find a protest near you here and here.
Share your plans to protest on social media and ask 5 friends to join you.
Print an AFSC poster, or one of these, or make your own.
Use these tips to stay safer at protests.
Action 4: Donate to support our Gaza emergency response
We need your help in Gaza. Your gift puts the resources in place for humanitarian relief and long-term peacebuilding.
Donate here. Easy link to share: afsc.org/give2gaza.
Closing
Invite 5 friends to join you at our action hour next week.
Visit this page frequently for new actions and analysis.
Sign up for updates on what AFSC is doing in Palestine and elsewhere.
Read and share our book Light in Gaza: Writings Born of Fire (now free!)
This might not be the best time to talk with people who disagree with you, but if you must have these conversations, here is a resource you might find useful.
Can you get the communities you are part of to become apartheid-free?
If you are part of an institution that has investments (university, union, etc.), can you organize to divest from violence and oppression in Palestine?
What other commitments can you make?
Scripts for calling Congress:
My name is [YOUR FIRST & LAST NAME], I'm a [CONSTITUENT / SUPPORTER] of [SENATOR/REPRESENTATIVE NAME], and I’m calling about Palestine and Israel.
For Representatives: The representative must publicly call for a ceasefire and pressure Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. They should cosponsor the ceasefire resolution, House Resolution 786, introduced by Representatives Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib.
For Senators: The senator must publicly call for a ceasefire and pressure Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. They should introduce a Senate Resolution calling for a ceasefire, similar to House Resolution 786, introduced by Representatives Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib.
I am passionate about this because…
I have family/friends in the region and…
I visited Palestine and witnessed firsthand how…
My faith compels me to…
While I am speaking as an individual…
I talked to my neighbors about this and we all agree that…
I’m a member of … and we all agree that…
Most U.S. voters agree that the U.S. should push for a ceasefire.
The success of our efforts for Palestinian right to self-determination rests on the collective action of each individual. We urge everyone to step forward and join us in calling for a ceasefire.