Meeting Recap: Coalition for a Just Peace in the Middle East
On Wednesday, I met with representatives from the Coalition for a Just Peace in the Middle East to discuss the Gaza war and the unfolding crisis in Palestine.
I know this is a really hard conversation for some people, but these are the conversations we must show up for.
The coalition articulates the challenge well on their website, writing: “In a world with nuclear weapons and serious environmental problems, war is too dangerous and costly. We support peacemakers in engaging in diplomatic and nonviolent methods to promote human rights and justice.”
As a scholar of religion and history, I bring an understanding of the historical roots of today’s conflicts, and I am committed to principled, compassionate, and evidence-based leadership. I believe that the US must play an indispensable role in promoting peace around the world, including in stopping the genocide in Palestine, and that our approach should be guided by democracy, freedom of thought and speech, human rights, and just and sustainable peace.
I join the coalition in their principled call for peace:
“We oppose US support for Israel’s occupation and violent collective treatment of Palestinians. We call for:
an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza
the release of all hostages and political prisoners
massive humanitarian aid to Gaza with the restoration of UNRWA funding at increased levels
an end to unconditional military aid to Israel”
I support restricting US military aid to Israel as long as they continue genocidal policies including the deliberate targeting of civilians, illegal occupation, and the arrest and abuse of political prisoners, including children. I also oppose efforts to restrict the free speech of those who acknowledge and oppose apartheid policies in Israel.
