ELCA Advocacy Action Alert: Peace Not Walls October 2023
Call for a cease-fire, the safe release of hostages, an end to the Gaza blockade, safe spaces for Gazan noncombatants, and no further militarization of the conflict in Israel/Palestine
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” Colossians 3:15
The devastating loss of life in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories since Oct. 7 has overshadowed what was already one of the deadliest years for both peoples in recent memory. We must intensify efforts to halt the bloodshed and appeal to all parties to respect international humanitarian law and firmly promote long-term diplomatic efforts. Yet the humanitarian crisis in Gaza must be addressed immediately.
Israel has imposed a 16-year blockade of Gaza, which it has tightened since the start of the war. U.S. officials should call upon Israel to:
Allow humanitarian aid to be brought in.
Guarantee Gazans access to safe spaces such as U.N. schools, hospitals, etc.
Respect those safe spaces.
We unequivocally deplore Hamas’ vicious attack, and we call for the immediate release of all hostages in captivity. Israel’s largely indiscriminate and violent response, which has already claimed hundreds of civilian lives, primarily in Gaza, must end.
On Oct. 13, Israel gave 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza 24 hours to “move south” from Gaza City. Because Gaza is sealed, with no space for Gazans to move to, the United States and United Nations must ensure the protection of Palestinians in Gaza.
U.S. churches have spoken on the conflict several times already and this week appealed to Congress to:
Publicly call for a cease-fire, de-escalation and restraint from all parties
Call on all parties to abide by the laws of war, including the Geneva Conventions, customary international law and international human rights law
Prioritize steps to secure immediate release of hostages and international protection for civilians.
Further offensive military assistance to Israel cannot “remedy” its immediate intelligence failure, and the United States should not provide such aid. All in the international community must redouble their diplomatic efforts to halt the current crisis and prevent a downward spiral toward an even wider regional war.
For information from the ELCA on the Israel-Hamas War visit: elca.org/Israel-Hamas%20War.
Customize the message below with your own values and experiences. Contact President Biden here, Senator Sinema here, Senator Kelly here, and find contact information for your congressperson here. Thank you for your advocacy.
Dear [Decision Maker],
The devastating loss of life in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories since Oct. 7 has overshadowed what was already one of the deadliest years for both peoples in recent memory. We must intensify efforts to halt the bloodshed and appeal to all parties to respect international humanitarian law and firmly promote long-term diplomatic efforts. Yet the humanitarian crisis in Gaza must be addressed immediately.
I am deeply concerned about the potentially disastrous impact of the Israeli government's decision to shut off power, water and fuel to millions of civilians in Gaza, among them people who need immediate medical attention and over a million children. On Oct. 13, Israel gave 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza 24 hours to "move south" from Gaza City. Collective punishment is wrong and violates international law. Because Gaza is sealed, with no space for Gazans to move to, the United States and United Nations must ensure the protection of Palestinians in Gaza.
I unequivocally deplore Hamas' vicious attack, and I call for the immediate release of all hostages in captivity.
Further offensive military assistance to Israel cannot "remedy" its immediate intelligence failure, and the United States should not provide such aid. All in the international community must redouble their diplomatic efforts to halt the current crisis and prevent a downward spiral toward an even wider regional war.
I urge you to call upon Israel to allow humanitarian aid to be brought into Gaza, to guarantee Gazans' access to safe spaces such as U.N. schools, hospitals, etc., and to respect those safe spaces.
In addition, I join with U.S. churches that have spoken several times earlier (cmep.salsalabs.org/ps_oct_072023, cmep.salsalabs.org/ps_oct_092023) and this week (cmep.salsalabs.org/letter_to_the_hill) in appealing to you to:
1. Publicly call for a cease-fire, de-escalation and restraint from all parties.
2. Call on all parties to abide by the laws of war, including the Geneva Conventions, customary international law and international human rights law.
3. Prioritize steps to secure immediate release of hostages and international protection for civilians.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
