At the invitation of General Secretary, Christie Duncan-Tesmer, and Presiding Clerk, Melissa Rycroft, PYM’s Middle East Collaborative (MEC) presented during the Saturday afternoon July 6, 2024 proceedings of PYM Annual Sessions. With the challenge from a statement published in April 2024 and endorsed by eight Quaker organizations, A Different Future IS Possible, MEC asked gathered Friends to consider personally and collectively possible responses to the tragic, seemingly ongoing, and complex injustices in Israel/Palestine/Gaza.
A Different Future IS Possible, calls on Hamas, Israel, the Western world – particularly the US and UK – and Quakers to actions that will head us toward a negotiated peace with justice and equity. Monthly and Quarterly Meetings within PYM (as well as elsewhere) have passed ceasefire and/or other related minutes. Our faith calls on us to act. The list for Quakers at the end of the shared Quaker statement calls for a variety of actions.
Four MEC Friends, Sandy Rea, Jonathan Evans, Joan Broadfield and Deb Wood, guided Friends gathered for the segment of sessions to consider: [below as listed near the end of the Quaker group statement.]
“As FRIENDS, we will continue to support the global community of Quakers to:
- Urgently call and fervently work for a permanent ceasefire and amplify our voices in our communities and at the local, state, and national levels.
- Encourage decision-makers calling for a ceasefire and working for peace.
- Organize and participate in teach-ins, actions, and protests until a ceasefire and a just and lasting peace are realized.
- Actively support an end to Israel’s occupation and equal protection and rights for all people living under Israeli control and commit to actions as meetings/churches until this reality is realized.
- Divest from corporations profiting from militarism, including the occupation of Palestine.
- Support those in Israel and Palestine who are working for peace.”
With the support of items found on the Middle East Collaborative’s website Sandy, Jonathan, Joan, and Deb highlighted the Timeline of Quaker Involvement in the Middle East region and the printable list of Education and Advocacy resources. These resources include information about organizations, news sources, websites, books, films, travel possibilities, activists and journalists to follow, and more. MEC has hosted a series of programs on the book “Why Palestine Matters” to learn more about the history and circumstances of the conflict, as well as the implications for the people and countries around the world. MEC is also ready to make available for intervisitation individuals who are eager and willing to offer information and education sessions on a range of topics at monthly and quarterly meetings.
Additionally, all Friends are invited to be involved with Middle East Collaborative. The Collaborative meets on the first Sunday of the odd numbered months via Zoom at 1:30pm to about 3:00pm. The upcoming meeting is Sunday July 14, 2024 at 1:30pm. Email Sandy Rea if you wish to be included in this Sunday’s or future meetings.