The A. J. Muste Memorial Institute calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the safe passage of humanitarian aid, appropriate to the magnitude of the crisis, to assist all needs of Palestinians, especially basic necessities like food, water, electricity, fuel, and medical supplies.

We call on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights laws, including a return of hostages by Hamas. 

The Institute demands that US and European governments stop their unconditional support and funding of the Israeli military which is enabling this genocide. Israel’s collective punishment of the people of Gaza is a deplorable example of ethnic cleansing in the 21st century. The international community must take responsibility and address over 70 years of systemic violence, oppression, and displacement suffered by the people of Palestine. 

We must speak out - to remain silent is to be complicit. 

The racism and religious persecution expressed through anti-Palestinian, Islamophobic, and anti-Semitic attacks have no place in civil society. We must stand against atrocities and unite in our common humanity.

As funders of peace and justice organizing, we understand that we must respond with support that not only addresses immediate emergency aid but also invests in Palestinian people, culture, and civil society.

We are heartened by the extraordinary global responses, mobilizations, and uprisings in response to the violence in Gaza. We need immediate action from the international community to carve a path forward guided by justice and accountability, and humanity. We cannot live freely until we have liberation for all.