D.C. Delegation - Advocating for Another Way

I write to you from on the road. Over the last week, a delegation of four Palestinian and Israeli CfP activists, Rana Salman, Avner Wishnitzer, Souli Khatib, and Chen Alon, traveled to Washington, DC to meet with policymakers on Capitol Hill as well as with State Department and White House officials.

This AFCFP delegation was planned in partnership with Win Without War, a diverse network of activists and organizations working for a more peaceful U.S. foreign policy. Since last Tuesday, CfP and AFCFP leadership sat down with Rep. Tlaib, Rep. Raskin, Rep. Schakowsky, Rep. Jayapal, Rep. King’s, Rep. Adam Smith’s, Senator Coon’s, Senator Warnock’s, Senator Schatz’s and Senator Ossoff’s teams.

CfP activists shared their powerful stories of transformation and joint efforts to co-resist the occupation and co-create a new reality where all are safe and free. They sat down face-to-face with House and Senate members and urged them to support an immediate ceasefire and efforts to impose sanctions and visa restrictions on violent settlers and their enablers. CfP also advocated for urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza and an immediate release of hostages and prisoners held in arbitrary detention.

Additionally, they stressed the needs of their respective societies - most notably security, liberty, and dignity. They discussed how any political arrangement must be measured against these needs and they explained to lawmakers that the conflict can no longer be "managed." They emphasized that a military solution will not bring security or safety for Israelis or Palestinians.

We know that the occupation can no longer be tolerated and there is no military solution. Diplomacy and a viable political settlement remain the only hope to avoid further catastrophic violence and ensure equality and safety for both peoples.

We will not stop advocating for a future that ensures dignity, justice, and freedom for all.

While in DC, our team also participated in a briefing with reporters, participated in an NGO and Civil Society Roundtable, hosted a screening of Disturbing the Peace at Busboys and Poets with producer and director Stephen Apkon, and spoke at places of worship.

Over the weekend, we connected with our wonderful Philadelphia AFCFP chapter, met with the Quaker community in Philadelphia, and hosted powerful events at Congregation Rodeph Shalom and Westtown School with Israeli activist, Iris Gur, and Palestinian activist, Souli Khatib.

It was a joy spending time with so many of our beloved supporters and I hope to see many more of you soon. We are deeply strengthened by our community's steadfast support. Thank you for standing with us and fueling the movement.

-Tiffany Goodwin-Van Camp, Executive Director of American Friends of Combatants for Peace