The Social Justice Council urges EUUC community members to support an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Israel/Palestine to prevent the ongoing inhumane loss of life. Grounded in our Unitarian Universalist values of peace and justice, we join with our faith neighbors in advocating for a just end to this crisis rooted in collective liberation, solidarity, and safety.

We invite members to sign the Washington Solidarity Statement*, co-written by faith leaders of diverse backgrounds in the Greater Seattle Area who have joined together to advocate for peace and an end to the violence. This statement calls for an immediate ceasefire; the safe return of all hostages; the safe return of those displaced from their homes; a stop to the acts of war by the Israeli military that violate international law; the restoration of basic necessities like food, water, electricity, and medical services to the Gazan people; and the opening of humanitarian aid corridors.

We also invite members to review the statement from the Unitarian Universalist Association which calls for: ceasefire, de-escalation, and restraint by all sides; for all parties to abide by the laws of war, including the Geneva Conventions and customary international law; and to prioritize steps to secure the immediate release of hostages and ensure international protection for civilians.

The Social Justice Council voted unanimously on 1/24/24 to sign the Washington Solidarity Statement as the Social Justice Council.  We are offering members opportunities to sign after Sunday services, as well as through online news links.  We anticipate sending a copy of this statement with our signatures, to President Biden and our federal senators and representatives.

*Tip for signing the Washington Solidarity Statement:  Scroll to the bottom, below the list of signatures, for the button to sign.

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For more information check out the following resources:

UUA General Assembly 2002 Action of Immediate Witness: Toward Peace and Justice in the Middle East

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee Statement on Ceasefire

Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East — News Blog

UUJME Action and Resources GoogleDoc – Situation in Palestine/Israel

If you feel ready to take further action: 

Action Item from US Campaign for Palestinian Human Rights: Email Congress for a Permanent Ceasefire

Action Item from Jewish Voice for Peace: Ceasefire Now