SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026
Weekend Reading
Hi Friend,
War and militarism will never lead to peace. As the Trump administration threatens more countries after its attack on Venezuela, communities are refusing to accept this as normal. Thank you to everyone who has contacted Congress, joined protests, and taken action for peace and justice around the globe.
If you haven’t already, please urge your members of Congress to reject war and imperialism. Send a message today. [link removed] We also invite you to join our “Third Tuesday” webinar this Tuesday, Jan. 20. Hear from AFSC staff in Washington, D.C. and Latin America about the impacts of the U.S. attack on Venezuela. And learn how we can be more effective in organizing and advocating for peace. Register today. [link removed]
If you plan to attend a protest, download our free poster to say “NO war on Venezuela!” [link removed]
HONORING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
In dark times, communities light the way [link removed]
By Lewis Webb Jr., Amy Gottlieb, and Rick Wilson
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that when it’s dark enough, we can see the stars. As we celebrate MLK Day, we reflect on the communities lighting the way forward. Across the country, people are taking action to protect immigrants, build mutual aid networks, and organize for peace with justice for all. Read more. [link removed]
IN THE MEDIA
Israel’s ban on aid organizations in Gaza will be devastating [link removed]
By Yousef
Last year, Israel passed new, extremely restrictive registration requirements for international organizations. These requirements are intended to block aid from reaching Palestinians in Gaza and could cost lives. Despite the restrictions, AFSC will continue to provide vital support in Gaza and across the occupied Palestinian territory. In this piece, AFSC's Yousef explains the human impact of these new requirements—and why Gaza will rise again, no matter what the obstacles. (Al Jazeera)
CRISIS IN GAZA
“I will always carry Gaza with me.” [link removed]
By Serena
Over the past two years, AFSC’s Serena has provided lifesaving aid to Palestinians in Gaza. At the same time, she lived the same reality as those she served. She faced bombings, repeated displacement, and unimaginable loss. In December, Serena was able to leave Gaza for a master's scholarship in Rome. Scholarships like these are one of the few reasons the Israeli government lets Palestinians leave Gaza. In this essay, Serena tells her story.
FEDERAL POLICY
What you need to know about Trump’s actions on immigration [link removed]
By Amy Gottlieb and Imani Cruz
Since taking office, the Trump administration has enacted sweeping anti-immigrant policies. As we approach the one-year anniversary of Trump’s second term, we examine some of these changes, from ICE raids to threats to citizenship. Understanding these policies is a critical step to pushing back.
STRONGER WITH IMMIGRANTS
Welcoming asylum seekers in Costa Rica [link removed]
In February 2025, the Trump administration deported over 200 migrants to Costa Rica. Most were from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. None spoke Spanish or knew where they were being sent. When local Quakers heard, they took action. Monteverde Friends Meeting joined AFSC and partners to pressure the Costa Rican government to free the migrants. Our efforts were successful. After the migrants were released, Friends stepped up to provide housing and other support to families as they figured out their next steps. (Friends Journal)
Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.
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