In the face of the heart-wrenching events unfolding in Palestine, it's only natural that we all share a profound sense of sorrow, shock, and anger. Yet, even in these challenging times, there are actions we can collectively take to make a difference and amplify our voices within Congress and with our elected representatives.

As we all watch the events unfold, we must be reminded that we have an obligation to act in whatever ways we can. Imam Nawawi’s Hadith 34 says: 

On the authority of Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:

I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say, “Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.” [Muslim] 

Here are easy ways (no, because it takes less than an hour) you can help and demand action:

1. Call for a Ceasefire: 

   It is our collective responsibility to call upon all of our American leaders to unequivocally demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The principle of "never again" must extend to all humanity, and we cannot stand idly by while innocent lives are lost. Links below are automated messaging that will reach representatives in Congress. 

   Email Congress Representatives
   Call Congress Representatives

2. Reach Out to the White House:

   Make your voice heard by contacting the White House and urging swift action to halt the violence. 
   

   Contact the White House
   Call the Administration

3. Sign Petitions:

   Sign petitions demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the violence against innocent civilians. 
   

   IJV Canada Petition 
   AJP Action Petition

4. Find your Representative:

   Locate your designated representative for your district online and search for their respective contact information. Use the email and talking points below to communicate the cause at hand. LOCATE YOUR REP HERE

EMAIL + TALKING POINTS:

• Israel is on the brink of carrying out a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The Israeli government has already killed over 4,200 Gazans in under 10 days. This is mass murdering. We have to value the innocent lives of BOTH Palestinians and Israelis. 
• We are here to demand that all of our American leaders, including our local  leaders, call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Never again means never again for anyone.
• We need to tackle the root cause of the violence – the Israeli government’s system of displacement, occupation, and apartheid perpetuated against Palestinians for decades.
• My name is {Your Name}. I am a constituent of {Representative's Name}. I am calling to ask that the Representative [add their name] to the Ceasefire Now resolution led by Representatives Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib, regarding the unfolding crisis in Gaza. It is absolutely urgent that the Representative demand a ceasefire, and that they call on Israel to allow humanitarian assistance into Gaza. The only way forward is addressing the root causes of violence: Israeli military occupation and apartheid, and ending U.S. complicity in this oppression.

The situation in Palestine has reached a critical juncture, with Israel carrying out a genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. Shockingly and as the entire world watches, the Israeli government has already claimed the lives of over 4,200 Gazans (and counting) in under a mere 10 days.

Beyond the urgent need for a ceasefire, we must address the root causes of this ongoing violence. The Israeli government's long standing policies of displacement, occupation, and apartheid have perpetuated the suffering of Palestinians for decades. It is high time we work towards a just and lasting solution that respects the dignity and rights of Palestinians. 

In the midst of these trying moments, let us unite our voices and take meaningful action to advocate for peace, justice, and a better future for the innocent lives affected by this devastating conflict. 

Together, we can ensure that we stand on the right side of history, taking action instead of passively witnessing injustice, and work towards a world that stands with humanity for all. Let’s be reminded that humanity has failed us before, and in the words of the late Martin Luther King, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." We must stand up for justice so that we can be on the right side of history.