Statement: We demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
AAPIs for Civic Empowerment Education Fund grieves the loss of civilian lives in the horrifying attacks in Israel and Palestine. We join the call to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, end to US funding of Israel’s military, and end to the Israeli government’s genocide of Palestinian people. As a statewide coalition of community-based organizations building the political power and self-determination of our immigrant and refugee communities, we are in solidarity with Palestinian people’s struggle for liberation. We understand none of us are free until all of us are free.
In the past week, the Israeli government escalated violence against Palestinians in Gaza, where generations have experienced decades-long oppression in the largest open air prison in the world [1]. US-backed Israeli bombing has created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The horrific October 18th attack on the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza is a violation of international humanitarian law [2]. It is a disgrace that the United States has vetoed a draft resolution at the UN Security Council calling for a pause in fighting to allow for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza [3].
Let’s be clear, as Californians, we do not support Israel’s apartheid state. As voters, we tell our elected officials what they should prioritize. Newsom’s words and actions do not represent all his constituents.
Many of our own Asian American and Pacific Islander families know intimately the effects of war, colonization, and forced removal. Let’s be clear, as Californians, we do not support Israel’s apartheid state even though our governor offers unwavering support to Israel with a one day visit to the region, while ignoring the loss of Palestinian lives [4]. As constituents and voters, we tell our elected officials what they should prioritize. Newsom’s words and actions do not represent all his constituents.
Every day people are getting informed, taking to the streets, and calling for a change. Over 10,000 people marched in San Francisco to call for a ceasefire and an end to the Israeli government’s violence in Gaza [5]. 1,700 Bay Area high school students walked out of their classrooms to support the Palestinian people in their struggle against occupation and apartheid [6]. In Washington D.C. hundreds of Jewish activists and allies held a peaceful protest at the Capitol building [7]. And today, around the world, workers are striking to show solidarity for a free Palestine [8]. When we come together as constituents and voters, we are able to mobilize, build people power, and win positive changes for all of us.
We recognize how the U.S. government has contributed to the war in Israel and Gaza. It’s time for action, here’s what you can do today to hold our elected officials accountable:
– Call your congressional representatives to demand an immediate ceasefire and safe passage for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.
– Send an email to your congressional representatives to demand an end to US funding of Israel’s military.
– Attend local demonstrations to join your communities’ call for Palestinian freedom.
– Join the movement for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions against Israel.
Statements from Our Network
“As descendants of refugees and survivors of genocide, the Palestinian people’s struggle towards their freedom and decolonization hits close to home. We stand in steadfast solidarity with Palestine and condemn the atrocities of genocide, state terror, and settler colonialism carried out by Israel and loyalty from the United States military.” – Khmer Girls in Action
“We marched alongside Arab Resource and Organizing Center, our allies, and thousands of others–and call on all people of … Hundreds of young people–including CPA youth members–across the nation are walking out of their classrooms to protest the US’s aid to this genocide. We have always known from history that when people come together, we can make change.” – Chinese Progressive Association
“The latest assault by the Israeli state–the massive bombing campaigns and the destruction of water and power networks–against Gaza is the continuation of 75 years of settler colonialism and apartheid. It is violent and inhumane.” – Asian Solidarity Collective
“Like Palestinians, many Asian Americans find our family and community histories full of land grabs for resources, colonial wars and military occupations, and displacement from our native lands…For the Palestinians — especially the more than 2 million people of Gaza, trapped in an area of land the size of the American city of Philadelphia, without power, supplies or water as bombs rain down from the skies — this is not a war; it is an existential struggle.” – Asian Pacific Environmental Network
Sources:
[1] What is the Gaza Strip? Here’s what to know
[3] US vetoes UN resolution condemning all violence against civilians in Gaza
[4] California Gov. Gavin Newsom to make a one-day visit to Israel
[5] San Francisco protest on October 14
[6] Bay Area high school walkout
[7] Jewish Activists take Over Capitol to Demand Ceasefire in Gaza