The Time for Solidarity is Now

Dear Achvat Amim Community, 

I first sat down to write this newsletter on Sunday, in what felt like a very different moment. I wrote to tell you about our new cohort of Achvat Amim participants, who arrived last month. With the status quo being occupation, the brokenness of this land can sometimes go invisible or forgotten by those of us not living under the threat of home evictions, checkpoints, and state violence. In the days since I first sat down to write, the brokenness of this place has become increasingly clear to many of us in the land and abroad. I am fearful and angry for those who are most heavily affected by this wave of violence- namely Palestinians living through air strikes in Gaza, under occupation in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and those experiencing state violence while protesting and praying during the holy month of Ramadan. I am fearful and angry for those who are most heavily affected by rocket attacks from Gaza- namely Israelis closest to the Gaza border, largely Mizrahi and working-class communities.

What remains true from last week to this, is that we are here doing the work of Achvat Amim- solidarity of nations. We currently have seven incredible participants living together and working at grassroots Palestinian and Israeli organizations. From escorting shepherds in the Jordan Valley to rescuing food to redistribute to communities in need- we are here. We are grateful to our participants who are with us in the work of building meaningful relationships of trust and vulnerability despite a cycle of violence that tells us to break apart, to say no to solidarity. We here at Achvat Amim know that there can be no end to the cycle of violence until there is an end to the occupation, until all people live with dignity and self-determination. 

In moments like this, we must double down on our commitment to justice in this land, to solidarity and co-resistance. I have received messages this week asking me about opportunities for mutual aid. I want to personally recommend supporting the community of Umm al-Khair, where your solidarity will have a direct impact on the community. Umm al-Khair is an example of steadfastness in the face of oppression and trusting connection across differences. You can find more information about our recent visit to Umm al-Khair below.

Looking towards a more just world, 
Julie  ​

Outreach Coordinator
Pronouns they/them/theirs (what does this mean?) 
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To read the full newsletter with updates, including information about Umm al-Khair: https://tinyurl.com/achvat-solidarity-now​​