Ohio Valley Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) laments all those killed or wounded by the attacks on Israel and Gaza during July and August of 2014. We are especially appalled by the toll the attacks have taken on women, children, the elderly, and the disabled. Consistent with our Religious Society’s long-held testimony for peace and opposing war, we call on all parties to enter into a long-term ceasefire and good-faith negotiations. We recognize that Palestinians and Israelis have suffered for too long. We ask all governments in the region to allow freedom of international travel and commerce for all persons. We ask the United States government and the governments of the region to work together constructively for a negotiated settlement of all the issues that have stood in the way of a just peace. As a further step toward peace, we ask the United States to stop sending military aid to the region.
We will send this minute to the heads of state of Israel and Palestine and to the U.S. President, Secretary of State, and the congressional delegations of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. We ask our members and monthly meetings to inform themselves on these issues and to write letters and lobby government officials regarding these issues.
