Friends and Colleagues,

I hope this finds you well. Please consider signing your organization on this URGENT open letter expressing urgent concern regarding dire and escalating violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. We request signer on a rolling basis. 

The statement condemns all violence against civilians by Hamas and the Israeli military. We believe it is imperative that U.S. policymakers take measures to immediately de-escalate the violence to prevent the further loss of civilian life. We urge Congress and the Administration to:

1) Publicly call for a ceasefire to prevent the further loss of life;

2) Prioritize the protection of all civilians, including by urgently securing the entrance of humanitarian aid into Gaza and working to secure the release of hostages; and

3) Urge all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law.

See full the letter here: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/11aBJThTT6SWhuAFzy3tAVqXCN0ShZV7wBr_90Pn3ef0/edit

Initial signers are: Friends Committee on National Legislation, Churches for Middle East Peace, Center for Civilians in Conflict, Project on Middle East Democracy, Common Defense, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Americans for Justice in Palestine, Arab American Institute, Peace Action, Demand Progress, If Not Now, and Democracy for the Arab World Now.

Thank you for your urgent consideration and I hope you will join this call to action. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.