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This letter was written prior to the election. We are presently developing plans and preparing resources for resistance to the coming presidential administration.

- Keep your eyes out for updates from us in the new year! - 

Dear ,

As bombs rained down on Gaza, but only a token amount of food was delivered, we struggled to create effective resources to stop the US from sending billions of dollars in military aid to Israel. WRL made banners available with funds from people like you, including “No Tax $$ for Genocide in Gaza”, and our annual pie chart that focused on the tax monies sent to Israel and Ukraine. There was a real spike of interest in war tax resistance which was encouraging. We worked with the National War Tax Resistance Coordinating Committee to provide information and promote workshops.

Recently, we organized a webinar “Thwarting Israel’s Genocidal Plan: a Call to Action and Report-Back from the occupied West Bank” with former WRL National Committee members who traveled with different organizations that provide international accompaniment for West Bank Palestinians who are under constant threat of armed attack by outlaw zionist settlers and the Israeli military. Ceasefire Tools and Resources are on our website.

This centennial year has been a year of sharing and examining our history. The History Exhibit, “War Resisters League: 100 Years of Resistance to War and the Causes of War”, unveiled with its accompanying book at our 100th anniversary last October 19, has been in local libraries, colleges, galleries and conferences, including the recent Peace & Justice Studies Association Conference. Consider hosting the exhibit.

Throughout the year, we’ve posted on the WRL History Blog, sharing insights into various aspects of our history. We need to give a shout out to Mary McClintock for all of her work on the Centennial projects. Thanks to Laura Melbourne, our liaison at the Swarthmore College Peace Collection - WRL Peace Calendars and most of our periodicals are now digitized and available to view online.

We also want to thank the National Committee and all the volunteers on WRL’s committees who have stayed the course, providing direction and support. And, to give a special shout out of gratitude and love to Tom Leonard, who is retiring after decades of work with us as “our bookkeeper”, but really so much more. Not farewell… We’ll see you in the streets!

We look at this shared history, based on our beliefs - particularly seeing the wars ravage Ukraine, Gaza and Lebanon, Sudan and the Congo - that attest to the reality that war is a crime against humanity. We’re celebrating our history while remaining committed to providing resources and support while joining the struggle to fight endless war and genocide, providing resources and supporting those engaging in this resurgence of antiwar protest and direct action mobilization. We appreciate your continued support to make this happen.

Reflections from the Admin Team: 

As we conclude our 100th anniversary, I reflect on a century of relentless work for peace and justice. Whether or not we’ve seen the progress we’d hoped for, the realities of war and militarism remain. No matter the outcome of this year’s election, our fight against militarism and war continues. This year has been especially challenging, as I’ve kept our virtual office systems running amid ongoing struggles. The path ahead is difficult, but we carry the lessons of the past century, driven by the belief that peace is not just possible, but essential. Your support is so appreciated.

Sky Hall, Operations Coordinator

While doing workshops in relation to WRL’s centennial, I am reminded of the power of strategic, collective action. Learning from our history, recognizing what went well and what we need to do better, is crucial to moving forward. It is agonizing to see the realities of war, I am hopeful that we can work together to remove the causes of war. In New England I’m co-facilitating nonviolent direct action trainings for students and others, providing a process for activists to practice various scenarios and understand the potential consequences of their actions. I am heartened that the requests keep coming.

Joanne Sheehan, Coordinator of WRL’s resources & New England Regional Office

Everyday I sit down and open the mail for the War Resisters League. It's a frontline view of how people think of WRL. We receive proposals from organizations to work together on projects; scholars and publications requesting information from our archives; and, the majority of the letters we receive are appreciative of the work we do and encourage us not to stop. Sometimes offering advice on how we could do it better. What stands out is the positive impact WRL has had, and how much the work we still have to do.

Kristine Keeling, Development Coordinator

As a peace recruiter with over a decade of experience, I have dedicated my career to empowering young people with alternatives to militarism, inspiring them to become passionate advocates for change. Now, I have the privilege of supporting WRL with bookkeeping, ensuring that our financial practices are transparent and effective so we can focus on our mission. Together, we are building a movement that nurtures hope and resilience in the face of injustice. I invite you to join me on this transformative journey—your support can help us continue to inspire the next generation of leaders committed to creating a more peaceful and just world.

Jesus Palafox, Bookkeeper

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Don't stop talking about Palestine
Ceasefire
News & Analysis

ONGOING REPORTS:

  • Palestinian Centre for Human Rights 
  • Democracy Now!
  • Electronic Intifada
  • Al Jazeera
  • Palestine Deep Dive
Gaza Ceasefire: Tools and Resources
 


It's possible to end war, but it will take all of us. War Resisters League needs every single person to stand with us in the fight against US imperialism, militarism, and the expanding war machine during a time where fascists are in power across multiple countries. Like what you're reading? Forward this email to a friend. New readers can subscribe here.

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