Three years ago today, Israel and the U.S. began their accelerated genocide as a form of collective punishment against the people of Palestine. Gaza has seen both a disastrous bombing campaign and a complete blockade that have killed thousands upon thousands of innocent lives, destroyed 82% of its infrastructure, and created the largest displacement and humanitarian crisis in all of Palestine's history. And it's still happening today despite the “ceasefire.”
Since October 2023, the West Bank has seen an increase in mass imprisonment and state-backed settler violence that continues to worsen every day. Palestinians have experienced checkpoint stoppages and an economic recession like no other. The Palestinian olive sector has lost over $157 million over the past three years. This is the sole income for many Palestinian families. Israel has been targeting their facilities, homes, and livelihoods with military and settler violence.
As Israel acts with impunity, its atrocious actions have been broadcast to the whole world. Its reputation is now at an all-time low; just weeks ago,Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech to a near-empty room at the U.N.General Assembly.. After three years of genocide, Israel and the U.S. are isolated from the rest of the world.
Twenty-five years ago today, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan. It started the longest conflict in U.S. history, spanning nearly 20 years across four US presidents. According to Brown University's Costs of War Project, an estimated 176,000 people died as a direct result of the war, while hunger, disease, and untreated injuries killed hundreds of thousands more. Just like the genocide in Gaza, these crimes were enabled by a system of impunity, corruption, and racism at the highest levels of the U.S. government. The U.S. and Israel have punished millions of civilians for crimes they didn’t commit.
The U.S. occupation left Afghans no better than before: 92% of the population in Afghanistan is now food insecure. Unexploded ordnance and landmines continue to kill and injure civilians. The government that the U.S. claimed to be “liberating women” from has quickly returned to power, now armed with U.S. weapons.
The difference between then and now is that more people than ever oppose war. This shift in perspective is why taking action is crucial; we have an opportunity to finally stop the ethnic cleansing in Palestine and prevent another forever war.
Take Action with Us this Fall!
Oct 10 Day of Action Events: Three Years of Genocide
Nov 9: CODEPINK Congress Webinar
Nov 10-12 Taxpayers Uprising: CODEPINK Contingent to Washington D.C.
Nov 10 CODEPINK + Busboys & Poets Townhall: Washington D.C. + livestream
Nov 10-12: Call Congress Party!
A note from Medea & Jodie...
Twenty-five years ago, we gathered with friends in Washington D.C., stunned that Congress was preparing to authorize a disastrous war on Iraq. We sounded the alarm: CODEPINK for Peace. And we haven’t stopped since.
Now we are facing another terrifying moment. Trump is waging a devastating, unprovoked war with Iran—and threatening to escalate it after the elections. Congress is preparing to hand him the money for that war, while continuing to bankroll Israel’s war crimes.
But this time, we can stop them. Seventy percent of U.S. taxpayers oppose this war. The question is: will Congress feel that opposition? If we don’t show up, the war makers, weapons corporations and billionaires will win.
So the week after the elections, join us in Washington D.C. for the Taxpayer Uprising. We are going straight into the halls of Congress with one message: You cannot spend our tax dollars on war and genocide. You cannot funnel our money to weapons contractors and AI billionaires. We need that money for Medicare for All, affordable housing, green energy and a sustainable future. NO MORE WAR!
Last week, Trump even suggested it would be acceptable for Iran to “take out” Los Angeles or San Diego. This madness has gone far enough.
Politicians are clearly not feeling our outrage. They are not hearing our needs. So we have to make them hear us. If you pay taxes, if you oppose this war, if you are furious watching our money poured into death and destruction—come to Washington D.C.
Be visible. Be loud. Fill the halls of Congress. People power has always been the force that changes history. This is the moment to use it.
In the words of Labor leader Mother Jones, now is the time to "pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living."
Peace and love,
Upcoming Events
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
