As we mourn the violence that grips the Gaza Strip, Israel, and the West Bank, we also take a moment to contact our political leaders. (Read Johnny’s letter from today imploring us to call-in today for a ceasefire and to challenge the “religious-washing” of U.S. military support in the conflict.)
On Tuesday, October 24 — United Nations Day — Catholic groups, including Pax Christi USA, are encouraging their members and supporters to participate in a call-in day to the White House to tell President Biden and the administration: Support a ceasefire now!
Since the horrific attack on civilians in Israel by Hamas on October 7 and the retaliatory bombings of Gaza by Israel, thousands of lives have been lost, and the numbers of deaths and wounded are mounting. We grieve the unspeakable loss of life on all sides, and grow more concerned each day for the people taken captive by Hamas, the people in Gaza in desperate need of humanitarian aid, and the escalating violence.
After the devastating bombing of the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City that killed hundreds of civilians on October 17, Pope Francis described the situation in Gaza as “desperate” and urged all Catholics to take “only one side” in the Israel-Hamas conflict, the side “of peace.”
“War does not solve any problem, it only sows death and destruction, increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future,” the Holy Father said.
Join us in asking President Biden to do all he can to de-escalate the conflict and call for a humanitarian ceasefire to allow for more corridors of humanitarian aid to reach the people in Gaza in urgent need of food, water, shelter, medical care and electricity.
Call or email the White House
- Call the White House Comment Line at 202-456-1111. Hours of operation are 11 AM to 3 PM Eastern, Tuesday – Thursday.
- Use this link to send an email to the White House
Suggested talking points:
- As a Catholic, I am deeply concerned about the escalating violence and suffering in Israel and Gaza.
- I want to thank President Biden for everything he has done so far to work for the release of the hostages held by Hamas. I ask him to keep them and the people of Gaza who are also in need of protection, at the center of his efforts.
- I also want to thank the president for his words in Israel, calling for restraint. I ask that he continue to prioritize words and actions that de-escalate the conflict. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has become catastrophic. It is unsustainable, and is counter to the Catholic value of promoting the sanctity of human life.
- I also ask President Biden to focus on protecting human life by calling for a humanitarian ceasefire now, to allow for more corridors of humanitarian aid to reach the people in Gaza in urgent need of food, water, shelter, medical care and electricity.
- Finally, I pray for the president’s safety, good health, and strength of spirit to work for peace. Thank you.
Please note 10/24 is United Nations Day. Charter was signed in San Francisco 10/24/1945.
Goals still unmet.
If President Biden said that he and Pope Francis are on the same page concerning the war in Palestine and Israel, the president is dead wrong. One of many constants in what the Pope says is that WAR is never an option. PEACE through nonviolent action is the only path to solving conflict. Not more killing in war. There is no such thing as a just war. How many times does it have to be stated?