A Call to Action

Since October 7, 2023, the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom has issued a number of statements based on our common values of seeing, respecting, and honoring the humanity of all involved in the ongoing conflict in Israel/Palestine. 

Without reservation, we as a Sisterhood condemn in the strongest terms all the atrocities that occurred on October 7 when Hamas terrorists breached the Israeli border, murdering at least 1,200 Israelis and taking hostage some 240 Israelis, the remainder of whom must be released.

With equal conviction, we condemn in the strongest terms the military actions by the Israel army that has killed more than 20,000 civilians in Gaza, primarily women and children, and caused catastrophic damage to the infrastructure of Gaza, preventing entry and delivery of adequate medical and humanitarian assistance.

We believe that the actions of the last three months do not speak either to the Islam or to the Judaism that we believe in. We do not believe that this is a war of religion, but one of warring rulers and political powers. As women of and for peace, we believe the only way forward  is a diplomatic or political solution between those rulers, and not a military or militant solution that only perpetuates the cycle of violence. As such, we call for an immediate cessation of all violence by all those in charge.

As women for peace, we also call for action. We ask that if you stand with us, you sign the following statement that we issued on December 18, 2023. It is through strength in numbers that we women will ever sit at the table. Please sign this and send it throughout your networks. Let’s build a movement, starting right here, right now!

No hate. No violence. Just peace.

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As the unconscionable devastation and death toll mounts in Gaza and deep desperation grips Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom: Women for Peace call for the immediate and permanent cessation of all violence. And, we call for immediate access to food, clean water, medicines, medical care, shelter and safety for Palestinians and Israeli hostages in Gaza. Equally important, we call for the immediate release of all those who have been taken hostage or prisoner for political reasons. 

The only way forward is through robust negotiations leading toward the end of the Occupation and a political/diplomatic solution to the conflict itself that provides safety and security to all in the region.

At the core of that effort is the fundamental commitment to respecting the humanity in every human being and restoring human rights for all peoples in the region. Until such time, the ramifications of disregarding these principles are fueling fear around the world in the face of growing hate against Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, Israeli, and Arab individuals and communities. 

As a Sisterhood, we stand up against hate. As a Sisterhood, we call for an immediate and permanent cessation of violence. As a Sisterhood, we demand peace and justice for all.

Tahija Vikalo                       Roberta Elliott                  Atiya Aftab

Executive Director             Board President              Co-Founder and Chair Emerita

January 5, 2024

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