In 2012 the United Nations predicted that Gaza would be unlivable by the year 2020. Many of Gaza’s two million residents say the conditions have already been unlivable for years. Gaza, a small sliver of land along the Mediterranean coast, has been under a suffocating siege imposed by the Israeli government in 2007. That year…
In 2016 members of the House and Senate could not agree whether women should be required to register with Selective Service, the apparatus to mobilize a military draft. Though the military opened combat roles to women in 2013, only men are required to register when they turn 18. Congress formed the National Commission on Military, National…
Taha Mqat, his wife and seven children have watched their home be destroyed or damaged by Israeli bombs three times. The family lives in Gaza, a strip of land that is 139 square miles — about the size of Detroit. Gaza is home to 1.8 million people, who have endured three military conflicts between Israel…
Today 26 national-level Christian leaders released a letter in support of H.R. 2407, the “Promoting Human Rights for Palestinian Children Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act.” J Ron Byler, executive director of Mennonite Central Committee U.S., is one of the signers. The letter says: As faith leaders who deeply care about the well-being of children…
Read more Christian leaders release letter in support of Palestinian children’s rights
Over the past several weeks, Iraqis have been protesting in the streets. More than 100 people have been killed and more than 6,000 wounded. The protesters’ demands are basic: They want jobs, improved services such as education, water and electricity, and an end to corruption. There are many reasons why these conditions are lacking in…
In a letter sent today to Congress, MCC U.S., Mennonite Church USA and 10 other U.S. Christian denominations and agencies affirmed “our strong support for the right to make decisions about the stewardship of our financial resources.” The letter continues: We are heartened by the introduction of H.Res. 496 (“Affirming that all Americans have the…
In April, a 15-year-old Palestinian boy was playing soccer near his home in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem. Suddenly an Israeli soldier arrested him and took him to a nearby police station where he was interrogated and accused of throwing stones. After six weeks in Ofer Prison and a fine of $840, the teen was finally released.…
MCC Washington Memo 