Acting on the request of New England Yearly Meeting Sessions 2025, a called meeting of New England Friends, convened by the Permanent Board, was held on October 18, 2025 to seek where we were led to act on the ongoing crisis in Palestine and Israel. The full minutes of the meeting can be found here. The deep and rich worship of those gathered at that meeting led us to find unity on a minute of actions and queries (see Minute 25-*1). While it cannot be expected that we all act on every one of the nine points in this minute, I ask that you bring this minute to your monthly meeting and consider which actions speak to your meeting and find ways to bring them alive. A minute is just words on paper until we bring them to life.
The gathered meeting found unity to endorse the Joint Quaker Organizations Statement on genocide in Gaza; a powerful statement that calls on its signatories and countries world-wide to take steps that will end the cycle of violence and violations of human rights in Israel and Palestine. By joining with many other Quaker bodies, we bring a united voice saying, “We hold in the Light all suffering peoples and leaders, praying they choose justice. In
Palestine and Israel, peace built on equality is the only path forward.” (see Minute 25-*2)
The final minute of the called meeting charged the Presiding Clerk, the Clerk of Permanent Board and the Israel-Palestine Resource Group to convene to explore, in consultation with those with experience in the region and who could provide context on the ground, the idea of sending witnesses to Gaza from the Yearly Meeting (see Minute 25-*3). After this consideration, this group will bring a recommendation forward to Permanent Board for their discernment. Details and advance documents for the Permanent Board meeting will be posted here when available.
Yours in peace, Phillip Veatch, presiding clerk; Susan Davies, clerk, Permanent Board
Minute 25-*1 from Called Meeting on Gaza held October 18, 2025
1. Engage with the AFSC Palestinian Program in their Fall 2025 efforts: Read, Mourn, Learn and Act; and consider taking up steps in the program in your monthly meeting.
https://afsc.org/news/6-ways-you-can-support-palestinians-gaza
2. Support Jewish neighbors
These two years have been deeply challenging in the Jewish Community. Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) is an incredible organization, but for years it has been demonized by APAIC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee )and others, so it isn’t always easy to turn to. There are increasing numbers of individuals who are horrified by what is being done supposedly in their name. It can be incredibly hard to speak up, but it is happening. How do we as individuals reach out to these folks and help them find their voices? What support do they need?
How do we support our Jewish neighbors who are targets of antisemitic actions? How can meetings and individuals reach out to Jewish communities and be clear of our support for their human rights and dignity regardless of political affinities?
3. Learn more about tax resistance and how to support those making this choice.
Next conference is November 7–9, 2025 at Worcester Friends Meetinghouse
4. Support those in or considering military service who struggle with conscience
5. Travel to the area and bear witness to the suffering. Contact us at https://neym.org/israel-palestine-resource-group to connect with those who have.
6. Provide financial support for the relief of suffering:
Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, https://www.pcrf.net/
AFSC Gaza relief https://afsc.org/news/afscs-gaza-emergency-relief
Support Ramallah Friends School in the West Bank, which lost US AID funding:
7. Invite your Meeting to hold this discussion:
Peace and Reconciliation
Do you “live in the virtue of that life and power that takes away the occasion of all wars”?
Do you faithfully maintain Friends’ testimony against military preparations and all participation in war, as inconsistent with the teachings and spirit of Christ?
Do you strive to increase understanding and use of nonviolent methods of resolving conflicts?
Do you take your part in the ministry of reconciliation between individuals, groups, and nations?
When discouraged, do you remember that Jesus said, “Peace is my parting gift to you, my own peace, such the world cannot give. Set your troubled hearts at rest, and banish your fears”? John 14:27 NEB
(NEYM 1985 Faith and Practice, Query 12)
8. Discussion of Britain Yearly Meeting’s Statement on Genocide in Gaza
Adapted for United States Friends by Quakers for Peace:
9. And, finally, how do we hold ourselves accountable? Can the Israel Palestine Resource Group assist Meetings and Quarters in discerning what is ours to do?
Friends approved this minute.
Minute 25-*2 from Called Meeting on Gaza held October 18, 2025
The clerk asked if the body gathered was comfortable having the Presiding Clerk and the Yearly Meeting Secretary endorse the AFSC statement, mindful of the Policy on Public Statements (2015-57). “Quakers discern genocide is occurring in Gaza and urge courageous action.”
Friends approved this minute.
