After MA Harrisonburg spent weeks calling their local representatives, Mennonites from Philly, Harrisonburg, Lancaster, Baltimore, and the DMV chapters showed up to Senator Warner’s (VA, D) office and refused to leave until he would meet with us about Palestine. He didn’t— but we sang, chanted, and proudly displayed our banners until the cops were called and arrested 61 of our group members.

Despite the horrors Israel is inflicting unflinchingly— including bombing Qatar and a docked boat joining the Freedom Flotilla— today anchors us in hope. Today’s group was multi-regional, intergenerational, and full of faithful conviction. When asked if she was familiar with our calls, the staff member we spoke to answered almost wearily: “yes, I’m familiar.” As we read a letter aloud to the staff member, addressed to Senator Warner, a contingent of Palestinian Americans walked out and were filled with excitement when they read our banner. Also having failed to secure a meeting with the Senator, they erupted into claps and cheers and thanked us for our solidarity.

The collective action of all who are advocating for Gaza has yet to stop the genocide. Sometimes it feels like it’s barely moving the needle. But from the discouraged who need our solidarity, to those in power growing weary of our shouts and songs, we are being heard. Prayerfully, in obedience to what God has called us to, we refuse to be quiet.

In Peace,
Mennonite Action