Beloved Sangha,

Please join us and the Buddhist Peace Fellowship at the Interfaith Action for Palestine (IAP) in Washington, D.C., from June 29 to July 1.

The Buddhist Peace Fellowship is the official convener for dharma practitioners at this gathering, and is calling together practitioners across lineages and traditions to bring our collective presence, prayer, practice, and witness to this vital interfaith moment. We would love to stand alongside fellow Plum Village practitioners as part of this interfaith call for peace and justice for all.

As people of conscience committed to human dignity and human rights for all—we are grieved by the relentless bombing, prolonged starvation, and the obstruction of humanitarian aid to Palestine. We feel it is our moral and spiritual responsibility to denounce this disregard for the sacredness of life. Regardless of religion or ethnicity—we cannot remain silent given the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and for governments, especially the US, to demand humanitarian aid, uphold international law, and fiercely support efforts towards a peaceful resolution. Whatever our views of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we cannot complicitly watch thousands of people, including children, die from starvation and bombs while the US government unconditionally supplies arms. Together, we will gather in compassionate resistance—bringing our mindfulness, peace, and courage to stand for human rights and liberation for all people in the region.

We also acknowledge the suffering of Israelis, including the October 7th attacks, which were extremely traumatic for many Jewish people globally. As practitioners, our aim is not to take political sides, but rather, to stand resolutely against mass killing, injustice, and oppression, doing whatever we can to help prevent further needless, horrific destruction of life. Our
teacher, Thay has taught us so clearly and compassionately that the suffering of Palestinians is the suffering of the Israeli people, and vice versa; that this conflict increases the suffering for all involved, both now and for future generations. And that protecting the sacredness of life in Palestine is also protecting the sacredness of life in Israel too, both now and for their and our descendants.

If you’re interested, please register here, and please also fill out this form to be included in the Buddhist contingent.

If you’re unable to attend in person, you can still participate by registering for the online program and/or supporting the effort with a donation.