EVERY LIFE, A UNIVERSE


                       

End the Suffering: Global Days of Remembrance and Action

October 6, 7, and 8

#EveryLifeAUniverse

Nonviolence International invites you—communities, congregations, institutions, and individuals throughout the world—to commemorate the one-year mark of October 7th in a way that renews our resolve for justice and peace. Let us remember and honor the sacredness of every life, grief for those lost over decades of violence and oppression, and acknowledge those who are in pain today: those who have lost loved ones, are injured, abducted, displaced, whose homes have been destroyed, and who suffer from hunger and illness.

Through our grief and remembrance, let us renew our commitment to never give up on justice and peace between Palestinians and Israelis

As we reflect on the motto, "Every Life, A Universe," we find a profound and unifying message rooted in both the Torah and the Qur’an, sacred texts that elevate the inherent dignity and value of each individual life.

Torah Foundations: Every Life, A Universe
In Jewish tradition, the Torah teaches that to save a life is to save an entire universe. This principle, derived from Leviticus 24:17 and echoed in the Talmud, reflects the immense value placed on human life. Each person has the potential to impact the world in immeasurable ways, and thus the loss of a life represents the destruction of that potential. When we honor the motto "Every Life, A Universe," we are reminded of the Torah’s call to cherish and protect life, recognizing the ripple effect each person has on the broader fabric of humanity.

Qur'anic Foundations: The Sanctity of Every Soul
The Qur’an echoes this sentiment in Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32), stating that "whoever kills a soul... it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one—it is as if he had saved mankind entirely." In Islam, this teaching reinforces the sacredness of every life, emphasizing that the well-being of one individual is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the whole of humanity. The Qur'an invites us to see every person as a part of the larger whole, making the preservation of life a communal responsibility.

We invite you for three days of remembrance and action by doing the following:   

  1. Wear a black ribbon or armband during these days. We want to see people all around the world, in our cities and towns, workplaces, and educational institutions, wear black ribbons or armbands in order to create the collective consciousness of grief for lives that haven been lost. You are also welcome to write "Every life, a Universe" on your ribbons or armbands. 

  2. Organizing community vigils, sit-ins, sharing circles, walks, events, fundraisers, days of fasting, and humanitarian efforts for each of the days;

    On October 6th, you are invited to remember the decades of the past and decry the mistreatment and suffering of Palestinians caused by Israeli policies of expulsion, imprisonment, apartheid, siege, and occupation.

    On October 7th, you are invited to remember and decry the violent attacks by Hamas and others, including the hostage-taking, and the death of over 1,000 Israelis in a single day.

    On October 8th, you are invited to remember and decry the launch and continuation of Israeli attacks on Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, the killing of over 40,000 individuals, the injury of over 80,000, the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians and the abduction of thousands from their homes and families. 

    Here is the Youtube video of how the global online event happened on October 6th:

     

    Here is the Youtube video of how the global online event happened on October 7th:

     

    Here is the Youtube video of how the global online event happened on October 8th:

 

Use the hashtag #EveryLifeAUniverse on your social media, change your profile picture to the our event's black ribbon attached below, and share your activities on the following Facebook page so others can join you and for all of us to know what you are doing on the Facebook Event Page. 

Join us in your own way to say that violence, whether in defense or for liberation, is not the answer. Only nonviolence, which dismantles systems of oppression and violence and calls for collective justice and equality, will ensure that Israelis and Palestinians can live together in safety, peace, and justice.

Goals:

  • To create global momentum that transcends the dichotomy of right versus wrong and unites us in a collective call to end all suffering. Our aim is to move forward toward achieving peace and justice for everyone.
  • We seek to establish a unified ritual space where we can come together to acknowledge and process the past. This includes confronting grief, grievances, and the structures and systems of oppression that have perpetuated suffering across decades.
  • Our objective is to reframe the Israeli-Palestinian crisis in a way that fosters a shared vision of equality, justice, and reconciliation. By doing so, we hope to encourage and mobilize collective actions to end the suffering.
  • We want to remind everyone that we are the change-makers we have been waiting for. If we don't act now, the suffering will continue and intensify.

Please read a short article by our co-director, Sami Awad, about Oct 7th with a focus on nonviolence, which can be found on Waging Nonviolence.

You can  join our facebook event page and add your event there

Explore our Tool Kit on how to participate in the Global Days of Remembrance and Action, filled with actionable steps and resources: Tool Kit

If you would like to co-sponsor and have your event promoted through our network, please register using the following link: Google form

We are not alone in our commitment to honoring Every Life, A Universe. Others Every Life A Universe share our vision, working toward the same goal of celebrating human dignity and fostering peace. We encourage you to learn more about their efforts as we continue to grow our collective impact.

Here were the campaign co-sponsors:

 


"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." —Rumi 

 

 

Latest posts

The Future of Unarmed Civilian Protection in Palestine and Western Sahara

Global Civilian Intervention to Colonial Occupation – Webinar 

International intervention is being requested by Palestinian and Saharawi groups to help protect them from the violent occupiers.  The US and most European States support or acquiesce to the Israel and Morocco illegal occupations and their repression of the residents. To fill the vacuum, international groups and tourists are helping.   Are you interested in learning and maybe even being part of the historic and ongoing efforts of unarmed solidarity and civilian protection in Palestine and Western Sahara?On Thursday, November 21, we hosted a powerful and inspiring webinar exploring unarmed civilian protection (UCP) efforts in the occupied territories of Palestine and Western Sahara. Experts and activists shared firsthand insights into the critical role of international solidarity in supporting self-determination and defending human rights. 📺 Missed it?

The discussion addressed the challenges of colonial occupation, settler violence, and repression faced by Palestinians and Saharawis, as well as how international groups are stepping up to fill the vacuum left by state inaction. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the decades-long movements in these regions and explored ways to engage in these historic efforts.

Our distinguished panel included:

  • Huwaida Arraf (International Solidarity Movement & Freedom Flotilla)
  • Mel Duncan (UCP Palestine – an NVI project)
  • Mahmoud Zawahre (Palestinian Human Rights Defender)
  • Wynd Kaufmyn (International Solidarity Movement & Western Sahara UCP)
  • Khattari Elbaillal (Western Sahara Information Center)
  • Daniel Roth (Center for Jewish Nonviolence)

We delved into parallels between the Israeli Apartheid Wall in Palestine and Morocco’s 2,700km-long occupation wall in Western Sahara, emphasizing the importance of applying principles of self-determination and human rights universally.

Join us in amplifying the voices of the oppressed and advancing the global movement for justice and solidarity!

UNARMED CIVILIAN PROTECTION: LATEST UPDATES AND DEVELOPMENTS FROM PALESTINE

Winter Solidarity Visit: 19-Day Program in the West Bank

Dates: December 19, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Organized By: Rabbis for Human Rights and Solidarity of Nations – Achvat Amim
Application Deadline: November 18, 2024, 11:59 PM EST

The Winter Solidarity Visit is an intensive 19-day program aimed at fostering meaningful connections and support for Palestinian communities facing increasing displacement due to settler and state violence in the West Bank. This transformative initiative blends education, volunteerism, and direct action, offering participants an opportunity to learn, engage, and act for justice and human rights.

Program Highlights:

  • Community Engagement: Work alongside Palestinian farmers, shepherds, and activists to gain a deeper understanding of their lived realities under occupation.
  • Educational Workshops: Learn from human rights experts, international law specialists, and grassroots organizers.
  • Solidarity Actions: Participate in hands-on activities supporting vulnerable communities, showcasing solidarity through presence and action.
  • Interfaith Learning: Explore Jewish traditions and cultural history in the context of justice, equity, and peace.

Who Can Apply?
This program welcomes students, educators, activists, and anyone committed to justice and equality. Whether you're traveling internationally or residing locally, you'll join a diverse group living communally and working together for co-resistance.

Mission and Vision:
Rabbis for Human Rights and Achvat Amim aim to combat violence, racism, and inequality, emphasizing the values of justice and peace central to Judaism. Participants will connect with long-standing partnerships to empower communities and drive change through collaborative and adaptive efforts.

Why Join?

  • Contribute to the growing movement for nonviolent resistance.
  • Gain firsthand insights into the occupation and its impacts.
  • Build lasting relationships with those working toward a just future.

For more details or to apply, visit Rabbis for Human Rights or Achvat Amim.



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Andrey X: A Voice for Solidarity and Justice in Palestine

Unarmed civilian protection is about courage, solidarity, and the power of nonviolence to resist oppression. Among those embodying these principles is Andrey X, a Russian Jewish journalist and activist who has become a steadfast ally in Palestine.

Fleeing potential persecution in Russia, Andrey arrived in Israel with the hope of freedom and safety. Yet, he quickly turned his attention to the injustices in the occupied Palestinian territories. With a journalist's keen eye and an activist's unwavering commitment, Andrey immersed himself in the struggles of Palestinian communities, particularly in the West Bank.

Operating in areas like the village of At-Tuwani, Andrey documents and resists the daily challenges faced by Palestinians, including settler violence, military harassment, and systemic displacement. His reports and protective presence not only shine a light on these injustices but also serve as a shield for vulnerable communities, embodying the essence of unarmed civilian protection.

Andrey's activism is a powerful reminder of the role international allies can play in supporting nonviolent resistance. By amplifying the voices of those under occupation and standing alongside them, he demonstrates how individuals, regardless of background, can contribute to the global pursuit of justice and peace.

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CJNV Volunteers Support Palestinian Farmers During Olive Harvest Amid Settler Attacks



The olive harvest  in the Palestinian village of Burin in the West Bank
In recent days, CJNV (Center for Jewish Nonviolence) has been actively supporting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest in the West Bank. During the harvest in Burin, masked settlers, armed with sticks, descended from the nearby Givat Ronen outpost and disrupted the harvest. They stole seven tarps and the olives on them, while throwing rocks at the families and international volunteers present. Despite this aggression, no one was injured. CJNV volunteers remain committed, ensuring the safety of Palestinian families and documenting these violent acts.
In another incident near Masafer Yatta, soldiers arrived while Palestinians were picking olives. Fortunately, the farmers managed to leave the area safely without any injuries, thanks to the support of international volunteers.
CJNV continues its efforts to protect Palestinian communities and document settler violence during this critical olive harvest season.
Source: CJNV updates on social media tweet on X

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Palestinian woman shot and killed by Israeli occupation forces’ bullets while picking olives in Jenin

 

JENIN, October 17, 2024 (WAFA) A 60-year-old woman was shot and killed by Israeli occupation forces in the village of Faqqu'a, northeast of Jenin, on Thursday.

The director of the Red Crescent Society in Jenin, Mahmoud al-Saadi, said that the society's crews transferred a 60-year-old woman who was killed after being shot in the chest with live ammunition to the hospital

The woman was shot by Israeli occupation forces while she was picking olives with her family in the area near the separation and expansion wall built on the lands of the village of Faqqu'a.

The olive harvest season in the West Bank this year is witnessing repeated attacks by settlers and occupation forces, such as burning and cutting down olive trees, stealing the crop, and preventing farmers from reaching their lands.

This morning, colonists opened fire on participants in an event organized by the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission to help farmers from the village of Kafr al-Labad, east of Tulkarm, pick olives from their lands.

UN experts said yesterday that farmers in the occupied West Bank are facing the most dangerous olive season ever this year.

They added that Palestinian farmers are subjected to intimidation, restricted access to land, severe harassment and attacks by armed settlers. They considered that restricting the olive harvest season, destroying orchards and blocking access to water sources are attempts by Israel to expand its illegal settlements. source

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US military veteran arrested by Israeli forces in occupied West Bank

Michael Jacobsen was accompanying a Palestinian farmer in Masafer Yatta when he was arrested and threatened with imprisonment

17th of OCT. 2024: A United States military veteran was arrested by Israeli forces while accompanying a Palestinian farmer in a village in the West Bank, according to the International Solidarity Movement (ISM).

Michael Jacobsen was in the Palestinian village of Masafer Yatta in the Hebron governorate when he and other activists as well as Palestinian land owners were approached by Israeli soldiers on Thursday morning.

The ISM said the farmer Jacobsen was accompanying was facing "daily harassment, attacks, and invasions of his private land by Israeli settlers and occupation forces".

The soldiers demanded their identification and later Israeli police were called, who arrested Jacobsen and took him into custody at an interrogation centre.

Police told the US citizen's lawyer that Jacobsen was “endangering the public due to provocation of disturbances” and accused him of entering the country illegally because they suspected him of supporting the Palestinian-led Boycott, Sanctions, and Divestment (BDS) movement.

He was threatened with "imprisonment and deportation if he did not leave the country immediately", according to the ISM, and he chose instead to leave for Jordan.

The news of Jacobsen's arrest in the occupied West Bank comes as Israeli forces have on multiple occasions targeted American and other international activists in the area who assist Palestinians in protesting against Israeli settler encroachment.

Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has soared since the beginning of Israel's war on Gaza last October.

In June, the United Nations reported that Israeli security forces and Israeli settlers have killed more than 500 Palestinians in the West Bank since the war began.

The United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, said in a report that the cases of these killings showed "consistent violations of international human rights law on the use of force by the ISF (Israeli security forces) through unnecessary and disproportionate use of lethal force and an increase in apparently planned targeted killings".

In August, Israeli forces shot American citizen Amado Sison in the leg while he was at a demonstration held in Beita, a Palestinian village near the occupied West Bank town of Nablus.

Then, nearly one month later in September, Turkish and American national Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was shot dead by Israeli forces in a demonstration in the same village of Beita.source

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In Memory of Ziad Abu Helil: A Pillar of Peaceful Resistance and Tribal Leadership



On October 7, 2024, Ziad Abu Helil, a prominent Palestinian leader and peace activist, was killed following a brutal raid by Israeli forces on his home in Dura, south of Hebron. Ziad, affectionately known as the "Icon of Resistance," was a key figure in advocating for Palestinian rights through peaceful means while also standing as a symbol of tribal integrity and conflict resolution in his community. His legacy will continue to inspire those committed to justice and peace.

Ziad's contributions to Palestinian society and beyond were manifold. As the tribal elder (Mukhtar) of Dura, he worked tirelessly to mediate and resolve conflicts within his community, playing a vital role in maintaining social cohesion. His peaceful approach extended beyond local concerns as he engaged actively in nonviolent resistance against the Israeli occupation. He was present in various peaceful protest actions, including in the village of Al-Araqib in the Naqab Desert and the Bab Al-Shams encampment near Jerusalem. His steadfastness made him a symbol of resistance, courage, and unity.

Ziad’s famous phrase, “بيهمش" (It doesn’t matter), uttered when confronted by Israeli soldiers accusing Palestinian children of throwing stones, embodied his unflinching resolve. He continually advocated for the rights of Palestinians to peacefully resist oppression, even in the face of violence and injustice.

His last public action—a demonstration to retrieve the bodies of Palestinian women held by Israeli forces—was a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice. His leadership in this protest, despite threats and arrests, successfully pressured Israeli authorities to reconsider their policies.

Nonviolence International honors the memory of Ziad Abu Helil as an exemplar of nonviolent resistance. His leadership, courage, and dedication to his people are a reminder of the power of peaceful action in the face of immense adversity.source

 

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The Flotilla ships currently being prevented from leaving port by the Turkish Port Authorities



On September 12, Freedom Flotilla has announced that the demonstration to release the Flotilla ships currently being prevented from leaving port by the Turkish Port Authorities, continues in Istanbul. and they are calling for help;


We need your help in getting international media to cover this historic protest and help put pressure on the government to release the ships, ensuring we can sail towards Gaza.


HOW TO HELP:

1. Call, email, and/or demonstrate at Turkish embassies and consulates and demand that the Freedom Flotilla ships be released and allowed to deliver aid to Gaza immediately.

2. Tag mainstream accounts in this post or when you share our photos to your stories.

3. Message the social media page of the Ministry of Transport and Foreign Affairs @tcdisisleri & @uabakanligi on IG and on X

4. Share our videos using the hashtags #WeWillSail and #LetThemSail tagging @tcdisisleri and @uabakanligi

#WeWillSail #LetThemSail #TheFreedomFlotilla #FFC #Istanbul #Turkiye #Turkey #mavimarmara



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Aysenur Ezgi Eygi Killed While Peacefully Protecting Palestinians

Nonviolence International has long supported third-party nonviolent action around the world and in Palestine/Israel through training, research, fiscal sponsorship, and advocacy.  NVI strongly encourages well-meaning visitors, delegations, and organized solidarity accompaniment and co-resistance to go to Palestine/Israel. This page highlights some of the many activities by courageous international people and groups in Palestine/Israel who seek to protect civilians and human rights.

On September 3, 2024, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi traveled to the occupied West Bank to join the unarmed civilian protection (UCP) group, the International Solidarity Movement (ISM)/Faz3a. According to her family, she felt a deep responsibility to stand with Palestinian civilians facing ongoing repression and violence, particularly from settlers. On September 6, 2024, while attending a peaceful protest in Beita, Eygi was tragically shot in the head by an Israeli soldier. Source.

 

A photo of Aysenur Eygi during her graduation.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was born on July 27, 1998, in Turkey and raised in Seattle, Washington. She graduated from Seattle Central College in 2022 with an Associate’s degree in Art and completed her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures at the University of Washington in June 2024. She was actively involved in pro-Palestinian activism and was considering pursuing graduate studies in Near Eastern archaeology.

Nonviolence International, an organization dedicated to promoting nonviolent resistance and human rights, strongly condemns the killing of Eygi. We express deep outrage at the violent suppression of peaceful protests towards both Palestinians and internationals. This tragic incident underscores the dangers faced by activists advocating for basic human and civil rights in the occupied territories. Nonviolence International reaffirms its commitment to supporting peaceful activism and standing in solidarity with those resisting oppression.

Please call on the United Nations, Turkey, and the United States of America to launch independent investigations and to take measures to protect everyone.

To support our partners involved in UCP in Palestine, please visit the following:

https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/ucpnp_partner

https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/ffc_freedom_flotilla_coalition

https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/cjnv_partner

ISM Palestine

Faz3a

 

 

Interfaith Collaboration at COP29: Lessons and Opportunities

Faith as a Catalyst for Climate Action

Last week, 250 individuals, including Mubarak, founder of Nonviolence International, united in a monumental moment by endorsing the faith-driven appeal titled Protecting Our Common Climate System: Earth Governance for a Sustainable Future. This document, shaped by principles rooted in global faith traditions, calls for transformative governance to address the climate crisis.

Mubarak’s involvement reinforces the organization's commitment to fostering global cooperation and sustainable peace through environmental justice.

 

 

Key Messages

  1. Global Climate Governance:
    • The current reliance on national-level commitments is insufficient in the face of the climate emergency.
    • A cooperative, fit-for-purpose global governance structure is needed to manage the Earth’s climate as a shared system.
    • The document proposes a UN Declaration of Planetary Emergency, complemented by a Planetary Emergency Platform and Action Plan.
  2. Faith-Based Principles for Climate Action: The appeal draws upon universal values shared by religions and philosophies:
    • Protection of Creation: Urgent action to safeguard the Earth's ecosystem and climate system.
    • Reciprocity/Equity: Advocating for intergenerational fairness and establishing Institutional Representatives of Future Generations.
    • Justice/Fairness: Ensuring equitable use of resources, recognizing the human right to a healthy environment, and promoting environmental justice mechanisms such as an International Court for the Environment.
    • Social Responsibility: Supporting the creation of a Fossil Fuel Treaty to phase out fossil fuels while addressing global inequities.
    • Guardianship/Earth Trusteeship: Proposing better governance models for global and national commons.
  3. Proposals for Action:
    • Adoption of governance frameworks inspired by principles like the Golden Rule and the Rights of Nature.
    • Support for establishing the role of a UN Special Envoy for Future Generations and repurposing the UN Trusteeship Council to govern global commons.
    • Strengthening environmental law to include ecocide as a crime under the International Criminal Court (ICC).
  4. Call to Action:
    • The appeal invites individuals, organizations, and states to endorse these principles and highlights the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring a sustainable future.

Educational Takeaway

This appeal bridges the gap between faith-based values and actionable climate policies, making it a vital document for those seeking holistic approaches to environmental governance. By integrating spiritual and ethical dimensions, it provides a unique roadmap for inclusive and equitable climate solutions.

Further Engagement

The document also directs readers to resources, campaigns, and proposals for deeper understanding and active participation in the movement for Earth governance.

 

Full Document

UN

PAX 

International Environmental Forum

 

Celebrating the Legacy of Richard K. Taylor, a Lifelong Peace Activist and Humanitarian

Honoring Richard K. Taylor: A Life Dedicated to Nonviolence and Global Justice

Author of NVI's Training Manual Against a Coup D'etat

A long time NVI supporter, Richard K. Taylor, a renowned advocate for peace and social justice, passed away on October 14 at age 91. A lifelong Quaker who later embraced Catholicism, Taylor founded numerous organizations, including the Fair Housing Council of Delaware Valley, Witness for Peace, and the Movement for a New Society. His efforts centered on confronting injustice, promoting equality, and advocating for human rights across the globe, often drawing inspiration from figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Mr Taylor liked to inspire people through music 

Throughout his life, Taylor took an active role in challenging U.S. government policies and addressing issues such as housing discrimination, racism, and human rights abuses. He traveled extensively to countries facing conflict, such as Nicaragua, El Salvador, and South Africa, aiming to serve as a "nonviolent deterrent" against oppression. Taylor’s activism spanned multiple decades and included prominent moments like the 1963 March on Washington and the 1971 protests against U.S. policy on Bangladesh, all of which underscored his dedication to global peace and justice.

Mr Taylor and his wife 

 

Taylor was an author of Nonviolence International's Nonviolence Training Manual Against a Coup D'etat. The Spanish version can be found here. Taylor was also a mentor to countless individuals and shared his vision through books, articles, and speeches. His wife, Phyllis, was his close partner in activism, and together they fostered a legacy of community support and inclusion. Taylor’s impact lives on in his family and the many communities he served. Services will be held in his honor at the Germantown Friends Meeting in Philadelphia, with donations encouraged to organizations close to his heart, such as Face-to-Face and the Against Malaria Foundation.

Read the full article from the Philadelphia Inquirer here.

 

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