Dear editor:

On Aug. 20, eight Mennonites from area local churches — including three people from Niagara-on-the-Lake — joined a national day of action calling for a two-way arms embargo on Israel and an end to the arms trade.

Canada continues to use taxpayers’ dollars to fund and arm the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people.

Tens of thousands have been killed, nearly 100,000 have been permanently disabled and orphaned, and millions have been displaced.

Just last week, the U.S. Congress approved the purchase of 50,000 highly explosive mortars made in Quebec as part of a weapons package for Israel.

As Mennonites, we strongly condemn the weapons industry and those who profit from arms manufacturing and sales. It’s our responsibility as members of historic peace churches to speak up about injustice and oppression whenever and wherever we encounter it.

We envision a world that places people before profit. That’s why we joined the Niagara Palestine Coalition at MP Chris Bittle’s office on Aug. 20 to call on the federal Liberal government to cease the import and export of weapons, components, and military technology to Israel.

There is no bomb that can create peace. There is no act of genocide that can lead to freedom.

We are all connected and an injury to one is an injury to all. We all deserve to live.

Kit Andres
Mennonite Action organizer
NOTL