SEIU 775, representing more than 50,000 long-term care workers throughout Washington State, Montana, and Alaska, calls for an end to violence in all forms perpetrated on members of our communities here and across the globe.
We also join other organizations calling for a permanent ceasefire in Palestine, an end to attacks on civilians in Israel and Palestine, the safe return of all hostages, immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine, and long-term solutions that will bring safety, peace and justice to the people of the region.
As care workers, we hold as a core belief that all people everywhere regardless of their nationality, race, ethnicity, religious beliefs or gender deserve safety, dignity, freedom from violence, and access to health care. We believe all people deserve to be cared for and to care for others. We know our fates are intertwined and that collective liberation comes from cross-racial and gender solidarity, understanding, and compassion.
Many of us migrated to the United States to escape war, state violence, or persecution for our religious beliefs, ethnicity, or gender identity in our home countries. Our sisters, brothers, and siblings, Israeli and Palestinian, continue to be impacted by the violence taking place. We condemn antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism, and Islamophobia in all forms.
As care workers, we are horrified to see spaces of caregiving and refuge – hospitals, schools, and refugee camps – being targeted – affording no one including tens of thousands of innocent children safety, medical treatment or basic life sustaining elements such as shelter, food and water.
That is why we urge our elected leaders to pursue all diplomatic means to cease the violence and find a pathway to a lasting peace in Gaza. We must pursue peace and end violence here at home and around the world.