Vision: We envisage a future where international relations are based on cooperation instead of competition and conflict, and where mutual benefit and shared security lead to a more peaceful and just global community.
Mission: NH Peace Action educates, mobilizes, and organizes, to build a more peaceful and just future for all. For more information, read our “Peace Pillars” here
October 10, 1-5pm: Take action and tell Sig Sauer ENOUGH!
SIG Sauer, headquartered in Newington, New Hampshire, has a history of government contracts for supplying weapons 
to foreign countries. More recently, they have partnered with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on the Fire Storm 250, an armed quadcopter that pairs an Israeli-developed aircraft platform with SIG Sauer’s remotely operated M250 machine gun.
March or bike with us on October 10th. Sign the petition, share our flyer, contact state and federal officials, write a letter to the editor, and join local organizing efforts.
March will be approximately 3 miles from Market Square Portsmouth to Pease Boulevard in Newington. (Transportation will be provided to and from for those in need).
Bike ride will be approximately 25 miles starting at Community Church of Durham, through the UNH campus, then onto Dover, NH, Eliot and Kittery, Maine and ending in Portsmouth, NH for the standout and sign holding.
More details HERE
Our Block the Bombs call-in campaign urges NH reps, Chris Pappas and Maggie Goodlander, to cosponsor H.R.3565, legislation that would restrict U.S. weapons transfers to Israel. Contact their offices and ask them to take a stand against the continued flow of weapons contributing to Palestinian suffering.
Good News in the Peace Movement – October 9, 2026
Right to Play, Creating Spaces for Children Affected by War
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For children displaced and affected by the gruesome nature of war, play can offer moments of joy, connection, and stability amid this uncertainty. Organizations around the world, such as Right to Play, are creating safe spaces where children can play, express themselves, and begin to heal from trauma. Protecting childhood is part of peacebuilding: children need and deserve more than mere survival. The children affected by war deserve the chance to grow up in a world where they can feel safe and supported. Read more about the organizations taking action HERE.
Country Star Zach Bryan Shows Solidarity with Palestine at Gillette Stadium
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Country singer Zach Bryan wore a “Free Palestine” shirt during his recent performance at Gillette Stadium. While Bryan doesn’t often speak publicly about politics, his actions are very intentional and can speak for themselves. With members of his band also part of the Trans community, his gesture reflects the importance of standing in solidarity with marginalized communities. The moment carries added significance amid controversy over efforts by stadium owner Robert Kraft to silence pro-Palestinian activists. As a major country artist with a wide-ranging audience, Bryan’s gesture also brings visibility to Palestinian rights in spaces where the issue may receive less attention. Speaking out against injustice helps keep human rights in the public conversation, even when there is apparent censorship. Read more HERE.
Iran’s Teachers Organize Amid Economic Hardship
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Iran’s worsening economic crisis has left many teachers struggling to make ends meet as rising prices and inflation erode their wages. These financial pressures affect not only educators and their families, but also the public education system, making it harder for schools to retain teachers and provide students with the support they need. Despite this and the risks of speaking out, teachers in Iran continue organizing for fair wages, better working conditions, and accessible public education. Teachers and teachers’ union activists played a prominent role in the January 2026 uprising, when people across the country called for freedom. Their movement highlights how economic justice and education are deeply connected. When teachers can support themselves and schools have the resources they need, entire communities benefit. Read more HERE.
Good News in the Peace Movement – October 2, 2026
Over 200 Israeli Filmmakers Back “NAZA”
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Over 200 Israeli filmmakers have backed Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the creators of “NAZA“, a documentary that was released this year examining Israel’s genocide in Gaza. The creators of the film have received significant
backlash and threats from the Israeli government and military over the film’s nature and its criticism of violence. The public support from other Israeli filmmakers/artists is a reminder that speaking out against violence (and standing with people willing to challenge it) is an act of courage, especially when doing so comes with political pressure and personal risk. Read more HERE
Mahmoud Khalil Tells His Story Through No Land to Stand On
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Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia student who was unjustly deported in 2025, has released No Land to Stand On, a memoir reflecting on his time in ICE detention and his experience as a Palestinian student organizer. By putting his experience into writing, Khalil turns a period of repression into an act of expression, documentation, and resistance. His story is a reminder that creating, writing, and speaking openly can be a powerful way to challenge systems that try to silence activists. Read more HERE
Good News in the Peace Movement – September 25, 2026
Waltham MA says NO to Flock Cameras and Surveillance
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Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy ordered the city’s Flock surveillance cameras covered with trash bags, citing concerns about how the company handles data. It’s an encouraging reminder that communities can push back when surveillance threatens privacy and civil liberties, and we can take these matters into our own hands. Read more HERE.
Protests in NYC as Netanyahu Addresses UN
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Thousands gathered in New York City to protest Benjamin Netanyahu’s appearance at the UN Headquarters. Roughly 100 protesters were arrested as people from across the anti-war movement came together to demand an end to the violence against Palestinians and an end to U.S. involvement and support for Israel. During Netanyahu’s speech, numerous UN delegations walked out in protest – a visible show of opposition to the genocide in Gaza and ongoing violence Israel is perpetrating. Read more HERE.
Federal Judge Grants Press Freedom Despite Trump’s Ban
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A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House access, pushing back against restrictions on journalists and defending the importance of a free press. Protecting a free press is essential to challenging abuses of power and keeping people informed, and shows that Trump does not hold the authority to dictate these liberties.
Good News in the Peace Movement – September 18, 2026
Good news easily gets overshadowed by the headlines, but there was lots to celebrate this week in our movement.
Artist Macklemore is turning his $1 million tour salary into aid for Palestinians. All of Ed Sheeran’s opening acts have dropped from his tour.
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After being removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour following his public support for Palestinians, Macklemore announced that he would donate his entire $1 million in net tour earnings to organizations providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The donation is being divided among the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, HEAL Palestine, Gaza Soup Kitchen, Medical Aid for Palestinians, American Near East Refugee Aid, and UNRWA USA. After Macklemore was removed, the tour’s other four supporting acts, along with some members of Ed Sheeran’s backing band, also withdrew in solidarity. The controversy demonstrates how Zionist entities attempt to silence action surrounding Palestine, but in this case, the backlash has amplified and strengthened the movement instead.
In Maine, residents in York successfully put a proposed ban on Flock cameras on the November ballot.
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In response, the York police chief announced that the department would remove the town’s cameras ahead of the vote. York joins other Maine communities facing growing debate over automated license-plate readers and their implications for privacy and surveillance. South Portland removed its Flock cameras in June, and York voters will decide in November whether to permanently prohibit the technology. This success is testament to the power of local action and community organizing. Read more HERE.
Football player Azeez Al-Shaair keeps using his platform to speak up for Palestine
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Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was fined $11,492 by the NFL for displaying an unauthorized message on his eye black referencing Hind Rajab, the Palestinian child who was shot 355 times by the Israeli military. The NFL prohibits players from displaying personal messages related to political or charitable causes without prior approval. Al-Shaair has faced similar discipline before: he was fined $11,593 last season after writing “stop the genocide” on his eye black. Despite rules and penalties, Al-Shaair continues to use his public platform to bring attention back to Palestine. Read more HERE.
Good News in the Peace Movement, September 11, 2026:
Nearly 70% of Voters Back Bill to Pause Advanced AI Development
A new poll finds 68% of U.S. voters support the Sanders-Casar bill to pause advanced AI development until comprehensive safety rules are established. Support crosses party lines, with 72% of Democrats, 70% of independents/third-party voters, and 63% of Republicans backing it. The broad bipartisan support shows growing public demand to step out of the AI arms race and put human safety first. Read more HERE.
Florida Bans Flock Surveillance Cameras on State Highways
Florida is banning Flock license-plate reader cameras on state highways, ordering existing cameras be removed and preventing new installations. The move pushes back against the growing use of advanced technology to track people’s movements and actions, with the state citing a goal “to preserve Floridians’ sovereignty and quality of life.” This is a meaningful win for privacy and resistance to mass surveillance, and shows what’s possible for other states in the nation. Read more HERE.
Good News in the Peace Movement – September 4, 2026
Karishma is UP!
Even NH Journal’s Monday Memo is taking notice with Boston Globe reporter James Pindell claiming there is a “real 
possibility” that Karishma Manzur will defeat Chris Pappas in the Democratic Senate primary. UNH Survey Center Director Andrew Smith calls the race “up in the air.” The latest UNH polling shows Pappas’s lead shrinking to just 47%-34%, with Manzur steadily gaining since January. Another reminder to VOTE THIS TUESDAY!
The City of Manchester declined to sign a 287g agreement with ICE! With Manchester being a hub for our immigrant communities here in NH, Manchester’s decision not to collaborate with ICE is an important stand.
A major victory for Stanford students and free speech! The California District Court ruled that the Trump administration cannot use immigration laws to revoke visas, arrest, detain, or deport students because of protected political speech, including protesting the genocide in Gaza. The Court warned against “arresting, detaining, and deporting students simply because they express views the government dislikes.” Read a full explanation of the ruling HERE.
The US is seeing a record fall in violent crime! The murder rate fell 11.6% in 2023, 14.9% in 2024, and another 18.1% in 2025, one of the most significant sustained declines in recent history. This is the largest year-to-year decline in violent crime since FBI records began in 1936. Read more HERE.
Good News in the Peace Movement – August 28, 2026
While we mourn the death of Dolly Parton, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the immense good the music icon did 
with her fame, fortune, and life. One of the most notable ways Parton chose to give back to her community was through her Imagination Library program, which mails free books to children across the world. The program which gives books every month to 1 in 6 children under the age of 5 in the United States has announced that it will continue despite Parton’s passing. The program has continued to grow each and every year, successfully mailing 40 million free books in 2025.
According to Deflock, an organization opposing the growing surveillance network of Flock cameras across America, over 149 cities have now banned Flock cameras, and other automated surveillance systems like them, from their streets.
Canadian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions protestors scored a big win in their campaign against Israeli arms manufacturers, Elbit Systems, after pressuring Canadian companies to cut all ties with the arms dealer complicit in the Gazan genocide.
Good News in the Peace Movement – August 21, 2026
Lebanon has become the only Middle East nation to abolish the death penalty. The nation first committed to abolishing 
the death penalty in June at the 9th World Congress Against the Death Penalty and has now successfully signed that commitment into law. While previously both Turkey and Israel had abolished the death penalty, under recent far right governments both nations have restored the practice. Despite this, our movement continues to fight for human life and Lebanon shows there is always a better way forward.
In Florida, progressive candidate for Congress, State Representative Angie Nixon, won her primary in a stunning upset. Nixon’s victory represents the power of a grassroots campaign to persevere against the odds, as her opponent in the race had raised over sixteen times as much money which could be spent on advertising. Despite this disparity, Nixon shows us in New Hampshire that our progressive movement can defeat the financial establishment.
Deforestation rates in the Amazon rainforest have reached the lowest point in 13 years, with a 55% decrease from the average rate of deforestation across the last decade. This comes as part of a pledge by the current Brazilian government to completely end deforestation by 2030.
Good News in the Peace Movement – August 14, 2026
Primary elections on Tuesday saw progressive peace candidates upset AIPAC backed candidates to become the Democratic candidates for Congress. Among the victors are Peggy Flanagan, a Senate candidate from Minnesota, and Luke Bronin, a House of Representatives candidate from Connecticut.
After months of terrorizing, kidnappings, and murders across the country by unidentifiable ICE Agents, the agency has finally mandated a uniform dress code for field operations. While this does not bring justice for the countless crimes committed by the organization nor change the inherently violent and thuggish nature of the Trump administration’s immigration policy, we still celebrate the reform for pushing back against ICE’s slide into secret police status and for the greater safety which will be brought to communities with the ability to easily identify ICE agents.
In DC, yet another attempt by Trump to seize voter roll data has been shut down by a local judge, citing the 1960 Civil Right Act to state that the federal government has no right to access unredacted voter registration lists. This comes as the 21st case in which Trump’s attempts to surveille and influence our elections via the voter rolls has been shut down and a reminder that our legal system can still work for justice so long as we continue to fight for it.
Good News in the Peace Movement – August 7, 2026
Three years ago, the neo-nazi group, the Nationalist Social Club, gathered outside of the Concord coffee shop, Teatotaller Cafe to intimidate employees and attendees of a drag queen story hour by hanging on windows, shouting discriminatory slurs, and making racist gestures. In the years since, NH prosecutors have pursued the group under state civil rights protection laws. This week, leaders of the now dissolved group confessed to their crimes and are being issued fines and extensive community service hours to make up for the harm they have done. While this case is certainly not the end of far-right groups within NH, it shows that our state does not accept thuggish intimidation, violence, or discrimination and that when our community comes together to oppose these groups, we can stop them.
President Trump has recently attempted to squash free speech that criticizes him by using the phrase “86 47”, referencing the restaurant industry term to “86” something, or remove it from the menu. Federal judges have ruled that use of this phrase is not a violent threat as the President claims and that groups are free to continue using the phrase.
ICE has dropped plans for the construction of two new detention facilities in rural Pennsylvania. This comes after weeks of community organization against the facilities and official reports from the Pennsylvania state government detailing the extensive environmental damage such facilities would cause.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has unveiled a new exhibit about the Nakba, the genocidal forced mass migration during the creation of the Israeli state, when over 750,000 Palestinians were forced to leave their homes by Zionist paramilitary groups. The museum refused to give in to extensive Israeli lobbying efforts to suppress the history of the Nakba and the consistent degradation of Palestinian human rights that the Israeli state has pursued.
NH Peace Action interns Rémi Jacques and Hazel Armstrong-McEvoy table at the Democracy Festival in Peterborough on August 1 that was sponsored by Open Democracy!
Good News in the Peace Movement – July 31, 2026
Back from the Brink, an organization dedicated to the abolition of nuclear weapons, released the final episode of its podcast series dedicated to 
showing the necessity and possibility of abolishing nuclear weapons. Over the last 7 weeks of the podcast, the host and journalist Ryann Blackshere interviewed policymakers, seasoned activists, and academic experts to discuss the dangers of nuclear weapons and the promise of a world beyond it.
An article about NH activists sending aid to the people of Cuba circulated by the non-profit public interest group, Public News Service, reached an audience of over a million. The combination of a trade embargo enforced by the U.S. since 1962 and the Trump administration’s recent oil embargo has sparked a humanitarian crisis across Cuba. Across America, activists have organized to raise awareness and send aid to the Cuban people, including donations of over $100 million dollars of food and hygiene kits by Catholic Churches across the United States.
Good News in the Peace Movement – July 24, 2026
In response to widespread mobilization against ICE in the aftermath of the murder of several people over the past few weeks, Citizens Bank has announced that it is officially cutting ties with several companies running massive prison centers. The mobilization campaign successfully used the threat of divestment from Citizens Bank by communities across the country, including NH, to pressure the bank into action.
In a court case in late June, the Supreme Court held that police were required to get a warrant before demanding targeted data from data surveillance companies. While a small victory, this may set the stage for a larger pushback against the growing surveillance state created by companies like Flock and Palantir and it restricts the capacity of the government to weaponize their surveillance against everyday people.
Yesterday afternoon, the House of Representatives passed another Iran War Powers Resolution to legislatively demand an end to Trump’s War on Iran. *
Meanwhile, Representative Meeks introduced a bipartisan Resolution to require the Speaker of the House to begin litigation to support the legal enforcement of H. Con. Res. 86, the Iran War Powers Resolution that passed both chambers of Congress in June.
Good News in the Peace Movement – July 17, 2026
In the UK, student organizers with People & Planet have succeeded in pressuring 75% of the country’s universities to divest from businesses involved in border control, including those running detention centers and surveillance technology. Their success should inspire us to remember that the Boycott Divest Sanction (BDS) movement is an important way to move forward and provide meaningful pressure against those in power.
In Florida, a judge found the state’s laws which would ban the teaching of critical race theory and LGBTQ+ studies to be unconstitutional. This ruling upheld our First Amendment rights by stating that schools must be allowed to discuss politically unfavored ideas, trusting that it is up to individuals as teachers and students to explore what is the truth, rather than allowing the government to mandate reality to us.
In Baltimore, Maryland, comprehensive anti-gun-violence programming, the Group Violence Reduction Strategy, which includes coordinated community outreach, victim support services, and behavioral change counseling has successfully cut homicide rates in the city from over 300 per year before 2022 to less than 50 so far in 2026.
Good News in the Peace Movement – July 10, 2026
This week in DC, a coalition of 200 protestors from a diverse group of religious faiths, Interfaith Action for Palestine, organized counter protests against the Christians United for Israel summit to denounce the genocide in Gaza. Their 3 days of counter protests saw several interfaith religious services and visited over 90% of Congressional offices to advocate against further support for Israel.
A man who protested the National Guard’s continued occupation of DC by playing Darth Vader’s “Imperial March” song from Star Wars while following their movements, was granted a $50,000 settlement after police arrested him for playing the song. The ACLU of DC represented the protestor, Sam O’Hara, and reaffirmed the rights to free speech and protest which are key to our movement.
In San Jose, arbitration found that a professor who had been fired for pro-palestian protests was unjustly fired and had to be reinstated.
Rémi Jacques, NH Peace Action Intern
Good News in the Peace Movement – July 3, 2026
The US Peace Memorial Foundation has nominated Peace Action for the US Peace Prize, an annual award for the most prominent American anti-war leaders.
In a win for clean energy, the Trump Administration has given up its attempt to strip funding from clean energy projects, finally giving in to the multiple judge orders declaring the attempts as “arbitrary and capricious.”
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s attempts to remove birthright citizenship and upheld Mississippi state laws allowing mail in ballots to be counted so long as they were postmarked by election day.
Good News in the Peace Movement – June 26. 2026
While mass incarceration continues to be a major justice issue in the United States, one major improvement over the past couple decades has been in the realm of juvenile detention. While in 2000, there were well over 100,000 children in prisons across the United States, by 2025 that number had dropped 75% and continues to trend downwards. This transition to a justice system that finds rehabilitation and restoration through means other than violent confinement is an inspiring one and one we hope will one day occur in the general incarceration system as a whole.
Last year, youth-led nonviolent protests in Nepal overthrew the authoritarian government and brought about new fair and free elections. This past week, a lawsuit in the Nepalese supreme court successfully legalized gay marriage for the entire nation, making Nepal the fourth nation in the 21st century to have gay marriage rights secured via court decision.
Good News in the Peace Movement – June 12, 2026
On Tuesday, Britain, France, Canada, and Norway announced coordinated sanctions against Israeli networks who facilitate violence in the colonially occupied Palestinian West Bank. These sanctions join an expanding organized opposition to Israeli occupation which began last week with Australia and New Zealand’s own sanctions.
In Canada, protestors disrupted Canada’s largest weapons show, CANSEC, by blocking roads and facing down police peacefully. Organized by Shut Down CANSEC, this movement has successfully forced law enforcement to drop attempted criminal charges against previous year’s protestors and defiantly stands up against the economic industry behind so much violence.
Finally, across the US labor organizers won many victories this past week, including saving Oregon community colleges from budget cuts, increasing wages by 50% for 27,000 hospitality workers across NYC, and securing the right to being paid during boarding time for United Airlines flight attendants.
Good News In the Peace Movement – June 5, 2026
In Albania, widespread protests spearheaded by environmental advocates have challenged Jared Kushner’s billion dollar project to turn protected coastal wildlife areas into private resorts, leading to a new government investigation of the project.
In Papua New Guinea, 77,000 square miles of ocean consisting of biodiverse coral reefs and migration highways for countless marine species will be added to the now 200,000 square miles of waters protected from fishing which has devastated so many aquatic ecosystems worldwide.
Finally, the Trump Administration has followed the order of a judge to drop plans for the outrageous $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund” which would have been used to funnel money to those who violently tried to overthrow the 2020 election during the January 6th insurrection.
We are also happy to welcome a new member of the NH Peace Action team, our summer intern, Rémi Jacques!
My name is Rémi Jacques and I’m a rising junior at Georgetown University studying Government and History. I’m here because I have always been driven to pursue justice across intersectional causes, especially in our local New Hampshire community, and this summer I hope to do exactly that while gaining experience in the grassroots community advocacy this organization practices. I am always trying to foster peace in the world by addressing conflicts and disagreements with dialogue and hope in my work this summer that I can bring this energy to the world around us. While things in the world can often seem dire, I’m excited to get to work alongside you all in making the world a more peaceful, just, place for everyone.
Good News in the Peace Movement – May 29, 2026
SoFi Stadium Employees Prepared to Strike Against ICE
Workers at SoFi Stadium in LA are preparing to strike if ICE raids impact workers connected to World Cup events, demonstrating the power of people standing together to protect their communities from fear, violence, and family separation. Their organizing reflects a growing movement of workers and community members refusing to stay silent in the face of harm.Read more HERE
Two Progressive Wins in Pennsylvania
Chris Rabb (PA-03) won a major victory in Philadelphia on a platform centered on corporate accountability and human dignity. Summer Lee (PA-12) defended her seat in Pittsburgh while continuing to advocate for peace and economic justice. Both champions ran on platforms centered on corporate accountability, human dignity, and ending unconditional military aid to Israel. These victories are reminders that people do care where their elected officials stand, especially on issues of war and human rights.
See the full election results HERE
Good News in the Peace Movement – May 22, 2026
There was actually so much good news in the peace movement this week, it was hard to choose!
Mayors Organizing Against Authoritarianism
- Liberal U.S. mayors are teaming up with European counterparts to push back against rising authoritarianism and defend democratic values at the local level. Since authoritarianism centralizes power and control, building democracy from the ground up through local communities may be one of the most powerful responses. This connects deeply with long-standing international municipal peace efforts like Mayors for Peace, of which Concord and Portsmouth are member cities.
- Read more HERE and visit HERE to see all the Mayors for Peace.
HB 1793 Failed
- A major win for organizers in New Hampshire: HB 1793 failed to advance this week. The legislation would have prevented New Hampshire colleges and universities from regulating the possession or carrying of firearms and other weapons on campus grounds. In a country continuing to face the devastating reality of mass shootings, many advocates argued this bill would have weakened important campus safety protections. Students, educators, and community members tirelessly organized in opposition as part of the broader fight for stronger gun safety measures in our country.
- Learn more HERE
BDS Momentum Grows Across Europe
- Across Europe, the BDS movement continues gaining momentum, with organizers winning significant victories pressuring institutions, universities, cultural organizations, and corporations to cut ties with Israel. Fiona Ben Chekroun, European co-coordinator of the BDS National Committee, recently highlighted how solidarity for Palestinian rights is expanding across the region as more communities recognize the power of coordinated nonviolent action.
- Read more HERE
Investment in Community Leads to Less Violence
- Violent crime continues declining sharply across major U.S. cities, down 17.7% in 67 major areas. Peace advocates have long argued that investments in violence prevention and strong communities work far better than fear-driven militarization and punishment. In a world that often feels dominated by war and division, this reminds us that people continue building alternatives rooted in solidarity, justice, and peace.
- Read more HERE
Good News in the Peace Movement – May 8, 2026
U.S. Service Members Are Questioning Militarism
Recent reporting from NPR and military counseling organizations points to a growing crisis of conscience among U.S. service members following escalating violence in the Middle East. The GI Rights Hotline, which helps military members explore options for conscientious objection and discharge, reported a sharp increase in calls this year. Counselors say many service members specifically referenced the bombing of civilian sites and the deaths of children in Gaza and Iran as reasons they no longer want to participate in military operations. Some are choosing early retirement, refusing reenlistment, or seeking discharge, reflecting growing moral opposition to endless war.
To learn more, please click HERE.
Grassroots Organizing Wins in Brooklyn
In Brooklyn, a months-long grassroots campaign successfully pressured military drone manufacturer Easy Aerial to leave the borough after sustained protests, coalition organizing, and community pressure. The effort was organized by Demilitarize Brooklyn Navy Yard (DBNY), and brought together local residents, Palestinian organizers, faith groups, and anti-war activists to rally against the company’s ties to Israeli military surveillance and warfare. The victory demonstrated how organized local movements can directly challenge the expansion of the war industry and hold corporations accountable through persistent public action.
To learn more, please click HERE.
Good News in the Peace Movement – May 2, 2026:
Both NH Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan voted to advance a War Powers Resolution (WPR), and while the resolution did not pass, their votes reflect a clear commitment to accountability and constitutional oversight. Moments like this matter. Even when outcomes fall short, elected officials taking the right position helps build momentum, and signals that public pressure is being heard.
In Ireland, recent farmer-led protests showed how quickly collective action can make an impact. What began as decentralized, local organizing like blocking roads and fuel depots grew into a national movement that secured short-term economic relief and even shifted political dynamics. Just as importantly, farmers built solidarity with truckers and other workers, demonstrating how shared struggles can bring people together across sectors. Read more HERE.
Here in the US, there has also been an important win for accountability and transparency for free speech. A federal judge recently struck down a policy that would have restricted journalists’ access to the Pentagon, ruling that it completely violated First Amendment protections. The decision reinforces a simple but essential principle: a functioning democracy depends on a free press that can question power without interference. Read more HERE.
Good News in the Peace Movement – April 24, 2026
Youth Activists in Japan Stand Up to Militarization
In Japan, a growing youth-led movement is mobilizing to defend the country’s pacifist constitution, which renounces war and the threat or use of force. Students and young organizers are leading protests against military expansion, calling for a future rooted in diplomacy and nonviolence. This past weekend, they saw 36,000 people gather in Japan’s National Diet (parliament) to demand an end to the war in Iran. This surge of youth activism is a powerful reminder that the movement for peace is growing, and being carried forward by a new generation. Read the full article HERE
Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
April 24th is Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, honoring the 1.5 million Armenians who were systematically killed in the early 20th century under the Ottoman Empire. It stands as one of the first modern genocides – a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked violence, nationalism, and dehumanization. Remembering past atrocities strengthens our responsibility to prevent future ones. It urges us to challenge systems of violence and fight for our shared humanity.
Good News in the Peace Movement – April 17, 2026:
Seeing Results of NH’s Organizing & Lobbying for Peace:
Recent Senate votes on Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to block U.S. weapons transfers to Israel show clear movement. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ S.J. Res. 38 (blocking Caterpillar bulldozers) received 40 votes – 13 more than a similar effort last year. A separate resolution to block 12,000 bombs also saw increased support. Notably for us in NH, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen again voted yes on the JRDs and for the first time Sen. Maggie Hassan joined her! While the measures did not pass, this shift reflects the impact of sustained grassroots organizing in NH and across the country.Meanwhile, the Senate voted down another Iran War Powers Resolution, 52-47, and the House WPR failed by just one vote. All NH representatives voted for these bills.
We suggest calls to all their offices thanking them for these actions.
Creative resistance in Sudan:
Even in the midst of ongoing war, Sudanese communities are building spaces for healing and imagining a future beyond violence. Through “resistance theater,” artists and organizers are using performance to help people process trauma, reconnect with one another, and envision what a peaceful society could look like. These efforts are deeply political acts of hope, fostering resilience and actively building a community in the face of conflict.. To read more, click HERE
Victory for Hungary:
The recent electoral defeat of Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power signals a significant shift away from an increasingly authoritarian system. Voters turned out in large numbers to support a new direction, opening the door to restoring democratic institutions and rebuilding accountability. For peace movements, this is a reminder that even deeply entrenched systems can change through sustained civic engagement.. To read more, click HERE
The Fall of Phnom Penh 51 Years Ago:
April 17 marks the anniversary of the fall of Phnom Penh, the beginning of the Cambodian genocide under the Khmer Rouge. This day reminds us of the dangers of unchecked power, propaganda, and the erosion of human rights. As April is genocide awareness month, this date serves also serves as a reminder to call out the early warning signs of violence and extremism.
Commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day:
April 14 commemorated Holocaust Remembrance Day, honoring the millions of lives lost and reminding us of the devastating consequences of hatred, dehumanization, and silence. It is a call to remain vigilant against hatred, in addition to challenging systems of oppression, and ensuring that “never again” is not just a phrase, but a commitment to action.
Good News in the Peace Movement – April 10, 2026:
24 Hour Worker Strike at ProPublica:
Workers at ProPublica recently held a 24-hour strike in pursuit of their first collective bargaining agreement, reflecting broader efforts to build more just and accountable institutions. Workers are demanding higher salaries, stronger protections against layoffs, and a joint agreement over the use of artificial intelligence. Efforts such as worker strikes reinforce the broader connection between justice, transparency, and peace.
Read more HERE.
Momentum Builds to Reduce Nuclear Threats:
More than 250 elected officials nationwide, including 20 from New Hampshire, have signed onto an open letter organized by Back From The Brink calling for concrete steps to reduce nuclear risks and build a safer future. Nuclear weapons are not an abstract issue, they are directly tied to how our communities’ resources are spent and what our government prioritizes. We appreciate the leadership of those who have taken this step and urge continued action to address this urgent threat to humanity.
Read the full letter HERE.
Good News in the Peace Movement – April 3, 2026:
Genocide Awareness Month
April marks the beginning of Genocide Awareness Month, a time to reflect on past and ongoing atrocities while advocating for prevention, education, and global solidarity. Building a lasting peace requires confronting injustice and honoring all of those affected by genocide. Stay tuned for an NHPA Press Release regarding Genocide Awareness Month coming soon.
No Kings Rallies draw roughly 8 Million People Nationwide
This past weekend, the No Kings rallies across the U.S. brought out an estimated 8 million people, signaling a powerful and growing movement. From small towns to major cities, Americans showed up to reject authoritarianism and endless war, and to call for democracy and peace. The growing number of people protesting shows a rising collective demand for change.
Women, Music, and Peace in Congo
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, women are using music and cultural organizing as tools for healing and resistance. At a recent festival, survivors of sexual violence came together to share their stories through song, dance, and performance. By transforming personal trauma into collective strength, these gatherings don’t just provide a space for expression and solidarity, but also challenge stigma and raise awareness about the widespread impact of conflict-related violence. READ MORE HERE!
Solidarity with Cuba
The Nuestra América Convoy included 600 activists from 58 countries where they successfully delivered essential aid to Cuba, including food, medicine, hygiene products, and solar energy equipment. Backed by 140 organizations, this effort stands as a powerful example of mutual aid and collective action in the face of the U.S.’s blockade. READ MORE HERE!
More Flotillas Planned for Gaza
International solidarity efforts continue to grow. New flotillas to Gaza are being organized by international coalitions such as the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, reflecting ongoing global pressure for humanitarian access and an end to violence. These efforts build on previous missions that have sought to challenge blockades and deliver aid directly as governments continue to ignore the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. FOLLOW THEIR FACEBOOK FOR UPDATES!
Good News in the Peace Movement – March 27, 2026:
Even in moments when free speech is under pressure, folks continue to speak out while winning meaningful ground.
Yurii Sheliazhenko Released from Detention, Continues to Fight for Peace
In Kyiv, Ukraine, peace activist Yurii Sheliazhenko has been released after being detained for over 44 hours without access to legal counsel or communication. A lifelong diligent objector and leader in the nonviolence movement, Sheliazhenko has long advocated for peaceful alternatives to war. Despite facing violence and mistreatment while in custody, he has made clear that this experience has only strengthened his commitment to peace. While his release is a relief, concerns remain as he continues to face the threat of forced conscription. His resilience is a powerful reminder that even when voices are targeted, they are not silenced.
Watch his statement HERE and take action HERE
Wisconsin Governor Blocks Bill Threatening the Right to Dissent
Here in the U.S., there have also been important protections for the right to dissent. Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin vetoed AB 672, a bill that would have significantly restricted political expression and opened the door to criminalizing protest and advocacy. The decision preserves critical First Amendment protections and prevents the expansion of policies that often fall hardest on marginalized communities. It’s a clear example of how public pressure and advocacy can successfully defend democratic freedoms.
Read Evers official Veto Statement HERE
Students Push Back Against Columbia University’s Suppression of Free Speech
At the same time, a federal court has allowed a major First Amendment case involving Columbia University to move forward, signaling that efforts to suppress student advocacy – particularly around Palestinian rights and recognizing Israels genocide – will face legal scrutiny. The lawsuit is organized by Mahmoud Khalil and other Columbia University students against both Columbia University and the Trump administration for violating the First Amendment rights of Columbia students. The case raises serious questions about the role institutions may play in limiting free expression, and it opens the door for greater accountability and transparency regarding attacks of free speech.Read and learn more HERE
While the space for dissent is being challenged in many places, it is far from disappearing. People are continuing to defend the right to speak out, organize, and advocate for peace. Thank you for being a part of this movement.
Good News in the Peace Movement – March 20, 2026
Even in difficult times, there are victories that remind us why we keep organizing.
Nick Tilsen Is Free!
Nick Tilsen is an Indigenous leader, co‑founder and CEO of NDN Collective, a nonprofit advancing Indigenous rights, self‑determination, and community well‑being across Turtle Island. After speaking out against systemic injustice and participating in direct action, Nick faced serious charges that many saw as an attempt to criminalize his leadership. Following months of public pressure, community organizing, and a mistrial where a jury could not reach a verdict, all charges have now been dropped. His release is a powerful reminder that collective action can defend those targeted for standing up for justice and peace.
Watch his full message on his release HERE!
Leqaa Kordia Is Free!
After more than a year in ICE detention, activist Leqaa Kordia has been released and reunited with her family. Leqaa became a symbol of the struggle against unjust detention policies, and her freedom was won through sustained advocacy from immigrant rights groups, community organizers, and people across the country who refused to let her case be ignored. Every letter, call, protest, and petition helped make this victory possible.
Read more about her release HERE!
These wins remind us that defending and protecting U.S. political prisoners and those targeted for their activism is central to building a culture of justice and peace. While many still remain detained, each release shows that collective action can, and does, make change possible.
Good News in the Peace Movement – March 13, 2026
The Indigenous activists in the Brazilian Amazon have succeeded in halting plans to privatize the Tapajós River for Cargill, the largest privately owned company in the United States. Their nonviolent campaign included occupying a grain terminal operated by Cargill and has convinced the government of Brazil to reverse its plan to hand over one of the world’s most beautiful waterways for a corporate plan to turn it into a soy canal.
The Guardian reported that the activists called this “A victory for life” saying that “The river won, the forest won, the memory of our ancestors won.”
This action pitted about 1,000 mostly Indigenous (Munduruku, Arapiun and Apiaká) people against a massive corporation and global trade dominator that brings in more than $160bn a year. It is another example of the power of principled, disciplined nonviolent action to overcome great odds and potential violence. We hope it is inspirational and instructive to all who learn about it.
Read the full article here.
Good News in the Peace Movement – March 3, 2026
It’s unusual, but we have good news from the electoral sphere today…
Here in NH we are proud to endorse Karishma for senate. Karishma Manzur is running as a true peace candidate. She has pledged to reject money from foreign interest lobbies, including AIPAC, and to stand up to weapons contractors and corporate influence. Her campaign centers on ending blank-check funding for war, restoring meaningful Congressional oversight of military action, and ensuring that our tax dollars are invested in our communities here in New Hampshire. To learn more about Karishma’s campaign, please click HERE.
Nationally, we were amazed to watch Rev. Dr. Frederick Haynes III win the Democratic primary with 72% of the vote to fill the House seat in Texas that will be vacated by Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Reverend Haynes’ willingness to call out Israel’s human rights abuses against Palestinians when few other Democrats would, seems to have energized voters to help him win so decisively.
This past week, we welcomed good news from the electoral sphere.
Here in New Hampshire, we’re proud to endorse Karishma Manzur for U.S. Senate. Karishma is running as a true peace candidate, pledging to reject money from foreign interest lobbies (including AIPAC) and to stand up to weapons contractors and corporate influence. Her campaign calls for ending blank-check funding for war and investing our tax dollars in our communities here in New Hampshire. She is running against Chris Pappas, who has received significant funding from AIPAC-aligned groups. This is the first time that NHPA has endorsed an electoral candidate, and it comes at a vital time.
- To learn more about Karishma’s campaign, please copy and paste this link: https://www.karishmaforsenate.com/
Nationally, Frederick Haynes III won the Democratic primary with 72% of the vote to fill the House seat being vacated by Jasmine Crockett in Texas – showing that voters will rally behind candidates’ who will call out Israel’s human rights abuses against Palestinians when few other Democrats are. Even in red states like Texas, peace and justice remain central issues for many voters.
- Copy and paste this link to read the full article: https://www.commondreams.org/news/haynes-wins-crockett-seat
To subscribe to NHPA’s Friday newsletter for more “Good News in the Peace Movement”, news on foreign policy, and opportunities for peace-centered action, please copy and paste this link into your web browser: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/signup-to-receive-emails?clear_id=true
NH Peace Action Statement on US Attacks on Iran – February 28, 2026
Many of us have worked for decades to avoid this day. We have stood out in the cold and in the heat with our message: No War on Iran. We did it because we want no part of killing people and because we do not want our own resources taken from our communities for this purpose. We did it because of the consequences that we will suffer as well: climate, environmental, economic and our own safety in a world that grows more hostile towards the US and increasingly likely to see the use of nuclear weapons. Our work has succeeded many times, but not today.
The U.S. and Israel have started a war on Iran. This is an illegal, unconstitutional attack by two nuclear armed states against a non-nuclear state, during diplomatic negotiations that were showing progress, according to the Foreign Minister of Oman. In just the first few hours, dozens of children were killed when a girl’s school in Minab was bombed. We are told US service members will die. Iranian civilians will die. Trump thinks this will empower the people of Iran to overthrow their own government – for us? The history of U.S. intervention in Iran is bloody and tragic and it is hard to believe Iranians would choose to work for us as we drop bombs on their heads yet again.
Our NH representatives have let us down. While they made some moves towards intervening in this administration’s plan to start this dangerous war, many have also been happy to lean into inflammatory rhetoric, to let slide the July attacks by the Trump Administration, and most have empowered Israel as they have been pushing for this conflict for as many years as we’ve been working against it.
It is a painful day to be a peace activist. It is also an important one. This is a moment when it can feel like all the good and successful work that we have done has not mattered. But that is not true. Our voices and our actions are more important than ever now. Please join us in continuing to agitate for peace. Here are a few ways to do so right now:
- Call your representatives! You can thank Rep Goodlander for cosponsoring H.Con.Res.38. You can thank Sen Shaheen for standing up to Israel’s agenda multiple times over the past year and a half. Otherwise, tell them: “I do not want a war with Iran! Take bold action to stop it immediately! That includes voting next week for the Iran War Powers resolutions to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran.”
- Attend: On March 3, at 2pm Eastern, leading American peace & nonviolence activist Rivera Sun will join the US-Iran anti-war live Persian-English town-hall. TOPIC: War won’t work; listen to Iran’s voices of peace! ** Bilingual / bi-national U.S. & inside Iran (if possible) ** Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86879154879?pwd=5sa2hYROUyP2abKxpGlAbBj93pSNIg.1 // Meeting ID: 868 7915 4879 ** Passcode: 062442 // PHONE–in U.S. : +1 (719) 359-4580 or +1 (253) 215-8782 ** Organized by Peace-seeking Iranian Veterans & National Peace and Democracy Coalition of Iran ** CONTACT: moji.agha@gmail.com
- Support and stay tuned into groups that will continue to work for peace. That includes NHPA, and National Peace Action, NIAC, AFSC, NH Veterans For Peace, and CodePink.
- Contribute to groups and to candidates working for peace.
Good News in the Peace Movement – February 27, 2026
This week, we saw a big win in Merrimack! Plans to build an ICE detention facility will not move forward thanks to sustained protest, organized pressure, and persistent community advocacy. When communities organize consistently and strategically, decision-makers are forced to listen. We remain vigilant and committed to opposing any future attempts to expand ICE detention in New Hampshire.
Good News in the Peace Movement – February 20, 2026
Organizers and activists have announced a new, larger aid flotilla set to sail for Gaza in March, bringing vital humanitarian supplies and international attention to these communities still under siege. This comes after last year’s flotilla, which faced heavy restrictions but successfully brought international awareness and action to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. These nonviolent efforts continue a decades-long tradition of civilian-led activism to challenge sieges, promote human rights, and push for lasting peace in the region.
Read the full article HERE.
In New Jersey, candidates aligned with AIPAC suffered notable losses in recent local elections. Former Congressman Tom Malinowski, a moderate Democrat and long-time supporter of Israel, lost the New Jersey Democratic primary to progressive organizer Analilia Mejia, who has been outspoken in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and recognizing Israel’s genocide. Malinowski’s campaign was targeted by a super PAC aligned with AIPAC, who spent more than $2 million on negative advertising after he said he would consider placing some conditions on U.S. aid to Israel. While the outcome doesn’t amount to a clear defeat for AIPAC, the heavy outside spending sparked widespread debate about the role of pro-Israel lobbying and big money in shaping U.S. foreign policy, and how effective it truly is.
Read the full article HERE.
Good News in the Peace Movement – February 13, 2026
This Valentine’s Day, we celebrate that love and courage are at the heart of every act of resistance.
In Minneapolis, singing has become a powerful form of resistance. Groups like Singing Resistance Twin Cities (@singingresistancetc) are leading protest songs that call for compassion and accountability, even urging ICE agents to reconsider their roles. Singing isn’t just expressive, it’s strategic. When we raise our voices together, we build shared purpose rooted in connection, not division.
Mark your calendar for March 21, 1-3:00pm, for NH Joyful Noise: Songs for Justice, Belonging & Community, happening at the State House lawn, Concord NH. Click HERE to read the full article on Singing Resistance.
Former Israeli soldiers with Breaking the Silence are challenging the normalization of violence against Palestinians. Through firsthand testimonies from their experiences in the West Bank and Gaza, they expose the human cost of militarization and demand accountability. Their courage expands the space for resistance and keeps the call for peace alive. Go HERE to read the full article.
Across the United States, workers, ranging from student and campus organizers to city and state workers, are participating in labor strikes in solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestinian liberation. These actions remind us that opposing war abroad is. Read the full article HERE.
To subscribe to NHPA’s Friday newsletter for more “Good News in the Peace Movement”, news on foreign policy, and opportunities for peace-centered action, Click HERE
Good News in the Peace Movement – February 6, 2026
Across the country, and here in New Hampshire, young people are continuing to rise up for justice. Anti-ICE protests continue to gain 
traction, with students and high school-aged organizers leading mass walkouts and protests demanding an end to state-sponsored violence. In places like LA and Seattle, protests have drawn more than 2,000 students, and here in New Hampshire we’ve seen strong student turnout in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth, and beyond. Youth involvement in the anti-ICE movement reflects a deep, long-term commitment to peace and justice; they are actively shaping their future by fighting against systems of violence with courage, dignity, and moral leadership.
This wave of youth-led resistance is also deepening connections across movements’ borders. In a recent piece by Rae Abileah and Rabbi Cat Zavis, the authors reflect on how communities in both Minneapolis and Palestine have responded to occupation and state violence with bravery, compassion, and sustained care for one another. That care takes the form of mutual aid: neighbors organizing food, accompanying children to school, and maintaining community patrols rooted in protection. The article highlights a growing recognition that struggles against militarization, surveillance, and displacement are deeply interwoven, no matter where you may be on the globe. It also shows that solidarity across borders is essential to building lasting peace and recognizing humanity. These stories remind us that even in the face of violence, people continue to choose to work together and take action to create real change.
Together, these moments remind us that peace is possible. It is built daily through courage, community care, and collective action.
This past Saturday, January 17, NH Peace Action participated in a global day of action to say NO to war in Venezuela and beyond. Despite snowy weather, we saw 25+ people turn out to the Statehouse. This outstanding presence, despite the conditions, sends a direct message to our Congress: we are united, organized, and unwilling to accept a future that does not value peace. We thank everyone who participated in Saturday’s rally and all who continue to move this work forward.
12/19/25 UPDATE: Our work to avert a U.S. war on Venezuela continues. H Con Res 64 came close to passing this week, and both NH Reps Goodlander & Pappas voted for it. Please thank them! We also learned that 60 NH state representatives signed a letter opposing “any potential move toward U.S. military involvement in Nigeria and Venezuela” and sent it to our delegation in DC. You can see it here: Anti-military force letter.pdf. And we can follow up their work with our own calls.
Please join us for the 2025 Annual Event, Sunday, October 5, 1:30 pm at the Derryfield Restaurant in Manchester.
Our very special guest speaker will be Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh, the founder and director of the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability, Bethlehem University, Bethlehem, Palestine and a professor and researcher at Bethlehem and Birzeit Universities. He previously served on the faculties of the University of Tennessee, Duke University, and Yale University until he and his wife returned to Palestine in 2008 where they now have “joyful participation in the sorrows of this world” for the sustainability of nature and human communities.
Prof. Qumsiyeh will join us via Zoom from Palestine.
Full details and tickets are HERE.
The 2025 Online Auction is live!
We’ve got more than 100 items ranging from Artwork to Vintage everything! There’s gift cards from Bob’s Furniture, Copper Door, Common Man, gorjana jewelry, and Gibson’s Bookstore.
Sports items include 2 autographed NE Patriots footballs, Nashua Silver Knights tickets & swag, lift tickets at Pats Peak and tubing tickets for Gunstock.
Looking for other things to do? We’ve got Red River Theatre tickets, Palace Theatre membership, PinZ Bowling, Cowabunga’s, Discovery Museum, Foxwoods, Old Sturbridge Village and more!
There’s loads of collectibles, jewelry, kitchen and household items, plants and handcrafted treasures.
Make sure to get in on the bidding early and don’t forget to check on it often, we’ll be adding new things as they come in.
2025 Online Auction
Ride Against War on GAZA (RAW GAZA) USA Tour
NH Peace Action and Not In My Name member Bob Sanders is making his way across the country via bicycle to raise awareness of the horror of slaughter and the injustice of what is going on in Gaza and the West Bank and other Mideast countries and to raise money for humanitarian aid for Gaza and local peace organizations. He also plans to lobby Congress to end the war.
After a devastating vehicle accident that took him out for a month, Bob is back on the road! To follow the ride you can go on to the RAW GAZA Facebook page or on Instagram. We also have a page for updates HERE.
NH Peace Action is supporting the effort by serving as the fiscal agent and will disperse the funds to to humanitarian aid, via AFSC emergency relief fund. AFSC is also a 501c3. A quarter will go to NH Peace Action, and national Peace Action and a quarter will go to Not In My Name, NH and perhaps other Jewish peace groups, yet to be identified. NIMN is also under NHPA’s fiscal non-profit umbrella.
Bob plans to arrive back in NH over Labor Day weekend. there are events being planned around the state and we’ll keep you updated about where and when they will occur!
NHPA Education Fund Board Chair Amy Antonucci was awarded the Martin Luther King Jr Award at the MLK Community Day event in Manchester on January 20, 2025. Here is her speech. You hear the speech on the NHPA Facebook page. Video by Olivia Zink.
I am deeply honored to be receiving this award. Thank you all so much.
I am especially touched because it has been my experience that speaking up for peace often leads to ostracism rather than
inclusion, let alone recognition. Dr. King himself faced tremendous criticism when he expanded his vision beyond domestic issues to include foreign policy. He is not alone. Being a peacemaker has come with great risk for thousands of years.
One of the reasons that I admire and study The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr is the ability he had to connect issues, including militarism. He spoke of the triple evils of racism, economic exploitation, and militarism and warned us that “A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.” We still continue to spend too many of our resources on war-making at the expense of the initiatives that many in this room work hard for.
Dr. King spoke not just against war but against a war that his own country was waging. This is both the most responsible thing to do and the least popular. It was his observation that the U.S. is “the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today.”
He also helped us understand that violence leads to more violence. He said: “The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy.”
We are watching that now in multiple places around the world including places where the U.S. is deeply involved such as Israel and Palestine, Ukraine and Russia.
In a world with nuclear weapons and climate disruption these cycles of violence are beyond dangerous. If we continue to solve world problems through war, we will not be able to survive as a species. We will either learn to live together as siblings or perish together as fools.
Dr. King also showed us other options. He demonstrated how to actively stand against injustice without trying to destroy our “opponent.” He sought to honor everyone’s dignity and always work to build the Beloved Community. Whether I am facing a furious counter-protester at a rally, a distressed staff person when risking arrest at a civil disobedience action, a police officer or judge afterwards or a fellow activist I disagree with in a meeting, my goal is to treat them with dignity. I try not to forget that they may feel like my adversary in the moment, but that we are the same species, in the same community, with more in common than we might momentarily realize.
Of course, he did not just speak to these issues but used a whole host of nonviolent tactics such as civil disobedience, boycotts and freedom rides to act. He said: “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability but comes through continuous struggle.”
New research, such as from Erica Chenoweth at Harvard, shows how correct Dr. King was. Whether it is a campaign for social change or one to oust a military regime, nonviolence is proving to be the most effective way to make change. It is twice as likely to succeed, will have ten times fewer deaths and achieve results faster than violent campaigns. When we, the U.S., arm countries, even if ostensibly for noble reasons, we’re decreasing the chances of people there achieving freedom, security and democracy. If we can instead truly embrace his legacy and learn how to use such techniques ourselves we hold the power to create a more peaceful and just world.
The fact that this year’s presidential inauguration falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day first struck me as disturbing. On the other hand, it is an appropriate day to remember and vow to continue Dr. King’s work of committed nonviolent action to stop injustice and create the Beloved Community for all.
While I am personally honored to accept this award, I am really accepting it on behalf of New Hampshire Peace Action, the New Hampshire Coalition for a Just Peace in the Middle East and many other groups and individuals. This is not about the “power of one” but about the power we have when we come together. I have often been up front the past year and a half, but that would have meant nothing without the hundreds of other people who have shown up in small and big ways to be a part of the movement for global peace and justice. Yesterday we actually saw a significant step in the form of a temporary ceasefire and hostage swap for Israel and Gaza, but we know that we have a long way to go. I hope we can all take in moments of progress and appreciation like this one to carry us forward.
Board Chair Amy Antonucci addressed a packed South Church in Portsmouth for the People’s March on January 18, 2025. Here is the text of her speech:
“NHPA has been mobilizing for peace for over 40 years. We believe that how we treat people in other places around the world
is deeply related to how we treat each other here. We demonstrate that we believe violence is an appropriate method to address disagreements by supporting wars and arming other countries and that message echoes in our increasing level of violence towards each other.
Further, as long as we invest our resources in war making, we will be reduced to fighting each other for the scraps that are left. Healthcare, Education, sustainable farming, affordable and green housing, energy and transportation. We can only afford these if we divert money away from weapons manufacturing, upgrading our nuclear arsenal, maintaining 800 foreign military bases and killing people.
“A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.”
War is also a women’s issue.
In modern warfare, civilian casualties are often much higher than those in the military, and women and children are often over-represented. For instance, in Gaza, women and children make up 70% of verified deaths.
Research also shows that involving women in peacemaking increases the chance of lasting conflict resolution – yet that is rarely done.
A quote from the Executive Director of UN Women, Sima Bahous: “Women continue to pay the price of the wars of men. This is happening in the context of a larger war on women. If we do not stand up and demand change, the consequences will be felt for decades, and peace will remain elusive”.
It is also true that every step of the war making process is ecologically devastating and climate destroying. Destructive mining, often on Indigenous lands, toxic wastes dumped on less affluent communities, the tremendous fossil fuel use of maintaining the largest military in history – plus the devastation that actually using these instruments of war causes… all of this must stop if we are to meet any environmental goals.
We are at an important moment in our evolution. We have a choice between working together as a species to find our way back to an ecological way of living, or to continue to allow ourselves to be divided along arbitrary lines such as religion, nationality and color and be distracted by ways to hurt and dominate each other.
There is a myth in our culture that humans are inherently warlike, selfish and nasty. That using nonviolent means to solve our problems is not realistic. I think this is one of the biggest disinformation campaigns ever perpetrated upon us. There is now research in the fields of neuroscience, history, sociology and more documenting how humans tend towards prosocial actions. How we are wired to cooperate. How we behave with extraordinary altruism when disasters strike. How nonviolent campaigns are more successful in creating large scale change than violent revolutions.
We really have a choice. We can continue to allow violence, war and distrust of each other to dominate our country and our world. Or, we can put aside our differences to see the humanity in each person and honor the more-than-human life around us and partner with people and planet to make radical, beautiful change to the systems we have created.”
2024 Annual Event
Sixty-five peace activists and friends gathered at the Derryfield Restaurant in Manchester on Sunday, October 13 for our 2024 Annual Event. Evaluations suggest that our move in day and time to a Sunday afternoon was well-received.
Participants clearly enjoyed being able to socialize before being served lunch and then listening to amazing speakers from Combatants for Peace who joined us via Zoom from Palestine & Israel. It was a powerful and impactful hour of hearing Elie Avidor, an Israeli engineer and former combatant who grew up in Haifa and Ahmed Helou, who was born in Jericho and at age 15 joined the local Hamas movement, tell their stories of the incredible losses they have suffered and how they came to lay down their arms and join Combatants for Peace. The audience asked tough, thought-provoking questions that they answered without hesitation.
Also new this year was the addition of awards to honor those who have gone above and beyond
Adeena Ahsan accepted the Macy Morse Award on behalf of the UNH students who protested the bombing and destruction of Gaza by Israel. Macy’s granddaughter Carissa was on hand to join Karolina Bodner in presenting the award. Photo by Jehann El-Bisi
Sandra Yarne of the Palestine Education Network presented Bob Sanders with the David Van Strien Award. Bob did two long-distance bicycle rides this summer – Ride Against War in Gaza – to raise awareness and funds. He also co-founded Not In My Name NH, a group of Jews calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Photo by Arnie Alpert.
Bob & Eileen Ehlers accepted the Lois Booth Award for the NH Peacekeepers. Bob & Eileen have been Peacekeepers since the start of the program and are often found in Concord ensuring that patients can safely enter the Equality Health Center. David Booth, son of Don and Lois Booth, was on hand to say a few words about his mother. Photo by Arnie Alpert.
It was wonderful to take this time for connecting and recharging and NHPA is grateful for all who work for peace..
Photos below by Jehann El-Bisi and Billy Johnson
NH Peace Action Statement on Palestine and Israel
Since October 7, the horrors of war and violence have again taken center stage in the world. We at NH Peace Action see how the cycle of violence and retribution brings continuing terror and pain to all. Thus, we promote nonviolent solutions to problems, local and global, instead. We believe killing people is a problem, not a solution. We believe everyone, including Israelis and Palestinians, deserve better.
We condemn Hamas for its attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7. We condemn Israel’s military response against the Palestinians in the occupied territories, particularly in Gaza. We call for an end to the violence, and we call for the courage to look at the historical context in which it is happening. The only way to solve the problem is to understand it.
Many people have been speaking out for decades about the dangerous situation in Israel and Palestine. However, leaders around the world neglect the issue. The space for even talking about this conflict is narrow. NH Peace Action will continue to try to be a voice that advocates for valuing every person, listening to each other even when we disagree, and calling for nonviolent solutions. Until the root causes are addressed and a new system that honors the dignity of all people is in place, outbreaks of violence will never end.
We have heard over and over that the situation in The Holy Land is so complicated, it’s been going on thousands of years, it’s just hopeless, what can we do? However, we work with organizations that prove this wrong and show that the people of that region are perfectly able to get along. Combatants for Peace, The Parents Circle Families Forum, and Standing Together are a few organizations comprised of Israelis and Palestinians working together for justice and security for all. In the
US, Jewish Voice for Peace advocates for an end to the oppression of the Palestinian people.
We’re also told that humans are simply inherently aggressive and war-like. However, decades of research proves this wrong. Humans are capable of good and bad behaviors. How we act depends on the context. Violence researchers have learned a lot about what promotes prosocial behaviors. If we are willing to try to understand everyone we are in a position to greatly decrease violence. Understanding is not condoning. Understanding is a key to prevention and empowers us to make the world
safer for all.
Although this is happening far away, we know that Israel depends on U.S. money and weapons and diplomatic protection, making us complicit in everything they do and giving us the power to make change. We are further reminded that there are some winners in war – U.S. weapons sellers especially. Raytheon CEO Greg Hayes on a Q3 Earnings Call on October 24, 2023 said: “I think really across the entire Raytheon portfolio, you’re going to see a benefit.”
[Note that NH Peace Action is against arming both Israeli and Palestinian militant groups. We speak out most strongly against the Israeli government’s violence because the U.S. Government, thus American taxpayers, directly fund it.]
While our NH Senators Shaheen and Hassan and our Representatives Kuster and Pappas have correctly condemned Hamas for its horrible attacks on civilians, they offer unqualified support and funding for Israel’s government while its military collectively punishes civilians, bombs schools and hospitals, forcefully relocates citizens and deprives the people of Gaza of food, water, shelter, health care, fuel, and more.
At this moment we are calling on our U.S. Representatives to:
-Demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire
-End U.S. military support to the Israeli government
-Call for an end to the blockade of Gaza
-Allow extensive humanitarian aid into Gaza
-Support meaningful peace talks based on human rights and international law
-Do not support actions that widen this conflict and could lead to a world war
We are asking all our members and supporters to call your Senators and Congresspeople every day with these messages. We also encourage you to donate to the civil organizations who continue to work for peace, even amid the sorrow and the rubble. Join with others, through NH Peace Action or another group, to act and to advocate for a safer future for us all.
It is heartening that by now the rest of the nations of the world and most of the people of every nation are speaking up for this violence to end. We will continue to do our work to move U.S. legislators to do so as well.
Some people refer to October 7 as Israel’s 9/11. While that comparison is questionable, maybe there are lessons from 9/11 that would be useful. In the aftermath of that moment, the U.S. launched a war that encompassed much of the Middle East and led to a death toll of 4.5-4.7 million, to the displacement of 38 million people, to serious erosions in civil liberties and human rights at home and abroad, the destabilization of an entire region of the globe and cost us about $8 trillion. The choices we made then have made the world less safe. We are closer to nuclear war than ever in history, have a worldwide refugee crisis, and more fear and anger towards the U.S. The wars have contributed significantly to environmental problems, since the Defense
Department is one of the world’s top greenhouse gas emitters. (https://watson.brown.edu/cost
Peace activists are often told that we’re naive to think that nonviolence will be effective. Many of us think the idea that violence will bring about peace is far less sensible. In a world with nuclear weapons and serious environmental problems, war is too dangerous and costly for us all at this point.
History is filled with examples of how wars have ended and how people have learned to live together even after horrors have been inflicted. There are many recent instances, such as in Northern Ireland, where U.S. support for diplomacy instead of weapons shipments helped end the bloodshed, and South Africa.
We are publishing this just before Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2024, so end with this quote from him: “We must learn to live together as brothers or we will all perish together as fools.”
National Peace Action: A Briefing & Action Steps on the War in Ukraine
click here to learn more.
Working for Peace in the Time of COVID
To read our statement on continuing our work for a more peaceful world during the corona virus pandemic click here.
Pushing Back Against the War Budget
To see our statement on our Representatives failure to support modest pentagon cuts
Sign our petition pushing our congressional team to speak out against Biden’s 813$ billion 2023 military budget recommendation.
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