español -
May 23, 2025 / Fiona André / Word&Way - NEW YORK (RNS) — On Thursday (May 22), dozens of religious activists and war veterans gathered outside the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan to launch a 40-day fast protesting the humanitarian aid blockade in Gaza.
The fast, initiated by Veterans for Peace, an anti-war organization, and a dozen Christian organizations, intends to raise awareness of the famine looming over Gaza. Participants plan to consume less than 250 calories a day, mirroring the average daily nutrient intake of residents in Gaza.
Members of Christian organizations like Pax Christi, Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), the Mennonite Palestine Israel network, and the Palestine Justice Network of the Presbyterian Church joined Veterans for Peace in the fast.
In total, 249 people across the country plan to fast and demand the UN enable humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip and that the U.S. stop sending weapons to Israel, according to a Christians for Ceasefire press release.