Truth and Action Roundup 8.01.25

View this email in your browser Welcome to the Truth and Action Roundup, a reliable weekly source of information, inspiration, and action for the second Trump administration. Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up here to continue receiving it. Today is August 1, 2025. As images of starvation from Gaza continue to reach us, we must confront the human cost of the blockade imposed by Israel four months ago. France and Canada have joined countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia in recognizing the Palestinians’ right to statehood, pushing for a broader affirmation of legal and moral rights for those suffering in Palestine. In response, President Trump is threatening to reject a trade deal that would grant Canada access to U.S. markets. This intimidation underscores how U.S. foreign policy–backed by economic, military, and diplomatic efforts–has been essential to Israel’s capacity to continue its assault on Palestinians.  While U.S. officials advocate for policies such as the ongoing transfer of arms, which have led to civilian casualties, the church’s role must also be examined. Certain interpretations of Christianity have justified and underpinned the continuing violence between Israel and Palestine, arguing for support of the unspeakable in service of a “larger” purpose. Our faith, however, compels us to pursue peace and recognize the inherent humanity and divinity in every person. — Rev. Moya Harris and Chad Stanton, Sojourners  In the News Here’s what’s been happening this week: 1) Famine and suffering in Gaza reached global attention: The IPC, the leading international authority on food crises, warned this week that “The worst-case scenario of famine is playing out in the Gaza Strip. Widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease are driving a rise in hunger-related deaths.” Humanitarian groups warn that, while Israel allowed more aid this week, it remains far below what’s needed. Gaza’s Health Ministry now reports that 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began. The Washington Post listed the names of the 18,500 children lost to the violence. Labor leader Chris Smalls, traveling on a ship attempting to break the blockade and deliver aid, was reportedly detained and beaten by Israeli forces. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused the IDF of discrimination, noting Smalls was the only Black member on the aid mission and the only person detained. 2) The Trump administration’s deportation regime continues—but so does resistance: Several high-ranking Maryland officials–including both Maryland U.S. Senators and four House members – were denied access to Baltimore’s ICE detention center as they sought to evaluate facility conditions. House Democrats have since filed a lawsuit against ICE for blocking congressional oversight. The treatment of women in immigration detention remains underreported, despite highlighting “the level of violence and impunity” found within the carceral system. An appeals court allowed a lower court judge to block Trump’s birthright citizenship ban, dismissing an administration appeal. Judge Deborah L. Boardman signaled she would grant the case class-action status and approve a preliminary injunction against the policy. Across the country, neighbors and grassroots activists are resisting deportation policies. In cities like Los Angeles, people are working together to protect their neighbors from ICE raids. National groups such as Indivisible are actively training organizers in protest, noncooperation, and civil disobedience. 3) U.S. civil society faces sustained strain: Harvard, Brown, and Columbia–three Ivy League schools–have yielded to administration pressure. Harvard is reportedly willing to spend up to $500 million to resolve its dispute with federal officials. Brown agreed to spend $50 million and “adopt the government’s definition of ‘male’ and ‘female’,” and remove race as a consideration in admissions. Columbia agreed to a $200 million settlement with the government last week. Voting rights and fair elections continue to face challenges, with a court ruling making it harder to sue under the Voting Rights Act and a gerrymandering scheme in Texas both making headlines. The administration's efforts to undermine the judicial branch persist. Attorney General Pam Bondi has filed a misconduct claim against a federal judge overseeing high-profile lawsuits. At the same time, the Senate confirmed Emil Bove–a former Trump attorney and top DOJ official accused of instructing colleagues to disregard court orders–to a lifetime judgeship on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Take Action We are collecting signatures for a petition demanding Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump use their influence to end the killing and occupation in Gaza. Join our “Engage and Adapt” webinar next Tuesday to help communities adjust to changes in Medicaid and SNAP policies. What We’re Reading Christianity Should Radicalize You | I’ve been transformed by the teachings of Jesus, which challenge me to practice a radical form of love for others. (by Emily Baez) Stephen Colbert Was Too Human For Late Night | The best Colbert moments from this era were less about politics and more about personal loss. (by Tyler Huckabee) Brad Onishi’s Answer To Fighting Extremism Isn’t What You Want To Hear | Just because we are the United States and this supposed “city on a hill” doesn’t mean it can’t happen here. (by Josiah R. Daniels) Deep Breaths  Thank you to everyone who sends us encouragement. Special gratitude to longtime Sojourners supporter Tom Eggleston, whose hymn “Imagine Love” was inspired by last week’s Deep Breaths. My heart sings with you, Tom. Please give it a listen.  We Can’t Look Away God’s heart has to be breaking right now. We might choose to look away—close our eyes, turn down the volume—but God does not. God sees what is happening in Palestine. In a world numbed by the illusion of scarcity and fueled by an ideology of greed, the Divine still calls us to see—to pay attention, to care, to act. At the very least, our hearts should break too. Letting our hearts break is not easy. It means being vulnerable. It means feeling what we’ve tried to outrun. The tears might come. Our breath might slow. We might want to retreat from the weight of such cruelty. But we must not look away. To turn from suffering is to risk losing our own humanity. With broken hearts, we are called to speak and act—not because we have all the answers, but because we are human, and other humans are dying needlessly. Greed and cruelty created and are sustaining this crisis–and history will remember who stayed silent and who stood up for those cast aside. We cannot look away–not until our heartbreak becomes action. Sign our petition. Call your representatives. Support aid efforts. Write letters. Say something. Every small act matters. Every act of courage helps build a future rooted in justice and compassion. Let your heartbreak move you. — Rev. Moya Harris, Senior Program Director, Sojourners The Truth and Action Roundup is compiled by Sojourners staff: President: Rev. Adam Russell Taylor Senior Research Associate: J.K. Granberg-Michaelson Digital Content and Community Specialist: Kassandra Tapia Chief Program and Impact Officer: Bryan Epps Political Director: Chad V. Stanton Senior Program Director: Rev. Moya Harris Digital Education and Outreach Specialist: Cortnie Brooks Mobilizing and Policy Assistant: Miriam Tellez Senior Director of Marketing: Sandra Sims