September eNews: Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Resisting ICE, a historic ICJ ruling, and more!

An alert from the US Section of the

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom

September 2025

This past month, WILPF members across the US marked an important moment together: the 80th anniversaries of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Many organized events in their local communities, while others attended and uplifted international gatherings. This month, we must continue our solidarity by supporting immigrant rights organizations in the face of ICE’s heightened actions, persisting in our calls for an end to Israel’s genocide in Palestine, and centering people most impacted by climate change. Read how you can get involved in these efforts in this month’s articles. Plus, check out two new ongoing WILPF eNews series: “Activist Care Corner” and “Love & Legacy”!

WILPF Branches Across US Commemorate 80th Anniversary of Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

WILPF branches across the country organized and participated in events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—events that not only took thousands of innocent lives but also set the stage for the use of nuclear weapons in the future. Read more about how several branches honored this significant marker in their communities.

Resisting ICE: An Update from the Border and Migration Justice Subcommittee

In the face of escalating immigration enforcement, the plight of detainees in ICE facilities has come to the forefront, highlighting systemic issues within the prison-industrial complex. Read more about recent troubling events, including the death of Chaofeng Ge at the Moshannon Valley Detention Center, and the profit-driven motives behind ICE's operations. Plus, take action with WILPF's Border and Migration Justice subcommittee!

International Effort To End Genocide and Occupation in Palestine—Not Just Words But Action

Representatives from over 30 countries met in Bogotá to work on stopping the Israeli genocide in Palestine in July. Despite these efforts, along with efforts within US Congress to block military aid to Israel, the US government continues to support Israel's genocide of Palestinians. WILPF members must continue to stand for accountability, justice, and peace. Read more about recent measures taken to stop the violence in Palestine.

Activist Care Corner

(Re)connect with a Hobby or Creative Practice

Amidst our actions for peace and justice, we must also ensure that we are caring for ourselves and our communities. These times call for radical ways of caring. But "radical" doesn't need to mean "big"; even our small ways of caring for ourselves and each other go a long way toward creating the world we want to see.

Read more about this month's care practice: (re)connecting with a hobby or creative practice.

Eighty Years Later: The World Remembers Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Vows NEVER AGAIN

People across the world observed the 80th anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki through solemn ceremonies, conferences, declarations, public lectures, and protests in August. Thirteen branches of WILPF organized commemorative events. Read more to find out where to learn about these events and what WILPF members can do to help ensure that nuclear weapons are never used again.

From the Pacific Islands to the ICJ: A Historic Stand for Climate Justice

The United Nations' highest court has declared that countries can be held legally accountable for their role in fueling climate change. This historic advisory opinion was sparked by a bold campaign led by Pacific Island students, who galvanized a global youth movement to demand justice from the world’s top polluters. Read more about the ruling and the Trump administration's response.

Love & Legacy

Pitru Paksha

"Love & Legacy" is an essay series exploring how cultures commemorate loss and death, turn mourning into celebration and legacy, and legacy into activism. This month, read more about Pitru Paksha, which will be observed from Sept.7-21 this year.

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Next eNews Deadline: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Please submit your articles by Sept. 20 to ensure they can be included in the September eNews. Be sure to review the guidelines before submitting. We plan to send the eNews on the first of the month throughout 2025. Thank you for your timeliness and attention to detail regarding what information is needed to publish your article. Please send submissions to Emily Franko, eNews editor, at emily.wilpfeditor@gmail.com.

The editor may not publish all stories submitted, including late submissions.

Women's International League for Peace and Freedom/US Section

PO Box 13075 | Des Moines, IA 50310 | 617-266-0999 | www.wilpfus.org

2023 Women's International League for Peace and Freedom/US Section

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