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What’s new at CAP Problems viewing this email? [View it in your browser]( [Center for American Progress]( InProgress from the Center for American Progress A Call for Moral Clarity: Addressing the Israel-Gaza Crisis [This picture taken from Israel's southern city of Sderot shows smoke billowing over the northern Gaza Strip during Israeli bombardment on October 18, 2023, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. ]( The [recent Hamas terror attack in Israel]( has sent shock waves through the international community, compelling swift responses and calls for justice. However, [President and Chief Executive Officer of Center for American Progress Patrick Gaspard]( argues that a measured and balanced response is essential. The horrifying Hamas terror attack on Israeli civilians calls for a response that brings the perpetrators to justice, but it is important that this response does not result in collective punishment for Palestinians. A reaction that conflates innocent Palestinians in Gaza with the actions of terrorists sows the seeds of continued suffering and risks perpetuating cycles of violence. The United States should approach this crisis with the lessons learned from its response to 9/11 and the Iraq war, working with counterparts to contain the conflict, limit civilian harm, and address urgent humanitarian needs. As the death toll surpasses [1,300 Israelis]( and [4,200 Palestinians]( of them children—the situation is dire. While acknowledging President Joe Biden's support for Israel in responding to terror acts, Gaspard questions the concept of "[moving at the speed of war.]( He raises concerns about how this approach may draw the United States further into a regional conflict with potentially catastrophic consequences, as seen in the aftermath of the Iraq war. Rather than mobilize for war, the United States must combine defense support with diplomatic engagement that urges restraint and delivers humanitarian aid to address the dire needs of both Israelis and Palestinians. This week, President Biden concluded a trip to the region, meeting with Israeli officials and first responders. During this trip and in an address to the nation, Biden expressed solidarity with Israel and reaffirmed commitment to a two-state solution. Biden also made progress in securing the flow of aid into Gaza, announcing $100 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance for Palestinians, with a call for much more. Plans to meet regional heads of state in Jordan were scuttled as a needless tragedy at the Al-Ahli hospital sparked protests across the region, presenting new challenges for U.S. regional diplomacy. Biden pledged an “[unprecedented]( aid package for Israel, but now the administration—and Congress—will need to consider exactly what material support the United States will provide for defense and humanitarian response. Gaspard [points out]( “History in this region can be a prison,” but it can be unlocked. The recent Hamas terror attack in Israel has created a moral and diplomatic challenge that must be addressed with wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to justice. Responsible U.S. policymakers, informed by the nation's own history, are uniquely positioned to play a transformational role in guiding the response to this crisis. Relentless commitment to a future where Israelis and Palestinians can enjoy their full rights and freedoms will be essential for achieving a just and lasting peace in the region. [Read More]( The Countdown to CAP IDEAS Is on! October 25 [CAP IDEAS]( In just a few days, leaders on the forefront of solving our nation’s most urgent issues will gather for the 2023 CAP IDEAS Conference. On October 25, you'll hear from featured speakers such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) on how we can fight for inclusive progress that improves the lives of all Americans. [Check out our list of conference speakers and RSVP today]( Demand Stronger Gun Laws More than [110 people]( are killed with guns in America every day due to easy access. Since 2019, gun violence has been on the rise and become the leading cause of death for children and teens. We must protect our communities and limit access to these deadly weapons. After years of ignoring commonsense gun laws and governing based on gun lobby tropes, it’s past time for the Senate to act. [Tell the Senate today]( Community Violence Intervention Saves Lives [an image of community violence interruptor chris edge. he is wearing a washington nationals baseball hat and a white jacket with a black zipper. ]( Hip-hop fans know him as Young Fre$h, but in his Southeast Washington, D.C., neighborhood, he’s known simply as Edge. In addition to being a proud father, Chris Edge is a gunshot survivor and a community violence intervention (CVI) success story. As a survivor and advocate, Edge hopes that his leadership and advocacy will help to break the cycle of violence in his neighborhood so young kids, including his daughter, can grow up in a safer Washington. [Share This]( Strengthening Unions To Rebuild the Middle Class [a group of union workers huddle with their hands in the center ]( “When unions grow stronger, so does the middle class. It’s that simple.” [Union worker Ricardo Sanchez]( discusses the pivotal role of labor unions in building and strengthening the middle class, emphasizing the Biden administration’s efforts to support and expand unions. Sanchez highlights the importance of unionization for improving wages and economic security for all workers, regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds. Unionization is especially important for workers of Hispanic and Latino heritage, who constitute a substantial portion of the blue-collar workforce in the United States. Despite their substantial presence, Hispanic workers often face challenges in securing well-paying construction careers and accessing union membership. This disparity not only affects Hispanic workers but also weakens the position of unions in the construction industry, ultimately leading to lower wages for all workers. “[T]o have a President in the White House who not only says the word ‘union’, but is willing to stand with unions on the picket line – that is indicative of the progress we have already made, as well as the hope the future holds for workers.” The Biden administration's commitment to labor will help to bolster the middle class and make the American workforce more inclusive for all. [Read More]( Spotlight: Ukraine “The battle is not only for life, freedom and security of Ukrainians or any other nation which Russia attempts to conquer. This struggle will define in what world our children and grandchildren will live.” – [President Volodymyr Zelenskyy]( President Biden has pledged to defend Ukraine "[for as long as it takes]( because it is at the core of U.S. national interest to do so. But the failure of then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to include aid to Ukraine in a stopgap spending bill has sent an ominous signal, not only to Kyiv but also to our European allies—ultimately undermining confidence in our commitment at a critical moment in the battle. The Ukrainian people, beleaguered and under relentless and unjustified attack, have demonstrated remarkable resilience in a fight with implications for America’s core values and interests. Back in Washington, a small core of far-right extremists seeks to vacate the U.S. commitment to Ukraine. Here are [five reasons]( why Congress must demonstrate its support to our partner Ukraine in its time of greatest crisis. 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