WILPF EB/SF NEWS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026

WILPF NEWS

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom

East Bay and San Francisco Branches

Work to Advance Peace, Justice and Human Rights

August 2026

AN EASY-TO-READ VERSION OF THE NEWSLETTER WITH PHOTOS

IS ATTACHED TO THIS EMAIL

To join with your local WILPF activists, come to one of our monthly meetings of the East Bay and San Francisco branches. Reply to this email for details.

Our next meeting is Saturday, September 12th from 10am-noon.

Hiroshima Day 2026

On August 6, 2026, the 81^st anniversary of the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, activists once again gathered at the gates of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to demand the abolition of nuclear weapons. For over 40 years peaceful protesters have demonstrated at Livermore Lab, and this year the East Bay/San Francisco branches co-sponsored the event and our members helped plan it. Under the banner, “Nuclear Abolition or Extinction? The Choice is Yours,” participants heard an inspiring slate of speakers and thundering taiko drums, then staged a symbolic die-in as sirens blared, to remember the Japanese victims of the US attack. Next, to the sound of taiko drums, we joined in a slow, spiraling traditional Japanese Bon dance honoring deceased ancestors. Participants then moved into nonviolent direct action outside the Lab. Activists joined hands to form a line across the entrance road, blocking it for approximately 30 minutes as an act of peaceful resistance to the work taking place behind the Lab’s gates. Thirteen participants were cited and released.

Program speakers included John Burroughs of the Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy and Western States Legal Foundation, Tanvi Kardile and Anoushka Raj of Tri-Valley Communities Against a Radioactive Environment, Grace Morizawa of Asian Americans for Peace and Justice, Fr. Thomas Bonacci of The Interfaith Peace Project, and peace activist Patricia Ellsberg, widow of Pentagon Papers whistleblower and nuclear abolition advocate Daniel Ellsberg. The emcees were Marylia Kelly and Jackie Cabasso. Speakers linked the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with ongoing human and environmental harms from nuclear weapons production and they powerfully explained why all governments must work to eliminate nuclear weapons. More photos and inform at Tri-Valley CAREs.

WILPF-SF members Anne Politeo, Barbara Nielsen and Betty Traynor went to the Japantown outdoor mall area (at Post near Laguna) in San Francisco and gave out Anti-Nuclear hand-outs on August 6, Noon to 1 pm. Barbara handed out Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) petitions for people to download and sign. They reported a number of people took them and were reminded what day it was and that the anti-nuclear movement is still on-going and strong. Flyers provided information on WILPF-US and S.F.

Special Benefit Concert for Palestine

Taxpayers Against Genocide (TAG) https://taxpayersagainstgenocide.org/ and Palestine Youth Movement (PYM) Bay Area will be presenting a beautiful benefit concert, featuring the renowned Georges Lammam Ensemble, on September 19 from 7-9 pm at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley. Please be sure to come for this evening of exquisite music and Palestine solidarity!

To attend, RSVP here. Your support is key to holding genociders accountable!! Support TAG and PYM, enjoy Georges Lammam’s beloved music, and donate to help with legal expenses! Proceeds from the concert will be shared by TAG and PYM Bay Area, to keep the work of both organizations going strong! Spread the word! In solidarity for a free Palestine!

People’s Tribunal on Government Complicity in Gaza

October 10, 2026 | Seattle, WA
In person & Livestream

Join the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom US, the American Friends Service Committee, and Veterans For Peace in Seattle, WA, or online as we hold the US government accountable for its complicity in the genocide in Gaza. Modeled after a grand jury hearing, the tribunal asks a jury of community members to determine whether there is sufficient evidence of complicity to warrant the indictment of government officials and state actors. The event aims to deepen public understanding through facts, testimony, and dialogue; hold elected officials accountable for complicity in the genocide; and mobilize people across the US to use their voices, consumer choices, and civic participation to advance accountability and human rights.

Click here for more information and updates.

Shut Down Drone Warfare Fall Actions, November 1-7

Simultaneous Actions at both Creech AFB & Holloman AFB!

Nov.1-7, Creech AFB Fall Action, Indian Springs, NV

Nov. 4-6, Holloman AFB Fall Action, Alamogordo, NM

This year Shut Down Drone Warfare (SDDW) Fall Actions will be a “KIck Off for A New Campaign”: We want to help build a stronger network of global communities working in coordination to stop U.S Imperialism & Genocide. Several other national organizations are already co-sponsors. (see below) This global call to action in the fall is only the beginning. We invite national and international organizations to sign on as sponsors/endorsers of the week and to plan simultaneous actions at U.S. Bases, Weapons Industries and AI Data Centers around the world. Organize actions for one day, or numerous days during or near the Week of Global Resistance. We recommend planning actions during weekday commute hours, if possible, when personnel are going into and out of military bases, weapons industry workplaces, AI Data Centers, etc.

Educate, educate, educate and encourage resistance from within. Please spread the word: Help us get more sponsors & endorsers! More details to come soon.

“Week of Global Resistance” Co-sponsors:

Shut Down Drone Warfare, BanKillerDrones.org, Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space, and Witness Against Empire.