By: Jeremy Weyl
As millions continue to live in extreme poverty, global summits meet to discuss and plan solutions. The G8 and G20 global economic summits have come to represent spaces of great political and economic power as well as grassroots resisistance to injustices in the global economy. Representatives of the largest and most elite economies will make decisions that impact the entire world – this is the time to mobilize diverse communities and call for a moral and sustainable economy.
This year, the G8 will be meeting in the United States at Camp David in May, and the G20 will be meeting in Mexico the following month. Jubilee USA Network and other civil society groups and communities are taking action to push for policies and mechanisms to be discussed at these crucial meetings that can support the creation of a more just economy.
Leading up to and during the weekend of the G8 summit, Jubilee supporters will host teach-ins and interfaith prayer services to lift up the voices of the Global South in these important meetings. Jewish communities will be participating in our second annual Jubilee Shabbat. The G8 meetings coincide with Jewish communities reading from Leviticus, Chapter 25 from the Torah, the passage in which Jubilee year is first proclaimed.
“Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto you” Leviticus, Chapter 25 from the Torah
Along with these powerful actions to pressure the G8 and G20, as well as to build and strengthen the Jubilee movement here in the United States, Jubilee USA has also launched a petition calling for an international debt court. A debt court would provide a fair and neutral arena for all countries to work with creditors to address debt cancellation. Click here for more detailed information on a fair and transparent arbitration process
Jubilee’s push for an international debt court will occur alongside other fights, such as the Robin Hood Tax, demands for food sovereignty, and climate justice!
As the global debt crisis has spread from the Global South to the Global North, now, more than ever, a true Jubilee is needed to eradicate poverty and restore relations between nations and people.
Each of our individual and collective efforts, whether signing the petition, or holding a small event in one's community, are a part of a movement of communities that will help to pressure the G8 and the G20 towards implementing real solutions to the international debt crisis and build a more socially just world!
Take the time to get involved and spread jubilee justice in your community and beyond!
Comments