Nebraskans for Peace

Nebraskans for Peace vehemently opposes the recent, blatantly racist comments made by Governor Jim Pillen about Palestinian people. Demonizing one group (Palestinians) to garner support for another (Israelis) spreads ignorance, hate, and reinforces the violence we see in the Middle East — violence for which children pay the highest price. For over 70 years, Palestinians have faced and been forced into displacement, dispossession, and repeated cycles of violence, often with the support of governments around the world. Our own history of the genocide of Native Americans, slavery and immigrants should give us pause to think before we speak.

At a time when human rights and human dignity should be at the forefront of public comments, inflammatory statements only serve to deepen division and dehumanize an already vulnerable population. When the Governor of a state issues an Executive Order that is based on ignorance and demonization of the "other" that Executive Order reflects on every Nebraskan. With over 70,000 Palestinian people killed in the recent genocide, we call on Governor Pillen to retract his statements of hate and division. We stand in solidarity with all people seeking peace, justice, and self-determination, and we reject language that promotes prejudice or discrimination against any people.

NEWS: On Friday, Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order that requires Nebraska’s public schools, colleges and universities to make yearly reports on incidents of antisemitism and directs the state’s Education Department to provide schools with materials on the Holocaust, Israel and Jewish-American history.

At a press event, Pillen called for schools to be places of “mutual respect.” He then turned the conversation to Palestinians.

Nebraska Public Media quoted him saying "they want to kill every Jewish person on the planet. Anybody that wants to stand up and talk about Palestinians, they’ve got to understand that those people are born to kill Jews and Christians.” When a reporter asked if that was an overgeneralization, he said it wasn’t.

The governor's comments echo a dangerous strain of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab rhetoric. Many Nebraskans, not just those with Palestinian ties, know what it is like to face these kinds of dehumanizing accusations. This comes as advocates, such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations, are reporting record levels of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim discrimination.

Nebraskans deserved a far more serious conversation around antisemitism, one that didn’t pit people against each other. In recent years, we’ve seen headlines about antisemitic flyers and threats, prompting local synagogues and other community gathering places to heighten security. No one should feel unsafe going to a place of worship.

Nebraskans should oppose all discrimination on the basis of faith or nationality. That’s why we have worked in the courts, communities and the Capitol to address antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of discrimination while protecting free speech. We’ll be monitoring to make sure schools respect that line. Remember that Pillen has previously boasted about suppressing pro-Palestinian campus protests.

“Leveling an inflammatory accusation at an entire population is no way to discourage harassment in Nebraska’s classrooms. These false statements erase the humanity of millions of people. Just as antisemitism is a serious problem in our state, so is discrimination against other communities and faith groups. Fortunately, schools already have legal obligations to provide equal access to education and to shield students from harassment. In doing that important work, they must not unlawfully stifle protected speech that they or our governor disagrees with."
- Cassy Ross, ACLU of Nebraska Policy Director

New York State just held a Reparations Hearing – May 30, 2026

The New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies held a public hearing on May 30, 2026, at the National Urban League Conference Center in Harlem.

The commission was created after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation in 2023 to study the history of slavery in New York State and examine potential forms of reparations. The commission’s final report is now due in 2029.
Key statements from attendees at the hearing:

• Aubrey Muhammud: “We need $800,000 for each foundational Black American. That’s simple… that’s about the cost of living that’ll get you a home or a small business or for you to recover from any financial duress.”

• Rex Burns: Proposed “a new Freedmen’s Bureau… like a central bank almost to Black America” to distribute resources to Black communities.

• Brooke Lean: “It shouldn’t only be a check, but it should start with a check. Then we can start addressing education issues, redlining issues, policing issues…”

• Tanasia Poke: Described financial compensation as the path to “true justice” and the way to repair generational impacts.

Several speakers identified as “foundational Black Americans” through groups like The United States Freedmen Project, emphasizing lineage-based eligibility tied to descendants of U.S. slavery.

The hearing is one of multiple public sessions the commission is holding across the state to gather input.

Thank you for your support during Give to Lincoln Day! Your generosity helps strengthen our work for peace, justice, and environmental protection across Nebraska. Because of you, we can continue organizing, advocating, and building a more just and sustainable future. We truly appreciate your support and partnership!

TODAY is the DAY — Give to Lincoln Day is here! 🎉

Your support for Nebraskans for Peace helps sustain over 55 years of organizing, education, and advocacy for peace, justice, environmental action, and human rights across Nebraska. Every donation made today will be increased through matching funds from the Lincoln Community Foundation, making your gift go even further.

Thank you for standing with us and investing in a more just and peaceful future for Nebraska. Donate today and help strengthen our movement!

Support Nebraska Peace Foundation at Give to Lincoln Day Help us with our giving day event!

Tomorrow is the DAY! Donate now through tomorrow to have your donation increased with matching fund! This is a great opportunity for your donation to go even further. Your support helps sustain our work for peace, justice, and environmental action across Nebraska.

Thank you for your continued support.

Support Nebraska Peace Foundation at Give to Lincoln Day Help us with our giving day event!

Remembering ALL Victims of War

Memorial Day is meant to be a solemn occasion for honoring the memory of American service members who have died fighting in U.S. wars. While the government and mainstream media typically use Memorial Day to glorify war, for us it takes on a different meaning. As veterans of U.S. wars, we too remember and mourn our “fallen,” but reject the pro-war undertones of the holiday, understanding that so many young lives have been sacrificed unwillingly in wars that should never have happened. And we take care to remember all lives lost in needless wars.

On this Memorial Day, as we pause to remember American service members who have died during the nation’s wars, let us also remember the astounding number of civilians who have perished in war. Since WWI, there have been far more civilian deaths in each conflict than military deaths – the ratio worsens by each conflict with each succeeding year – and the number of civilian wounded is many times greater than those killed outright.�

As we remember the soldiers, sailors, military who have died in this nation’s wars, we must reflect on the broken lives and communities that endure – here in this country, on this land, and abroad – paying the true costs of war.

For most Americans, Memorial Day is a three-day, red-white-and-blue holiday marking the beginning of summer – a weekend of travel, barbecues, and endless sales. It's as if we Americans understand that the main freedom paid for with the blood of U.S. military members is our freedom to consume.

“Have a good Memorial Day” people will say, as if it is possible to have a good day when one is commemorating the war dead.

For Veterans For Peace, Memorial Day is an occasion for remembering all victims of war. It is a day to re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of peace – at home, and abroad – and to remind through our solemn ceremonies and displays that peace is possible if we really want it.