“Power is at its most dangerous when it silences dissent.” – Noam Chomsky
Hands Off rally on April 5th in Syracuse. Photo by Julio Urrutia
CNY Solidarity Coalition
Millions around the country said HANDS OFF our democracy on April 5th and Central New York showed up!! 4,000 people came together in Syracuse to tell the federal administration and billionaires, Hands off our schools. Hands off our Social Security. Hands off our health care. Hands off immigrants’ rights. Hands off LGBTQ+ rights. Hands off our bodies and more! Here is just some of the press and videos we’ve seen:
We must keep up the pressure. Take action below with our action alerts, attend events that interest you and share this newsletter with your networks.
Upcoming Meetings of CNY Solidarity Coalition:
Sunday, April 27 @ 3 PM
Tentative Agenda: Panel Discussion: SAVE Act, then Committee Breakouts
This year, the Republican majority in Congress has prioritized a piece of legislation that, if passed, would become the first voter suppression law enacted by that body in recent memory, and perhaps ever. That legislation is the SAVE Act, a bill that would disenfranchise millions of American citizens. Read about it.
CALL NOW: Tell Your Representative to Vote NO on H.R. 22
House Republicans are once again pushing H.R. 22 (what we’re referring to as the “Silencing Americans Act”), a dangerous bill that would create unnecessary obstacles for millions of eligible Americans trying to register to vote. The House passed it last session, but it never made it to the Senate—now they’re bringing it back in an attempt to restrict access to the ballot.
The Silencing Americans Act would require every voter to show proof of citizenship, like a passport or original birth certificate, when registering to vote in federal elections. That might sound simple, but the reality is that millions of eligible voters don’t have these documents readily available. Because the bill would require showing this proof in person, it would eliminate online and mail-in voter registration. This bill wouldn’t improve election security—it would just make it significantly harder for everyday Americans to vote.
Our sources are telling us that the NY State Budget will finally be completed this week. So it’s likely our last chance to push for the inclusion of the NY HEAT Act.
So we need as many constituents as possible to call Assemblymembers today, tomorrow, and the next day and ask them to pass NY HEAT! Learn more about it in this Canary Media articlefeaturing our very own Jessica Azulay.
Here’s all you need to do:
Use our call tool to find out who your Assemblymember is. You can get the call tool texted to your phone by texting NY HEAT to 52886
If it says R-NY under their name, close the call tool, don’t call them! Call Speaker Heastie (518-455-3791) and Governor Hochul (518-474-8390) instead.
If it says D-NY, press the call button and use this script:
“Hello, I’m [name] and I live in [municipality]. I’m a constituent of Assemblymember NAME and I’m calling to ask that they support the passage of the NY HEAT Act, A.4870A (Simon) in the budget. My utility bills keep going up and I don’t want to keep paying more for gas pipes that we don’t need. Can I count on Assemblymember [name] to support NY HEAT in the budget?” NOTE: If you’re calling Hochul or Heastie, just say you are calling for them rather than your Assemblymember.
Tell Congress: Stop the Cuts! Protect Our Care!
Health care is a right, not a luxury.
Right now, Republican members of Congress are pushing dangerous cuts to Medicaid and other essential health programs. These cuts would take health care away from millions of people—seniors, people with disabilities, and working families—all to fund more tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans and big corporations.
Our hospitals, clinics, and frontline health care workers are also at risk of losing critical funding. And at a time when millions already struggle to afford basic care and prescriptions or navigate confusing networks and insurance denials, we cannot afford more setbacks.
The only way to stop these cuts is to raise our voices—loud and clear.
World Central Kitchen is honored to share Ramadan with families in Gaza and Lebanon for the second year in a row to serve 5 million nourishing meals. We are humbled to stand alongside these communities, ensuring they feel seen, cared for, and never alone. We believe that compassion knows no bounds. As families in Gaza and Lebanon face immense hardship, you can help us turn empathy into action—one meal at a time.
CNY Solidarity Coalition encourages letters to the editor regarding issues affecting us locally and nationwide. We also recommend that letters are written in response to recent articles; these are more likely to get published. Links to these articles will be included each week.
If you’re looking for a subject to write about, here are this week’s suggestions:
Articles about recent immigration-related actions:
Guidelines for writing Letters to the Editor can be found here.
Articles of the Week
Strathmore Speaker Series featuring Thomas Keck
The latest episode of the Strathmore Speaker Series features our own Professor Thomas Keck.
Professor Keck discussed his work with CNY Solidarity and Indivisible Onondaga County, and the work we do to “encourage individuals to become civically engaged in preserving democracy.”
The Strathmore Speaker Series is available as a podcast called “Firebarn Chats” on WCNY’s digital radio station Community FM.
Trump’s Border Czar Faces Backlash In His Hometown For Locking Up A Local Family
…an immigration raid swept up a mother and her three school-aged children.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection took the family and three others into custody on March 27 in an early-morning raid on a dairy farm in Sackets Harbor, a small hamlet on the shores of Lake Ontario, on the western edge of New York’s North Country region. Within days, the mother and her children had been whisked away to Karnes County Immigration Processing Center, a privately operated Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Texas..
No other practice, no other societal force is more favorable to the rise of authoritarianism and the rule of tyrants than pernicious war. Wage war long and it’s likely you can kiss your democracy, your rights, and just maybe your ass goodbye.
“Point-Blank”: Israeli Soldiers Execute 15 Gaza Medics & Rescue Workers, Bury in Unmarked Mass Grave
Israel initially claimed the convoy had suspiciously approached troops without headlights or flashing lights, but video footage shows the ambulances had their lights on when Israeli troops opened fire, unleashing a barrage of bullets. A paramedic who was inside the vehicle when it came under fire recorded the video on a cellphone and was among the 15 aid workers killed..
How Many Stockbrokers Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb?
The market, the flagship of capitalism, is predicated on a lie—it is not the best arbiter for decision-making, nor is it efficient. So when you hear the bellyaching and demonizing of welfare queens, the evils of regulation, how bloated and inefficient the government is, or the bogeyman of socialism…don’t take the bait, the speaker is trying to divert your attention from something; usually the looting of government—a tax cut, corporate perks…
Trump is creating national emergencies to gain more power. In the process, he’s subjecting millions to real harm.
All told, since taking office on January 20, 2025, Trump has declared six national emergencies, including a “National Energy Emergency” and an emergency declaration against Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
He has also in effect declared an emergency to justify his wholesale leveling of significant portions of the federal government and civil service and his virulent attacks on the pillars of civil society — our universities, the media, science, law, and the arts.
NYCLU Central New York Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union
Tuesday, April 8th 5:00PM
5 corner intersection on Washington Blvd. Oswego NY
Ice has increased their presence in New York State, and we will not stand by while our friends, neighbors and coworkers are being torn away from our community!
Join Us For A Rally To Demand Justice And Stop Our Local Police From Collaborating With Ice! No ICE in Oswego!
TroubleMaking 101: How to amplify your message
Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 PM
Red Wine and Blue Virtual Event
Whether your group’s fighting for change, rallying for a cause, or just wants to make sure the community knows you exist, you need to grab attention. Join RWB and Zinn Education Project for an interactive and informative discussion on how to plan events and days of action that create a buzz, spark action, and are impossible to ignore.
Jubilee Homes is set to host the Syracuse Opportunities Fair. This event aims to connect job seekers, small business owners, and community members with local employers, service providers, and networking opportunities. Whether you are a recent graduate, a professional looking for new opportunities, or an entrepreneur seeking connections, the event promises to be a valuable resource.
Syracuse Open House: Tree Protection Plan
Thursday, April 10 4-7 PM
Southwest Community Center, 401 South Ave, Syracuse NY 13204
The Syracuse Department of Parks and Recreation will be hosting an open house for residents to learn more about an updated plan to protect and preserve trees in the area.
Discover key updates on local and statewide lead poisoning prevention efforts. Meet our committee chairs and coalition members to understand the roles and engagement of each committee. The event will conclude with a report from the Family Voices Advisory Council. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged in our community’s efforts towards lead poisoning prevention.
How to Divest Your City to Protect People and Planet: Webinar
Thursday, April 10 at 7:00pm-8:30pm ET
Divestment is a powerful tool being used around the world to put pressure on the companies and governments driving damage to people and planet.
Municipal Divestment has a strong history of moving our money out of humanitarian and environmental crises and holding governments accountable for breaches in human rights law. Getting your city to shift funds away from unethical systems sends a clear message about what we value as a society. Hear 3 stories of successful city divestment campaigns that took a stand against companies and governments complicit in the climate crisis, the threat of nuclear war, and the genocide in Palestine. Examine where these campaigns intersected, the lessons we learned, and be encouraged by how we can come together to build a strong and focused message of institutional pressure to protect people and the planet.
Sponsors: World Beyond War and Warheads To Windmills Coalition
Government 101: Checks, Balances and Beyond
Thursday, April 10 at 7:30 PM
Red Wine and Blue Virtual Event
This first session of Red Wine and Blue’s Civics Salon, will discuss what makes our government run, including checks and balances and the rule of law, a.k.a., why the government is (supposed to be) like a well-organized group project instead of total chaos. Let’s demystify this whole “government” thing together and make civics make sense!
Cafe Sankofa Cooperative 2323 S. Salina Street, Syracuse
Farming While Black is a feature film about the rising generation of young Black farmers in the US. Sankofa Cinema is a program of Café Sankofa, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Syracuse, NY.
Syracuse Peace Council, 2013 E Genesee St, Syracuse
Join with us to help get signs and banners and more ready for the TAX Rally The tax rally will be Tuesday, April 15, @ the Federal Building in Syracuse @5:30 pm We need all hands on deck to make signs and banners.
We will provide light snacks but feel free to bring some along if you like.
Any questions just let us know spc@peacecouncil.net
A Reading and Conversation with Mosab Abu Toha
Canceled
April 13
The Reality of Project 2025
Monday, April 14, 7:00PM ET
Red Wine and Blue Virtual Event
Join Heather Cox Richardson and Representative Jasmine Crockett as they discuss the reality of Project 2025 and what we can do to STOP it
What is tax justice? Tax justice is a social movement that calls attention to the inequities of our current tax system. In 2024, we the people paid $2.43 trillion in taxes while corporations paid a paltry $530 billion. Corporations pay virtually nothing and rake in trillions in profits while individuals and families struggle to pay rent, buy food, and access healthcare. Tax justice means prioritizing people over profits, investing in programs that promote social justice, and building an economy that works for everyone.
Tax Justice Is Social Justice
Immigrant justice
LGBTQ+ justice
Gender justice
Labor justice
Educational justice
Justice for Palestine
Co-sponsors: Syracuse Peace Council, CNY Solidarity, Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Democratic Socialists of America
May 1st National Day of Action – Join the Movement!
May 1, 2025
Trump and his billionaire profiteers are trying to create a race to the bottom—on wages, on benefits, on dignity itself. This May Day we are fighting back. We are demanding a country that puts our families over their fortunes—public schools over private profits, healthcare over hedge funds, prosperity over free market politics.
Watch for more to come!
No Other Land
May 4, 4 PM. All Saints Church, 1342 Lancaster Ave, Syr. 13210
Academy Award winning documentary No Other Land
This extraordinary film has won several international awards and tells the story of residents of Masafer Yatta, a region in the Palestinian West Bank which has been a target of the Israeli military for decades. Residents in these villages are constantly evicted, terrorized, and have their homes destroyed by the Israeli military and Israeli settlers.
Ongoing Events
SYRACUSE Â STREET HEAT
Syracuse Street Heat is just one, very unencumbered way to work for peace and social justice. We’re part of a decades-long grassroots tradition here, in Ithaca and elsewhere. We stand out and stand up for what we stand for.
A handful of us stand at busy intersections, for 45 minutes at rush hour, pivoting to the traffic with hand-held signs. We want to get the public thinking about issues often underrepresented in the media. We’re there weekly in almost all of Syracuse’s weather (we seldom cancel). Bring your own sign – or use one of ours. No meetings or committees, so participation time is minimal (yay!) Our Team: Ann, Dick, Ed, Geoff, Jim, Julienne, Les, Leslie, Peter….
To learn more, call Ann or Ed: (315) 478 4571.
2025 Spring, Summer, And Fall Schedule
Year round: Every Friday afternoon. 4 to 4:45 pm justice for Palestine; no more U.S. funding Israeli genocide; U.S.: stop terrorizing families in Gaza; and so on.
West sidewalk of the intersection of Erie Blvd. East Genesee St, Dewitt (across from the Fire Dept.)
Beginning first Saturday in April: 4/5/25
Every Saturday 9 to 9:45 am with a variety of issues : anti-militarism, racism, Palestine genocide, Anti-nuke, climate disaster, etc.
Across from the main entrance to the Syracuse regional market, 2100 park st
Stay in touch for anti-killer drone actions at Hancock National Guard Base
Watch past meetings about Micron, Good Jobs Town Hall, Rallies and more on our YouTube Channel.
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Donate to the CNY Solidarity Coalition
CNY Solidarity Coalition contributes regularly to local progressive organizations: Syracuse Peace Council, National Action Network, & Urban Jobs Coalition. We also make occasional donations as needed to other local groups. We depend on your donations for this.Â
