As members of the global English Language Teaching (ELT) community, we are compelled to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and express our profound disappointment at the silence exhibited by ELT organisations and by our peers in the industry.

In recent years, the ELT profession has increasingly embraced the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to inclusion, equality, and social justice. We have proudly championed these ideals, integrating them into our teaching methodologies and curricula, and striving to create inclusive learning environments where all voices are heard and valued.

However, as the world witnesses the atrocities unfolding in Gaza, we cannot ignore the contrast between the principles we profess to hold and the silence of our community. The genocide being perpetrated against the people of Gaza demands our attention, our outrage, and our unequivocal condemnation.

Since 7 October 2023, over 14,000* children and 264** teachers and school administrators have been killed by the actions of the Israeli state. In addition, 141** schools have been either severely damaged or destroyed. But these statistics, which reduce humans to mere numbers, do not even start to represent the realities of the past six months—or indeed the past 75 years.

We acknowledge those individuals and groups who have shown solidarity through actions small or large, public or private. But we must acknowledge, too, that the widespread silence about Gaza in ELT is a failure—a failure to uphold the principles of social justice and equity that we claim to promote. By remaining silent, we are complicit in the suffering of innocent civilians—including children, who are bearing the brunt of this violence.

We call upon all ELT professionals and organisations to break their silence and publicly condemn the genocide in Gaza as well as the oppression of Palestinians in the West Bank.

Whether you are a classroom teacher or a board member of an important ELT institution, we can all do something to help. We urge you to use your platforms to raise awareness, mobilize support, and advocate for an immediate end to the violence. Let us demonstrate that our commitment to inclusion, equity, and social justice extends beyond the confines of our classrooms and into the wider world.

*Government Media Office in Gaza, 19 March. **Gaza Ministry of Education, as reported in Middle East Eye and Al Jazeera, 26 March.

What you can do (in addition to signing this letter):

1 Keep informed about current events in Palestine and keep learning about the history of the area.

2 Support civil society groups who are taking a stand.

3 Donate to fundraising initiatives.

4 Open up discussions about Palestine in your classrooms and teachers’ rooms, where you can do this safely.

It may seem trivial to sign a letter—it might seem like a drop of water in the sea—but history says otherwise. Every little bit helps and this is the little thing you can do today.

Together we heal and grow stronger.

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This letter was put together by the ELT Professionals for Palestine community, but we hope that these words will resonate with many ELT professionals beyond this small community. Do join us if you would like to connect with others who are committed to the same mission, and would like to know more about how you can help.

Instagram: @elt_for_palestine

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/elt-professionals-for-palesti...

Please remember to validate your signature by clicking on the link in the email. If you have difficulties, please send an email to elt4Palestine@gmail.com.