Bystanders No More has launched a joint statement endorsed by a unique coalition of highly respected leaders from different walks of life, to demand that the EU finally translate horror over Gaza into decisive action by suspending its agreement with Israel on July 15th.
“Will the EU Act on July 15—Before More Lives Are Lost to Genocide?”
Their message is unflinching:
The catastrophe unfolding in Gaza is a stain on our shared humanity and a test of Europe’s commitment to justice. After 21 months of relentless military assaults, more than 15,000 children have been killed, tens of thousands injured, and nearly 200,000 civilians—almost one in ten Gazans—have suffered death or injury since October 2023. Starvation and the destruction of essential infrastructure are being used as weapons of war.
The EU’s current approach of dialogue and engagement has failed to halt Israel’s ongoing violations of international law and human rights. Even the EU’s own diplomatic service confirms the UN’s findings: Israel is responsible for indiscriminate attacks, starvation, torture, and apartheid policies against Palestinians.
On July 15, the EU Ministerial Council has a critical opportunity to reclaim Europe’s credibility and the rule of law. If unanimity proves impossible, a qualified majority vote must enforce
❗ A ban on trade with illegal settlements
❗ The cancellation of preferential trade arrangements
❗ The suspension of Israel’s participation in programs like Horizon Europe
If the EU stalls, individual governments must act—just as Ireland and Spain have begun to do.”
A ceasefire, should it come, does not reduce the urgency of this campaign. Israel has a record of violating past ceasefires. Only meaningful consequences can shift the trajectory.”
So who’s behind this call?
Here are our endorsers:
Michael Barenboim – Acclaimed violinist and Member of ‘Make Freedom Ring’, an artists collective staging charity concerts for Palestine.
Bhikkhu Bodhi – Renowned Buddhist scholar and humanitarian, widely respected for his moral leadership on global suffering and justice.
Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff – Former EU Representative in Jerusalem, with deep knowledge of EU policy and Palestinian realities.
Marlene Engelhorn – Co-founder of ‘taxmenow’ and public advocate for tax justice since 2021
Fritz Froehlich – President of the Society for Austro-Arab Relations with over 30 years’ experience in Middle East humanitarian development, peacebuilding, and partnership strategy.
Rev. Mpho Tutu van Furth – Priest and activist, daughter of Desmond Tutu, with a powerful voice for justice and reconciliation.
Mark Gerban – Born to a Jewish mother and Palestinian Muslim father, he’s a U.S.-born rower who represented Palestine at World Championships.
Mark Goyder – Founder of Tomorrow’s Company, advocate for responsible business and ethical leadership.
Giuseppe Mastruzzo – Director of IUC Turin, legal scholar, and public ethics advocate focused on nonviolence, urban policy, and global dialogue initiatives.
Admiral (Retd) Mark Mellett – Former Irish Navy Chief of Staff, with expertise on security and international law.
Josh Paul – U.S. State Department whistleblower who resigned over weapons transfers to Israel.
Thomas Piketty – Renowned economist and inequality expert, known for advocating democratic, redistributive policies and EU reform grounded in social justice.
Mitchell Plitnick – Political analyst and co-author of Except for Palestine, with deep insights into U.S. foreign policy.
Jonathan Portes – Economist and former senior UK civil servant, known for evidence-based policy leadership.
Jonathon Porritt – Renowned environmentalist and founder of ‘Forum for the Future’, bringing climate justice into the fold.
Jan Pronk – Former Dutch Development Minister and UN official with a legacy of speaking truth to power.
Mouin Rabbani – Middle East analyst and commentator, widely recognised for his expertise on Palestinian politics and international diplomacy.
Lex Takkenberg – Former Chief of the Ethics Office at UNRWA and a leading authority on Palestinian refugee rights under international law.
Erwin van Veen – Senior analyst at leading European thinktank, focused on peacebuilding and conflict dynamics.
Berber van der Woude – Former Dutch diplomat, expert in post conflict peace building and the rule of law and Chair of ‘The Rights Forum’.
Veronica Yates – Children’s rights advocate and former director of Child Rights International Network, known for bold, principled global justice work.
Why do endorsements matter?
Because facts alone rarely move people—especially on issues that feel overwhelming, polarising, or distant. What makes a difference is seeing others, especially those we respect, take a stand.
This is the logic of social proof, one of the most powerful tools in public mobilisation. It’s what psychologists call a “behavioral shortcut”: we look to others to figure out what’s normal, what’s safe, and what’s right.
That’s especially true for the movable middle—people who are hesitant, unsure, or quietly troubled by what’s happening. When they see respected voices step forward, it gives them permission to follow.
Who works best as an influencer?
Our research and experience suggests that the most effective public endorsers tend to belong to the following groups:
✅ Humanitarian workers and medics
✅ Eyewitnesses
✅ Faith and community leaders
✅ Whistleblowers and (government/corporate) insiders
✅ Artists, musicians, and poets
✅ Celebrities and athletes (when authentic)
✅ Journalists and editors (if trusted)
✅ Former diplomats, judges, and experts
We need your help.
We’re a tiny, volunteer-run group—so we need your help. We’re looking to expand this list of endorsements in the days ahead. And we know some of the most credible, surprising, or impactful names are likely one connection away from someone in our community.
👉 Please take a minute to write to us and sugges names of influencers and leaders who might wish to join us . Even better—reach out to them yourself and let us know.
The graphic below categorises European countries according to their stance on Israel and Palestine.
Our immediate focus is on countries marked in yellow and orange—the latter being especially critical for building pressure at the EU Council meeting on July 15. If you know someone in those regions who might be open to endorsing the Joint Statement, we’d love your help in connecting with them.
Together, we’re showing that silence is no longer the default—and that standing up is not only possible, but contagious.
Thank you for being part of this initiative.