As we all watch the events and destruction unfolding in real time in Gaza, we know that nearly 19,000 of Palestinians have been killed (nearly half of those children), tens of thousands displaced with their homes destroyed, and 2.3 million Palestinians are trapped in Gaza with no where to hide from Israeli airstrikes, as they are being ordered to move from north to south, east to west while bombs rail down on them.

In some shelters, 600 people share a single toilet. Crucial medical supplies have run out. Hospitals are either destroyed or running on fumes, unable to take in the hundreds of injured and wounded needing round-the-clock medical attention. Settler violence is on the rise in the West Bank as well. The situation is dire.

Now is the time to urge our elected officials to push for a ceasefire. There isn't a second to waste.

The U.S. just vetoed a Gaza ceasefire resolution in the United Nations, and U.S. President Joseph Biden has repeatedly said there are "no red lines" when it comes to supporting Israel. However there is a swell of anger and disagreement growing with our country's ongoing support of a genocide. We cannot let up in demanding a ceasefire. It is essential that every one of us flood our elected officials with calls and emails to demand a ceasefire and have our voices be heard.

Never called your elected official before? Don't be intimidated. We'll talk you through it:

1. If you just want to know how to find who your elected official is with their email and phone information, and you'll make your plea from there, click here. Follow the instructions on the page (they ask for your address). Then a list will pop up for federal, state or local elected officials. CLICK ON THE + SIGN FOR FEDERAL. The names of your two senators and your representatives will pop up. Click on the plus sign next to their names, and you'll find their phone numbers, social media handles and email.

Call, email, write on their social media pages asking for a ceasefire. Do it every day.

2. If you want a script of what to say, here are two scripts provided by the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights:

3. If you'd like to avail U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Right's search tool for your elected senators and representatives, click here. You can opt out of their emails if you want by clicking on the three boxes at the bottom of their page to opt out.

4. You can also sign Change.org's petition for a ceasefire in Gaza, by clicking here.

5. If you're in the United Kingdom or abroad, read Amnesty International's plea for a ceasefire and sign their petition. There is a section on the right where you can enter your information (and opt out of Amnesty emails if you want) and click on the "take action now" yellow button to sign the petition.

6. Keep protesting and raising your voice for a ceasefire. There are protests happening everywhere. In recent weeks, hundreds of thousands showed up and demanded a ceasefire in London. Jewish protestors took over Grand Central Station in New York demanding a ceasefire. Hundreds of thousands marched in Washington, D.C. We see you, and the more you show up, the more you're heard.

We all have a part to play. We must continue to pray, and we can ask our elected officials to do what needs to be done.