The raiding of Al-Aqsa mosque (third holiest site in Islam) last month during Ramadan (holiest time of the year), the escalated bombing and killing of children and civilians, and the ongoing violence and brutality of a military occupation and apartheid-system in the Holy Land continues to horrify us and break our hearts. But despite the hurt, there is also hope. Hope in the increased awareness of the injustices and the shifting tide in public consciousness; hope in marginalized Palestinian voices that are finally being heard and humanized; hope in the national reckoning for racial justice and the recognition of the parallels between the Palestinian struggle for freedom and the struggle of Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities; and hope in the growing solidarity between Muslims, Jews, Christians, and people of conscience of all/no faith backgrounds who are refusing to remain silent as our country funds and supports state-sanctioned atrocities in the Holy Land. People are coming together with the courage and conviction to speak out because "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)
Today, we have another example of such hope. In a groundbreaking message appearing in a full-page ad in the Seattle Times, over 75 WA state organizations are joining MAPS-AMEN's call for an end to U.S. tax dollars being used to kill children, attack religious worshippers and violate international law. This is part of the diverse and growing solidarity movement that is challenging our country’s support and funding of the State of Israel’s military actions and settler violence. The statement specifically calls on Members of Congress – especially our Washington delegation -- to endorse H.R. 2590, “Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act.” Read the full statement below.
The 75+ organizations include faith institutions and justice advocates, Muslim and Jewish groups, Womxn and Veteran associations, and more – sending a loud and clear message to our leaders that we do not want our tax dollars to continue funding the violation of Palestinian human rights.
Actions YOU Can Take:
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Forward the statement (provided below) to your Members of Congress and other elected leaders, to inform them of the broad support for H.R. 2590, and ask them to join Rep. Pramila Jayapal in co-sponsoring this bill. Find your Congressional Representative here.
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Thank Congresswoman Jayapal for her position in support of peace and justice through her co-sponsorship of H.R. 2590. You can contact her office here, and/or express appreciation on social media.
- Thank some/all of the 75+ organizations that had the courage, conviction and commitment to justice to sign on to the published statement.
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Share the statement on your social media channels and with your networks.
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Endorse the statement by adding your name individually or organizationally here.
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Call on the Biden administration to stop the pending $735 million weapons sale to Israel. Contact info here.
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Learn more about what is happening by watching the June 4 program at MAPS entitled “Palestine: What is Happening & Why It Matters” here. Or join this evening’s program at 7pm entitled "Palestine/Israel: The Bombing is Over, The Occupation Continues" presented by The Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice (RCF) & Economics for Everyone. Register here. And visit RCF for other ways to get involved.
- Pray for peace and justice for Muslims, Jews, Christians, and all people in the Holy Land. Continue building relationships with those who share our values and vision of freedom, liberation, safety, well-being and dignity for all.
Together, we can make a difference. With your help and God’s mercy, we may see the end of the Israeli occupation and apartheid system in the near future, insha’Allah (God-willing). Thank you in advance for taking action to protect children and families, and hopefully end our complicity in the atrocities.
In solidarity and in pursuit of our collective liberation.
