Virtual Palestine Advocacy Days
Tuesday, September 20 at 1:10 pm ET

Good afternoon, thank you for having me here today as part of your 8th annual Palestine Advocacy Day.

Your work is so important as we continue the struggle to promote the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people.

My bill, the “Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families under Israeli Military Occupation Act,” acknowledges the humanity of the Palestinian people, as well as the repression, abuse, and lack of freedom they experience each day. Thanks to your advocacy, more Members of Congress are engaging on these issues and signing on to this legislation than ever before.

I am proud to say that nearly 200 civil rights, human rights, and Jewish, Muslim, and Christian organizations have endorsed the bill.

I also lead a House Resolution to condemn the Israeli government’s closure of six Palestinian human rights organizations.

These organizations, like Defense for Children International-Palestine and al-Haq, are world-renowned for protecting the human rights of Palestinian children, supporting Palestinian farmers, and empowering Palestinian women.

Recently, the Palestinian people – and the American people – have suffered yet another tragedy in the killing of the American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

Shireen’s shocking murder at the hands of the IDF is yet another life cut short in a long line of abuses committed by the Israeli army.

As we know, we cannot rely on the Israeli government to conduct a fair, transparent investigation, and as an American citizen, she is entitled to the full protections afforded to U.S. citizens living abroad.

Our nation was founded on the values of human rights and equality for all. We must live up to these ideals
by supporting the Palestinian people.

Your commitment to advocating for political change and Palestinian human rights, is urgent and so, so important in this fight.

I am so proud to work with you all in our shared vision for a free Palestine.

Thank you!

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