As the 12th annual Palestine Advocacy Days comes to an end, we are reminded of our major successes and accomplishments, but more importantly, that our work has just begun. Our collective efforts derive much of their strength from the resilience of the Palestinian people, who will never surrender their quest for freedom, justice, and liberation. 

On September 22nd, we closed out our 12th Annual Palestine Advocacy Days. As political dynamics shift dramatically toward justice, our work must match that pace, and this year’s Advocacy Days is a testament to that reality. 

On opening night, we heard from Hani Almadhoun about the incredible work of Gaza Soup Kitchen, founded to combat mass starvation, malnutrition, and immense food insecurity in Gaza. Hani reminded us why we all needed to be in DC advocating for Palestine. He shared the harrowing story of the murder of his family by Israeli forces. Despite all of that suffering, he has kept the Gaza Soup Kitchen operational during the height of Israel’s continued starvation campaign. He reminded the audience that our work in DC and around the country gives him hope that change in Palestine, especially in Gaza, is within reach.

We then heard the incredible stories of two courageous advocates, Salah Sarsour and Leqaa Kordia, who were both detained by ICE for speaking out against the genocide of their people. AJP Action awarded them both the Spirit of Sumud Award for their resilience, steadfastness, and courage to speak truth to power. Their inspirational stories touched everyone. 

The second day focused on preparing our advocates to meet confidently and effectively with their members of Congress. Advocates participated in trainings on how Congress works, the current political landscape, our legislative priorities and asks, and how to communicate those asks clearly and persuasively. We also walked through what to expect in a congressional meeting, how to share personal stories, and how to make the most of the limited time advocates have with lawmakers and their staff.

By the end of the day, advocates had the information, tools, and practice they needed to walk into their meetings prepared, informed, and ready to make their voices heard.

Then we took to the Hill! Hundreds of well-trained advocates marched toward Capitol Hill, showcasing their collective goal of educating and persuading our elected officials to do what is right and just. Even with the rising backlash, arrests, and suppression of basic rights and civil liberties, we refuse to be silent. The message on the Hill is clear: genocide must never be normalized, and the oppression of the Palestinian people must never be an acceptable status quo ever again. They tried to silence us, but failed.  They tried to intimidate us, and they failed again. Today’s generation of advocates is fearless and committed to justice, and they are willing to sacrifice their time and more to achieve what justice demands: a free Palestine. 

Our delegation held more than 200 meetings with Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate, demonstrating incredible strength, unity, and purpose. 

While on the Hill, we advocated for: 

• H.R. 3565 – Block the Bombs Act: This bill ends the American supply of the deadliest weapons of war that America continues to give Israel.
• Opposition to NSRP & NDAA: The NSRP includes billions of dollars in an appropriations package, and the NDAA’s main goal is to eventually codify the merger of American and Israeli militaries. 
• Ending Israeli Impunity & Defending the First Amendment
• Opposition to the Displacement of Palestinians, settler violence, and ongoing assaults on Christian and Muslim freedom of worship
• Justice for Americans, medical workers, and others kidnapped, killed, and injured by Israel.
• Restoring American funding/assistance to UNRWA & other international humanitarian programs

Our collective advocacy sent an undeniable message: Palestinian & American rights are non-negotiable. No amount of repression, suppression, censorship, fear-mongering, or political posturing will stop this growing movement for Palestinian liberation. The movement for Palestinian rights is growing and has entered the mainstream.  

The 12th annual Advocacy Days represent our renewed efforts for change. The struggle for Palestinian freedom continues, and what we built together in Washington must ripple outward into every state, every district, and every community. Every call, every meeting, every act of civic resistance pushes us closer to a future rooted in justice, freedom, and equality for all.