Reflecting on 2023 and Navigating the Path Forward for Palestinian Advocacy in the United States Dear Email, As we approach the end of 2023, we are reaching out to you with a greater sense of mission and responsibility than ever before. The genocidal war waged by Israel in Gaza, and our government’s unprecedented enablement of it, demands that we double our efforts in 2024 to bring an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza and prevent this crime against humanity from ever happening again. “Never again” should genuinely mean never again. Being American brings great responsibilities. We are citizens of the world’s greatest superpower and Israel’s greatest benefactor. It is because of our government’s unwavering support for Israel that the zionist entity has the political cover and the military capability to carry out its genocide and occupation of Palestinians as it pleases. We have a responsibility to our Palestinian brothers and sisters suffering at the hands of Israel and imperialism to hold our government accountable for aiding and abetting Israel’s crimes against humanity. Many of us have become motivated in recent months after we have collectively watched, with great disgust, the role the Biden administration has played in enabling, materially supporting, and politically shielding Israel as it actively commits genocide in Gaza and expands its occupation and harassment of Palestinians across the whole of Palestine. This, while they also do nothing to protect Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims here in the United States who stand up for Palestine. At AJP Action, we have always been aware of the negative role played by successive American administrations in placing apartheid Israel above international law and basic human morals. We are also mindful of the moral price we pay as a nation and its geopolitical ramifications for American national interests as the Biden administration refuses to correct course on its blind support for the colonialist entity. Therefore, we have been at the forefront of advocating for a more just American foreign policy—specifically in occupied Palestine. We strive to ensure our elected officials know that the public is aware and ready to hold them accountable for the policies they support. This is evident in the central role we have played in mobilizing protests and public actions against this administration and Congress and in the advocacy we’ve engaged in since Israel’s genocide of Gaza began. In line with our mission, we present some incredible journeys we have undertaken together in 2023.  Over the past twelve months, AJP Action has been at the forefront of some of the most significant developments in the history of Palestine advocacy. We have worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of the Palestinian people and push for justice and equality. From grassroots initiatives to high-level policy engagements, our community has shown an unwavering commitment to making a real impact. Here are some highlights of the important work we have accomplished together: Advocacy for Gaza: We have worked day and night for the last three months to advocate for Gaza and hold President Biden, Congress, and our State and local government officials accountable. - Since early October, our action campaigns have generated 150,000+ emails and 30,000+ calls to elected officials urging an end to the genocide.
- We’ve consistently sent talking points, educational material, and up-to-date information to Congressional offices across the Hill. Making sure that they are completely aware of the true reality Palestinians are facing in Gaza.
- In October, we dedicated our annual advocacy days to Gaza and ensured all of our requests aligned with the demands of Palestinians on the ground in Palestine. Resultantly, you all, the constituents across our country, effectively demanded your members of Congress:
- CO-SPONSOR (or INTRODUCE a Senate version) the “Ceasefire Now Resolution,” introduced by Congresswoman Cori Bush.
- Vote NO on H.Res. 768
- SUPPORT humanitarian aid for Gaza and OPPOSE all military aid to Israel.
- The following week, we led a DMV Advocacy Day where 200 constituents from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia went to Congress to push our elected officials to demand a ceasefire.
- Since October, we have had over 250 meetings with Members of Congress, where we’ve made several demands regarding the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
 Innovative Campaigns: AJP Action has launched innovative and impactful Action Campaigns that have garnered widespread attention. Our initiatives have engaged millions, raising awareness and inspiring action. - We’ve published over 25 action alerts, mobilizing constituents nationwide to take action on crucial issues impacting Palestine.
- Over the last year, more than 40 policy memos, talking points, and vote recommendations were sent to Congressional offices.
 Policy Advocacy: This year, we actively engaged with policymakers at local, national, and international levels. Our advocacy efforts have played a crucial role in shaping discussions and policies that directly impact the lives of Palestinians. - In March, we hosted our first in-person briefing (since the pandemic) in Congress, focused on Israel’s mistreatment of U.S. citizens. It featured experts on Israel’s COGAT regulations and the U.S. Visa Waiver Program who spoke to Israel’s discriminatory track record. We had victims of Israel’s discrimination talk about their experience of mistreatment while trying to enter Palestine or when moving from the West Bank to Jerusalem. This timely briefing hosted dozens of staff members and will lead to continued advocacy.
- In May, Americans for Justice Palestine (AJP Action) led a historic event alongside IMEU, Project48, AFSC, USCPR, VCHR, JVP Action, DAWN, and EMGAGE Action on Capitol Hill to acknowledge the 75th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba with our partner Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.
 - Over the last two years, we have had several meetings with the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and Congress members regarding Israel’s ineligibility for the Visa Waiver Program. We were a part of a coalition that pushed against Israel’s admittance, given its discriminatory track record. Collectively, we worked with members of Congress, such as Senator Van Hollen, who sent a letter to the administration stating his concern regarding Israel’s potential admittance into the program.
 Educational Initiatives: Recognizing the importance of education in advocacy, we have expanded our educational initiatives to foster a deeper understanding of the Palestinian narrative. We contribute to a more informed and empathetic global community by challenging misconceptions and promoting truth. - In October, we resumed our 9th annual advocacy days in person. More than 300 passionate Americans representing 25 different states converged in Washington, D.C., to lobby their members of Congress to end the U.S. complicity in the genocide that Israel has been committing in Gaza. It was a remarkable turnout of people from diverse backgrounds, including Muslims, Jews, and Christians, who joined hands to amplify the voices of Palestinians in Gaza and ardently call for justice and an immediate ceasefire.
 Reflecting on these achievements, it is essential to acknowledge that this year has marked one of the most significant shifts in Palestine advocacy since the occupation began in 1948. The collective impact of our efforts has been felt far and wide, challenging narratives, influencing policies, and giving hope to those who have long struggled for justice. In the last three months alone, we have witnessed an unprecedented shift in public opinion supporting Palestine. Unfortunately, this shift has come at the cost of over 20,000 Palestinian lives murdered by the Israeli government's indiscriminate bombing campaign on Gaza. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that the shift in public opinion transforms into a change in policy. We owe it to Palestinians in Gaza and all across occupied Palestine. As we mourn these devastating losses, our dedication remains steadfast as we continue pushing for a ceasefire in line with the demands of Palestinians on the ground and stand firm in our demand for an end to the siege, urgent admission of humanitarian aid, and an end to the settler colonial project in the West Bank and the release of all of the political prisoners. Once we obtain a permanent ceasefire, we will not stop this momentum in fighting for a free and liberated Palestine. The challenges we face are immense, but the resilience of our community has been a beacon of hope. None of the progress achieved would have been possible without our incredible community. Your commitment to justice and human rights has been the driving force behind our successes, and for that, we extend our deepest gratitude. Let’s carry the momentum forward as we look ahead to the coming year. In the face of adversity, we remain resolute in pursuing a free and prosperous Palestine. Here’s to a new year of significant strides toward a free and liberated Palestine. We are counting on your unwavering support and dedication to this vital cause. While financial contributions to AJP Action are not tax deductible, we know now that the work of 501(c)(4) organizations in advocacy and lobbying is pivotal and imperative. In solidarity, |
