Join Us for Our Tenth Annual Palestine Advocacy Days – Keep the Momentum Going! Dear Email, Only a few days after the Prime Minister of Israel received a standing ovation from the U.S. Congress, I write to encourage you to sign up for our tenth annual Palestine Advocacy Days. I understand I come to you at a time when it feels impossible to influence politicians who are supposed to represent us. Writing this email I am reminded of the question I get often: “Why should I lobby my Member of Congress when they won’t listen to me?” I understand why so many of us are confronted with this question and why we feel this way. As the Advocacy Director for AJP Action, I face this question every day. However, every year I find my answer and am reminded why I continue this work, and why you should not lose hope and stay engaged too.  Last year, we witnessed the powerful impact the direct engagement our community had with Members of Congress. I witnessed firsthand as we effectively took control of the narrative within the halls of Congress at a time when the Zionist lobby was brainwashing and demanding carte blanche for Israel to commit its genocide. On those advocacy days and the months to come, we made about 80% of all calls, emails, and meetings, nationwide demanding that Members of Congress and their staff listen to Palestinian voices. Resultantly, we were able to influence many to support a ceasefire, question the unmitigated disaster that Israel was inflicting on the Palestinians, and for a brief moment, confront their conscience. Save your spot for our 10th annual advocacy day HERE  The Importance of Advocating for Palestinian Rights in Congress As much as it might feel easier to give up on our political systems, we live at the epicenter of influence. We know all too well the difficult fight we have ahead of us. Every year, Congress passes a set $3.8 billion in funding for Israel, which comes with no strings attached. Moreover, the United States protects Israel from accountability by the international community, threatening our global institutions and other countries. However, this makes it even more crucial that we are involved in pressuring our government to hold Israel accountable. After all, if this wasn’t the case, the Zionist lobby wouldn’t spend 100’s of millions of dollars every year to try and influence our politicians. Congress plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact millions of Palestinians. Through our consistent advocacy efforts and continuous pressure, we can influence their decision-making processes, affect their perspectives, and challenge narratives that dehumanize Palestinians. Although the pace of change may feel slow, it is undeniably happening. Over the past nine months, more than 100 members of Congress have publicly demanded a ceasefire, voiced support for cutting or conditioning aid to Israel, and boycotted Netanyahu's address. For the first time, several members of Congress have recognized Israel as an apartheid state. This narrative shift on Israel would not have been possible without the tireless work of advocates like you who have consistently lobbied and pressured their representatives for the past nine, almost ten months. It’s a testament to the persistent and dedicated efforts of past and present advocates who continue to fight for justice and human rights. By meeting with your Members of Congress, you can support this ongoing transformation and convince them to end support for Israel’s occupation and oppression of Palestinians by advocating for an arms embargo on Israel, the immediate restoration of funding to UNRWA, and other legislative efforts.  Don’t Have Experience in Hill Advocacy? That’s Okay! We provide comprehensive training that includes courses on legislative advocacy, understanding the U.S. political process, speaking to elected officials, and making impactful and specific policy requests to your Member of Congress. I look forward to seeing you at our tenth annual Palestine Advocacy Days in September. Be sure to reserve your spot ASAP! |
