Friend,

It is hard to believe we are asking you to take this action, but here we are. Instead of doing everything they can to stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza, members of Congress are trying to pass a bill that would target nonprofit organizations, especially those advocating for Palestinian rights, with the goal of silencing our first amendment freedom of speech.

H.R. 9495, the so-called “Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act,” threatens our democracy by targeting organizations that advocate for Palestinian rights and humanitarian practices by exposing their work to the risk of being wrongly labeled as "material support" for terrorism. This vague and expansive legislation would disproportionately target groups working on these issues, especially in the context of the genocide in Gaza.

Even the mere threat of investigation could chill donors, stifle advocacy, and financially devastate organizations before they have a chance to defend themselves. The bill’s lack of due process further compounds these risks, making it nearly impossible for accused nonprofits to clear their names. If passed, H.R. 9495 would chill not only advocacy for Palestinian human rights but the whole broader nonprofit ecosystem by weaponizing the U.S. government against us.

Protect civil society and democratic freedoms by urging your representative to vote NO on H.R. 9495. Use the link here to make your voice heard today!

-Maya

Arab American Institute Foundation
1600 K Street, NW, Suite 601
Washington, DC 20006
United States