Dear John,

Last week, U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum introduced “The Israeli Annexation Non-Recognition Act” (H.R. 8050) to prevent the U.S. from recognizing Israeli sovereignty over illegally annexed Palestinian land. If passed, the law would prohibit federal departments and agencies from taking any action that implies U.S. recognition of Israeli annexation—and no U.S. funding would be made available in illegally annexed areas.

Tell your House member today: Co-sponsor the Israeli Annexation Non-Recognition Act.

Israel currently receives more U.S. foreign aid than any other nation–$3.8 billion a year. It is critical that we urge Congress to use its power of the purse to stop Israel’s annexation of Palestinian territory and to end violations of Palestinian rights.

On Aug. 13, Israel and the United Arab Emirates, with U.S. support, announced normalization of diplomatic relations, with Israel agreeing to “suspend” annexation of West Bank lands. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since said that he sees the suspension only as a delay—not an end—to Israel’s annexation plans.

It’s important that we continue to put pressure on Congress so that the delay does not diminish their opposition to annexation.  It is also important to remember that delay does not stop de facto annexation and ongoing military occupation, as Israel continues to build illegal settlements in the West Bank, demolish Palestinian homes, and violate Palestinians’ rights.

With Congress on recess in August, please take advantage of the opportunity to contact your representatives to tell them to oppose annexation.

Although in-person meetings are generally not possible right now due to COVID restrictions, congressional offices continue to meet virtually with their constituents. Many members of Congress and candidates are also holding virtual town halls, which provide another important opportunity to engage with them.

Contact your House member today to urge them to co-sponsor H.R. 8050.

Tell them to stand up for democratic values, human rights, and international law by ensuring that U.S. taxpayer funds are not used to implement annexation or further the disenfranchisement of Palestinian people.

In peace,

Mike Merryman-Lotze
Middle East Program Director,
American Friends Service Committee