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Photo: Lucy Duncan/AFSC
Dear John,
Earlier this week, Israel issued a military order declaring key Palestinian human rights groups “terrorist organizations.” The named organizations include Defense for Children International-Palestine, Al-Haq, Addameer, Bisan, the Union of Agricultural Working Committees, and the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees. The declaration effectively outlaws these groups.
The U.S. must speak out against this political attack on human rights defenders and Palestinian civil society. Tell Congress to condemn this action and call for its immediate reversal!
These organizations are among the world’s most respected Palestinian human rights organizations. They work closely with the United Nations, international nongovernmental organization partners, and activist communities. They also advocate to and work with European and U.S. government officials. And they provide services to Palestinians whose human rights have been violated.
For decades, the Israeli government has targeted these organizations because of their human rights activism. It has made similar false accusations alleging links to “terrorism” to their donors, arrested and detained staff, and raided offices. U.N., EU, and U.S. officials have thoroughly investigated and rejected previous Israeli accusations that these organizations are linked to “terrorist” groups.
Under the new declaration, the Israeli government can close targeted organizations’ offices, seize their assets, and arrest and jail their staff. The order also prohibits funding these groups or expressing support for their work.
This is an outrageous and dangerous escalation of Israel’s attacks on Palestinian civil society and human rights defenders. And the U.S. must intervene immediately.
Take action: Urge Congress to call for a reversal of this order and demand the protection of Palestinian civil society and human rights defenders!
In peace,
Mike Merryman-Lotze
Middle East Program Director
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