AMP supports churches asking Congress to reconsider foreign aid to Israel

On Oct. 8, clergy from 15 Christian churches appealed to Congress to investigate whether Israel has violated the  U.S. Foreign Assistance Act and the U.S. Arms Export Control Act, because of its continued violations of international law and human rights abuses of Palestinians. Since then, the churches have come under attach by Zionist organizations such as the American Jewish Committee and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

The American Muslims for Palestine stands firmly in solidarity with the churches for taking this stand for justice. Below is our letter to the clergy who signed the letter.

To:

Rev. Gradye Parsons, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Bishop Mark S. Hanson, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, The United Methodist Church
Peg Birk, National Council of Churches USA
Shan Cretin, American Friends Service Committee
J Ron Byler, Mennonite Central Committee U.S.
Alexander Patico, Orthodox Peace Fellowship
Diane Randall, Friends Committee on National Legislation
Dr. A. Roy Medley, American Baptist Churches, U.S.A.
Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Julia Brown Karimu, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Dr. James A. Moos, United Church of Christ
Kathy McKneely, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
Eli S. McCarthy, PhD, Conference of Major Superiors of Men

 Dear Church Leaders:

The American Muslims for Palestine, a national, grassroots organization dedicated to educating Americans about Palestine, would like to offer our wholehearted gratitude for your letter asking Congress to hold Israel accountable for its many human rights abuses of Palestinians and repeated violations of international law. As the largest Palestinian-led organization in the United States, we also would like to offer our support.

As an organization on the forefront of social justice work for Palestine in the US, AMP hopes to grow grassroots support that eventually will pressure Congress to craft a more balanced Middle East foreign policy, which will guarantee equal rights for everyone living in the Holy Land. Your letter is an important step in helping Americans embrace this struggle as one of their own. US unconditional support for Israel is harming the perception of America throughout the world; it also threatens our national security.

We gratefully acknowledge that your letter reflects the positions of your respective churches and organizations regarding human rights violations by Israelis against Palestinians, the expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied territory, and the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. We agree wholeheartedly with your statement that unconditional US military aid contributes to "the deteriorating conditions in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories which threaten to lead the region further away from the realization of a just peace."

As is to be expected, you are now enduring verbal assaults from those who support the status quo in the Holy Land. Remain firm, and know that Palestinians in the United States, as well as abroad, are heartened by your actions and stand by you during this time.

 Sincerely,

Dr. Hatem Bazian
Chairman
American Muslims for Palestine

Sign your name on the original letter of support for the 15 clergy.