April marks one year since U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (MN) introduced the Palestinian Children and Families Act, H.R. 2590. This bill seeks to ensure that no U.S. taxpayer funds are used by the Israeli government for the military detention of Palestinian children, the demolition of Palestinian homes and property, or to further annex Palestinian land in violation of international law. Thirty-two U.S. Representatives have co-sponsored this bill. We seek a Senator to draft a companion bill in the U.S. Senate. Will you help us contact Senators to urge them to stand up for Palestinian rights? Take Action here.
Design by Aija Suuta / AFSC
Virtual Congressional Briefing Tuesday, April 26
Christian Faith leaders will join U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum for a virtual Congressional Briefing on Tuesday, April 26 at 3pm ET/2pm CT.
The briefing will feature a new letter from over 20 Christian leaders in support of H.R. 2590 and a Senate companion bill.
Send a message to your elected officials to attend the April 26 briefing here.
To attend the April 26 briefing on zoom, registration is here.
Five Resources to help you advocate for the rights of Palestinian children through our #NoWaytoTreataChild campaign:
- Online photo exhibit to inspire you to act and share with others.
- Information for advocating with your elected officials.
- List of 180 organizations who pledged support for H.R. 2590, the Palestinian Children and Families Act.
- Online Resource Landing page for H.R. 2590.
- The campaign hosts a monthly webinar online. View our April webinar here, highlighting the abuses children face in the Israeli military detention system.
Jennifer and Jehad in the news
On April 13, Jennifer appeared on Al Jazeera English to comment on the case of Ahmed Manasra, a Palestinian child who was detained as a 13 year old in 2015 and remains in Israeli custody in poor mental health. Watch the interview here.
Jehad was recently interviewed on Middle East in Focus KPFK radio about conditions in Gaza. His April 10 interview is archived here.
Friday, May 13 at the Gene Siskel Film Center in downtown Chicago, "Caging Childhood," a film produced by Defense for Children International - Palestine, will be shown. Come to the theater to pick up a free #NoWaytoTreataChild button. The full Chicago Palestine Film Festival schedule is here.