The American Federation of Ramallah, Palestine (AFRP) and its 40,000+ members are appalled by Israel’s latest attempt to crush Palestinian civil society by declaring six Palestinian organizations as terrorists. These non-governmental and human rights organizations are Addameer, al-Haq, Defense for Children Palestine (DCI-Palestine), the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC), Bisan Center for Research and Development, and the Union of Palestinian Women Committees (UPWC),
Although shocking, these efforts to silence human rights advocates align with other racist policies implemented by Israel to silence those who document, report, and provide support to Palestinians who endure systematic human rights violations. The AFRP has worked closely with several of these organizations, and we testify to their commitment to truth, justice, and the upholding of international law.
In addition, we applaud and commend Representatives Betty McCollum, Mark Pocan, and other members of Congress for publicly denouncing these attempts to criminalize justice advocacy. The Biden Administration and Congress should take immediate action to pressure Israel to reverse these and other racist policies.
We encourage our members and others who feel inclined to support and amplify Palestinian voices who expose Israeli crimes. Some ways to support the affected organizations are making financial contributions to their work, sharing content on social media, and contacting your representatives to ask them to stand for basic human rights for Palestinians living under military occupation.
Contact your elected officials
Call Your Representatives (JVP Action)
Email Your Members of Congress (USCPR)
Support
Union of Agricultural Work Committees
Bisan Center for Research and Development
The Union of Palestinian Women Committees
Resources
Human rights Watch Israel/Palestine: Designation of Palestinian Rights Groups as Terrorists
The Nation: The New Campaign to Smear Palestinian Human Rights (Mohammed El-Kurd)
Al Jazeera Palestinian NGOs designated ‘terrorists’ call for support
Social media accounts