AMP takes Palestine to Capitol Hill

Volunteers from several chapters of the American Muslims for Palestine participated in nearly 50 meetings on Capitol Hill on April 13 and 14, 2015.

In addition to meeting with the offices of their elected representatives and senators, AMP also met with the offices from the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate Foreign Relations Committees.

Delegates discussed settlements and holding specific Israeli military units accountable for human rights violations against Palestinians. The meetings on Tuesday were scheduled in partnership with the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation.

"This historic event brought Palestine to the halls of Congress. It's a first step in the direction of shaping policies that impact both Americans and Palestinians," said Osama Abuirshaid, AMP policy director.

"Members of Congress are telling us they don't hear from Palestinian Americans, and our first ever Palestine Advocacy Day is our attempt to rememdy that," said AMP Media Director Kristin Szremski, who coordinated the event from AMP's new Washington DC office.

 Palestine Advocacy Day follwed the first ever Muslim Advocacy Day, sponsored by the US Council of Muslim Organizations on April 13. The event was organized largely by staff of the Council of American Islamic Relations and a steering committee comprised of representatives from several member organizations, including AMP. Almost 300 Muslims visited the offices of their elected representatives and senators on Monday, April 13. While the advocacy focused mainly on domestic issues other international issues were on the agenda as well, such as Turkey, Palestine, Egypt and Syria.

See more pictures.