AMP urges UCSB Associated Students to vote for divestment

April 9, 2013

Dear Associated Students of the University of California at Santa Barbara,

The American Muslims for Palestine is a national grassroots organization, whose mission is to educate the public and media about Palestine and its rich cultural and historical heritage. Much of our work centers on raising awareness of Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian people, and US financial, diplomatic and political support that enables Israel to violate international law with impunity.

 Part of our work also focuses on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement and working to raise awareness about American companies that profit from the occupation. Therefore, AMP is writing to express our full support of the divestment resolution coming before you this week. We are urging you to vote in support of "A Resolution To Divest From Companies that Profit From Apartheid."

Across the country and particularly in California, student governments are voting to divest from companies, which support Israel’s oppression of the Palestinian people. Universities, long the home of the free exchange of ideas and the championing of human rights, liberty and justice, should not be in the business of supporting illegal and inhumane oppression by investing in companies that make these atrocities possible.

It is time to stand on the right side of history by urging the University of California to divest from all companies unwilling to end their involvement in the denial of Palestinians’ basic rights. We also are calling upon the UCSB Associated Students Investment Advisory Committee to divest all investments in Hewlett Packard due to its support for Israeli restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement.

Please know that as you make this historic vote, AMP is standing with you and will continue to work to support your great work on behalf of the liberation of the Palestinian people.

Sincerely,

Dr. Hatem Bazian
Chairman
American Muslims for Palestine