ISM-NorCal is distributing the alert below from ADC (American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee) about an important resolution introduced in Congress to recognize the Nakba and the rights of Palestinian refugees.
Take Action: Tell Congress to Support Resolution Recognizing the Nakba
This week, Representative Tlaib (D-MI-13), along with cosponsors Representatives Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Newman (D-IL-3), Omar (D-MN-5), Bowman (D-NY-16), Bush (D-MO-1) and McCollum (D-MN-4), introduced House Resolution 1123 – Recognizing the Nakba and Palestinian refugees’ rights. The Nakba, or “Catastrophe” as it is called, is the day that Zionist militia attacked Palestinian villages on May 15, 1948, murdering thousands, and exiling millions from their homes.
This historic resolution is the first of its kind and outlines the United States’ role in upholding refugee rights and humanitarian aid in the years after hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled from their homes in 1948. It also mentions the UN resolutions guaranteeing the right of return for Palestinians and maintaining their status as refugees and therefore being supported as such.
The resolution calls for five stipulations:
- That the US recognizes and commemorates the Nakba through official recognition and remembrance.
- That the US rejects any efforts to associate the US with denial that the Nakba happened.
- That the US encourages education on the Nakba, including their role in humanitarian relief efforts.
- That the US continues to support refugees through UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency).
- That the US supports the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194 guaranteeing Palestinians refugee rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Read full resolution text here
ADC calls on our members and supporters to contact their members of Congress to cosponsor this historic resolution. When you do, please share your personal Nakba story. Attaching a human experience to your email or call will be impactful and help your member of Congress understand the humanity of the Nakba and its lasting effects today.
Contact your Member of Congress and ask them to Cosponsor HR 1123!
Photo credit: PRA