Disaster Response Palestine Project #59467

Urgent Action for Palestinian Human Rights

by Rebuilding Alliance

Summary

First their homes, farms, infrastructure, and now their schools. Palestinian existence on their land is under threat. Next step: help bring Palestinian youth to Congress to share their stories and their visions of peace. This has proven effective in the past when Senators and Representatives intervened with the Government of Israel to stop demolitions and keep homes and villages standing. Help Rebuilding Alliance bring these youth to Congress and join us to advocate for Palestinian rights.

$30,000
total goal

$22,959
remaining

62
donors

0
monthly donors

1
year

Challenge

6,500 Palestinian children are at risk of losing their local schools and their access to education.On 11/23/22, the Israeli Army demolished Sfai Elementary School. The UNOCHA Humanitarian Alert on 3/23: Israeli Army issued full or partial demolition orders against 58 schools in the West Bank & East Jerusalem. Since then, the situation escalated. Um Qussah Elementary School and Khashem Al Karem School face imminent demolition. Urif School was torched by settlers in June. Congress must intervene.

Solution

Four things make a difference: (1) Petitioning the Military Court within 96 hours of demolition notice (2) Paying court fees (returned when the village wins - some do) (3) Constituent meetings with their Senators and Reps to urge intervention on their behalf (4) Bringing Palestinian Youth to DC The first two are necessary but not sufficient. Personal intervention by House and Senate offices may now be the only way to safeguard a Palestinian school. Congress intervenes when Constituents ask.

Long-Term Impact

When the children of Susiya visited Congress, Senator Feinstein began her correspondence with the Prime Minister of Israel - that kept their village standing. Congresswoman Speier led a letter -as a result after 32 years of litigation, the Sumreen family won the right to live in their Jerusalem home. In Al Aqaba village, kindergarteners are now college graduates. This is not lobbying. When Palestinian families can safely stay in their homes on their land, peace and justice will prevail.