Washington, DC – The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) joined more than 100 national organizations in signing a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to block the delivery of $735 million in weapons to Israel. Faith based groups joined with human rights groups in this nationwide appeal for peace.
The complete letter can be viewed here.
“We as Quakers believe all people are equal before God, each deserving human rights and dignity,” said FCNL General Secretary Diane Randall. “More weapons, more bullets, and more missiles will not bring peace to the region. Respect for human rights and dialogue are the foundations for peace. The United States needs to stop this weapons sale.”
Contact Tim McHugh: media@fcnl.org, 202-903-2515
In early May, the Israeli government used U.S.-manufactured weapons in a devastating assault on Gaza, killing over 220 Palestinians, including at least 67 children. Amid the violence, the administration approved a $735 million sale to Israel of the same types of weapons used on Gaza.
Although resolutions to oppose the sale were introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives, the State Department quietly approved the licenses before Congress could debate and vote on them. This national coalition of organizations is now calling on President Biden to halt delivery of these weapons.
“The Biden administration must use its existing authority to block the delivery of this $735 million sale of offensive arms to Israel,” said Hassan El-Tayyab, legislative manager for Middle East policy at FCNL. “Instead, it should be focused on delivering humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, helping with reconstruction efforts in Gaza, using leverage with Israel to end its occupation and blockade, and supporting human rights and justice for Israelis and Palestinians.”
FCNL’s El-Tayyab and Bryan Bowman worked with a nationwide network to engage a diverse group of national coalitions representing tens of millions of Americans to urge the Biden administration halt this weapons sale to Israel. Their work is supported by thousands of FCNL advocates who are lobbying their members of Congress for peace in the Middle East.
To learn more, please visit www.fcnl.org.
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