FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2024
Media Contact: Melissa Garriga | [email protected] | 228-990-4168
Pro-Palestinian Advocates To Hold An Emergency Sit-In to Protest the Vote for Genocide
WASHINGTON -- Pro-Palestinian advocates will gather in protest on Saturday, April 20th, against the imminent passage of a $95 billion spending package. This package, if passed, will fuel the ongoing genocide in Gaza, perpetuate the conflict in Ukraine, and dangerously escalate tensions with China. Protesters demand no more military assistance to Israel and an immediate and permanent end to the genocide in Gaza, where over 30,000 Palestinians have been murdered over the past 6 months.
“A ‘yes’ vote on this bill is not just affirming more money, but is also a resounding endorsement of Israel’s genocide of my people, war crimes, and weaponized starvation,” commented Moataz Salim, a Palestinian-American who has devoted all his free time to advocating for Palestine in Congress.
"People and the planet need funding for healthcare, housing, and climate justice NOT more funding for the war machine. Every person who votes yes on more funding has blood on their hands. War criminals are rampant in this city, the belly of the beast, but the people are rising but will not stop,” commented Olivia DiNucci of DC Local to Global.
This action is organized by CODEPINK, DMV Palestinian Youth Movement, DC Local to Global, Party for Socialism and Liberation, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, American Muslims for Palestine and more.
Event Details:
- Date: April 20, 2024
- Time: Starting at 10:30am - All Day (EDT)
- Location: Independence Ave SE & New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC
The allocation of funds in these defense spending bills represents a deadly and immoral prioritization of military expenditure over investment in social programs for Americans, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The $26 billion to Israel, while claiming to include humanitarian aid, directly supports the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Similarly, the allocation of over $8 billion for military preparations in the Asia Pacific, including aid for Taiwan, dangerously escalates tensions and increases the risk of conflict with China.
These bills reflect a deeply flawed foreign policy and destructive national security strategy that prioritizes militarization and unilateral actions over diplomacy, cooperation, and humanitarian assistance.
For further information, contact Michelle at [email protected] or Olivia at 215-384-8035
###
