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#JusticeForShireen
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On May 11, 2022, Shireen Abu Akleh - a trail-blazing American-Palestinian woman and one of Palestine's best known journalists - was killed while she was reporting on an Israeli military incursion in the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank.
She was shot in the head by sniper fire while she was wearing a clearly marked press vest.
At first the Israeli government tried to place the blame for her death on Palestinian shooters. But the confirmed facts surrounding of her death soon refuted this familiar denial of responsibility by Israeli forces.
Shireen and other journalists were grouped together, as they reported on the miltary raid underway in Jenin. They wore clothes clearly identifying them as press and they were not near any combatants, yet they were repeatedly targeted by snipers. Several investigations, by Palestinians and Israelis and major news sources, have shown that the shooting had to have been done by an Israeli soldier.
The Israeli government has itself confirmed this, but it has attempted to justify the action and will not hold its military accountable for her death. Israelis have also suggested that her death is excusable or perhaps her own fault, because she chose to be in a dangerous place while reporting the news.
The truth is that Shireen's death has put a spotlight on the dangers that Palestinian journalists face in doing their jobs. The Israeli army is notorious for targeting both journalists and medical personnel during military actions, no matter how clearly they identify themselves. Targeting these non-combatants can constitute a war crime.
An independent and thorough U.S. investigation into Shireen's killing is crucial.
ASK YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO CO-SPONSOR HR 9291 - FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW.
Shireen was a iconic figure for many Palestinians, a role model for thousands of girls and young women who aspired to be like her.
The Palestinian ambassador to Britain called her "the most prominent Palestinian journalist."
About her chosen career, Shireen said: “I chose journalism to be close to the people. It might not be easy to change the reality, but at least I am able to bring their voice to the world.”
Now Shireen's 27-year-old niece, Lina Abu Akleh (above), has become in international spokesperson for the family, demanding accountability for the killing of her aunt, and repeatedly calling on the U.S. government to investigate the death of this courageous American-Palestinian journalist.
MAKING AN IMPACT / OUR VOICES HEARD
Since Shireen's death, over 100 Members of the U.S. Congress have written to the State Dept and the FBI, calling for a credible investigation by the U.S.
Finally, after months of demands for accountability for Shireen's death - including by thousands of United Methodists and our partners in other faith communities - in November 2022, the FBI announced they are opening an investigation into Shireen's death.
Israel has declared that it will not cooperate with the investigation, even though the U.S. is its closest ally and provides $3.8 billion+ in military aid per year!
Also in November, Representative André Carson of Indiana introduced to Congress The Justice for Shireen Act, HR 9291, which would require a U.S. government investigation and report on the death of Shireen Abu Akleh.
The reports of the FBI investigation are certainly encouraging; some have even called it a "watershed moment" in U.S.-Israel relations.
But support for HR 9291 is still necessary.
Our voices are being heard and it is vital that we continue to press for justice in this case. HR 9291 will help to ensure the U.S. does a thorough investigation, looking at all the facts surrounding the murder of Shireen Abu Akleh, and producing a public report.
Regardless of what charges are brought, this investigation could open the door to greater scrutiny of and accountability for Israeli war crimes and human rights violations.
As Rep. Carson has said about the bill:
“Congress has a duty to protect Americans reporting abroad, preserving the free speech our country was founded on – and Shireen’s family deserves answers, justice, and accountability.
We must also ensure that U.S. weapons, equipment or military services were not used to kill Americans on foreign soil. American taxpayers should not be paying for any violation of human rights abroad.”
Protecting American citizens abroad should not be a partisan issue and Shireen's family deserves answers and accountability.
Contact your Representative now to ask them to co-sponsor HR 9291 and support #JusticeForShireen.
Fill out the form below.
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until the Palestinian people have the blessings of freedom, justice, and equality.
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Consider a MONTHLY donation, a tremendous way to sustain justice work throughout the year.
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UMKR is an international grassroots movement of laity and clergy in the United Methodist Church. UMKR seeks – through nonviolent action and in partnership with Christians in Palestine – freedom, justice and equality for all Palestinians and Israelis.
Learn more about UMKR
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MAIL YOUR DONATION TO:
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🙏🏽 We need your help keep our work going,
until the Palestinian people have the blessings of freedom, justice, and equality.
All donations to UMKR are tax-deductible in the United States.
Consider a MONTHLY donation, a tremendous way to sustain justice work throughout the year.
ONE-TIME GIFT
EVERY size gift is truly appreciated.
MONTHLY GIVING
SIMPLE to cancel at Paypal at any time.
UMKR is an international grassroots movement of laity and clergy in the United Methodist Church. UMKR seeks – through nonviolent action and in partnership with Christians in Palestine – freedom, justice and equality for all Palestinians and Israelis.
Learn more about UMKR
DONATE BY CHECK
Make your check payable to our fiscal agent:
Open Table of Christ UMC
Please write on the memo line: UMKR
MAIL YOUR DONATION TO:
William Aldrich
42 Gaspee Point Drive
Warwick, RI 02888, USA