Organizers report that more than 300 constituents met with House and Senate members from 26 states to advocate for a shift in US policy.
Washington, DC – Palestinian Americans participated in a day of advocacy at the United States Capitol as the Trump administration reportedly approved a $2.8bn arms transfer to Israel. The Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) group organized the event, stating that over 300 constituents from across the country met with the offices of more than 100 US lawmakers. They advocated for legislative initiatives concerning Israel's military actions in Gaza, increasing violence from Israeli settlers in the West Bank, and the use of immigration law to limit Palestinian advocacy in the US.
Jenna Escheik, a 19-year-old from Virginia, met with lawmakers including Democratic Senator Tim Kaine and Republican Representative Rob Wittman. She expressed her desire to convey that American taxpayer dollars should not be used for wars.
Yaseen Shaikh, a 22-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio, mentioned his meetings with Republican Senators Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno, who have historically opposed efforts to limit arms sales to Israel. Shaikh expressed hope for making a difference through their advocacy.
US administrations and Congress have historically resisted calls to condition military aid to Israel, even during ongoing conflicts. Since October 7, 2023, nearly 74,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza, with significant casualties occurring since a ceasefire agreement in October 2025.
Reports indicate that the Trump administration's military package to Israel includes munitions known to have caused civilian casualties. Some Democrats have pledged to block the transfer, with House Foreign Affairs Committee member Gregory Meeks attempting to slow congressional approval.
AJP Action's executive director, Osama Abu Irshaid, noted that public opinion polls show majority support for conditioning military aid to Israel, reflecting a shift in political dynamics. He highlighted the historical significance of recent votes in Congress, where a majority of Democratic senators voted to block arms transfers to Israel for the first time.
Abu Irshaid also pointed to a December poll indicating that a majority of Republicans under 45 prefer candidates who support reducing military aid to Israel, suggesting potential changes within the Republican Party regarding its stance on Israel.
Advocates also addressed the Trump administration's use of immigration law to suppress pro-Palestine advocacy. They called for reforms to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, which has been used to deport individuals deemed to have adverse foreign policy consequences.
Salah Sarsour, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, spoke about his detention by ICE and the parallels he sees with Israeli detention practices. Leqaa Kordia, another advocate, recounted her experience in ICE detention and the dehumanization she faced, drawing connections between US immigration enforcement and Israeli military actions.
The event highlighted a growing movement among Palestinian Americans to influence US policy regarding Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the need for legislative change and increased awareness of the humanitarian situation in the region.