7 Things Palestinian Americans Really Want for the New Year
By: Michaela Schrum/Arab America Contributing Writer
1. End to the increased violence in Palestine
Mohammed Sami al-Dahdouh was shot in a protest near Gaza City, marking the 15th Palestinian teenager shot since President Trump’s decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
2. Protests…and more protests…
Political scientists of the day say that in order to make changes peacefully, one needs to mobilize 3.5% of the population to protest. The continued protests in the West Bank and in Gaza have gained a small amount of international attention. But as more and more people protest the US decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem, we hope the media will do their job and cover the issue more. But the best protest of all was done by Palestinian Christians dressed up as Santa Claus.
3. More countries need to follow Turkey’s example
After President Trump announced his decision to move the US embassy, Erdogan announced that Turkey would include their embassy in East Jerusalem for Palestine. We hope that more countries will follow this example to further recognition of Palestine.
4. More clarity… Are we allowed here or what?
Understandably, there has been some confusion about what this “Muslim Ban” actually means for Arab Americans and their families. We’d appreciate some clarity. See here for clarity.
5. Recognition of Betty McCollum’s bill
Congresswoman Betty McCollum introduced a bill to Congress November 14, 2017. This bill if passed would make the Secretary of State certify that United States funds do not go to funding the Israeli occupation and negative effects on Palestinian children. Give the Minnesota representative a call in the new year to learn how to help.
6. Anti-BDS Bills need to go
This year, 23 states passed bills into law stating that state employees and contractors must certify that they do not boycott companies that work out of the illegal Israeli settlements. The Kansas ACLU has taken a case to court already, but there is a similar bill in the federal congress. We hope it does not pass.
7. Palestinian and Arab American followers wish for change in the White House
According to our polls, 80% of our readers disapprove of President Trump’s performance as president. We hope that in the New year something changes. Going forward, Arab America will continue to document his interactions with our community.
