VP Harris Has a Unique Opportunity to
Challenge the Status Quo and
End Israel’s Genocide in Gaza
— We Urged Her to Act
Dr. Osama Abu Irshaid / Americans for Justice in Palestine Action

(August 21,2024) — Ahead of her anticipated speech at the Democratic National Convention this week, we took the initiative and acted by sending a detailed letter to Vice President Kamala Harris, following her historic nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate.

In our letter, we highlighted the widespread criticism of President Biden’s failed and complicit approach towards Israel, which has supported the ongoing ethnic cleansing and genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Citing data from the Lancet medical journal, we pointed out that an estimated 186,000 Palestinians have been killed as part of this tragic campaign. We also noted that more than 700,000 voters have sent delegates to the Democratic National Convention to oppose the current administration’s policies on Israel.

Additionally, we urged Vice President Harris to take this opportunity to unify the Democratic Party by listening to the demands of her constituents and implementing meaningful policy changes. We encouraged her to speak out against Israel’s egregious actions and to recognize the failures of the Biden-Harris administration’s current approach.

We also provided her with a comprehensive list of specific policy recommendations, which include:

1. An unconditional, permanent ceasefire.This ceasefire must include:
   • A full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
   • Free movement of survivors within Gaza.
   • The removal of Israeli control over the Netzarim Corridor, Philadelphi Corridor, and Rafah.
   • Immediate and unrestricted entry of reconstruction materials into Gaza, along with the commencement of comprehensive reconstruction efforts.
   • A full and permanent end to the 18-year-old siege on Gaza.
   • A comprehensive prisoner exchange.
2. Accountability for the perpetrators of the genocide.
3. Anarms embargo encompassing the sale, transfer, and diversion of arms, munitions, and other military equipment to Israel.
4. A commitment to ending the Israeli occupation of Palestineand upholding the right of return for Palestinians.

In addition to these specific recommendations regarding Palestine/Israel, we also urged her to apply the following changes to U.S. domestic policy:

• Restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) 
• Condition and halt weapons aid and transfersto all countries involved in war crimes
• Oppose the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definitionin all federal agencies and legislation, protecting free speech and legitimate criticism of Israel.
• Pursue the arrest of Netanyahuand respect the decisions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• End the conflict in Yemenby conditioning arms sales to Saudi Arabia
• Strengthen laws on nonprofit and Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) funding transparency, reduce the influence of money in elections, and ensure the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) applies to Israeli lobby arms.
• Protect university protestsand the rights of students

We believe Vice President Harris has a unique opportunity to put an end to this ongoing tragedy and save countless lives. As her campaign progresses, we will continue to press for these critical changes and keep you informed of any developments.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to this cause. Together, we can drive meaningful change.

Dr. Osama Abu Irshaid is the Executive Director of AJP Action