Washington D.C. – 11/18/2024 – CAIR Action, one of the nation’s leading Muslim 501(c)4 political organizations, is calling on Congress to support the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRD) introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders to block a $20 billion weapons transfer to Israel. This vote marks a pivotal moment—the first-ever Congressional effort to halt U.S. arms sales to Israel amidst its ongoing military campaign in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, where tens thousands of civilians have been killed.
The Pentagon’s proposal to sell advanced weapons systems to Israel—funded largely by U.S. taxpayers through Foreign Military Financing (FMF)—directly implicates the United States in the atrocities committed against Palestinians. Reports have documented Israel’s use of such weapons in apparent war crimes, including attacks on civilians, hospitals, and refugee camps.
In his JRD announcement, Senator Sanders highlighted the catastrophic toll of U.S.-supplied weaponry used by Israel, citing over 43,000 Palestinian deaths, the destruction of 70 percent of Gaza’s housing, and all 12 universities. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with severe restrictions on food and medical aid, pushing tens of thousands toward malnutrition and starvation.
“These weapons sales are a blatant violation of U.S. law, including the Arms Export Control Act, which strictly prohibits the use of U.S. weapons except for legitimate self-defense,” said CAIR Action Executive Director Basim Elkarra. “Providing these weapons while Israel is committing acts of genocide in Gaza not only contradicts American values but also makes our political leadership complicit. Congress must block these arms transfers and end U.S. complicity in these atrocities.”
The proposed $20 billion weapons sale also violates the Biden administration’s own policies, which aim to ensure U.S. arms are not used in breaches of international law or human rights abuses.
The urgency of this vote is underscored by growing public opposition to funding Israel’s military operations. A majority of Americans—61%—favor cutting off weapons to Israel in light of its treatment of Palestinians.
“Palestinians are living under constant siege, with their homes, hospitals, and entire communities reduced to rubble,” Elkarra added. “Congress now has a historic opportunity to uphold human rights and accountability. Supporting the Sanders resolution is more than a legal obligation – it’s a moral imperative.”
CAIR Action urges lawmakers to vote in favor of the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to ensure that U.S. weapons are not used to fuel further violence and human rights violations.
CAIR Action also calls on allies to join in advocating for the protection of Palestinian lives and human rights to pressure lawmakers by sending them letters using this link: bit.ly/cairactionjrd
CAIR Action is a 501(c)4 organization. Our mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. Through our work, we aim to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.
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CONTACT:
Basim Elkarra, Executive Director, CAIR Action belkarra@teamcair
CAIR Action Communications, [email protected]
