FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2020
Contact: Sonya E Meyerson-Knox | sonya@jvp.org | 929-290-0317
NEW YORK, NY: Jewish Voice for Peace Action (JVPA) announced six endorsements for Congress Monday, including Congresswomen Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Betty McCollum (D-MN), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Mark Pocan (D-WI).
JVPA’s first round of endorsements is centered on incumbent candidates who show that true progressives apply their values consistently — no exceptions, including for Palestinians. The endorsements come with the grassroots support of JVPA’s national, multiracial, intergenerational movement of Jews and allies who will turn their power and voices to ensuring that members of Congress are awarded and protected for standing up for Palestinian rights and dignity.
Stefanie Fox, acting co-Executive Director, Jewish Voice for Peace Action: “Poll after poll of Democratic voters have shown us that the progressive movement is with us. This first slate of endorsements is our pledge to back and champion the representatives in Congress who are fighting for justice, accountability, equality and freedom for both Palestinians and Israelis.”
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib: “Jewish Voice for Peace Action brings boldness and clarity to extremely difficult work. They’re instrumental in building grassroots power to change the political climate in our country and play a key role in helping those of us in Congress who are pushing our colleagues to finally speak up for Palestinian rights and dignity. I am thrilled to receive an endorsement from JVPA. Together, we are changing the conversation and building a world with freedom and equality for all.”
Congresswoman Betty McCollum: “Jewish Voice for Peace Action’s grassroots power and tireless advocacy is changing the hearts and minds, building support, and sending a clear message to my colleagues here in Congress. I’m so glad to receive a JVPA endorsement and to be working together to build a better world. One where peace is a real possibility for the next generation.”
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar: “I am honored to have the support of Jewish Voice for Peace Action—a fierce advocate for the rights of Palestinians. As Trump allies himself with right-wing nationalists like Benjamin Netanyahu, it is more important than ever that all who believe in peace are joining together to fight for human rights. Jewish Voice for Peace Action is an important ally in the fight to end the occupation and I am honored to have their support.”
Beth Miller, Government Affairs Manager, Jewish Voice for Peace Action: “The Palestinian rights movement has been fighting for years to push Congress to protect Palestinian human rights. This group of representatives understands that, like all people, Palestinians deserve freedom and dignity, and they speak up for this boldly and unapologetically. We’re thrilled to put the power of our movement behind them.”
Ms. Miller is available to speak with the media.
JVP Action is an independent, non-partisan, 501(c)(4) organization formed as the political and advocacy arm of Jewish Voice for Peace. JVP Action is building a multiracial, intergenerational movement of Jews and allies to transform U.S. policy towards justice in Israel/Palestine.
Jewish Voice for Peace is a national, grassroots organization inspired by Jewish tradition to work for a just and lasting peace according to principles of human rights, equality, and international law for all the people of Israel and Palestine. JVP has over 500,000 online supporters, over 70 chapters, a youth wing, a Rabbinic Council, an Artist Council, an Academic Advisory Council, and an Advisory Board made up of leading U.S. intellectuals and artists.