Palestinian Sovereignty

Below are talking points for postcard/email writers to use as guidance for our session next week. Much of the wording in these talking points is lifted from the US State Department website, along with AFSC and Electronic Intifada. All three include a quote from Secretary of State Anthony Blinken that is reminiscent of Dr. King's well-known aphorism that "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." There are headings for folks who choose to contact electronically rather than write a postcard.

To: Secretary of State Anthony Blinken US Department of State 2201 C St., NW Washington, DC 20520 contact form: https://register.state.gov/contactus/contactusform

To: Senator Ted Budd B85 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 email: https://www.budd.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/

To: Senator Thom Tillis 113 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 email: https://www.tillis.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-me

Heading: Support Palestinian Sovereignty

Talking points: Palestinian people have the same right to the sovereignty and security of their homeland as do the people of Ukraine.

International law is clear on this point: colonized people have a right of resistance.

The US should affirm our unwavering support for Palestine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters.

"We're not truly secure unless we come together to respect both the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people."

~Secretary of State Anthony Blinken

Heading: Israel Undermines International Order

Talking points: Israel's actions in Palestine undermine basic international principles vital to peace and security.

* The borders and territorial integrity of a state cannot be changed by force.

* Citizens in a democracy have an inherent right to determine their country's future.

* All members of the international community are bound by common rules and must face consequences if they break their commitments.

These principles extend beyond Ukraine. These principles extend beyond Europe. These principles are the underpinnings of the international order that we seek to develop and sustain worldwide. In challenging these principles, Israel challenges the international system itself.

"We're not truly secure unless we come together to respect both the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people."

~Secretary of State Anthony Blinken

Heading: Help Palestine Defend Itself

Talking points: In this time of uncertainty, we have a clear way forward: Help Palestine defend itself. Support the Palestinian people. Hold Israel accountable.

We can no more support Israel's brutal and oppressive occupation of Palestine and Gaza than we can Russia's occupation of Crimea and Donbas. Israeli settlements built since 1967 including in Jerusalem are illegal, and Israel has engaged in actions and policies that UN investigations have determined to be war crimes and crimes against humanity.

I support Palestine in its efforts to advance its aspirations and to restore and secure its internationally recognized borders. I am resolute that a democratic, prosperous, and secure Palestine is in the interest not only of the people of Palestine, but also of the United States and the international community.

"We're not truly secure unless we come together to respect both the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people."

~Secretary of State Anthony Blinken