Palestinian rights group makes US midterm election endorsements

With campaigns for the US 2022 midterm elections well under way, Americans for Justice in Palestine Action, a lobby group established last year, has started making its endorsements for progressive candidates who support Palestinian rights.

“We just want more progressive candidates. You’re not actually progressive if you’re not being consistent,” AJP Action advocacy director Ayah Ziyadeh told The New Arab, referring to a common practice of politicians having progressive policies except in the case of Palestinian civil rights.

The lobby group has so far made five endorsements for US congressional races: Better McCullom (Minnesota-4), Muad Hrezi (Connecticut-01), Hwaida Arraf (Michigan-10), Britanny Ramos DeBarros (New York-11), and Shervin Aazami (California-32).

The AJP website shares messages of thanks for the endorsements from the candidates - a possible sign of changing times as a small but growing number of American politicians become more vocal about their support for Palestinian rights.

“I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Palestinian-Americans and Muslim-Americans as we work for human rights, peace, justice, and freedom from military occupation for the Palestinian people,” reads McCullum's statement.

“For far too long Palestinians have been erased and abandoned by politicians that choose political expediency over human rights. NY-11 is home to one of the largest Palestinian diaspora communities on the planet and I am proud to receive the support of Americans for Justice in Palestine Action in our collective fight for justice,” Ramos DeBarros says.

Ziyadeh said the group is accepting suggestions for further endorsements that fit their criteria for progressive candidates who support Palestinian rights.

“I think the narrative is shifting,” Ziyadeh said. “It’s no longer a taboo topic.”