The Promoting Human Rights by Ending Israeli Military Detention of Palestinian Children Act asks Congress to ensure that U.S. assistance to Israel is not used to support the military detention or interrogation of Palestinian children.
Currently, Palestinian people in the West Bank live under Israeli military law in areas. Each year, between 500 to 700 Palestinian children are arrested, detained, and prosecuted by the Israeli military, most often on charges of stone throwing. Children as young as 12 can be sent to prison, while children aged 16 are considered adults and face the maximum sentence. These children often report experiencing fear of physical violence, threats against their families, or imprisonment during interrogation.
As Christians, we affirm the dignity of all human beings made in the image of God. We believe vulnerable children should be protected, not harmed. We believe that the criminal justice process should promote the restoration of individuals and communities. We can use our voice to ask Congress to ensure that the billions of dollars sent to Israel every year are not used to abuse or detain Palestinian children.
Ask Your Member of Congress to Cosponsor and Support H.R. 4391
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Image credit: Flickr user Travel 2 Palestine