Palestinian Americans visited the United States Capitol this week. Over 300 people from 26 states spoke with more than 100 lawmakers. They asked the US government to change its policy towards Israel. This advocacy day happened as the Trump administration reportedly approved a new $2.8 billion arms transfer to Israel.
Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) organized the event. The group wants new laws on Israel’s war in Gaza. They also want action on Israeli settler violence in the West Bank. Another goal is to stop using immigration laws to silence people who speak for Palestinians.
Jenna Escheik, 19, from Virginia, spoke with lawmakers. She said many Americans do not want their tax money to fund wars. Yaseen Shaikh, 22, from Ohio, felt hopeful. He believes that change is possible. He said people must work together to make it happen.
The US has given military aid to Israel for decades. This has continued during the current war in Gaza. Nearly 74,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since October 7, 2023. About 1,400 have died since a ceasefire agreement began in October 2025.
Last week, news reports said the Trump administration approved a $2.8 billion military package for Israel. This package includes 20,000 bombs. Each bomb weighs 2,000 pounds. These bombs have caused great harm to civilians in Gaza before. Some Democrats have promised to stop this transfer.
Osama Abu Irshaid is the executive director of AJP Action. He said polls show that most Americans want to set rules for weapons sent to Israel. He believes lawmakers must now listen to this public opinion.
Some Democrats in Congress are already acting. Last year, 26 Democratic senators voted to block some arms transfers to Israel. This was the first time most Democrats in that chamber voted this way. This year, 40 senators voted for similar actions. A bill in the House of Representatives also seeks to stop some arms sales. It has 81 supporters.
Some Republicans also show signs of change. A recent poll found that many younger Republicans want less military aid to Israel. Mr. Abu Irshaid said the Republican Party is starting to show disagreements on this issue.
Advocates also spoke about the Trump administration’s use of immigration laws. They said these laws are used to stop pro-Palestine voices. Salah Sarsour and Leqaa Kordia shared their own stories. Both faced detention by immigration officials. They said this experience reminded them of detention in Israel. They believe the same system that detained them also funds military actions in Israel.
