US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation Becomes US Campaign for Palestinian Rights
WASHINGTON, DC, October 17, 2016 – The US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, a national coalition of hundreds of groups working to advocate for Palestinian freedom and equality, has officially changed its name to the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights. Founded in 2001, the US Campaign has been a leading player in the movement for Palestinian rights in the United States.
US Campaign Executive Director, Yousef Munayyer, said, “We are excited to announce the name change as well as our new website and logo. While we have always stood for Palestinian rights, and continue to stand against the Israeli occupation, it is important that our name encompasses and upholds the full breadth of rights of Palestinians wherever they are: those entering their 50th year living under military occupation, the Palestinians denied equality inside Israel, and the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to the lands they were expelled from. Our new name elevates the ‘Palestinian’ identity because it is often this very identity that is the calculated target of Israeli policy.”
The organization’s new logo includes an image of a poppy flower surrounded by tatreez, traditional Palestinian embroidery passed down through generations. Like Palestinians, the poppy is native to Palestine and has roots throughout the country. The flower reemerges each spring and is a symbol of hope, resilience, and perseverance.
The embroidery is traditional Palestinian needlepoint and the masterful product of individual pieces joined together by strong, common threads. It symbolizes not only the richness of Palestinian culture but also what can be achieved through unity and organizing.
Munayyer added, “We look forward to taking the next step forward with our robust coalition of member groups in the pursuit of freedom, justice and equality for Palestinians.”
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR) is a national coalition of hundreds of groups working to advocate for Palestinian rights and a shift in US policy. Founded in 2001 as the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, USCPR has been a leading player in the movement for Palestinian rights in the United States. The coalition is bound by commonly shared principles on Palestine solidarity as well as our anti-racism principles.
Media Contact
Ramah Kudaimi
Director of Grassroots Organizing
Email: uscampaign@endtheoccupation
Tel: (703) 312-6360
