Washington, DC | www.adc.org | July 30, 2016 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) calls on its members to thank Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-4th) for taking a stand and being a strong voice for Palestinian rights.
Rep. Johnson is currently facing political attacks in response to statements he made on Tuesday at an event hosted by the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation and Jewish Voice for Peace. In particular, Rep. Johnson analogized Israel’s illegal settlement expansion to termites steadily eating through a house. Johnson said, “The corrosive settlement policies undermine the ability of all citizens in the region to enjoy healthy, peaceful lives in safe communities.”
Unfortunately, the Washington Free Beacon, a notoriously anti-Palestinian media outlet, published an article which took Rep. Johnson’s statements out of context and accused him of comparing Israeli settlers to termites. However, Rep. Johnson clarified his comments in a press release: “The point is settlement activity has slowly and deliberately undermined Palestinian land claims.”
Despite the clarification, Rep. Johnson has faced an intense smear campaign. The Georgia Republican Party Chairman has called on Rep. Johnson to resign, and he has received hundreds of critical calls to his congressional offices. Further, there is expected to be a protest at his district office on Monday, August 1st.
Johnson has been a strong voice for Palestinian human rights and has earned our support. He was the principal author of the letter to the State Department calling on Secretary Kerry to investigate the misuse of US weapons by Israel in specific cases where Israel extrajudicially executed Palestinian youth. He also signed a letter calling on Secretary Kerry to appoint a Special Envoy for Palestinian Youth. Additionally, Rep. Johnson recently traveled to Palestine for a fact-finding trip with four other members of congress.
Take Action: Call Rep. Johnson’s office and thank him for his support of Palestinian human rights. Tell him that you stand in solidarity with him against the unfounded political attacks.
Contact Rep. Hank Johnson:
- D.C. Office: (202) 225-1605
- Lithonia Office: (770) 987-2291