Advocating to Fund UNRWA: Americans Unite on Capitol Hill
In late February, dozens of UNRWA USA grassroots advocates from across the United States (and Canada!) converged in Washington DC to demand the overdue restoration of US government funding for UNRWA. This was UNRWA USA’s first Advocacy Days since 2019, and advocates from 16 states—some traveling from as far as Hawaii, Oregon, and California—made the long journey to make their voices heard. We united for a common cause: the humanitarian rights and needs of Palestine refugees.
In just two days, these dedicated Americans, alongside UNRWA USA staff and partners, learned how to advocate and met with the offices of nearly 50 American lawmakers, urging them to do the right thing and co-sponsor the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025. This critical bill, now introduced in the Senate by Senator Welch of Vermont, seeks to fund UNRWA. With a companion bill expected to be introduced in the House, hope is on the horizon.
Each meeting with lawmakers was an essential step in ensuring that elected American officials in the new Congress understand the irreplaceable role UNRWA plays in delivering hope, education, healthcare, emergency relief, and opportunities to millions of Palestine refugees not only in the Gaza Strip, but also across the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
But the most powerful voices in the room were those of Palestine refugees themselves, including two Palestinian women who recently evacuated from Gaza after surviving many months of Israeli military assault. They shared heartfelt, personal testimonies about how UNRWA’s support transformed their lives—providing education, shelter, and a path out of poverty. The message to Congress was crystal clear: UNRWA is irreplaceable, and full US funding must be restored.
This was a moment of unity—advocates from all walks of life and regions came together, united by their commitment to justice and human rights for all. These two days on Capitol Hill reminded us that grassroots advocacy and organizing do work—and we need more of it.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who made the journey to Washington. Your dedication and passion are a testament to the growing movement in the United States demanding humanitarian aid and an end to policies that perpetuate suffering.
Advocacy doesn’t always require a trip to Washington. We understand it’s not feasible for everyone to travel to the Capitol, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make an impact. Your advocacy is crucial as the US government continues to withhold funding for UNRWA at a time when Palestine refugees are enduring the worst humanitarian crisis of our era. In the coming months, UNRWA USA plans to offer virtual training sessions and local advocacy opportunities. Whether you’re meeting with your elected officials in their home district or raising awareness right in your neighborhood, we need you. Together, we can keep pushing this movement forward and ensure the urgent needs of Palestine refugees stay at the forefront.
Now, hear directly from the advocates who shared their voices during Advocacy Days. We hope their reflections inspire even more American action—whether in Washington or wherever you are.
Reflections from Our Advocates:
“I joined Advocacy Days because UNRWA provides insulin to Palestine refugees. My daughter, Carolina—my favorite person in the world—has Type 1 diabetes. I couldn’t help but think about the children in Gaza who rely on that same life-saving medication. I knew I had to do something.
I also came because of Hani Almadhoun, my former Arabic tutor and UNRWA USA’s Senior Director of Philanthropy. He has lost so much of his family in Gaza, yet despite enduring unimaginable tragedy, he continues to do everything he can to help those who remain. If he can keep going, so can I.
UNRWA USA’s Advocacy Days meant everything to me—they were rewarding, energizing, filled with life and solidarity. I can't begin to express how grateful I am that I had the chance to travel from California to DC for this. This experience gave me hope. I don’t have to just watch the news in horror—I can take action. I can do my part, however small, to support Palestinian refugees, to humanize their struggle, and to remind our leaders that access to food, water, education, and medical care is a basic human right.” —Ben, California
“Watching videos of what's happening in Gaza reminds me of my friends and neighbors in Hawaii, which makes it even more heartbreaking.
That’s why I traveled to DC, to support UNRWA USA and advocate for funding for UNRWA. It’s the only organization that can give government style services at this scale in the occupied Palestinian territory. The US has committed to helping as part of the UN and I would like to see us follow through on that commitment.” —Katherine, Hawaii
“After spending over 1.5 years tirelessly calling, writing, and protesting—among other efforts—against my representatives’ funding of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, I saw this as an opportunity to support an organization that pushes our government to use taxpayer dollars for good, especially considering the insurmountable destruction our money has contributed to in Palestine. When I learned about the chance to join UNRWA USA for its Advocacy Days, I was keen to do whatever I could to attend and use my voice to advocate for restoring funding to this invaluable organization that supports Palestine refugees.
It felt like a small piece of hope to see Americans from all around the country travel to DC at a time when it seems like all hope is lost. It was an important reminder that our voices are stronger together and that many Americans care deeply about the plight of Palestine refugees. We must continue to advocate, amplify, and do whatever is necessary to support Palestine refugees until there is a permanent solution—by which I mean a liberated Palestinian state.” —Hassanatu, California
“I was brought to UNRWA USA’s Advocacy Days because I felt that our elected officials needed to hear firsthand how important UNRWA funding is for Palestine refugees and how the lack of funding can lead to further destabilization of the entire region. It was both amazing and awe-inspiring to lobby alongside others who were just as passionate—if not more—about Palestine refugees. Hearing their stories has motivated me to continue this work.” —Mohammad, FCNL Advocacy Corps Program Organizer, Virginia
“UNRWA USA’s Advocacy Days were the first time I had ever met with a congressional office.
Being surrounded by fellow advocates, those who care about human rights, justice, and supporting refugees, was incredibly refreshing. We have strength in numbers, and we must organize strategically to combat the disinformation about UNRWA’s work. UNRWA USA's donors and advocates reflect the broad grassroots support for the UN Agency and support for the broader sentiment that Americans are against starvation—we are against war, and we care about upholding the humanity of Palestine refugees who have suffered hell over the past 17 months.
My main takeaway from UNRWA USA's days of advocacy is that the coalition of support for UNRWA is broad. Our advocates came from all over the country, from different backgrounds, of different ages, different religions, and they all support UNRWA’s work as the backbone of the humanitarian operation in Gaza. The American people care, and our days of advocacy reflected that.” —Eli, New Jersey
“Leading UNRWA USA’s Advocacy Days was a heartwarming and powerful experience—not only as a Palestinian, being in community with those took time away from their jobs and families to advocate for Palestine refugees—but also as an American, witnessing passionate advocates actively engaging with their elected officials and exercising their civic rights.”
—Lein, Washington DC
“It was an honor to be in the company of such esteemed advocates who are compassionate, organized, and purposeful! Engaging directly with our representatives was invaluable. The very least we can do is advocate for the restoration of UNRWA funding to ensure that Palestine refugees can continue to thrive, preserving their culture, traditions, and rightful connection to their land.” —Willow, Hawaii
“Advocating for UNRWA in DC reignited my dedication to this cause and the people I met and worked with renewed my faith in the inherent goodness of humanity.” —Johann, Oregon
“Stepping onto Capitol Hill during the UNRWA USA Advocacy Days for the first time was daunting, but I also felt empowered to go beyond protesting and directly engage with Senators and staffers about the critical importance of UNRWA. My soul was filled with hope as I met advocates from all walks of life. We spanned generations, came from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, yet we stood united as human beings with a shared purpose—to demand basic human rights for our Palestinian brothers and sisters.
I learned how crucial—and accessible—it is to meet with my representatives and speak out. The growing public support for Palestine refugees over the past year is undeniable, and our foreign policies should reflect that shift. UNRWA is truly irreplaceable and it's time for the US to reaffirm its role as a global humanitarian leader.” —Zeenie, Connecticut
“I believe it is essential for the United States to restore its funding to UNRWA, as the organization has been a crucial lifeline for the Palestinian people throughout decades of struggle. The US has the opportunity to improve the lives of millions of Palestine refugees, and given its role in the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians, it is vital not only for Palestinian Americans but also for the US to demonstrate leadership in addressing this ongoing injustice and upholding its commitments to human rights.” —George, New York
Take action today
Has your Senator co-sponsored S.898? Click here to find out. If they have, be sure to thank them! If not, show Palestine refugees that Americans care by urging your representatives in both the House and Senate to sign on. Send this pre-written letter daily until they do and encourage others to do the same—every message sent brings us closer to a better future for Palestine refugees.
Without your advocacy, these bills won’t go anywhere. By reaching out to your reps, you're doing more than asking for UNRWA funding—you're sending a message of compassion and solidarity with Palestine refugees.