United in Advocacy, UNRWA USA Advocates Return to Capitol Hill
What 50 advocates accomplished in 48 hours
July 28 · By Yasmine
Earlier this year, more than 50 UNRWA USA advocates from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. to demand that the U.S. Government restore funding to UNRWA. Together, they represented a diverse range of communities, all unified by a shared commitment to raise their voices for the rights and dignity of Palestine refugees. In the face of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophes across the region, our work felt increasingly urgent, and our advocates showed up ready to continue it until funding is reinstated.
Our impact was magnified this year—we had attendees from 15 states and 22 districts, facilitating critical conversations with members of Congress in over 55 meetings across the House, Senate, and both the Democratic and Republican parties. Building on our work from last year’s Advocacy Days, UNRWA USA advocates urged their elected officials to co-sponsor the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act, and to restore the diminished humanitarian aid access for Palestine refugee communities across UNRWA’s five fields of operation. We expanded our advocacy efforts by adding the Food for Palestinian Children and Families in Gaza Act (H.R. 7565) to our list of key asks. Each discussion was a step towards ensuring that policymakers understood the extent of UNRWA’s unique impact in providing education, healthcare, emergency relief, opportunity, and hope to millions of Palestine refugees across the Gaza Strip, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
Our delegations consisted of advocates of various abilities, ages, professions, and lived experiences, all connected by their deep care and concern for Palestine refugees. We were happy to see many returning faces, as well as a strong group of new attendees who were either stepping into this space for the first time, or were expanding their existing advocacy for Palestine. Many of our attendees traveled long distances—some as far as the West Coast—took time off from work and school, and put their busy lives on pause for two days to initiate change for the millions of Palestine refugees who rely on UNRWA’s services. This year, the number of advocates grew by 20%, as deeply concerned individuals from diverse communities came together in greater numbers to turn their advocacy into direct action and collective engagement.
this year, the number of advocates grew by 20%, as deeply concerned individuals from diverse communities came together in greater numbers to turn their advocacy into direct action and collective engagement.
During this two-day event, advocates got to hear directly from our partner experts at A New Policy, the IMEU Policy Project, and Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) to help prepare for their day on the Hill. A New Policy provided insights regarding the role of current politics in driving policy, while the IMEU Policy Project helped our advocates learn how to stay on message, giving them the strategies needed to deliver the facts to their elected officials. Our partners at the FCNL equipped advocates with a clear roadmap for effective lobby visits. While the state delegations engaged several new offices, they also had the opportunity to thank those that have already co-sponsored the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act. It truly is the leadership of these policymakers who demonstrate the importance of sustained commitment to humanitarian assistance and U.S. support for UNRWA.
Now, we turn to our advocates, who share their reflections on the experience and why they continue to advocate for UNRWA through UNRWA USA:
Cynthia, MA
“I have been watching events unfold in Gaza with heartbreak for quite a while now. I came to Advocacy Days because it meant doing something concrete. The experience was humbling, especially being a woman in her 70s with a lot of young people. I felt so connected to them and that was a wonderful feeling.”
Sydney, CT
“I felt helpless from watching what experts know to be a genocide unfold on my phone screen. Instagram posts, calls to representatives, I did it, but knew I could be doing more. But what? Where to begin? Coming to Advocacy Days meant I could actually look someone in the eye and demand accountability. UNRWA is doing things most people don't even think about, waste removal, mental health support for traumatized children, in one of the most dangerous places on earth. The least I can do is show up and fight for their funding.”
Cam, IL
“UNRWA USA's Advocacy Days was the perfect intro to hands-on political work. I had been to protests and educated myself on the plight of Palestinian refugees, but being able to meet with my legislators and share this passion was powerful.”
Erika, NC
“I have been Advocating for UNRWA for many years. This organization has the most experience and commitment to helping those refugees from the 1948 catastrophe that has left millions homeless for generations. Meeting and training as a group enriches the experience of speaking up to correct wrongs. It strengthens resolve and clarifies the way to approach those that can elicit that much needed correction for humanity.”
Rob, NY
"It was incredibly encouraging to meet with so many others from my state and around the country who support UNRWA’s mission. It was meaningful to meet with our elected officials and their staff as a united group.”
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Your advocacy for UNRWA is urgently necessary, as U.S. government funding is still blocked, and the vast humanitarian crises across the region remain dire. Further worsening the situation, the UNRWA Jerusalem Headquarters was completely demolished in late January 2026, setting a dangerous precedent for future humanitarian operations. UNRWA is essential to sustaining dignity, stability, and basic services for millions of Palestine refugees living in Gaza, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Advocacy for UNRWA continues to be indispensable as the Agency works under increasing pressure that threatens its ability to carry out its mandate to serve Palestine refugees until there is a just solution to their plight.
With national attention continuing to grow, it is important to make sure everyone has the confidence to continue their advocacy beyond Washington and into their home states. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who traveled to Washington to make their voices heard. For those inspired to continue this work from home, we encourage you to use that energy to mobilize your own communities to take direct action now.
Advocacy doesn’t have to happen in Washington to make an impact. This August, we have an important opportunity to continue conversations with our elected officials while they are home in their districts during congressional recess. These meetings allow Members of Congress and their staff to hear directly from the constituents they represent about the urgent need to restore U.S. funding for UNRWA and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis across the region. During the upcoming August Congressional recess, our advocates will build on the momentum of their efforts, helping ensure that our advocacy remains continuous and that support for Palestine refugees stays at the forefront of congressional conversations year-round.
You can learn all the ways to take action at unrwausa.org/advocate.
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