American organizations are telling Congress to oppose visa waivers for Israel, which routinely denies entry to Palestinian Americans and American activists who want to work in or even visit Israel and Palestine. The Arab American Institute is collecting stories of American citizens who have been harassed, detained, or deported when attempting to enter Israel or Palestine. If you’ve personally experienced such an incident, please provide details in the form below. All personal information will be kept private and stories will not be distributed without your expressed permission.
http://www.aaiusa.org/blog/entry/take-action-tell-congress-to-oppose-visa-waivers-for-israel/
For more information about this topic please read:
The current Washington Report, June/July 2013, with a story on p. 17 by Adam Shapiro and Huwaida Arraf. Shapiro was forbidden by Israel from being present at the birth of his son Diyaar.*
Washington Report March 2011, Pages 48-49
“Israel also has denied visas to more than 500 religious workers and clergy to live and work in the West Bank and Gaza. Denied entry into Palestine, they are prevented from ministering to their people. Some priests are even afraid to leave, for fear they will not be allowed to return.”
Washington Report January/February 2011, Page 47
Coming at this from a different view Israel also prevents Palestinian students from enjoying their right to movement—to leave or return home for studies. “Bethlehem University graduate Berlanty Azzam and Tania Hary, director of international relations at the Israeli Legal Center for Freedom of Movement (Gisha), discussed ‘The Denial of Palestinians’ Rights to Travel and Study.’”…