ADC Holds Briefing with Congressman Baird and Ellison on their Recent Trip to the Middle East

posted on: Mar 19, 2009

The American- Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) sponsored a briefing Tuesday, March 17th 2009 on Capitol Hill featuring Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN) and Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA) who discussed the findings of their recent trip to the Middle East.

The Congressmen screened a video they took firsthand of damage and destruction caused by the Israeli attack on Gaza. Both Congressmen spoke passionately about the trip and were moved by what they saw. There message, which they continue to share with their colleagues and audiences in the United States, was simple and straight forward: “Open up the crossings.”

The well-attended event in the North Orientation Theater of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center concluded with a lengthy question and answer session between the Congressmen and the participants. The Congressmen voiced concern about the fragile situation in Gaza, the lack of humanitarian supplies, and the political stalemate. Rep. Ellison and Baird also urged the audience to be politically involved and to communicate with their representatives in Congress.