Alongside our partners Washington for Peace and Justice, For Aysenur, and the Rachel Corrie Foundation, we are working to get Washington state to demand justice for the family of Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi.
On September 6, 2024, an Israeli sniper took the life of a Washingtonian and American citizen, Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, while she was serving as a peaceful international observer in the West Bank.
Now, Senator Saldaña (LD37) has introduced Senate Joint Memorial 8014 and Representative Chipalo Street (LD37) introduced companion bill House Joint Memorial 4010 Both pieces of legislation call on the U.S. government to launch an independent investigation into Ayşenur’s killing.
Overwhelming Public Support for the Joint Memorial
There was a hearing on Thursday, January 22 at 10:30 am in the Senate Law and Justice Committee. Advocates participated in moving SJM 8014 forward by marking support on the bill as PRO by 9:30am on 1/22. A large number of supporters, especially from across the state, signals to the committee that the bill is important, should be passed quickly, and is likely to succeed when it comes before the full Senate for a vote.
Where is the bill in the process?
Roll Call Vote in the Senate
Which Washington Lawmakers Support the Joint Memorial?
More about Ayşenur and the Joint Memorial
- On September 6, 2024, an Israeli sniper took the life of a Washingtonian and American citizen, Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi, while she was serving as a peaceful international observer in the West Bank.
- Her name is pronounced (eye-sha-noor ez-gee ay-gee)
- This is not the first time someone from the Israeli military has murdered a Washingtonian.Rachel Corrie, born and raised in Olympia, was killed in 2003 when an Israeli soldier ran her over with a bulldozer while she was peacefully protesting in Gaza as part of the International Solidarity Movement.
- The Corrie family fought for years to get any justice or accountability for their daughter’s murder at the hands of the Israeli military.
- Ayşenur’s family has yet to receive answers explaining the circumstances of their loved one’s death.
- A resolution passed in the house last session to formally honor the life of Ayşenur and her dedication to justice but did not call for any action.
- Passing a joint memorial in Washington State would send a clear message: we do not accept the murder of our residents without justice.
- A senate joint memorial like SJM 8014 would be delivered to the US Congress on behalf of the state of WA legislature and would call upon them to request an investigation into Ayşenur’s killing.
- A vote for this SJM would affirm that Washington values human life, due process, and international accountability.