Open letter to Congress and The White House:
International
Law obliges Israel “. . . to ensure the welfare and safety of the Palestinian
civilian population . . .” (1)
However, Israel continues to ignore its obligations, while the world and the
citizens of the US become increasingly aware and critical of Israel’s
brutality.
Orwa Hamad, a minor American Citizen
of Palestinian descent, was recently shot by the IDF; who then prevented him
from receiving medical aid, guarding his body until he was dead. The world is
very aware of this, because it was recorded and the video is making the rounds
of social media. (2)
I recently viewed another video,
where you were asked about your inaction on Israel’s brutality. You responded with a memorized script from
AIPAC, emphasizing our special relationship with Israel. I am left wondering
what that special relationship is: One rogue state to another? Two thugs on the
same team? The central players in a gang profiting from the disenfranchisement
of Palestinian people?
Orwa
Hamad is not an isolated case. “Rachel Corrie, an American peace activist was
killed in 2003 in Gaza when she was run over and crushed by an Israeli bulldozer.
In 2010, Furkan Dogan, an American of Turkish descent was killed aboard the
freedom flotilla headed for Gaza. Tristan Anderson, an American activist from
California suffered permanent brain damage after being shot in the forehead with
a tear gas canister, in 2009 . . . More recent was the brutal beating and
arrest of Palestinian-American teenager Tariq Abukhdeir, in July 2014.” (3)
One would think
that all of this would have a more profound effect on our special relationship
with Israel. In fact, public opinion in the US is changing drastically.
According to a survey by the ‘Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy,’
“Most Americans (60.7 percent) believe the United
States gives "much too much" or "too much" foreign
aid to Israel . . .” (4)
It’s
time to let true democracy reign in the US and in Palestine and Israel as well.
A democracy where there is Freedom and Equality and Justice for all. A
democracy--not based on AIPAC’s money, and not on racism, apartheid, ethnic
cleansing, subjugation, and disregard for international law—but a true
democracy. Of the people, by the people, for the people. All of us. Including
Palestinians.
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(1) UN Human
Rights Council, Twenty-first special session, 23 July 2014, Resolution
adopted by the Human Rights Council S-21/1; Ensuring respect for international
law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem:
(3)
American Youth Murdered by Israeli Occupation Forces:
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Contact US Political Leaders!
Click on your state on the map at the link below, and all your state reps are shown, with
phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and contact forms. If the numbers are
overwhelming go back to the first page and simply enter your zip code in the
form (no other information is needed) only the reps for your area will appear. http://www.contactingthecongress.org/
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Boycott for Peace!
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