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An Open Letter

To: Rep. Dean, Sen. Fetterman, Sen. McCormick

From: A constituent in Plymouth Meeting, PA

May 3

Comparing the Holocaust and the situation in Gaza is deeply complex and highly sensitive, as both involve immense human suffering—but they differ greatly in context, scale, intent, and historical meaning. Here’s a careful, fact-based comparison: Key Similarities: 1 Mass Civilian Casualties: ◦ Holocaust: Six million Jews were systematically murdered in an organized campaign of genocide by Nazi Germany. ◦ Gaza: Tens of thousands of Palestinians—many civilians—have been killed in repeated Israeli military campaigns, particularly in the 2023–2024 war, with massive destruction of homes, infrastructure, and hospitals. 2 Collective Punishment and Blockades: ◦ Holocaust: Jews were collectively blamed and punished, restricted to ghettos with severe deprivation. ◦ Gaza: Israel (with Egypt's support) has enforced a blockade since 2007, restricting movement of goods and people, which many view as collective punishment of 2.2 million Palestinians. 3 Dehumanizing Rhetoric: ◦ In both contexts, the targeted groups have been portrayed as existential threats. Nazi propaganda dehumanized Jews; some Israeli officials and media have used extreme language about Palestinians or Gaza. The situation in Gaza involves repeated, devastating military assaults and widespread civilian suffering, which many see as war crimes or ethnic persecution. The immense loss of life and humanitarian crisis in Gaza demand urgent attention and accountability.

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