1. United States
2. Letter

Every night, I fall asleep hearing the echoes of cries from across the globe – cries that rise from beneath the rubble of bombed houses, cries of parents shouting out for their children amidst a tempest of fire and smoke, cries that reverberate through the desolate streets of Gaza. Every speck of pain inflicted upon human beings is an intolerable crime against humanity and it is far past time we speak against it, against the flames dancing profusely fed by the arms we supply. The actions of the Israeli regime against Palestinian civilians, subsidized and armed by U.S. funds, have spawned a scenario that shakes the very foundation of human dignity and rights. Children, the most delicate and innocent beings among us, are paying the heaviest price. Their homes have been turned into graveyards and their dreams into nightmares. This is not a question of politics, allegiances, or diplomacy, but a testament of our claim to humanity. When will it end? When will we finally prioritize human lives over perceived threats, and peace over hostilities? When will we stand divided no more by borders and religions and unite in the name of our shared humanity? Let our funding, let our might, be extended not to extend the war, but to impose a ceasefire; to not wreak destruction but to rebuild; to not stoke hatred but to forge understanding. Our aid should not feed this corrosive machine proliferating violence and despair, but must be directed towards the creation of a world where every life is cherished and respected. For where there is a will to peace, there is a way to peace. We must, with utmost urgency, strive to unfold it. This world has seen enough of warfare and assuredly, it desires no more. It's time to let go of aggression, to extinguish the flames, and let the healing begin. Remember, we have the power to make a difference, the power to change the course of history. Let our legacy not be one of destruction, but of compassion and peace. Let's make it count.