1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I write to you with a deep sense of urgency and moral outrage at the ongoing violence in Gaza. As this catastrophe escalates, it is essential to listen to the voices of those who have directly suffered from it, like Maoz Inon, an Israeli peace activist who lost both of his parents in the October 7th Hamas attack. His parents, Bilha and Yakovi Inon, were killed on a kibbutz near Gaza, where they had spent their lives. Despite this unimaginable loss, Inon speaks out for an end to the violence, demanding that true security can only come when it is shared by all. Inon’s words are a powerful indictment of the policies that have led to the death and destruction of so many innocents, both Palestinian and Israeli. He said: “True security will only be achieved when the other side also enjoys security and stability. Morally, we cannot justify the killing of innocent people as part of the fight against terrorism. The harm to hundreds of innocent civilians is neither reasonable nor acceptable. These efforts should bring an end to the war in Gaza, return the hostages, end the occupation, and achieve a political-security agreement alongside reconciliation.” Maoz Inon’s clear call for an end to the war in Gaza, for a political solution that includes ending the occupation, cannot be ignored. If someone like him, who has lost so much, can call for peace, reconciliation, and justice, then how can we as a nation continue to endorse policies that fuel more bloodshed? The massacre of civilians in Gaza, the ongoing airstrikes, and the destruction of homes, hospitals, and essential infrastructure is not a legitimate or acceptable response to the atrocities committed by Hamas. We must cease our complicity in this cycle of violence. The U.S. must stop providing military aid to Israel that is being used to kill civilians and destroy Gaza’s ability to survive. We must demand an immediate ceasefire and use every diplomatic tool available to bring an end to the occupation. Security cannot be achieved through bombings, blockades, or the mass starvation of a population. It will only come when we commit ourselves to peace, justice, and equality for all the people in the region. I urge you to take a stand against the ongoing massacres in Gaza. By remaining silent or worse, by supporting this violence, you are acting against the interests of your constituents, the country, and the world. Only those among you who take a strong stance for ending military support to Israel and who demand an immediate ceasefire are acting on behalf of justice. I will not support or vote for anyone who stands by and allows genocide to be committed with our assistance. Now is the time for moral courage. Stand up for peace, for the rule of law, and for a future where Palestinians and Israelis alike can live in security and dignity. (https://www.democracynow.org/2024/10/7/maoz_inon_october_7_israel_palestine)