1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

Let me be absolutely clear at the outset: criticism of a government is not criticism of a people. Jewish Americans — and Jewish communities worldwide — deserve safety, dignity, and full protection from antisemitism. Nothing about opposing this war diminishes that. It is equally important to state: opposing this war is not an endorsement of the Iranian regime. The government of Iran — under its Supreme Leader and ruling apparatus — has inflicted repression, imprisonment, violence, and systemic human rights abuses against the Iranian people for decades. Acknowledging those atrocities does not require supporting an unauthorized and escalating regional war. War without congressional approval is not justice. It is not liberation. It is not constitutional. Recent statements by Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggest that U.S. escalation was driven in significant part by the expectation that Israel would strike first, triggering retaliation across the region. If that is the case, Congress and the American people deserve an explanation. The United States cannot enter a widening conflict based on another government’s timeline or political calculations — including those of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right coalition. American military force must be debated openly and authorized lawfully. This war was not authorized. It was not debated. It was not explained. Now American service members are in danger. Civilians are dying. Regional escalation is accelerating. The risks of catastrophic miscalculation are real. Opposing this war is not anti-Israel. It is not antisemitic. It is not pro-regime in Iran. It is pro-Constitution. It is pro-democracy. It is pro-accountability. Congress must: 1. Publicly state that this war lacks congressional authorization. 2. Demand a full legal and strategic justification for the use of force. 3. Enforce the War Powers Resolution immediately. 4. Block funding for further unauthorized escalation. 5. Reassert that decisions of war belong to the legislative branch. If Congress fails to act, it concedes that the executive branch may plunge the nation into war without consent of the governed. Reclaim your authority. Stop this war.