PROTECT THE FREEDOM FLOTILLA & AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS

I am absolutely disgusted that my government is using its overreach to try and force the Turkey to not allow the Gaza Freedom Flotilla to sail. People in Gaza are being starved to death right now. Every major world power has failed to adequately address the dire humanitarian catastrophe. Every major NGO attempting to save lives has been targeted by Israeli forces and face the real possibility of being murdered, injured, or abducted and tortured by Israeli forces. The broad coalition of people of goodwill and conscience, which includes Americans as well as thousands of others across the world, are doing what needs to and must be done. We cannot allow the worst man-made famine to continue. You must allow the flotilla to safely depart and protect them in their journey to and from Gaza. In another disgusting, but not surprising move at this point, you've done nothing as students and faculty at Columbia University and other American college campuses are under the threat of and have already had police violence used against them. The Columbia University students have been surrounded by the national guard - helicopters flying closely over head - in an overshow of force and clear intent to inculcate fear. At Cal Poly Humboldt, officers in riot gear rushed at protestors, grabbed a woman by her hair, and caused other injuries. At least one student had to have their head bandaged from the violence inflicted on them. All of this in the backdrop of U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson's planned trip to Columbia to weaponize the hysteria around antisemitism at college campuses and justify the violence against peaceful student protestors and activists. I demand that you:  – Hold Israel accountable for a permanent, immediate ceasefire, their violations of the Genocide Convention, and gross human rights violations by any means necessary – Call for the immediate end of Israel’s occupation and apartheid and support Palestinians in their fight for freedom and peace – Secure the immediate release and safety of all Palestinians who have been abducted and held captive by Israel, including those whose indefinite detention began prior to 10/7 – Permanently end all monetary, diplomatic, and military aid given to Israel and enforce Leahy Law – Reallocate all funds given to Israel and commit additional resources for ongoing humanitarian relief for Palestinians starting with immediately resuming funding of UNRWA – Immediately withdraw all U.S. troops, military assets, and all other assets deployed throughout the Middle East and cease all actions that further escalate a larger regional conflict – Pass legislation that voids all anti-BDS laws at the federal level – Vote no on H.R. 7521 and any similar legislation proposed