On Jan 16, 2024, Senator Bernie Sanders introduced a resolution requesting information on Israel's human rights practices amid their conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This request for such a report is rooted in Leahy Law, which refers to two statutory provisions prohibiting the U.S. Government from using funds for assistance to units of foreign security forces where there is credible information implicating that unit in the commission of gross violations of human rights.
Why didn’t the Senate pass this legislation to write a report? It’s because the Senate knows Israel has committed war crimes and human rights violations by enacting genocide via starvation, displacement, indiscriminate bombing, targeting journalists and their family members, etc. The whole world knows this.
I am asking you to take immediate steps to deescalate violence in Gaza and Israel by calling for 1) a total and permanent ceasefire, 2) humanitarian aid allowed to enter Gaza, 3) an end to Israel's siege on Gaza, 4) the release of all Palestinian and Israeli hostages, and 5) no more weapons or funding to the Israeli military. A permanent ceasefire is an absolutely critical step to ensuring everlasting liberation and peace.
Never again means never again for anyone. Palestinians deserve to live with freedom and safety which means first stopping this genocide and then ensuring liberation from occupation and apartheid. The liberation and safety of Palestinians, Israelis, Jewish people, and Muslim people are intertwined. There can only be true safety when we are all free from oppression.
We are paying attention to representatives who publicly call for a permanent ceasefire, which will shape the 2024 elections. I support a permanent ceasefire, along with 62 Congressmembers, and 61% of American voters (https://www.dataforprogress.org/blog/2023/12/5/voters-want-the-us-to-call-for-a-permanent-ceasefire-in-gaza-and-to-prioritize-diplomacy).
U.S. made weapons are killing entire families in Gaza. Our tax dollars are directly funding this genocide. As your office was informed by the Center for Constitutional Rights, there is legal liability for aiding and abetting genocide through congressional acts. Palestinians, and now South Africa, are suing President Biden for participating in this genocide. You must take action now and end all U.S. support in Israel's enactment of this genocide.
