I ask you read and reflect on the poem written by Omar Sakr about Aaron Bushnell's self-immolation to protest the ongoing genocide Israel is committing against Palestinians.
"Refusal in the genocide
by Omar Sakr
He walked to the gate
Accelerant in hand.
I can't make this beautiful
I hope you understand.
His voice was clear.
He tried to light
The spark of his life
Several times.
I'm stuck on his fingers
On the catch
On the flash
On the free
On Falastin
Screaming
I don't need a poem
I need a fire extinguisher
But oh god
Nothing can quench this light."
I demand that you:
- Call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire
- Call for the immediate end of Israel's occupation and apartheid and support Palestinians in their fight for freedom and peace
- Hold Israel accountable for their violations of the Genocide Convention and all other international laws by any means necessary
- 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 resume 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
- Restore my right to free speech and the freedom of the press by condemning all discrimination or harassment for criticizing any government or political ideology (including zionism) and by doing everything possible to prevent future assaults to my rights, including governmental control and/or censorship of the Internet
