From Washington Post: “In a 16-page-document published Tuesday, Save the Children said that the factors driving the Gaza's existing mental health crisis have ‘dramatically exacerbated’ since Oct. 7. ‘It is unlikely that a single child in Gaza has been untouched by personal bereavement or loss, the aid group said. As part of its research, the organization spoke to parents about the changes they had noticed in their children since the war began. Some reported that their children's recent exposure to scenes of violence, death and destruction had altered their behaviors, causing them to become forgetful, withdrawn and fearful about the future and the fate of their loved ones. ‘I wouldn't even say that their mental health has deteriorated — it's been obliterated,’ one mother of four told the organization, saying her children had suffered ‘complete psychological destruction.’”
Israel has killed over 31,000 Palestinians and wounded over 73,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023. U.S. made weapons are killing entire families in Gaza. Our tax dollars are directly funding this genocide.
President Biden continues to supply and fund Israel. This is continued participation in this genocide and a violation of Leahy law, which prohibits our government from funding foreign forces who are implicated in gross human rights violations. Global human rights organizations have repeatedly reported on Israel’s gross human rights violations and war crimes, including targeting hospitals and healthcare workers, targeting civilians, using starvation as a weapon, etc. As people of conscience, we will not ignore this.
I support a ceasefire, along with 77 Congressmembers (as of March 8). The majority of Americans - including 77% of Democrats and 56% of Republicans - support a permanent ceasefire (Data for Progress, February 2024 report). We are paying attention to representatives who publicly call for a permanent ceasefire, which will shape the 2024 elections. I want you to cosponsor HR 786 by Rep Bush.
I am demanding 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, 5) no more weapons or funding to the Israeli military, 6) the reinstatement of UNRWA funding. 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.
First sent on March 16 by Alice
