Leadership requires courage
As Rep. Chris Pappas seeks to represent New Hampshire in the U.S. Senate, many of us want to support him — and want to see him take a stronger stand for Palestinian lives and human rights.
We recognize the political pressures surrounding Israel and Palestine. Still, his recent “present” votes on military assistance to Israel and support for the Department of Homeland Security leave constituents looking for clearer leadership.
With the devastation in Gaza and the West Bank continuing, we need elected officials willing to help change U.S. policy. The “Block the Bombs Act,” H.R. 3565, offers Pappas an opportunity to support restrictions on U.S. arms transfers to Israel.
We also ask him to reject AIPAC campaign support. Doing so would reassure constituents that his decisions reflect their concerns and his principles, not pressure from a powerful advocacy organization.
These requests come from people who want Pappas to succeed. We want him to help build a Democratic coalition grounded in human rights, accountability and the conviction that Palestinian and Israeli lives have equal value.
Congressman Pappas, please meet this moment by cosponsoring the Block the Bombs Act and publicly rejecting AIPAC support. We are asking you to lead — and give us a stronger reason to stand with you in November.