In Gaza, Israel keeps 2.1 million people caged, bombing the entire population continually with huge (2,000 lbs) “bunker-buster” bombs. Gazans have no defense. No anti-aircraft guns, no fighter jets, no missile defense shield. Look around you right now and imagine bombed out buildings, schools, hospitals, roads and water systems, devastation everywhere. Lives reduced to rubble.

On March 2, Israel additionally imposed a total blockade of all food, water and medical aid to the enclave, purposefully inflicting starvation on everyone. Readers must understand that what’s happening depends on American support, that we are complicit. Together, presidents Biden and Trump have rushed over $18 billion taxpayer dollars to keep Israel’s sophisticated war machine pounding Gaza’s defenseless people. Politically, we’ve defended Israel’s murderous campaign by blocking ceasefire resolutions in the UN. With unconditional American support, over 53,000 people have now been killed (mostly women and children) and many more wounded. Unknown dead lie uncounted under rubble.

Sen. Shaheen recently called for an end to Israel’s inhumane blockade but Sen. Hassan has done nothing. Representatives Goodlander and Pappas refused to sign a letter to Israeli ambassador Leiter urging an end to the blockade. We could end the destruction of Gaza tomorrow if Congress would suspend U.S. aid to Israel. We are complicit in the Gazans’ unimaginable suffering whether we’re paying attention or not. Is this who we are? Contact Senators Shaheen and Hassan and Representatives Goodlander and Pappas today. Let them know.

Patricia Saenger

Temple