To Build Bridges, We Must Block the Bombs

"Last month, Israel recovered the remains of Ran Gvili, the final hostage held by Hamas in Gaza, a step I welcomed with an aching heart, providing at long last some small measure of closure to the grieving families of October 7. But the remains of thousands of Palestinians still lie in the smoldering wreckage of Gaza, while their grieving families face winter in makeshift tents. Where is any measure of closure, or safety, or even just a roof, for them?"

"Over the past two years, I have struggled to mourn both Israelis and Palestinians killed since October 7-to recognize their equal humanity, but also the very unequal magnitude and duration of the devastation. In that effort, I have frequently joined weekly vigils in Union Square with Israelis for Peace, demanding an end to the war in Gaza and the return of every hostage. We've heard from both Palestinians and Israelis whose lives have been ripped apart."

U.S. taxpayer funds finance Israeli bombings in Gaza while humanitarian aid barely reaches civilians and hunger continues. Israel recovered remains of one hostage, offering limited closure to Israeli families, while thousands of Palestinian remains lie amid Gaza's wreckage and displaced families face winter in tents. Vigils in New York unite Israelis and Palestinians calling for an end to the war and all hostage returns, emphasizing intertwined futures. Calls for legislative action include blocking U.S. bombs to Israel to reduce civilian deaths and challenge unconditional congressional support for ongoing military operations.

Read at The Nation