Friends,
Aid workers in Gaza are heroically supporting two million people even as the Netanyahu government tries to prevent the humanitarian organizations they work for from operating.
In the last few weeks, aid agencies have provided shelter to tens of thousands of Palestinian families through severe rainstorms. They’ve worked desperately to get desalination plants up and running. They’re providing life-saving care to disabled, sick and wounded civilians as Gaza’s health system lies in ruins. And they’re a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of pregnant women and young children.
But despite this immense need, the Netanyahu government is pressing ahead with excessive bureaucratic requirements that effectively ban dozens of aid agencies from operating in Gaza and the West Bank – including many of the largest.
Friends: I believe in an Israel that supports those most in need, and I believe in a United States that uses its strength and power to uphold our values.
On Wednesday, a bill was introduced in the Senate that would do exactly that: Impose US sanctions on leaders and officials – anywhere in the world – who deliberately restrict or inhibit the flow of humanitarian aid.
Will you join us in supporting that legislation?
No More Blocking Life-Saving Aid
✍️ Add your name to show your support
Note: If you are a DC resident, we encourage you to get in touch with your networks about this legislation!
This move to ban aid agencies isn’t happening in a vacuum.
It comes after Netanyahu deployed complete blockades in Gaza last year, blocking all medicine, food and shelter supplies for nearly three months. And it comes after his extremist ministers – who want to push out Palestinians and take over Gaza – have repeatedly called for aid to be restricted as a weapon of collective punishment.
This is not the vision of Israel I was raised to fight for. This government is destabilizing and isolating Israel further from the international community, the Jewish diaspora and our common humanity.
Most critically, its actions are threatening the lives and well-being of millions of civilians.
Friends: We have to learn the lessons of the past and press for bolder US leadership in the future. As Jewish and pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans, we must stand against this callousness. Please join us by adding your name >>
Yours in determination,
Adina Vogel Ayalon
Vice President of Strategy and Programs, J Street
