By Reginald Johnson
All five congress members representing
Connecticut have refused to sign a letter endorsed by 55 of their colleagues in
the House which calls on the Biden administration to make sure Israel follows
international law in its retaliatory attacks on Gaza and urges that a humanitarian
corridor be set up to allow the delivery of food and medical supplies into the
besieged area.
While condemning “Hamas’ shocking and
horrifying attack on Israel” the letter from the lawmakers expresses concern
about an “unfolding humanitarian situation in Gaza.” The signers point to the
order to evacuate over 1 million civilians out of northern Gaza in 24 hours
“and the devastating humanitarian consequences that would ensue.”
The letter adds that “we are also deeply concerned by the recent comments from Israel Defense Forces
leaders that call for a “complete siege” of the Gaza Strip. They said that
human rights experts have said “imposing a complete siege on Gaza and depriving
2.3 million Palestinian civilians who have nowhere else to go --- half of them
are children --- of food, water and electricity would be a violation of
international law.”
Those who endorsed
the letter include many liberal/progressive members of Congress, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,
Ayanna Presley, Jan Schakowsky, Hank Johnson and Maxine Waters.
But not one of the congresspersons
representing Connecticut chose to endorse the letter even though they, like the
signers, are Democrats.
The members of
Congress from Connecticut are: John Larson, D-1, Joe Courtney D-2, Rosa
DeLauro, D-3, Jim Himes, D-4 and Jahana Hayes D-5.
That lack of support
by Connecticut representatives for the comparatively mild letter expressing concern about Israeli
actions in the war from other House members --- the signers do not directly
criticize Israel and they don’t call for a cease-fire, as some peace groups are
demanding --- has drawn criticism from at least one peace activist in
Connecticut.
Henry Lowendorf, President
of the Greater New Haven Peace Council, said “it is a tragedy that CT representatives’
names are not on this letter. It’s important that we insist the five recognize
the right of Palestinians as well as Israelis to live. It’s important that they
act now to support international law with both words and deeds.”
He added “It’s up to
us to hold their feet to the fire. Please contact your representative and
demand that he/she end support for mass murder and genocide. Now.”
(To contact your member of Congress, call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121)
