CT congress members pass on letter about Israel

 

    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)