Dear Community,
Since the attack by Hamas on October 7th that killed over 1200 Israelis and took more than 250 hostages, the Israeli military has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians and at least a third of them children. We believe it is critically important for everyone, especially Americans, to speak out through every avenue available to them about the genocide currently happening in Palestine.
The Israeli military is killing around 250 people a day, the highest daily death rate of any 21st century conflict. Israel has leveled 70% of Gaza, bombing homes, hospitals, schools, and every university. The majority of their weapons are US made. UN experts say Israel is causing mass starvation, a war crime, as the military blocks most humanitarian aid from entering through their checkpoints. At this moment, over a million Palestinians are at imminent risk of death by starvation. And Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to continue the invasion of Rafah, the last place in the Gaza strip that Palestinian civilians had been allowed to flee to.
We believe it is our responsibility as American citizens to use our privilege to speak out, because the Biden Administration has circumvented Congressional approval and made more than 100 weapons sales to Israel since October 7th, while publicly asking Israel to let humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Meanwhile, US voters have made it clear, we want an immediate and permanent ceasefire. People are organizing across every sector to voice their dissent and block military support of Israel. Hundreds of thousands of people voted “uncommitted” in the Democratic primary to express their disapproval of Joe Biden for the harmful actions and inaction he has taken. Hundreds of tech workers are risking their jobs at Google as part of the No Tech for Apartheid campaign. US soldiers are coming forward in support of Aaron Bushnell, an air force serviceman who self-immolated in front of the Israeli Embassy in DC on February 25th. In Israel, multiple soldiers have now publicly refused service, choosing prison time instead.
Here in Vermont, the Vermont Coalition for Palestinian Liberation has built an ongoing campaign calling for a ceasefire, as a starting point. On Town Meeting Day, the Coalition helped 12 towns pass ceasefire resolutions, urging President Biden to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
We demand a permanent ceasefire and the immediate release of all prisoners and hostages. We demand that every military checkpoint is opened immediately and lifesaving food and medical supplies are allowed to enter by land. We demand that the US government immediately ceases providing weapons to Israel. We encourage every Vermonter to stand with us against genocide and apartheid. If you need any support to take action, we encourage you to reach out to us at the PJC. We are available for conversation and to connect you to resources.
In solidarity,
The Peace & Justice Center Board & Staff
A Brief Resource List:
Vermont Coalition for Palestinian Liberation website: https://www.vermontcpl.org/
What to Boycott: https://bdsmovement.net/get-involved/what-to-boycott
Free ebooks about Israel & Palestine:
- https://www.haymarketbooks.org/blogs/495-free-ebooks-for-a-free-palestine
- https://www.versobooks.com/blogs/news/solidarity-with-palestine-free-resources-and-further-reading
A Memorial for the 10,000 & Counting Palestinian Children Who Have Been Killed: https://interactive.aljazeera.com/aje/2024/israel-war-on-gaza-10000-children-killed/