Open Letter to my Senators and Congressman on Israel and Palestine

I write to express my grave concern with the situation in Gaza and the Palestinian Occupied Territories. I am a Jewish American, and the welfare of Jews and Israelis of every background is important to me. Hamas’s actions on October 7 were shocking in their barbarity, and I condemn them, as I condemn the continued holding of civilian hostages by Hamas.

At the same time, as a Jew, I hold dear the concept of B’tzelem Elohim: every human is created in the image of G-d.

Hamas’s actions cannot justify the extraordinary humanitarian suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and the killing of civilians at a scale that strains credulity to call “proportionate.” It is all the more heartbreaking to know that Israel’s actions in Gaza are supported by American weaponry. No actions of Israel can justify violence against Israeli civilians. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, widely recognized by the international community as illegal, is now 57 years in duration, and growing more violent and oppressive.

I write to ask you to do all you can to support the reaching of a cease-fire in Gaza as soon as possible; a rapid increase in aid reaching Gaza with safe channels for its distribution assured; the return of hostages held in Gaza; a return to civilian governance and rebuilding in the territory; an end to the Occupation; a strong commitment by the U.S. to support security, freedom, and realization of national aspirations for Palestinians as well as Israelis; and equal rights for everyone living in Israel.

Many thanks for your attention to these issues. I believe that each of us must do all that we can to secure a peaceful and just resolution to this terrible and long-running crisis.

L’shalom,

Matthew Reisman