Taking Action For Peace

Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) joins Senator Bernie Sanders, Code Pink, the United Nations, and many others deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in Gaza. Earlier today, Israeli military forces used “tear gas, live fire as thousands protest at Gaza border” according to The Times of Israel. We’ve set up an easy-to-use action tool to contact your Senators and Congress members and urge them to help end the violence.

The Gaza is a narrow strip of territory, home to nearly two million people, that has been under occupation since the 1940s—first by Egypt and then by Israel. Currently, the residents of Gaza are under siege, unable to conduct their lives as they wish. Recently, violence erupted along the Israel-Gaza border. The Times of Israel reported, “At least 16 Palestinians were killed and over 1,400 injured by live fire, rubber bullets, and tear gas from the Israeli forces.” We agree all sides should renounce violence and stop engaging in provocations. If you agree, take action now!

Tell Congress To Take Action For Peace

Gaza Strip, with Israeli-controlled borders (Wickey-nl • CC BY 3.0)

As Senator Bernie Sanders tweeted: “The killing of Palestinian demonstrators by Israeli forces in Gaza is tragic. It is the right of all people to protest for a better future without a violent response.” During his appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sen. Sanders said, “From what my understanding is, you have tens and tens of thousands of people who are engaged in a nonviolent protest. I believe now 15 or 20 people, Palestinians, have been killed and many, many others have been wounded. So I think it’s a difficult situation, but my assessment is that Israel overreacted on that.”

Join PDA as we urge Congress to call on all sides to renounce violence and provocation, to promptly evaluate Israeli actions, and determine whether US aid was used in these deadly reprisals against peaceful demonstrators in violation of US law. We further urge Congress members to take leadership on this matter so that Congress requires the President to determine if Israeli actions violate the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (Title II of Pub.L. 94–329, 90 Stat. 729, 22 U.S.C.ch. 39) which requires international governments receiving weapons from the United States to use the armaments for legitimate self-defense. Finally, we call on Congress members to demand that Israel to refrain from any violent action against nonviolent protesters—and to seek effective means to enforce US law, including by decreasing US aid to Israel

Will you help support PDA’s and our allies’ efforts to stop violence and promote peace? Please donate generously now, and/or sign up for our Peace Team.

In solidarity,

Mike Hersh for Judy, Donna, Mike F., Deb, Janis, Dan, Kimberly, Bryan, Dr. Bill, and Amos—Your PDA National Team

P.S. We need your help now. Please sign up with our Peace Team. No time to volunteer? Please donate $500, $50, or whatever you can afford now to help PDA and our allies promote peace.