Letter: Is Rep. Delgado willing to take a stand against Israel?
Dear Editor:
When U.S. Rep. Antonio Delgado holds his next town hall, will he address a question many have been asking him for months? We want him to co-sponsor H.R. 2590. It would withhold military aid to Israel when used in violation of international humanitarian law to abuse Palestinian children, destroy homes, confiscate land or annex Palestinian territory.
This year, Israel’s oppression has worsened. The whole world saw the indiscriminate bombing of civilian homes in Gaza. Two highly respected organizations, Human Rights Watch and the Israeli human rights center B’Tselem, have documented how Israel’s routine treatment of Palestinians constitutes apartheid, an internationally recognized human rights offense.
As a Jewish American who is older than the State of Israel, I’m relieved that people are finally noticing the ugly reality behind endless bipartisan praise for Israel’s supposed support of democracy and human rights. Today, more and more Americans, including Jewish Americans, are demanding justice for Palestinians.
Delgado says he supports human rights, so why does he parrot discredited talking points from the pro-Zionist lobby? Why has he been “unable” to meet constituents to discuss this, even after 2,300 voters signed a petition favoring H.R. 2590? And why are questions about U.S. policy toward Israel never picked to be addressed at his town halls?
Here’s a suggestion. Attend a Delgado town hall. See for yourself. Will Delgado answer any questions from advocates for H.R. 2590? Will he join the growing number of representatives who already are co-sponsors? If he does take that principled stand, I’ll be the first to cheer.
Bob Gelbach
Saugerties, N.Y.