DEAR SENATOR: "For an Immediate Arms Embargo"

Below is a letter I sent this evening, in support of the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders and supported by others in the U.S. Senate.  I sent similar letters to my two senators, Senators Hassan and Shaheen of New Hampshire.  And I'm urging friends to send similar notes (LINK HERE) to their own U.S. senators.  The time is now.

DGJ

Monday, September 30, 2024

Dear Senator Hassan,

I’m writing this evening to urge your support for the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders (see remarks here) and ask that you call for an immediate embargo on arms sales to Israel.  

As Israel’s bombing of Gaza continues, as it escalates its attacks in other arenas and invades Lebanon, I join a majority of Americans (and citizens of New Hampshire) who support a permanent ceasefire, hostage exchange, and an arms embargo to get us there.  The time is now for moral, principled, brave leadership in the Senate.   Please add your name to those of Senators Sanders, Welch and Merkley in support of S.J. Res. 111, 112, 113, 114, 115 and 116, to block $20 billion in weapons for Israel’s military.

There is no question—among legal scholars, international observers and human rights advocates—that U.S. transfers to Israel of lethal technology and weaponry are in direct violation of U.S. and international law.  In using such arms to continue a decades-long occupation and now to prosecute a regional war on a multitude of fronts, Israel is not only betraying U.S. commitments to human rights and diplomacy, but shattering its own democratic aspirations as well.  With these Joint Resolutions, you and your colleagues can once again center American values in a world where these are understandably questioned and reasonably doubted.  

May 10, 2024 (Dover)

Last Spring, with four other colleagues, I participated in a nonviolent act of civil disobedience here in Dover, at the office of Congressman Pappas.  For months activists and people of faith had urged the congressman to meet with us and reconsider his numerous votes in support of arms sales and lethal support for Israel’s devastating bombardment in Gaza.  He's shown no interest in doing so.  Again, our concern continues to focus on legitimate and God-given human rights—for Palestinians and Israelis alike—and for American choices that honor the democratic aspirations of Palestinian communities and Israeli communities too.  For Congress to brazenly defy U.S. law in sending weapons in support of an illegal and immoral occupation, and now an illegal and horrific genocide in Gaza, is unconscionable and undemocratic.  For Congress to defy international law is just plain wrong, and invites legitimate criticism of American hypocrisy.  In this way, surely, we are weakened internationally.

I did not relish the action that resulted in our arrest last May.  I had then, and continue to serve now, a busy congregation in Durham with a wonderful variety of ministries, programs and needs.  But our own United Church of Christ’s General Synod has identified Israel’s decades-long occupation as a form of apartheid (2021).  And Congress’ inability to confront Israel’s violence, and its complicity in funding the destruction of Gazan families and communities required me to act (in peaceful collaboration with friends) urgently and thoughtfully to encourage conversation (among our neighbors) and change in the ways Congress addresses the issue.  Indeed, I’m grateful for the conversation that’s expanding across our state, and the diverse community of activists urging our delegation to move more boldly in support of an arms embargo and American integrity in the Middle East.

With Issa Amro in Hebron, 2017

All of which to say, this is important business.  It is for those of you who consider resolutions, and policy, and then cast votes.  It is as well for those of us who have traveled in the Middle East; who are proponents of human rights and nonviolent democratic efforts in Israel and Palestine; and whose churches, mosques and synagogues have beloved partners in the region.  Partners who seek to live and thrive together, and create a multicultural community, a multicultural democracy for future generations.  

So again, on behalf of Palestinian and Israeli friends and peacemakers, in solidarity with Jewish activists and so many others here in New Hampshire, and with my larger United Church of Christ community, I urge you, Senator Hassan, to move boldly and bravely to support the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders and call for an immediate embargo on arms sales to Israel.  The time is now.

In gratitude for your service,

The Rev. David C. Grishaw-Jones