December 15, 2023
Dear editor;
The joint U.S.–Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people of Gaza has shaken the world, and as American citizens, we have been heartbroken to witness the relentless bloodshed, with the majority of victims being civilians, including 7,800+ children. What’s worse is the knowledge that our hard-earned tax dollars, military hardware and intelligence, and administration’s rhetoric are directly supporting this violence. It’s time to speak out.
In early November, we initiated a letter-writing campaign urging active Democratic Precinct Committee person in IL-11 to ask our congressman, representative, Bill Foster, to take a stand for peace and call for an immediate cease-fire in Israel and Palestine. More than 80 local leaders joined our cause, demonstrating their commitment to ending this devastating violence.
However, our recent meeting with congressman Foster left us deeply disappointed. Despite acknowledging the grim reality on the ground more than 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians displaced, nearly 20,000 lives lost, and countless others wounded, he continues to disregard Israel’s daily violence against Palestinians. Per the congressman, “there’s a special place in hell for Ron Dermer and Bibi Netanyahu.” He acknowledges that Israel’s intent is to “flatten Gaza,” and that Israel’s senior government officials have called for ethnic cleansing, and yet he refuses to take action to stop the massive violence he knows is wrong. His justification for supporting the bombing campaign solely on the grounds of Israel’s desire to retaliate is unacceptable. Lives are at stake, and he remains inert.
The support for a cease-fire is overwhelming. As recent Data for Progress polling indicates: 76% of Democrats and 61% of the general public desire a permanent cease-fire and de-escalation of violence in Gaza. Remarkably, even more Republicans support a cease-fire than oppose one. Congressman Foster’s current stance puts him at odds with both our party, the opposition party, and the general public, and he is out of touch with his congressional district.
We are heartened to see that many of our Democratic Party colleagues, including senator Dick Durbin and several representatives, have already publicly called for a cease-fire. Internationally recognized organizations such as the UN General Assembly, Pope Francis, Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, Oxfam, Save the Children, and UAW have called for a permanent cease-fire.
Our fellow Democratic precinct committeepersons in IL-11 overwhelmingly support a durable cease-fire, with more than one-quarter publicly endorsing our cease-fire letter. Many were hesitant to criticize the congressman publicly, while others had already contacted him directly. But as the violence continues unabated, and our representative stands by, many local voters may consider other candidates or become jaded all together.
We ask, what reason is there to persist in discussions with a representative who refuses to heed the calls of his local district and the cries of 2.3 million Palestinian people living through genocide in Gaza? Congressman Bill Foster must call for a permanent cease-fire now.
Time is of the essence, because the Israeli military kills a Palestinian child every ten minutes in Gaza. Congressman Foster can still do the right thing and stand on the right side of history by demanding an immediate cease-fire. With countless lives hanging in the balance, he will have blood on his hands if he fails to act promptly.
Congressman Foster, the clock is ticking, and your constituents implore you: Call for a permanent cease-fire now, before it’s too late for Palestine and its people.
A Handful of Voters,
Martin Beirne, Precinct Committeeperson, Batavia 8
David Cannon, Precinct Committeeperson, Aurora 38
Kate Cuneo, Precinct Committeeperson, Batavia 6
Patty Droogan, Precinct Committeeperson, DuPage 19
Ryan Hollister, Precinct Committeeperson, Hampshire 2
Scott Johansen, Precinct Committeeperson, Campton 12
Cat Knarr, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action
Freya Knarr, Local queer activist
Sandra Schmitt, Precinct Committeeperson, Aurora 29
Reem Townsend, Precinct Committeeperson, DuPage 28