A Jewish Perspective on Palestinian Suffering (Image Credits: Unsplash)
New York City – Former City Comptroller Brad Lander outlined his commitment to curb American arms transfers to Israel as he campaigns for Congress in the 10th District.[1][2]
A Jewish Perspective on Palestinian Suffering
Brad Lander began with a personal reflection rooted in his faith. He described himself as a proud Jewish New Yorker guided by the principle that every person exists *b’tzelem Elohim*, or in God’s image. Last Yom Kippur, Lander confessed he had not advocated strongly enough for Palestinian lives, a shortcoming he now seeks to correct.
This sense of obligation drew him to weekly vigils in Union Square alongside Israelis for Peace. Participants there demand an end to the war and the return of hostages. Lander highlighted stories from those gatherings, underscoring shared humanity amid loss. “I believe that the values I hold as a proud Jewish New Yorker… give me a particular obligation in this moment to speak up louder for the lives of Palestinians,” he stated.[1]
Spotlight on the Block the Bombs Act
H.R. 3565, known as the Block the Bombs Act, targets specific U.S. defense sales to Israel.[3] Sponsored by Representative Delia Ramirez, the measure prohibits transfers of catastrophic weapons, such as 2,000-pound bombs implicated in Gaza’s destruction. Lander pledged to cosponsor it upon election, joining dozens of colleagues already on board.
The legislation addresses direct U.S. involvement in the conflict. Taxpayer funds have supported munitions that struck hospitals and schools. Lander argued this step would safeguard Palestinian civilians while urging Israel toward democratic principles. He framed it as essential groundwork for regional stability.[4]
U.S. Role in Gaza’s Devastation
The crisis persists two years after Hamas’s October 7 attacks. Israeli operations recovered the remains of hostage Ran Gvili last month, offering closure to some families. Yet thousands of Palestinian bodies remain buried in rubble, including five from the Abu Nida family killed in a February 9 strike on Gaza’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood.
Civilians endure hunger as aid arrives sporadically. Families huddle in tents through winter without reliable shelter. Congress’s unconditional backing of these efforts has drawn criticism for prioritizing foreign arms over domestic priorities like housing and healthcare. Lander called Israel’s actions a genocide, invoking Raphael Lemkin, the term’s originator.[1]
Peacemakers Amid the Warmongers
Lander pointed to individuals transcending grief to forge connections. Maoz Inon lost his parents to Hamas on October 7, while Aziz Abu Sarah mourned his brother, killed by West Bank settlers. Together, they advocate for coexistence, chanting that Israeli and Palestinian futures intertwine.
Such examples contrast with entrenched divisions. Lander positioned the real fault line between those building peace and those fueling conflict. He urged a U.S. pivot from complicity to multilateral diplomacy, echoing critiques of past interventions like the Iraq War. This approach, he contended, would rebuild American credibility abroad.
- Protects civilians by restricting destructive weapons.
- Redirects resources to pressing needs at home.
- Pressures adherence to international norms.
- Fosters conditions for lasting negotiations.
- Aligns policy with human rights commitments.
Key Takeaways
- The Block the Bombs Act bans sales of bombs used in Gaza, aiming to save lives immediately.
- Lander’s support highlights growing progressive pressure on Israel policy.
- True peace demands recognizing equal humanity, regardless of unequal suffering.
Brad Lander’s announcement signals a potential shift in how Jewish American leaders engage the Israel-Palestine debate, prioritizing Palestinian protection without abandoning Israeli security concerns. Lawmakers face mounting calls to reassess arms policies amid Gaza’s toll. What do you think about this pledge? Tell us in the comments.
