by Lora Lucero
(Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza – Photo by Lora Lucero)
A “humanitarian pause” is the code word that President Biden and many Democrats (including the New Mexico delegation) are using to describe their support for getting humanitarian supplies (food, water, medicine and fuel) to the beleaguered population in the Gaza Strip. Hundreds of trucks have been sitting on the road outside of Rafah waiting for permission to enter. With food rotting and the situation in Gaza becoming ever more dire, this humanitarian aid represents life or death for many. But a humanitarian pause is not enough. Why?
The problem with a “humanitarian pause” is that it means (1) giving aid with one hand and (2) dropping bombs with the other. President Biden and those Democrats who support a “humanitarian pause” don’t want to get on Israel’s bad side by calling for a cessation of hostilities. In fact, they’re hoping to send $14 billion to support Israel’s military to prosecute this horrendous massacre. (At this writing, over 8,000 Palestinians have been killed.)
Fortunately, Rep. Cori Bush (D. Mo.) has introduced H. Res. 786 calling for an immediate de-escalation and cease-fire in Israel and occupied Palestine, joined by 17 cosponsors. None of the New Mexico delegation has signed on to support a ceasefire, despite numerous requests and meetings with constituents. Led by Jewish Voice for Peace, members of PDA-CNM have participated in these meetings and actions but we haven’t seen any of the delegation budge off their mantra urging a “humanitarian pause”.
Senator Martin Heinrich 202-224-5521 505-346-6601
Senator Ben Ray Lujan 202-224-6621 505-337-7023
Rep. Melanie Stansbury 202-225-6316 505-346-6781
Rep. Theresa Leger-Fernandez 202-225-6190
Rep. Gabe Vasquez 202-225-2365 505-208-4777
Why is it difficult for these five New Mexicans to support a ceasefire? Should we follow the money from their campaign donors? None have explained their opposition to a ceasefire, but each should be contacted and urged to get on the right side of history. On Friday, Oct. 27, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for “an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities.” 120 countries voted in favor, 14 against and 45 abstentions. The U.S. and Israel led the opposition and are clearly isolated in the community of nations.
Congress appears to be isolated as well from American voters. “In a new Data for Progress poll, fielded as part of a national omnibus survey from October 18 to 19, finds that 66% of voters “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” with the following statement: The U.S. should call for a ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza. The U.S. should leverage its close diplomatic relationship with Israel to prevent further violence and civilian deaths. This includes 80% of Democrats, 57% of Independents, and 56% of Republicans.”
We need to push — pull — drag our New Mexico delegation to support H. Res. 786, the call for a ceasefire. Will you make calls, send emails, sign a petition in support of a ceasefire?
Lane Leckman and Melinda Smith (Jewish Voice for Peace)
Samia Assed, Southwest Coalition for Palestine
New Mexicans are speaking up loud and clear in favor of a ceasefire now! On Monday, October 23, at least 400 people gathered at Robinson Park, where young NM Jews called on the US and Israel to stop using their grief and their religion to commit violence in Palestine. We marched through downtown to the office of Sen Heinrich. We completely filled the lobby, chanting and learning songs that the Jewish organizers taught us.
Then 60 of us went to the 10th floor and chanted and banged on the walls of his office, calling for a ceasefire. Inside 12 folks met with his staff. We were there for hours, while another group met with Sen Lujan’s staff. Both buildings closed but the groups refused to leave without the Senators supporting a ceasefire. Several were arrested at each office and we got a lot of media coverage:
Abq Journal: Community members march to NM congressional delegation offices, calling for cease-fire in Gaza | News | abqjournal.com
and New Mexicans pressure federal lawmakers to join calls for ceasefire in Gaza – Source New Mexico (sourcenm.com)
On Saturday, Oct. 28, an estimated 350 people marched to Tiguex Park making the same demands. Check the coverage on
KOAT: https://www.koat.com/article/palestinian-rally-in-albuquerque/45673833.
KOB: https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/hundreds-of-protesters-rally-in-albuquerque-demand-gaza-ceasefire/
KRQE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zJ0BqlU1Eo
Please add your voice to the many who are urging our Congressional delegation to support H.Res. 786 — the call for a ceasefire.
Progressive Democrats of America Central New Mexico 