Dear Congress: We have An Obligation Under Int’l Law and Domestic Law

If you;re feeling lost and don’t know what to do to help the Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and beyond as Israel continues its assault that some have now referred not only as a genocide, but worse – a holocaust – write to your members of Congress and other policy makers.

Below is the message I recently sent to my representatives in Congress:

I’m writing to you as a constituent to emphasize that we are obligated to follow international and domestic law.

The International Court of Justice ruling, in July 2024, concluded that Israel’s continued seizure of the the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) of East Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank is illegal and that it must be ended immediately, and that through annexation and permanent control Israel continues to frustrate the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, and violates fundamental principles of international law. It stated that Israel should evacuate its settlers and military forces from the occupied territories and reverse its annexation of Palestinian territory.

Additionally, the court asserted that states are obligated NOT to recognize Israel’s illegal acts, such as annexation, and must REFRAIN from providing aid or assistance that maintains Israel’s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The UN General Assembly passed a resolution in September 2024, supporting the findings of the ICJ.

In addition to international law, U.S. law also requires us to stop sending military aid to Israel. The Arms Export Control Act, and the Leahy Amendment exist for a reason. It’s time we follow the law, our morality, and ethics and aid military aid Israel, and other support that prolongs annexation and oppression, as we should to any country committing human rights abuses and war crimes.

Add something more about why this is personal to you

I’m writing to you as a constituent, and an American Jew, to ask that you immediately introduce legislation that fulfills the requirements of both international law and domestic law, and to join any resolutions and bills introduced by your colleagues to accomplish the same result.

Always thank your your elected official

Thanks again for your representation,