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Are the billions of dollars of our taxpayer dollars in weapons being sent to Israel creating greater safety for Israelis? Is the continuing death, destruction, starvation and recurring displacement of millions of Palestinian women, children and innocent civilians creating the conditions for a peaceful future for the region? Is it likely that children who have seen their families killed and homes destroyed might in fact become recruits for future Hamas terrorism? Is the likelihood of a broader war increased by the current conflict?
Instead of spending billions on weapons of war, can we focus our resources on addressing the urgent climate crisis, the need to abolish nuclear weapons and create jobs for a sustainable future for us all? Will the sound of more bombs dropping and rockets exploding continue to drown out the possibility of addressing the complex issues of occupation and inequality that need to be resolved for Israelis and Palestinians to live on a small sliver of land together peacefully?
Let us join with those who mourn all the death and destruction in calling for a ceasefire, release of hostages and to stop sending our taxpayer dollars to continue this war and destruction. I urge Rep. Jared Golden, Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King to join with those who believe compassion, non-violence and the goals of justice and equality are not impossible dreams, but the only realistic foundation for co-existence and life for future generations.
Ilze Petersons
Orono
