As a Black Native/American Woman, CEO and Founder of Harlem Network News I am committed to speaking truth to power and delivering balanced media to Harlem, the Harlem's of the World and the greater world.   I am deeply moved to initiate this petition. The economic disparities and inequities that persist in America for Black and Brown People, the displacement due to gentrification and abject poverty, the Trail of Tears for Indigenous People, The Middle Passage/Enslavement for African Americans, and Apartheid in South Africa are reminiscent of the oppression, killing and displacement of the Palestinians and we identify.  It is with this historical perspective that we view the current situation in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel with great distress.

The United States' financial support of Israel's actions against Palestine is akin to condoning genocide.  Israel continues to ravage, bomb, kill, and displace innocent people - many of whom are women, children, and babies as a response to the HAMAS extreme act of violence on October 7th.  The Israel Gaza conflict did not begin on October 7th.  Millions of  Palestinians have been displaced and killed since the 1948 when Israel was formed and forced to live in substandard conditions mirroring apartheid in open air "concentration camps." under the rule of Israel funded by the United States.  This situation mirrors past atrocities that have left indelible scars on marginalized communities worldwide.  As we the middle class and poor of America pay more taxes than the wealthy it is unconscionable that our taxes dollars are going to kill women and children and displace families in Palestine while we starve and suffer abuse.  It is also unconscionable that the Corporations, Media and our Public Officials are silent on this matter because they are in they pockets of Israeli lobbyist and out of fear of going against the grain.  We take offense that "Anti-Semitism" is being used as a shield and a weapon and College Presidents are being grilled in Congress and folks are being fired for their position and call for a Cease Fire while Islamophobia and racism to Black, Brown, Indigenous People  and others is minimized.  The fact is that Israel funded and helped to create HAMAS in an effort to undercut President Yasser Araftat of Palestine who died mysteriously in an effort to gain control of Palestine. The fact is that Israel actually built the tunnels under Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza 40 years ago while they feigned looking for tunnels on National Televison.  The fact is that all of the people of Israel and "Jewish" people around the world are not in favor of this genocide and displacement of Palestinian people and Israel as a "Jewish" state can not be synonymous with Democracy.  Where in the world are we?  Important we know and understand the real facts and truth and stand for humanity.

According to Human Rights Watch (2021), Israeli forces have committed apparent war crimes by indiscriminately bombing residential areas resulting in civilian casualties. This ongoing conflict has led to widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure leaving countless Palestinians homeless.  Why is the United States one of the few countries in the United Nations vetoing a Cease Fire as of this week; this is unconscionable and not representative of the voices of the American people.

As representatives of "Harlem's"  Black and Brown communities - as well as those similar communities across the globe - we raise our voices against these injustices. We call upon world leaders to enforce an immediate ceasefire in Gaza; stop financing actions that lead to loss of innocent lives; ensure accountability for any war crimes committed; provide humanitarian aid for displaced Palestinians; promote peaceful coexistence between Israelis & Palestinians.

We cannot stand by while history repeats itself with another group facing oppression under our watchful eyes. Let us unite our voices into a powerful chorus demanding peace now!  Please sign this petition today.