Born as a first generation American to Palestinian parents, I am dismayed and deeply affected by the continued conflict in Gaza. Every day, we hear reports of innocent lives lost, and it's simply unbearable to remain silent anymore. The United States, as one of the major external actors in the region, provides significant financial aid to Israel. In 2020, the United States gave approximately 3.8 billion dollars in aid to Israel, a significant portion of which contributed to its military expenses (Congressional Research Service, 2020).

 For the people that say they don't know what to do to help in this conflict, I say, sign this petition. For those that say they simply don't know enough to make an informed decision, I say, take the time to educate yourself and then sign this petition. For those that simply feel it is not their place to act on anything, I say, sign this petition.

We have allowed our government to blindly send billions of dollars in OUR tax dollars to aid in another countries extermination of a people. Israel has already been found guilty of commiting multiple war crimes by the UN against the people of Gaza and yet we turn a blind eye and continue to aid them. War is not a pretty thing for either side, but at no point should we applaud the actions of a country that happily targets hospitals and refugee camps. We are currently witnessing the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people and we cannot remain silent when our own government supports it. If this has led any of you to feel something in your heart then I beg you to please sign this petition and show that we as a people are not silent to what is happening overseas. Sign this petition and show that we are a people of humanity.

Please, add your voice to this petition; call upon the United States to review its foreign aid policies, tying them to respect for human rights and the cessation of conflict. Sign this petition; make your voice heard.