Open Letter from Sanders National Delegates Calling for Ceasefire in Gaza

Nov 13, 2023

Dear Senator Sanders,

Your Presidential campaigns and your legislative work in the Senate have not only reshaped the national discourse regarding Israel’s violent occupation of Palestine, but also bravely confronted Congress’s unchecked support for Israel in terms of military aid and weapons.

We, the undersigned 358 delegates from your 2016 and 2020 campaigns, write to ask that you stand against war and violence once more. We want to make clear that we condemn Hamas's attacks on innocent civilians on October 7 and ask for an immediate release of hostages. However, in response to the attacks, the Israeli government has unequivocally revealed its troubling intent: the systematic oppression and dehumanizing of the Palestinian people. Israel's actions in Gaza and the collective punishment of Palestinians involve cutting off lifesaving resources, indiscriminate civilian bombardment, resulting in over 10,000 Palestinian casualties with many trapped under the rubbles. Hospitals and doctors that have been operating with limited supplies, face airstrikes and shortage of supplies to treat patients. Close to 50,000 women are pregnant in Gaza, and 150 of them give birth each day. Over 1.4 million Gazans are now displaced, half of whom are children, meanwhile Israeli officials like Ariel Kallner demand a devastating "Nakba," and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has ordered a 'complete siege' on Gaza while calling Palestinians "human animals." The Biden administration's response has been to unconditionally support Israel, question the death toll, and liken peace protesters of all ethnicities and religious backgrounds to neo-Nazis, all while brushing off civilian casualties as a consequence of war.

We’ve progressed beyond the stage of seeking mere condemnations or symbolic gestures. We concur with your assertion that these “unspeakable crimes” must cease and that “the bombs and missiles from both sides” should be halted. But Palestinians require more than just a “humanitarian pause”. We implore you to join the global chorus of voices, which includes the United Nations, numerous humanitarian organizations, activists gathered at Grand Central Terminal, those who have filled the Capitol, those who have protested across the globe, and a select few members of Congress, in calling for an immediate ceasefire.

We join over 375 former staffers and organizers in asking you to:

• Introduce a Senate companion to the Bush-Tlaib “Ceasefire Now” resolution;
• Support an end to U.S. military funding for war crimes against the Palestinian people, the expansion of settlements, and the occupation of Palestinian lands; and
• Support an end to the blockade of Gaza and the occupation of Palestinian land

Thank you, Bernie. You have long inspired us to challenge inequality wherever it takes root in our country and our world. You have helped so many find the willpower to fight for their communities — and to fight for people we do not know. Your guidance has encouraged numerous progressives to step into the political arena, taking their places in policy-making. Above all, you have shown us how to hold the courage to stand up for what is right, even when that means standing alone.

We ask you to stand again for the principles that drew millions in our districts to your campaigns — opposition to endless wars and horrific violence, and zealous struggle for peace and justice. As in 2016 and 2020, you are not alone: from coast to coast, we have your back.

In solidarity,
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Walter Bolles, 2020 delegate, NC-2
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