September 19th, 2024
On September 17th and September 18th, the Israeli occupation carried out multiple terror attacks against Lebanon that killed at least 37 people, including children, and injured thousands. These attacks were conducted by detonating electronic pager devices. The IOF has since begun a heavy bombing campaign throughout Lebanon.
These attacks follow the expansion of the occupation’s genocide against Palestinians into the West Bank earlier this month. Meanwhile, the horrific genocide in Gaza nears its one-year anniversary. But the historic conditions in Palestine, including the IOF’s previous ethnic cleansing and genocide operations, must not be forgotten.
I condemn these brutal attacks in the strongest possible sense, and I once again reaffirm my commitment to an immediate ceasefire and arms embargo. Countless violations of international law are being supported and funded by our tax dollars. The people of New Jersey, the United States, and the world have raised their voices for decades- but in particular, over the last 11 months, we have organized and engaged in countless efforts to elevate our voices for Palestine.
Our cries to the Biden-Harris administration have fallen on deaf ears. Our demands brought before this state’s elected representatives have been met with silence. Even the state legislature has refused to listen, choosing to instead work on mask bans to arrest protestors and IHRA laws to silence opposition.
For many of us, the genocide is all we’re able to think about. And as Congress continues to send weapons to the Israeli regime, we are reminded of the Pentagon’s gargantuan budget. Our representatives believe that spending over $800 billion on war is justified. Meanwhile, we ask ourselves why this country cannot provide our communities with public housing, free education, or universal healthcare.
With the General election rapidly approaching, we are filled with a sense of dread rather than a sense of hope. We fear not only for our Palestinian, Lebanese, and Yemeni brothers and sisters, but also for our own safety and wellbeing. We fear the inevitable mental health outcomes that will do great harm to our communities for generations.
Now is the time to elect leaders who will stand against this genocidal regime. Let’s work together to send a representative to Washington who will offer actions rather than words. Spread the word about our historic campaign, and make a plan to vote for peace, health, and housing this November. New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District deserves to be represented by a public servant, not a sold-out politician.
Benjamin Taylor
Candidate for New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District
Ben Taylor for NJ 