by CD8 for Palestine
Approximately one hundred constituents of Massachusetts Congressional District 8 demonstrated for an end to weapons shipments to Israel. The demonstration was organized by CD8 for Palestine and supported by Massachusetts Peace Action, Jewish Voice for Peace Boston, Boston Democratic Socialists of America, IfNotNow Boston, Doctors Against Genocide, Alliance for Water Justice in Palestine, Veterans for Peace, MTA Rank and File for Palestine, Pax Christi, Quincy for Palestine, and more than a dozen other groups. Constituents gathered near Representative Lynch’s Quincy office to deliver a letter demanding that he cosponsor the Block the Bombs Act, HR 3565, which would prohibit the export or transfer of seven classes of weapons to Israel. These weapons are currently being used by Israel to carry out its genocide in Gaza. In addition to the original sponsor of HR 3565, Representative Delia Ramirez, the bill has 39 cosponsors, including two from Massachusetts, but Representative Lynch is not yet one of them. To make the case for HR 3565 to him in person, the constituents asked Representative Lynch for a face-to-face meeting but were not provided an opportunity to meet with him. He was invited to attend the action to receive the letter and hear the speakers but sent a staff member instead. Democratic voters are not divided on the issue of Israel. A vast majority of them now oppose the country’s actions in Gaza and want the U.S. government to stop supporting the genocide.
State Representative Sam Montano addressed the crowd as did several important speakers. Signs and banners read “Rep. Lynch, cosponsor H.R.3565,” “Let Gaza Live, and “Stop Genocide!” Lynch’s staff member, Tyler also addressed the rally stating that he did not yet know the congressman’s position on HR 3565 but said he would deliver the letter and sentiments expressed.
Karameh Kuemmerle, a pediatric neurologist and co-founder of Doctors Against Genocide, told the crowd: “As a physician, I am gravely concerned by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification’s confirmation of famine in the Gaza Governorate—the first official famine ever declared in the Middle East. This is a man-made medical emergency of catastrophic proportions. Children who are the most vulnerable are starving to death, thousands are maimed and untreated, and now Israel is issuing evacuation orders in Gaza City ahead of an announced invasion. For a population already starved, displaced, and medically devastated, forced movement is not just inhumane, it’s a deliberate death sentence.”
Sue Doherty, a retired educator, long-time union activist, and member of MTA Rank & File for Palestine, said: “Rep Lynch co-signing this bill would show that he stands in solidarity with labor unions around the globe who are blocking arms shipments, pushing for divestment, and taking other actions to try to stop the Israel’s genocide and occupation. He would also be showing solidarity with US workers who are watching funding that should be staying here for education, housing, and more go to Israel to aid in killing Palestinian workers and their families.”
George Hallak, a lead organizer with the Palestine South Shore Coalition an active member of Quincy for Palestine and a Nakba survivor whose familty was driven out of Akka, Palestine, in 1948, said: “Gaza has exposed the world for its injustice. A genocide is taking place, which may be revisited on the World Conscience in the years and decades to come. People will have to answer to their children and grandchildren, about what they did during the Israeli Genocide of Palestinians in Gaza?! Congressman Lynch, this is your opportunity to get on the right side of history and make your vote count in the preservation of life and humanity.”
Cole Harrison, of MAPA’s Gaza Israel Mideast Peace Campaign, pointed out that from 18 Representatives who originally cosponsored Block the Bombs in June, the number of cosponsors has now increased to 39.