Biden’s funding of Israel’s war will harm democracy and benefit Trump

by Andy Levin

Recently, I visited an exhibit on Nelson Mandela at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, the heart of our Arab-American community. When I left the immersive galleries honoring Mandela and emerged into the bright main hall of the museum, I sat down on a bench and wept.

I remember seeing Mandela speak to a packed Tiger Stadium. Through my tears, my feeling was that we had failed Mandela. I heard him asking, What are you doing to advance peace, human rights, and reconciliation amongst those who have been so bitterly at odds?

As a Michigander, I’m concerned about the impact that Biden’s funding of Israel’s war will have on our fight against Trump and for democracy. I’m hearing from so many, especially young people, that thousands of innocents dying under US bombs and warplanes make them feel ashamed.

First, there is an urgent need to stop the carnage in Gaza and Israel-Palestine. I call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and end to settler violence in the West Bank. The killing and mass destruction must end now.

Second, Hamas and any other organization holding hostages must free all of them in exchange for Israel freeing political prisoners, including Marwan Barghouti. This is a crucial step towards peace.

Third, the war in Gaza threatens to spiral into wider conflict. We must prevent this and protect the interests of the people of the region and U.S. national interests.

Fourth, the occupation must end – full stop. There is no military solution to this conflict – only a diplomatic one. The world’s failure to realize the political and human rights of the Palestinian people destabilizes the entire region – and is unacceptable on its own terms.

Fifth, we must rethink U.S. military aid. Supporting Israel’s missile defense is one thing; watching US-provided offensive weapons kill 10,000 children and 23,000 people in massive airstrikes and bombing in Gaza – and subdue the population of the West Bank – is another.

The US, EU, Egypt, and Jordan must convene an emergency summit to address Israel’s occupation and devise a plan and two-year timetable for a democratic future for Israelis and Palestinians. Countries that have undergone difficult reconciliations should participate.

Life post-occupation could mean two states living side-by-side; Husseini and Beilin’s non-geographic confederation; one secular, democratic state; or another plan devised with diplomatic help. The Israeli and Palestinian people will decide; the timeline is not negotiable.

Remember the hostile reaction MLK received when he spoke the truth about Vietnam so early? And yet, he was right.

The most outspoken Jewish critic of Israel’s right-wing political faction, Andrew Levin served as a Democratic U.S. representative for Michigan until he lost the 2022 Democratic primary to Haley Stevens, who spent five times as much as his campaign due to money from a PAC started by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.