Today’s piece comes from a deeply personal place for me. I believe we can condemn Hamas, grieve for Israeli families, stand with Palestinian civilians, and still ask hard questions about how U.S. weapons and aid are being used. Speaking up when innocent people are suffering is not hatred—it is part of our responsibility to one another. I will always believe that every Israeli life matters, every Palestinian life matters, and every civilian life deserves dignity, safety, and compassion. What I’m about to share isn’t easy to write—but it needs to be said.
Friends,
Every time we address uncomfortable issues—whether about healthcare, housing, Israel, or Palestine—some folks walk away. That’s okay. I’m not here to comfort the comfortable. I’m here to build a future with people who believe everyone deserves to thrive—and no injustice should be ignored.
When People Power United first issued statements on the attacks in Israel and Palestine, we knew those conversations would be difficult. We condemned the terror attacks carried out by Hamas, mourned the loss of Israeli lives, and also called attention to the suffering of Palestinian civilians caught in a devastating war.1 2 3 We lost some subscribers. That happens.
But the vast majority of you stayed—and showed up.
Because you understand something important: open dialogue helps us find common ground and move toward justice, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Today, we need to talk about another difficult truth: questioning U.S. support for military actions that may harm innocent civilians is a moral step toward accountability, not hatred.
Criticizing a government’s decisions-such as military strategies or foreign aid-is not hatred toward a people. Holding military actions to standards of human rights and international law fosters understanding, not hostility. Judaism is a faith with a rich history, culture, and tradition. The actions of any government do not represent an entire people.
The same principle must apply everywhere.
When civilians are killed, when families lose homes, when children suffer, and when questions arise about whether military force is being used lawfully and proportionately, people have a responsibility to ask hard questions.
Recent reporting and human-rights investigations have documented serious concerns about conditions in Gaza and the West Bank, including civilian deaths, restrictions on humanitarian access, displacement, settlement expansion, and violence affecting Palestinian communities. International organizations have called for accountability and protection of civilians, while Israeli officials have argued that military operations are necessary for security and dispute some allegations. Recognizing multiple perspectives is essential for honest dialogue.
That is why this conversation matters.
The United States has a long relationship with Israel, including significant military assistance. With that relationship comes responsibility. American taxpayers have a right to ask how U.S. resources are used and whether those resources align with America’s stated commitment to human rights and protecting civilians.
This is not about choosing which lives matter.
Every Israeli life matters.
Every Palestinian life matters, just as every Israeli life does, because all lives are equally valuable and deserving of respect.
Every civilian life matters.
A commitment to human dignity cannot depend on nationality, religion, or politics.
That is the foundation of our conversation today and over the next few days.
The goal is a future where every person—Israeli and Palestinian alike—can live with freedom, safety, and dignity.
Because protecting human life is not a political trend.
It is a human obligation.
Take Action» Block Trump’s Sale of Bombs to the Israeli Military
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Why the Grassroots Resistance Can’t Wait
People Power United members believe change is possible because we have seen ordinary people rise, organize, and be a force for progress. Real change does not come from waiting politely, staying quiet, or hoping those in power suddenly grow a conscience. It comes when people speak out, show up, and demand action—because our communities and families cannot wait, and every moment we delay gives injustice more room to tighten its grip on our communities.
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Millions of us have already shown what people power looks like when we stand together. On October 17, we take the next step: No Kings: Vote Early.
Across the country, communities have filled streets and public spaces to defend our rights, freedoms, and democracy. Those moments reminded us of a powerful truth:
We are not powerless. And we are not alone.
Now we carry that energy from the streets to the ballot box.
Voting early is one of the simplest ways to make sure our voices are counted while helping our friends, families, and neighbors create their own voting plans.
On October 17, communities nationwide will come together for No Kings: Vote Early.
Whether you have joined every No Kings action or this is your first time stepping forward, there is a place for you.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
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Laurie Woodward Garcia leads People Power United, a people-powered news source and movement community championing our rights, freedoms, the rule of law, and democracy.
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This needs to be said much more often and far louder than it has been. I remember being accused of being unpatriotic because I opposed going into Iraq and Afghanistan. My response was that I am being patriotic by telling the government I think it’s making a big mistake, one that Israel repeated in response to Oct. 7. In both cases, a response was warranted, but full scale invasion is using a cannon to shoot a mouse. Criticizing the government is a duty and a right, and has no direct relation to how one feels about the country or its people.
You are right. Criticizing a government’s actions should never mean expressing hate for a people, whether it represents them or not