Thanks for joining us for Part 3 of our series: Every Life Matters: A Three-Part Series on Israel, Palestine, and U.S. Responsibility.
In Part 1, we made an important distinction: criticizing a government’s actions is not the same as hating a people or a faith.1 In Part 2, we examined documented violence, displacement, and human rights concerns affecting Palestinian communities in the West Bank.2
Today, we are focusing on America’s role.
The United States provides Israel with billions of dollars in military assistance and weapons. That means Americans have every right to ask a direct question: Are U.S. taxpayer dollars and American-made weapons being used in ways that harm innocent civilians or contribute to human rights abuses?
If our government provides the weapons, funding, technology, or political support, then demanding transparency and accountability is not optional. It is part of our responsibility as citizens.
This is not about abandoning Israel or ignoring its legitimate security concerns. It is about insisting that U.S. support never become a blank check for civilian harm.
Every Israeli life matters.
Every Palestinian life matters.
And how our government uses our money and our weapons matters too.
Friends,
What Kind of World Are We Building?
The hardest moments in history often ask us the same question:
Will we look away, or will we speak?
People Power United was created on the belief that every person deserves dignity, safety, and the opportunity to thrive. That belief does not stop at our borders. It does not stop because an issue is complicated. It does not disappear because speaking out may bring criticism.
Our earlier statements on Israel and Palestine were rooted in the same principle we carry into every issue:
Civilian lives matter.
We condemned the horrific attacks against Israeli civilians. We condemned terrorism. We also called attention to the suffering of Palestinian civilians and the responsibility of leaders to protect human life.
Those principles must remain consistent.
A government’s actions can be questioned without condemning an entire nation, religion, or community.
A military policy can be challenged without hatred toward Jewish people.
A demand for human rights applies everywhere.
The current debate over U.S. weapons assistance to Israel reflects a larger question facing Americans: What conditions should accompany military support? How do we ensure taxpayer-funded resources are used consistently with protecting civilians and human rights? These questions are being debated by lawmakers, human-rights organizations, security experts, and communities across the country.
Our answer cannot be silence.
Silence does not protect Israelis.
Silence does not protect Palestinians.
Silence does not create peace.
Accountability is not an act of hostility. It is an act of democracy.
It means believing that our values should guide our decisions, that human life should never be treated as expendable, and that protecting civilians must always remain at the center of our actions.
Peace requires accountability.
Peace requires security.
Peace requires recognizing the humanity of people who are too often reduced to political arguments.
This is not about abandoning Israel or ignoring the very real security concerns Israelis face. It is about ensuring that U.S. support reflects our deepest values: protecting human dignity, upholding human rights, and refusing to look away when innocent people are suffering.
Because our shared humanity is stronger than our divisions.
And if we truly believe that every life matters, then we must have the courage to speak, the compassion to listen, and the commitment to demand a world where every person—Israeli and Palestinian alike—can live with freedom, safety, and dignity.
Silence helps no one. Join us in demanding transparency, accountability, and a future where every life is valued.
Take Action» Expose Israel’s Violence and Human Rights Abuses in the West Bank
Take Action» Block Trump’s Sale of Bombs to the Israeli Military
Because protecting human life is not a political trend.
It is a human obligation.
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.
Thanks for taking action!
If this informed or inspired you, tap ❤️or share. Every interaction helps more people find this work and builds people power together.
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
📍 Find a No Kings: Vote Early event near you
🙋 Host a No Kings: Vote Early event
Can’t find an event near you? Bring one to your community. Gather your neighbors. Help make sure every voice is heard.
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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Criticizing a Government Is Not Hating a People
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. wea…
The West Bank: When Human Rights Are Under Threat
Thanks for joining us for Part 2 of our series: Every Life Matters: A Three-Part Series on Israel, Palestine, and U.S. Responsibility.