Subject: Re: Responding to your message

Date: May 18, 2018 at 4:08:10 PM EDT

To: Senator Rob Portman <no_reply@PROTECTED>

Mr. Portman: 

There has been no violence “on all sides—“ Not one death of an Israeli soldier, but as you well know, over 100 Palestinians have been murdered by Israelis soldiers

at close range.  These victims were justifiably protesting the latest land theft, unarmed and on their own land.  An 8 month old child was killed by the gases from Israeli weapons.

Additionally, thousands of Palestinians have been injured, some critically,  some needing amputations, and others paraplegic from gunshots to their spines .

How can you expect anyone to believe you have not heard the casualties and who inflicted them ?  

At the recent UN conference, Nicky Haley, lied shamelessly blaming the victims, in her testimony as the whole world watched. She then scurried out so as not to hear the rebuttal from the Palestinian speaker.  

The US has lost respect throughout the world even from some of our own senators who have condemned Israel for the massive brutality. 

You write about terrorism, but the terrorism resides in the Zionist state that kills massively with impunity and lies about the reality of the situation: 

an unarmed, disenfranchised people who live in an outdoor prison and are forbidden to leave while Israel frequently bombs them with American made drones; their water supply turned off  and their homes bombed at the whims of the Zionist state.

The US pays 3 billion dollars yearly to this rogue illegal state.  It has to STOP. NOW. 

By persisting with the lies and excuses --Israel has to defend itself? --  You fail miserably for achieving justice or peace. You will have to face God with your misdeeds, Mr. Portman.

Anne Abowd  

Toledo, Ohio

On May 18, 2018, at 2:26 PM, Senator Rob Portman <no_reply@PROTECTED> wrote:

Dear Anne,

Thank you for contacting me regarding recent events in Israel and the Palestinian territories. It is good to hear from you.

I share your concerns regarding the ongoing violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories.  It is important for the United States to continue its work in support of peace and stability in the Middle East.  In a region engulfed by terrorism, oppression, and war, Israel stands on the frontline as the only democracy in the Mideast. Like you, I share the goal of bringing peace in this troubled region. The loss of innocent life on all sides is a tragedy that must be stopped. The United States and our international partners must help facilitate a process to end terrorism and violence and bring all parties to the negotiating table.

As you may know, I support a two-state solution, and I believe the Israelis and the Palestinians should engage in direct talks. Both Israelis and Palestinians stand to benefit greatly from a peace agreement and the United States should help maintain a dialogue on both sides. However, in order for there to be a two-state solution, the Palestinian people must reject terrorism and violence, something I believe many of them want to do. I fully support efforts to help the Palestinian people realize the economic and political benefits that come from rejecting extremism and embracing the rule of law and democratic institutions. 

Rest assured, as Congress considers proposals that shape the U.S.’s policy toward Israel and the Palestinian territories, I will consider them with your thoughts in mind. Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact my office. For more information, please visit my website at www.portman.senate.gov. Please keep in touch.

 

Sincerely,

Rob Portman
U.S. Senator