McCollum: AIPAC Dangerously Trafficking in Hate Speech Amid Israel-Gaza War
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) released the following statement today:
“Amid rising calls from leaders in the U.S. and 153 nations at the United Nations for Israel to stop the killing of civilians in Gaza – including countless women and children – AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) has doubled down on hateful rhetoric against those who disagree with their extremist positions. Through paid Facebook attack ads against me and others who have called for a negotiated regional ceasefire to protect human lives, they are dangerously inciting hate and division to silence dissent by spreading lies and misinformation while Israel and Hamas are at war. This only further endangers innocent lives – not only in Gaza, but also in Israel.
“I have strongly condemned Hamas and continue to do so for their horrific and vicious terrorist attacks and murder of innocent Israeli citizens on October 7. I have called for the release of all hostages. I have consistently stated that Israel has the right to self-defense. But facts don’t matter to AIPAC and its extremist supporters.
“As a Member of Congress and the lead Democrat on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I have the solemn duty to allocate more than $800 billion to protect the national security interests of the American people. This obligation comes with a great responsibility to the men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces and the Intelligence Community to ensure they can succeed in defending human rights and freedom that are foundational to our national security and our democracy. My work to keep America safe, strong, and successful means nothing to AIPAC.
“I refuse to back down from my commitment to our national security, and to saving lives by seeking peace, justice, equality, and human rights for Palestinians and Israelis. Jews, Muslims, Christians, and people of all faiths and backgrounds deserve to be safe and secure – in the U.S., in Israel, and in Gaza.”
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