This event is held by Massachusetts Peace Action.

Last month on September 23rd, the House passed a bill for funding $1 billion to Israel’s Iron Dome missile system. This bill is a drastic increase in funding for the Iron Dome, which has received about $1.7 billion from the US over the past decade.

The increase is justified by saying that Israel needs to replenish its missile supply after its brutal and destructive war on Gaza in May. But based on past funding for the Iron Dome, $1 billion is much more than needed for that. It brings the question of what the money is going to and what the increase is really about.

Another aspect of the bill passing was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s decision to switch last minute from a “no” vote to “present.” Many were rightfully angered by the representative, given that she presents herself as a progressive. However, if we look through her past votes, statements, and interviews, this is not the first time that AOC has broken this promise. Even though other members of “the squad” voted in opposition to this bill, they have also abandoned their promises on other key issues. Is “the squad” really the force for change that it claims to be?

This panel event hopes to address these questions in detail.

Speakers:

Ryan Costello is an activist with United Against War and Militarism

Christian Sorensen is the author of Understanding the War Industry

Chance Charley is a student activist with Boston University Students for Justice in Palestine