Dear Congressman Nadler,

We are writing to you today as constituents of New York's 12th Congressional District. We, the people who entrusted you with the responsibility of representing us in Congress, are deeply disappointed in your response when asked about supporting a ceasefire in Gaza. We urge you to join nearly 64 other members of Congress, the United Nations and Amnesty International in calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire as the first step towards de-escalation and a long-term solution.

As we bear witness to the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the lives lost and the suffering endured by all affected. We urge you to join us in this demand: Ceasefire, now. Release the hostages, now. Let in humanitarian aid, now. End the occupation and apartheid, now. This is what is necessary to save the lives of Palestinians and Israelis alike.

The ongoing, escalating violence in Israel-Palestine has inevitable consequences in our neighborhoods here in New York. When leaders stoke war instead of promoting unity, peace, and the humanity of all people, it leads to an increase in hate and hate violence against Jews, Palestinians, Muslims, and Arabs. It destabilizes our communities, feeding strife and anguish. Please take responsibility for your constituents at home, and call for a ceasefire.

As a longstanding progressive representative of central Manhattan, you know well the power of the voices contained within your District. We implore you as our elected official: join us! Please sign on to Rep. Cori Bush’s resolution to call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and occupied Palestine, to send humanitarian aid and assistance to Gaza, and to save as many lives as possible. Speak out, reach towards bravery, and let your actions be a beacon of hope in these dark times.