The Green Party of New Jersey has stood unequivocally in solidarity with the Palestinian people, support which has only strengthened by the intensified genocide which began after October 8, 2023.
As current Congressional representative of Saddle Brook, Nellie Pou, along with current NJ Governor Murphy, seek clarity and “answers” from the Israeli government, the GPNJ simply supports the family of Amer in seeking an investigation by the U.S. Government in an effort to place appropriate responsibility on those persons involved with Amer’s murder.
Almost every politician who has presented a statement, does so while standing in solidarity with Israel, supporting a phantom, two-state solution, or misrepresenting Amer’s murder as some shocking tragedy which is without understanding. However, the GPNJ is very clear on the circumstances surrounding the murder of Amer. Within the last month, since Israel fully renewed its murder spree upon the Palestinian people, over 300 children have been killed. This is in addition to the likely underestimated over 50,000 Palestinians, including approximately 18,000 children, who have died since October, 2023.
The fact is, the state of Israel has been systematically murdering the young people of Gaza and the West Bank as a part of their genocidal efforts.
Thus, any response from a N.J. politician which fails to acknowledge the realities of what is happening in Palestine, is propaganda. Senator Cory Booker, for example, who spoke for 25 hours plus just about a week ago, without ever mentioning Gaza, is weighing in now, in this very manner. Furthermore, the efforts of many of these politicians include the systematic repression of Palestinian voices, and those who stand in solidarity, in the state of New Jersey. It is the very inaction of elected officials that enables and emboldens the genocidal Zionist entity. Palestinian communities in our state continue to face misrepresentation and political suppression on a calculated scale.
Amer’s murder, although indeed horrendous, is an example of how little the Israeli government and military respect the lives of the Palestinian people. Israel has been working to remove the Palestinian people from their lands for almost a century. These acts are a continuation of that effort. As such, it is imperative that we acknowledge the reality of the homicidal tendencies of the Israeli military and not respond to Amer’s murder in a manner which elevates his dual citizenship as the reason for which his murder should receive reaction.
Amer’s murder should receive a reaction simply because 14-year-old children should not be shot to death by military operatives, unclothed and returned to their family in garbage bags. Amer’s murder should receive a reaction because the lives of Palestinian people are indeed worthy of respect. Amer’s murder should receive a reaction because we should never become dismissive of the loss of life, no matter the excuse provided. Finally, we must not fall into the trap of separating Amer from his Palestinian lineage, or using his U.S. citizenship as fodder for demands regarding his murder.
Therefore, the Green Party of New Jersey continues to demand:
- The U.S. Government cease its support, in all ways of Israel, the genocide of the Palestinian people, and the theft of Palestinian land via illegal occupation.
- The Israeli Government and military cease the genocide of the Palestinian people, and the theft of Palestinian land via illegal occupation.
- Any Israeli soldier or settler who is responsible for the death of a Palestinian be held responsible to the fullest extent of international law.
- The freedom of the Palestinian people to live and attempt to rebuild their lives, on their land, without interference by Israel, or its Western supporters.