I'll Eat When They Eat

An Open Letter to Senators Jim Banks and Todd Young

“I’ll eat when they eat.”

That’s what I heard one member of the Fast for Gaza say, when discussing why they were participating in the nationwide fast organized by Veterans for Peace and Friends of Sabeel North America.

The fast began on Thursday, May 22 with over 700 participants from across the United States and even around the world. We are committed to eating only 250 calories a day—the estimated daily caloric intake of people in Gaza. We do this to be in solidarity with the people there, but also to raise awareness in our communities about the horrific nature of the situation in Gaza right now.

Those of us who are fasting have two demands for our elected officials. We demand 1) the full restoration of humanitarian aid- food, medical supplies, water, and fuel- be allowed into Gaza under the supervision of the United Nations, and 2) an immediate arms embargo on Israel.

Both of you, Senator Banks and Senator Young, have received dozens of emails, letters and phone calls from those of us who are fasting, and from others who are supporting our efforts. You have not responded in any way. Your lack of concern for your own constituents, who are sacrificing a great deal to try and get your attention, is disturbing, though of course it pales in comparison with your lack of concern for innocent people starving to death in Gaza.

Currently, in Gaza, nearly two million people are at risk of imminent famine, and dozens have already starved to death, including over 50 children. Over 200 people have died in the past month just trying to access food through the insufficient and grossly inept Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

It's not just food that is desperately needed. It’s also medical supplies. The air strikes continue, even as the population is slowly starved to death. Those who survive the air strikes often have horrific injuries, and medical staff do not have the supplies needed to treat the injured appropriately. There is not enough soap for doctors to properly sanitize their hands and instruments, let alone to treat people’s wounds. Almost every single wound gets infected. Those needing surgery are often treated without anesthesia or painkillers. Doctors have had to perform amputations on children with no anesthesia. What kind of world are we living in that we allow this to happen?

I am on day 26 of my fast for Gaza. Some days are easier than others, but when I think about what the people of Gaza are going through every day, I am motivated to continue. None of us should rest easy while millions of innocent people are intentionally and systematically wiped out, either through the quick work of a bomb, or the slow and painful work of starvation. Senators, you, least of all, should rest easy, knowing that you actually have some influence that could be used and you choose to remain silent. Many of your constituents feel powerless to stop the horror. We desperately need leaders in Washington to show some compassion and stand up for humanity. We pray that God will break open your hearts of stone and turn them into hearts of flesh.

In the meantime, our fast continues. Let Gaza live, and free Palestine.