At a time when much of the world is calling for an end to Israel’s relentless assault on Gaza, 422 members of Congress — including many who brand themselves as “progressive” — just voted to continue funneling $500 million in U.S. taxpayer money into Israel’s missile defense system, the Iron Dome.
The vote was on an amendment that would have blocked this military aid. It failed. And only six lawmakers stood on principle: Reps. Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Summer Lee, Cori Bush, Delia Ramirez, and, surprisingly, Republican Thomas Massie.
One name glaringly absent from that list? Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) — who voted against the amendment, claiming it “did not go far enough.” Critics, however, are asking: If this is a genocide, as she’s suggested, how can any vote to fund it be morally acceptable?
This moment lays bare a longstanding contradiction in American politics: rhetoric vs. reality.
Progressive politicians often take to social media to decry the suffering in Gaza — sharing Palestinian voices, calling for ceasefires, and demanding humanitarian aid. But when it comes time to act, many fall in line with the same bipartisan consensus that has armed and enabled Israel for decades.
For Arab Americans — especially in places like Dearborn — this vote is personal. Many here have family in Gaza or the West Bank. Many watched the names of their elected officials appear in support of more weapons, not peace.
The Iron Dome may be labeled a “defensive system,” but critics say pouring more money into Israel’s military infrastructure while Gaza lies in rubble is not defense — it’s escalation.
As the bombs continue to fall, the real divide isn’t between left and right — it’s between those willing to act on their values, and those hiding behind excuses.
Dearborn will remember who stood with us — and who didn’t.
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