To the editor:

As a Native American, I find it impossible to justify the United States’ support for Israel as it wages war on the sovereign people of Palestine. While politicians espouse words of hope, failure to address accusations of genocide reeks of hypocrisy as the similarities of the systemic oppression of Native Americans and Israel’s oppressive treatment of Palestinians are all too familiar. Just as the rarely recognized U.S. policies to wipe out Native Americans were wrong; Israel’s current policy of occupation and decimation of the sovereign people of Palestine is wrong.

Until 1970, the U.S.’ official policy toward Native Americans was termination and assimilation. Thus far, almost 10% of Palestine’s population has been killed since the Gaza conflict began. The current level of Israel’s response is no longer defensive, but retaliatory and vengeful. Israel is shooting fish in a barrel, with ammunition purchased by the American taxpayers, including Native Americans.

As a Native American, my existence is the result of my people surviving the atrocities committed in the name of expansionism. Our government legalized the murder of Native Americans and sought to erase our people, our culture, all while taking our lands. Likewise, since Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine began, it has allowed more than 670,000 Israeli settlers to move into and remain in the West Bank, while blockades limit freedom of movement and access to lands. It is beyond time to listen to all individuals impacted by this ongoing violence. If this path remains unchanged, the price is too costly to those who will live in spite of it.

Kristie Walsdorf

Attorney and member of the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation

Akwesasne