PA State Legislators Call for Congressional Support for Ceasefire and Release of Hostages

Rep. Rick Krajewski November 22, 2023 | 10:33 AM

Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly called for congressional support for a ceasefire, for the release of all hostages, and for humanitarian aid to residents throughout the region impacted by the ongoing violence. Writing to members of Pennsylvania’s Congressional Delegation, the state legislators expressed the following:

We, the undersigned state elected representatives from across Pennsylvania, believe that all of us, no matter our religion, ethnicity, or nationality, deserve a life of safety and freedom for ourselves and our families. We are united with our constituents in grieving the violence against thousands of Israelis and Palestinians over the last few weeks. As of November 18th, according to the AP, over 1,200 Israelis and over 11,470 Palestinians, two-thirds of whom are women and children, have been killed, and about 2,700 Palestinians are reported missing. Approximately 240 Israelis are being held hostage by Hamas, including 32 children. Every life is sacred; one life lost is too many.

Violence against more civilians, including children, will not make the Israeli and Palestinian people safer or bring loved ones home. Violence abroad has also brought us increased incidences of Islamophobic and anti-Semitic hate crimes here at home. We know violence only begets more violence and human suffering.

The U.S. federal government has the diplomatic power to intervene and curb this violence, and, as members of Congress, you are in a unique position to elicit this response. To this end, we urge you, our colleagues in the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation, to add your voices to the chorus of calls for de-escalation and a ceasefire, for the release of all hostages, and for a humanitarian aid response in Gaza. Our goal is to end the current violence and prevent any further loss of life.

The letter was signed by the following Pennsylvania State Senators and State Representatives:

State Senator Katie Muth, Senate District 44 (Berks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties)
State Senator Nikil Saval, Senate District 1 (Philadelphia)
State Senator Lindsey Williams, Senate District 38 (Allegheny County)
State Representative Gina Curry, House District 165 (Delaware County)
State Representative Roni Green, House District 190 (Philadelphia)
State Representative Tarik Khan, House District 194 (Philadelphia)
State Representative Rick Krajewski, House District 188 (Philadelphia)
State Representative La’Tasha Mayes, House District 24 (Allegheny County)
State Representative Danielle Friel Otten, House District 155 (Chester County)
State Representative Chris Pielli, House District 156 (Chester County)
State Representative Christopher Rabb, House District 200 (Philadelphia)
State Representative Ismail Smith-Wade-El, House District 49 (Lancaster County)