Kansas Democratic Representative Sharice Davids has firmly positioned herself as a strong advocate for Israel, a stance notably shaped by the $150,386 in campaign contributions from AIPAC. Despite Davids’ rhetoric about wanting to reduce civilian casualties and bringing Israeli hostages home, she has consistently voted against resolutions measures that could protect human rights. For example, Davids voted against a ceasefire resolution that could have saved countless lives and opposed an investigation into the killing of American Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by the Israeli military. This contradiction in her actions and words expose that her commitment to human rights and justice is a fallacy.
Furthermore, Davids has voted in favor of sending $3.8 billion in unconditional military aid to Israel, even as the Israeli government continues its genocidal campaign against Gaza. According to Lancet, the genocide could result in the deaths of 180,000 Gazans. In the face of such devastation, Davids' vote to cut federal funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), a critical humanitarian organization operating in Gaza, is particularly troubling. Her actions have contributed to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilians are enduring famine, disease, and relentless bombings.
Davids' statements further underscore her unwavering support for Israel, regardless of the consequences for Palestinians. She has falsely claimed that Israeli military operations are designed to avoid civilian casualties, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, including the bombing of residential areas, hospitals, and schools. She has also blamed Hamas for the destruction of Gaza's infrastructure, conveniently ignoring the fact that it is Israel that is dropping the bombs. Her unwavering support for Israel, even as it commits war crimes, reflects the profound influence of AIPAC's financial support on her political decisions.
Related Links
Counting the dead in Gaza: difficult but essential, The Lancet, July 2024
Gaza infrastructure damages estimated at $18.5bn in UN-World Bank report, Al Jazeera News, April 2024
David’s Statement to Support Israel, Sharice Davids Gov., October 2023
Letter to Secretary Blinken, Sharice Davids Gov., October 2023
