First US Jewish congress member to call for ceasefire in Gaza

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Representative Becca Balint of Vermont has become the first Jewish member of the US Congress to call for a ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza.

On Thursday, 16 November, in an opinion piece the congresswoman penned that appeared in the Vermont publication, Vtdigger, she detailed her concerns over the continued violence in Gaza and the need to stop the bombing to prevent further casualties.

“What is needed right now is an immediate break in violence to allow for a true negotiated cease-fire. One in which both sides stop the bloodshed, allow critical access to humanitarian aid and move towards negotiating a sustainable and lasting peace,” the congresswoman wrote.

This is a change from her previous position, with Balint saying until recently that she did not support a ceasefire. In her piece, she explains how the continued violence as well as hearing from her constituents have influenced her new stance.

It is also possible that she was influenced by recent discussions with rabbis who visited her office from different parts of the US. On Monday, she met with more than 40 rabbis, who have been advocating for a ceasefire.

So far, most congress members who have called for a ceasefire are part of the left-wing squad.