Hundreds of leading academics, politicians, activists, former UN officials and Nobel Laureates have launched a campaign, calling on US President Joe Biden to bring an end to Israel’s apartheid regime.
Titled “A Global Call to President Biden”, a letter was addressed to Biden to put an end to Israel’s oppression of the Palestinian people.
Signed by 682 leading figures from around the world, the letter shed light on the Palestinian plight in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan specifically, as well as the Israeli security forces’ aggression against peaceful protesters and worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
“[These events are] the latest evidence of a separate and unequal governing system,” the letter reads.
“These policies unravel the social fabric of communities and undermine any progress toward a democratic, just and peaceful future.”
The letter also urged Biden to take a firmer stance against Israel after the recent Israel’s 11-day brutal attack on Gaza.
“Mr President, now is the time to set a new benchmark in American foreign policy that leads with justice and paves the way toward lasting peace,” they concluded.
The signatories included Mary Robinson, a former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human rights; Jan Egeland, Norwegian Refugee Council Secretary-General and former UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; and Kumi Naidoo, Global Ambassador for Africans Rising for Justice, Peace and Dignity and former International Executive Director of Greenpeace International.
