School Children Speak to the staffers of U.S. Senators about Israel’s Decimation of Gaza

Over 20 children of about 7 to 11 years met at the Dirksen and Hart Senate Office Buildings in Washington DC to speak to the staffers of different senators. I accompanied one group and the reception we received was friendly with the exception of the office of Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan with facial expressions of “we could care less.” I was pleasantly amazed at how these primary school kids were so articulate. I was especially impressed at how the kids refuted with cogent arguments the statement of the head of staff of Minnesota senator Tina Smith, who basically justified Israel’s invasion of Gaza. Nevertheless, Stabenow’s two staffers were pleasant, as were those of the offices (with the exception of Stabenow) of senator Dick Durbin (Illinois) and especially the two staffers of senator Chris Van Hollen (of my state of Maryland).

I asked the chief of staff of Senator Stabenow if, even though the senator’s principal concern is the opinions and interests of her constituents of her state, and those of the U.S. in general, does she consider world public opinion which is overwhelmingly opposed to Israel’s attack on Gaza. He responded by affirming that she is, as is the government in Washington and just as is Israel. I responded by saying “I would like to correct you on this, the government in Washington may be concerned about world public opinion but Israel is not, as has been shown time and time again.”