Open Letter to President Biden from Your Delaware Constituents

Joe Biden on Apartheid: Then and Now

Dear President Biden,

We’re sure you have not forgotten what you said to Secretary of State George Schultz about apartheid South Africa in the Foreign Relations Committee in 1986: “There is overwhelming violence in South Africa today… If you want to avoid more…let the South African Blacks know that we stand with them four square… I’m amazed Bishop Tutu is as restrained as he was. His people are being mugged, shot, imprisoned, killed, smothered. I admire his restraint… I suspect that if you or I were in his position, a Black South African leader or otherwise… I don’t doubt that you would be on the ramparts–I know I would be and I think you would be.”

But here is what you say about apartheid Israel now: “Israel has the right to defend itself.”

Israel is illegally occupying Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. It cannot attack the people it illegally occupies and call it self-defense. It is the aggressor.

In 1986 you said you were ashamed of the U.S. government policy’s lack of moral backbone. You now have a lot more power to influence U.S. policy. We hope you find that moral backbone and courage again.

Let the Palestinians know you stand with them four square against apartheid and perpetual occupation. Leverage U.S. financial and diplomatic power to try to end the blockade of Gaza, the illegal settlements, and the ongoing dispossession. Donate an “Iron Dome” to protect the people of Gaza. There is only one right side to take on apartheid.

Sincerely,
Delawareans for Palestinian Human Rights