Elected Officials, Advocates Urge Oregons Congressional Delegation to Block the Bombs to Israel

Oregon officials and community members convened on September 4 to demand Congress halt military support for Israel, citing humanitarian concerns over the ongoing siege in Gaza. Palestinian resident Mohanad articulated his anguish over U. S. tax dollars funding weapons that have killed his family. Since the October 7 Hamas attacks, the U.

S. has reportedly provided over $31 billion in military aid to Israel, a figure that lacks full transparency. The Block the Bombs Act, introduced in May, seeks to prevent the transfer of lethal defense weapons to Israel. Portland City Councilor Angelita Morillo suggested local projects that could be funded instead, arguing that the current spending contributes to suffering abroad. Advocates connected military spending to a lack of investment in domestic programs, highlighting the need for legislative change.

The Israeli military has killed over 64,000 Palestinians in nearly two years, with many deaths attributed to blocked aid and starvation. The issue remains politically divisive in Oregon, as seen in the differing stances of Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley on military aid to Israel.