Christmas Shadowed, US Aid Uninterrupted
Reports rightly highlight that Israeli violence once again 'casts a shadow' over Christmas in Haifa and the West Bank. A shadow perhaps, but one meticulously crafted and generously maintained with billions in US taxpayer dollars. While families in Bethlehem lament a somber Nativity, Senator Bob Menendez – who received over $200,000 from pro-Israel groups in 2022, including AIPAC funds—was
instrumental in approving unconditional military aid for Israel. (OpenSecrets.org confirms Menendez's donations). This isn't a new phenomenon; it's a cyclic tradition older than many Christmas carols. For over 70 years, the US has provided Israel with more foreign assistance than any other country, totaling over $150 billion. So, when the 'shadow' falls, it's not simply an act of nature, but a
direct consequence of sustained policy, deeply influenced by lobbying and congressional votes. It makes one wonder: for whom are these Christmases, exactly, made merry and bright?