Article

Responding to Horror in Ukraine

April 4, 2022

Over the weekend, we were horrified by images of unconscionable Russian brutality in Ukraine, particularly in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha. The intentional and indiscriminate mass murder of innocent Ukrainian civilians – some with their hands tied behind their backs – are crimes against humanity. We support President Biden’s strong denunciation of Putin’s war crimes, commitment to pursuing additional sanctions against Russia, and decision to seek its suspension from the U.N. Human Rights Council.

These and other measures to stand with Ukraine against Russia have the support of Democrats in Congress. Unfortunately, Republicans are standing in the way.

Democrats in the House overwhelmingly passed two bills to hold Russia accountable, H.R. 7108, the Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act, and H.R. 6968, the Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act, but Senate Republicans are standing in the way of passing these measures to further hold Russia accountable. Read more about the GOP’s dangerous obstruction.

Republican obstruction benefits Putin and Russia. Donald Trump attempted to blackmail Ukrainian President Zelensky, withholding Ukrainian military aid, and Republicans overwhelmingly opposed impeaching or convicting Trump. So while we are not surprised that Republicans are blocking additional sanctions against Russia, we are outraged. Join Jewish Dems in calling on your members of Congress to take further action to support Ukraine and to reject the GOP’s dangerous obstruction.

Support HIAS and their work on their emergency relief work on the ground by purchasing a Jewish Dems Stand With Ukraine shirt, hat, sticker, and other items.

Jewish Dems are thrilled to host our second candidate issues forum of the 2022 election cycle. Join us Thursday, April 14 as we host candidates for the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s Senate seat. We will be joined by candidates Lt. Governor John Fetterman, State Rep. Malcom Kenyatta, and Rep. Conor Lamb.

Sign up today for this important opportunity to hear the candidates in the critical seat discuss issues of importance to Jewish Americans, including Ukraine.

As the political home of Jewish Democrats, JDCA is the only organization national organization mobilizing Jewish voters in support of Democrats who share our values. We’re thrilled to host our 2022 Virtual Week of Action, where we will meet with dozens of members of Congress to advocate for our values, on May 11-12, 2022.

Sign up today to get more information on how to take action for our values.

Sincerely,

Halie Soifer, JDCA CEO