WHY You Should Care About Palestine… Even IF You’re Not Palestinian

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How Much of Your Tax Money Supports Israel?

Since the start of the Gazan Genocide on October 7, 2023, the United States has provided over $17.9 billion in taxpayer money to Israel. This means that the average American taxpayer has contributed approximately $117 toward Israel's military operations—money that could be used to address domestic issues like healthcare, education, or infrastructure. This doesn’t include the nation’s 1 trillion dollar military budget

Portrait of Michael W. Frerichs, Illinois State Treasurer, with a background of a state capitol building dome, and a State of Illinois seal.
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Chicago’s Contribution: What It Means for Our City

In Chicago, taxpayers have collectively contributed over $500 million to Israel since the start of the Gazan genocide. To break it down, this means:

  • Every Chicago taxpayer has spent an average of $122 on military aid to Israel.

  • On top of that State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has invested over $120 Million tax payer dollars into the state of Israel. Not only is this immoral, it’s a bad investment. Instead of funding public projects, he’s wasting tax dollars on a losing investment.

  • For comparison, this amount could fund essential local services like public schools, housing, and community safety programs.

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What Could $500 Million Do for Chicago? Imagine if that money were reinvested in our city:

  • It could rehabilitate over 10,000 affordable housing units, addressing Chicago's growing homelessness crisis.

  • It could fund programs to reduce gun violence, a persistent issue plaguing our neighborhoods.

  • It could increase teacher salaries, improve public schools, and expand after-school programs for underprivileged communities.

Instead, Chicagoans' hard-earned money is being funneled into military operations that have killed thousands of innocent Palestinians and exacerbated a humanitarian crisis.

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WHere Does This Money Go?

American financial support to Israel directly funds:

  • Military Operations: Advanced weaponry, airstrikes, and ground invasions that disproportionately harm civilians in Gaza.

  • Blockades and Restrictions: The ongoing siege that has left Gaza without adequate food, water, medical supplies, or electricity.

  • Settlement Expansion: Illegal settlements in the West Bank that displace Palestinian families and violate international law.

WHy Should This Matter to You?

Even if you have no personal connection to Palestine, this issue impacts you as a taxpayer and as a citizen of a country that champions democracy and human rights. Here's why you should care:

  1. Your Money is Funding Atrocities
    Every dollar sent to Israel is a dollar spent on perpetuating violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises. By allowing this funding to continue, we are complicit in these actions.

  2. It Contradicts American Values
    America claims to support human rights and freedom, yet our actions tell a different story. Funding military operations that target civilians undermines these core principles.

  3. We Have the Power to Make a Change
    Public opinion matters. By raising awareness and holding elected officials accountable, we can pressure our government to end unconditional financial and military support for Israel.

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WHat You Can Do

If this issue resonates with you, here are steps you can take:

  1. Educate Yourself and Others
    Share this information with your friends, family, and community. Start conversations about the impact of U.S. foreign aid.

  2. Contact Your Representatives
    Demand transparency and accountability regarding how your tax dollars are spent. Urge Congress to reevaluate military aid to Israel.

  3. Support Organizations Advocating for Justice
    Donate to humanitarian groups providing relief to Gaza or organizations advocating for Palestinian rights.

  4. Vote with Your Values
    Elect leaders who prioritize human rights and are willing to challenge the status quo of U.S.-Israel relations.

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he Human Cost

This is not just a financial issue—it’s a humanitarian crisis. Over [insert accurate casualty statistics] Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, with the majority being women and children. Thousands more are displaced, injured, and living without basic necessities.

Final Thought: Awareness is the First Step Toward Change

By understanding where your money goes and the consequences it has, you can help create a future where your tax dollars support our community peace, justice, and humanity—not war and oppression. Together, we can make a difference.