-Editorial
Familia del Valle, a youth-led organization founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, sent a letter to Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Coachella) expressing its disappointment over his stance on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The group, primarily composed of high school and college students, has been dedicated to addressing food insecurity and supporting the unhoused in their community.
In the letter, published on the group’s Instagram page, Familia del Valle criticized Ruiz’s response to the crisis, citing his focus on the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel while allegedly overlooking the devastating effects of the conflict on Gaza’s civilian population.
“The attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2024, was horrific and we condemn it,” the letter read. “But as terrible as that attack was, it cannot justify the current actions of the Israeli government in Gaza.” Familia del Valle went on to describe the severe toll of the violence in Gaza over the past year, referencing United Nations reports of war crimes and human rights violations committed against women and children. According to the letter, over 11,000 children and 6,000 women have lost their lives in the conflict, with healthcare facilities reportedly targeted 498 times within a ten-month period, leading to the deaths of hundreds of medical staff and leaving thousands of children malnourished and at risk of starvation.
In detailing the impact on Gaza’s health system, the organization pointed to reports of medical volunteers witnessing children’s deaths from malnutrition, and shared stories of alleged war crimes, including the use of Palestinian civilians as human shields by Israeli forces. “Israeli soldiers have ‘regularly forced captured Palestinians’ to use civilians as human body shields, which constitutes a war crime,” the letter claimed, referencing specific cases like that of a young man forced to wear an Israeli military uniform to draw enemy fire.
Familia del Valle criticized Ruiz’s continued support for U.S. military aid to Israel, stating, “In the past year alone, you have supported taxpayer-funded military aid for Israel’s campaign against the people of Gaza totaling $17 billion.” The organization highlighted reports of deliberate targeting of children and recounted testimonies from U.S. medical professionals who reported cases of young children killed by sniper fire. Such experiences, they said, have caused deep psychological trauma among Gaza’s children, with some expressing a wish for an end to their suffering.
Addressing Ruiz’s professional background, Familia del Valle reminded him of his commitment as a medical professional. “Dr. Ruiz, you have positioned yourself not as a career politician, but as a medical professional who prioritizes patients and constituents,” the group stated. “Yet, we are deeply disturbed by your disregard for calls from medical and congressional colleagues, as well as your constituents, to halt the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.”
The letter concluded with a call for change, urging Ruiz to oppose future military aid to Israel and address the needs of his district, which faces high rates of unemployment and homelessness. “Delay will only deepen the suffering. We can no longer remain silent; history will not judge any of us.”
On October 11, 2023, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), issued a statement strongly condemning Hamas’s attacks on Israel and extending his support to those impacted by the escalating violence. Referring to the conflict as “appalling and unacceptable,” Ruiz emphasized his solidarity with Israel and affirmed the nation’s right to defend itself. “Instead of celebrating Simchat Torah, families have been left heartbroken and mourning their loved ones,” he said. Ruiz called on Hamas to release hostages and condemned harm to civilians as “callous and cowardly.” Additionally, he reassured constituents in the region of his commitment to their safety, noting that he was working with the U.S. State Department to ensure their prompt return.
Free Palestine protesters and progressive groups have increasingly criticized Democratic leaders over perceived inaction on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Demonstrators, including many young progressives, have rallied at events like the Democratic National Convention to push for stronger action against the conflict. Some have expressed disappointment with Democrats’ support for Israel and lack of attention to Palestinian suffering, demanding an end to U.S. military aid to Israel and a more balanced approach.
At a recent veterans’ event in El Centro hosted by Congressman Raul Ruiz, protesters advocating for Palestinian rights disrupted proceedings, criticizing Ruiz’s support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict. The protesters, holding signs and chanting, accused the congressman of neglecting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Security ultimately removed them from the venue to allow the event to proceed. This incident reflects a growing trend among progressive activists who demand that Democratic leaders, including Ruiz, take a firmer stance on ending U.S. military aid to Israel and addressing Palestinian suffering.
