“We urge the administration to reverse these restrictions and to pursue security policies that are targeted, evidence-based, and consistent with human rights. True security is built through inclusion, engagement, and justice—not through walls or racist bans.”

As an Israeli-American, I am opposed to this policy and embarrassed by our collective failure to learn from history. America was wrong to close its borders to Jews during WWII and is wrong to do so to Palestinians now.

Palestinians in the West Bank are living under a regime of settler violence that can and does explode at any moment. In Gaza they are living in unbearable conditions created by a US backed war. For our country to respond by closing our borders to them is a failure.

In light of these factors, and considering the weak or nonexistent control exercised over these areas by the PA, individuals attempting to travel on PA-issued or endorsed travel documents cannot currently be properly vetted and approved for entry into the United States."

The language on Palestinians reads:
"Several U.S.-designated terrorist groups operate actively in the West Bank or Gaza Strip and have murdered American citizens. Also, the recent war in these areas likely resulted in compromised vetting and screening abilities.

And the heroism of Ahmad al Ahmad in putting his life on the line to tackle and disarm one of the shooters is deeply felt.

Hatred and violence cannot sow peace and they cannot bring justice.

My heart is with the victims, their families, and the Jewish community of Australia.