The resounding 14-0 vote in the U.N. Security Council on Israeli settlements was a worldwide condemnation that the settlements were against International Law. The vote emerged after the United Stated abstained. President Obama made a courageous decision to do this in order to enable a vote on an issue which the U.S. had for many years obstructed.

Our pro-Israeli Congress and its lobbyists pressure each administration to protect Israel no matter what action that nation took against the Palestinians or our best interest (the Iran deal).

It is unfortunate that we did not abstain many years earlier so that many Palestinian and Israeli lives could have been saved and a real path could have been found to a two-state solution.

To strengthen our bond with Israel, we are presently giving them $3.1 billion a year in military aid for 10 years, followed by $3.8 billion for another decade;  support their nuclear weapons program and a gag order on discussing it; and tariff-free imports.

Today, we have the first chance to “Make America Great Again.” Will we stand up for the rule of law and human rights?

Sameer S. Hassan

Waterford