Issues

Karthik attending an art exhibit that shows 500 pairs of shoes representing the Palestinian children killed abroad

While international matters are undeniably significant, our campaign is focused on the tangible changes we can effectuate within the Texas Capitol. It's essential to differentiate between local and state responsibilities versus those at the national level. However, we feel compelled to address international issues when actions taken on such a stage by our state's leadership directly impact Texans. If Texas chooses to engage internationally, it must do so with the unwavering belief that every Texan, and indeed every individual, possesses inalienable rights. In line with our state's motto of "friendship," our actions should promote unity and understanding.

Recent reporting by the Texas Tribune seems to indicate that the Governor’s Office is prioritizing helping Israeli Texans and neglecting Palestinian Texans rather than helping both groups of stranded Texans simultaneously. This is disturbing and violates equal protection to which both groups of Texans are entitled.  

Our hearts are with the family of Chen Dori-Roberts who has faced heartbreaking loss, and all those facing the trauma of having loved ones held hostage. We condemn the initial horrific attacks on civilians by Hamas, call for the immediate and safe return of all hostages, and also call for an end to the Israeli military’s killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza so Palestinian Texans like Mai Abushaaban can have their family come back home. 

We also condemn Rep Zinke’s introduction of a categorical immigration ban on Palestinian immigration that brings to mind the worst of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Growing up as an Indian American after 9/11, I got called Osama and folks called our house and told us to “go back to Afghanistan.” Bigotry in all forms is unacceptable. 

We call on Governor Abbott to mobilize his office's resources to support both Israeli and Palestinian Texans. Unfortunately, his recent actions and silences have not met the expectations of equal protection by his office.

It was important for Governor Abbott to meet victims of the horrific and inexcusable Hamas attacks on civilians in Israel. However, true leadership would also involve extending compassion to Palestinian victims of recent West Bank violence and visiting Palestinian refugee camps. Such actions would demonstrate to Palestinian Texans that their governor genuinely cares about their well-being.

Governor Abbott's affiliations, especially with figures like Pastor Hagee known for extreme anti-Semitic views, are alarming. While Abbott has denounced anti-Semitism, his perceived inaction towards party members linked to known anti-Semites, such as Jonathan Stickland and Defend Texas Liberty PAC, raises concerns. Additionally, his silence on rising Islamophobia, especially following incidents like the potentially Islamophobic attack on Dr. Talat Jahan in Conroe and the pardon of Daniel Perry, is unworthy of the office he holds.

We urge Governor Abbott to harness Texas's influence as the world's 8th-largest economy in a positive way.  As a former organizer for President Obama, I urge Governor Abbott to heed Obama’s words and use his influence to push for a durable peace: “one that is based on genuine security for Israel, a recognition of its right to exist, and a peace that is based on an end of the occupation and the creation of a viable state and self-determination for the Palestinian people.”

Instead of political maneuvering for future presidential aspirations, the focus should be on bringing all Texans home safely, regardless of their ethnicity.