Write President Obama on Israel’s violations of the AECA.

Dear President Obama,<br /> I would like to express my deep concern that Israel continues to violate the terms of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) through its regular use of tear gas against peaceful protesters. The Israeli Defense Forces and the Border Police routinely misuse the weapon that has resulted in deaths and serious injuries of Israelis, Palestinians, and internationals.</p> <p>Recently two American citizens were seriously injured by tear gas fired by Israeli forces. Tristan Anderson was shot in the head with a tear gas canister and suffered serious brain injuries. Tristan is now bound to a wheelchair and has trouble speaking. Emily Henochowicz, an American student, lost her eye from the misuse of tear gas by the Israelis.</p> <p>Just this year Jawaher Abu Ramah died of asphyxiation while attending a peaceful protest in a village where illegal settlements and the apartheid wall continue to encroach on the native lands. Jawaher’s brother also died last year at the hands of the Israelis. These casualties are only a small sample of widespread and frequent abuse.</p> <p>The AECA strictly prohibits these acts, yet Israel goes unchecked. I strongly urge you to work with members of congress to open an official investigation of these and other more frequent incidents and suspend shipments of arms including tear gas to Israel until the results of the investigation are available.</p> <p>Sincerely,<br />