(WASHINGTON) – On Friday, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), co-chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Black-Jewish Relations and a member of the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Working Group signed a letter a letter to President Joe Biden, calling for him to support a bilateral ceasefire in the ongoing Middle East conflict. 

The letter was led by Congressman Troy A. Carter (LA-02) and signed by Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-2), Valerie P. Foushee (NC-03), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Joyce Beatty (OH-03), André Carson (IN-07), Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), Terri A. Sewell (AL-7), and Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04).

The full letter is available here and below:

Dear President Biden,

Thank you for all the work you’ve done to bring a humanitarian pause and bring about the return of innocent hostages. Your Administration has met this incredibly complex multifaceted conflict with the highest level of diplomacy and leadership in the pursuit of peace.

This pause in violence is set to expire tomorrow, and it is our fervent hope that negotiations can continue and extend the current pause in hostilities and continue the release of those held hostage by Hamas. We urge you to use your immense influence and the full power of your office to continue negotiations and extend the bilateral pause beyond tomorrow so that both sides can build towards a bilateral ceasefire and, ultimately, a two-state solution.

Recognizing the ongoing conflict, we acknowledge the devastating impact these atrocities have had on innocent lives. We stand united to promote peace, stability, and justice for all people. Too many innocent lives have been lost already. The bloodshed must end. We are committed to standing steadfast with your Administration in calling for an extension of this pause and building on these negotiations toward a permanent two-state solution.

We acknowledge that a unilateral ceasefire is impossible. One side of a conflict cannot create peace on their own. It is essential that this ceasefire be bilateral. Both sides must come to the table in agreement; only then can we lay the groundwork to create a true two-state solution.

By rejecting hate, terrorism, prioritizing the protection of innocent lives, providing humanitarian assistance and engaging in meaningful dialogue, we can lay the groundwork for a better future for all people in the region. We call upon all parties involved to demonstrate the humanity, courage, empathy, and commitment necessary to achieve a comprehensive and sustained peace in the region.

Again, we thank you for everything that you have done to push towards peace and know that is your ultimate goal. A release of all hostages and an immediate bilateral ceasefire will not only stop the bloodshed but ultimately lead us to peace in the region.

Sincerely,

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams proudly serves Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District on the exclusive Financial Services Committee. She is a champion of voting rights and builds on the Fifth District’s legacy as the cradle of the civil rights movement as co-chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. Congresswoman Williams is committed to closing the racial wealth gap and ensuring the promise of America for all–regardless of your ZIP code or bank account.

###