More than 400 employees of President Joe Biden’s administration have signed an open letter demanding that a cease-fire be pursued in the Israel-Hamas war, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians. The letter was released on Tuesday and states “We represent a coalition of Biden-Harris Administration political appointees and civil servants, positioned across the domestic and foreign policy spheres, working in federal agencies, departments, independent agencies, and the White House.” It emphasizes the urgent need for President Biden to demand a ceasefire and call for the de-escalation of the current conflict by securing the immediate release of Israeli hostages and detained Palestinians, and the restoration of basic services and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The letter, signed by employees from more than 30 departments and agencies, has gained widespread support, including senior and low-level administration staff working across the federal government and in multiple countries. The two staffers spearheading the letter’s outreach efforts on behalf of the two administration staff members, who are political appointees, expressed concern over potential retaliation for speaking out against the administration’s position. They also underscored the ongoing need for a cease-fire and the reassessment of the administration’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
These internal dissenting voices are now part of a chorus of increasing calls on the Biden administration to demand a cease-fire and reevaluate its handling of the war. The letter’s signatories’ wide-ranging backgrounds and faiths reflect the depth and breadth of support for the call to action.
Collectively, and reflecting the concerns of many around them, the staffers conveyed a growing dissonance as they grapple with the impact of the administration’s stance on the conflict despite having close ties to the affected regions. This sense of disillusionment is coupled with feelings of isolation and frustration as they seek guidance on addressing the ongoing human suffering caused by the conflict.
The letter’s signatories further highlight the growing divide between the senior levels of the administration and those working in various government agencies. They also emphasize the urgent need for the administration to acknowledge their calls to action and show a willingness to engage with dissenting voices, with many signatories contemplating resignation due to the administration’s approach thus far.
The letter follows the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7th, amidst growing criticism and escalating tensions. It exemplifies an ongoing internal conflict within the administration and broader public service community, and is indicative of a growing movement for change within the entire U.S. government.
