Guest column: Not a 'fellow traveler for Hamas'; McGovern points to record
A letter to the editor on April 28 accused me of being a “fellow traveler for Hamas.” That is a lie.
The letter claimed I voted “against a congressional resolution condemning Hamas.” That is not true. I have repeatedly voted to condemn Hamas.
On Oct. 25, 2023, I voted yes on House Resolution 771, a bill affirming Congress “stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists.”
On Nov. 28, 2023, I voted yes on House Resolution 793, which “condemns Hamas for its brutal attack on Israel.”
The letter further claimed I “do not have the courage to state unequivocally the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state.” That is also not true.
On Nov. 28, 2023, I voted yes on House Resolution 888, “reaffirming the State of Israel’s right to exist.” I have always supported Israel’s right to exist as a democratic homeland of the Jewish people.
The letter mischaracterized House Resolution 798, a Republican-led resolution they claimed was about antisemitism on college campuses. It was a cynical “gotcha” bill that smeared Jewish students at Brandeis University — using legitimate fears of antisemitism to score cheap political points. I voted no.
The letter further mischaracterized House Resolution 883. This Republican-led resolution concerning the phrase “from the river to the sea” curiously failed to mention that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s own political party uses this slogan in its platform to state that Israel should annex Gaza and the West Bank. Again, I voted no.
My actions speak for themselves. I’ve met with the families of the hostages and called for their release. I’ve met with Jewish and Muslim groups throughout Massachusetts to build bridges of understanding in our community. I’ve consistently used my platform to speak out against antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of hate.
I don’t hide my strong disagreement with Israel’s far-right Prime Minister Netanyahu. In fact, millions of Israelis have joined me, taking to the streets to call for a hostage deal and an end to the war. More than 34,000 Palestinians — 70% of whom were women and children — have been killed. Over a million people face famine, half of Gaza is homeless, and entire families have been wiped out. I will not support sending Netanyahu offensive military weapons, paid for with American taxpayer money, as he bombs innocent civilians and blocks lifesaving humanitarian aid.
I’ve always spoken up for human rights around the world — including demanding better from my own government. And I’ve been consistent in my advocacy for peace and my belief that every life is precious. I’m sorry the author of last week’s letter to the editor didn’t bother to check my voting record or public statements. I hope he uses this opportunity to reflect on his words and the way they have contributed to the cheapening of our public discourse.
Our democracy depends on Americans disagreeing without demonizing one another. Sadly, that’s a fact that not everyone seems to have learned.
James McGovern is U.S. representative for Massachusetts' 2nd Congressional District.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: US Rep. James McGovern rebuts 'fellow traveler for Hamas' label
