American politicians could abruptly halt the destruction and carnage in Gaza by threatening to suspend aid and trade to Israel. One reason that politicians haven’t done this is that they fear losing the support of AIPAC and the Jewish vote. American Israel Public Affairs Committee website (www.aipac.org) makes it clear that AIPAC’s position is precisely aligned with the that of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, and that AIPAC represents itself as the face of the American Jewish community.

The U.N. and aid organizations report that a half million Gazans — all permanent refugees because their homes have been destroyed — are now on the threshold of death from starvation, dehydration, and disease. If AIPAC is misrepresenting your views in this matter, contact the White House and your representatives in Congress directly and tell them so. A half-million lives hang in the balance.

Robert Dickerman

Northfield