In a powerful act of conscience, Lily Greenberg Call, a Jewish-American political official, resigned from her position at the U.S. Department of Interior, denouncing the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza. Her resignation, a significant moral stand, highlights the growing unease amongst American Jews regarding Israel’s policies and the human cost of its military actions.
Greenberg Call, who served as special assistant to the chief of staff at the Interior Department, submitted her resignation letter on Wednesday, citing the Biden administration’s “disastrous, continued support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza” as the primary reason for her departure. Her letter, shared with Middle East Eye, serves as a powerful indictment of the U.S. government’s complicity in the suffering of Palestinians.
“I can no longer in good conscience continue to represent this administration,” Greenberg Call wrote, adding that her Jewish faith compels her to “stand up for those facing violence and oppression, and to question authority in the face of injustice.” Her words echo the sentiments of a growing number of Jewish individuals and organizations worldwide who are increasingly vocal in their criticism of Israel’s policies, particularly its treatment of Palestinians.
Greenberg Call’s resignation is particularly noteworthy given her past involvement in Democratic politics. She worked on the presidential campaigns of both Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, demonstrating her previous commitment to the party and its platform. Her decision to step down from her position at the Interior Department, a role she was reportedly enthusiastic about, underscores the depth of her moral conviction and the strength of her commitment to justice for Palestinians.
“Genocide”
Her use of the term “genocide” to describe Israel’s actions in Gaza is particularly significant. This term, often avoided in mainstream political discourse, directly confronts the severity of the situation in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have resulted in a devastating loss of civilian life, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and the displacement of thousands of Palestinians. Greenberg Call’s willingness to use such strong language reflects a growing recognition amongst activists and human rights observers that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute a grave violation of international law and potentially amount to crimes against humanity.
Greenberg Call’s resignation is not merely a personal act of protest but also a significant symbolic gesture. It throws into sharp relief the moral dilemma faced by many American Jews who find themselves increasingly at odds with the policies of the Israeli government and the uncritical support it receives from the U.S. government. Her decision to step down from her position sends a powerful message that complicity in injustice is unacceptable, regardless of political affiliations or personal ambitions.
The impact of Greenberg Call’s resignation remains to be seen. However, her courageous act is likely to reverberate within the American Jewish community and beyond, encouraging others to critically examine their own positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to speak out against injustice. Her actions serve as a potent reminder that silence in the face of oppression is untenable, and that true allyship requires a commitment to justice, even when it means challenging those in power and sacrificing personal comfort.
Greenberg Call’s resignation stands as a testament to the power of individual conscience and the enduring relevance of moral courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Her story serves as an inspiration to all those who strive for a more just and equitable world, reminding us that even seemingly small acts of defiance can contribute to the dismantling of oppressive systems and the creation of a brighter future for all.
