Why are Torres, Schumer and Gillibrand so silent?

To the editor,

A community is defined by its values; what it speaks up to protect. What injustices it ignores.

Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is a man who dedicated his life to caring for babies and children’s health, who served as director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, refusing to leave even after the murder of his own son and constant danger due to war.

Over a year ago, Dr. Safiya was kidnapped by Israel. The UN reports he has been subjected to cruel and degrading treatment, lost more than a third of his body weight and is denied medication. Days ago, Israel extended his detention without charges.

Some in the Bronx may be horrified, but still wonder: “How does it affect us?”

Because our representatives are complicit. Ritchie Torres, Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer all call Israel an ally, voting to send weapons overseas to hurt those who Dr. Safiya lost his liberty protecting. As U.S. “leaders,” they are positioned to put pressure on Israel to free Dr. Safiya now. Yet they remain silent as he’s tortured. If this continues, he will die.

As a community, we in the Bronx must call Torres, Gillibrand and Schumer out. If our supposed “representatives” won’t protect a man like Dr. Safiya, then their values are not ours.

JANET GOODMAN-CLARKE