The SoCal Ceasefire Coalition strongly condemns the recent actions by Rep. Michelle Steel toward community members who visited her office seeking engagement and dialogue regarding the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza. With profound disappointment, we address the troubling events that transpired during this attempt at civic engagement.
Bigotry Unveiled: Rep. Steel’s Disturbing Email Newsletter
On Jan. 19, 2024, Rep. Steel sent an email newsletter laced with bigotry, xenophobia, and alteration of reality. The day before, five women – three who live in Steel’s jurisdiction – convened at Steel’s office to voice their disapproval of the ongoing violence against Palestinians under Israeli bombardment. Instead of meeting her constituents, she kept her doors closed and did not respond to any calls. The women used removal tape purchased from a local goods store to place posters reading “Ceasefire,” among others, on her door.
Closed Doors and Unanswered Calls: The Unresponsiveness to Constituents
In her statement, Rep. Steel demonizes her constituents by calling them “pro-Hamas protestors” and falsely accuses them of vandalizing her office for using tape and posters. Instead of doing her job, which is to listen to her constituents, she chose to exploit the situation by demonizing her constituents and portraying herself as the victim of her constituents. While she praises law enforcement for ensuring the safety of her staff and “visiting constituents,” she fails to recognize that law enforcement did not claim the act to be vandalism, further contradicting her statements that she was attacked or vandalized.
Tape and Posters: False Accusations and Exploitation
Most damaging, Steel subjectively focuses on Hamas and ignores the dynamics of Israeli policies that have systematically pushed Palestinians away from their homes and used military violence to murder tens of thousands of Palestinians, causing traumatic harm to her constituents. Steel’s accusations are irresponsible and raise questions about the Congresswoman’s credibility. No damage or destruction was reported caused by the constituent’s actions.
Selective Focus: Rep. Steel’s One-Sided Narrative on Gaza Violence
The refusal to meet with constituents who are advocating for a ceasefire to save lives and stop the ongoing genocide in Gaza is deeply troubling. Furthermore, her public characterization of her constituents as “pro-Hamas” on social media is not only divisive but also gravely irresponsible. This action places them at risk of hate crimes and hate incidents, endangering their safety and well-being.
Engaging in inflammatory language toward constituents seeking to enact positive change is unacceptable. The implications of such actions are deeply concerning, especially considering the potential harm it can bring upon those she is elected to serve. As a public representative, it is essential to foster an environment of open dialogue and respect for differing viewpoints rather than resorting to inflammatory rhetoric that endangers the safety of community members.
In light of these events, the SoCal Ceasefire Coalition demands the following actions:
1. An immediate public apology to the constituents unjustly characterized and placed at risk by her statements.
2. Meaningful engagement with constituents impacted by the ongoing crisis in Gaza, including a scheduled meeting to discuss their concerns and perspectives.
3. A clear and public call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting the urgency and gravity of the situation.
Public officials must foster an environment of respect and open dialogue, particularly on matters of such significance as the ongoing crisis in Gaza. We urge Rep. Steele to reflect on the impact of her words and actions and take the necessary steps to rectify the harm caused by her statement and social media posts.
We believe that through constructive and respectful dialogue, we can work towards meaningful solutions and advocate for the end of an ongoing genocide. We hope for her prompt and positive response to address these critical concerns.
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