Omar Assad, a 78-year-old Palestinian American, died in January 2022 after being detained by Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint in his hometown of Jiljilya near Ramallah. His family, including his nephew Assad Assad, believes he was murdered under brutal circumstances. Assad Assad, 36, described his reaction as “devastating” following the U.S. government’s continued decision to fund the Israeli unit, Netzah Yehuda, which was involved in his uncle’s death. “We see this as hypocrisy – a U.S. government that allows a foreign entity the opportunity to kill,” Assad said in a phone interview from Wisconsin.

According to witnesses, Omar Assad was forced out of his car, gagged, blindfolded, and dragged along the ground before being left without assistance. An autopsy indicated he died from a heart attack caused by the violence he experienced. This death has prompted the family to demand that the U.S. government take responsibility and ensure that Israel is held accountable.

The decision by U.S. authorities to continue funding the battalion has been met with outrage, particularly in light of the increasing number of killings of Palestinians during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to the United Nations, nearly 600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the West Bank since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7.

Assad expressed that family and friends are shocked and dismayed by the determination to maintain support for Netzah Yehuda. “It is unfair. It is just hypocrisy,” he said.

The funding decision comes as the Assad family and Palestinian human rights activists urge President Joe Biden’s administration to conduct an independent investigation into Omar’s death. Congressional findings indicate that there will be no criminal charges against the involved soldiers, further amplifying calls for justice.

Ahmad Abuznaid, leader of the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights, criticizes American foreign policy, which he believes unevenly favors Israeli actions. “It is frustrating to see the U.S. government’s lack of care for Palestinians and international law,” he stated.

The unfortunate circumstances surrounding Omar Assad’s death are not unique. In May 2022, prominent journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed by Israeli soldiers, and in January 2023, 17-year-old Tawfiq Ajaq was also killed by Israeli forces. Both families are demanding justice for their losses.

Othman Atta, who knew Omar Assad personally, also expressed his distress over U.S. government policy. “It sends a clear message that Palestinian lives do not matter, even if they hold U.S. citizenship,” Atta said.

As the U.S. government continues to provide economic and military support to Israel, there is growing concern over the repeated evasion of accountability for Palestinian victims. Assad Assad insists that the family will not stop their fight for justice for Omar. “We must find justice for my uncle,” he concluded.