I Could Not Stay Silent: Annelle Sheline Resigns from State Dept. over U.S. Gaza Policy
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Published 2024-03-28
A State Department official working on human rights issues in the Middle East resigned Wednesday in protest of U.S. support for Israel's assault on Gaza. Annelle Sheline, who worked as a foreign affairs officer in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, was not planning on publicly resigning, but her colleagues asked her to "please speak out" against the Biden administration's unconditional support for Israel. "At the end of the day, many people inside [the State Department] know that this is a horrific policy, and can't believe that the United States government is engaged in such actions that contravene American values so directly, but the leadership is not listening," says Sheline. "I'm trying to speak on behalf of those many, many people who feel so betrayed by our government's stance." Sheline describes being moved by the words of Aaron Bushnell, the active-duty U.S. airman who set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in protest of the war on Gaza, who implored everyone to take a stand against genocide. "I have a young daughter, and I thought about, in the future, if she were to ask me, 'What were you doing when this was happening? You were at the State Department.' I want to be able to tell her that I didn't stay silent."
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All Comments (21)
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Bravo! You are a beautiful human, standing on truth, humanity, and justice❤
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The anguish is on her face. BRAVE and ethical person!!! THANK YOU for speaking out. We see, hear, and support you.
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Thank you for your bravery for standing up for human rights and against genocide, @Annelle Sheline. May you and your daughter always know you were in the right side of history 💜🙏💜
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Thank you, Ms. Sheline. As an American, I'm sick about all this horrific evil we are supporting.
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What a brave, moral and strong woman! Thank you for speaking out Annelle.💖💖💖
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Thank you Annelle for your courage. History will remember the few of you that stood up for humanity.
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I have often wondered why Americans NEVER held their government accountable, this is surely a momentous event not just for America but billions of peace loving people in the world.
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THIS!!! This is what it means to be an American!! Thank you so much to her for speaking out, and hopefully affecting others to speak out and stop enabling the horrific dehumanization and genocide of the Palestinian people!! ❤️🕊️💚❤️🕊️💚
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Annelle ... you're A hero , a woman of VALUE , dignity and humanity . The world need you for a BETTER tomorrow . God will honor you trust me .
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Shame on Matt Miller! He thinks that stopping genocide in Gaza is against the U.S. policy?
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We have seen natural humanity affected by what is happening to the people of Gaza. This is human nature and humanity 💔
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We need more decent human beings like her. I could feel her pain 😢. Thank you for your humanity ❤
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Annelle I don't know if you'll read this but the sheer sadness on your face as you came onto the screen tugged at my heart! You look pained, the sign of a real human processing the horrid devastation going on in Gaza. From Lebanon, I just want to hug you and thank you for having the courage to go public in spite of all the resistance and judgement you may face. Thank you ❤
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Good on her for preserving her integrity and not involving herself in this genocide. I wish more people had the same courage.
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Thank you for standing you... America Salutes your courage,,,
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GOOD for her! All honest and moral politicians should be speaking out against this genocide.
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Salute to Ms Annelle Sheline sacrificing her work over her principle for humanity!💚💚💚
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This is a woman of integrity and compassion. I applaud her courage. Thanks Annelle.
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Bravo Annelle for your courage and your conscience! We need more like you ❤
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Thank you for speaking your truth. I respect and applaud you
