TOPSHOT - US President Joe Biden shakes hands with Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they meet on the sidelines of the 78th
United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 20, 2023.
(Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
The U.S. government allocated $2,381 per Israeli citizen in
aid this year, while Ukrainian citizens received $1,526. Meanwhile,
American victims of Hurricane Helena received just $750 in federal
assistance in their time of need.
This stark contrast has left many Americans questioning the priorities of their government, especially when domestic disaster relief falls short of covering basic needs.
The U.S. has a history of providing substantial financial aid to Israel, with the bulk of the funds directed toward military assistance. In 2023, the U.S. sent over $3.8 billion in foreign aid to Israel, which amounts to $2,381 per Israeli citizen based on Israel’s population of around 9 million.
This aid package is part of a 10-year memorandum of understanding signed in 2016, which pledges $38 billion in military assistance to Israel over a decade.
Meanwhile, the victims of Hurricane Helena, which devastated parts of the southern U.S., are left questioning their government’s commitment to its own citizens.
Federal disaster relief for these victims was set at $750 per individual, a sum that falls far short of what many need to rebuild their homes and lives after the storm’s destruction.
Many families in the affected areas have reported struggling to cover basic necessities, let alone repair the widespread damage caused by the hurricane. While some states have provided additional support, it is evident that federal aid has been insufficient for the vast majority survivors.
The disparity between foreign aid and domestic disaster relief has sparked significant criticism from various corners of the political spectrum.
Critics argue that the U.S. government is prioritizing foreign interests over the needs of its own citizens, particularly those in red stars who are in dire need following natural disasters.