In a passionate and wide-ranging interview, Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin discusses her lifelong activism against war and her organization’s unwavering anti-war stance—from Vietnam to present-day conflicts. She outlines recent efforts to discredit Code Pink, including false accusations from U.S. senators claiming the group is funded by the Chinese Communist Party. Benjamin attributes these attacks to Code Pink’s vocal opposition to U.S. support for Israel amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
She condemns the outsized influence of lobbying groups like AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and the broader military-industrial complex, arguing that many lawmakers are under relentless pressure from these entities. Benjamin warns of unconstitutional legislation aimed at stifling dissent and criminalizing criticism of Israel, citing anti-BDS laws and anti-Semitism bills as direct threats to free speech.
She recalls tense confrontations with members of Congress, including a heated exchange with Rep. Nancy Mace, who accused her of being a “self-hating Jew.” As a Jewish activist and nutritionist, Benjamin expresses her anguish over the starvation of children in Gaza, linking U.S. support for Israeli policies to the rise of global anti-Semitism and the suppression of free speech.
Watch Judge Napolitano’s full interview with Medea Benjamin here:
Additionally, she discusses recent efforts to deliver aid to Gaza by sea via the Freedom Flotilla—an initiative allegedly sabotaged by Israeli drones. Benjamin recounts the history of similar humanitarian missions since 2008 and Israel’s repeated obstruction. She calls for the enforcement of both international and U.S. laws prohibiting support for countries that block humanitarian aid.
Key Excerpts (edited for clarity):
On Code Pink’s Origins and Mission:
“Code Pink was founded after 9/11 to oppose the U.S. using the attacks as a pretext for war, especially the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. We’ve spent our lives trying to stop people from killing each other.”
On Senate Investigations:
“Senators Cotton, Banks, and Grassley have falsely accused us of being funded by the Chinese Communist Party. It’s baseless and absurd. We’ve never received a cent from China, and we don’t know anyone in the CCP.”
On Lobbying Influence in Congress:
“AIPAC and defense contractors have an iron grip on Congress. They not only donate heavily, but they also have staff embedded in congressional offices, writing legislation and influencing policy directly.”
On Anti-BDS and Anti-Semitism Bills:
“These bills threaten constitutional rights. One would punish you for choosing not to do business with Israeli companies. Another seeks to redefine criticism of Israel as anti-Semitism. These are blatant attacks on free speech.”
On the Gaza Crisis:
“As a nutritionist, I’m horrified by the man-made starvation in Gaza. Hospitals are collapsing. Children are dying. This is inhumane and morally reprehensible, yet Congress continues to back Israel unconditionally.”
On Her Confrontation with Rep. Nancy Mace:
“Calling me a ‘self-hating Jew’ for opposing the collective punishment of civilians is outrageous. I’m speaking out to save lives, especially children’s lives.”
On U.S. and International Law:
“Israel violates international law with impunity, but more troubling is that the U.S. is breaking its own laws by supporting a country that blocks humanitarian aid.”
On the Sabotaged Aid Ship:
“The Freedom Flotilla ship Conscience was attacked by drones while preparing to deliver aid to Gaza. It’s widely believed Israel was behind the attack. We’re now negotiating with Malta to repair the ship and relaunch the mission.”