An American Was Beaten to Death by Israeli Settlers. Most Politicians Said Nothing.
Saif Musallet was just 20 years old. His murder demands justice, but AIPAC-backed politicians remain silent. Here's why.
July 18, 2025
Saif Musallet ran an ice cream shop in Tampa, Florida.
He was just 20 years old, full of life, and proud of his Palestinian roots. On July 11, while visiting family in the West Bank, Saif was beaten to death by Israeli settlers. They attacked him with bats and sticks while he was defending his family’s land. Ambulances were blocked for hours, first by the Israeli military, then by settlers who smashed their windshields. By the time his brother carried him to safety, it was too late.
This was not just a tragedy. It was a crime.
Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida called it what it was: a “horrific and cold-blooded murder.” He immediately demanded a State Department investigation. But most of Florida’s delegation, including Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Sen. Rick Scott, haven’t said a word. No public statement. No call for accountability. Silence.
Why the silence? Follow the money.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has received over $1 million from AIPAC and the pro-Israel lobby. She is the top recipient of AIPAC money in Florida. She voted to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib for defending Palestinian rights. AIPAC keeps rewarding her, and she keeps toeing the line. It is no surprise she hasn’t spoken up for a murdered American.
Even Mike Huckabee spoke out. Trump did not.
Mike Huckabee, Trump’s former ambassador to Israel, called Saif’s killing a “criminal and terrorist act” and demanded an investigation. Donald Trump, who built his image on protecting American citizens abroad, said absolutely nothing.
Saif’s father is asking the question we all should be: Why won’t our leaders put American lives first?
Since 2022, nine American citizens have been killed by Israeli settlers or soldiers. Not one of their killers has faced justice. AIPAC’s influence over U.S. politics has helped preserve this wall of silence and inaction.
This is why Citizens Against AIPAC Corruption exists.
We track AIPAC's money, expose the politicians who take it, and work to defeat them. We believe Americans deserve elected leaders who stand for their constituents, not for foreign lobby interests.
