Liza Behrendt, 22 year old member of Young Jewish and Proud, the youth wing of Jewish Voice for Peace, bravely speaks her mind and testifies to her experience during a breakout session called “The Struggle to Secure Israel on Campus” to call attention to the silencing of Palestinians — and young Jews who support them — on U.S. campuses.
Liza stood on stage and unfurled a banner that read, “Settlements Betray Jewish Values” and “Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof,” the Jewish text from Deuteronomy meaning “Justice, Justice, You Shall Pursue.”
More information can be found here in this OccupyAIPAC press release: Jewish Activist to AIPAC: Stop Silencing Dissent!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Protest AIPAC's Gaza Freedom Flotilla letters at AIPAC’s 2010 Minnesota Annual Event
Protest AIPAC at AIPAC’s 2010 Minnesota Annual Event
Wednesday, June 30, 6:00 p.m.
McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota, East Bank,
300 Oak Street Southeast, Minneapolis (map)
Without debate or hearings, and with only one principled objection, AIPAC has pushed a libelous resolution through the United States Senate, Cornyn's S. Res. 548, which branded the flotilla participants as "extremists". In reality, the flotilla represented the mainstream view of the UN and European Union, that the siege of Gaza must be lifted immediately. A growing number of Americans and their representatives in Congress have come to that position as well. AIPAC's position does not support the peace process. Sen. Bingaman stated in his opposition to the Cornyn resolution:
This resolution speaks to this so-called 'flotilla incident' that occurred a few weeks ago near Gaza. I am concerned that this resolution does not help either the United States or Israel. I support Israel. I have done so during all my years here in the Senate. But I also believe that the only way to ensure Israel's long-term security is to have a genuine peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. This resolution does not bring us closer to that peace.
No one questions Israel's right to defend itself. I know that questions have been raised about the relationship between the Humanitarian Relief Foundation and Hamas, and I am concerned about those questions and they need to be answered.
But I am also concerned that Israel's response to the flotilla and the deaths onboard the Mavi Marmara once again shows to Israel's enemies that they can provoke Israel into taking actions that undermine international support for Israel.
...
Nor does this resolution talk about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel has allowed humanitarian supplies into Gaza, but it is evident from the conditions in Gaza that those supplies have not been sufficient. One U.S. charity estimates that 400 trucks of basic food supplies are needed in Gaza every day, but on average only 171 trucks of basic nutritional aid enter Gaza each week.
...
One more obvious point is the Senate has not fully debated this resolution. There have been no hearings on the flotilla incident or any version of this resolution in either the Senate or in the House. To my knowledge, the administration has not expressed its views on this resolution either. I believe with regard to foreign policy matters, the administration should always be consulted.
The AIPAC-sponsored letters and resolutions do not serve the US, Israel or the Middle East Peace Process.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), describes itself as the most important organization affecting the U.S. relationship with Israel. AIPAC has only one objective: strengthening American support for the state of Israel through creation of a "special relationship" between the two countries. Because Congress and the White House are fearful of confronting AIPAC, they give in to AIPAC’s demands no matter what the impact on the U.S. or the Mideast might be, enabling Israel to commit flagrant human rights abuses and violations of international law. AIPAC supports endless conflict in the Middle East by lobbying for billions of dollars in U.S. Military Aid to Israel and continued occupation of Palestinian land. AIPAC works to insure that Israel is provided with U.S. military aid and weapons at the cost of more than $3 billion each year. Our helicopters, bullets and bombs are killing Palestinians. Israel’s “Operation Cast Lead” attack on
Gaza, which killed 1400 civilians including 352 children, was carried out with U.S.-funded and manufactured helicopters, tanks, rockets and phosphorus bombs. AIPAC also regularly provides a platform for Christian Zionist extremists to foment their anti-Muslim/Arab racism and their call to unbridled militarism. If you would like to be a peace marshal, please arrive at 5:15 p.m. Sponsored by: The Coalition for Palestinian Rights (CPR). Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) is a member of CPR.
Wednesday, June 30, 6:00 p.m.
McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota, East Bank,
300 Oak Street Southeast, Minneapolis (map)
Without debate or hearings, and with only one principled objection, AIPAC has pushed a libelous resolution through the United States Senate, Cornyn's S. Res. 548, which branded the flotilla participants as "extremists". In reality, the flotilla represented the mainstream view of the UN and European Union, that the siege of Gaza must be lifted immediately. A growing number of Americans and their representatives in Congress have come to that position as well. AIPAC's position does not support the peace process. Sen. Bingaman stated in his opposition to the Cornyn resolution:
This resolution speaks to this so-called 'flotilla incident' that occurred a few weeks ago near Gaza. I am concerned that this resolution does not help either the United States or Israel. I support Israel. I have done so during all my years here in the Senate. But I also believe that the only way to ensure Israel's long-term security is to have a genuine peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. This resolution does not bring us closer to that peace.
No one questions Israel's right to defend itself. I know that questions have been raised about the relationship between the Humanitarian Relief Foundation and Hamas, and I am concerned about those questions and they need to be answered.
But I am also concerned that Israel's response to the flotilla and the deaths onboard the Mavi Marmara once again shows to Israel's enemies that they can provoke Israel into taking actions that undermine international support for Israel.
...
Nor does this resolution talk about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel has allowed humanitarian supplies into Gaza, but it is evident from the conditions in Gaza that those supplies have not been sufficient. One U.S. charity estimates that 400 trucks of basic food supplies are needed in Gaza every day, but on average only 171 trucks of basic nutritional aid enter Gaza each week.
...
One more obvious point is the Senate has not fully debated this resolution. There have been no hearings on the flotilla incident or any version of this resolution in either the Senate or in the House. To my knowledge, the administration has not expressed its views on this resolution either. I believe with regard to foreign policy matters, the administration should always be consulted.
The AIPAC-sponsored letters and resolutions do not serve the US, Israel or the Middle East Peace Process.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), describes itself as the most important organization affecting the U.S. relationship with Israel. AIPAC has only one objective: strengthening American support for the state of Israel through creation of a "special relationship" between the two countries. Because Congress and the White House are fearful of confronting AIPAC, they give in to AIPAC’s demands no matter what the impact on the U.S. or the Mideast might be, enabling Israel to commit flagrant human rights abuses and violations of international law. AIPAC supports endless conflict in the Middle East by lobbying for billions of dollars in U.S. Military Aid to Israel and continued occupation of Palestinian land. AIPAC works to insure that Israel is provided with U.S. military aid and weapons at the cost of more than $3 billion each year. Our helicopters, bullets and bombs are killing Palestinians. Israel’s “Operation Cast Lead” attack on
Gaza, which killed 1400 civilians including 352 children, was carried out with U.S.-funded and manufactured helicopters, tanks, rockets and phosphorus bombs. AIPAC also regularly provides a platform for Christian Zionist extremists to foment their anti-Muslim/Arab racism and their call to unbridled militarism. If you would like to be a peace marshal, please arrive at 5:15 p.m. Sponsored by: The Coalition for Palestinian Rights (CPR). Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) is a member of CPR.
Protest AIPAC's Gaza Freedom Flotilla letters at AIPAC’s 2010 Minnesota Annual Event
Protest AIPAC in Minnesota - Today!
Wednesday, June 30, 6:00 p.m.
McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota, East Bank,
300 Oak Street Southeast, Minneapolis (map)
Without debate or hearings, and with only one principled objection, The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has pushed a libelous resolution through the US Senate, Cornyn's S. Res. 548, which branded the flotilla participants as "extremists". In reality, the flotilla represented the mainstream view of the UN and European Union, that the siege of Gaza must be lifted immediately. A growing number of Americans and their representatives in Congress have come to that position as well. AIPAC's position does not support the peace process. Sen. Bingaman stated in his opposition to the Cornyn resolution:
The AIPAC-sponsored letters and resolutions do not serve the US, Israel or the Middle East Peace Process.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), describes itself as the most important organization affecting the U.S. relationship with Israel. AIPAC has only one objective: strengthening American support for the state of Israel through creation of a "special relationship" between the two countries. Because Congress and the White House are fearful of confronting AIPAC, they give in to AIPAC’s demands no matter what the impact on the U.S. or the Mideast might be, enabling Israel to commit flagrant human rights abuses and violations of international law. AIPAC supports endless conflict in the Middle East by lobbying for billions of dollars in U.S. Military Aid to Israel and continued occupation of Palestinian land. AIPAC works to insure that Israel is provided with U.S. military aid and weapons at the cost of more than $3 billion each year. Our helicopters, bullets and bombs are killing Palestinians. Israel’s “Operation Cast Lead” attack on
Gaza, which killed 1400 civilians including 352 children, was carried out with U.S.-funded and manufactured helicopters, tanks, rockets and phosphorus bombs. AIPAC also regularly provides a platform for Christian Zionist extremists to foment their anti-Muslim/Arab racism and their call to unbridled militarism. If you would like to be a peace marshal, please arrive at 5:15 p.m. Sponsored by: The Coalition for Palestinian Rights (CPR). Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) is a member of CPR.
Wednesday, June 30, 6:00 p.m.
McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota, East Bank,
300 Oak Street Southeast, Minneapolis (map)
Without debate or hearings, and with only one principled objection, The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has pushed a libelous resolution through the US Senate, Cornyn's S. Res. 548, which branded the flotilla participants as "extremists". In reality, the flotilla represented the mainstream view of the UN and European Union, that the siege of Gaza must be lifted immediately. A growing number of Americans and their representatives in Congress have come to that position as well. AIPAC's position does not support the peace process. Sen. Bingaman stated in his opposition to the Cornyn resolution:
This resolution speaks to this so-called 'flotilla incident' that occurred a few weeks ago near Gaza. I am concerned that this resolution does not help either the United States or Israel. I support Israel. I have done so during all my years here in the Senate. But I also believe that the only way to ensure Israel's long-term security is to have a genuine peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. This resolution does not bring us closer to that peace.
No one questions Israel's right to defend itself. I know that questions have been raised about the relationship between the Humanitarian Relief Foundation and Hamas, and I am concerned about those questions and they need to be answered.
But I am also concerned that Israel's response to the flotilla and the deaths onboard the Mavi Marmara once again shows to Israel's enemies that they can provoke Israel into taking actions that undermine international support for Israel.
...
Nor does this resolution talk about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel has allowed humanitarian supplies into Gaza, but it is evident from the conditions in Gaza that those supplies have not been sufficient. One U.S. charity estimates that 400 trucks of basic food supplies are needed in Gaza every day, but on average only 171 trucks of basic nutritional aid enter Gaza each week.
...
One more obvious point is the Senate has not fully debated this resolution. There have been no hearings on the flotilla incident or any version of this resolution in either the Senate or in the House. To my knowledge, the administration has not expressed its views on this resolution either. I believe with regard to foreign policy matters, the administration should always be consulted.
The AIPAC-sponsored letters and resolutions do not serve the US, Israel or the Middle East Peace Process.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), describes itself as the most important organization affecting the U.S. relationship with Israel. AIPAC has only one objective: strengthening American support for the state of Israel through creation of a "special relationship" between the two countries. Because Congress and the White House are fearful of confronting AIPAC, they give in to AIPAC’s demands no matter what the impact on the U.S. or the Mideast might be, enabling Israel to commit flagrant human rights abuses and violations of international law. AIPAC supports endless conflict in the Middle East by lobbying for billions of dollars in U.S. Military Aid to Israel and continued occupation of Palestinian land. AIPAC works to insure that Israel is provided with U.S. military aid and weapons at the cost of more than $3 billion each year. Our helicopters, bullets and bombs are killing Palestinians. Israel’s “Operation Cast Lead” attack on
Gaza, which killed 1400 civilians including 352 children, was carried out with U.S.-funded and manufactured helicopters, tanks, rockets and phosphorus bombs. AIPAC also regularly provides a platform for Christian Zionist extremists to foment their anti-Muslim/Arab racism and their call to unbridled militarism. If you would like to be a peace marshal, please arrive at 5:15 p.m. Sponsored by: The Coalition for Palestinian Rights (CPR). Women Against Military Madness (WAMM) is a member of CPR.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Picket of Zim Lines ship leads to union decision to boycott Israeli Cargo
A successful protest in solidarity with the people and trade unionists of Palestinian Gaza, and a protest in response to the massacre on the Free Gaza Flotilla ship Mavi Marmara, leads to union longshoreman refusing to unload Israeli cargo from a Zim Lines ship.
This the first refusal by US dockworkers to unload Israeli cargo after the attack on the Free Gaza Flotilla that killed one American and eight other persons with Turkish citizenship. Similar efforts are blocking Israeli cargo in Norway, Sweden, Malaysia and South Africa.
The world is calling for an end to the the illegal siege and naval blockade of Gaza, and an international investigation into the crimes committed by the IDF against the Free Gaza Flotilla.
We will have our own large, successful protest here, of the annual AIPAC Minnesota event, at 6 PM on July 30th, 2010 at the McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Join us on June 30th at 6 PM to protest AIPAC in Minneapolis - facebook event link Please plan on joining us!
This the first refusal by US dockworkers to unload Israeli cargo after the attack on the Free Gaza Flotilla that killed one American and eight other persons with Turkish citizenship. Similar efforts are blocking Israeli cargo in Norway, Sweden, Malaysia and South Africa.
The world is calling for an end to the the illegal siege and naval blockade of Gaza, and an international investigation into the crimes committed by the IDF against the Free Gaza Flotilla.
We will have our own large, successful protest here, of the annual AIPAC Minnesota event, at 6 PM on July 30th, 2010 at the McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Join us on June 30th at 6 PM to protest AIPAC in Minneapolis - facebook event link Please plan on joining us!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Free Gaza Flotilla - testimony of a survivor of the attack
Lubna Masarwa was the Free Gaza Movement representative aboard the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara which was carrying a cargo of humanitarian and construction aid to help the population of Gaza, which is predominantly children. Gaza is under an illegal siege and naval blockade.
Call the White House and demand the U.S. support a truly international investigation into the massacre on the Mavi Marmara, which killed US Citizen Furkan Dogan and at least 8 other Turkish citizens. Demand an end to the siege of Gaza.
Call the White House comment line at:
202-456-1111
Comment online at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Call the White House and demand the U.S. support a truly international investigation into the massacre on the Mavi Marmara, which killed US Citizen Furkan Dogan and at least 8 other Turkish citizens. Demand an end to the siege of Gaza.
Call the White House comment line at:
202-456-1111
Comment online at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Minnesotans buy radio ad for call to action to protect Gaza flotilla, end siege
The group of Minnesota activists that organized late last year around the Gaza Freedom March are buying radio ads for an action alert urging their fellow Minnesotans to call the White House, asking for Obama to do something to ensure the safety of the Free Gaza flotilla and its cargo of badly needed medicines, medical supplies, and construction materials, and the passengers of those ships (hundreds of humanitarian relief workers, politicians and activists from around the world).
The situation in Gaza is dire, and the need for an immediate end to the blockade and siege of Gaza is recognized in capitols around the world, with the one possible exception being Washington, D.C. If the ad campaign is successful and Minnesotans express their characteristic compassion in responding to this call to action with phone calls and online comments to the White House contact form the group hopes that Obama will join the European Union in calling for "immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza"
54 Members of Congress signed a letter to Obama earlier this year calling for an end to the siege. It is hoped that thousands of phone calls in the coming days from Minnesotans to the White House will make a policy change on Gaza an urgent White House priority.
1.5 million people, largely children, are being deprived of basic human rights - of sufficient nutrition, of shelter and livelihood in Gaza today. Critically needed medicines are in short supply or have run out all together (e.g., on Thursday, 18 May 2010, the General Directorate of Pharmacy at the Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip announced that 110 types of medications and 123 types of medical supplies had run out.)
The immediate need justifies an operation like a new Berlin Airlift. The long term solution to the humanitarian crisis caused by the restriction on humanitarian goods imposed by Israel and Egypt will be the creation and operation of an international port in Gaza and the direct deliver of sufficient quantities of appropriate aid direct to Gaza by sea.
The local activist group here in Minnesota sent seven representatives to Cairo, Egypt to participate in the Gaza Freedom March, a Gandhi-inspired march that was planned within Gaza but was denied access to Gaza by Egyptian authorities. On 12/30/09 hundreds gathered in the skyways in Downtown Minneapolis in support of these brave Minnesotans and their efforts to end the siege and create prosperity and peace for Israel, Palestine and the U.S. The radio ads were purchased with funds raised in that organizing effort.
The group still maintains a presence on twitter and facebook. For more information please e-mail mn.to.gaza@gmail.com
The White House comment line is 202-456-1111. The White House online comment form is here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Please call the White House and ask President Obama to help end the siege and naval blockade of Gaza immediately.
The situation in Gaza is dire, and the need for an immediate end to the blockade and siege of Gaza is recognized in capitols around the world, with the one possible exception being Washington, D.C. If the ad campaign is successful and Minnesotans express their characteristic compassion in responding to this call to action with phone calls and online comments to the White House contact form the group hopes that Obama will join the European Union in calling for "immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza"
54 Members of Congress signed a letter to Obama earlier this year calling for an end to the siege. It is hoped that thousands of phone calls in the coming days from Minnesotans to the White House will make a policy change on Gaza an urgent White House priority.
1.5 million people, largely children, are being deprived of basic human rights - of sufficient nutrition, of shelter and livelihood in Gaza today. Critically needed medicines are in short supply or have run out all together (e.g., on Thursday, 18 May 2010, the General Directorate of Pharmacy at the Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip announced that 110 types of medications and 123 types of medical supplies had run out.)
The immediate need justifies an operation like a new Berlin Airlift. The long term solution to the humanitarian crisis caused by the restriction on humanitarian goods imposed by Israel and Egypt will be the creation and operation of an international port in Gaza and the direct deliver of sufficient quantities of appropriate aid direct to Gaza by sea.
The local activist group here in Minnesota sent seven representatives to Cairo, Egypt to participate in the Gaza Freedom March, a Gandhi-inspired march that was planned within Gaza but was denied access to Gaza by Egyptian authorities. On 12/30/09 hundreds gathered in the skyways in Downtown Minneapolis in support of these brave Minnesotans and their efforts to end the siege and create prosperity and peace for Israel, Palestine and the U.S. The radio ads were purchased with funds raised in that organizing effort.
The group still maintains a presence on twitter and facebook. For more information please e-mail mn.to.gaza@gmail.com
The White House comment line is 202-456-1111. The White House online comment form is here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/
Please call the White House and ask President Obama to help end the siege and naval blockade of Gaza immediately.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
December 31 Gaza Freedom March Tops 1,000 As Registration Closes
By Medea Benjamin, via OpEdNews
Over 1,000 delegates from 42 countries have signed up to participate in the December 31 Gaza Freedom March that will mark the one-year anniversary of the Israeli invasion and call for an end to the siege that has brought 1.5 million people to the edge of disaster.
Organizers cut off registration on November 30 to give the Egyptian officials enough time to clear the group for entry into Gaza, but also because the numbers were becoming unwieldy. “No one has ever taken a group this size into Gaza,” said coordinator Ann Wright, whose skills as a retired U.S. army colonel are coming in handy organizing the logistics for such a massive group.
Since the registration closed on November 30, organizers have been besieged every day with people begging to be added to the list. “I have to turn down 15-20 people every day,” said Emily Siegel. “It has been an insane few weeks, with emails pouring in from people all over the world who want to join. I feel terrible turning them away but we started out thinking we would take 300 people and now we have over 1,000.”
The international delegates hope to join some 50,000 Palestinians inside Gaza, including students, teachers, health workers, women's groups, farmers and fishermen. The march will start in a neighborhood in northern Gaza in which nearly every building was devastated during Israel's attack and continue for three miles to the Erez border with Israel. At the same time, Israeli and Palestinian activists will be marching toward the Erez crossing from the Israeli side. Upon reaching the border, participants on both sides will release balloons, fly kites and wave flags to demonstrate their solidarity with one another.
Marking the one-year anniversary of the December 2008 Israeli invasion that left over 1,400 dead, this initiative is designed to draw worldwide attention to the ongoing siege that continues to imprison the 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza. But with the borders still closed, there is no guarantee that the internationals will be allowed in. Gaza is bordered by Israel and Egypt. Both governments have sealed their borders, but sometimes the Egyptians will make exceptions. That's why Tighe Barry, a Hollywood prop man who has become the “fixer” for the international delegation, has traveled to the region six times in as many months to prepare for this march. “We've told the delegates that there are no guarantees we'll get into Gaza, but we are certainly doing everything humanly possible to convince the Egyptians to let us in,” said Barry from Cairo, where he has been spending his days negotiating with officials in the Foreign Ministry, in addition to running around arranging hotels, food and buses for 1,000 people.
The diversity of the international delegation is impressive, with people coming from Austria to Yemen, from Belgium to Bangladesh to Brazil. Some 100 students have signed up, as have seniors in their seventies and eighties. The marchers include judges, doctors and physicists; businesspeople and union reps. Faith-based members include imams, rabbis and priests. Affinity groups have formed of artists, women, military veterans, diplomats, lawyers and health workers. A muralist from California, Kathleen Crocetti, will build a mosaic memorial to all who died during the invasion. Julia Hurley, a student from New York, has raised thousands of dollars for school supplies that Israel has banned.
Nora Hassanaien, a British student at the University of Warwick, has family in Gaza whom she has not been allowed to visit because of the closed borders. “Watching the atrocities on television last year and not being able to do anything was devastating,” she recalled. “It will mean a lot to me to be part of a peaceful march, with people all over the world uniting in solidarity.”
Hilary Minch is an Irish development worker. “This will be a remarkably poignant time to visit Gaza. It will be filled with sadness, given what the people of Gaza have endured and lost and continue to suffer. I want to stand beside them and show my solidarity. This is the least I can do.”
Medea Benjamin is a co-founder of CODEPINK and an organizer of the Gaza Freedom March. The organizers are encouraging people around the world to hold local solidarity events during the week of December 27-December 31. To find or organize an event in your area, make a donation, or endorse the march, visit Gaza Freedom March
Over 1,000 delegates from 42 countries have signed up to participate in the December 31 Gaza Freedom March that will mark the one-year anniversary of the Israeli invasion and call for an end to the siege that has brought 1.5 million people to the edge of disaster.
Organizers cut off registration on November 30 to give the Egyptian officials enough time to clear the group for entry into Gaza, but also because the numbers were becoming unwieldy. “No one has ever taken a group this size into Gaza,” said coordinator Ann Wright, whose skills as a retired U.S. army colonel are coming in handy organizing the logistics for such a massive group.
Since the registration closed on November 30, organizers have been besieged every day with people begging to be added to the list. “I have to turn down 15-20 people every day,” said Emily Siegel. “It has been an insane few weeks, with emails pouring in from people all over the world who want to join. I feel terrible turning them away but we started out thinking we would take 300 people and now we have over 1,000.”
The international delegates hope to join some 50,000 Palestinians inside Gaza, including students, teachers, health workers, women's groups, farmers and fishermen. The march will start in a neighborhood in northern Gaza in which nearly every building was devastated during Israel's attack and continue for three miles to the Erez border with Israel. At the same time, Israeli and Palestinian activists will be marching toward the Erez crossing from the Israeli side. Upon reaching the border, participants on both sides will release balloons, fly kites and wave flags to demonstrate their solidarity with one another.
Marking the one-year anniversary of the December 2008 Israeli invasion that left over 1,400 dead, this initiative is designed to draw worldwide attention to the ongoing siege that continues to imprison the 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza. But with the borders still closed, there is no guarantee that the internationals will be allowed in. Gaza is bordered by Israel and Egypt. Both governments have sealed their borders, but sometimes the Egyptians will make exceptions. That's why Tighe Barry, a Hollywood prop man who has become the “fixer” for the international delegation, has traveled to the region six times in as many months to prepare for this march. “We've told the delegates that there are no guarantees we'll get into Gaza, but we are certainly doing everything humanly possible to convince the Egyptians to let us in,” said Barry from Cairo, where he has been spending his days negotiating with officials in the Foreign Ministry, in addition to running around arranging hotels, food and buses for 1,000 people.
The diversity of the international delegation is impressive, with people coming from Austria to Yemen, from Belgium to Bangladesh to Brazil. Some 100 students have signed up, as have seniors in their seventies and eighties. The marchers include judges, doctors and physicists; businesspeople and union reps. Faith-based members include imams, rabbis and priests. Affinity groups have formed of artists, women, military veterans, diplomats, lawyers and health workers. A muralist from California, Kathleen Crocetti, will build a mosaic memorial to all who died during the invasion. Julia Hurley, a student from New York, has raised thousands of dollars for school supplies that Israel has banned.
Nora Hassanaien, a British student at the University of Warwick, has family in Gaza whom she has not been allowed to visit because of the closed borders. “Watching the atrocities on television last year and not being able to do anything was devastating,” she recalled. “It will mean a lot to me to be part of a peaceful march, with people all over the world uniting in solidarity.”
Hilary Minch is an Irish development worker. “This will be a remarkably poignant time to visit Gaza. It will be filled with sadness, given what the people of Gaza have endured and lost and continue to suffer. I want to stand beside them and show my solidarity. This is the least I can do.”
Medea Benjamin is a co-founder of CODEPINK and an organizer of the Gaza Freedom March. The organizers are encouraging people around the world to hold local solidarity events during the week of December 27-December 31. To find or organize an event in your area, make a donation, or endorse the march, visit Gaza Freedom March
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