ADC Commends and Supports Calls in Congress for an Independent Inquiry into Israel's Attack on the Aid Flotilla to the Gaza Strip

ADC Commends and Supports Calls in Congress for an Independent Inquiry into Israel's Attack on the Aid Flotilla to the Gaza Strip	Take Action!
Washington, DC | June 10, 2010 | www.adc.org | The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) commends and supports calls by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, for an independent inquiry into the Israeli commando raid on the aid flotilla destined to Gaza.  "There should be an impartial inquiry to determine exactly what took place," Feinstein said in a statement following the flotilla attack, which occurred in international waters about 80 miles from Gaza's coast. Please contact Sen. Feinstein's office and thank her for her efforts in calling for an independent inquiry. Please email your Members of Congress and ask them to support an independent inquiry into the May 31, 2010, killings of the civilian humanitarians onboard. Take Action Now! Contact the White House and ask the President to support an independent inquiry into the deaths of the peace activists on the flotilla and demand an immediate end to the blockade of Gaza. -and- Contact your Members of Congress and urge them to protest the Israeli action against the flotilla, support an independent inquiry, and demand an immediate end to the siege of Gaza.

The Opinion Makers: Debate, Discussion and Analysis on the Israeli assault on the Flotilla of boats seeking the break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip

Columnists Ali Younes and Ray Hanania discuss and debate the controversy surrounding the Israeli assault on the flotilla of boats seeking to bring food and medicine to the 1.5 million besieged civilians living in the Israeli occupied Gaza Strip which resulted in the murder of nine civilians killed by Israeli storm troopers who dropped in on the boats in the dead of night from attack helicopters.

The world is calling for an independent investigation but Israel insists on conducting the investigation themselves. View this episode of the weekly online video program "The Opinion Makers" at:

http://vimeo.com/user3471011/videos

Or get more information at the web site

www.TheOpinionMakers.com

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Legal rights group ADALAH to represent political prisoners arrested by Israeli military in Gaza boat raid

NEWS UPDATE

1 June 2010

Adalah to Represent Arab Political Leaders and Free Gaza Movement Activist Arrested from the Gaza Freedom Flotilla at Detention Hearings Today

Today, 1 June 2010, the Magistrates' Court in Ashkelon, Israel will hold a hearing at 13:30 pm to extend the detention of Sheikh Raed Salah, the Head of the Islamic Movement in Israel (north); Sheikh Hamad Abu Daabes, the Head of the Islamic Movement in Israel (south); Mr. Muhammed Zeidan, the Chairman of the High Follow-up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel; and Ms. Lubna Masarwa of the Free Gaza Movement and Al Quds University. These four individuals were arrested from the Marmara boat, part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, which was attacked by the Israeli navy yesterday. Adalah Attorneys Hassan Jabareen and Orna Kohn will represent them.

Contact:

International Media Coordinator, Gaby Rubin, gaby@adalah.org, 0528-332-430

Adalah (“Justice” in Arabic) is an independent human rights organization and legal center based in Israel. It works to promote and defend the rights of Palestinian citizens of Israel and Palestinians living under occupation in the OPT before Israeli courts. Visit our website: www.adalah.org

Al-Jazeera condemns Israeli assault on its reporters covering Gaza aid boats

Al Jazeera Holds Israel Responsible for the Safety of its Staff Members on Board Gaza Aid Ships and Asks the Israeli Government for their Immediate Release

Doha, Qatar: May 31, 2010:  Al Jazeera is extremely concerned by the actions of Israeli armed forces who have detained Al Jazeera staff who were covering the humanitarian aid mission on the ships bound for Gaza. The ships were attacked by Israeli armed forces early Monday morning.  Al Jazeera Network has eight member of its staff on board including Abbas Nasser, Othman Battiri, Mohammed Vall, Ali Sabri, Andre Khalil, Jamal al Shayal, Waseema bin Saleh and Issam Zaatar. The Network holds the Israeli government responsible for the safety of its journalists and cameramen and asks the Israeli government to release them immediately.

Al Jazeera Network also calls upon all media organizations to act for the release of all journalists on board the ships and to ask for their freedom to practice their profession without pressure and harassment.

--ENDS—

About Al Jazeera

Al Jazeera started out more than thirteen years ago as the first independent Arabic news channel in the world dedicated to providing comprehensive television news and live debate for the Arab world. Al Jazeera was formally named the Al Jazeera Network in March 2006, transforming its operation into an international media corporation.  The Al Jazeera Network now consists of the flagship Al Jazeera Satellite (Arabic) channel, Al Jazeera English, Al Jazeera Documentary, Al Jazeera Sport, Al Jazeera.net (the English and Arabic web sites), the Al Jazeera Media Training and Development Center, the Al Jazeera Center for Studies, Al Jazeera Mubasher (Live), and Al Jazeera Mobile.

You can visit our websites at: www.aljazeera.net> or www.aljazeera.net/english>

For further information please contact:

Christina Aivaliotis

Press.int@aljazeera.net>

CAIR joins world condemnation of Israeli assault on civilian aid ships destined to help besieged citizens of Gaza

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAIR: President Obama Must Condemn Gaza Flotilla ‘Massacre’

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 5/31/10) ­- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today urged President Obama to condemn what the Muslim civil rights group called an Israeli “massacre” of civilians on a flotilla of ships in international waters seeking to bring humanitarian aid to the people of the Gaza Strip. Israeli commandos killed at least 10 civilians in a pre-dawn raid on the flotilla.

Israel’s attack on the flotilla has already been condemned by the international community.

SEE: Israeli Action Widely Condemned (LA Times)
http://tinyurl.com/39f9bgp
Turkey, Germany, France Lead Condemnation of Israeli Ship Raid
http://tinyurl.com/34r5ypn

A number of Americans, including former Ambassador Edward L. Peck, are among those taking part in the humanitarian aid effort. Other passengers include Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein and 1976 Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Corrigan Maguire of Northern Ireland. The nationalities of the dead are not yet known.

On Friday, CAIR’s San Francisco Bay Area chapter (CAIR-SFBA) expressed concern for the safety of three local residents aboard the flotilla.

SEE: Bay Area Residents Aboard Gaza-Bound "Freedom Flotilla"
http://tinyurl.com/3xyg79k

In a statement, United Nations officials said: "We wish to make clear that such tragedies are entirely avoidable if Israel heeds the repeated calls of the international community to end its counterproductive and unacceptable blockade of Gaza.”

“It is imperative that President Obama not only speak out strongly against this massacre of civilians but also demonstrate our nation’s outrage at Israel’s brutal actions by taking concrete steps to end the humanitarian siege imposed on Gaza with America’s support,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. “Our nation must now work to end the inhumane and illegal siege on Gaza.”

Awad also urged the president to live up to his statement one year ago in Cairo in which he said that America will not turn its back on “the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity and a state of their own.”

Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/CAIR/42590232694
Subscribe to CAIR's E-Mail List
http://tinyurl.com/cairsubscribe

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

- END -

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726 or 202-488-8787, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com; CAIR-SFBA Programs and Outreach Director Zahra Billoo, 626-252-0885, E-Mail: zbilloo@cair.com

British officials to visit Gaza Strip, press conference

Invitation for Press Conference: 50 MPs/MEPs leave to Gaza

The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza (ECESG) will hold a press conference tomorrow Wednesday, in which it will announce the launch of a parliamentarian trip to Gaza that includes tens of MPs/MEPs from across Europe. The press conference will be conducted at 12 PM, at M ROOM Portcullis house in the British Parliament in london.

The delegation trip to Gaza is part of a series of actions carried out by ECESG and the Palestinian Return Center in the UK and Europe. For an entire week, actions and events for Palestinian victims will be carried in remembrance of the victims killed in the past 60 years especially Gaza.

Gerald Kaufmann, MP would be chairing the conference which will state the aim of the visit. Other participating MPs will speak as well.

The largest Parliamentarian Delegation from across Europe is preparing to leave to the besieged Gaza Strip within 2 days.  The delegation will aim at looking at the realty and the humanitarian conditions resulted in the Israeli war and a 4-year siege.

In press statement, The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza (ECESG) said it has finalized all needed arrangements and fully coordinated with the Egyptian Foreign Ministry concerning the visit of the MEPs and MPs delegation to Gaza via Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza."

ECESG pointed out that the delegation consists of 50 MPs/MEPs. The parliamentarians represent twelve European countries whom of which will be members of the European Parliament and former ministers. They will investigate and see the ramifications of last onslaught perpetrated against the Gaza civilians.

The delegation will meet with Egyptian officials and the Secretary General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, to discuss the humanitarian condition in Gaza Strip, especially in light of the continued siege which Israel has been imposed for years.

The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza organized various Parliamentarian delegations that visited Gaza however this one is considered to be the largest delegation visiting Gaza.

 For more information:
The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza
info@freedomforpalestine.org
Contact: 00447908200559
               00447728021097

Palestine Memorial Week starts on Wednesday, 13th January

In commemoration of the victims of Gaza and also in remembrance of six decades of brutality against the Palestinians, The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), Palestinian Forum in the UK, European Campaign to End Siege on Gaza, Islamic forum of Europe (IFE), Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS), Muslim Association of Britain (MAB), Islamic Human Rights Commission in Britain (IHRC), Russell Tribunal, Student Council Goldsmith University and Action Palestine will be holding a number of events between 13th to 19th of January 2010.

The key event within the week will be  on Wednesday, 13th January at Friends House, London Euston from 6:30 to 9:30. The initiative will  focus on the suffering endured by Palestinians  over the past 60 years especially during the recent war in Gaza war.
Jeremy Corbyn MP, Baroness Jenny Tonge and Lord Nazir Ahmad Ahmed will be part of the event where they will speak about the disaster in Gaza and Palestine.

Palestinian Ambassador in the UK, Manuel Hasasian and General Director of the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), Majed Al-Zeer will also share their thoughts during the conference. Representatives of participating organizations will also take part and provide their support and solidarity for the Palestinian people .

Ken Loach, famous British Film Director who has many extensive and fascinating cinema productions like  Poor Cow, Family Life, Looking for Eric,  It's a Free World...,  Tickets  and many more, will join the speakers where he will express his view on the suffering of Palestinians.

A detailed presentation on the conditions in Gaza by Middle East Expert Peter Eyre will highlight the violations committed by Israel. Frank Barat, Russell Tribunal Palestine coordinator in London will speak about the many progressive steps taken towards prosecuting Israeli war criminals.

A  Palestinian survivor from Gaza, Rawad Hamad and Ewa Jasiewicz Free Gaza Coordinator who worked and lived in Gaza for some time will take part in the activities.
A Palestinian woman, Om Kamel, whose house was destroyed many times over in Occupied Jerusalem, is expected to be among the key speakers. A gallery on Gaza's recent conditions and the last onslaught will be placed in the venue.

PRC and the participating organizations placed a half page in the guardian Monday 11, Jan 2010. On Tuesday, 12 Jan 2010, another add will be placed in the independent. The ads include pictures and information about the dilemmas in the Gaza Strip and what happened last year.

Endorsed by, Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Friends of Al Aqsa, Labour Friends Of Palestine and the Middle East (LFPME), Free Palestine Movement (FPM) and International Solidarity Movement (ISM).

The ad can be seen in the link below: http://www.prc.org.uk/newsite/en/centre-activities/94-lobbying-a-delegations/418-palestine-memorial-week-qhalf-page-in-thegurdianq  

Representativ es from 43 Countries to march to Israeli border

Media Advisory for                                For more information contact:
December 23rd, 2009                              Blair Fitzgibbon 202-503-6141
                                                                          Medea Benjamin (Cairo) 0189561919
                                                                          (Gaza) 0599501519

*Telephone Press Conference Call December 23rd, 11 AM EST USA*
REPRESENTATIVES FROM 43 COUNTRIES TO MARCH TO ISRAELI BORDER

One Year After Invasion Of Gaza 1,300 People to Participate in
March as Part of Global Effort to Lift Devastating Blockade

For TV/WEB Satellite Coordinates of Live Feed, email Blair@Fitzgibbonmedia.com

Pulitzer Prize winning author Alice Walker, former Italian Vice President of European Parliament Luisa Morgantini, French Senator Alima Boumediene–Thiery leading Syrian comedian Duraid Lahham, author and Filipino Parliament member Walden Bello, and 85-year-old Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein

On December 31^st, over one thousand representatives from 43 nations around the globe will convene at the Gaza/Egypt border as part of the Gaza Freedom March. The event is in response to a growing global initiative, to lift the crippling blockade on Gaza in order to allow food, medicine and rebuilding supplies to enter the Palestinian territory. 

Amongst the 1,300 international delegates participating in the March are some prominent names, including Pulitzer Prize winning author Alice Walker, former Italian Vice President of European Parliament Luisa Morgantini, French Senator Alima Boumediene–Thiery leading Syrian comedian Duraid Lahham, author and Filipino Parliament member Walden Bello, and 85-year-old Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein.

Organizers will hold a telephone news press conference call on December 23^rd at 11 AM EST to preview the March.  Satellite coordinates to stream live footage for the media will be provided the night before the crossing.

Call-In Number: 1 + 785-424-1051 – conference ID: “GAZA” – this is a US phone number – reporters can call in internationally.

The international delegates, including international diplomats, doctors, lawyers, students, religious leaders, war veterans, women’s groups, and members of the Jewish community, will enter Gaza via Egypt during the last week of December. In the morning December 31, they will join Palestinians in a non-violent march from Northern Gaza to the Erez/Israeli border. On the Israeli side of the Erez border will be a gathering of Palestinians and Jews who are also calling on the Israeli government to open the border.

WHO:  The call will be with the following organizers and activists: Gaza Freedom March Lead Organizer – Medea Benjamin, Pulitzer Prize winning author – Alice Walker, Former Vice President of European Parliament – Luisa Morgan Gini.

WHEN: December 23rd at 11 AM Eastern (USA).

For more information please visit www.gazafreedommarch.org
 

-30-

Convoy enters Gaza despite delays from Egypt

viva palestina convoy arrives in gaza

(PALOS HILLS, IL 07/15/2009) - To chants of ‘Viva! Viva! Palestina!’ more than 200 members of the Viva Palestina convoy made it into the Gaza Strip Wednesday after spending about six hours at the Rafah border processing paperwork.

American Muslim for Palestine officials listened to the celebration via the cell phone of a Viva Palestina volunteer.

Before a crowd of Gazans, convoy organizer British MP George Galloway said, “We are saying to President Obama, the world is looking. The situation in Palestine is intolerable. You have to stop this. That means you have to take action because actions speak louder than words.

“I’m really proud to say that Viva Palestine USA helped to break the siege. We will cry out against the world … We will continue to bring convoys until the siege is finally ended.”

Israel’s two-year siege of the Gaza Strip has plunged the tiny area of 1.5 million people into a humanitarian crisis. And Israel’s three-week assault further devastated the area when the military bombed homes, schools, mosques, hospitals and universities. The attack killed more than 1,400 Palestinians, wounded more than 5,300 and left more than 50,000 people homeless.

From the ground a Gaza resident said this convoy as well as others like it are essential tools not only in fighting the effects of the siege but to also raise awareness around the world about the plight of the Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.

The Viva Palestina volunteers will go to Gaza City today, where they will spend the night. On Thursday, they will meet with victims of Israel’s January assault before heading back to Cairo, Kevin Ovenden, Viva Palestina director told an AMP official by phone.

The current convoy, which first tried to cross into Gaza on July 11, faced numerous obstacles, according Ovenden.

The convoy left Cairo early Wednesday morning to make the 10-hour trek to Rafah. The convoy is taking two ambulances and 11 truckloads of medical supplies but has left behind hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of vehicles earmarked for hospitals and nongovernmental organizations. Egyptian authorities have refused to allow the vehicles to enter Gaza through its Rafah border. Currently, the sedans and pick-up trucks are in a secure location in Alexandria, Ovenden said.

After he returns from Gaza, Ovenden said he would remain in Egypt for several days to try to get the vehicles released. Israel wants the cars and trucks to be transported to Gaza through Israel, something Viva Palestina refuses to do, Ovenden said. Viva Palestina will take into account the desires of the thousands of individuals and organizations who generously donated to the convoy, he added.

“We are missing more than one-half (of the convoy),” Galloway told the crowd about the impounded sedans and pick-up trucks. “These vehicles are desperately needed. And I’m here to tell you they will be delivered one way or another.”

The American Muslims for Palestine calls on its supporters to continue to pressure the Egyptian government to release the vehicles by calling the Egyptian Ambassador to the U.S., Sameh Shoukry, at 202.895.5400. Ask for the vehicles to be released and to be exported to Gaza through the Rafah border.

AMP is a national grassroots organization whose mission is to educate the American public about the issues pertaining to Palestine and its rich cultural heritage. For more information, contact Kristin Szremski, director of media and communications, at 708.717.4180.

Egyptian Government halts aid shipment to civilians in Gaza, Halts Viva Palestina convoy

Egyptians halt Viva Palestina aid convoy to Gaza;
Former U.S. Congresswoman McKinney in Cairo

(PALOS HILLS, IL 07/13/2009) – Egyptian authorities have stopped a massive aid shipment from reaching the Gaza Strip, while United States officials further complicated matters by requiring 50 American volunteers to sign an affidavit waiving their right to be protected on foreign soil.

Egyptian authorities will allow the Viva Palestina convoy to take two ambulances and an unspecified amount of medical supplies into the Strip, organizer George Galloway told the American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) Monday. Convoy organizers and the American volunteers currently are in Cairo waiting for the issue to be resolved. The convoy was to have reached Gaza on July 11.

Former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney arrived in Cairo Sunday. Galloway invited her to join the convoy after learning Israeli naval officials arrested McKinney and 20 others aboard a Free Gaza Movement boat two weeks ago.

McKinney told AMP Monday she was particularly frustrated at the seeming complicity of the U.S. government in Egyptians’ and Israeli actions.

“The American government has put in a requirement that we pay $30 and sign an affidavit that we understand the circumstances of the situation and we won’t have consular services,” McKinney said. “This was not required in the first Gaza convoy nor was such an item required in the Free Gaza Movement.”

McKinney was referring to Galloway’s first convoy, which took truckloads of aid into Gaza in February.

Out of a shipment of 43 vehicles, four ambulances, 25 refrigerators, 50 generators and medical supplies, authorities will only allow an unspecified amount of medical supplies and two ambulances to be taken into the Gaza Strip, which is suffering a humanitarian crisis as the result of Israel’s two-year blockade.

“This is a blatant attempt to stop future convoys of aid,” Viva Palestina director Kevin Ovenden told AMP. “We are resisting it all the way and we will set foot in Gaza. If we cannot bring everything we want this time, then we have unfinished business in Egypt. We will respond by doubling our efforts in the U.S. and around the world.”

This is McKinney’s third attempt to reach Gaza with a humanitarian organization. Her first two attempts with the Free Gaza Movement were thwarted when the Israeli navy prevented Free Gaza boats from reaching Gaza. Two weeks ago, Israeli police arrested McKinney and 20 other volunteers and held them in custody for about one week.

“I’m a firm believer in the idea that U.S. policy – both foreign and domestic – ought to be grounded in human rights,” McKinney told AMP Monday from Cairo. “When I see a deviation from that position, I get involved.”

McKinney represented Atlanta, Georgia in Congress for six terms before being defeated in 2006. She ran for president on the Green Party ticket in 2008.

Viva Palestina organizer Galloway is frustrated with the recent turn of events but remains undaunted in his quest to break the siege on Gaza, he said.

“We are outraged at the difficulties being placed on the U.S. aid convoy to Gaza,” Galloway told AMP. “The president of the United States spoke eloquently here in Cairo about the plight of the Palestinians in Gaza, throughout Palestine and beyond. It is now time to for him to match his eloquent words with action. The American citizens here are demanding their president intervenes to insure that the entire U.S. convoy enters Gaza without any further hindrances. The medical aid, the vehicles in which it is carried and the citizens themselves are all needed in Gaza now. Without further delay we hope to enter Gaza with all our aid tomorrow.”

Israel’s two-year blockade on Gaza has plunged the 1.5 million people into a humanitarian crisis, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations. Israel’s three-week assault on the Strip in January killed more than 1,400 Palestinians and wounded more than 5,300.


American Muslims for Palestine is a national grassroots organization whose mission is to educate the American public about issues pertaining to Palestine and its rich cultural heritage.

-- 30 --

Egyptian Government joins Israelis in starving Palestinians to death in gaza Strip

Press Release

EGYPTIAN AUTHORITIES DETAIN 50 AMERICAN CITIZENS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(PALOS HILLS, IL 07/11/2009) — The American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) has just learned Egyptian authorities have stopped four busloads of American citizens and are preventing them from entering the Gaza Strip with the Viva Palestina convoy, headed by British MP George Galloway.

Kevin Ovenden, director of Viva Palestina – US, told AMP at about 6:15 p.m. EST the Egyptian authorities stopped the buses on the Mubarek Peace Bridge at the Suez Canal and have confiscated the keys from each bus driver.

“The people on this convoy should be praised for their steadfastness, their patience and their dedication in the face of the obstacles posed by the Egyptian authorities,” Ovenden told AMP. “They are going to sleep on the buses overnight and proceed to Gaza tomorrow.”

The busloads are part of the Viva Palestina – US convoy, which departed on July 4, for Gaza with Galloway and Vietnam Vet Ron Kovic, whose story inspired the movie “Born on the Fourth of July.”

The buses were to meet up with truck loads of medical supplies to distribute to hospitals in Gaza, which are facing severe shortages because of Israel's two-year blockade against the Gaza Strip. Gaza's hospitals have been running mainly on generators since Israel has cut electricity to Gaza and medicines and other supplies are in high demand. Many of Gaza's hospitals sustained major damage during Israel's three-week assault in January.

American Muslims for Palestine is a national grassroots organization whose mission is to educate the American public about the issues pertaining to Palestine and its rich cultural heritage.

end

Relief effort in Chicago launched for women and children of Gaza Strip

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact: Khawla Abdul-Raziq February 6, 2009 (708) 715-5556
Local Mothers Turn the Light On for Gaza

Suburban Chicago mothers volunteered their time and efforts in support of Gaza families and collected a 40 foot long container of humanitarian aid such as candles, coats, medical supplies, dry food items and one thousand blankets, in less than ten days. The container will be shipped to the Gaza Strip.

The group of Arab American mothers had carried on the job collecting donations and packing boxes. Mrs. Gada Dauod, a volunteer, stated “this is the least we can offer to our brothers and sisters who are suffering the atrocity in Gaza and were left without home, shelter or food.”
Ms. Khawla Abdul-Raziq, President of PEACE - Palestinian Children Care organization, said “We are overwhelmed with the response for this project; we have received more than one thousand donations from local families, merchants and health care providers”. As a result to this response, PEACE will be organizing a national relief campaign in 35 US cities in the future.

The container will be shipped to Alexandria then to Gaza in coordination with the United Nations and The Palestinian Red Cross.

After the latest Israeli strike on Gaza, a densely populated 360 square kilometer Strip, a total of 20,000 buildings were completely or partially burnt and damaged. The UN has reported that more than 50,000 Palestinians were left homeless and are now crowded into 50 emergency shelters. An estimated of 50,000 more are living with relatives and in tents they erected on the ruins of their homes.

Ms. Khawla Abdul-Raziq and volunteers will speak about this Humanitarian Campaign at the truck loading site:
Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 1:00 PM
10608 S. Robert RD
Palos Hills, IL, 60645

PEACE is exempt under section 501© (3) # (61-1419480)
P.O. Box 671, Worth, IL 60482 Tel: (708) 974-4950 (708)715-5556 Fax: (708) 974-4920
Toll Free at 1.866.72.PEACE (73223)
E-mail: peace4children@yahoo.com www.peace4children.org

Chicago women and children hold silent protest for Gaza

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact: Amani Ghouleh 708.601.3713
January 19, 2009

Chicago Women and Children in a Silent Protest
For Peace and Justice in Palestine

CHICAGO, IL – Women from different Human Rights organizations, along with other ethnic and religious groups, will gather in support with the victims of Gaza at 1:00 pm Monday, January 19, 2009, at the Federal Plaza. Attendees are expected to come from all across Illinois and some neighboring states.

Approximately 1,100 Palestinians have been killed since the Israeli attacks on Gaza began 23 days ago, with over 5,000 injured, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz and the International Red Cross. Over 300 of the dead are children, almost 100 are women, and 49% of the injured are women or children; these figures are from the United Nations.
Coordinated National Days of Action in Memory
of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
People all across the United States will celebrate the life, legacy, and birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated by a racist's bullet on April 4th, 1968. Dr. King was one of the foremost leaders of the Black civil rights movement in this country, an organizer extraordinaire for peace and justice, and an eloquent orator who challenged racism, injustice, and oppression everywhere.

Monday, January 19, 2009
1:00 PM
Federal Plaza, 50 W. Adams St.
(Adams and Dearborn Streets, downtown Chicago, IL.)
Press Conference Speakers for January 19th, 2009. 1:30 PM
Christina Abraham -- CAIR-Chicago Civil Rights Director
Gihad Ali – Letter to Obama
Deanna Othman -- to speak about relatives in Gaza

Chicago Radio show brings Palestinians and Israelis together on "Say Something Nice" day

I have invited two guests on my show this morning, Fadi Zanayed, president of the Chicago Chapter of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, and David Steiner, president of the Chicago Chapter of the American Friends of Peace Now. Zanayed is Palestinian and Steiner is Israeli.

Over the past few weeks, it has been disheartening to watch and listen as some leaders in the Arab community and also in the mainstream Jewish American community, spew hatred and vicious rhetoric blaming others for the unspeakable crimes against women, children and innocent people in the Gaza Strip and in the Israeli towns near Gaza. Instead of leadership, some of these organizations have been denouncing fiercely the crimes committed against their people, but have either remained silent or have justified the carnage and immoral conduct committed against the others.

Both sides are committing crimes, and the worst crime is when the people on either side pretend their side is not committing a crime but scream and cry about the crimes committed only against their people.

That is complicity in the carnage and that needs to stop.

Today on my Radio Chicagoland program (WJJG 1530 AM Radio) I am asking callers, especially Arab and Jewish listeners, to call in and say something nice about the "other side." To show not that the other side is right but that their side has a remaining sense of morality in a conflict filled with a vicious war of words of "moral equivalency."

Innocent people are dying in a conflict that has raged on for more than 100 years. No one incident started anything. The facts so the claims on both sides are untrue. And when people lie or they close their eyes to the truth, they are also participating in the inhumanity that is taking place today.

Our government leaders are failing and are also playing politics on the spilled blood of innocent people. It's up to us, the people, to take the lead and say and do something to force them to do the right thing.

If you are not in the Chicagoland area to hear the show live on the radio this morning between 8 and 9:30 am, you can go to the web site and listen online, including on the live video streaming option,

-- Ray Hanania
http://www.radiochicagoland.com/

Gaza Bombing affects Illinois family

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
January 8, 2009
Contact: Amani Media 708.601.3713

GAZA BOMBING AFFECTS ILLINOIS FAMILY

CHICAGO, IL - Mr. Adel Filfil, a salesman who lives in Northbrook, grew up in Gaza, and just came back from visiting family there a week before Israel launched it’s latest attack on Gaza. He says he just found out that one of his nephews was killed and another was injured in the latest string of bombings on Jabalia in the Gaza strip.

“My nephew was shot in his neck and killed by the Israeli army man when he went looking for food for his family. Another nephew was injured when an Israeli air strike missile hit the mosque where he, his father and four brothers were praying on January 6th. ”

Mr. Filfil says he’s been so worried about the dangerous situation, that he can’t even sleep thinking about his family.

“Not even one house in Jabalia is left without destruction. My sister’s family of seven are living in one room after one side of their house was bombed and using wood as the only source of heat for warmth and cooking. They don’t know when or where to get any humanitarian relief. ”

Everyone is suffering in Gaza, Filfil says “I can’t do anything for them but pray this is going to end soon. The situation in Jabalia was not much better when I was there two weeks ago. With the siege on Gaza, the electricity, water and gas were out most of the week.”

Mr. Adel Fifil will be available for interviews at the Press Conference.

Press Conference: Situation in Gaza
Friday, January 9, 2009
3:30 PM
Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St.
Chicago, Illinois

###

ADC Urges probe of Israeli war crimes in Gaza Strip

Washington, DC January 6, 2009 www.adc.org The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) calls on the United Nations (UN), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the International Community to investigate Israel's bombing of a UN-operated school in Gaza, killing over 40 Palestinians. ADC also called on the Bush Administration and President-elect Obama to publicly address and repudiate today's tragedy and the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis. The bombing of civilian populations is a violation of international humanitarian law and the laws of war including the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.

According to reports, Israel bombed this UN-operated school, located in the Jabaliya refugee camp, killing many civilians who had sought shelter from Israel's continued bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip. The tactics of the Israeli Army, using heavy artillery, helicopter fire and massive bombs from fighter jets on the dense and overwhelmingly civilian Gaza Strip has caused more than 640 civilian deaths and 3,000 injuries, some people being maimed for life. The Israeli army said four of its soldiers had been killed in two separate friendly-fire incidents on Tuesday, when errant Israeli tank shells hit their positions and 60 Israelis have been injured by rocket attacks launched from Gaza into southern Israel.

The residents of Gaza, one of the most densely populated areas in the World, are surrounded by Israel's military occupation and they have no place to take refuge from the ongoing onslaught. More than 18 months ago, Israel began to blockade Gaza, leaving the residents of Gaza with limited to no access to water, electricity, food, and medicine. Even before Israel began its military assault ten days ago there was a growing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, now the situation is even more dire and desperate.

Food is hard to come by because of Israel's ongoing blockade of Gaza and now it's even more expensive for those who can actually afford to buy food. Gaza's water authorities indicated wells in Gaza are not working due to lack of power and damage to the pipes, while others are operating only partially.

Hospitals are overwhelmed and lack basic necessities, if people can even get to the hospitals. Emergency aid workers have been unable to reach the wounded and supplies for hospitals are being held up and not reaching their destinations. Hospitals are relying on backup generators for electricity and rolling electricity cuts leave patients in jeopardy.


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NOTE TO EDITORS: The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), which is non sectarian and non partisan, is the largest Arab-American civil rights organization in the United States. It was founded in 1980, by former Senator James Abourezk to protect the civil rights of people of Arab descent in the United States and to promote the cultural heritage of the Arabs. ADC has 38 chapters nationwide, including chapters in every major city in the country, and members in all 50 states.

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee www.adc.org
1732 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20007
Tel: 202-244-2990 Fax: 202-244-7968 Media@adc.org

CMEP Urges Congress to Support U.S. Efforts to Achieve Immediate Cease-Fire

CMEP Urges Congress to Support U.S. Efforts to Achieve Immediate Cease-Fire
Urgent Humanitarian Measures and Renewed Political Process Necessary for Durable Peace
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Julie Schumacher Cohen, Legislative Director, julie@cmep.org, (c) 917-655-4273
[Washington, DC, January 6, 2009] Churches for Middle East Peace sent the following message to all House and Senate offices yesterday afternoon.

The new year has begun with an escalating crisis in Gaza and southern Israel that demonstrates the urgent need for robust U.S. diplomatic engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian arena.
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) deplores the tragic loss of life of those caught in the conflict and cares deeply about the welfare of both Israelis and Palestinians who are suffering and living in fear.

The events of recent days and weeks have wreaked havoc in the Holy Land and are dimming hopes for a continuation of the U.S. peace efforts begun in Annapolis over a year ago.
To end the current crisis and promote long-term peace and stability, CMEP believes that urgent efforts must be pursued to achieve an immediate cease-fire that ends the violence, addresses the humanitarian situation - including an opening of the border crossings that provides relief for the people of Gaza and meets Israel's security needs - and leads to concrete steps toward a two-state peace agreement.

CMEP urges Members of Congress to issue statements expressing support for the following U.S. efforts on behalf of Israel and the Palestinians and to safeguard American national security interests:

1. Prompt U.S. diplomatic action to help achieve an immediate cease-fire that ends the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas.

The ongoing indiscriminate Palestinian rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel must be stopped and the massive Israeli military responses must be halted. Further spiraling violence will increase the toll of human suffering, strengthen extremists in Gaza and undermine Palestinian moderates as well as moderate voices throughout the region. It also risks broader Middle East destabilization and confrontation.

In a Dec. 29th letter to President Bush, the CMEP coalition representing 22 U.S. church bodies, called for prompt action to achieve a cease-fire to help "bring about an end to the violence." Jerusalem Church Leaders and Patriarchs, in a Dec. 30th statement, said that the continuation of the violence will "breed more hatred and hostility - and thus continued confrontation between the two peoples." On December 28th, Pope Benedict XVI said the international community must help Israelis and Palestinians find a way out of this "dead end" of conflict and violence and instead pursue the path of "dialogue and negotiation." He renewed this call yesterday stressing the, "profound desire to live in peace in the hearts of the great majority of the Israeli and Palestinian populations, which is once again endangered by the intense violence."

CMEP agrees with Sec. Rice's Jan. 2nd statement that it is necessary to find a "solution to Gaza that will be a sustainable one for the people of Gaza, for the people of Israel and for the people of the Palestinian territories…more broadly." We believe a cease-fire that ends the violence now, achieved with the leadership of the United States together with the international community and regional partners, must be the immediate first step.

2. Support for urgent measures to address the Gaza humanitarian situation, including an opening of the border crossings that provides relief for the people of Gaza and meets Israel's security needs.

The Red Cross has said that the current hostilities have created an "alarming" humanitarian situation in Gaza, coming on the heels of prolonged restrictions on Gaza that have led to shortages of fuel, electricity, water and medical supplies.

According to the World Food Program, "the population [in Gaza] is facing a food crisis" and Mercy Corps staff on the ground say this is "particularly difficult for the poor and those who rely on outside food assistance." World Vision reports that the conflict and violence has "completely overwhelmed the limited health services" in the Gaza Strip and "caused severe damage to the civilian infrastructure with many areas now without water, electricity or sanitation." According to CARE, this past weekend's escalation of violence has "halted many distributions of essential goods such as food and medical supplies".

CMEP encourages immediate attention to the Gaza humanitarian situation, by helping to reopen the border crossings and facilitate the movement of people and goods in a responsible manner that provides relief to the people of Gaza and meets Israel's security needs. Ending the border blockade and establishing real security at Gaza's borders must be part of a durable resolution of the current crisis that allows the families of Gaza and southern Israel to live in peace.

3. Renewal of a meaningful Israeli-Palestinian political process that can provide a durable peace.
Ultimately there is no military solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Only a political resolution can provide a secure, stable and prosperous future for all the people of the Holy Land. While CMEP believes an immediate cease-fire must be urgently pursued, we recognize that a cease-fire alone is not a long-term solution.

The cease-fire must be accompanied by a political process that establishes a viable Palestinian state living in peace alongside a secure Israel. For any renewed political process to be meaningful, it must address all final status issues and include concrete steps that improve the situation on the ground as well as monitoring mechanisms to ensure that both parties are adhering to their obligations.

The Bush Administration should use its final weeks to help broker an immediate cease-fire agreement in Gaza and southern Israel and the incoming Obama Administration must give priority attention to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is a coalition of 22 Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant church bodies and organizations that work together in pursuit of a peaceful resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict where two viable states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side within secure and recognized borders.

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Chicago Arabs protest Gaza war crimes Friday 3 PM in front of the Tribune building

For more information Contact;
Amanin Ghouleh 708.601.3713

Protest To Stop The Mascare in Gaza

Arab American along with other ethnic, religious and human rights organizations have stepped forward to protest the inhumane killing of Palestinians in Gaza and Israeli war crimes and violation of international rules.

Israel continues to escalate the attacks on Palestinians in Gaza; leaving Gaza civilians bleeding to death, while clinics, mosques, schools and hundreds of home were destroyed. Since Saturday 12/27/08, over 350 Palestinians are dead and more than 1600 injured.

With the siege continuing, there is no where to go and nothing is safe. Skies raining with Israeli missiles created horrific scenes of bodies, many of whom are women, children & elderly. Scenes such as five sisters dead while sleeping and four children with their mother dead while having breakfast, all the result of Israeli missiles strikes.

A peaceful demonstration and rally will take place on:

Date: Friday, January 2, 2009
Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Place: Meet at Tribune Plaza 435 N. Michigan Ave, then March to Israeli Consulate

Sponsored by (list in formation): American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)-Chicago Chapter, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), ANSWER Chicago, Arab American Action Network (AAAN), Comite Anti-Militarizacion (CAMY), Chicago Coalition Against War and Racism (CCAWR), Fight Back! Newspaper, International Solidarity Movement (ISM)-Chicago, Islamic Community Center of Illinois (ICCI), Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP)-Chicago, Mosque Foundation, Muslim American Society (MAS) Freedom Foundation, National Boricua Human Rights Network, Palestinian American Community Center, Palestine Solidarity Group (PSG)-Chicago, United States Palestinian Community Network (USPCN)-Chicago

Nationwide protests organizaed against Israeli war crimes in gaza Strip: Protest Calendar

Stop the Massacre of Palestinians!

Emergency Rally in Chicago
Tomorrow: Sunday, December 28 - 12 Noon to 2 pm
Water Tower Park - 830 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago
For more info call 773-463-0311

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Tuesday, December 30: National Day of Action
Emergency Demonstrations on Tuesday, December 30 and other days (listed below)

The ANSWER Coalition, Muslim American Society Freedom, Free Palestine Alliance, National Council of Arab Americans, and Al-Awda, International Palestine Right to Return Coalition are calling for Tuesday, December 30 to be a National Day of Action to show solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza and to demand an immediate end to the murderous attacks carried out by the Israeli military against the people of Gaza.

In Washington, D.C., there will be a demonstration at the State Department at 4:30 pm. Demonstrations will also be held in cities around the country. See below for an initial list. If there is a demonstration in your city, email the details to info@answercoalition.org so it can be posted on the ANSWER Coalition website and listed in any future emails.

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Hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza have been massacred and wounded today as Israel has launched a massive bombing campaign against the people of Gaza. The bombing rampage took place as thousands of Palestinian children were in the streets on their way home from school. Palestinian parents were running frantically in the streets looking for their children as U.S.-provided F-16s and Apache helicopters rained down more than 100 bombs and missiles on Gaza.

The20U.S.-backed Israeli Occupation Force destroyed every security station in Gaza. AFP reported: "There was no space left in the morgue and bodies were piled up in the emergency room and in the corridors, as many of the wounded screamed in pain."

Because of the U.S.-backed Israeli blockade and strangulation of the people of Gaza for the past 18 months there is little or no medicine to treat the wounded, electricity for hospitals, or food or clean water for much of the population.

An Israeli military spokesperson said, "The operation is ‘only just beginning’." The Israeli Defense Ministry said in a statement: "The action will continue and will widen as much as is demanded according to the evaluation of the situation by the high command of the army."

Take Action:
- Demonstrations Across the Country
- Send a letter to the State Department and Congress

Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, December 30
4:30 pm
State Department: 22nd St & C St NW
Contact: 202-544-3389, dc@answercoalition.org

San Francisco
Tuesday, December 30
5:00 pm
Israeli Consulate:456 Montgomery St.
Contact: 415-821-6545, answer@answersf.org

Los Angeles
Tuesday, December 30
4:30 pm
Israeli Consulate: 6380 Wilshire Blvd.
Contact: 213-251-1025, answerla@answerla.org
* * * * *
In Anaheim, CA (Orange County):
Sunday, December 28
2:00 pm
512 S. Brookhurst St. (between Orange Ave. & Broadway)
Initiated by a coalition with a large number of groups

New York City
Tuesday, December 30
5:00 pm
Israeli Consulate: 800 2nd Ave (b/w 42nd and 43rd Sts)
Contact: 212-694-8720, nyc@answercoalition.org
* * * * *
Sunday, December 28
2:00-4:00 pm
Gather at Rockefeller Center
March to the Israeli Consulate: 800 2nd Ave (b/w 42nd and 43rd Sts)
Initiated by Al-Awda New York

Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tuesday, December 30
5:00 pm
Federal Building: 299 E. Broward Blvd.
Contact: 954-707-0155, FtLauderdale@answerfl.org

Chicago
Emergency Rally in Chicago
Sunday, December 28 - 12 Noon to 2 pm
Water Tower Park - 830 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago
For more info call 773-463-0311

Other actions to be announced
Contact: 773-463-0311, answer@chicagoanswer.net

Boston
Details to be announced
Contact: 857-334-5084, boston@answercoalition.org

Seattle
Saturday, January 3
12:00 noon - 2:00 pm
Westlake Park: 4th and Pine
Initiated by Voices of Palestine
Contact: general@voicesofpalestine.org

Toronto
Sunday, December 28
2:00 pm
Israeli Embassy Consulate: 180 Bloor St. West
Initiated by a number of local organizations

If there is a demonstration in your city, email the details to info@answercoalition.org so it can be posted on the ANSWER Coalition website and listed in any future emails.

Send a letter to the State Department and Congress: Join with people around the country and around the world who are demanding an end to U.S. aid to Israel. This is an urgent situation and we must all act now. You can send a letter with our easy click and send system demanding an end to U.S. aid to Israel. Without U.S. aid, the Israeli military attacks, siege and blockade of Gaza could not be continued. Click this link now to send a letter to the State Department and elected officials in Congress.

You can help to support this important organizing effort by making a financial contribution today. Click here to donate online, where you can also find information on how to contribute by check.

Free Palestine Alliance Statement: To read a statement from the Free Palestine Alliance, click here.


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A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition
http://www.answercoalition.org/
info@internationalanswer.org
National Office in Washington DC: 202-544-3389
New Yor k City: 212-694-8720
Los Angeles: 213-251-1025
San Francisco: 415-821-6545
Chicago: 773-463-0311

Arab American Institute Statement of Israel's Gaza assault

AAI Statement on Gaza Crisis

Israel's massive bombardment of Gaza must end immediately.

The Bush Administration must demand that the bombing stop, that Gaza's borders be reopened under UN supervision, and that negotiations resume toward reinstating an effective cross-border ceasefire.

Again, as in the past, Israel's overwhelming and disproportionate violence in retaliation puts innocent civilians in the firing line, thereby inflaming Palestinian and regional passions. Indeed, this is the third such devastating assault launched by Israel with the Bush Administration's acquiescence (remember the re-conquest of the West Bank in 2003, and the wars on Gaza and Lebanon in 2006). And to what end? All these attacks on Gaza bring massive civilian deaths, destruction of property, and deepening bitterness toward Israel and the United States. The conditions in Gaza are already deplorable; what hope can Gaza cling to in its darkest hour of need? A nation without hope has nothing to lose, and already, factions are calling for a renewed intifada against Israel.

One cannot view this tragic episode outside the context of Israel's long and cruel history in Gaza which has been criminal, by any measure of international law and conventions.

Should the White House once again fail to act to restrain Israel and to provide real leadership in the search for peace, this tragedy will continue to grow: Palestinian suffering and bitterness will deepen, Israelis will remain insecure, and extremism will be further fueled by anti-American anger.

The bottom line, here, is that, while the stupidity of Hamas' reckless behavior cannot be excused because of the continued danger such ill-considered actions pose to the security and well-being of its own constituents, there can be no justification for Israel's massive and brutal assault.
end

Arab groups urge Israel to ease restrictions of Gaza Students to pursue higher education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Letter to Secretary Rice Urges Further Championship of Gaza Students' Hopes

WASHINGTON, D.C. - July 15, 2008 - The Foundation for Middle East Peace, the Arab American Institute, and five other American organizations who support a two state peace between Israel and Palestine have asked Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to urge Israel to permit hundreds of students in Gaza who have been admitted to foreign universities to exit Gaza. These students are confined to Gaza because of Israel's closure policy.

The other co-signers of the letter are Americans for Peace Now, American Task Force on Palestine, Churches for Middle East Peace, the Israel Policy Forum, and Brit Tzedek v'Shalom.

The letter, dated July 15, 2008 thanks Secretary Rice for her earlier intervention with Israel to enable Gazans with Fulbright and other U.S. scholarships to travel to the U.S. to study. The cosigners hope that the U.S. continues to champion the cause of these students in their pursuit of higher education abroad, won by merit and hard work.

The Foundation for Middle East and the co-signers of the letter to Secretary Rice believe that education for young people is a critical investment for peace between Israel and Palestine.

The text of the letter follows:


July 15, 2008

The Honorable Condoleezza Rice
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street N.W
Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Secretary Rice,

As American organizations committed to a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we applaud your efforts to persuade Israel to allow the seven Fulbright scholars who have been confined to Gaza to travel to the United States. We are also grateful for the efforts of our embassy in Israel to enable Gazan awardees of other American scholarships to leave Gaza and to facilitate U.S. visas for them. Your intervention and public comments on the importance of opportunities for both Israelis and Palestinians to study abroad demonstrate American leadership and are very welcome.

Unfortunately, the problem of students and academics who are trapped in Gaza is much larger than the seven Fulbright grantees and five other Gazan students who have scholarships to American universities.

There are also hundreds of other students in Gaza who have valid opportunities to study elsewhere abroad but do not qualify for the narrow category of the few dozen students with "recognized" scholarships for study in "friendly" countries that Israel now says may leave Gaza, following the intervention of the U.S. and other foreign governments.

We strongly urge that the United States broaden its diplomatic efforts in order to persuade Israel to permit the travel of all students whose travel presents no genuine security threat. Students allowed to travel should include not only scholarship awardees admitted to American universities and those of friendly foreign states, but the hundreds of others who have been admitted to foreign universities elsewhere without "recognized" scholarships.

As you said so eloquently on May 30, "If you cannot engage young people and give them a complete horizon to their expectations and to their dreams, then I don't know that there would be any future for Palestine." For Palestinians, like Israelis, education is the most important investment. Peace and a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians will depend on an educated and productive Palestinian community. Israeli policies that foreclose higher studies abroad that are generally unavailable in Gaza not only undermine such a future, but also threaten to destroy hope, the critical antidote to extremism and violence.

As Israel's ally and closest friend and partner in the cause of peace, the United States has a deep and legitimate interest, not only in ensuring that students in Gaza can come to study in our country, but in ensuring that any Gazan student who has earned a place at a foreign university has the opportunity to pursue these studies. The right to do so should not be limited to the few dozen who have "recognized" scholarships.

Members of the Israeli Knesset and Supreme Court, international academics, and leading media around the world, have called on Israel to permit Gazan students to study abroad. For example, Rabbi Michael Melchior, Chairman of the Knesset's Education Committee has said "Trapping hundreds of students in Gaza is both immoral and unwise." Broadening American diplomatic efforts to include all such students would reinforce these appeals. Such U.S. leadership would also resonate positively with the Israeli public, which, according to a recent public opinion survey, believes the closure of Gaza is likely to increase radicalism and support for Hamas. And, it would demonstrate to Palestinians, both in the West Bank and Gaza, genuine U.S. concern for the Palestinian people.

Of course, the deprivation of the right of students to travel abroad for education is only one harmful aspect of an Israeli security regime that harshly restricts the movements of a million and a half Gazans, as well as the movement of goods into and out of the Gaza Strip. We hope this larger problem is addressed soon and urgently. In the meantime, as the next academic year approaches, there is a special urgency to ensuring that Gazan students who have won by merit and hard work the chance to study abroad do not lose this priceless opportunity.

Yours truly,

Among the signatores, are:

Philip C. Wilcox, Jr.
President, Foundation for Middle East Peace
1761 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036

Warren Clark
Executive Director, Churches for Middle East Peace 110 Maryland Avenue NE, #311, Washington, DC 20002

James Zogby
President, Arab American Institute
1600 K Street, Suite 601, Washington, DC 20006