Let Gaza Live
I am, of course, signing this editorial - as I tend to when I feel constrained to write on issues that go beyond the normal metropolitan and statewide focus of this publication. My message this week is a simple one. Everyone who is capable of understanding that the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip is a reprehensible act and a massive violation of the human rights of its inhabitants must do whatever they can to stop it. Call your legislators, sign petitions, join rallies, write articles, make videos, talk to your friends and family - throw your shoes where appropriate - and make the case wherever you can that killing Palestinian civilians trapped in the open-air prison camp that Gaza has become is not acceptable.
There have been local rallies every couple of days since the invasion began, and some folks even got busted yesterday trying to enter the Israeli Consulate here in Boston to demand an end to the conflict, so there are plenty of ways to plug into the growing global movement to stop the war right here at home. Actions continue this weekend - with a funeral for the Gaza dead tomorrow in Copley Square at 12 noon, and what's sounding like a pretty big demonstration in Washington DC at the same time. Since our news cycle ends on Fridays, and we're publishing this information just hours before the events occur, many people won't see the info in time, but I thought we should at least mention them.
But public actions and campaigns against the war will continue until it is stopped. It's not clear how long that will take as Israel has thus far ignored yesterday's U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. However long it will be before justice prevails, I encourage people to keep working for an end to this latest wave of hostilities in a decades-long conflict.
Here are some upcoming events you can participate in locally:
Sunday, January 11
Stop the Slaughter in Gaza
Protest at the Israeli Consulate
20 Park Plaza
Near the Arlington St. Green Line T Stop in Boston
For more information call 617-827-7732
Monday, January 12
National "Wear Your Kuffiyah" Day
People across the country are being asked to wear your Kuffiyah on Monday (if you have one of the well-known Palestinian scarves, if not, perhaps wear a peace button or some other anti-war symbol). This symbolic gesture will bring awareness to the plight of the Palestinian people. Take a moment to explain to anyone who asks what is happening and has been happening to the Palestinians for the last 60 years and why you are wearing your Kuffiyah. Called by the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.
Tuesday, January 13
National Day of Fasting
On this upcoming Tuesday people are asked to fast the whole day, refraining from food and water. Further, as a sign of unity, it is asked that individuals donate the amount of money they would have spent on food this day to Gaza Relief. The American Arab Anti-Discimination Committee recommends that the donations be made to the following organizations:
United Palestinian Appeal (UPA): http://helpupa.com/
American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA): http://www.anera.org/
If you'd like to donate money to the Special Gaza Appeal of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), you can do an electronic transfer to either one of the following bank accounts:
1. Arab Bank PLC
UNRWA USD Current account100191-4-510
SWIFT Code: ARABPS22600
El-Rimal Branch Omar El-Mukhtar St, Gaza
2. HSBC Bank
UNRWA USD Current account 002/057511-185
Swift Code: BBMEJOAX
Amman, Jordan
We'll post more related information shortly.
"Gaza" graphic courtesy of deviantART - it is unclear whether the graphic is an original work by the late Palestinian cartoonist, Naji al-Ali, or a work done in his style by a modern Palestinian cartoonist.
