A call issued by UBUNTU in Durham, NC, USA...
We come together to declare our common humanity with the families suffering today in Palestine and Israel. They are all our sisters and brothers, our mothers and fathers, our sons and daughters, our friends and co-workers. Our common humanity with them does not end at a waters edge, at a border fence, or at a barrier wall. They are us and we are them. We will not be separated and we will not be divided.
We come together as people of many faiths who hear cries of suffering, injury, and death. We know that to remain silent is to remain complicit in this pain. It is to remain afraid. So it is better to speak -- for justice, for loving kindness, for the common humanity and beloved community of all people. We are all witnesses. We will not be silent.
Please join us as we:
Stand in solidarity
with the people
of Gaza
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Noon to 1:00 - Brightleaf Square in Durham, Main and Gregson Streets, Durham, NC, USA
Our common humanity must be recognized.
The attacks on Gaza and the ongoing Israeli blockade must end!
Feel free to join us before hand...if you would like to make signs before we gather.
Please bring your own materials.
--
"When the government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny."
- Thomas Jefferson
I would like to be writing you today about our hope for the new year, our plans for peace, and our intent to continue the momentum in Israel fueled by the amazing young conscientious objectors, the Shministim.
ReplyDeleteInstead, I am consumed with the news from Gaza and the crucial need for pursuing peaceful solutions in the face of such horrendous violence. The work of Jewish Voice for Peace has never been more important. And, your support of our work today - December 31 - with a tax-deductible donation is just as important. Please help if you can.
As you know, US-supplied warplanes and helicopters are dropping bombs non-stop all over the Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip. Hundreds of people are dead, many more are injured. The atrocities are beyond comprehension.
If anything, this massive destruction of Palestinian life will endanger the citizens of Israel, especially those in the south who have already suffered greatly as targets of Hamas rocket fire. And it threatens to ignite the West Bank and add flames to the other fires burning in the Middle East and beyond for years to come.
Jewish Voice for Peace was one of the first Jewish organizations calling for immediate and resolute action: an immediate cease-fire, protests at Israeli consulates and federal buildings, as well as letters to the US and Israeli governments. Now, we are working around the clock to stop the violence. We are here to do this work until the violence ends. And we are only here because people like you support us. Please, now is when we need your financial support most - and today also happens to be the last day for you to make a tax-deductible year-end gift to Jewish Voice for Peace.
Just two weeks ago, we celebrated the young conscientious objectors in Israel with a worldwide day of action. That day, December 18th, I felt hope like never before. Today, that hope is nearly shattered by the unbelievable tragedy unfolding in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people living in Gaza. But just like the Shministim will not give up, neither will we. Like them, we are ever more committed. I am glad to know that you are here for us during these dark days. Thank you.
Jewish Voice for Peace's goal of ending the Occupation is a long-term one. We are in this struggle for as long as it takes, and we need your help. Please make the largest gift you can, today. Every gift is put to good use.
Thank you,
Cecilie Surasky
Jewish Voice for Peace
P.S. I know that Jewish Voice for Peace will be asking for help in a variety of ways over the next few days, weeks, months. Please, if you believe in peace, if you believe in the Shministim, stay tuned and help when you can. Thank you.
To send your money to this group to help support peace & relief in Gaza please go to Jewish Voice for Peace and/or
https://secure.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizations/jvfp/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=140