Thursday, December 31, 2009

Baltimore Activist Alert

Baltimore Activist Alert Jan. 1 – Jan. 22, 2010

 

"I speak as an American to the leaders of my own nation. The great initiative in this war is ours.

The initiative to stop it must be ours." -Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Friends, this list and other email documents which I send out are done under the auspices of the Baltimore Nonviolence Center.  Go to www.baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com.  If you appreciate this information and would like to make a donation, send contributions to BNC, 325 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218.  Max Obuszewski can be reached at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski [at] verizon.net.

 

The Baltimore IndyMedia Center publicizes peace-related events. Go to http://www.radicalendar.org/group/_baltimore.

 

1] Books, buttons and stickers

2] Web site for info on federal legislation

3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists  

4] Buy coffee through HoCoFoLA  

5] Used stamps for humanitarian causes

6] Bring DISTURBING THE UNIVERSE to Baltimore

7] Justice for Palestine/Israel vigil – Jan. 1

8] Break the Siege vigil – Jan. 1

9] WIB Roland Park vigil – Jan. 1          

10] White House vigil – Jan. 1            

11] WIB Frederick vigil – Jan. 1

12] Film THE GREAT DEBATERS – Jan. 1

13] Vigil at Walter Reed – Jan. 1                

14] Olney vigil to end the war – Jan. 2                                 

15] Peace vigil in Chester, PA – Jan. 2                                         

16] Peace vigil at Capitol – Jan. 2

17] Ethical Society Pancake Breakfast – Jan. 3     

18] Bridge vigil – Jan. 3                                                                   

19] Quaker Peace Vigil – Jan. 3

20] Pentagon vigil – Jan. 3

21] Marc Steiner on WEAA – Jan. 4 — Jan. 7

22] Protest the death penalty – Jan. 4                    

23] BUPJ meeting – Jan. 4

24] Pledge of Resistance meeting – Jan. 4

25] Anti-torture vigil – Jan. 5

26] Tuesday peace vigil – Jan. 5

27] Discuss fate of Senator Theatre – Jan. 5

28] Ecolocity DC meeting – Jan. 5

29] Philadelphia, PA vigil – Jan. 6

30] Chestnut Hill, PA vigil – Jan. 6

31] Author at Red Emmas – Jan. 6

32] PDA meeting – Jan. 6

33] Breaking Rank class – Jan. 6—Feb. 17

34] WIB Towson vigil – Jan. 7

35] Israel/Palestine roundtable – Jan. 7

36] Stop anti-wind turbine legislation – Jan. 7          

37] First Thursday demo – Jan. 7

38] Peace Action meeting – Jan. 7

39] Crabshell Alliance meeting — Jan. 7

40] Homewood vigil -- Jan. 8

41] Justice Café – Jan. 8            

42] Gitmo lawyer to speak – Jan. 8

43] Ballroom dancing – Jan. 8

44] Prayer experience – Jan. 9

45] Red Emma’s needs volunteers – Jan. 10

46] Witness Against Torture – Jan. 10-22

47] Ellen Barfield in jail

48] Get a copy of 1089 NIGHTS

49] Need site for Peace Service

50] Buy a red maple tree

51] Help available in buying a house 

52] Contribute to the Georgia Four defense fund

53] Join Global Zero campaign

54] War Is Not the Answer signs for sale

55] Publish your peace article

56] Click on The Hunger Site  

57] Join Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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1] – Buttons, bumperstickers and books are available.  “God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions” stickers are in stock. Call Max at 410-366-1637.

 

2] – To obtain information how your federal legislators voted on particular bills, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/.  Congressional toll-free numbers are 888-818-6641, 888-355-3588 or 800-426-8073. The White House Comment Email is accessible at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.


3] – THE ORGANIZING LIST will be the primary decision-making mechanism of the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance [NCNR].  It will be augmented by conference calls and possibly in-person meetings as needed.  It will consist of 1 or 2 representatives from each local, regional, or national organization (not coalitions) that wishes to actively work to carry out the NCNR campaign of facilitating and organizing nonviolent resistance to the war in Iraq.

 

To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to donmuller@msn.com.  Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.  

 

THE NOTICES LIST will include only notices of NCNR actions and related information and is open to any interested person to subscribe.  It will be moderated to maintain focus & will include periodic notices about getting involved in NCNR national organizing.  To join the NOTICES List, send an email message to ncnrnotices-subscribe@lists.riseup.net. You will get a confirmation message once subscribed.  If you have problems, please write to the list manager at ncnrnotices-admin@lists.riseup.net.  

4] – You can help safeguard human rights and fragile ecosystems through your purchase of HOCOFOLA Café Quetzal. Bags of ground coffee or whole beans can be ordered by mailing in an order form. Also note organic cocoa and sugar are for sale.  For more details and to download the order form, go to http://friendsoflatinamerica.typepad.com/hocofola/2009/08/check-out-our-new-cafe-quetzal-order-form-1.html.

Be sure you indicate ground (G) or bean (B) for each type of coffee ordered. Make the check out to HoCoFoLA and send it with your order form to HoCoFoLA, PO Box 94, Columbia, MD  21045. Contact Pat McLaine at 410-964-0960 or pamcl@aol.com.  The coffee will arrive some time the following week and you will be notified where to pick it up.

5] – Brad Hathaway spearheads an effort to sell donated used stamps to raise money for different humanitarian causes around the world. Go to www.mattapoisettquakers.org, and click the link for the stamp ministry.  Carefully clip canceled postage stamps and send to Quaker Missions, PO Box 795, Mattapoisett, MA 02739. Send no small flag stamps or Liberty Bell Forever stamps.

 

6] – Unfortunately, the Off Center Media documentary DISTURBING THE UNIVERSE about William Kunstler is not scheduled for screening in Baltimore. However, the National Lawyers Guild is working on bringing the film by his two daughters Emily and Sarah Kunstler to Baltimore.  The Guild needs help in convincing the distributor that Baltimore cinephiles want to see the movie. Check out the website http://www.disturbingtheuniverse.com and you will be able to click on “demand” that the film comes to Baltimore.  Watch the trailer: http://www.disturbingtheuniverse.com/Trailer.htmlGo to Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/William-Kunstler-Disturbing-the-Universe/40742962303?ref=mf.

 

7] – A vigil for Justice in Palestine/Israel (now in its 8th year) takes place every Friday from noon to 1 PM at 19th & JFK Blvd., Philadelphia (across from Israeli Consulate.  It is sponsored by Bubbies & Zaydes (Grandparents) for Peace in the Middle East. Email cswartz@pil.net. Go to http://phillyjewishpeace.org/.

 

8] – There’s a Break the Siege Vigil on Fri., Jan. 1 from noon to 1 PM, hosted Women in Black, Baltimore, at Pratt and Light Sts. in the Inner Harbor. Peace signs and flyers about the siege will be available. See http://www.peacepath911.com/ or write wibbaltimore@hotmail.com or call 410-467-9114.

 

9] – There is also a noon vigil on Fri., Jan. 1 at Roland Park Place at 830 W. 40th St.  Call 410-467-9114. 

 

10] – A peace vigil takes place every Friday from noon to 1 PM on Pennsylvania Ave., by the press gate to the White House. It is organized by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker. Call 202-882-9649.

 

11] – WIB holds a silent vigil mourning all violence, the first Friday of the month.  The next vigil is Jan. 1 from 12 noon to 12:30 PM, War Memorial Park, intersection of W. 2nd & N. Bentz Sts. in Frederick.  Please dress in black; no additional signs.  Call 301-834-7581 or email wibfrederick@mizmail.com.

 

12] – On Fri., Jan. 1 watch THE GREAT DEBATERS, which is being shown as part of the "JUST-REEL” First Friday Free Film Series at the Peace Center of Delaware County, 7 PM,  1001 Old Sproul Road, Springfield, Delaware County. The evening will include light refreshments and an after-film discussion. It is co-sponsored by the Brandywine Peace Community. Call 610-544-1818. Go to www.delcopeacecenter.org.

 

Starring Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker, Jurneee Smollett and Denzel Whitaker, the film is about the African-American Wiley College debate team which became a voice of justice and radical challenge to the racism of the Jim Crow south, amidst the violence of lynchings and the daily intimidation and threats against people of color.  Marshall, Texas is home to Wiley College, where, in 1935-36, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and his clandestine work as a union organizer, Professor Melvin Tolson coaches the debate team to a nearly-undefeated season that sees the first debates between students from white and black colleges. Directed by Denzel Washington, The Great Debaters stars him as the professor.  Chief among Tolson's promising young students is a 14-year-old prodigy named James Farmer, Jr. (Denzel Whitaker), who would later go on to co-found C.O.R.E., the Congress of Racial Equality, and become one of the chief figures in the history of the civil rights movement.

 

13] – SHED LIGHT ON US WAR CASUALTIES: FROM THE FRONT LINE TO THE BACK DOOR of Walter Reed Army Medical Center (North Gate), every Friday night, from 7 to 9 PM in the middle of the 7100 block of Georgia Ave., NW. The vigil calls for peace, care for the wounded, and full benefits for all veterans.  Contact Bruce Wolf - Haunteddog@aol.com.

 

14] – Friends House, 17715 Meeting House Rd., Sandy Spring, MD 20860, hosts a peace vigil every Saturday, 10:30 to 11:30 AM, on the corner of Rt. 108 and Georgia Ave. in Olney, MD.  The next vigil is Jan. 2. Call Chuck Harker at 301-570-7167. 

 

15] –  Each Saturday, 11 AM – 1 PM, Chester County Peace Movement holds a peace vigil in West Chester in front of the Chester County Courthouse, High & Market Sts. Go to www.ccpeace.org.

 

16] – There will be a peace vigil on the West Lawn of the Capitol at noon on Jan. 2. Look for the blue banner with the message, "Seek Peace and Pursue It.--Psalms 34:14." The vigil lasts one hour and is silent except when one responds to the occasional questions. Go to http://www.quaker.org/langleyhill/seekpeace.htm or email seekpeacevigil@yahoo.com.

 

17] – On Sun., Jan. 3 at 10:30 AM, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W. Franklin St., Suite 102, will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast.  Call 410-581-2322 or visit www.baltimoreethicalsociety.org.

 

18] – Maryland Bridges for Peace welcomes you to stand for peace Sundays from noon (or thereabouts) to 1 PM on the Spa Creek Bridge in Annapolis.  Contact Lucy at 410-263-7271 or mdbridgesforpeace@toadmail.com. Signs are not allowed to be on a stick or pole.   If there is interest, people will be standing on the Stoney Creek Bridge on Fort Smallwood Road in Pasadena [410-437-5379 or magicalgodmom@aol.com]. Go to http://BridgePeace.blogspot.com/.

 

19] – Every Sunday, 4 to 5 PM, there is a Quaker Peace Vigil at Independence Mall, N. side of Market between 5th and 6th Sts., Philadelphia. Call 215-421-5811.

20] – There is a weekly Pentagon Peace Vigil from 7 to 8 AM on Mondays, since 1987, outside the Pentagon Metro stop.  The next vigil is Mon., Jan. 4, and it is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker.  Call 202-882-9649.

21] – The Marc Steiner Show airs Monday through Thursday from 5 to 7 PM on WEAA 88.9 FM, The Voice of the Community, or online at www.weaa.org.   The call-in number is 410-319-8888, and comments can also be sent by email to steinershow@gmail.com. All shows are also available as podcasts at www.steinershow.org.

 

22] – There is usually a vigil to abolish the death penalty every Monday from 5 to 6 PM, outside the prison complex and across the street from Maryland’s death row, at the corner of Madison Ave. and Fallsway in Baltimore.  The next vigil is scheduled for Mon., Jan. 4. Call 410-233-0488.

 

23] – Baltimore United for Peace and Justice will meet at 7 PM on Mon., Jan. 4 at Max’s residence. The BUPJ agenda will focus on getting ready for the legislative session in Annapolis and developments with UFPJ national.  As this meeting ends, the Pledge meeting will begin. 

 

24] – The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore usually meets on Mondays at 7:30 PM. The meetings will now take place at Max’s residence, and the next one is scheduled for Jan. 4.  The agenda will include a review of demonstrations planned for January, including one on the 16th at the CIA to protest drone attacks.  Call Max at 410-366-1637 or email at mobuszewski@verizon.net for directions.

 

25] – On Tues., Jan. 5 at 5:30 PM, Witness Against Torture will continue its weekly vigil, each Tuesday, in Lafayette Park, H and 16th Sts., NW. Contact Helen Schietinger at h.schietinger at verizon.net.

 

26] – There is a vigil to say "War Is Not the Answer" each Tuesday since September 11, 2001 at 4806 York Road. Join this ongoing vigil.  The next vigil is Jan. 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.  Call Max at 410-366-1637.

27] – On Tues., Jan. 5 at 6 PM, the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is holding a public meeting at the Senator Theatre at which the groups which entered proposals to operate the art deco palace will present their plans.  Contact Kristen Mitchell of the Baltimore Development Corporation at 410-779-3837 or kmitchell@baltimoredevelopment.com.

28] – There is a meeting of Ecolocity DC every Tuesday from 7 to 9 PM at the EMERGENCE COMMUNITY ARTS COLLECTIVE, 733 Euclid St. NW, WDC 20001.  It is for people who live in, or are interested in making D.C. a transition town starting with an intentional community that will encompass clean energy, freecycle, natural building, organic farming, community salvage, new urbanism, etc. The next meeting will be on Jan. 5. Go to http://ecolocity.ning.com.

 

29] – Each Wednesday from 4:30 - 5:30 PM, the House of Grace Catholic Worker holds a weekly vigil for peace in Iraq outside the Phila. Federal Building, 6th & Market Sts. The next vigil is Jan. 6. Call 215-426-0364.

 

30] – Each Wednesday, there is a peace vigil from 7 to 8 PM outside the Borders Book Store, Germantown Ave. at Bethlehem Pike in Chestnut Hill, PA. The next vigil is Jan. 6. Call 215-843-4256 or email nwgreens@yahoo.com.

 

31] – On Wed., Jan. 6 at 7 PM at Red Emma's Bookstore Coffeehouse, 800 St. Paul St., Stevphen Shukaitis of the Autonomedia Collective presents his new book: IMAGINAL MACHINES: Autonomy & Self-Organization in the Revolutions of Everyday Life.  Call 410-230-0450 or go to http://www.redemmas.org.

 

32] – The Progressive Democrats of America [PDA] Montgomery County, MD Chapter is holding a meeting on Wed., Jan. 6 at 7:30 PM at the Saigonese Restaurant, 11232 Grandview Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20902.  Use the Red Line and get off at the Wheaton Metro station.  The focus will be on efforts in the county and state on healthcare, the environment, education, labor, transportation, energy and other issues. Email Mike Harsh at marylandpda@gmail.com.

 

33] – Ryan Harvey's class, Breaking Rank: Soldier-Led Resistance Movements continues each Wednesday from 8 to 10 PM until Feb. 17 at the Baltimore Free School, 1323 N. Calvert. St. There is no charge. Attendees of the class will leave with an understanding of the importance of military resistance in the creation of successful social movements and ideas of ways to effectively participate as allies in the current soldier and veteran-led anti-war movement. To register, go to http://freeschool.redemmas.org/ or email ryanharvey@riseup.net.

34] – There is a WIB peace stand on Thurs., Jan. 7, noon-1PM in Towson at northwest corner of Washington & Chesapeake Aves., across the street from the post office, near the courthouse. Contact mbrainzo@aol.com. This vigil takes place on the first Thursday of the month.

35] – On Thurs., Jan. 7, the WEEKLY ROUNDTABLE SEEKING A JUST PEACE IN PALESTINE/ISRAEL takes place from 12:30 - 1:30 PM at Potter's House, 1658 Columbia Road NW, WDC.  Join a civil discourse which explores the history, issues, myths, realities, and truth of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Contact Alice Azzouzi at 202-232-5483.

36] – The Baltimore County Planning Board has proposed legislation to drastically limit the placement of wind turbines in the County, including a prohibition on the sale of wind-generated power,  outlawing more than a single turbine on any piece of property regardless of the property's size, and limiting turbines to residential areas only. Be at a Planning Board hearing at 4 PM on Thurs., Jan. 7 in Room 104 of the Jefferson Bldg., 105 W. Chesapeake Ave., Towson.  If enacted, this policy would set a damaging precedent, blocking decentralized low-cost power generation, an option now in its infancy but with tremendous promise.  It would impede new state laws intended to make Maryland a leader in the clean energy economy.  Planning Board contact is Barbara Weaver, and she can be reached at 410-887-3495 or bweaver@baltimorecountymd.gov.

37] – The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore hosts an End the War! End the Occupation! rally on Thurs., Jan. 7 from 5 to 6:30 PM in Mount Vernon at Centre & Charles Sts.  The Pledge gathers in Mount Vernon on the first Thursday of the month to protest the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Call Max at 410-366-1637.

38] – PeaceAction Montgomery, meets every first Thursday, next on Jan. 7, at 7 PM at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Church, Room 16 in the basement, 9601 Cedar Lane, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4099.

39] – The Crabshell Alliance will meet on Thurs., Jan. 7 at 7:30 PM in a private home.  Call Max at 410-366-1637 for directions.  Meetings will take place the first Thursday of the month.  The mission of the Crabshell Alliance is to stop the construction of new nuclear power plants in Maryland, promote clean, safe, sustainable, and affordable energy, and educate the public about the hazards of nuclear power.

40] – There is a silent vigil on Fri., Jan. 8 from 5 to 6 PM outside of Homewood Friends Meeting, 3107 N. Charles St., in opposition to war with Iraq. Placards say: "War Is Not the Answer." The silent vigil is sponsored by AFSC, Homewood Friends and Stony Run Meetings.

41] –  Attend the UDC Justice Café, co-sponsored by the Progressive Democrats of America, from 6 to 10 PM on Fri., Jan. 6 in the Firebird Inn, Building 39, B-Level, 4200 Conn. Ave. NW, WDC 20008, which is hosted by the University of the District of Columbia David Clarke School of Law. The suggested donation is $15, $10 for students and $5 for children. The event will feature food, music, poetry, an open mic session, tabling and more. One of the performers is Mike Bowers, guitar and vocals.  Go to http://www.mdbmusic.com/music.html. Contact Mike at mikehersh@mikehersh.com FOR A FREE TABLE.  Use the Van Ness UDC Metro Station (Red Line).

 

42] – On Fri., Jan. 8 at 7:30 PM, the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker House, as part of its Clarification of Thought series, presents a Center for Constitutional Rights lawyer who will discuss her dealings with the detainees at Guantanamo and the outlook for the future. The Catholic Worker is at 503 Rock Creek Church Rd NW, WDC 20010-1612.  Call 202-882-9649.

 

43] –  There is an opportunity to participate in ballroom dancing, usually every Friday of the month, in the JHU ROTC Bldg. at 8 PM.  Turn south on San Martin Dr. from the intersection of Univ. Parkway and 39th St.  Drive on campus by taking the third left turn. The next dance will be Jan. 8. Call Dave Greene at 410-599-3725.                  

 

44] –  On Sat., Jan. 9, from 7:30 to 8:30 PM, celebrate creation and imagine peace at Parish Life Center, Church of the Resurrection, 3315 Greencastle Road, Burtonsville, MD  20866.  Join a prayer experience sponsored by Pax Christi Burtonsville and Integrity of Creation Committee at Resurrection. RSVP to Sr. Rita at rricker@resurrectionadw.org or 301-236-5200, ext.22. 

 

45] – Red Emma’s needs volunteers.  Stop in to the weekly Sunday meeting at 7 PM at 800 St. Paul St. or email info@redemmas.org.  The next meeting is Jan. 10. There is no meeting on the first Sunday of the month.  Call 410-230-0450. If you would be interested in volunteering or becoming a collective member of 2640, send an email to 2640@redemmas.org.

 

46] – From Sun., Jan. 10 through Fri., Jan. 22, Witness Against Torture will have a presence in Washington, D.C. to call for the closing of Guantanamo and to help make sure the public is aware that torture is evil.  Besides conducting a 10-day fast, there will be daily events.  Sign up by emailing Frida Berrigan at frida.berrigan@gmail.com.  Visit http://www.witnesstorture.org/. 

 

On Mon., Jan. 11, from 10 to 11 AM, vigil with Guantanamo lawyers and the Center for Constitutional Rights @ the White House. At 11 AM, there will be a procession to the National Press Club. At noon, the vigil continues while CCR and WAT hold press conference at National Press Club, 529 14th Street NW, WDC 20045.  At 7 PM, there will be a gathering @ G.U. Law School, McDonough 207, 600 New Jersey Ave., NW, WDC, 20001   – Guantanamo, Torture, Accountability and Organizing in the Obama age.  Center for Constitutional Rights lawyers and activists will discuss the current and future state of detainees at Guantanamo, Bagram and elsewhere.

 

47] – Letters and holiday cards can be sent to Ellen Barfield, DCDC #325-704, DC Jail/Correctional Treatment Facility, 1901 E St., SE, WDC  20003.

 

48] – Don't forget 1089 NIGHTS: An Odyssey Through the Middle East, Africa and Asia for gifts this Christmas!!  The bargain basement price is $16 during holiday time.  You can order Ann von Lossberg’s book at www.1089nights.com.   

 

49] – Because of a lack of a sponsoring interfaith site, the December Peace Service did not take place.  Hosts are needed for January and all months in 2010.  Check with your pastor, rabbi and imam and ask if your congregation can host a Peace Service. They are always held on the 22nd of the month at 7:30 PM. Now more than ever Prayers for Peace are needed.  Contact Rev. Charles Cloughen, Jr at 410-321-0199 or frcharles@verizon.net.

 

50] – I bought two red maple trees for $10 each as part of the Trees for Baltimore program.  Buy a tree, plant it and contribute to saving the planet.  Call Max at 410-366-1637

 

51] – A progressive-thinking realtor is indicating that people of modest incomes can get assistance from both the state and federal governments in purchasing a home.  If you are interested in speaking with him about available programs, call Max at 410-366-1637.

 

52] – Larry Egbert and Nick Sheridan are in Baltimore awaiting further legal developments, and the "Georgia Four" is seeking contributions to a legal defense fund.  Go to www.finalexitlibertyfund.org to make a contribution.   Larry fell off his bike and has fractured his pelvis.  He is home for some months of recuperation. 

53] – Join an extraordinary global campaign for the elimination of nuclear weapons: http://www.globalzero.org/sign-declaration. A growing group of leaders around the world is calling for the elimination of nuclear weapons and a majority of the global public agrees.  This is an historic window of opportunity.  With momentum already building in favor of Zero, a major show of support from people around the world could tip the balance. When it comes to nuclear weapons, one is one too many.  

54] – WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER signs from Friends Committee on National Legislation are again for sale at $5.  To purchase a sign, call Max at 410-366-1637.

55] – Publish Your Peace Article. Daniel Frasier is soliciting peace articles for the biweekly series of commentaries Paths to Peace in the Frederick News Post Religion and Ethics section. For details, email path2peace07@yahoo.com.

 

56] – The Hunger Site was initiated by Mercy Corps and Second Harvest, and is funded entirely by advertisers.  You can go there every day and click the big yellow "Give Food for Free" button near the top of the page; you do not have to look at the ads. Each click generates funding for about 1.1 cups of food.  So consider clicking.  

 

57] – Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981.  Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

 

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-366-1637; Email: mobuszewski [at] verizon.net

 

"One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan

 

Protesters Gather in Cairo for March to Gaza [not happening]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/30/world/middleeast/30egypt.html?_r=3&ref=tod

 

The New York Times

 

December 30, 2009

Protesters Gather in Cairo for March to Gaza

By MONA EL-NAGGAR

CAIRO — More than 1,000 people from around the world were gathered here on Tuesday for a solidarity march into Gaza despite Egypt’s insistence that the Gaza border crossing that it controls would remain closed to the vast majority of them.

The protest, the Gaza Freedom March, was planned for Thursday and intended to mark a year since Israel’s three-week military assault on the territory. On Tuesday, hundreds of the frustrated activists gathered to press their case on the front steps of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate here, holding “Free Gaza” signs and chanting, “Let us go.” Some declared a hunger strike.

 

About 100 French citizens staged a sit-in in front of the French Embassy, and some Americans pleaded for help at the United States Consulate.

 

The Egyptian government agreed to let 100 activists into Gaza on Wednesday, according to one of the organizers of the march.

 

The crossing, at Rafah, Egypt, has been closed for most purposes since the summer of 2007, when the militant group Hamas seized control of Gaza from the rival Western-backed forces of Fatah. Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza, and the Egyptian government, citing its own security needs, closed the crossing, drawing criticism from within Egypt and across the Arab world.

 

International criticism of Israel spiked after the Gaza assault, which left as many as 1,400 Palestinians dead, including hundreds of civilians. Thirteen Israelis were killed. While both sides were accused of war crimes, most of the outrage was focused on Israel because of its overwhelming military strength and the enormous differences in the death tolls.

International activists have been challenging Israel’s control of Gaza’s waters, sending in boats to bring in supplies and convey support; Israel has blocked many.

 

Egypt repeatedly refused to open its border ahead of the planned march, citing what its officials said were “security reasons,” but participants in the march flew to Cairo anyway, hoping the government would relent.

 

“We have not come to Egypt to create trouble or cause conflict,” organizers of the march wrote in an open letter to Egypt’s president, Hosni Mubarak. “We have come because we believe that all people — including the Palestinians of Gaza — should have access to the resources they need to live in dignity.”

 

The letter said the group, which is urging Israel to lift its blockade, raised tens of thousands of dollars for medical aid, school supplies and clothing to take to Gaza.

 

The Egyptian foreign minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, expressed frustration at the activists who came to Cairo despite the warning that the border was closed.

 

“Those who tried to conspire against us, and they are more than a thousand, we will leave them in the street,” he said.

One protester, Hedy Epstein, 85, a Holocaust survivor, arrived in Egypt from the United States on Saturday. She said she started a hunger strike on Monday.

 

“My message is for the world governments to wake up and treat Israel like they treat any other country and not to be afraid to reprimand and criticize Israel for its violent policies vis-à-vis the Palestinians,” Ms. Epstein said. “I brought a suitcase full of things, pencils, pens, crayons, writing paper to take to children in Gaza — I can’t take that back home.”

 

Home

Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company

 

Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218.  Ph: 410-366-1637; Email: mobuszewski [at] verizon.net

 

"The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs