United for Peace and Justice, an organizer of the Washington DC rally and lobby effort to End the Israeli Occupation, provided a summary of the June 10 gathering of over 5,000 people, many of whom represented as many as 300 peace activist organizations located across the country. Most of those who attended bused in from as far away as Colorado (perhaps further since I have not checked all participating organizations). Pictures and videos (see UPDATE below) of the rally are beginning to filter in.
Unfortunately but not unexpectedly given the extent of censorship concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict prevailing in the US, the mainstream media ignored the event.
From the United for Peace and Justice site:
This past weekend, people around the world participated in a global Day of Action — The World Says No to Israeli Occupation — to mark the 40th year of Israel’s illegal military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. Yesterday, more than 5,000 people from all over the country gathered on the West Lawn of the Capitol for an inspiring rally, and then marched through Washington, DC, toward the White House.
United for Peace and Justice’s co-sponsoring organization, End the Occupation, provided this press release after the rally:
Press Release
June 10-11Mobilization a Huge Success (Washington DC, June 11, 2007). The largest ever national demonstration against the Israeli occupation took place yesterday in Washington DC. More than 5,000 demonstrators from all over the country declared that, “40 years of Israel’s occupation are enough.”
(snip)
“An overwhelming number of Americans believe in peace, justice and human rights. We’re calling on our government to do the right thing and end its support for the Israeli occupation,” said Huwaida Arraf of the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation.”
This day has global importance,” stated Phyllis Bennis, also of the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation. “While we say no to US support for Israeli occupation, our counterparts from all around the world are saying the same message to their own governments. From South Africa to Brazil, from Australia to Canada, from Britain to Malaysia, Ramallah to Tel-Aviv.
“A broad diversity of speakers and participants came from almost every state, faith, and ethnic group.”Our vision is one of a comprehensive just and lasting peace for everyone: Palestinians, Israelis, Christians, Muslims, and Jews, and all people,” said Judith LeBlanc of United for Peace and Justice.
The event marks the 40th Anniversary of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The occupation has created a desperate situation of collective punishment and suffering for almost 4 million Palestinians. Land seizures, curfews, checkpoints, and extra-judicial executions are part of everyday life and have been documented by human right organizations.
The rally took place in front of the Capitol and continued with a march to the White House – the two centers of US foreign policy. This demonstration was sponsored by the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation and United for Peace and Justice, two major national coalitions. More than 300 organizations nationwide participated.
http://www.endtheoccupation.org/article.php?list=type&type=162
Today, June 11th, the lobby event is taking place. Accordingly, it is reported that hundreds of people are visiting Congressional offices in Capitol Hill. If you were unable to attend the rally, you can still participate by contacting your representatives in DC.
This directive from United for Peace and Justice:
To amplify our voices we have organized a nationwide call-in day, and we hope you’ll join this effort:CALL THE CAPITOL SWITCHBOARD 888-597-0909 (toll-free) or 202-224-3121 and ask to be connected to your representative’s and two senators’ offices.
If you’re not sure who your members of Congress are, click here:
http://capwiz.com/fconl/directory/congdir.tt
Tell them we want:
·An end to U.S. military, economic, diplomatic, and corporate support for Israel’s illegal military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem and
·a change in U.S. policy to one that supports a just peace between Palestinians and Israelis based on equality, human rights and international law, and the full implementation of all relevant UN resolutions.
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