To the Faithful Supporters of Humanitarian Efforts and Social Justice,

Peace and blessing be upon you all.  We, as a part of humankind, share a common ground of wanting to live a life pursuing happiness.   At the end of the day, despite any negativity we might have witnessed, we struggle to focus on the fact that what we, as individuals, are innately good.

However, this ideology regarding humankind is often challenged through the atrocities that some may commit.   It is to our dismay that in the 21st century, we are faced with a horrific act of violence against a group of innocent civilians, scholars, diplomats and humanitarians.  At exactly 2pm on Monday, May 31st, approximately 200 kilometers away from the shores of Gaza, the Israeli Navy attacked all of the aid-filled flotillas heading for Gaza, in a strictly humanitarian effort to expose the Israeli war crimes and break the illegal siege on the Gaza strip. While many of us were enjoying an evening Memorial Weekend dinner, members of this humanitarian convoy were being murdered.  Approximately six hours after the initiation of the attacks, it is reported that at least 19 are proclaimed dead and over 60 injured.  The numbers continue to rise as the battle ensues.  Twenty-five humanitarians dead? What crime did they commit? Despite your personal beliefs on this conflict, we can all agree that killing innocent lives, those who simply have the intention to help alleviate a three-year siege on women, children and the elderly, is and never will be a crime.  The truth is that even in this day and age, the voices of the innocent are not only suppressed but manipulated.

We are writing to you today, as supporters of human rights, to plead you to join us in spreading awareness of this atrocity and to speak out against it.  Speak out against injustice.  Speak out against oppression.  Speak out against the unfair politics that so often influence the governance of the international arena. Please write to your local representative of your disapproval of the acts of the Israeli Navy, of your disappointment of the mute government officials and of your desire for the enactment of true justice.  The fight for peace starts with the highly qualified individuals that we have voted into office: our representatives.  It starts with their statement of support for justice and justice alone. It is an honor to be in support of this movement, to be a catalyst for social change. Take pride in this and write.

Be sure to also contact our Secretary of State, Ms. Hillary Clinton. Demand US response against Israel’s international war crimes. Demand sanctioning, boycotting and divestment against Israel and its apartheid ways.  Call her at (202) 647-5291.
On Monday and Tuesday, May 31st and June 1st, on the corner of 15th Ave. and High St., there will be a rally in support of humanitarian efforts and social justice and disapproval of murder and oppression.  Join us at 4 pm.

Please forward this to your friends, family and others.  Please be a vehicle for change and don’t let this message simply sit in your inbox.  Below are links to keep you updated on the situation and a link to contact your representative.

Please take time to stand up for justice, for freedom and against oppression.  We hope to see you in the near future, fighting for justice, by our side.

In Solidarity,
Humanitarians Pleading for Justice

LINKS:
http://www.witnessgaza.com/
http://www.amnesty.org/en
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/default.stm
http://english.aljazeera.net/

press-release