Fundraiser for second humanitarian convoy to Gaza, organized by George Galloway, MP, June & July, 2009, from the United States; the first convoy was from Britian, in February, 2009; he mentions a possible third convoy (from Venezuela) to follow.

To read more about Geo. Galloway: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Galloway

To read more about Viva Palestina-US: www.vivapalestina-us.org/

Read a scathing article in the Kansas City Jewish Chronicle about this event and then a letter to the editor in response:

A different view

    In an article, “Local groups to host Brit who justifies terror,” The KC Jewish Chronicle makes allegations that divert attention from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The article would have better served the paper’s readers by focusing on the objectives of the July 2 fundraising event, which is to provide relief for the people in Gaza.

Mona El-Farra, a Palestinian physician and women’s rights activist, wrote one week after the attacks that “medical staff and people [are] still shell-shocked although cars and people [are] on the streets again but all people have the memories of the events of 20 days bombardment, charred bodies and probably no family is intact.”

    The Israeli blockade of Gaza that started two years ago continues today.

The stranglehold of Gaza threatens the lives, livelihood, and human dignity of 1.4 million people by severely limiting basic goods and reconstruction supplies from being transported to Gaza. Human Rights Watch calls the blockade “collective punishment of the civilian population.” The ICRC described conditions as a “full blown humanitarian crisis.”

    Oxfam International calls for Israel to “allow unrestricted access for all goods and people” especially for “those who seek medical treatment.” The organization also calls on the U.N. to enforce resolutions requiring Israel to open the crossings to Gaza.

    As The Jewish Chronicle article points out, in March 2009 Viva Palestina, a British grassroots organization, along with George Galloway led a convoy of 100 vehicles to donate $2 million worth of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

    However, food and medicine are lacking today due to the illegal and immoral blockade. Viva Palestina USA will shortcut this blockade in July by delivering medical supplies to the people and caretakers of Gaza.

    Given the Israeli government’s unwillingness to allow humane levels of supplies to pass to Gaza, as well as U.S. government reluctance to provide assistance, the only choice for concerned Americans is to support humanitarian relief through organizations like Viva Palestina USA.

    For more reading on this subject, see the Oxfam Briefing Note, “Rebuilding Gaza: putting people before politics,” June 2009.

Matt Quinn

Citizens for Justice

in the Middle East

Fadi Banyalmarjeh

MAS Freedom