Israel/Gaza War: Network responses
Emails and petitions from the OPEN network and further afield in response to the Israel/Gaza war of October 2023/
The below is a collection of emails from OPEN orgs and allies related to the crisis. If your org has sent something recently that's not included below please email Andile@the-open.net.
2024 Emails
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WeMove: Recognise Palestine as a State - April
Dear Andile,
We all want to live in a world built on peace, respect and dignity. A world where air raid sirens and screams of pain or hunger no longer punctuate the spring morning air. A world where you can tuck your children in at night, safe in the knowledge you will be there for them tomorrow.
To end the horrors in Gaza, the Westbank, and Israel, - everyone needs a place to belong and an equal voice. But Palestinians are not recognised as a people. And so they are denied a voice in conversations about how to end the violence today or rebuild their homes tomorrow.
Over half the world acknowledges the Palestinian people’s right to belong in a state of their own. [1] But Europe is one of the major nay-sayers. By the end of last year, only 9 out of 27 countries in the EU recognised Palestine as a state. [2]
And yet, a wind of change is blowing. Spain, Ireland, Slovenia and Malta are ready to recognise the state of Palestine as the “only way to achieve peace.” [3]
We need to seize this moment and speak out for lasting peace. International pressure is mounting on the Israeli government to respect international law and agree to a ceasefire. [4] While our governments are being pushed by countries like Spain to recognise Palestine, they need to hear from us that this is what their voters want too.
At moments like this, rising up together can change the tide of history. But it’ll take all of us coming together to push the final dominos over in Europe and be a force for peace.
Recognise the Palestinian people’s right to belong in a state of their own!
A memo was leaked from one of the world’s most read newspapers - the New York Times. It told their journalists not to use the word Palestine, among others. [5] The people of Palestine are being erased. From the media, from international peace talks and from their land. [6]
For over half a century, Palestinians have lived in the ‘occupied territories’. They are not internationally recognised as a people that belong on the land they live, making them extra vulnerable to terrorist groups as leaders. [7] By recognising them as a people, Palestinians would gain a voice and a future beyond occupation.
We are part of a movement throughout the world, united behind the demand of the Palestinian people. In Israel too the organisation Zazim will take action for a Palestinian state. They too see a two-state solution as the only way towards safety for both Palestinians and Israelis.
The EU cannot sit back and continue to watch the horrors unfold in Gaza, the Westbank and Israel any longer. Historical steps need to be made now. With close to half of EU countries committed to recognising Palestine, we can seize this moment and help make these horrors of war history.
In hope,
Rachel (Amsterdam), Olga (Bologne), Giulio (Rome) and the entire WeMove Europe -
Uplift: Recognise Palestine Statehood - April
Dear Andile,
New Taoiseach Simon Harris says this government will recognise the State of Palestine. Last night, Táiniste Micheál Martin repeated the promise. [1]
Together, we can make sure they are not talking out of both sides of their mouth. It's been promised before but they’ve kicked the decision down the road. [2]
Formally recognising the State of Palestine will add to the growing pressure for Palestine to have more international legal rights; the right to have a secure border and to coexist as an independent state. [3]
Simon Harris knows that he has to keep the public onside and a massive public pressure on him right now could trigger him to make this a priority.
Andile, will you send a message to new Taoiseach Simon Harris today, asking him to formally recognise the Statehood of Palestine?
Displacement, dispossession, inhumane policing, and blockades have been part of life for people in Palestine for decades. [4] Illegal settlements are expanding and now the genocidal invasion and war crimes committed by Netanyahu’s government in Gaza has destroyed all hope of peace.
There is a massive international pressure on Israel to stop starving and massacring the people they have trapped in Gaza and recognising the statehood of Palestine adds to that pressure. It sends a message that we support Palestine and the more political standing that Palestine has, the more pressure on Israel to stop the slaughter.
This week, Simon Harris will be sitting down with his top advisors and government colleagues to decide what to focus on over the next few months. That's why sending him thousands of emails urging him to prioritise recognising the statehood of Palestine this week is so important.
Will you send a quick email today Andile? It's set up and ready to go, Or even better, send your own message. We need to show him that the public overwhelmingly wants him to recognise the State of Palestine sooner rather than later.
More power to you,
Siobhán and the Uplift team
P.S: If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford even €5 or €10 to make a difference, click here. You can also chip in over the phone 01 513 3043 or by post to Uplift - People Powered Change, 13 North Main Street, Cork, T12 Y6W0.
NOTES:
[1] State of Palestine | TheJournal.ie & Speech of the Leader of Fine Gael, Simon Harris T.D | finegael.ie
[3] Recognising Palestine: How Europeans can support a post-Gaza war political track | ECFR
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MoveOn: World Kitchen donations - April
Dear MoveOn member,
At least 196 humanitarian aid workers have been killed in Gaza since October, alongside nearly 33,000 Gaza residents.1
And on Monday night, the Israeli military carried out multiple precision missile strikes on a convoy of clearly marked food aid vehicles, killing seven staff members from World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit organization providing meals to people on the frontlines and in crises.2
Israel's Defense Forces were told in advance about the aid convoy and its route. A military expert told CNN that "[t]he drone that fired the fatal missiles would have been operated in conjunction with a surveillance drone … meaning the Israeli military would have had total visibility of the cars, including the WCK logo."3
These attacks have not only resulted in senseless deaths, but they've impacted World Central Kitchen's crucial work. Now, World Central Kitchen needs our help to restart their food aid efforts in Gaza, as soon as possible.
The New York Times reports that "[a]id groups in Gaza are more fearful than ever after the latest death of aid workers there."4 If this attack on aid workers causes World Central Kitchen and other aid groups to permanently cease operations in Gaza, it'll mean more deaths of Gazans from a lack of food and clean water, as Israel's military attacks have pushed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to the brink of starvation.5
Gaza has 2.2 million people who do not have enough to eat—and half of those are facing starvation conditions. It's the "highest number of people facing catastrophic hunger ever recorded… anywhere, anytime," according to the U.N.6
President Biden has said that he is "outraged and heartbroken" by the attacks, noting that the deaths were not a "stand-alone incident," and that the "conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of how many aid workers have been killed."7
When aid workers are killed, it has a chilling effect, hindering aid organizations and their staff from providing lifesaving aid. As a spokesperson for Save the Children said, "Gaza right now is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a humanitarian worker."8
These attacks must stop. The Israeli military's indiscriminate assault against civilian families, medical personnel, aid workers, and the constant bombardment of medical facilities, humanitarian pathways, and civilian infrastructure has made it nearly impossible to get food and other desperately needed supplies into Gaza.
World Central Kitchen was founded in 2010 by celebrity chef José Andrés in response to the deadly earthquake in Haiti. Since then, they have worked to provide food to civilians and aid workers in war-torn regions, as well as those ravaged by natural disasters including Peru, Uganda, and Puerto Rico. During the pandemic, they also set up multiple soup kitchens across the United States to help ensure that struggling families didn't go hungry.
When disaster strikes, World Central Kitchen's 400 chefs and restaurant owners look for kitchens to use, organize food trucks, and seek out recipes and ingredients that would most comfort the people in need. World Central Kitchen hires local cooks, and almost 400 Palestinians work in 60 community kitchens.9
MoveOn members like you have long partnered with World Central Kitchen to deliver critical aid to disaster zones. After the devastating 2020 hurricane in the Bahamas, MoveOn members donated $219,480 to World Central Kitchen to provide meals to impacted families. And after Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, MoveOn members came together to raise more than $1 million for World Central Kitchen to provide fresh meals to people forced to flee the invasion, inside Ukraine and in neighboring countries.
Now, more than ever, World Central Kitchen needs our help again.
Thanks for all you do.
–Nakia, Julia, Erik, Amanda, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "Who were the World Central Kitchen workers killed in Gaza?" BBC, April 3, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189077?t=6&akid=379490% 2E52556871%2EuwyQGa 2. "Israeli attack that killed aid workers consistent with multiple precision strikes, analysis shows," CNN, April 3, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189091?t=8&akid=379490% 2E52556871%2EuwyQGa 3. Ibid.
4. "7 Aid Workers Killed in Gaza Were Known for a Passion for Helping Others," The New York Times, April 3, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189092?t=10&akid=379490% 2E52556871%2EuwyQGa 5. "7 World Central Kitchen aid workers killed by Israeli airstrike in Gaza," CBS News, April 2, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189079?t=12&akid=379490% 2E52556871%2EuwyQGa 6. "Famine is said to be imminent in northern Gaza as Israel raids the main hospital again," AP News, March 19, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189086?t=14&akid=379490% 2E52556871%2EuwyQGa 7. "Biden denounces killing of aid workers, saying Israel has 'not done enough to protect civilians.'" The New York Times, updated April 3, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189093?t=16&akid=379490% 2E52556871%2EuwyQGa 8. "After Strike, Aid Groups in Gaza Are More Fearful Than Ever," The New York Times, April 3, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189094?t=18&akid=379490% 2E52556871%2EuwyQGa 9. "How José Andrés and His Corps of Cooks Became Leaders in Disaster Aid," The New York Times, April 3, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/189095?t=20&akid=379490% 2E52556871%2EuwyQGa 
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Campax: UNRWA funding petition - March
English
Translated by Google translate
The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is beyond our imagination. Now the most important aid agency in Gaza, UNRWA , is in danger of running out of money . This would have catastrophic effects on the lives and survival of millions of people.
Switzerland will decide in April whether it wants to continue the financing . So there are only a few days left. Andile, now call on Federal Councilor Cassis not to abandon the people of Gaza!
Sign the petition now and ensure Gaza aid
No, I'm not taking part in that
Hello Andile
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) is in danger of running out of money. Several donor countries have decided to suspend funding . This is a devastating blow to the 2 million people in Gaza. For them, the aid organization is their only source of livelihood. Millions of Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank and neighboring Arab countries are also affected.
The suspension of financial aid followed Israel's accusations against 12 UNRWA employees of involvement in the October 7 massacre in Israel carried out by Hamas. UNRWA immediately fired the employees due to the seriousness of the allegations and launched an investigation.
The allegations are serious and must be investigated . But there are considerable doubts about the evidence. (1) The alleged actions of individuals must not lead to the cessation of life-saving assistance for millions of people.
Since the Hamas massacre in Israel on October 7th, over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip. Over two million people are at risk of famine and lack adequate access to clean water and medical care. They are completely dependent on UNRWA's aid supplies.
Switzerland is one of UNRWA's most important donors. But the sword of Damocles is currently hanging over it! The Federal Council will decide in April whether Swiss financing will be continued. Before that, he will hear from the Foreign Policy Commissions of the National and Council of States.
Andile, the coming days will be crucial in ensuring Swiss aid for Gaza! Let's stand together and jointly demand that the Federal Council and Parliament not abandon the people of Gaza. Sign the petition now!
Sign the petition now and ensure Gaza aid
No, I'm not taking part in that
Switzerland could follow the example of several European states that recognize the important role of UNRWA: Germany, Norway, Spain, Ireland and Belgium are continuing their funding or have even significantly increased it. Humanitarian aid for the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip must be ensured!
Nora
Campaigner Campax
PS: Amnesty International launched this petition. Campax supports them with our petition platform ACT. Duplicate signatures will be deleted.
German
Die humanitäre Katastrophe in Gaza ist jenseits unserer Vorstellungskraft. Nun droht dem wichtigsten Hilfswerk in Gaza, der UNRWA, das Geld auszugehen. Das hätte katastrophale Auswirkungen auf das Leben und Überleben von Millionen von Menschen.
Die Schweiz entscheidet im April, ob sie die Finanzierung fortführen will. Es bleiben also nur noch wenige Tage Zeit. Andile, fordere jetzt Bundesrat Cassis dazu auf, die Menschen in Gaza nicht im Stich zu lassen!
Jetzt Petition unterzeichnen und Gaza-Hilfe sicherstellen
Hallo Andile
Dem Uno-Hilfswerk für Palästinaflüchtlinge (UNRWA) droht das Geld auszugehen. Mehrere Geberländer haben entschieden, die Finanzierung auszusetzen. Das ist ein verheerender Schlag für die 2 Millionen Menschen im Gazastreifen. Für sie stellt das Hilfswerk die einzige Lebensgrundlage dar. Betroffen sind auch Millionen von palästinensischen Flüchtlingen in der besetzten Westbank und den arabischen Nachbarländern.
Die Aussetzung der Finanzhilfe folgte auf Anschuldigungen Israels gegen 12 UNRWA-Angestellte, an dem von der Hamas verübten Massaker vom 7. Oktober in Israel beteiligt gewesen zu sein. Die UNRWA hat die Angestellten aufgrund der Schwere der Vorwürfe sofort entlassen und eine Untersuchung eingeleitet.
Die Vorwürfe sind schwerwiegend und müssen untersucht werden. Doch an der Beweislage bestehen erhebliche Zweifel. (1) Die mutmasslichen Handlungen einzelner Personen dürfen nicht dazu führen, lebensrettende Hilfe für Millionen von Menschen einzustellen.
Seit dem Hamas-Massaker in Israel am 7. Oktober wurden im Gazastreifen über 30’000 Palästinenser*innen getötet durch die israelische Armee. Über zwei Millionen Menschen sind von einer Hungersnot bedroht und haben keinen ausreichenden Zugang zu sauberem Wasser und medizinischer Versorgung. Sie sind vollkommen abhängig von den Hilfslieferungen der UNRWA.
Die Schweiz gehört zu den wichtigsten Geldgebern der UNRWA. Doch darüber hängt derzeit das Damoklesschwert! Der Bundesrat wird im April entscheiden, ob die Schweizer Finanzierung weitergeführt wird. Davor wird er die Aussenpolitischen Kommissionen des National- und Ständerats anhören.
Andile, die kommenden Tage werden also entscheidend sein, um die Schweizer Hilfe für Gaza sicherzustellen! Lass uns zusammenstehen und gemeinsam von Bundesrat und Parlament fordern, die Menschen in Gaza nicht im Stich zu lassen. Unterzeichne jetzt die Petition!
Jetzt Petition unterzeichnen und Gaza-Hilfe sicherstellen
Die Schweiz könnte dem Beispiel mehrerer europäischen Staaten folgen, die die wichtige Rolle der UNRWA anerkennen: Deutschland, Norwegen, Spanien, Irland und Belgien führen ihre Finanzierung weiter oder haben sie gar deutlich erhöht. Die humanitäre Hilfe für die palästinensische Zivilbevölkerung im Gazastreifen muss sichergestellt werden!
Nora
Campaignerin Campax
PS: Diese Petition hat Amnesty International lanciert. Campax unterstützt sie mit unserer Petitionsplattform ACT. Doppelte Unterschriften werden gestrichen.
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LeadNow: Stand with Palestine - March
Dear OPEN,
Next Monday, your MP will have the opportunity to vote on an NDP motion in support of Palestine. If it passes, this motion would stop the sale of Canadian arms to the Israeli military, recognize Palestinian statehood, and help bring an end to the Israeli government’s assault on civilian life.
The Liberals have already shown that they can be swayed by public pressure when it comes to Israel-Palestine. Due to an incredible demonstration of public outrage, including from thousands of Leadnow supporters, Canada finally joined the international call for a ceasefire after months of stalling. And this past weekend, they reversed course on a decision to cut aid for UNRWA – the UN’s aid agency in Palestine.
This Monday will be the first opportunity for MPs to vote on Gaza as individuals – rather than towing the party line. And if we can flood them with thousands of emails calling on them to vote in support of the NDP’s motion, it could be the last nudge they need.
OPEN, will you send a letter to your MP today calling on them to support the NDP’s motion on Gaza, secure an arms embargo against Israel, and pave the way toward a lasting peace?Over 31,000 Palestinians have now been killed by the Israeli military’s offensive. Tens of thousands more have sustained life-changing injuries. And virtually everyone in Gaza is experiencing displacement, homelessness, and starvation as Israel continues to violate international law and restrict aid.
In the words of a UN official speaking about Israel’s assault on Palestine, “this war is a war on children.”
But while the Canadian government has begun to respond to the human cost of the Israeli government’s war on Gaza, Canada continues to authorize millions of dollars worth of weapons sales to Israel. The call for a ceasefire cannot only be symbolic.
Already, 2 Liberal MPs have broken rank and indicated their support for an arms embargo against Israel until it complies with international law, due to pressure from their constituents. As the situation in Gaza reaches a new levels of horror – where will your MP stand?
OPEN, can you send a letter to your MP right now, calling on them to support the motion for an arms embargo and a lasting ceasefire in Gaza?
With hope,
Kate and Aidan for Leadnow
Sources:
NDP Motion
CBC, NDP pushing Liberals to recognize state of Palestine as U.K., U.S. signal openness
Al Jazeera, “This war is a war on children” - UN
CBC, Canada confirms it will resume funding United Nations relief agency for Palestinians
CTV News, Canada, Australia, New Zealand call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza ahead of Rafah assault
The Maple, The Trudeau government authorized $28 million of new military exports to Israel since October
UN News, UN General Assembly votes by large majority for immediate humanitarian ceasefire during emergency session
The Maple, Two Liberal MPs Break Ranks, Call For Israel Arms Embargo -
Eko: Ban Israel from Olympics - March
Andile,
Gaza has become hell on earth at the hands of the Israeli government. A mass famine looms and STILL Israel faces no consequences.
In days, we can start to change that.
The Olympic Committee has a major meeting in Switzerland next week. We plan to team up with partners in order to meet them, in the streets and in the media, with a powerful call to ban Israel from international sports until further notice – just like they made with Russia 4 days after Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
We know a ban is possible but we can’t win it without you – we'll need an unbelievable amount of pressure to get the Olympic Committee to listen.
If all of us chip in we can launch a mega-campaign to get activists on the ground, buy ads, and plan media-grabbing stunts right outside the Olympic Committee’s upcoming meetings and Olympic qualifying events to make our call impossible to ignore.
This is about more than sports – it’s about starting to hold Israel’s government accountable on the world stage. Can you chip in to demand accountability for the horrors in Gaza?
DONATE $3Donate another amount
It’s unbelievably hypocritical – the Olympic Charter says that the Olympics should "contribute to building a peaceful world..." There is nothing peaceful about genocide and famine. That’s why it’s so important the Olympic Committee follows its OWN rules by banning Israel from the games!
Billions of people globally watch the Olympics – and are watching in horror at what is happening in Gaza. Barring Israel from the world’s biggest television event would send a powerful message that Israel WILL be met with resistance on an international platform.
Over 300 sports teams in Palestine have already demanded action from the Olympic Committee. With your help, we can amplify their voices and pile on the pressure getting campaigners on the ground, printing banners, flyering, buying ads, and renting billboards to put our call right in the Olympic Committee’s face.
But we just have a matter of days to pull this off. For this to work we need the Ekō community to make as big of a splash as possible right now. Can you chip in to make this happen?
DONATE $3Donate another amount
Andile, we know we can use sports to push for justice in Gaza. After Israel's 9-day siege on Gaza in 2021, 140,000 Ekō members like you called one of the world’s biggest sports brands, PUMA, to drop its sponsorship of the Israel Football Association. We met with PUMA’s CEO to deliver our message. And thanks to our collective pressure, and the tireless work of Palestinian solidarity activists over the years, PUMA announced it ended its relationship with Israel’s football federation last year, months after Israel’s current invasion.
Let’s do it again!
Thanks for all that you do,
Angus and the Ekō team
More information:
Palestine Olympic Football Team Coach Killed by Israel in Gaza – Over 1,000 Athletes Killed so far. Palestine Chronicles. 7 January 2024.
These are the sports that Russia has been suspended from. CNN. 7 March 2022.
Israel Not Complying with World Court Order in Genocide Case. Human Rights Watch. 26 February 2024.
Israel is deliberately starving Palestinians, UN rights expert says. The Guardian. 27 February 2024.
Olympics and FIFA: Ban Israel from international sports now. Ekō.
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MoveOn: Reinstate UNRWA funding - MarchDear MoveOn member, Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians—including children—are starving right now in Gaza. The poor and dangerous conditions and restrictions by the Israeli government have halted many of the United Nations' operations. And the situation is only getting more heartbreakingly dire by the day, as hundreds of thousands face a famine.1 More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed because of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's brutal bombardment of Gaza, and hundreds of thousands more are suffering. As we continue to push for a ceasefire, it is urgent that the U.S. resume funding IMMEDIATELY to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the largest humanitarian operation in Gaza. The UNRWA is at its "breaking point" as the crisis worsens.2 Humanitarian organizations like Oxfam and UNICEF have been sounding the alarm for months that the lack of food and water is creating inhumane conditions for innocent civilians. Pregnant people and children are not getting adequate nutrition, resulting in illnesses and death.3 Canada and Sweden just announced that they were resuming UNRWA funding. The United States needs to follow suit and reinstate funding NOW to UNRWA so they can continue humanitarian operations. The UNRWA delivers essential humanitarian aid, including food, water, and hygiene kits, to Palestinians. Tell Congress to resume funding for the UNRWA immediately! Sign the petition The UNRWA is one of the largest U.N programs, with over 30,000 staff.4 The U.S. halted funding in January, after Israeli officials accused a handful of UNRWA staff members of having involvement with Hamas and the attacks on October 7, 2023.5 Despite the lack of evidence in the dossier, the UNRWA swiftly launched an independent investigation and increased standards for transparency and accountability.6,7 Groups warned that cutting UNRWA funding could exacerbate starvation and hunger in Gaza, and that's exactly what has happened. The U.S. is the top funder among countries that provide funding to the UNRWA. Add your name to the petition to demand that your members of Congress resume funding immediately to ensure aid continues to get to starving Palestinians! Devastating photos and stories are flooding the internet about children in northern Gaza who are starving.8,9 The Israeli government has repeatedly cut off and undermined access to food and water, yet the U.S. is still sending billions of dollars in weapons and aid to Israel.10 The scale of harm unfolding in Gaza is indescribable, and we have to do everything we can to stop it. More than 500,000 MoveOn members and the UNRWA have called for a ceasefire. In the meantime, Palestinians need aid NOW. Sign the petition to urge the U.S. to resume funding so that UNRWA can get necessary supplies and resources to Gaza! Sunday was the start of Ramadan, a holy holiday where Muslims break a daily fast with feasts. Yet starvation, hunger, and death loom over Palestinians in Gaza. Click here to demand that the U.S. resume funding of UNRWA immediately, and then share with three friends. Thanks for all you do. –Aliya, Sana, Nakia, Chloe, and the rest of the team Sources: 1. "The 10-Year-Old Boy Who Has Become the Face of Starvation in Gaza," The New York Times, March 9, 2024 https://act.moveon.org/go/188086?t=9&akid=377482%2E52556871%2EMh9kbw 2. "How the Biden Administration Kneecapped the Most Essential Aid Group in Gaza," Mother Jones, March 5, 2024 https://act.moveon.org/go/188087?t=11&akid=377482%2E52556871%2EMh9kbw 3. Ibid. 4. "Organizational Structure," United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, December 13, 2022 https://act.moveon.org/go/188088?t=13&akid=377482%2E52556871%2EMh9kbw 5. "Canada, Sweden resume UNRWA funding; CIA chief meets Mossad head for talks," The Washington Post, March 9, 2024 https://act.moveon.org/go/188089?t=15&akid=377482%2E52556871%2EMh9kbw 6. "'Scandal': Israeli Dossier 'Provides No Evidence' for Claims Against UNRWA Staff," Common Dreams, February 6, 2024 https://act.moveon.org/go/188090?t=17&akid=377482%2E52556871%2EMh9kbw 7. "What we know about Israel's allegations against UN staffers in Gaza," CNN, January 29, 2024 https://act.moveon.org/go/188091?t=19&akid=377482%2E52556871%2EMh9kbw 8. "In Photos: Children in Gaza Ill and Dying for Lack of Food, Say Gaza Doctors," VOA News, March 11, 2024 https://act.moveon.org/go/188092?t=21&akid=377482%2E52556871%2EMh9kbw 9. "The 10-Year-Old Boy Who Has Become the Face of Starvation in Gaza," The New York Times, March 9, 2024 https://act.moveon.org/go/188086?t=23&akid=377482%2E52556871%2EMh9kbw 10. "Israel: Starvation Used as Weapon of War in Gaza," Human Rights Watch, December 18, 2023 https://act.moveon.org/go/188093?t=25&akid=377482%2E52556871%2EMh9kbw
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DeGoedeZaak: No Defence Treaty with Israel - February
English
Translated by Google translate
Dear OPEN
In the months since October, we have all watched with horror and sadness the violence that innocent civilians in Gaza are systematically subjected to by the Israeli army. On February 12, the Court of Appeal in The Hague ruled that the Netherlands must stop the supply of F-35 parts to Israel because of the crimes committed with them [1]. Peace is absolutely necessary, not only Palestinians, but also progressive Israelis are crying out for it. But amid all the violence, and even after this ruling, the Netherlands is poised to expand military cooperation with the Netanyahu government [2]. Help us stop this!
In April 2023, a large majority of the House of Representatives voted in favor of concluding a defense treaty with Israel. The purpose of the treaty is to regulate the legal status of defense personnel of the Netherlands and Israel when present on each other's territory [2]. That may sound innocent, but it is a strengthening of military cooperation with a country that violates human rights. It is unacceptable by all standards to do business with a government that is guilty of excessive violence against a civilian population.
But it can be done differently: the Senate still has to vote on concluding the defense treaty and so we can stop the defense treaty. The Rights Forum, PAX, Stop Wapenhandel and DeGoedeZaak are now launching a new campaign. Will you also sign the petition?
Especially now that we are yearning for a stop to excessive violence, an end to the suffering of innocent civilians, and a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the Netherlands should take a stand against the devastating violence of the Israeli state and thus . The Netherlands owes it a duty to work for a peaceful and sustainable solution to this conflict, and military support and cooperation do not fit in with this, certainly not with this government. Together with The Rights Forum, Stop Wapenhandel and PAX, we therefore ask you to sign a petition to prevent this! Because every day without action from the international community costs lives.
A ceasefire is absolutely necessary and can only be achieved with international pressure on the Israeli government. But even after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel must do everything it can to prevent genocide [3], the Netherlands continues to hold its hand over the Israeli government. The Dutch government continued to supply parts for F-35 fighter aircraft and concluded an arms deal with the Israeli arms company Elbit Systems in 2023 [4]. All this contributes to the unprecedented devastation in Gaza: more than 27 thousand Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 70 percent of whom are women and children. Approximately 1.9 million civilians have been displaced and more than 65 thousand homes have been destroyed [5]. The Netherlands must take action now
The Netherlands is not isolated from violence. Collaborating with an army that kills innocent civilians en masse before everyone's eyes is unacceptable. In the House of Representatives, the majority voted in favor of the defense treaty and the arms deal, but a decision has yet to be made in the Senate. So there is hope! If we sign this petition en masse, we will show the members of the Senate that we do not want to be complicit and we can stop this defense treaty.
We are very concerned about the situation in and around Gaza. A member has previously started a petition with us for a ceasefire, in which we respond to the cry for help from Palestinians and progressive Israelis to stop the violence and release the hostages in Gaza. This is the next step and can really make a difference for more peace and security!
With militant greetings,
Mika from DeGoedeZaak
PS In past emails about violence in Israel and Palestine you received emails from our colleague Marie-Louise. Her internship period has now been completed and we will miss her enormously in our team!
[1] 'The Netherlands must stop the export of F-35 parts to Israel'
[3] 'Interim judgment of the International Court of Justice a clear signal'
[5] On this website you can see the recorded consequences in Gaza
Dutch
Beste OPEN
In de maanden sinds oktober kijken we allemaal met afschuw en verdriet naar het geweld waar onschuldige burgers in Gaza systematisch mee worden geconfronteerd door het Israëlische leger. 12 februari oordeelde het Gerechtshof in Den Haag dat Nederland de levering van F-35-onderdelen aan Israël moet stoppen, vanwege de misdaden die daarmee worden gepleegd [1]. Vrede is absoluut noodzakelijk, daar schreeuwen niet alleen Palestijnen, maar ook progressieve Israëliërs om. Maar temidden van al het geweld, en zelfs na deze uitspraak, staat Nederland op het punt de militaire samenwerking met de regering-Netanyahu uit te breiden [2]. Help ons dit tegen te houden!
In april 2023 stemde een grote meerderheid van de Tweede Kamer voor het sluiten van een defensieverdrag met Israël. Het doel van het verdrag is om de juridische status te regelen van het defensiepersoneel van Nederland en Israël bij aanwezigheid op elkaars grondgebied [2]. Dat klinkt misschien als onschuldig, maar het is een versteviging van de militaire samenwerking met een land dat mensenrechten schendt. Het is naar alle maatstaven onaanvaardbaar om zaken te doen met een regering die zich schuldig maakt aan excessief geweld tegen een burgerbevolking.
Maar het kan anders: de Eerste Kamer moet nog stemmen over het sluiten van het defensieverdrag en dus kunnen we het defensieverdrag tegenhouden. The Rights Forum, PAX, Stop Wapenhandel en DeGoedeZaak komen nu met een nieuwe actie. Teken je ook de petitie?
Juist nu we smachten naar een stop van het excessieve geweld, een eind aan het leed van onschuldige burgers, en een vreedzame en oplossing van het conflict, zou Nederland stelling moeten nemen tegen het verwoestende geweld van de Israëlische staat en het daarmee . Nederland is het aan haar stand verplicht zich in te zetten voor een vreedzame en duurzame oplossing van dit conflict, en daar past militaire steun en samenwerking niet bij, zeker niet met deze regering. Samen met The Rights Forum, Stop Wapenhandel en PAX vragen wij je daarom een petitie te ondertekenen om dit te voorkomen! Want elke dag zonder actie vanuit de internationale gemeenschap kost mensenlevens.
Een staakt-het-vuren is absoluut noodzakelijk en alleen te bereiken met internationale druk op de Israëlische regering. Maar zelfs nadat het Internationaal Gerechtshof (ICJ) oordeelde dat Israël er alles aan moet doen om genocide te voorkomen [3], blijft Nederland de Israëlische regering de hand boven het hoofd houden. De Nederlandse regering bleef onderdelen voor F-35 gevechtsvliegtuigen leveren en heeft in 2023 een wapendeal gesloten met het Israelische wapenbedrijf Elbit Systems [4]. Dit alles draagt bij aan de ongekende verwoesting in Gaza: sinds 7 oktober zijn ruim 27 duizend Palestijnen gedood, van wie 70 procent vrouwen en kinderen. Circa 1,9 miljoen burgers zijn ontheemd, ruim 65 duizend woningen zijn verwoest [5]. Nederland moet nu actie nemen
Nederland staat niet buiten het geweld. Samenwerken met een leger dat onder ieders ogen massaal onschuldige burgerslachtoffers maakt, is onacceptabel. In de Tweede Kamer stemde de meerderheid voor het defensieverdrag en de wapendeal, maar in de Eerste Kamer is nu moet nog een besluit worden genomen. Er is dus hoop! Als we massaal deze petitie tekenen, laten we aan Eerste Kamerleden zien dat wij niet medeplichtig willen zijn en kunnen we dit defensieverdrag stoppen.
We maken ons grote zorgen om de situatie in en rond Gaza. Al eerder heeft een lid bij ons een petitie gestart voor een staakt-het-vuren, waarin we gehoor geven aan de noodkreet van Palestijnen en progressieve Israëliërs om het geweld te stoppen en de gijzelaars in Gaza vrij te laten. Dit is de volgende stap en kan echt verschil maken voor meer vrede en veiligheid!
Met strijdbare groet,
Mika van DeGoedeZaak
P.S. In verleden mails over het geweld in Israël en Palestina kreeg je mails van onze collega Marie-Louise. Haar stageperiode is ondertussen afgerond en we gaan haar enorm missen in ons team!
[1] ‘Nederland moet de uitvoer van F-35-onderdelen naar Israël stoppen’
[3] 'Tussenvonnis van Internationaal Gerechtshof duidelijk signaal'
[5] Op deze website zie je de geregistreerde gevolgen in Gaza
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ActionStation: Poster Action for CeaseFire - February [with resource links]
Kia ora OPEN,
As the Israeli military continues its bombardment and siege on the people of Gaza and throughout Palestine, and as the US government continues its support by sending weapons and bombs to Netanyahu to drop on civilians, the world is being called upon to act.
And millions have. Throughout our world we are seeing an enormous uprising of people calling for an end to the violence and for justice and freedom for Palestinians.
While countries like South Africa set examples of leadership toward peace and justice- our government continues its course between refusal to act in any meaningful way, and outright support for the United States and Israel, such as through withdrawing UNRWA funding, and deploying troops to the red sea (without any consultation with parliament).
This is taking Aotearoa down a path not seen before. Where we have historically come down on the side of international peace and justice, we are, in this moment, being drawn into the United States militarised imperialist project- and the public have not had a say.
Despite over a hundred days of marches, demonstrations, letters and emails, our government continues to ignore the call of ordinary people throughout Aotearoa for us to do all we can to prevent further loss of life and devastation for Palestinians.. That’s why we need to mix it up, and do whatever we can to continue to build, and show support for action now. Hundreds of thousands of people in the ActionStation community want to see a ceasefire, and if all of us make a statement together the noise will be impossible to ignore.
We are asking you to take action today, and print and put up this poster, on your fence or in your front window, to show that we as a country will not be complicit, that Aotearoa is calling for a ceasefire now.
The action is simple:
Step 1: Go to this folder
Step 2: Download and print the poster
Step 3: Put it up on your fence, front window or lawn
Step 4: Post it to social media (either facebook, twitter or instagram) and tag ActionStation, Winston Peters and Christopher Luxon. If you don’t use social media you can email us a photo to team@actionstation.org.nz
NB: If you can’t print, you can copy the design- we’ve made it simple so that people can recreate it by hand!
With enough public support, we can show that the majority of people in Aotearoa want to see a ceasefire, and pressure our elected officials to act now to end the bombardment.
Kia kaha e hoa mā- our solidarity is our power.
Nā,
Grace, and the team at ActionStation
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DeGoedeZaak: CeaseFire Now (ICJ case) - February
English
Translated by Google translate
Dear OPEN
The dire situation in Gaza is getting worse by the day. There has been a constant stream of violence for months, affecting many innocent civilians. More than 25,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7 and more than 2 million people are in immediate danger. My heart breaks when I see the images and hear the stories. Last Friday, the International Court of Justice in The Hague underlined the seriousness of the situation with a strict interim ruling against the Israeli government. [1]
The Israeli government must do everything it can to prevent civilian casualties. We therefore fully support the ruling of the International Court of Justice and call for an immediate ceasefire. It is inconceivable that the Dutch government, on the other hand, continues to support the actions of the Israeli government. A position that is cynically taken mainly in the interest of Rutte, in the hunt for his next job as NATO Secretary General. [2]
It was already incomprehensible that the Netherlands kept aloof and did not speak out, but since the ruling of the International Court of Justice, as a government you have no choice but to speak out against the disproportionate violence. More than 5,000 people already support Abdelkader Nassiri's citizens' initiative at DeGoedeZaak: a petition calling for a ceasefire. Because every day that the international community remains divided, there are civilian casualties.
Do you also support the call for a ceasefire in Gaza?
A ceasefire is only the beginning. Every day there are new victims and more people are displaced. Gaza cannot wait for peace and yet the Netherlands is doing far too little to improve the situation. In fact, the Netherlands says it supports the ruling of the International Court of Justice, but at the same time chooses to suspend financing of the UN aid organization UNRWA. [4] This organization is vital to the survival of many Gazans.
We are also taking action. Military cooperation between the Netherlands and Israel may become even closer and we can prevent that. The Senate is now considering a proposal for a military cooperation treaty, something that is incompatible with a peaceful solution for Israel and Gaza. We will get back to you soon with how you can participate. At the same time, we also understand that you want to do something now. Therefore, sign the call for a ceasefire!
Something changed on Friday. Now that the International Court of Justice has also ruled that the Palestinian people in Gaza should no longer be affected by this conflict, the Netherlands has no choice but, like other countries, to speak out in favor of a ceasefire. Together we can make this happen.
With greetings,
Mika from DeGoedeZaak
[1]: 'Interim judgment of the International Court of Justice is a clear signal'
[2]: Our director Jurjen and campaigner Renske recently wrote an opinion article about Mark Rutte's drive for action
[3]: The choice to suspend financing is criticized by the Red Cross, among others
Dutch
Beste OPEN
De schrijnende situatie in Gaza wordt met de dag erger. Al maanden is er een constante stroom van geweld gaande die veel onschuldige burgers raakt. Er zijn sinds 7 oktober meer dan 25.000 mensen in Gaza omgekomen en meer dan 2 miljoen mensen verkeren in acuut gevaar. Mijn hart breekt wanneer ik de beelden voorbij zie komen en de verhalen hoor. Afgelopen vrijdag onderstreepte het Internationaal Gerechtshof in Den Haag de ernst van de situatie met een strenge tussentijdse uitspraak tegen de Israëlische regering. [1]
De Israëlische overheid moet er alles aan doen om burgerslachtoffers te voorkomen. Wij scharen ons daarmee volledig achter de uitspraak van het Internationaal Gerechtshof en roepen op tot een onmiddellijk staakt-het-vuren. Het is onvoorstelbaar dat de Nederlandse overheid daarentegen telkens weer een hand in het vuur blijft steken voor het handelen van de Israëlische overheid. Een houding die cynisch genoeg vooral wordt ingenomen in het belang van Rutte, op jacht naar zijn volgende baan als NAVO secretaris-generaal. [2]
Het was al niet te begrijpen dat Nederland zich afzijdig hield en niet uitspreekt, maar sinds de uitspraak van het Internationaal Gerechtshof kan je als regering niet anders dan je uitspreken tegen het disproportionele geweld. Al meer dan 5000 mensen steunen het burgerinitiatief van Abdelkader Nassiri bij DeGoedeZaak: een petitie die oproept tot een staakt-het-vuren. Want elke dag dat de internationale gemeenschap verdeeld blijft, vallen er burgerslachtoffers.
Steun jij ook de oproep voor een Staakt-het-Vuren in Gaza?
Een staakt-het-vuren is pas het begin. Elke dag vallen er nieuwe slachtoffers en raken nog meer mensen ontheemd. Gaza kan niet wachten op vrede en toch doet Nederland veel te weinig om de situatie te verbeteren. Sterker nog, Nederland zegt zich achter de uitspraak van het Internationaal Gerechtshof te scharen, maar kiest er tegelijkertijd voor om de financiering van de VN-hulporganisatie UNRWA op te schorten. [4] Deze organisatie is van levensbelang voor de overleving van veel Gazanen.
Wij komen ook in actie. De militaire samenwerking tussen Nederland en Israël wordt mogelijk nog hechter en dat kunnen we voorkomen. De Eerste Kamer beraadt zich nu op een voorstel voor een militair samenwerkingsverdrag, iets wat onverenigbaar is met een vreedzame oplossing voor Israël en Gaza. We komen snel bij je terug met hoe je hieraan mee kunt doen. Tegelijkertijd begrijpen we ook dat je nú iets wil doen. Teken daarom de oproep voor een staakt-het-vuren!
Er is vrijdag iets veranderd. Nu ook het Internationaal Gerechtshof zich heeft uitgesproken dat het Palestijnse volk in Gaza niet meer geraakt mag worden door dit conflict kan Nederland niet anders dan, net als andere landen, zich uitspreken voor een staakt-het-vuren. Samen kunnen we dit voor elkaar krijgen.
Met strijdbare groet,
Mika van DeGoedeZaak
[1]: 'Tussenvonnis van Internationaal Gerechtshof duidelijk signaal'
[2]: Onze directeur Jurjen en campaigner Renske schreven onlangs een opinieartikel over de de dadendrang van Mark Rutte
[3]: De keuze om de financiering op te schorten wordt onder andere door het rode kruis bekritiseerd
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Uplift: Ireland to back ICJ Court Case - January
Dear OPEN
In a few hours, doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers will deliver a petition to Micheál Martin’s office — demanding that this government back the case in the International Court of Justice accusing the Israeli government of genocide. [1]
Close to 30,000 people have been killed in Gaza, from indiscriminate bombing, starvation, lack of shelter and water. [2] It's been called a genocide by countless genocide experts around the world. [3]
Michael Martin is under massive pressure — he knows that despite his recent calls for a ceasefire, this government is sitting on the fence, by refusing to hold Israel to account for its crimes. [4]
A huge petition signed by thousands of us, backing the healthcare workers, will show Micheál Martin that he can’t brush it under the carpet. But you need to hurry The, they’re delivering the petition in a few hours.
So, if you agree that Ireland should join South Africa in prosecuting the Israeli government for its war crimes in Gaza, then sign and share the petition now.
Here’s what Angela from Healthcare Workers Against Genocide says:
“We watch with horror the conditions that our colleagues in Gaza are facing, trying to save lives despite extremely limited medical equipment and resources, and with the basic needs for life (water, food, sanitation) now in jeopardy, while their own families and children are being killed.”
Already, 1,724 of us have got behind healthcare workers and signed their petition. Can you sign too, before 4pm today too?
Uplift members have worked hard to do all we can to push for a ceasefire. Thousands of us pressured Micheál Martin to back a Uniting for Peace Resolution at the UN. [5] We’ve teamed up with Palestinian campaigners to stop Meta suppressing Palestinian voices. [6] And we’ve worked with our sister organisation, Act Now in Northern Ireland, to run ads in an Irish-American newspaper calling on Joe Biden to bring a ceasefire. [7]
More power to you,
Brian and the Uplift team
P.S: Are you in Dublin? Can you join the Healthcare Workers as they deliver their petition to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Iveagh House, Stephen’s Green at 4:30pm today?
NOTES:
[1] Will South Africa's genocide case against Israel succeed? & What is the ICJ and what is South Africa’s claim against Israel? | The Guardian
[2] Gaza media office: Nearly 30,000 people killed or missing in Israeli attacks | Middle East Eye & Three Palestinians shot dead by Israeli forces in West Bank, says health ministry | The Guardian
[3] Is What's Happening in Gaza a Genocide? Experts Weigh In | TIME
[4] Ireland accused of ‘double standards’ on ICJ case against Israel | Irish Legal News
[5] Actions for Gaza | Uplift & Here are countries that voted for and against the U.N. Gaza cease-fire resolution | The Washington Post
[6] Meta Stop Censoring Palestine | Uplift
[7] Open Letter to Joe Biden: Ceasefire in Gaza Now! | Uplift
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MoveOn: Investigate the targeted killings of journalists in Gaza - January
Dear MoveOn member,
Media and human rights organizations are sounding the alarms on the killing of journalists over the past three months of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign of indiscriminate bombardment in Gaza. By one estimate, 1 out of every 10 journalists in Gaza has been killed, making it the single-biggest death toll for journalists in a conflict zone in years.1,2
More than 82 Palestinian and media workers have been confirmed killed in Gaza since October 7, with dozens more injured, missing, or detained according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Journalists reporting in Gaza have experienced multiple assaults, threats, arrests, cyberattacks, censorship, and killings of family members.3
Enough! We need an investigation into the targeted killings of journalists in Gaza NOW.
The stories of these deaths have been heartbreaking. Two months after finding out that his wife, son, daughter, and grandson were killed in an Israeli airstrike while he was delivering a live report, Wael Al Dahdouh, Al Jazeera Gaza bureau chief and one of the most recognized faces reporting from Gaza, lost a fifth family member this weekend. His son, Hamza Al Dahdouh, a 27-year-old journalist, was killed by an Israeli missile strike along with fellow journalist Mustafa Thuraya. They were traveling by car for an assignment in Southern Gaza, a designated safe area by the Israeli military, in order to interview civilians displaced by previous bombings.4,5
At his son's funeral, Wael Al Dahdouh said, "Hamza was not just part of me. He was the whole of me. He was the soul of my soul. These are tears of sadness, of loss. These are tears of humanity." Journalists and media workers like Wael Al Dahdouh have endured so much loss, suffering, grief, and trauma.
This is not the first case of a Palestinian journalist being unjustly targeted and killed while reporting from the Palestinian territories. Shireen Abu Akleh, a prominent Palestinian-American journalist, was killed in Jenin in 2022 by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which the Israeli government denied responsibility for until multiple findings by media and rights groups showed proof disputing the IDF's claims.6
Journalists wear a press vest meant to identify them in a conflict zone so that they're not unintentionally killed while accessing areas and events otherwise dangerous for civilians. However, multiple journalists reporting from Gaza and the West Bank openly expressed that the vests actually make them easier targets, some sharing they refuse to wear them out of safety concerns.7
The reality is that journalists are some of the only voices coming out of Gaza, often reporting on what the world wouldn't otherwise see or know.
Journalists must be protected. This is a core value of democracy and international human rights. Their objectivity and coverage don’t just bring the truth to light, they often provide the light necessary to help bring about an end to some of the darkest chapters in human history.
We must protect the freedom of the press and ensure that journalists are not targeted for reporting the truth.
Thanks for all you do.
–Mana, Madeleine, Sana, Jensine, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "Israel's Gaza war leads to a massacre of journalists," The Washington Post, January 9, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/185834?t=8&akid=373438% 2E52556871%2Ed3__mj 2. "Israel's Gaza war leads to a massacre of journalists," Stars and Stripes, January 9, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/185835?t=10&akid=373438% 2E52556871%2Ed3__mj 3. "Journalist casualties in the Israel-Gaza war," Committee to Protect Journalists, January 10, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/185833?t=12&akid=373438% 2E52556871%2Ed3__mj 4. "Two journalists killed in Gaza, including Al Jazeera bureau chief's son," The Hill, January 8, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/185831?t=14&akid=373438% 2E52556871%2Ed3__mj 5. "Hamza, son of Al Jazeera's Wael Dahdouh, killed in Israeli attack in Gaza," Al Jazeera, January 7, 2024
https://act.moveon.org/go/185832?t=16&akid=373438% 2E52556871%2Ed3__mj 6. "Israel Defense Forces apologizes for death of Al Jazeera's Shireen Abu Akleh for the first time," CNN, May 12, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/185830?t=18&akid=373438% 2E52556871%2Ed3__mj 7. "It's Time for Gaza's Journalists to Be Treated Like the Heroes They Are," The Nation, December 12, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/185836?t=20&akid=373438% 2E52556871%2Ed3__mj -
Upiift: EuroVision and Israel - January
Dear OPEN
It's all over the internet; Iceland is on the verge of pulling out of the Eurovision, unless Israel is kicked out, because of the indiscriminate killing of people in Gaza. [1]
Now, artists are calling for Ireland to do the same. They’ve started a petition that's growing fast and getting loads of attention. So, before tomorrow — when Ireland’s act for the Eurovision will be selected on the Late Late Show — let’s get everyone signing the petition to demand the exclusion of Israel from the show. [2]
When Russia was kicked out of the Eurovision a few years ago, there was unanimous support from governments and people across the world. [3] RTÉ are already under pressure to drop the show. If we can double the size of our petition, it could be enough to force RTÉ bosses to pull the plug.
The, if you agree that Israel should be barred from taking part in the 2024 Eurovision, sign the Irish Artists For Palestine petition.
Here is what Irish Artists For Palestine say about why they started their petition:
“The Eurovision Song Contest is celebrated for its diversity and unity, but this is contradicted by its decision to include Israel despite ongoing human rights violations in Palestine.”
Already, 7,942 people have signed the petition calling for Israel to be barred from taking part in the 2024 Eurovision.
Will you sign too, The?
It might seem like a tall task, but we’ve proven time and time again that people-power works. Already this week, we’ve seen Cork County Council agree to ban all trade with Israel until they stop breaking humanitarian law. And together we have put the spotlight on how Meta is suppressing Palestinian voices on Facebook.
More power to you,
Patrick and the Uplift team
P.S: If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford even €5 or €10 to make a difference, click here. You can also chip in over the phone 01 513 3043 or by post to Uplift - People Powered Change, 13 North Main Street, Cork, T12 Y6W0.
NOTES:
[1] Iceland Delays Eurovision Decision Amid Gaza Concerns
[2] Eurosong 2024: Everything you need to know about the Late Late Show special
[3] Eurovision chief says Russia ban stands for ‘ultimate values of democracy’
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LeadNow: UNRWA funding be restored - January
OPEN, Canada has suspended funding for UNRWA, the UN agency providing humanitarian aid to the majority of Palestinians in Gaza. [1]
On Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that it is “plausible” that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and ordered the Israeli government to take interim measures to prevent genocidal acts. The ICJ said this should include the provision of urgently needed humanitarian aid and basic services. [2]
As a signatory to the Genocide Convention, Canada has a duty to uphold international law and prevent genocide. Instead, the Canadian government has paused its funding for UNRWA, based on Israel’s allegations that 12 UNRWA employees participated in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The accused were immediately fired and a thorough investigation has been launched. [3]
This morning, Canada announced new funding to other aid organizations — but the vital work UNRWA does cannot be replaced. [4,5] As McGill Chair of Middle East Studies, Rex Brynen, put it, "It is inconceivable that any other aid agency on the planet could currently do what UNRWA is doing in Gaza.” UNRWA currently has 13,000 employees in Gaza and functions as the primary aid organization providing food, shelter and healthcare to over 2 million Palestinian refugees.
With over 26,000 Gazans killed, tens of thousands more injured and in need of life-saving critical care and the entire population at risk for starvation, Canada’s decision to cut UNRWA funding is a matter of life or death in Gaza and amounts to collective punishment.
Will you send a message to Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and demand Canada reinstate funding to UNRWA immediately to enable essential humanitarian aid and prevent famine in Gaza?Send a message
OPEN, the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has confirmed that the grave allegations against the UN workers are being taken seriously, and they could face criminal prosecution.
As the investigation unfolds, he is appealing to countries to reverse cuts to UNRWA, making clear that “the tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized. The dire needs of the desperate populations they serve must be met.” [6]
UNRWA will run out of funding within the month, and will become unable to provide food, shelter, and healthcare to the 2 million people in Gaza who depend on them for survival. [7] We cannot let Canada remain complicit in worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Thousands of individuals organizing together have continued to add pressure to push for peace and protect life in Gaza. Can you take 1 minute and send your message to Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, demanding that Canada steps up and funds UNRWA and upholds our duty to human rights and international law?I'm not taking this action because... For screenreaders: https://act.leadnow.ca/unrwa-
funding-cm/
In solidarity,
Aidan and Rivka, for Leadnow
Sources:
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/unrwa-israel-raids- investigations-1.7095676
[2] https://www.npr.org/2024/01/26/1227078791/icj-israel- genocide-gaza-palestinians- south-africa
[3] https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2024-01- 28/statement-the-secretary- general-unrwa
[4] https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-after- pausing-funding-to-unrwa- canada-will-send-another-40- million-in/
[5] https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/gaza-unrwa-funding-aid-1. 7097145
[6] https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/01/1145987
[7] https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-hams-unrwa-funding-1. 7097715
2023 Emails
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ActionStation - 30 November - A Pause is not a CeaseFire (Divert email)
Kia ora OPEN
Here at ActionStation, we believe that everyone should have the right to live without the threat of violence. To be able to put their children to bed at night knowing they are safe from harm.
But right now in Gaza, the lives of over two million people, half of them children, are at risk from attacks ordered by the Israeli Government once the current temporary pause in fighting ends. This is after 50 days of constant and violent bombardment, on the backdrop of life under an apartheid regime1 and decades of occupation2 and military repression3.
That’s why we collaborated with Amnesty International and Save the Children to publish a front-page newspaper ad in yesterday’s Post, calling on Prime Minister Christoper Luxon to support an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
Around the world, we have shown up in our millions on the streets, to show our elected leaders that people want to see a permanent end to the violence. Here in Aotearoa, thousands of us have rallied for weeks, with events and hui throughout the country, and no sign of slowing down. It is crucial we keep showing up, growing support and moving together – and many are looking for more ways that they can support the movement for a free Palestine.
This is where Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS)4 comes in. For those not familiar with it, it is a Palestinian-led movement, modelled after strategies used to protest apartheid in South Africa. It takes aim at those economically benefiting from the occupation of, and apartheid regime within Palestine.
We’ve teamed up with MindfulMoney to help you take action for BDS in Aotearoa.
Right now, 416 KiwiSaver and investment funds invest in companies that either support, or profit from, illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine. MindfulMoney have created a simple way to help you check if your KiwiSaver is one of them.
Here’s all you need to do:
- Go to www.mindfulmoney.nz and search your KiwiSaver fund by clicking on ‘check fund’. Click on fund details, and look out for the tank symbol. Cross check this with the list of companies here.
- Email or call your Kiwisaver fund to ask them to divest.
- Divest by choosing a KiwiSaver that aligns with your values.
Our actions matter. KiwiSaver fund manager Simplicity chose to divest from four Israeli banks5 because people got in touch sharing their concerns about these banks' role in financing illegal settlements.
If enough of us move our savings, it will impact the investment that goes into corporations supporting human rights violations. If ‘business as usual’ is disrupted in the investment sector, it has the power to add pressure on our decision makers to take a strong and unwavering stance for peace and justice.
So kia kaha e hoa mā. Keep showing up. For Palestine, and for a more just world for us all.
In solidarity,
Ella Grace and the team at ActionStation
References:
- Let’s talk Israeli apartheid for beginners, @letstalkpalestine, Instagram, accessed Thursday 30 November 2023
- Israel's Occupation: 50 years of dispossession, Amnesty International, accessed Thursday 30 November 2023
- A Threshold Crossed, Human Rights Watch, accessed Thursday 30 November 2023
- Unite Now to Stop #Gazagenocide and Start Dismantling Israeli Apartheid! BDS Movement, accessed Thursday 30 November 2023
- Simplicity pulling shares from Israeli banks not 'political stance', RNZ, accessed Thursday 30 November 2023
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LeadNow- 23 November - CeaseFire Now [send fax to MP]
OPEN, right now, my heart is in Gaza.
Over the past days and weeks, I’ve watched with profound grief as the civilian death toll in Gaza has mounted – now at 14,532; 6,000 of them children. It’s a situation beyond horror. [1,2]
Here’s what’s giving me hope: since the war began, Canadians have been turning out in the hundreds of thousands – protesting, occupying offices, sending countless emails and phone calls – to demand an immediate ceasefire.
And we’re breaking through. After weeks of silence, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly recently acknowledged the need to “work for a ceasefire” – and in a speech earlier last week, Prime Minister Trudeau urged Israel to employ “maximum restraint” to protect civilian life. [3,4]
Our pressure is working. But Canada has yet to endorse a ceasefire on the international stage – and we can’t stop until they do. Holly, will you send a fax to your MP right now, calling for an immediate ceasefire? All it takes is the click of a button!At Leadnow, we condemn all violence against civilians and grieve for the thousands of lives lost. We call for a ceasefire and an end to the occupation of Palestine with the same breath we use to call for the safe release and return of Israeli and other foreign national civilian captives held by Hamas in Gaza, and Palestinian civilians who have been illegally detained in Israel.
Canada has a critical role to play in applying the international pressure needed to protect tens of thousands of civilian lives – and there’s no time to wait.
We’ve been hearing reports that some MPs’ inboxes and voicemails are completely full with messages from people like you. We’re getting through – but MPs need to understand that we won’t let up until Canada endorses a ceasefire. That’s why we’ve come up with a plan to help you contact your representative in a way they might not be expecting. Holly, will you send a fax now?https://act.leadnow.ca/
ceasefire-fax/
In solidarity,
Kate and Maggie for Leadnow
P.S. If you're looking for more actions to take in solidarity with Palestine, check out our action sheet here.
Sources
[1] https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2023/ gaza-rising-death-toll- civilians/
[2] https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza- hospital-1.7027521
[3] https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/canada- agrees-on-need-to-work-for-a- ceasefire-in-israel-hamas-war- m-lanie/article_e0ef56b1-a6de- 59e6-b901-b81f0b3e3dfc.html
[4] https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/11/15/no-canadians- appear-in-todays-list-of- approved-names-for-rafah- border-crossing/ -
Avaaz - 1 November - Cease fire petition
Dear friends,
Over 9,000 people are dead in Palestine and Israel. A child in Gaza is being killed every 10 minutes. This is absolute madness and it is getting worse. As Israel's closest ally, the American president holds the key to a ceasefire that would prevent thousands more from dying -- sign this urgent call for peace and we'll deliver it to President Biden and in media across the world.
ADD YOUR NAME Dear President Biden and global leaders,
How many more children must die before you support the global call for a ceasefire?
How many are enough?
As people from across the world, we call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the blockade in Gaza.
Stop raining death on innocent people.
Ceasefire NOW!
ADD YOUR NAME Over 2 million people live in Gaza, and almost 50% are children under 18. The blockade has left them largely without drinking water, food or fuel. This is illegal under international law. Hospitals are operating on wounded civilians without anesthesia. Imagine - screaming, wounded children with no painkillers to help them.
This isn't a targeted strike on Hamas -- it's the collective punishment of an entire people.
The Israeli people are also in danger. After the horrors committed by Hamas, their far-right, Trump-like Prime Minister is drawing them into a war that could take years and thousands more lives. Standing with Israeli citizens does not mean standing with PM Netanyahu or supporting a cruel war that will make everyone less safe.
With key governments, like the US, giving Netanyahu the greenlight to plunge into war, the hawks of war are louder than the voices for peace. And that is one thing we can help change if we act together -- demanding the leadership we need to bring security and justice to both sides.
Join the massive call to STOP this insanity before it's too late. Add your voice below and Avaaz will put our message in ads around the world and deliver it directly to key heads of state.There is no liberation for any of us when we let this kind of harm come to innocent people, and we all have a role to play in stopping it. We can be the people who choose justice over revenge. Who choose life over death. Who choose peace over war. Let’s call the world to its senses together!
With hope and determination,
Nell, Abdelrahman, Alice, Fadi, Christoph, John, Kanika, Lily, Mo and the rest of the Avaaz teamMore information: - Israel moves to "new phase" of war with Hamas in major incursion in Gaza (Axios)
- The space for peace and Jewish-Arab solidarity is shrinking in wartime Israel (NPR)
- UN General Assembly adopts Gaza resolution calling for immediate and sustained ‘humanitarian truce’ (UN News)
- Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel - reported impact | Day 23 (OCHA)
- What is Gaza’s Ministry of Health and how does it calculate the war’s death toll? (AP)
- Gaza has become a graveyard for thousands of children (UNICEF)
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le mouvement - 30 October - Cease fire petition
English
Translated by Google Translate
Hello Open,
I'm not telling you anything by telling you that this month of October was particularly complicated and hard due to the situation in the Middle East. This is mainly what this newsletter will be about.
Do you know Zazim?
This is the Israeli organization which belongs to the same network as ours (yes the movement is a member of the O PEN network which brings together citizen mobilization organizations in 20 countries and on 6 continents).
It is thanks to Raluca (the director) and her team that we followed the rise of the far-right and the intensification of colonization in Israel, two scourges against which the organization fights on a daily basis. It’s here if you want to take a look at their campaigns and the statement they signed with several other Israeli organizations denouncing the current blockade of Gaza which will bring “neither justice, nor relief, nor calm”.
They made this appeal despite the fact that in their team, some members lost loved ones, others were kidnapped. It is proof that there is still humanity and clairvoyance in some of us.
And in the movement, what did we do?
You may know because many of you signed it (more than 25,000), we launched a petition to ask for an immediate ceasefire like many other organizations, particularly humanitarian organizations. In Gaza, a large majority of the victims are women and children and it was impossible for us to remain idly faced with the death of so many innocent civilians in this asymmetrical conflict.
You also contacted your deputies using our tool, more than 2000 emails were sent. It is urgent to make it known that the Israeli colonial and far-right government cannot continue its policy of deadly revenge. If you have not yet signed the petition or contacted your MP, it is still possible here .
You know, we are a small team and you can always support our actions if you feel like it and your wallet allows you to do so.
To finish
As you know, we have a habit of ending our newsletter with a little touch of inspiration or positive news. The current context makes things (even) more complicated than usual, but let us remember that the EU has requested “humanitarian corridors” in Gaza and the establishment of “breaks” to respond to the numerous needs there. In the meantime, we can continue to inform ourselves about the situation, talk about it around us, join in the actions that affect us and continue to hope for a future of justice and freedom in Palestine and the Middle East.
Latifa for ~ the movement
French
Bonjour Open,
Je ne vous apprends rien en vous disant que ce mois d’octobre a été particulièrement compliqué et dur en raison de la situation au Proche-Orient. C’est principalement de cela dont il va être question dans cette newsletter.
Vous connaissez Zazim ?
Il s’agit de l’organisation israélienne qui appartient au même réseau que le nôtre (oui le mouvement est membre du réseau OPEN network qui regroupe des organisations de mobilisation citoyenne dans 20 pays et sur 6 continents).
C’est grâce à Raluca (la directrice) et son équipe que nous suivions la montée de l’extrême-droite et l’intensification de la colonisation en Israël, deux fléaux contre lesquels l’organisation se bat au quotidien. C’est par ici si vous voulez jeter un œil à leurs campagnes et au communiqué qu’ils ont signé avec plusieurs autres organisations israéliennes dénonçant le blocus actuel de Gaza qui ne ramènera « ni justice, ni soulagement, ni calme ».
Ils ont lancé cet appel malgré le fait que dans leur équipe, certains membres ont perdu des proches, d’autres ont été kidnappés. C’est une preuve qu’il existe encore de l’humanité et de la clairvoyance chez certains d’entre nous.
Et au ~ mouvement, qu’est-ce qu’on a fait ?
Vous le savez peut-être car vous avez été nombreux à la signer (plus de 25 000), nous avons lancé une pétition pour demander un cessez-le-feu immédiat comme de nombreuses autres organisations, notamment humanitaires. A Gaza, une grande majorité des victimes sont des femmes et des enfants et il nous était impossible de rester les bras croisés devant la mort de tant de civils innocents dans ce conflit si asymétrique.
Vous avez aussi interpellé vos députés grâce à notre outil, plus de 2000 mails ont été envoyés. Il est urgent de faire savoir que le gouvernement colonial et d’extrême-droite israélien ne peut pas continuer sa politique de vengeance mortifère. Si vous n’avez pas encore signé la pétition ou interpellé votre député, c’est toujours possible ici.
Vous le savez, nous sommes une petite équipe et vous pouvez toujours soutenir nos actions si le cœur vous en dit et que votre portefeuille vous le permet.
Pour finir
Vous le savez, nous avons pour habitude de terminer notre newsletter par une petite touche d’inspiration ou de nouvelle positive. Le contexte actuel rend la chose (encore) plus compliqué que d’habitude mais retenons que l’UE a demandé des « couloirs humanitaires » à Gaza et l’instauration de « pauses » pour répondre aux nombreux besoins sur place. En attendant, nous pouvons continuer à nous informer sur la situation, en parler autour de nous, nous joindre aux actions qui nous touchent et continuer à espérer un avenir de justice et de liberté en Palestine et au Proche-Orient.
Latifa pour ~ le mouvement
-
MoveOn - 27 October - AOC cease fire email
Will you sign the petition to prevent more Palestinians and Israelis from being killed?
Dear Open,
This is Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. I’m writing to you today because there is a humanitarian crisis happening in Gaza, where over 2 million Palestinians—half of which are children—have had their access to food, water, and humanitarian aid under near total blockade for weeks. The UN has reported that 42% of homes in Gaza have been destroyed by an escalating campaign of bombardment, and the death toll has risen to 7,028 Palestinians, including 2,665 children.
We cannot sit by and allow further destruction of human life. We must focus on protecting innocent, civilian lives at stake by calling for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation of violence.
Sign the petition now to demand a ceasefire to protect innocent civilian lives.
Congress must hear loud and clear that the majority of Americans—80% of Democrats, and 66% of Americans overall, according to a new poll by Data for Progress—support the ceasefire, and want to move towards a peaceful solution that values human rights.1
For decades, MoveOn members have been a pillar of resistance against war and have shown us that, when we use our voices collectively, we can win a just solution grounded in human dignity.
Palestinian and Israeli lives are at stake, Open. We must build on our collective humanity and call for a ceasefire today.
In solidarity,
Alexandria Ocasio-CortezSource:
1. "Voters Agree the U.S. Should Call for a Ceasefire and De-Escalation of Violence in Gaza to Prevent Civilian Deaths," Data for Progress, October 20, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184872?t=7&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw
Dear MoveOn member,
The recent violence against civilians by Hamas and the military response by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has already killed over 3,000 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis and wounded thousands more, with hundreds of people held hostage and hundreds more missing.2,3 If you’re heartbroken, you are not alone. We can hold space in our hearts to mourn these deaths, while also taking action to call on U.S. policymakers to use their power to do everything they can to stop all further loss of innocent lives.
Will you join in solidarity and sign the petition?
As the whole world grapples with the escalated violence in Israel and Palestine, the Israeli government has stopped all food, fuel, water, electricity, and humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza, and this has already had devastating impacts on over 2 million people, half of whom are children.4,5
The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees just announced that "Gaza is running dry," and hospitals in Gaza reported that their backup generators would soon run out of fuel, cutting off life support and vital systems.
This action has exacerbated the existing humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli government's air, land, and sea blockade and will likely result in catastrophic loss of life if continued. Nearly half of Gaza's residents are under the age of 16, and 65% are under the age of 25, effectively meaning that Palestinian children are bearing the brunt of the Israeli government’s collective punishment.
President Biden and our leaders must publicly call for an immediate ceasefire and deescalation; demand the protection of all civilians, including securing the release of hostages; and tell the Israeli government to turn on electricity in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid for Palestinians to enter!
While the Biden administration is close to an aid agreement with Israeli government officials to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and establish ‘safe zones,’ there is still no action or plan in place. The United Nations and aid organizations are sounding an alarm that conditions in Gaza are dire right now. There is no time to spare. A military response from Israel will not secure the safety of those currently hostage or trapped, some of whom are Americans, and instead punishes a generation of young Palestinians living in Gaza.
Netanyahu, facing mounting pressure and polling the lowest among Israeli voters, has led decades of policies that have resulted in no more peace or safety for Israelis. The Biden administration must call for a ceasefire and urge Netanyahu to do everything in his power to reunite hostages with their loved ones without putting more lives in danger.
Israelis and Palestinians must not be bargaining chips, and their lives must be protected through diplomacy and new solutions.
Will you join thousands and take action by signing the petition?
The Israeli government is preparing a massive ground attack of Gaza as you read this, and they have already been targeting and bombing civilians in their attacks, which is a violation of international law.6,7,8,9,10
This comes as Israel dropped tens of thousands of leaflets from the sky to issue an evacuation order to Gazans living in the northern Gaza Strip, telling 1.1 million Palestinian residents to evacuate south within 24 hours, which the U.N. said would be impossible without devastating humanitarian consequences.11,12 Then, despite naming which routes would be safe for evacuation, the Israeli government bombed Palestinians evacuating.13
Humanity and millions of human lives are at stake here. We must collectively act now to stop loss of life. Sign the petition to demand that U.S. policymakers act now to do everything they can to stop all loss of Palestinian and Israeli lives.
A United Nations human rights expert has confirmed that Palestinians are facing mass ethnic cleansing at the hands of the Israeli government and occupation forces.14 United States leaders have the massive power to step in and stop it. And the time is NOW to come together and demand it end.
The people of Palestine and Israel deserve to live their lives without fear of violence and mass death.
Thanks for all you do.
–Mana, Alexis, Amy, Emma, and the rest of the team
Sources:
2. "Israeli forces, tanks amass at border with Gaza," Al Jazeera, October 16, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184709?t=16&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw 3. "Israel-Hamas War Intensifies: Egypt Faces Pressure to Open Border to Refugees," The Wall Street Journal, October 16, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184710?t=18&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw 4. "UN expert warns of new instance of mass ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, calls for immediate ceasefire," OHCHR, October 14, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184711?t=20&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw 5. "Palestinian Statistics Bureau: Approximately Half of the Population is Comprised of Children – Palestinian Statistics Bureau Press Release," United Nations, accessed October 16, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184712?t=22&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw 6. "Israel prepares ground attack as Gaza battles humanitarian crisis," NBC News, October 15, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184713?t=24&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw 7. "Is Israel violating the laws of war meant to protect children?" Al Jazeera, October 14, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184714?t=26&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw 8. "What Gaza infrastructure has been damaged since Israel declared war?" Al Jazeera, October 13, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184715?t=28&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw 9. "UN expert warns of new instance of mass ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, calls for immediate ceasefire," OHCHR, October 14, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184711?t=30&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw 10. "Israel: White Phosphorus Used in Gaza, Lebanon," Human Rights Watch, October 12, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184716?t=32&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw 11. "Fear, confusion as Israel issues evacuation order for northern Gaza," Al Jazeera, October 13, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184717?t=34&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw 12. "Note to correspondents on Gaza," United Nations, October 12, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184718?t=36&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw 13. "Palestinians fleeing along Israeli-designated 'evacuation route' in northern Gaza killed in airstrike," Insider, October 14, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184719?t=38&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw 14. "UN expert warns of new instance of mass ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, calls for immediate ceasefire," OHCHR, October 14, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184711?t=40&akid=367502% 2E43642252%2EHnaBQw -
WeMove - 20 October - Call for EU Leaders to speak against war crimes
Civilians are paying the price of an unprecedented escalation in violence. EU leaders can’t stay silent about the atrocities committed by Israel any longer. Call on them to condemn the indiscriminate bombing of civilians and take action:
Dear Aurora,
Since October 7th, at least 1,400 Israelis and over 3,800 Palestinians have been killed. [1]
Civilians on both sides are paying the price of an unprecedented escalation in hostilities between Israel and Gaza. Key EU leaders are not calling for an end to this violence. President of the European Commission von der Leyen and other officials expressed unreserved solidarity with Israel but said nothing in response to the international crimes taking place in Gaza. [2] This gives Israel green light from the EU to break international law.
The EU was founded on the commitment to peace and EU leaders have a duty to pressure all countries to follow international law and protect civilians. It’s clear our leaders need reminding of this and we must urge them to denounce indiscriminate bombing of civilians and residential areas in Gaza. Heads of European states have recently held an emergency meeting and are planning their next steps. This is the moment we step in.
As soon as 100,000 Europeans sign our call we will print the petition in key publications so politicians cannot miss it.
Around the world, people see Europe as silent on the fate of civilians in Gaza. But there is political will among some EU diplomats and countries like Ireland to change this course. [3] No matter how complicated the conflict, our leaders must always speak out in favour of international law and peace, and not give governments free rein to condemn the safety and lives of thousands of people.
Europe cannot apply double standards and must condemn war crimes regardless of where they take place and who the perpetrator is. It seems that our leaders cannot hear the voices of the Palestinians - so let’s add the voice of Europeans and our large community:Together, this community has consistently demonstrated our ability to achieve anything when we unite and offer unwavering support to those enduring hardships. In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many of you amplified the voices of Ukrainians in calling for safe passage. [4] And now we need to amplify the voices of civilians in Gaza calling for an end to indiscriminate bombing. Join our campaign now.
With determination,
Aleksandra (Warsaw), Rachel (Amsterdam), Mika (Bordeaux) and the entire WeMove Europe team
-
ActNow - 23 October - Ceasefire openletter and fundraiser
Dear Andile,
Living in Northern Ireland, this is a different kind of email for me to write.
On this day 30 years ago, I watched as the news came through of nine people losing their lives when a bomb ripped through a chip shop on Belfast’s Shankill Road. In the dark days that followed,14 more innocent people were killed in retaliation. [1]
We all feared that the deaths might never end. But they did.
Decades on, and all of us on this island are watching as hospitals, churches, schools in Gaza, are being attacked by the Israeli army - in retaliation for the atrocity committed by Hamas on the 7th October. We are watching war crimes being committed in real time. [2] It feels unstoppable and, as always, innocent people are paying the terrible price.
It’s easy to feel powerless right now, Andile. But our experience of conflict on this island shows us there is always something we can do. If anybody can force Netanyahu to call a ceasefire, it's Joe Biden. With deep family ties to Ireland and an election just one year away; Joe Biden is looking to the Irish American community for crucial votes.
That’s why as sister organisations, Act Now and Uplift are coming together to publish an Open Letter in the popular US paper, The Irish Echo. [3] Together we’ll send a message to Joe Biden and Irish Americans that people in all parts of Ireland support a ceasefire in Gaza.
But it's only possible if enough of us chip in to cover the €1,500 needed to pay for space in the paper, and it needs to happen as soon as possible. Andile, will you chip in to publish our Open Letter for a ceasefire?
Just a few short months ago Joe Biden visited Ireland, North and South, to mark 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement and the role of the US in bringing that conflict to an end. [4]
That’s why together, all across Ireland, we have an important part to play in making it clear to him that we need a ceasefire in Gaza.
We’ve stood together for peace in Palestine before, Andile, we’ve brought together civil society organisations across Ireland to support the call for peace and we’ve donated to relieve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. [5]
Everyone deserves to live in peace. We know from our own experience that brave politicians and community leaders can make miracles happen. That's why instead of watching on in horror, together we’re stepping up to tell Joe Biden that he needs to push for a ceasefire, not more war and terror.
But to get our Open Letter in the largest Irish American weekly newspaper, read across 50 states before the end of the week we first need to raise €1,500.
Andile, will you chip in to publish our Open Letter in the popular US newspaper Irish Echo?
More power to you,
Nicola, Act Now & Siobhán, Uplift
P.S: You can read our Open Letter here.
P.P.S: If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford even €5 or €10 to make a difference, click here. You can also chip in over the phone 01 513 3043 or by post to Uplift - People Powered Change, 13 North Main Street, Cork, T12 Y6W0.
NOTES:
[1] Belfast Telegraph: Shankill bomb: Frizzell's fish shop was at very heart of the community
[4] Biden's visit to Ireland was deeply personal : NPR
[5] An Open letter to the USA From Ireland: Show Solidarity with Palestinian People | Uplift
[4] Biden's visit to Ireland was deeply personal : NPR
[5] An Open letter to the USA From Ireland: Show Solidarity with Palestinian People | Uplift
-
Skiftet - 19 October - ceasefire, protect Palestinian population
English
Translated by Google translate
Hi OPEN,
The day before yesterday, a hospital in Palestine was blown up and hundreds of civilians died. [1] Just over a week ago, the worst mass murder of Israeli civilians since the founding of the State of Israel was carried out. The Israeli state is now trying to displace millions of Palestinians and is preparing a full-scale ground invasion of Palestine. [2]
Attacks on civilians are completely unacceptable. Sweden's government only condemns the crimes of Hamas while turning a blind eye to Israel's blockade of electricity, water, food and vital medicines as well as their military attacks on civilians in Gaza. [3] [4]
The government closes its eyes, but they cannot close their eyes forever. Especially not if we make it impossible to ignore our protests. In just a couple of days, over 14,000 have signed the Palestinian groups' appeal to protect all civilians in Gaza. We want to make it multiple.
OPEN, can you take 30 seconds and sign to protect civilians and for a ceasefire?
YES, I AM SIGNING FOR SWEDEN TO DEMAND A CEASEFIRE » Link » www.mittskifte.org/petitions/skydda-den-civilbefolkningen-i-gaza
Since October 8, the people of Gaza have been subjected to the most intense, relentless and indiscriminate Israeli bomb attacks ever. The attacks have been directed at homes, schools, hospitals, healthcare workers, journalists and the entire civilian infrastructure.
It is urgent to push for a ceasefire and protect civilians who are harmed. Israel must stop blocking the entry of emergency humanitarian aid to the 2.3 million Palestinians trapped in besieged Gaza.
Hamas's crimes are horrific. But revenge does not lead to peace, only more violence. The civilians of Gaza must be protected.
YES, I AM SIGNING FOR SWEDEN TO DEMAND A CEASEFIRE » Link » www.mittskifte.org/petitions/skydda-den-civilbefolkningen-i-gaza
Thank you for all you do,
Robin and the rest of the Skiftet team
PS. This campaign is started by Palestine groups. If you want to donate a penny to support their important work, you can do so here .
Sources
[1] Sveriges Radio, Hundreds reportedly killed in airstrike on hospital in Gaza, https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/hundratals-uppges-doda-i-flyganfall-mot-sjukhus-i-gaza
[2] Aftonbladet, Israel getting closer to land invasion of Gaza, https://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/a/wA2JbG/israel-forbereder-markinvasion-av-gaza
[3] Government Offices, Statement by Foreign Minister Tobias Billström, https://www.regeringen.se/uttalanden/2023/10/uttalande-av-utrikesminister-tobias-billstrom/
[4] Instagram, Doctors Without Borders, https://www.instagram.com/p/CygIUh8OFGe/
Swedish
Hej OPEN,
I förrgår sprängdes ett sjukhus i Palestina och hundratals civila dog. [1] För drygt en vecka sedan utfördes det värsta massmordet på israeliska civila sedan staten Israel grundades. Den israeliska staten försöker nu fördriva miljoner palestinier och förbereder en fullskalig markinvasion av Palestina. [2]
Attacker på civila är helt oacceptabla. Sveriges regering fördömer bara Hamas brott medan de blundar för Israels blockad av el, vatten, mat och livsnödvändiga mediciner samt deras militära attacker på civila i Gaza. [3] [4]
Regeringen blundar, men de kan inte blunda för evigt. Särskilt inte om vi gör det omöjligt att ignorera våra protester. På bara ett par dagar har över 14 000 skrivit under Palestinagruppernas upprop för att skydda alla civila i Gaza. Vi vill göra det mångdubbelt.
OPEN, kan du ta 30 sekunder och skriva under för att skydda civila och för vapenvila?
JA, JAG SKRIVER UNDER FÖR ATT SVERIGE SKA KRÄVA ELDUPPHÖR » Länk » www.mittskifte.org/petitions/
skydda-den-civilbefolkningen- i-gaza Sedan den 8 oktober har Gazas befolkning utsatts för de mest intensiva, obevekliga och urskillningslösa israeliska bombattackerna någonsin. Attackerna har riktats mot bostäder, skolor, sjukhus, sjukvårdspersonal, journalister och hela den civila infrastrukturen.
Det är akut att pressa fram en vapenvila och skydda civila som far illa. Israel måste sluta blockera införsel av akut humanitär hjälp till de 2,3 miljoner palestinier som är fångade i det belägrade Gaza.
Hamas brott är horribla. Men hämnd leder inte till fred utan bara mer våld. De civila i Gaza måste skyddas.
JA, JAG SKRIVER UNDER FÖR ATT SVERIGE SKA KRÄVA ELDUPPHÖR » Länk » www.mittskifte.org/petitions/
skydda-den-civilbefolkningen- i-gaza Tack för allt du gör,
Robin och resten av Skiftet-teamet
PS. Den här kampanjen är startad av Palestinagrupperna. Vill du skänka en slant för att stödja deras viktiga arbete kan du göra det här.
Källor
[1] Sveriges Radio, Hundratals uppges döda i flyganfall mot sjukhus i Gaza, https://sverigesradio.se/
artikel/hundratals-uppges- doda-i-flyganfall-mot-sjukhus- i-gaza [2] Aftonbladet, Israel allt närmare markinvasion av Gaza, https://www.aftonbladet.se/
nyheter/a/wA2JbG/israel- forbereder-markinvasion-av- gaza [3] Regeringskansliet, Uttalande av Utrikesminister Tobias Billström, https://www.regeringen.se/
uttalanden/2023/10/uttalande- av-utrikesminister-tobias- billstrom/ [4] Instagram, Läkare Utan Gränser, https://www.instagram.com/p/
CygIUh8OFGe/ -
aHang - 19 October - Release hostages petition
English
Translated by Google translate
Dear OPEN
aHang has an Israeli sister organization, Zazim, they are practically the Israeli aHang. We met several of them back in the spring and have been in contact ever since. Since Saturday, our thoughts have revolved around them, we are in constant contact with them. We would like to ask you to read the request of their leader, Raluca, and help to end the bloodshed as soon as possible and ensure that there are no more victims on either side:
"My name is Raluca Ganea. I live in Tel Aviv and am an Israeli peace activist. In the past few days we have seen unimaginable horrors, this is worse than a nightmare. I am now desperately asking for your help to save the hostages kidnapped by Hamas and the lives of those on both sides of the war: babies, children, women, men, the elderly and the young.
Every moment now counts in saving them, while the far-right members of the Israeli government are calling for massive airstrikes in Gaza. However, this only further endangers the lives of the Israeli hostages and causes more bloodshed and suffering of innocent people on both sides. It is hard to digest, but they openly stated that the Israeli military response to the Hamas attack should not take into account the lives of the Israelis there.
Germany has successfully brokered prisoner and hostage exchanges between Israel and Hamas in the past, such as the case of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier captured by Hamas, and now we desperately need Germany to do the same again, because Israel is faced with two options : one is the bombing and razing of Gaza, the killing of thousands of innocent people there, and with which all chances for the release of the Israeli hostages will end. The other is prioritizing the release of the hostages with a trade deal.
That's why I started a petition on the aHang website to ask for the help of the Hungarian people in addition to the Israelis, Poles, Germans and Swiss. Please sign my petition addressed to the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the German Ambassador to Hungary: ask Germany to protect the lives of the Israeli and Palestinian civilians by conducting peace negotiations!
Since every moment counts now, aHangsoks will deliver the petition to its destination within 24 hours:
I'm signing the petition! Tragic news has been coming in continuously since Saturday morning. I am privileged as I write all this to you from the safe room in my apartment while my children and I listen to the sounds of rockets fired by Hamas. I can't help but think of the children and mothers in Gaza - who have no safe haven or sirens to warn them of Israeli bombs. I can't help but think of the Israelis held hostage in Gaza - still alive and afraid, hoping their country will save them.
It's all heartbreaking, and we feel helpless at the same time. But you can help convince the German government to step in and mediate to save the lives of the hostages and prevent further bloodshed.
Please join your fellow Israelis, Poles, Germans and Swiss in supporting our appeal to the German Chancellor that Germany act as a fair and impartial mediator and negotiate the immediate release of the Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of the captured Hamas members!
I support it! For many, it is already too late. Certainly for the 1,200 Israelis already killed by Hamas and the 1,100 Palestinians in Gaza killed by Israeli airstrikes. But your signature could help save the lives of nearly 200 hostages and prevent further tragic bloodshed on both sides. This is a small but important step in stopping the cycle of violence, and it is insufficient to create lasting peace – for people on all sides of the conflict.
Best regards:
Raluca Ganea, director of Zazim" and the aHang team
Hungarian
Kedves OPEN,
Az aHangnak van egy izraeli testvérszervezete, a Zazim, ők gyakorlatilag az izraeli aHang. Még tavasszal többükkel találkoztunk, és azóta is tartjuk a kapcsolatot. Szombat óta a gondolataink körülöttük forognak, folyamatos kapcsolatban vagyunk velük. Szeretnénk arra kérni, hogy olvasd el a vezetőjük, Raluca kérését, és segíts, hogy mielőbb vége legyen a vérontásnak és egyik oldalon se legyen több áldozat:
“A nevem Raluca Ganea. Tel-Avivban élek, és izraeli békeaktivista vagyok. Az elmúlt napokban elképzelhetetlen borzalmakat láttunk, ez rosszabb, mint egy rémálom. Most kétségbeesetten kérem a segítségedet, hogy megmentsük a Hamász által elrabolt túszokat és a háború mindkét oldalán élők életét: csecsemőket, gyermekeket, nőket, férfiakat, időseket és fiatalokat.
Megmentésükben most minden pillanat számít, miközben az izraeli kormány szélsőjobboldali tagjai tömeges légicsapásokat sürgetnek Gázában. Ez azonban csak még inkább veszélyezteti az izraeli túszok életét, és még több vérontást és ártatlan emberek szenvedését okozza mindkét oldalon. Nehéz megemészteni, de nyíltan kimondták, hogy a Hamász támadására adott izraeli katonai válaszlépésnél nem szabad figyelembe venni az ottani izraeliek életét.
Németország a múltban már sikeresen közvetített fogoly- és túszcseréket Izrael és a Hamász között – mint például a Hamász által foglyul ejtett izraeli katona, Gilad Shalit esetében –, és most égető szükségünk van arra, hogy Németország ismét megtegye ugyanezt, ugyanis Izrael két lehetőség előtt áll: az egyik Gáza bombázása és földig rombolása, ártatlan ott élők ezreinek megölése, és amellyel minden esély megszűnik arra, hogy az izraeli túszok kiszabaduljanak. A másik a túszok kiszabadításának előtérbe helyezése egy cserealkuval.
Ezért indítottam petíciót az aHang oldalán is, hogy az izraeliek, lengyelek, németek és svájciak mellett a magyar emberek segítségét is kérjem. Kérlek, hogy írd alá az Olaf Scholz német kancellárnak és Németország magyarországi nagykövetének címzett petíciómat: kérd Németországot arra, hogy béketárgyalások vezetése révén óvják meg az izraeli és palesztin civil lakosság életét!
Mivel most minden pillanat számít, ezért az aHangosok 24 órán belül célba juttatják a petíciót:
Aláírom a petíciót! Szombat reggel óta folyamatosan érkeznek a tragikus hírek. Én kiváltságos vagyok, mivel a lakásomban található biztonságos szobából írom mindezt neked, miközben a Hamász által kilőtt rakéták hangjait hallgatjuk a gyermekeimmel. Nem tudok nem gondolni a gázai gyerekekre és anyákra – akiknek nincs biztonságos óvóhelyük vagy szirénájuk, hogy figyelmeztessék őket az izraeli bombákra. Nem tudok nem gondolni a Gázában túszul ejtett izraeliekre – akik még mindig élnek és félnek, és remélik, hogy a hazájuk megmenti őket.
Szívszorító mindez, és közben tehetetlennek érezzük magunkat. De te segíthetsz meggyőzni a német kormányt, hogy lépjen közbe és közvetítsen, hogy megmentse a túszok életét és megakadályozza a további vérontást.
Kérlek, hogy izraeli, lengyel, német és svájci embertársaiddal közösen támogasd a német kancellárhoz intézett felhívásunkat, hogy Németország járjon el tisztességes és pártatlan közvetítőként, és tárgyaljon az izraeli túszok azonnali szabadon bocsátásáról a foglyul ejtett Hamász-tagok szabadon bocsátásáért cserébe!
Támogatom! Sokak számára már túl késő. A Hamász által már meggyilkolt 1200 izraeli és az izraeli légicsapásokban megölt 1100 gázai palesztin számára biztosan. De az aláírásod segíthet megmenteni a közel 200 túsz életét, és megakadályozhatja a további tragikus vérontást mindkét oldalon. Ez egy kicsi, de fontos lépés az erőszak körforgásának megállításában, és elegedhetetlen a tartós béke megteremtéséért – a konfliktus minden oldalán élő emberek számára.
Üdvözlettel:
Raluca Ganea, a Zazim igazgatója” és az aHang csapata
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38Degrees - 18 October - CeaseFire petition
Dear Matthew,
“Civilians must never be used as bargaining chips.” Ravina Shamdasani, Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights [1] A crisis has broken out in Palestine and Israel. More than 1,400 Israeli people and more than 3,000 Palestinian people have been killed in horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas and in devastating airstrikes carried out by Israel in response. [2] And last night an explosion at a crowded hospital in Gaza City killed hundreds more people. [3] It can be hard to imagine what it’s like for the innocent children caught up in this conflict, and their parents and guardians struggling to keep them safe.
That's why organisations like Medical Aid for Palestinians and many others are calling on UK political leaders to call out attacks on civilians, demand an immediate ceasefire, ensure life-saving aid is increased and provided safely, and that civilians have their rights respected and are kept safe. The news right now can be overwhelming and it’s easy to feel powerless - but at the heart of this are innocent people like us who need help.
On our own, it can feel like there’s nothing we can do to stop the violence, but if we join our voices, together, we can petition all political leaders in the UK to do more to protect innocent people caught up in this devastating conflict. And with the news that Rishi Sunak could fly to Israel this week, we need to make sure he uses that moment to put protecting civilians at the top of his agenda. [4] Hundreds and thousands of us saying we want civilians - including children - to be the highest priority will show those affected that we are in solidarity with them and make our Government listen.
So, Matthew, will you sign the 38 Degrees petition and share it with your friends and family? It takes 30 seconds to sign, and you can read the full text of the petition by clicking the button below.
Thanks for being involved,
Grace, David, Robin, Matthew and the 38 Degrees team
P.S Medical Aid for Palestinians is a charity which is on the ground in Gaza to get medical supplies where they are desperately needed. Their staff are working to deliver aid in the most challenging of circumstances. If you’re able to, please consider chipping into their fundraising appeal here: https://www.map.org.uk/donate/donation-details/484
NOTES:
[1] UN OCHR: Latest: Occupied Palestinian Territory/Israel
[2] BBC News: Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explained
[3] BBC News: Hospital blast in Gaza City kills hundreds - health officials
[4] Sky News: Rishi Sunak could visit Israel as soon as Thursday, Sky News understands -
Campax - 18 October - Humanitarian Corridor petition
English
translated by Google translate
Israel has been bombing the Gaza Strip for 11 days - thousands of civilians have fallen victim to the attacks. There is now an urgent need for a humanitarian corridor to Gaza so that aid organizations can provide the Palestinian population and Israeli hostages with the help they need. Sign the petition of our Israeli sister organization Zazim now.
“The indiscriminate bombing of Gaza and the killing of civilians uninvolved in these terrible crimes is not a solution. Rather, this is the surest way to prolong the violence, terror, suffering and grief.” (1)
Ziv Stahl, survivor of the Hamas attack and executive director of Yesh Din, a human rights organization in Israel
"I am 100 percent against Hamas, I reject all violence, and every human life is valuable. But the occupation is not a permanent solution. The constant provocations, the constant misery, the permanent injustice, that does something to us." (2)
Mostafa Mohsen, lives in Gaza
Hello Open
I have no words to describe what is happening in Israel and Palestine right now. I'm not there, I don't witness the brutal attacks - I can only watch helplessly.
Gaza has been bombarded by Israeli airstrikes for 11 days . This as a “reaction” to the brutal Hamas attack on October 7th, 2023. Thousands of people were killed , injured and are still missing .
This bloodbath must end. Because those who suffer from Israeli attacks are innocent civilians in Gaza . At the same time, the situation is escalating more and more, which is why the civilian population in Israel is still in danger from attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah.
The people of Gaza are cut off from water, food, electricity and fuel and their situation is getting worse every day . There are no escape routes, the Rafah border crossing into Egypt is closed, and evacuation is “impossible ,” as the UN describes the situation. (3) Because this situation is unbearable, our Israeli sister organization Zazim has started a petition . Zazim calls for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to Gaza . This is the only way aid organizations like the Red Cross can deliver essential supplies such as food, water and medicine.
The demand is aimed at ambassadors to Israel, global leaders, humanitarian institutions and organizations. Open, sign Zazim's petition now and give the demand even more weight - every vote counts!
My thoughts are with all the people who have to fear for their own lives or those of their loved ones. With those who lost someone in the attacks. For those who are innocent and affected by the violence. With Jewish people who are exposed to anti-Semitism and with Muslim people who experience hatred.
Jen
Campaigner*in, CampaxPS: We all see the terrible suffering. For days. We feel powerless and are shocked by the violence . But what we can do is raise our voices and take a stand. Sign the demand for a humanitarian corridor to Gaza now , it is the least we can do for the people affected.
Sources:
2) https://www.sueddeutsche.de/
politik/gaza-krieg-hamas- israel-palaestinenser-1. 6286919 3) https://www.un.org/sg/en/
content/sg/note- correspondents/2023-10-12/ note-correspondents-gaza German
Seit 11 Tagen bombardiert Israel den Gazastreifen – tausende Zivilist*innen sind den Angriffen zum Opfer gefallen. Es braucht jetzt dringend einen humanitären Korridor nach Gaza, damit Hilfsorganisationen der palästinensischen Bevölkerung und den israelischen Geiseln die nötige Hilfe leisten können. Unterschreibe jetzt die Petition unserer israelischen Schwesterorganisation Zazim.
Nein, ich unterstütze die Forderung nicht
“Die wahllose Bombardierung des Gazastreifens und die Tötung von Zivilist*innen, die an diesen schrecklichen Verbrechen unbeteiligt sind, sind keine Lösung. Dies ist vielmehr der sicherste Weg, die Gewalt, den Terror, das Leid und die Trauer zu verlängern.” (1)
Ziv Stahl, Überlebende des Hamas-Angriffs und Geschäftsführerin von Yesh Din, einer Menschenrechtsorganisation in Israel
"Ich bin 100 Prozent gegen die Hamas, ich lehne jegliche Gewalt ab, und jedes Menschenleben ist wertvoll. Aber die Besatzung ist keine Dauerlösung. Die Dauerprovokationen, das Dauerelend, die Dauerungerechtigkeit, das macht etwas mit uns." (2)
Mostafa Mohsen, lebt in Gaza
Hallo Open
Ich habe keine Worte, um zu beschreiben, was gerade in Israel und Palästina passiert. Ich bin nicht dort, ich erlebe die brutalen Angriffe nicht mit – ich kann nur hilflos zuschauen.
Seit 11 Tagen wird Gaza von israelischen Luftangriffen bombardiert. Dies als “Reaktion” auf den brutalen Hamas-Angriff vom 07.10.2023. Tausende Menschen wurden getötet, verletzt und werden noch immer vermisst.
Dieses Blutbad muss ein Ende haben. Denn diejenigen, die unter den israelischen Angriffen leiden, sind unschuldige Zivilist*innen in Gaza. Zugleich eskaliert die Situation immer mehr, weshalb auch die Zivilbevölkerung in Israel durch Angriffe der Hamas oder der Hisbollah nach wie vor in Gefahr ist.
Die Menschen in Gaza sind von Wasser, Essen, Strom und Treibstoff abgeschnitten und ihre Situation verschlimmert sich jeden Tag. Fluchtrouten gibt es keine, der Grenzübergang Rafah nach Ägypten ist gesperrt, eine Evakuierung ist “unmöglich”, wie die UNO die Situation beschreibt. (3) Weil diese Situation unerträglich ist, hat unsere israelische Schwesterorganisation Zazim eine Petition gestartet. Zazim fordert die Einrichtung eines humanitären Korridors nach Gaza. Nur so können Hilfsorganisationen wie das Rote Kreuz überlebenswichtige Güter wie Essen, Wasser und Medikamente liefern.
Die Forderung richtet sich an Botschafter*innen in Israel, weltweite Führungsträger*innen, humanitäre Institutionen und Organisationen. Open, unterschreibe jetzt die Petition von Zazim und verleihe der Forderung damit noch mehr Gewicht – jede Stimme zählt!
Nein, ich unterstütze die Forderung nicht
Meine Gedanken sind bei all den Menschen, die um ihr eigenes Leben oder das ihrer Liebsten fürchten müssen. Bei denen, die bei den Angriffen jemanden verloren haben. Bei denen, die unschuldig sind und von der Gewalt betroffen sind. Bei jüdischen Menschen, die Antisemitismus ausgesetzt sind und bei muslimischen Menschen, die Hass erfahren.
Jen
Campaigner*in, CampaxPS: Wir alle sehen das schreckliche Leid. Seit Tagen. Wir fühlen uns machtlos und sind von der Gewalt erschüttert. Doch was wir tun können, ist unsere Stimme erheben, ein Zeichen setzen. Unterschreibe jetzt die Forderung für einen humanitären Korridor nach Gaza, das ist das Mindeste, was wir für die betroffenen Menschen tun können.
Jetzt die Forderung für einen humanitären Korridor unterschreiben
Nein, ich unterstütze die Forderung nicht
Quellen:
2) https://www.sueddeutsche.de/
politik/gaza-krieg-hamas- israel-palaestinenser-1. 6286919 3) https://www.un.org/sg/en/
content/sg/note- correspondents/2023-10-12/ note-correspondents-gaza -
MoveON - 17 October - Stop all loss of life NOW! petition
Dear MoveOn member,
The recent violence against civilians by Hamas and the military response by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has already killed over 3,000 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis and wounded thousands more, with hundreds of people held hostage and hundreds more missing.1,2 If you’re heartbroken, you are not alone. We can hold space in our hearts to mourn these deaths, while also taking action to call on U.S. policymakers to use their power to do everything they can to stop all further loss of innocent lives, no matter the identity.
Will you join in solidarity and sign the petition?
As the whole world grapples with the escalated violence in Israel and Palestine, the Israeli government has stopped all food, fuel, water, electricity, and humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza, and this has already had devastating impacts on over 2 million people, half of whom are children.3,4
The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees just announced that "Gaza is running dry," and hospitals in Gaza reported that their backup generators would run out of fuel last night, cutting off life support and vital systems.
This action has exacerbated the existing humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli government's air, land, and sea blockade and will likely result in catastrophic loss of life if continued. Nearly half of Gaza's residents are under the age of 16, and 65% are under the age of 25, effectively meaning that Palestinian children are bearing the brunt of the Israeli government’s collective punishment.
President Biden and our leaders must publicly call for an immediate ceasefire and deescalation; demand the protection of all civilians, including securing the release of hostages; and tell the Israeli government to turn on electricity in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid for Palestinians to enter!
While the Biden administration is close to an aid agreement with Israeli government officials to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and establish ‘safe zones,’ there is still no action or plan in place. The United Nations and aid organizations are sounding an alarm that conditions in Gaza are dire right now. There is no time to spare. A military response from Israel will not secure the safety of those currently hostage or trapped, some of whom are Americans, and instead punishes a generation of young Palestinians living in Gaza.
Netanyahu, facing mounting pressure and polling the lowest among Israeli voters, has led decades of policies that have resulted in no more peace or safety for Israelis. The Biden administration must call for a ceasefire and urge Netanyahu to do everything in his power to reunite hostages with their loved ones without putting more lives in danger.
Israelis and Palestinians must not be bargaining chips, and their lives must be protected through diplomacy and new solutions.
Will you join thousands and take action by signing the petition?
The Israeli government is preparing a massive ground attack of Gaza as you read this, and they have already been targeting and bombing civilians in their attacks, which is a violation of international law.5,6,7,8,9
This comes as Israel dropped tens of thousands of leaflets from the sky to issue an evacuation order to Gazans living in the northern Gaza Strip, telling 1.1 million Palestinian residents to evacuate south within 24 hours, which the U.N. said would be impossible without devastating humanitarian consequences.10,11 Then, despite naming which routes would be safe for evacuation, the Israeli government bombed Palestinians evacuating.12
Humanity and millions of human lives are at stake here. We must collectively act now to stop loss of life. Sign the petition to demand that U.S. policymakers act now to do everything they can to stop all loss of Palestinian and Israeli lives.
A United Nations human rights expert has confirmed that Palestinians are facing mass ethnic cleansing at the hands of the Israeli government and occupation forces.13 United States leaders have the massive power to step in and stop it. And the time is NOW to come together and demand it end.
The people of Palestine and Israel deserve to live their lives without fear of violence and mass death.
Thanks for all you do.
–Mana, Alexis, Amy, Emma, and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "Israeli forces, tanks amass at border with Gaza," Al Jazeera, October 16, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184709?t=9&akid=366887% 2E43642252%2E_vAGO8 2. "Israel-Hamas War Intensifies: Egypt Faces Pressure to Open Border to Refugees," The Wall Street Journal, October 16, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184710?t=11&akid=366887% 2E43642252%2E_vAGO8 3. "UN expert warns of new instance of mass ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, calls for immediate ceasefire," OHCHR, October 14, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184711?t=13&akid=366887% 2E43642252%2E_vAGO8 4. "Palestinian Statistics Bureau: Approximately Half of the Population is Comprised of Children – Palestinian Statistics Bureau Press Release," United Nations, accessed October 16, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184712?t=15&akid=366887% 2E43642252%2E_vAGO8 5. "Israel prepares ground attack as Gaza battles humanitarian crisis," NBC News, October 15, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184713?t=17&akid=366887% 2E43642252%2E_vAGO8 6. "Is Israel violating the laws of war meant to protect children?" Al Jazeera, October 14, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184714?t=19&akid=366887% 2E43642252%2E_vAGO8 7. "What Gaza infrastructure has been damaged since Israel declared war?" Al Jazeera, October 13, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184715?t=21&akid=366887% 2E43642252%2E_vAGO8 8. "UN expert warns of new instance of mass ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, calls for immediate ceasefire," OHCHR, October 14, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184711?t=23&akid=366887% 2E43642252%2E_vAGO8 9. "Israel: White Phosphorus Used in Gaza, Lebanon," Human Rights Watch, October 12, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184716?t=25&akid=366887% 2E43642252%2E_vAGO8 10. "Fear, confusion as Israel issues evacuation order for northern Gaza," Al Jazeera, October 13, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184717?t=27&akid=366887% 2E43642252%2E_vAGO8 11. "Note to correspondents on Gaza," United Nations, October 12, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184718?t=29&akid=366887% 2E43642252%2E_vAGO8 12. "Palestinians fleeing along Israeli-designated 'evacuation route' in northern Gaza killed in airstrike," Insider, October 14, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184719?t=31&akid=366887% 2E43642252%2E_vAGO8 13. "UN expert warns of new instance of mass ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, calls for immediate ceasefire," OHCHR, October 14, 2023
https://act.moveon.org/go/184711?t=33&akid=366887% 2E43642252%2E_vAGO8 -
DeGoedeZaak - 17 October - Member survey
English
translated from Google
Dear OPEN,
We were quieter than usual last week. I don't think we were alone in that. When hatred and destruction predominate, the search is for the right words. But if you are the ally of progressive Netherlands, like us, but also if you are a human being who wants to do the right thing, like you, it doesn't end there. And so we looked for sources, supported actions and took to the streets. And we will continue to do so as violence continues in Israel and Palestine. [1]
And what we also immediately realized is that this is going to affect the elections. On Tuesday I was a guest in a podcast about the campaigns, and that felt very futile for a moment. Until we realized that this was at least a good platform to point out to listeners that campaigns are being conducted at the expense of peace in the country. [2] And that is exactly what is at stake. We are so used to politics not being there to solve our problems that we currently expect little from the leaders of this country.
But that can and must be done differently, and that is why we would like to take action together with you. For a fair, brave, peaceful and humane international policy. Today we were therefore present - together with a good representation of civil society organizations - at the presentation of the PAX petition, which calls on the government to break the cycle of violence, not to give carte blanche to violence and war crimes, and to pursue freedom and justice . [3]
And we are also looking for our role, and we would like to hear your perspective. That is why we would like to conduct a short, but very important poll with you, our members. What would you like to share with us in our work on this topic, OPEN?
We notice around us that this affects us all, and we want to avoid watching as paralyzed as progressive Dutch people. Together we must keep our politicians on their toes and conduct a pure and courageous debate about this fundamental issue of justice and injustice.
That's why we want to hear your voice. Determine with us how we should act now and what we should mainly focus on. Most importantly, DeGoedeZaak advocates for leaders who choose to do the right thing, even if it is complicated, and for a fair, brave, peaceful and humane international policy.
Even after a wave of violence such as in recent weeks, it is extra important to speak out. We will soon share with you how we will do this, with your input in mind.
With zealous greetings,
Jurjen from DeGoedeZaak
[1] View our collection of national and international resources here
[2] Listen to the podcast here
[3] View photos of the petition offer here and the petition here
Dutch
Beste OPEN,
We waren stiller dan normaal afgelopen week. Volgens mij waren we daarin niet de enigen. Wanneer haat en vernietiging de boventoon voeren is het zoeken naar de juiste woorden. Maar als je de bondgenoot van progressief Nederland bent, zoals wij, maar ook wanneer je een mens bent, dat het juiste wil doen, zoals jij, houdt het daar niet op. En dus zochten we bronnen, steunden we acties en gingen we de straat op. En dat zullen we blijven doen terwijl het geweld in Israël en Palestina voortduurt. [1]
En wat we ons ook onmiddellijk beseften, is dat dit de verkiezingen gaat raken. Dinsdag was ik te gast in een podcast over de campagnes, en dat voelde even heel futiel. Tot we ons realiseerden dat dit in ieder geval een goed podium was om de luisteraars erop te wijzen dat er campagne gevoerd wordt ten koste van de rust in het land. [2] En dat is ook precies wat er op het spel staat. We zijn zo gewend dat de politiek er niet is voor het oplossen van onze problemen, dat we ook op dit moment weinig verwachten van de leiders van dit land.
Maar dat kan en moet anders, en daarom willen we graag samen met jou in actie komen. Voor een eerlijk, dapper, vreedzaam en humaan internationaal beleid. Vandaag waren we daarom -samen met een goede vertegenwoordiging van maatschappelijk organisaties -aanwezig bij de aanbieding van de petitie van PAX, die de regering oproept de geweldsspiraal te doorbreken, geen carte blanche te geven voor geweld en oorlogsmidaden, en vrijheid en gerechtigheid na te streven. [3]
En daarbij zijn we ook nog zoekende naar onze rol, en willen we graag jouw perspectief horen. Daarom houden we graag een korte, maar voor ons heel belangrijke peiling bij jullie, onze leden. Wat wil je ons meegeven bij ons werk rond dit onderwerp, OPEN?
Om ons heen merken we dat dit ons allemaal raakt, en we willen voorkomen dat we als verlamd toekijken als progressieve Nederlanders. We moeten juist samen op een goede manier onze politici bij de les houden en een zuiver en dapper debat voeren over deze fundamentele kwestie van recht en onrecht.
Daarom horen we graag jouw stem. Bepaal met ons hoe we nu moeten optreden en waar wij ons voornamelijk op moeten richten. Voorop staat dat DeGoedeZaak pleit voor leiders die kiezen om het juiste te doen, ook al is het ingewikkeld, en voor een eerlijk, dapper, vreedzaam en humaan internationaal beleid.
Ook na een golf van geweld zoals afgelopen weken is het extra belangrijk om ons uit te spreken. Binnenkort zullen we met je delen hoe we dat, met jouw inbreng in ons achterhoofd, gaan doen.
Met strijdbare groet,
Jurjen van DeGoedeZaak
[1] Bekijk hier onze verzameling van nationale en internationale bronnen
[3] Bekijk hier de foto’s van de petitie-aanbieding en hier de petitie
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Avaaz - 15 October - Emergency Aid
Dear friends,
Gaza is a walled kindergarten -- and it's being bombed to dust.
Children make up 42% of Gaza's population. When the Israeli government ordered a total siege, this is a siege on kids.
It's boys and girls who are running from the rockets, hiding anywhere to escape the deadly plumes of phosphorus that would burn them to the bone. There are no bomb shelters in Gaza. Food and water have been cut off, and over a million people have been told to flee.
But we can all help, right now.
Avaaz is in contact with medical teams who are still functioning as the bombs fall. They are Palestinian doctors and nurses, flanked by community volunteers -- and they need help.
Supplies are running out, injuries are severe, and everyone needs emergency shelter. The situation is incredibly volatile -- but together we can fund their operations, ensuring they can respond swiftly in the ever-shifting chaos.
When a monster earthquake hit Syria in February, our movement funded a massive rescue operation that helped tens of thousands of people. Now we'll do it again. Your donation will also fuel Avaaz campaigns to help bring justice and peace to the survivors of war, genocide, and apartheid -- from Palestine to Sudan, Ukraine, and Myanmar.
The terror perpetrated by Hamas is unthinkable, but Gaza's children are innocent. And totally defenceless. We can have emergency funds out asap -- donate what you can now:I'LL DONATE $4 I'LL DONATE $7 I'LL DONATE $13 I'LL DONATE $26 I'LL DONATE $51 OTHER AMOUNT Gaza is a narrow strip of land, often called an "open-air prison" for a population of some 2 million people. Half of them are children, their basic necessities restricted by an Israeli blockade for the last 16 years.
The children of Gaza are trapped in a vicious, unequal war they were born into. They have nowhere to run and bombing is set to intensify. Now doctors and medics need funding for urgent supplies when and if humanitarian corridors reopen. Until then, thousands need emergency shelter, and we can help to fund it.
Gaza needs aid, right now. And those fighting against an all out war in Israel and Palestine need a global community standing for peace and justice alongside them. Avaaz has been doing it for years -- along with campaigns on the war in Ukraine and Sudan’s silent genocide. If we raise enough, we could:- Provide emergency, life-saving supplies for civilians in Gaza, including medicines, trauma kits, fuel, and ambulances;
- Support Palestinian doctors, nurses, and volunteers, helping to ensure they have food and shelter as horrors unfold;
- Launch a rapid response campaign to save Palestinian and Israeli children from all out war -- starting by freeing the children held hostage by Israel and Hamas; and
- Supercharge our Human Rights Action Team to track emerging threats, and continue to fight for justice for victims of war, genocide, apartheid, and discrimination across the world.
I'LL DONATE $4 I'LL DONATE $7 I'LL DONATE $13 I'LL DONATE $26 I'LL DONATE $51 OTHER AMOUNT From Yemen to Syria, and again in Afghanistan, the Avaaz community has rallied together when innocent lives get swept into the ravages of war. This moment demands nothing less. We have the same responsibility to all children, regardless of which side of whatever barbed-wire fence they're standing on. Our movement's moral compass is attuned toward preventing suffering -- so with all the humanity we have, let's tend to Gaza's children, right now.
With fierce hope and endless determination, always,
Kaitlin, Mike, Camille, Adela, Fadi, Noor, Nell and the whole team at Avaaz
PS. This might be your first donation to our movement ever. But what a first donation! Did you know that Avaaz relies entirely on small donations from members like you? That's why we're fully independent, nimble and effective. Join the over 1 million people who've donated to make Avaaz a real force for good in the world.
More information: - Hospitals are overwhelmed in ‘catastrophic situation’ in Gaza (MSF)
- ‘I’m just praying to God’: people in Gaza caught between evacuation order, Hamas and bombs (The Guardian)
- Israel: White Phosphorus Used in Gaza, Lebanon (Human Rights Watch)
- Nowhere to Hide in Gaza as Israeli Onslaught Continues (The New York Times)
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Zazim - 13 October - Humanitarian CorridorOPEN, כולנו עדיין הלומים ומזועזעים מהזוועות שאנחנו עדים להן מאז שבת בבוקר. אני שולחת חיזוקים וניחומים לכל אחת ואחד מאיתנו. בתוך כך, אנחנו נאחזים בכל הזדמנות לעשייה למען שחרור החטופים ולעצירת שפיכות הדמים. בימים האחרונים הצעתי לך להצטרף לקריאה לקנצלר גרמניה להתערב ולתווך בהשגת עסקה שתחזיר את החטופים הביתה בריאים ושלמים, בקמפיין משותף לנו ולארגון האחות שלנו בגרמניה שהצטרפו אליו למעלה מ-70 אלף בגרמניה ובישראל. עכשיו התבשרנו שהצלחנו - הקנצלר הצהיר שהוא עובד בכל הכוח כדי לשחרר את החטופים בעזה וקיבלנו מידע מהשותפים שלנו בגרמניה על עוד עשייה רבה מאחורי הקלעים. אבל זה עדיין לא מספיק. לכן הצטרפנו ליוזמה בינלאומית לפתיחת מסדרון הומינטרי שיאפשר גישה מיידית לבני הערובה בעזה מצד הצלב האדום ושאר ארגונים הומניטריים וכדי לאפשר גישה ואספקה לאזרחים חפים מפשע בעזה. בין אם הצטרפת לקמפיין הקודם ובין אם לא, חשוב מאוד שהשם שלך יופיע על הדרישה הזו שתועבר למנהיגים, מוסדות בינלאומיים וארגונים הומניטריים בעולם - אני מזמינה אותך להצטרף עכשיו - אסור לנו לאבד אף רגע: אוסיף את שמי בשעה זו ממש, גופים הומניטרים בינלאומיים נמצאים בעזה. אנו רוצים לאפשר להם להגיע במהירות לבני הערובה שנחטפו מישראל לעזה, בדגש על ילדים, נשים, זקנים ומשפחות. זה אפשרי אך ורק בחלון הזמן המצומצם שנפתח כעת, כל עוד אין כניסה קרקעית של ישראל לעזה. לכן אסור לנו לאבד זמן! זהו צעד ראשון קריטי בדרך לשחרור חפים מפשע. אם נצליח לייצר מסדרון הומניטרי, נוכל להמשיך את הדיאלוג לגבי החטופים מישראל ולשיפור תנאי החיים של האזרחים מעזה. לכן חשוב כל כך שנגייס תמיכה ציבורית רחבה - OPEN, תוכל.י להוסיף את שמך? אוסיף את שמי זו יוזמה בינלאומית של ניב עדי, יזם ולשעבר מתאם השיחות האסטרטגיות במשרד הבטחון ושל פרופ׳ נאגו הומברט, ראש מרכז המעקב ההומניטרי לאתיקה ובריאות, מייסד Médecin du Monde, ראש הסהר האדום לשעבר בעזה ומנהל אזורי בארגון הבריאות העולמי בירושלים. היוזמה נרקמה יחד עם מומחים דיפלומטים, הומניטרים ובטחונים והיוזמים עומדים בקשר ישיר עם הוועד הבינלאומי של הצלב האדום (ICRC) שאנשיו נמצאים ברצועת עזה ברגעים אלו. הארגון יסייע מבחינה לוגיסטית להוציא את היוזמה לפועל. צוותי משימה מיוחדים ממוקמים בשעה זו בישראל ובשוויץ, עם שיתופי פעולה באירופה ובארה״ב. היוזמים עומדים בקשר ישיר עם משפחות החטופים ומזמינים משפחות נוספות להצטרף ליוזמה. במקביל, הם מכוונים את הגורמים לפעולה בערוצים הדיפלומטיים של השגרירויות הזרות בישראל, משרדי חוץ והגנה בעולם, ארגונים הומניטריים וערוצי תקשורת. ההצטרפות של כל אחד ואחת מאיתנו חשובה - מקווה לראות גם אותך איתנו. בתקווה, רלוקה וכל צוות זזים - אמל, יונתן, גוני, יותם, סרוג׳ וענת לקריאה נוספת: הצהרת הקנצלר שולץ בהארץ: https://act.zazim.org.il/go/15277?t=5&akid=14496%2E596575%2ECPTNOu הצהרת הקנצלר שולץ בגארדיאן, עם התייחסות נרחבת לחטופים (באנגלית): https://act.zazim.org.il/go/15278?t=7&akid=14496%2E596575%2ECPTNOu לראיון עם יותם, קמפיינר זזים שהוריו מקיבוץ בארי נעדרים: https://act.zazim.org.il/go/15285?t=9&akid=14496%2E596575%2ECPTNOu
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38Degrees - 13 October - Letter from Raluca and fundraiser
Hi OPEN,
I’m Matthew, 38 Degrees’ CEO. I don’t email often but I wanted to share this message I received from a friend in Tel Aviv.
Raluca runs Zazim, Israel’s version of 38 Degrees. [1] Zazim campaigns for social justice and action on equal rights. And they campaign for peace and justice for all Israelis and Palestinians. Right now, today, they are launching a campaign to open up a humanitarian corridor to Gaza to get civilians and hostages out.
In a moment, I am going to suggest you make a donation to support Zazim in this most incredibly tough and heart-breaking time. But first, here is Raluca’s update.
—--------
My name is Raluca. I live in Tel Aviv and I’m an Israeli peace activist. Over the last few days we’ve seen unimaginable horror, it’s worse than a nightmare.
Since Saturday morning, the tragic news keeps coming. So many friends, colleagues and families were brutally murdered, tortured or taken as hostages in the barbaric attack by Hamas, I can barely breathe. The aunt of my colleague was brutally murdered. As was the sister-in-law of my best friend and too many others. Another colleague is still looking for his elderly parents, who have been missing since Saturday morning and were probably kidnapped.
I am writing to you from the safe room I am privileged to have in my flat, the sounds of rockets fired by Hamas are terrifying my children. I can’t help thinking of the children and mothers in Gaza - who do not have safe shelters or sirens to warn them of the Israeli bombs. I cannot help thinking of the Israelis hostages in Gaza - still alive and afraid and hoping their country will come to rescue them. This is why our campaigning work cannot stop. We are grieving, but we will not stop working.
Since the war began, we have cooperated with groups around Europe to raise the demand that talks are held to free the hostages. We are also launching an international initiative for a humanitarian corridor to give access to the hostages and allow the movement of supplies for the people in Gaza.
We are in pain at what has happened, what is happening, and what is to come. But we will not stop working for peace.
—------------
Raluca's words highlight the scale of this tragedy. My children are the same age as Raluca’s. And there are children of their age in Gaza too. People of all ages in Israel and in Palestine are suffering.
Zazim are our friends and colleagues. Zazim supporters are just like 38 Degrees supporters: they work together for a better country. They want fairness. They want justice. Their campaigning is more important than ever.In this moment of horror and pain, I am going to make a donation to support Zazim’s work. Matthew, will you join me?
Thank you for reading,
Matthew McGregor, CEO
NOTES:
Zazim: About us -
Zazim - 10 October - Release Hostages petition
English
translated by Google translate
Dear OPEN,
The heart breaks in front of the sights and sounds from the south. Varda, the beloved aunt of Goni, our campaign manager, was also murdered in her home in Kibbutz Ra'im. Lilach and Teri , the parents of Yotam, our campaigner, from Kibbutz Bari, have been missing together with Paul, his father's caregiver, since Saturday morning. The hard news doesn't stop flowing, the throat chokes and the stomach turns.
Amid the inferno and horror, our priorities must be clear: to do everything to save the 150 hostages that Hamas took to Gaza. But the criminal government also fails to understand this simple human duty. Some of them, such as Smotrich from the reins, are not even ashamed to joke when he stated that the Israeli response in Gaza should not take into account the lives of the kidnapped Israelis - babie and their mothers, the elderly, women and children.
The government prefers massive bombings that will add thousands of children, women and innocent civilians to the terrible cycle of bloodshed in Gaza - and eliminate any possibility of returning the abducted alive. Here too, as in every other field since Saturday: morning, we, the citizens, are the ones who must act - and immediately.
Together with Campact, Zazim's sister organization in Germany, we launched a campaign calling on the German government to lead efforts to mediate a deal to return the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Germany has successfully acted as a mediator in the Shalit deal in the past, and has the tools and ability to bring Israel and Hamas to the negotiating table.
According to reports, Qatar is already trying to mediate such a deal, but the Israeli government, which is responsible for this terrible failure, refuses to enter into negotiations. Only broad international involvement will make the Israeli government prefer the living hostages over more and more death and suffering.
The campaign in German will go up in the next few hours and will be distributed to millions of Germans. Because every minute is important, our partners in Compact will make sure to submit the signatures directly to the Chancellor and the German Foreign Ministry within 24 hours . At the same time, our partners in Switzerland, Austria, Romania, Poland and Hungary exert similar pressure on the German embassy there and in front of the European Union. Now is our moment to add our voice of cry from Israel - for the loved ones, friends, the frightened girl in the picture on the motorcycle on the way to Gaza - for life.
We are all overwhelmed with feelings of fear, sorrow and anger for the unforgivable massacre committed by Hamas
But the solution is not to expand the circle of bloodshed and kill thousands of innocent people in Gaza. The government is faced with a decisive choice
between futile revenge and the return of the children, parents and grandmothers home. Let's do everything so that they make the right choice
With a big hug to each and every one of our activists in the south and throughout the country
Raluka and the Zazim team - Goni, Yotam, Amal, Seroj, Yonatan and Anat
Hebrew
זזות וזזים יקרים/ות.
הלב נשבר אל מול המראות והקולות מהדרום. גם ורדה, הדודה האהובה של גוני מנהלת הקמפיינים שלנו, נרצחה בביתה בקיבוץ רעים. לילך ותרי, הוריו של יותם, הקמפיינר שלנו, מקיבוץ בארי, נעדרים יחד עם פול, המטפל של אבא שלו, מאז שבת בבוקר. הבשורות הקשות לא מפסיקות לזרום, הגרון נחנק והבטן מתהפכת.
בתוך התופת והאימה, סדר העדיפויות שלנו חייב להיות ברור: לעשות הכל כדי להציל את 150 בני הערובה שחמאס חטף לעזה. אבל הממשלה הפושעת כושלת גם בהבנת החובה האנושית הפשוטה הזו. חלקם, כמו סמוטריץ׳ משולח הרסן, לא מתביישים אפילו להתבדח (!) כשהוא קובע שהתגובה הישראלית בעזה לא צריכה להתחשב בחייהם של הישראלים החטופים - תינוקות ואמותיהם, קשישים, נשים וילדים.
הממשלה מעדיפה הפצצות מסיביות שיוסיפו למעגל הדמים הנורא אלפי ילדים, נשים ואזרחים חפים מפשע בעזה - ויחסלו כל אפשרות להחזיר את החטופים בחיים. גם כאן, כמו בכל תחום אחר מאז שבת בבוקר, אנחנו, האזרחים, אלו שחייבים לפעול - ומיד:
הצטרפו עכשיו לקמפיין לשחרור מיידי של החטופים
יחד עם Campact, ארגון האחות של זזים בגרמניה, פתחנו קמפיין שקורא לממשלת גרמניה להוביל מאמצים לתיווך עסקה להחזרת בני הערובה תמורת אסירים פלסטינים. גרמניה שימשה בעבר בהצלחה כמתווכת בעסקת שליט, ויש לה את הכלים והיכולת להביא את ישראל וחמאס לשולחן המשא ומתן.
לפי הדיווחים, קטאר כבר מנסה לתווך עסקה כזו, אבל ממשלת ישראל שאחראית על המחדל הנורא הזה, מסרבת להכנס למשא ומתן. רק מעורבות בינלאומית רחבה תגרום לממשלת ישראל להעדיף את בני הערובה החיים על פני עוד ועוד מוות וסבל.
הקמפיין בגרמנית יעלה בשעות הקרובות ויופץ למיליוני גרמנים. בגלל שכל דקה חשובה, השותפים שלנו בקמפקט ידאגו להגיש את החתימות ישירות לקנצלר ולמשרד החוץ הגרמני תוך 24 שעות. במקביל, השותפים שלנו בשוויץ, אוסטריה, רומניה, פולין והונגריה מפעילים לחץ דומה על שגרירות גרמניה אצלם ומול האיחוד האירופי. עכשיו הרגע שלנו להוסיף את קול הזעקה שלנו מישראל - למען הקרובים, החברים, הנערה המבוהלת בתמונה על האופנוע בדרך לעזה - למען החיים:
כולנו מוצפים ברגשות פחד, צער וכעס על הטבח שאין לו כפרה שביצע חמאס. אבל הפתרון אינו הרחבת מעגל הדמים והרג אלפי חפים מפשע בעזה. הממשלה עומדת בפני ברירה חותכת - בין נקמה חסרת תוחלת לבין החזרת הילדים, ההורים והסבתות הביתה. בואו נעשה הכל כדי שיבחרו נכון.
בחיבוק חזק לכל אחת ואחד מהפעילים שלנו בדרום ובכל הארץ,
רלוקה וצוות זזים - גוני, יותם, אמל, סרוג׳, יונתן וענת
נ.ב. קישור לעצומה שלנו באתר campact בגרמנית >> https://act.zazim.org.il/
go/15128?t=5&akid=14474% 2E403604%2Eh0-mWj לקריאה נוספת:
אם מאמצי התיווך יצליחו, ישראל לא תוכל להתעלם מהצעה לשחרור שבויים / צבי בראל, הארץ:
https://act.zazim.org.il/go/
15098?t=7&akid=14474%2E403604% 2Eh0-mWj הלחץ הציבורי לשחרור השבויים צפוי לגבור - אבל לא ברור מתי תקודם עסקה לשחרורם / יונתן ליס, הארץ:
https://act.zazim.org.il/go/
15099?t=9&akid=14474%2E403604% 2Eh0-mWj סמוטריץ׳ - צריך להיות אכזריים ולא להתחשב יותר מדי בשבויים / כאן 11
https://act.zazim.org.il/go/
15100?t=11&akid=14474% 2E403604%2Eh0-mWj -
Campact - 10 October - email from Raluca - Protect the civilian population
English
translated by Google translate
Raluca, the chairwoman of Zazim – Community Action, Campax’s sister organization in Israel, is writing to you today. She asks you to support the demand for the Swiss government to protect the civilian population in Israel and Palestine .
Hello OPEN,
My name is Raluca. I live in Tel-Aviv and am an Israeli peace activist. In the last few days we have experienced unimaginable horror, it is worse than a nightmare. And right now, I urgently need your help to save the lives of children, babies, their mothers and elderly people kidnapped by Hamas in Gaza. All of you and the people of Palestine and Israel are in mortal danger!
Every moment counts to save lives as the right-wing extremists in the Israeli government push for massive airstrikes in Gaza . Some of these have already taken place. This endangers the lives of the Israeli hostages and the Palestinian population, and will lead to more bloodshed and suffering for innocent people on both sides . It's hard to digest, but it has been openly stated that the Israeli military response to the Hamas attack should have no regard for the lives of Israelis there. (1) Hamas announced that four Israeli hostages were killed in an Israeli bombing raid in Gaza. (2)
It's easy to feel helpless, but as a Swiss citizen you can play an important role in convincing the Swiss government to act as a mediator.
Committed to its tradition of good offices and the promotion of international law , Switzerland has been committed to a negotiated, fair and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians for several years. (3)
This commitment is now even more urgent because Israel is faced with two options: to bomb and destroy the Gaza Strip, killing thousands of innocent people in Gaza and destroying any chances of rescuing the Israeli hostages, or to rescue the hostages through to give priority to an exchange agreement.
Can you sign my petition to Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis? We will hand over the petition within 24 hours because every moment counts:
Since Saturday morning we have been receiving more and more tragic news . So many friends, colleagues and families have been brutally murdered, tortured or taken hostage in Hamas' barbaric attack that I can barely breathe . My colleague's aunt was brutally murdered. As did my best friend's sister-in-law and too many others. Another colleague is still looking for his elderly parents, who have been missing since Saturday morning and have probably been kidnapped. Parents share pictures of their children and their elderly parents and ask for help.
It is heartbreaking and we feel helpless. But you can help by convincing the Swiss government to intervene and mediate to save the lives of the 150 hostages and prevent further bloodshed. Please support our call for the Swiss government to act as a fair mediator and negotiate the immediate release of the Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of the Hamas prisoners.
I am writing to you from the safe space I have in my apartment . The sounds of rockets fired by Hamas terrify my children. I can't help but think of the children and mothers in Gaza who have no safe shelters or sirens to warn them of the Israeli bombs. I can't help but think of the Israeli hostages in Gaza who are still alive and afraid and hoping that their country will come to rescue them.
For so many it is already too late. For over 900 Israelis who have already been murdered by Hamas and for more than 680 Palestinians in Gaza who have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. (4) But your name in the appeal to the Swiss government can help save the lives of the 150 hostages and prevent further tragic bloodshed on both sides . It's a small step, but everything matters to stop the cycle of violence and create a just and lasting peace for people on all sides of the conflict.
Thanks for your support.
Raluca Ganea
Chairwoman of Zazim – Community Action, sister organization of Campax in Israel
German
Heute schreibt Dir Raluca, die Vorsitzende von Zazim – Community Action, der Schwesterorganisation von Campax in Israel. Sie bittet Dich darum, die Forderung an die Schweizer Regierung zu unterstützen, um die Zivilbevölkerung in Israel und Palästina zu schützen.
Nein, ich unterstütze die Kampagne nicht
Hallo OPEN
Mein Name ist Raluca. Ich lebe in Tel-Aviv und bin eine israelische Friedensaktivistin. In den letzten Tagen haben wir unvorstellbares Grauen erlebt, es ist schlimmer als ein Albtraum. Und gerade jetzt brauche ich dringend Deine Hilfe, um das Leben von Kindern, Babys, ihren Müttern und älteren Menschen zu retten, die von der Hamas nach Gaza entführt wurden. Sie alle und die Bevölkerung in Palästina und Israel sind in Lebensgefahr!
Jeder Augenblick zählt, um Leben zu retten, denn die Rechtsextremen in der israelischen Regierung drängen auf massive Luftangriffe in Gaza. Teilweise sind diese bereits erfolgt. Dies gefährdet das Leben der israelischen Geiseln und der palästinensischen Bevölkerung, und wird zu noch mehr Blutvergiessen und Leid unschuldiger Menschen auf beiden Seiten führen. Es ist schwer zu verdauen, aber es wurde offen gesagt, dass die israelische Militärreaktion auf den Hamas-Angriff keine Rücksicht auf das Leben der Israelis dort nehmen sollte. (1) Die Hamas hat bekannt gegeben, dass bei einem israelischen Bombenangriff in Gaza vier israelische Geiseln getötet wurden. (2)
Es ist leicht, sich hilflos zu fühlen, aber als Schweizer Bürger*in kannst Du eine wichtige Rolle dabei spielen, die Schweizer Regierung davon zu überzeugen, als Vermittler*innen aufzutreten.
Ihrer Tradition der guten Dienste und der Förderung des Völkerrechts verpflichtet, engagiert sich die Schweiz seit mehreren Jahren für einen verhandelten, gerechten und dauerhaften Frieden zwischen Israelis und Palästinenser*innen. (3)
Dieses Engagement ist nun umso dringender, denn Israel steht vor zwei Optionen: Den Gazastreifen zu bombardieren und zu zerstören, wodurch Tausende von unschuldigen Menschen in Gaza getötet werden und alle Chancen auf die Rettung der israelischen Geiseln zunichte gemacht werden, oder der Rettung der Geiseln durch ein Austauschabkommen Vorrang zu geben.
Kannst Du meine Petition an Aussenminister Ignazio Cassis unterschreiben? Wir werden die Petition innerhalb von 24 Stunden übergeben, denn jeder Augenblick zählt:
Nein, ich unterstütze die Kampagne nicht
Seit Samstagmorgen erreichen uns immer neue tragische Nachrichten. So viele Freunde, Kollegen und Familien wurden bei dem barbarischen Angriff der Hamas brutal ermordet, gefoltert oder als Geiseln genommen, dass ich kaum noch atmen kann. Die Tante meines Kollegen wurde brutal ermordet. Ebenso wie die Schwägerin meines besten Freundes und zu viele andere. Ein anderer Kollege ist immer noch auf der Suche nach seinen älteren Eltern, die seit Samstagmorgen vermisst werden und wahrscheinlich entführt worden sind. Eltern teilen Bilder von ihren Kindern und ihren älteren Eltern und bitten um Hilfe.
Es ist herzzerreissend und wir fühlen uns hilflos. Aber Du kannst helfen, indem Du die Schweizer Regierung davon überzeugst, einzugreifen und zu vermitteln, um das Leben der 150 Geiseln zu retten und weiteres Blutvergiessen zu verhindern. Bitte unterstütze unseren Aufruf an die Schweizer Regierung, als faire Vermittlerin aufzutreten und die sofortige Freilassung der israelischen Geiseln im Austausch gegen die Freilassung der Hamas-Gefangenen auszuhandeln.
Ich schreibe Dir aus dem sicheren Raum, den ich in meiner Wohnung habe. Die Geräusche der von der Hamas abgefeuerten Raketen versetzen meine Kinder in Angst und Schrecken. Ich kann nicht anders, als an die Kinder und Mütter in Gaza zu denken, die keine sicheren Schutzräume oder Sirenen haben, die sie vor den israelischen Bomben warnen. Ich kann nicht anders, als an die israelischen Geiseln in Gaza zu denken, die noch am Leben sind und Angst haben und hoffen, dass ihr Land kommt, um sie zu retten.
Für so viele ist es bereits zu spät. Für über 900 Israelis, die bereits von der Hamas ermordet wurden, und für mehr als 680 Palästinenser*innen in Gaza, die bei den israelischen Luftangriffen getötet wurden. (4) Aber Dein Name im Aufruf an die Schweizer Regierung kann helfen, das Leben der 150 Geiseln zu retten und weiteres tragisches Blutvergiessen auf beiden Seiten zu verhindern. Es ist ein kleiner Schritt, aber alles zählt, um den Kreislauf der Gewalt zu stoppen und einen gerechten und dauerhaften Frieden für die Menschen auf allen Seiten des Konflikts zu schaffen.
Nein, ich unterstütze die Kampagne nicht
Danke für Deine Unterstützung.
Raluca Ganea
Vorsitzende von Zazim – Community Action, Schwesterorganisation von Campax in Israel
Quellen:
1) AP: Israels mächtiger Finanzminister, der Siedlerführer Bezalel Smotrich, forderte auf der Kabinettssitzung am späten Samstag, dass die israelische Armee "die Hamas brutal angreift und die Situation der Gefangenen nicht in Betracht zieht". https://apnews.com/
article/palestinians-israel- military-prisoners-hostage- hamas-soldiers- e75729364f8c0b453da272365c16d1 36 (englisch) 2) Nach palästinensischen Angaben sind bei israelischen Luftangriffen auf den Gazastreifen vier israelische Geiseln getötet worden. Die Angaben eines Sprechers der Qassam-Brigaden, des bewaffneten Flügels der islamistischen Hamas, konnten nicht unabhängig überprüft werden: https://apa.at/news/israel-
verfuegte-totalblockade-des- gazastreifens-3/ 4) https://www.tagesschau.de/
ausland/asien/gaza-israel- angriff-128.html -
Uplift - 9 October - Stand against war in Palestine
Dear OPEN
The scale of death and atrocities in Israel and Palestine this weekend is shocking. [1] It's another heartbreaking instalment in decades of brutal military repression of the Palestinian people. [2]
Accusations, blame, and hate are being ramped up across the airwaves and on social media. Now, EU leader Ursula von der Leyen, has backed authoritarian, far-right Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu. [3]
The outcry against Netanyahu’s declaration of war has been massive, but we need to make it louder. Political leaders here and at EU level need to know, beyond all doubt, that people in Ireland want them to support an end to the brutality, and not an escalation in violence.
If we can put thousands of our names in front of Micheál Martin, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, he will be under pressure to push EU leaders to turn away from backing the Israeli government's war on Palestine. The next few days will be vital, Aurora. Can you sign now?
Led by President Netanyahu, the Israeli government has marched steadily away from reason and peace and towards the far right. [4] He has ignored warnings that his actions towards the people of Palestine would lead to increased violence. [5]
Now, after this weekend's attack, Netanyahu is confident he can escalate his plans to bulldoze Gaza and destroy Palestinian lives and that world leaders will stand by and do nothing.
Now, more than ever, our own government and EU leaders need to see that we and tens of thousands of others across Europe are demanding that they stand up and say “NO” to far-right Israeli president Benjamin Netanyahu's atrocities against Palestinian people.
When we speak with one voice, we can force our politicians to listen. Can you sign the urgent petition now to show overwhelming public support for a cessation of the war on Palestine? We’ll make sure it's put right into Micheál Martin's hands and demand that he tells EU leaders what people in Ireland want. Add your name here:
More power to you,
Siobhán and the Uplift team
P.S: If you are fortunate enough to be able to afford even €5 or €10 to make a difference, click here. You can also chip in over the phone 01 513 3043 or by post to Uplift - People Powered Change, 13 North Main Street, Cork, T12 Y6W0.
NOTES:
[1] Israel/Palestine: Devastating Civilian Toll as Parties Flout Legal Obligations | Human Rights Watch
[2] Palestinian hopelessness drove the Hamas attack on Israel | The Irish Times
[3] Israel defence minister orders 'complete siege' on Gaza | RTÉ & US and European leaders condemn Hamas attack on Israel | Breakingnews.ie
[4] Netanyahu’s right-wing Israeli government is beyond extreme | Vox
Other resources
Jewish Voice for Peace - Gaza talking points
Justice for Palestine: Promoting justice, peace and freedom for the Palestinian people.
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