h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi People.

This is the latest newsletter from Jewish Voice for Peace.


The news about the attacks in Gaza is beyond words. "Appalling" doesn't even come close.

U.S.-supplied Israeli F-16 warplanes and Apache helicopters have fired missiles and dropped over 100 tons of bombs on dozens of locations in the Israeli-occupied Gaza Strip. Over 300 people are dead and at least 1,400 more are injured. Many if not most of them are civilians. Food and medicine were already in short supply in Gaza and all medical facilities have been completely overwhelmed by this onslaught. Access to Gaza has been cut off by Israel.

This is the most violent and heartbreaking situation that has happened to the Palestinians in recent history, and it must stop.In addition to calling for protests at Israeli consulates and federal buildings, as well as letters to the U.S. and Israeli governments, Jewish Voice for Peace staff and members are already putting together an aggressive campaign focused on Gaza. And, without a moment to waste, we call for an immediate end to attacks on all civilians.

I am Stephanie Roth and I've been an activist with Jewish Voice for Peace for many years, including serving on the board of directors. I've been involved with social justice issues my entire adult life - both in my professional life as an editor and fundraiser, and as a volunteer and activist. There is no issue I find more important or compelling than my work to end the Israeli Occupation. I am particularly saddened by this weekend's tragedy, occurring just a week after the uplifting days when the Shministim - the young Israeli conscientious objectors - caught the world's attention with their courage to say no to violence on December 18. I know that people in Gaza will stop dying when Israeli soldiers, like the Shministim, have the courage to say NO. NO, we will not target civilians; NO, we will not follow immoral orders; NO, we will not contribute to the destruction of Palestinian society.

Together with the Shministim, and with the 1,000 Israelis in Tel Aviv and thousands of others around the world who have already come out to protest the Gaza onslaught, we say YES. YES, stepping up to speak for justice and peace makes a difference; YES, we stand with the people of Gaza, of the West Bank, of Sderot in Israel and the innocent civilians everywhere whose lives are destroyed by cynical politicians and warmakers; YES, our voices together are stronger than the voice of any one of us alone; and YES, we are committed to the longterm goal of ending the Occupation and working for justice, peace and life.

Jewish Voice for Peace's goal - MY goal - of ending the Occupation is a long-term one. Today, I will be giving the biggest gift I can to insure that they have the resources for a swift and sustained response to this most recent atrocity.

We are in this struggle for as long as it takes, and we need your help. Please make the largest gift you can, today. Every gift is put right to work, and every gift makes a difference.

"If not us, who? If not now, when?"

Stephanie Roth

Yes, Trig,

We're heading for the biggest war in the history of mankind

Same old same-o. Attacks followed by reprisals followed by UN recriminations followed by brokered cease-fire followed by violations of the cease fire followed by attacks ......

It just goes round and round in circles.

Yes, round in circles. But what if the circles get bigger and bigger?

Iran just gave us a 'Christmas message'. Not thought of as very timely by many here in the UK.
They're a large nation and we could find that 'the troubles' in Gaza, as appalling as it is, is 'dwarfed' by what could follow!

the only "gift" that I can think of that the Jewish Voice For Peace can give right now is if they give themselves as a human shield.

And I fear even that wouldn't work.

I'm disgusted, as ever, that governments aren't louder in their protests against Israel.

Followed by the US *still* bank rolling Israel's armed forces.

I did wonder wether Obama would pull back from supporting Israel as much as previous administrations but due to the huge influence and power of the Jewish community in the US he daren't upset them.

It would also have the Right screaming out: Look he IS a Muslim.