Cultures of Resistance

Additional Links

Gaza Freedom March: Cairo Declaration

UN Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict
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Commentary on the Goldstone Report on Gaza (The Nation)
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The crisis in Gaza continues. Since Israel’s military campaign of collective punishment against the Palestinian people in Gaza, waged in blatant violation of international law in late 2008 and early 2009, a devastating blockade of the area has remained in place. As a direct result - and with the complicity of the United States government - Gaza’s economy and infrastructure lie in ruins, with the vast majority of Palestinians there living on less than $1 a day.

But the struggle against these injustices continues as well. During New Year's week, Cultures of Resistance took part in the Gaza Freedom March, organized by the International Coalition to End the Illegal Siege of Gaza to mark the one-year anniversary of Israel’s attack. The Freedom March brought more than 1,300 protesters from more than 43 countries to Egypt’s border with Gaza.

In a profoundly undemocratic move, the Egyptian government allowed only a small delegation to cross into Gaza. Nevertheless, the Coalition staged high-profile, nonviolent actions at the French embassy and United Nations offices in Cairo, in concert with other demonstrations in Israel and in cities around the globe. Cultures of Resistance sponsored a live satellite link to transmit news from the Freedom March, and we were also on hand with our own film crew to document the proceedings.

(NOTE: If you have trouble playing a video, click the bottom button on the right hand side to turn off HD.)

One participant in the Gaza Freedom March was Hedy Epstein, an 85 year-old Holocaust survivor who started a hunger strike in Cairo in response to the Egyptian government's obstruction of activists.

Hedy's campaign attracted mainstream media coverage and inspired other activists in Cairo to join her cause. To learn more about Hedy Epstein and how to support her fast, visit this website.

On January 1st, the Gaza Freedom Marchers collectively issued a statement called the Cairo Declaration, condemning the Israeli occupation and calling for "a global mass, democratic anti-apartheid movement to work in full consultation with Palestinian civil society." You can read and endorse the declaration at this site.

Below you will find a list of additional links where you can join in solidarity with the people of Gaza, and contribute to organizations providing aid to Palestinians caught in the humanitarian catastrophe.

Video Commentary

   Phyllis Bennis | Israel/Palestine expert Phyllis Bennis (IPS) discusses
   the Israeli occupation of Palestine
   Robert Malley | The Program Director for Middle East and North
   Africa at International Crisis Group speaks about Hamas

Organizations & Campaigns

   Al Mezan Center for Human Rights | www.mezan.org/en
   Palestinian Centre for Human Rights | www.pchrgaza.org
   International Coalition to End the Illegal Siege of Gaza | www.codepinkalert.org
   US Campaign to End the Occupation | www.endtheoccupation.org
   American Near East Refugee Aid/ANERA | www.anera.org
   CARE | www.carewbg.org
   Gush Shalom | www.gush-shalom.org
   Kinder USA | www.kinderusa.org
   Middle East Children's Alliance/MECA | www.mecaforpeace.org
   Palestinian Medical Relief Society/PMRS | www.pmrs.ps