CALL CONGRESS NOW!
DEMAND ACTION TO HELP END THE SIEGE OF GAZA


Earlier today, Thursday, the Senate unanimously passed a one-sided resolution supporting Israel for 'defending itself' from Hamas. Outrageous as this is, the House of Representatives will most likely do the same tomorrow, Friday.


Call your Representative NOW! to tell them to vote 'NO' on any resolution that fails to call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire -- as well as for unimpeded access for humanitarian aid into Gaza and a lifting of Israel's illegal siege.


United For Peace and Justice -- working with member groups such as the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Peace Action, the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, Progressive Democrats for America, and Code Pink -- is organizing this national Congressional call-in day. We must let our Congressional representatives know that we will not stand for an unfair and unbalanced resolution that supports Israel's continued assault on Gaza, with no clear path for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.


There are several biased resolutions on the table, most of which applaud Israel for being a 'strong ally' in the 'War on Terror'; falsely blame Hamas for breaking the ceasefire; fail to recognize the legitimacy of Palestinian elections; and say nothing about Israel's responsibility for the killing and injuring of Palestinians and imposing collective punishment on them through a brutal siege -- all with U.S. weapons.


If you don't know who represents you in Congress, then you can find out at Congress.org (enter your zip code in the upper right corner of the website). Once you know who represents you call 202-224-3121 and the operator will connect you to your Representative. You can also call this Congressional switchboard number at 1-800-828-0498.

When you are connected to your Representative's office, keep your message short and to the point. Tell them:

Congress should be calling for an immediate, unconditional, comprehensive ceasefire. Israel has killed more than an estimated 700 Palestinians and injured more than 3,000 since December 27. Resolutions that condition a ceasefire will only lead to more needless death and destruction, and biased resolutions that enable Israel to continue killing and injuring Palestinians are unacceptable. We are also critical of Hamas for launching rockets aimed at and killing civilians in Israel.
*

Congress should be calling for unrestricted access for humanitarian aid. Israel is allowing through only a trickle of humanitarian aid into Gaza. As the Occupying Power of the Gaza Strip, Israel is legally obligated by the 4th Geneva Convention to ensure that Palestinians receive adequate supplies of food, medical supplies, and other necessities of life. Israel's siege on the Gaza Strip imposes an illegal collective punishment on 1.5 million civilians by denying them access to these vital supplies in violation of international law. Israel must lift its siege of the Gaza Strip to comply with its Geneva Convention obligations and humanitarian aid deliveries must be allowed to enter without restrictions.
*

Israel is misusing U.S. weapons to attack a civilian population. Instead of placing blame for Israel's war on and siege of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on the victims, Members of Congress should join with Rep. Dennis Kucinich in demanding from the Secretary of State an investigation into Israel's violations of the Arms Export Control Act. Members of Congress must hold Israel accountable for its misuse of U.S. weapons to kill Palestinian civilians in violation of U.S. and international law, not vote for resolutions which justify these illegal killings.
*
It is vitally important to make sure Congress hears from us! As few as 20 phone calls from their constituents can prevent Representatives from supporting these atrocious resolutions cheerleading Israel. Your call WILL make a difference -- call 202.224.3121 NOW to join our national movement.


After calling your Representatives and urging them to vote NO on any one-sided, biased resolution, we hope you will also call your Senators and let them know how upset you are with their vote today blaming Gazans for the current crisis. Call 202-234-3121 to be connected to the offices of your elected officials in Washington, D.C.


Don't forget to amplify your voice in Congress by having your friends call-in. Be sure to forward this message as widely as you can and encourage others to make these calls.

For more background information, organizing resources, ideas for action and a calendar that lists public protests all around the country, check the website of the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation.

Finally, we need your financial support to help us keep doing this important work. Just click here to make a secure online donation, or to find out how else you can contribute to United for Peace and Justice. Thank you for whatever you can donate at this critical moment.

Help us continue to do this critical work: Make a donation to UFPJ today.

UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE
www.unitedforpeace.org | 212-868-5545
PO Box 607; Times Square Station; New York, NY 10108