Muslimah Writers Alliance Joins D.C. Mobilization Responding to Israeli Attack on Gaza Flotilla

June 1, 2010 - PRLog -- WASHINGTON, D.C. (MWA) — Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) offers its support to a coalition of Washington, D.C.-based civil and human rights organizations demonstrating today at 12:00 noon, in front of the White House in Lafayette Park, to deliver a list of asks to the Obama Administration and the United States Congress in response to the May 31, 2010 Israeli led attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, resulting a reported 10 or more civilian deaths and numerous injuries to additional passengers and crew members.  

WHO: Washington, D.C.-based Coalition Partners in Support of the Palestine and Ending the Embargo on Gaza

WHAT: Demonstration to Present List of Asks to Obama Administration and the U.S. Congress

WHEN: Tuesday, June 1,  2010 at 12:00 Noon

WHERE: In front of the White House, Lafayette Park, Washington, D.C.

"The White House has stated, through yet another spokesperson, that it, 'deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained [by civilians], and is currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy,' however, this kind of administrative rhetoric is, once again, NOT ENOUGH," stated MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz.

The Israeli government has subjected Gaza to a complete blockade for the past 3 years, leaving 1.5 million people to rely on aid for survival.  In March 2009, The Lancet, the foremost medical journal, dedicated a full series of articles about health in the Occupied Palestinian Territories that shows the extent of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza that the Israeli government denies even exists. And the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently released a report asserting that nearly three-quarters of the damage caused by Israel's winter 2008-9 military offensive in Gaza had not yet been repaired. Additionally, a report by the United Nations humanitarian coordinator blamed the blockade for "suffocating" the agricultural sector in Gaza and said that insufficient food was now a problem in more than 60 percent of households.

The Gaza Flotilla attempted to deliver desperately needed aid to the Palestinians in Gaza and was met with violence and death for the activists.  International outcry, protests, and diplomatic rows have ensued.

The Washington, D.C. community is mobilizing to show solidarity with the Palestinians and to present specific asks.  Washington, D.C. , more than any city in the world, represents the power that keeps peace in the Middle East and justice for the Palestinians a remote prospect.  

The asks for the Obama Administration and the United States Congress:

1.  Publicly condemn the attack on civilian ships in international waters;
2.  Release the names of all those killed, injured, and being detained;
3.  Recall the United States Ambassador from Israel; and,
4.  Pending the outcome of a thorough investigation, suspend all aid, financial and military, to Israel.

"As one of the returning 86 delegates who entered Gaza (Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 2, 2010), I can attest to the fact the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is far from over and the Obama administration's ongoing virtual silence is tantamount to betrayal. Gaza can't continue wait Mr. President," Schwartz added.

In addition to Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA), endorsers of today's demonstration include: Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, Baltimore Friends of Sabeel CJA, CodePink: Women for Peace, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), DC Metro Boycott, Divestment, and Sanction, Gaza Freedom March (GFM), International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, International Solidarity Movement (ISM), Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), Muslim American Society (MAS), Peace Action, Sabeel DC Metro, U.S. Campaign to End Israeli Occupation, United for Peace and Justice, Vineeta Foundation, War is a Crime.org, Washington Interfaith Alliance for Middle East Peace, and others.

CONTACTS:
Joan Stallard:  (202) 411-6275
Brian Hennessey: (202) 378-0868
Radia Daoussi: (410) 900-0935
Aishah Schwartz: (202) 609-9985

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RELATED:
MWA Joins Jewish Voice For Peace in Condemnation of Israeli Attack on Gaza Freedom Flotilla
http://www.prlog.org/10708320
MWA Joins Jewish Voice for Peace in Call for End to Settlement Construction and Blockade on Gaza
http://www.prlog.org/10590131
International Activist, Aishah Schwartz Commends Action of 54 U.S. Congressmen Supporting End to Embargo of Gaza
http://aishahsjourney.blogspot.com/2010/01/international-...

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Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based collaboration of Muslim women writers and advocates working together to counter negative and inaccurate perceptions regarding members of the Muslim community and the Islamic faith.