Call to Action!!!

A concerted effort is under way requesting that members of Congress issue statements supporting Israel's right to "defend its citizens against terrorism" by continuing its military action in Gaza. It is likely that legislation in this vein will emerge shortly after Congress convenes on January 6.

Please immediately call your House member and Senators and urge them to oppose this resolution and issue a statement condemning the disproportionate Israeli actions against the citizens of Gaza. Get one new person every day to make these calls. If they have already called, ask them to call again.

For DC Offices, the free number is 1-800-828-0498.
Sen. McConnell's Louisville office: 582-6304
Sen. Bunning's Louisville office: 582.5341
Rep. Yarmuth's Louisville office: 582-5129

Talking points:

Demand from the President, your Representative, and Senators

* an unconditional, immediate cease-fire;
* full humanitarian access to Gaza and a lifting of Israel’s siege;
* and accountability for Israel’s misuse of U.S. weapons to kill Palestinian civilians. (On 1/3 the U.S. blocked a UN Resolution for an immediate cease fire)

Gaza: On-Line Crisis Resource Center & Action Plans

As of this writing, over 540 Palestinians - at least 30% unarmed civilians - have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza. Of the many injured, over 1000 are children. Protests demanding an end to the attacks are ongoing, as are efforts to educate the public about the reasons for Israel's assault and the underlying nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The following are places to find up-to-date, accessible information and analyses, as well as suggestions about how you can raise your voice:

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) has developed on online Gaza Crisis Resource Center at http://www.adc.org . This new tool, designed to serve as a primary source of information, incorporates several resources on the Gaza attacks including:

*A factual timeline of the events leading up to the Israeli attacks.
*Reliable articles on the situation in Gaza.
*A list of UN responses and statements on the tragedy.
*A list of credible media sources.
*A continuously updated resource on the numbers of killed and injured.
*An instructive link on contacting the media about the tragedy in Gaza.
*An instructive link on contacting elected representatives including President-elect Obama.
*A list of protests, rallies, and vigils taking place nationwide.

The U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation has published a new downloadable fact sheet, "Israel is Killing Palestinians in Gaza w/U.S. Weapons" as part of its emergency campaign, "Take Action: End Israel's Attack on Gaza." For the fact sheet and full information, go to:

http://www.endtheoccupation.org/article.php?id=1775

OTHER LOUISVILLE ACTIONS:

* Ongoing vigil for peace in the Middle East. Friday, January 9, 12:00 noon. Corner of 6th and Broadway. Leafletting, updates and congressional office visits.
* Ad Hoc Coalition to End the Siege of Gaza. Organizing meeting Monday January 12. 7:00 p.m. Central Presbyterian Church, 4th and Kentucky. Many projects and efforts are underway from media work to planning cultural events. Every voice is needed now.



*****************************************
Talk to Obama (ACTION REQUIRED)

Talk to Obama:
Share your concerns about Gaza, Palestine and Israel.
Go on line to: http://change.gov/page/s/contact
Click on "Agenda" at the top of the page.
Check your concerns in their list.
THEN use the box at the bottom to state your special concern and request.
OR call the Transition Team directly at 202-540-3000

*****************************************
National Day of Emergency Mass Action for Gaza: Saturday, January 10 (ACTION REQUESTED)
Subject: Jan. 10 March on Washington for Gaza: Momentum Builds, New Sponsors, Endorse & Organize Transportation

Momentum Grows for the
LET GAZA LIVE
National March on Washington
Saturday, January 10
Assemble at the White House (north side) at 1:00 PM
http://answer.pephost.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ANS_homepage

A doctor in Gaza's main hospital reported that children make up 30 percent of the casualties, among the dead and wounded, in the second day of the ground invasion. The time to act is now! Local marches have taken place all over the country. Now is the time to bring the outrage of the people right to the steps of the White House.

--
This list is maintained by the Louisville Committee for
Peace in the Middle East. If you want to remain on this
list and continue to be informed about our activities
and issues, you don’t need to reply. If you want to be
removed for whatever reason, just reply to this note with
the word “unsubscribe” in the subject or content. Or, send
a note directly to mideastpeace@mailforce.net Others can sign
up for the list at http://www.louisvillepeace.org/lcpme.html