Israel’s cruel blockade of the impoverished Gaza Strip is now in its 13th year. It is perhaps not surprising that the world seems to have forgotten Gaza, with the Covid-19 pandemic, worldwide economic crisis and widespread protests against racial injustice here in the U.S. But conditions in Gaza are worse than ever. The people there need our help.
With a new political administration in the United States, and many new members of Congress, now is an ideal time to try to end the blockade by any and all means possible. We support projects like the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, but believe there is a way that each of us, from the safety of our homes, can do something that will make a difference. Legislators in Western countries that support Israel, and especially in the United States, need to hear from us that the blockade of Gaza must end immediately.
NorCal ISM is launching a campaign modeled on the many letter-writing campaigns that preceded the 2020 presidential election campaign. We have printed postcards with images of Gaza that we will provide you to address, add your own postage and then mail to legislators.
What if every member of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives received four cards like this? Could it have an impact on their future voting on issues that affect Palestine and Gaza? We believe it could.
NorCal ISM has supporters in many states around the US. Could you send these cards to both of your state’s senators, and all your state’s members of the House of Representatives? How about neighboring states? Some members of Congress, especially new ones, may not even know about the situation in Gaza or the fact that it exists largely because of U.S. policies.
If you would be interested in participating in this project, please send us an email at solidarity@ism-norcal.org and tell us how many cards you are willing to send out. Provide an address where we can mail them, and we will send them to you.
Once you get your postcards, send them to your legislators! Get their mailing addresses here:
Write a personal message. Here are some things you could mention. If you know friends or family in Gaza or have been to Gaza, please do mention that as well:
- The U.S. has supported Israel’s blockade of Gaza for over 14 years, leading to widespread humanitarian devastation, poverty, lack of access to medical care and the destruction of the Palestinian economy
- The U.S. also provides over $3.8 billion annually to Israel in military aid.
- After 11 days of bombing, the siege on Gaza is having an even more dangerous effect on Palestinians in Gaza. It’s time for the U.S. to end the blockade immediately and end its complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity.