Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Palestine Fly-In: July 8, 2011

On July 8th, hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from around the world will stage a “fly-in” at Ben Gurion International airport in Israel. I’m proud to say I will be among them.

Inspired by the sit-ins and freedom rides of the civil rights movement, in the USA in the ‘60s, and the Freedom Flotilla that attempted sail to Gaza this week, we intend to exercise our right to travel to Palestine.

I will be traveling with a group of US citizens who have accepted an invitation from the Al Rowwad Cultural Centre in Aida Refugee Camp, Bethlehem during July. Our delegation is responding to Palestinian civil society organizations and peace and human rights activists who have called on civil society organizations and people of conscience around the world to come to Palestine July 8 for a week of fellowship and peace-building. (See the Right to Enter Campaign at http://www.righttoenter.ps )

Israel's arbitrary and abusive control over entry into the Occupied Palestinian Territories is unlawful and must be vigorously opposed. Israel must recognize the basic human right of entering to Palestine by those who want to visit the Palestinian people. We will get a big 'Welcome to Palestine' on July 9th if we can get through Israel's illegal blockade.

I see my participation in this delegation as part of multi-faceted communication and direct action campaign with the University of Colorado called CU-Divest! CU-Divest! is asking the University of Colorado to stop investing in companies that support Israel’s oppression. People can stand in solidarity with our delegation by signing our petition on line: https://sites.google.com/site/cudivest/ .

2 comments:

  1. Glad you're going, Michael, and I'll be eager to hear of your experiences so thanks for blogging.

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  2. I thank you for going as well, Michael, and hope to hear positive news as you travel.

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