keep your eyes peeled for more information on the speakers

this information should be posted in the next few days!! 

Our Concerns

Using the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers as justification, Israel has launched an all-out assault against the civilian population and infrastructure of neighboring Lebanon. Hezbollah forces in Lebanon have replied with hundreds of rocket attacks in northern Israel. All civilian deaths are a tragedy and we call for an immediate ceasefire. While the US is the only party that can put a stop to this tragedy, it continues to feed the conflict by sending weapons to Israel and blocking international efforts for a ceasefire. U.S. soldiers in Iraq are at greater risk as this situation escalates.

The vast majority of civilian deaths have been caused by Israel, with its widespread bombing of cities and villages. We call for an end to US diplomatic and financial support for Israel’s killing of civilians, in both Lebanon and Palestine. We call, as well, for a halt to all Hezbollah attacks against civilians in Israel.

Our Government

Let our government know that we want an immediate ceasefire and that the US must stop providing arms that feed this conflict. We need to address the root cause of the situation--the ongoing Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Golan Heights and Gaza Strip and the billions of dollars in military aid the US sends to Israel.

Our Media

Let the media know we want accurate reporting that depicts the true situation on the ground and the extent of US involvement. We need reporting that shows the faces of ALL the victims and provides concrete historical information, as well as analysis of how United States policy contributes to the conflict. Calling up local talk shows and writing letters to the editor makes a difference in people’s perception of the issue.

Our Education

Let friends and family know that you oppose this escalation in violence and the United States’ unquestioning support of Israel. Historical background to the conflict and our government’s role in the Middle East is key to understanding this issue.

Our Safety and Security

The current violence threatens to spread and will only fuel more animosity towards the United States, further endangering U.S. troops, and increasing the likelihood of attacks here at home.

Actions We Can Take

Attend the upcoming Forum on the Crisis

Friday, July 28^th at 7pm at the Olympia Center 222 Columbia in Olympia

Media: Write letter to the editor of your local newspaper; call into radio talk shows. Tell the media you want to hear more accurate analysis on topics like the history of the conflict, US policy, and how it affects our soldiers in Iraq, and about the attacks on civilians in Lebanon and Palestine.

Government: Let your representatives and senators know that you are upset with their recent vote to support Israel and that you demand an end the military aid that escalates that situation and puts our troops in danger. Congressional Switchboard 202-224-3121

Education: Go to www.electronicintifada.net, www.electroniclebanon.net, www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org, www.democracynow.org to find out more information.

Sponsored by Olympians for Peace in the Middle East, Olympia Movement for Justice & Peace, Olympia-Rafah Sister City Project

 

The Current Situation in Lebanon, Israel and Palestine

 

Lebanon

"Operation Just Reward" has killed over 362 Lebanese in Israeli air strikes. At least 305 of those killed are civilians. Israel continues to bomb civilian infrastructure including factories, power plants, grain silos, hospitals, factories, and the only international airport.  Israel has imposed a sea blockade and is targeting roads and border areas used by internationals and refugees attempting to leave Lebanon. Over half a million civilians are displaced, and Lebanon’s population of 4 million is cut off from essential supplies of food and medicine. This is the worst bombing in 24 years in Lebanon. Hezbollah, located in southern Lebanon, is firing missiles into northern Israel resulting in Israeli civilian casualties. Israel has recently begun a ground invasion into southern Lebanon.

Palestine

106 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in "Operation Summer Rain" since June 25. A majority of these are civilians, including 19 children. Nearly 300 Palestinians have been injured. The foreign ministry office, the main power plant, a university, roads and bridges and homes were bombed. Rafah crossing has been closed and briefly opened, resulting in at least 6 deaths and 600 illnesses. Elected officials are being held without charges by the Israeli military. While international attention is focused on Lebanon and Israel, the siege on Gaza continues, and has expanded to the West Bank town of Nablus.

Israel

Since June 24, 34 Israelis have been killed, including 15 civilians. Towns in northern Israel have suffered rocket attacks from Hezbollah. One soldier was captured by Hamas near Gaza and another two captured by Hezbollah near the Lebanon/Israel border. While Israel claims to be bombing Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and Hamas targets in Palestine to free three captured Israeli soldiers, huge numbers of civilians have been killed in Lebanon and Palestine, and more civilian lives in Israel are threatened by the escalation in violence.

The United States’ Role

The United States vetoed the United Nations Security Council Resolution to end the siege in Gaza. At the G8 summit, the United States severely limited the scope of participants’ ability to act on behalf of all civilian casualties in Palestine and Lebanon. This week, both the Senate and House passed resolutions supporting Israel unquestionably and blaming the entirety of the situation on Hezbollah, Iran and Syria. The United States publicly told Israel to ignore a call for an immediate cease fire. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice described the violence against civilians as "growing pains." As these "growing pains" are felt by civilians in the region, a shipment of high-technology bombs are on their way to Israel from the White House, a further violation of the US Arms Export Control Act.

Upcoming forum on the crisis

Friday, July 28^th, 7:00pm

The Olympia Center, Meeting Room B

220 Columbia in Downtown Olympia

or call 360-485-5745, ammurano@gmail.com