Israeli Civil Society Issues Plea: Stop the War!

The civil society in Israel calls out to the international community:

STOP THE WAR IN GAZA!

Since Saturday December 27th, the Israeli Air Forces have been bombing the Gaza strip. Until now (Tuesday morning), more than 374 people were killed and over 800 were injured. The horror images from Gaza show blood, body parts and destruction everywhere. Hospitals are overflowing, while the Strip’s largest storage of medical supplies was bombarded. The Israeli government is threatening that this is to be only the beginning.

We, Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel, are horrified by the actions of the government and the army. We oppose this war and demand to end the suffering inflicted on the people of Gaza.

We demand:

An immediate ceasefire and an end to all Israeli military operations

An immediate access to Gaza for ALL humanitarian aid and supplies

Permanent lifting of the siege and all restrictions on movement of people and goods to and from Gaza.

Mass bombardment and killing are not self-defense. The Israeli government’s actions represent the main threat to the residents of the south and of Gaza. Four Israeli citizens have already died in the south of Israel of missiles fired in response to this attack. We are all hostages of our government.

The Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip and the entire conflict in the Middle East are fueled by international economical and political interests. This war, too, is backed by the silence of the European Union and the support of the USA in the Security Council of the UN. The blood is on their hands as well as on ours.

***We alone cannot stop this war and bloodshed. We call upon the international community and ask for your help.***

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Join us on the International Action Day to STOP THE WAR IN GAZA! Saturday, January 3rd, 2009.

- Organize a protest action in front of the Israeli embassy or consulate in your city.

- Contact your political representatives and demand their engagement in international efforts to end the war.

- Contact your Congressperson or representative in the Parliament of the European Union and demand they take a clear stand against these aggressions.

- Write letters to the Israeli leadership responsible for this war:

Ehud Olmert – Prime Minister
Tel: 02-6753217
Email: eulmert@knesset.gov.il
Address: Kaplan St. #3
Hakirya, building 3
Jerusalem
91950

Tzipi Livni – Foreign Minister
Tel: 02-6753285
Fax: 02-6753792
Email: zlivni@knesset.gov.il
Address: Itzhak Rabin Blvd. #9
Jerusalem
91950

Ehud Barak – Minister of Defense
Tel: 03-6975000
Fax: 03-6962757
Email:
Address: Kaplan St.
Hakirya
Tel Aviv
64734