Onward to Gaza!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 25, 2010

CONTACT:

Michael Rabb
2002 18th Street
Boulder CO 80302
720-837-9674
Michael.rabb1@gmail.com

Local activist attempts entry into Gaza this week

[Cairo] – This Sunday Michael Rabb of Boulder, Colorado will join a 20-person group of activists from around the world will attempt entry into the besieged Gaza strip this week via the Rafah Crossing. The CODEPINK-led delegation, which will deliver humanitarian aid and attend meetings with Palestinian organizations and United Nations representatives, is part of an international movement calling for an end to the blockade of Gaza.

Michael, a 30-year resident of Boulder, and semi-retired from his telecommunications consulting practice, says he has found a new avocation as “Palestinian liberation advocate.” Michael also traveled to Palestine (West Bank) last summer with Inter-Faith Peace Builders to witness Israel’s oppression of the Palestinian people. “I hope our group, organized by CODEPINK, can bring some attention to the plight of the Palestinians caused by Israel’s illegal and immoral regime of military occupation, colonization and apartheid.”

The blockade, enforced by Israel since 2006, severely restricts the entry of food, fuel, medical supplies, and other necessities into the Gaza Strip. The situation has worsened dramatically since the Israeli offensive ‘Operation Cast Lead’ in December 2008 and January 2009. Much of the destroyed infrastructure has yet to be rebuilt because of the scarcity of building materials due to the blockade. CODEPINK co-founder and delegation organizer Medea Benjamin says, “The blockade is illegal and immoral, and our delegation is one more attempt to break the siege. We call on governments around the world to join with citizen's movements like ours to condemn Israeli war crimes and demand justice for the Palestinians."

Israel’s oppression of Palestinians is the focal point of Arab and Islamic radicalization. The release of the “Palestine Papers”, documents leaked to Al Jazeera, reveal Israel’s intransigence and lack of interest meaningful peace negotiations. Recent events in the region, e.g., the Facebook revolution in Tunisia, and now public demonstrations in Egypt and Yemen, have focused world attention on non-democratic, oppressive regimes in the Middle East.

CODEPINK, a women-led peace group, has led eight successful delegations to Gaza to witness the destruction caused by 2008-2009 Israeli military offensive and the ongoing blockade. This delegation, which will attempt to cross into Gaza Sunday, January 30th, is made up of writers, professors, Peace Corps volunteers, medical professionals, and filmmakers. Local Boulder delegation participant, Michael Rabb, speaks to the delegation’s importance saying, “It’s in America’s vital interest to promote human and civil rights (and democracy) in the Middle East and particularly in Palestine. We go to Gaza in the face of Israel’s record of atrocity and belligerence. America needs to wake up and stop supporting and enabling Israel’s awful behavior. America should support the recognition of Palestine as legitimate nation state.”