WASHINGTON - January 15 - Religious leaders and peace activists, including Rabbi Arthur Waskow of the renowned Shalom Center of Philadelphia, will vigil at the Israeli Embassy (3514 International Dr NW) to call on the governments of Israel and Gaza to agree to a ceasefire to end the killing of civilians in both countries.

WHAT: Vigil to commemorate dead in Gaza, call for ceasefire now
WHEN: 2 p.m. Jan. 15 - TODAY
WHERE: Outside Israeli Embassy, 3514 International Dr NW, Washington
VISUALS: Participants dressed in black mourning clothes, carry caskets and photos of the dead and injured children

"We are calling for an immediate cease-fire in the war between Gaza and Israel, enforced if necessary by a peacekeeping body," says Rabbi Waskow, Director of the Shalom Center. "Beyond that, we need a regional peace settlement among all the Arab states, Israel, and a viable Palestinian state with a freely elected government of national unity. It's time to turn away from casting blame for the past, and move toward securing peace for the future."

Dressed in black clothing, carrying caskets and photos of dead and injured children, they will also read the names of the dead and say prayers for the deceased.

More than 960 Palestinians in Gaza, at least one-half of them civilians including many women and children, have been killed in the military attacks by the Israeli military forces in the past twenty days, according to The Washington Post. More than 1,500 Palestinians have been injured in these attacks.  During the same time, three Israeli citizens and ten Israeli soldiers have also been killed.

Sponsored by CODEPINK, the Shalom Center and Witness Against Torture.