January, 12 2009, 07:54am EDT
New Yorkers Host Vigil TUESDAY Outside UN
Demand ceasefire in Gaza attacks, end to U.S. support for illegal Israel assault with U.S. weapons
NEW YORK
Appalled and sickened by the U.S.-funded massive assault on Gaza, New Yorkers will gather at 5:30 p.m. TOMORROW in a public candlelight vigil outside the U.S. Mission to the United Nations to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the blockade.
WHAT: Candlelight vigil demanding ceasefire in Gaza
WHEN: 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 13
WHERE: Outside the the Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations (140 East 45th St. between Lexington and Third Aves.)
Participants in the vigil will ask fellow citizens to contact elected officials and call on them to publicly demand an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, an end to the funding and supplying of Israeli weapons with American taxpayer dollars, and support for U.N. Security Council motions for a ceasefire.
They will also demand the Red Cross and other aid groups be safely allowed into Gaza. Such groups were last week forced to temporarily suspend their work due to attacks on their personnel. Israel's assault on Gaza, entering its third week, has resulted in the killing of over 900 people, including at least 194 children and 58 women. Israel is the single largest foreign recipient of American military aid, and the current offensive is being carried out with U.S.-funded and manufactured helicopters, tanks, rockets and, most controversially, phosphorous bombs.
"While we in the States don't see many images of the Palestinian women and children being killed and maimed with our tax dollars, these gruesome photos are being broadcast in the rest of the world," said Nancy Kricorian, coordinator for CODEPINK NYC. "It is our responsibility as Americans to call on our government to stop aiding and abetting this slaughter."
Rally organizers include CODEPINK NYC, United for Peace and Justice, American Friends Service Committee, World Without War and Center of Cultures.
CODEPINK is a women-led grassroots organization working to end U.S. wars and militarism, support peace and human rights initiatives, and redirect our tax dollars into healthcare, education, green jobs and other life-affirming programs.
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