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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Medea Benjamin, CODEPINK co-founder, 415-235-6517 or medea@globalexchange.org
Ann Wright, 808-741-1141 or microann@yahoo.com

Jewish Representatives, Rabbis, and Peace Groups to Vigil Outside DC Israeli Embassy

Commemorate Dead in Gaza; Call for Ceasefire Now

WASHINGTON

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.

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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