February, 12 2009, 08:30am EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Joan Stallard, CODEPINK, 202-422-6275
Polly Miller, 585-719-7614
Americans to Rally TODAY Outside AIPAC Headquarters
Call for Congress to Reject Israeli Lobbying Group's Pro-War Goals
WASHINGTON
Several organizations will rally TODAY outside the
offices of the American Israeli Public Affairs
Committee (AIPAC) to call for the United States to resist the Israeli
lobbying group and reject its destructive aims on Gaza, and decry its
enormous influence on Congress which prevented Congress from condemning
the recent Israeli assault on the territory.
WHAT: Rally in front of AIPAC DC headquarters, by CODEPINK,
Washington Peace Center and Activists for a Free Gaza protest in front
of AIPAC office
WHEN: 12 to 2 p.m. TODAY (Thursday, February 12th)
WHERE: AIPAC offices, 251 H Street NW
This move is
especially crucial now, as the Israeli election earlier this week
marked an even harsher line than ever toward Palestinians. The Obama
administration must seize the opportunity to alert newly elected
Israeli officials that American sympathies are veering away from
unconditional support of Israel's positions.
"In the wake of the 22-day war on Gaza, AIPAC is pushing hard for
even more aggressive policies against the Palestinians," said Joan
Stallard, of CODEPINK, one of the participating groups. "But these
policies must not be supported. Congress must instead call to open the
borders to Gaza and the West Bank to allow humanitarian aide, a free
flow of commerce, and establish a normal and secure life for all the
people of Palestine and Israel."
The United States sends $3 billion in military aid to Israel each
year, with AIPAC's pressure, making it the single largest foreign
recipient of American military aid. The recent offensive On Gaza was
carried out with U.S.-funded and manufactured helicopters, tanks,
rockets and, most controversially, phosphorous bombs.
Tighe Barry, a Los Angeles-based activist who returned Feb. 8 from
war-torn Gaza, will speak. Visuals and song will be included in the
event, organized by CODEPINK, the Washington Peace Center and Activists
for a Free Gaza.
For more information, please call Joan Stallard, CODEPINK, at 202-422-6275 or Polly Miller, 585-719-7614.
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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