Lift the Embargo

Let Gaza Live Campaign Status Report

masfreedom — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:57:39 +0000

Please continue to support The Campaign so that we can do more for Gaza. Here is a brief synopsis on what we have been able to accomplish so far :

Distributed and sent out over 25,000 post cards to the white House calling for the end of the embargo.
Assisted in gathering 52 congressional signatures on a letter to President Obama calling for ending the embargo on humanitarian grounds.
Obtained a former high power congressional staffer to lobby for Let Gaza Live ‘pro bono’.
Given over 50 Let Gaza Live lectures in non-Muslim Houses of worship and 10 universities.
Given interview or received coverage by Canadian Broadcasting Corp., BBC, Al Jazeerah, National Public Radio, NBC, ABC, and CNN International and multiple print media outlets.
Sponsored multiple rallies calling for the end of the embargo (lots of positive media coverage has been generated by rallies)
Met with the State Department concerning Gaza embargo.
Established a National Interfaith and Human rights work group and Let Gaza Live Coalition.
Made presentations of the campaign to David Robinson, executive director of PAX Christi USA (Erie, PA) and Sister Joan Kerby chair of NGO United Nations group (New York) and received formal endorsements from both organizations.

10. A major participant in a BBC (American Division) documentary on Gaza to be released in late October.

11. Received a special briefing by Congressman Keith Ellison concerning his trip to Gaza along with recommendations for future congressional activities involving humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

12. Received permission to hold a citizen briefing on Gaza humanitarian conditions at the Rayburn House congressional committee room in September when congress is back in session.

13. Assisted with the “Viva Palestinia” Convoy to Gaza and obtained a full cargo container of medical supplies i.e. wheel chairs, walkers, bandages, etc. that was ultimately delivered to Gaza through the “Viva Palestinia” convoy.

14. Fundraised for George Galloway and the “Viva Palestinia” American convoy to Gaza.

15. Sponsored two delegates with the convoy to Gaza.

What is the Let Gaza Live Campaign

masfreedom — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:15:24 +0000

MAS Let Gaza Live Campaign is a concerted effort on the political, civic, educational, media, and activist fronts, to lift the embargo on Gaza.

Reaching out to members of congress, interfaith leaders, civic organizations, media, and larger society requires sustained energy and persistent programming from the Muslim community. This effort will go to the root of the problem, which is lifting the embargo, and easing or eliminating the unfair pressures on the Palestinian people.

Unless we lift the embargo, we may be sending relief to Gaza for many years to come. Unlike millions of sympathizers around the world, only Americans can put pressure on our elected officials to play the role that only America can take in lifting the embargo, and moving towards a fair and equitable solution. America is key to the solution, and American Muslims must do more than just sending relief to Gaza.

This sustained effort needs financial support from the American Muslim community.

The campaign focuses on the following:

Sending tens of thousands of printed cards to members of congress and the white house
sustained media effort to educate and promote a fair solution
effort to educate and mobilize the larger society
effort to educate and mobilize the American Muslim community
reaching out to members of congress and other elected officials to educate and encourage for a just and peaceful solution
flyers and other printed material
web site campaign and blogs
engaging interfaith and civic leaders and educating them about the importance of the issue.
other efforts as events demand.

Please take action below:

http://gazalive.org/take-action/

Help END TO THE EMBARGO by placing a table at your center

masfreedom — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:48:32 +0000

Place an ACTION table at your center, with information about Gaza, and action items for the community.

Here’s How:

Get permission to set up a Gaza action table every Friday at your local masjid or center. Place the following at the table:
Post cards for people to sign and send to their congressmen (email info@masfreedom.org with your address to mail you the post cards )
Make copies of the letter from congress to Obama, calling on him to lift embargo
Make copies of pledge forms for people to donate to the campaign.
Print this information sheet about the campaign for people to read.
Box : a box for people to place their donations, and also to drop off their cards and pledge forms.

Review talking points and material at this link.

Have the following announcement made upon conclusion of prayer: “Our Brothers and Sisters of Gaza need your help in ending the horrible embargo. With the help of Allah, we can do it! Please visit the Let Gaza Live action table and take the End the Embargo postcard. Help the people of Gaza. Visit the table on your way out and join churches and other groups nationwide sending a million postcards to the White House demanding an end to the Gaza embargo.”
Sign Cards: When people come to the table, ask them to take a card for each member of their family (there is no age limit) and sign them and leave them in your Gaza Drop Box along with a completed pledge form. If individuals decide that they want to take the cards with them, please make sure they take a pledge form as well.
Mail pledge forms, donations, and the signed cards back to Muslim American Society: 10107 W 105th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212

MAS Freedom and Interfaith Group Meets with Turkey Consul

imambray1 — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:05:35 +0000

West Coast MAS Freedom Leader Ahmed Azam joined an Interfaith Delegation in expressing to Hon. Hakan Tekin, Consul General of Turkey, their condolences and respect for the Government of Turkey’s commitment to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by the Israeli Embargo of Gaza. On May 31, a Flotilla launched from Turkey carrying humanitarian aid destined for Gaza was attacked by Israeli commandos in international waters. The assault resulted in eight Turkish citizens and one Turkish American citizen being killed by the Israeli commandoes. The event has resulted in international condemnation of Israel for its attack and a serious diplomatic rift between Turkey and Israel.

MASF representative Azam expressed his condolences to Consul Tekin. He also expressed MASF’s determination to end the embargo which has caused horrific suffering for the people of Gaza. He shared with the Consul MASF’s End the Embargo “Let Gaza Live” Campaign which mobilizes the American Interfaith Community for a substained grassroot campaign to end the Gaza embargo and a massive faith based lobbying campaign geared towards members of Congress and the White House calling for ending the embargo. Below is a complete list of members of the delegation who met with the Turkish Consul: AMA, St. Anselm of Canterbury, PAWA, 1^st Congregational Church of Long Beach, Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, Prog. Democrats of America – LA Chapter, CAIR-LA, MAS-LA and LA Jews for Peace.

If you would like to join the Let Gaza Live campaign contact us at 1-888-627-8471 or email us at info@masfreedom.org.

Bring Let Gaza Live Benefit Concert to your city

masfreedom — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:00:51 +0000

Only 2 Dates Remain… For the Let Gaza Live End the Embargo Benefit Concert featuring Native Deen, Preacher Moss and Imam Mahdi Bray If you can provide a venue and space and sell a minimum of 250 tickets at $15 we will provide the concert at no expense to you, your chapter, organization or mosque. We will also provide you with poster layout and publicity material. Dates are available for June 18th and June 20th. Please let us know at info@masfreedom.org

Here is a promo video about the event (in Dallas).

U.S. Power Must Do the Right Thing for Gaza

imambray1 — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 19:05:19 +0000

As Israel continues to play the role of the playground bully in Gaza, the United States government is left to struggle with a profound political dilemma: should America keep arming and financing a nation that is rapidly becoming an international pariah, or should the United States demand a radical change in Israeli policy and risk extreme antagonism and backlash from the massive, and well-funded, pro-Israel lobby and political/media machinery that influences U.S. political decisions related to the Middle East?

There is, without a doubt, a price to be paid for any administration that does the right thing and presses for an end to the economic strangulation of Gaza. But the political calculus facing the Obama administration should also recognize that there are some major benefits to be found in taking a different line on the question of the Gaza embargo.

1. Pressing to end the embargo would strengthen America’s image and prestige in the Muslim world. Remember how President Obama declared last June in his famous Cairo speech that American is not, and would never be, at war with Islam? Well, here’s the perfect way to prove it. Muslims across the globe, and across the entire political spectrum, detest the Israeli treatment of Palestinians in general, and the people of Gaza specifically. If America truly cares about protecting the human rights of the downtrodden throughout the world, here is the one most politically salient one way to demonstrate it.

2. Stopping the embargo also protects the people of Gaza from the rise of armed extremists even more “radical” than Hamas. Despite their ‘terrorist” designation by the State Department, Hamas is actually an elected government in Gaza that faces a rising challenge from smaller formations that are anxious to unleash even more rocket attacks and suicide missions against Israel. Those groups have not yet attracted a huge following in Gaza. But just last Summer, some 21 members of a radical group were killed by Hamas security forces in an attempt to create an Islamic “Caliphate” in Southern Gaza. Some observers foresee a scenario in which Hamas will, at some point, be unable to prevent even more armed retaliations against Israel.

3. Using U.S. power responsibly is an affirmation of the rule of international law over the paranoia of settler colonialism. Israeli claims that the interception of the Gaza- bound aid vessels( in international waters) was done in self-defense is, of course, bogus: motorized wheel chairs and text books aren’t weapons. But the imposition of collective punishment by Israel on the civilian population of Gaza is, indeed, a violation of international law, under the terms of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Compelling Israel to stop would be a signal that the United States stands for the rule of international law, even when that rule puts the USA at odds with an ally.

4. A positive United States intervention in the Gaza boycott could be the catalyst for the growing nonviolent response, in both Palestine and Israel, to the conditions on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank. This might seem to be far-fetched, but what if U.S. naval vessels were to accompany future humanitarian aid flotillas, and “pre-inspect” the vessels to guarantee to Israel that they were not transporting weapons? I doubt that Israeli commandos would try to intercept American naval ships. And this escort action would send an overwhelmingly positive message to the global community. It would also serve to create more political space for the evolution of a different, non-violent possibility for the people of both Palestine and Israel.

The current United States position of arming Israel to the teeth and tacitly supporting Israeli settler colonialism and the immoral, and illegal, economic blockade of the people of Gaza (and all of Palestine) serves the rational interests of no one-not the people of Palestine, not the people of Israel, and certainly, not the people of the United States of America.

Indeed, it is possible (I am ever the optimist) that Palestinians and Israelis can co-exist in peace, with guarantees for the security and human rights for both national communities. But in order for this to ever happen, America must abandon its unilateral support for the Israeli actions that make peace and reconciliation virtually impossible, and that drive more Palestinians into the no-win position of endless, futile military confrontation with the Israeli war machine.

People of conscience and integrity, from Nobel Laureates Desmond Tutu and Mairead Corrigan Maguire to Pope Benedict XVI, to the Secretary General of the United Nations, have called for Israel to end to the Gaza embargo. The European Union has done the same. None of the above are anti-Semites or “Jew-haters”.

Now what is required, much more than the call for “caution” and “investigation”, in the courage for the United States to break free from the Israeli lobby and do the right thing for international law, for peace, and ultimately, for all of humanity. AIPAC does not represent the Jewish people or, frankly, the real interests of the people of Israel.

The time for American political equivocation is over. The voices of suffering people are calling for the United States to stand with oppressed people for the sake of justice and peace. Are you listening, President Obama?

Ibrahim Abdil-Mu’id Ramey

Take Action This Friday in your local Center

masfreedom — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:58:14 +0000

Yes, humanitarian aid is needed in Gaza but ending the illegal embargo would eliminate the current humanitarian crisis. THE GOAL MUST BE TO END THE GAZA EMBARGO.

MAS Freedom is solely focused on the issue of ending the embargo in Gaza and has initiated the following projects under our End the Embargo “Let Gaza Live” Campaign.

We are calling on all Muslims to dedicate this Friday Khutba to the issue of Gaza and the contribution of the American Muslim community.

Through our multi-religious and human right activists coalition, the MAS Let Gaza Live campaign is:

mobilizing a broad based interfaith coalition along with secular human right activist organizations as a united front towards ending the Gaza embargo. Our coalition includes prominent religious leaders and activists and our ranks are growing. This coalition’s purpose is to raise the voice of the American religious community and other people of conscience in advocating that our government calls for the ending of the embargo. Reach out to people of faith in your city and ask them to join this campaign.
Our work has contributed to securing 54 members of Congress who have called upon the President to use his office and influence to lift the Gaza embargo. MAS Freedom and the coalition are targeting an additional 100 members of Congress to join the 54 members who have already called for the lifting of the embargo. Email your representatives in congress, asking them to support the initiative.
Involved in a massive postcard campaign to send to the White House and Congress calling for the ending of the embargo. Download and print postcard or contact MAS Freedom to send you hundreds of these cards to be mailed to the White House and Congress by all people of conscience in your city.
We have an online End the Embargo petition drive. Click here to sign the petition.
MAS Freedom and the coalition are planning to purchase full page ads in major newspapers in which prominent international and national faith leaders and activists will list their names in support of lifting the embargo.
We will purchase thousands of yard signs to be placed in front of houses of worship that read END THE GAZA EMBARGO NOW! LET GAZA LIVE!
MAS Freedom and the coalition will continue to provide creative campaigns that will advocate and educate the American people on the necessity of ending the Gaza embargo
We are asking all Muslims to fast on Monday June 7th, in solidarity with Gaza.
We are asking for special prayer for the people of Gaza this Friday.
Volunteer to the Let Gaza Live Campaign.
Take Action, contribute, and donate towards this cause today.
Host a town-hall in your city to educate the community and seek support regarding Palestine. Town-hall will host prominent speakers on the subject. Contact MAS Freedom if your center is ready.
Please this web site http://gazalive.org/ on your facebook and other social media
This Friday, make a collection after Jumma. Write checks to MAS (memo: Let Gaza Live Campaign). Send donations to Muslim American Society: 10107 W 105th Street, Overland Park, KS 66212
For more information : info@masfreedom.org

Download Word Doc action items and talking points for Friday Jumma.

Background on the Gaza Embargo

masfreedom — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:48:22 +0000

This is a brief background and talking points on the Embargo. For more information, see here.

The people of Gaza-some 1.5 million of them-continue to live under the most extreme economic blockade of the 21st Century, which was imposed on them by the State of Israel, with the collusion of Egypt. Building supplies, water and electrical infrastructure materials, pharmaceuticals and health care items like wheelchairs, and even pasta, are included in the items prevented from transport into the territory.
Under the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which Israel is a signatory, it is explicitly forbidden by the occupying or controlling power in an occupied territory, to (1) apply collective punishment on a civilian population in retaliation for a military attack, and (2) take actions that jeopardize the health of a population of people under occupation.
While Israel claims to have evacuated the territory of Gaza, they still maintain effective control over Gaza airspace, and access by land and sea to the territory.
The interception by Israel of the Gaza humanitarian ships on May 31st, 2010, was done in international territory.
Under the terms of the Law of the Sea and other international covenants, this act constitutes an act of piracy.
The flotilla bound for Gaza was carrying non-lethal building and relief supplies. No weapons were aboard the ships, and the vessels had been inspected by flotilla organizers before they left from their various ports of departure.
Numerous international leaders, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Pope Benedict XVI, and many others, have characterized the human living conditions in Gaza as “deplorable”.
On Tuesday, June 1, the European Union called for an end to the economic blockade of Gaza
Nations around the world have condemned the May 31^st attack and call for ending the embargo yet our government remains silent concerning this grave matter. As taxpayers and citizens, this is not acceptable.
A substantial majority of the people of Gaza live below established international poverty norms, and more than 70% of the population relies on international aid and food assistance for subsistence.
The availability of clean drinking water and electricity in Gaza is precarious, due to the embargo of infrastructure repair equipment from entry into the country.

Why Should We Support the End the Embargo-Let Gaza Live Campaign?

masfreedom — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:42:39 +0000

Virtually the entire world knows about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The population of this territory-some 1.5 million people-is subjected to an economic blockade enforced by Israel, and with the cooperation of Egypt, that has crippled the economy of Gaza, forced the shut-down of agriculture, industry, and essential services like water and electricity, and increased both poverty and social misery for many of the inhabitants.

Much of the focus on Gaza here in the United States has concentrated on appeals for material assistance for the population, and this is still vitally needed. But the End the Embargo-Let Gaza Live Campaign takes the necessary action required to change the policies here in America that permit Israel to carry out this economic siege of Gaza.

Without the economic and military backing of the United States, both Israel and Egypt would be militarily and politically unable to blockade the people of Gaza.

Without the support that the President of the United States and the U.S. Congress continuously give to Israel, the embargo of Gaza would collapse.

Therefore, the End the Embargo-Let Gaza Live campaign focuses on changing one vital part of this equation: the policies of the U.S. government that allow Israel to continue the economic blockade of Gaza. We are using a petition drive and a post card campaign to reach hundreds of thousands of concerned people of faith and conscience with a simple message sent to President Obama: you must do what is required to compel Israel, and Egypt, to end the illegal economic blockade of the civilian population in Gaza.

We are calling on the President to listen to the voices of conscience of people of faith. Our campaign has the potential to go beyond mere emotionalism, and actually help change the government policies that enable this cruel embargo to continue.

Your generous financial support, as well as your active participation, will enable us to end the embargo of the people of Gaza and Let Gaza Live.

MAS Freedom 1325 G Street NW, Suite 500 Washington DC 20005

Phone: (202) 552-7414 Toll Free: 1-(888)-627-8471 Fax: (703) 642-6191

Email: info@masfreedom.org

End the Gaza Embargo Press Conference at the National Press Club – June 2, 2010

imambray1 — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:42:22 +0000

MAS Freedom Press Conference at National Press Club Part 1/3

MAS Freedom Press Conference at National Press Club Part 2/3

MAS Freedom Press Conference at National Press Club Part 3/3