FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2009
Contact: Dorothy Zellner 917-439-3470; Donna Nevel 917-570-4371
NEW YORK CITY JEWS SAY: END THE MASSACRE IN GAZA
New York Jews stood in front of the Israeli Consulate to say: “Not in Our Name” to the Israeli government. The action, organized by Jewish educators, activists, artists, academics, writers, lawyers, and others, called for: an immediate end to the massacre of the Palestinian people; an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli troops; an immediate end to the blockade of Gaza; and immediate steps taken to end the Israeli occupation.
Jane Hirschmann, one of the organizers of today’s event, said: “We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people, with the Israeli protesters who are bravely opposing the brutally oppressive actions of their government, and with all those around the world calling for justice and peace in the Middle East.”
Another initiator of the event, Melanie Kaye/Kantrowitz, made clear that “the Israeli government most definitely does not speak in our name. You can see from the actions taking place all across the country, and indeed the world, that there are huge numbers of people who vehemently oppose Israel’s actions and are demanding justice for the Palestinian people.”
Nina Felshin, who also helped plan the call, underscored the fact that “without the support and complicity of the U.S. government, Israel’s outrageous actions could not have taken place.” She added that “we will continue to express our horror and opposition to the massacre and to Israel’s ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people as long as we have to.”
There were no speakers. The protesters stood together in silence, holding up signs making clear their demands.
Jews Say No: Not In Our Name! 