Local group calls for cease-fire

Strength Through Peace joins with United for Peace and Justice, the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, and numerous other organizations in calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.  We unequivocally condemn the Israeli attack that commenced on December 27th, the longstanding Israeli siege of Gaza, and the missile attacks by Hamas on Israeli population centers adjacent to Gaza.  We also condemn the role of the Bush Administration in blocking a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire.

We note that the United States Government has provided approximately $60 billion worth of military aid to Israel since 1949, and has consistently supported Israel’s unjust policies towards the Palestinian people.  Our government has been a key enabler of Israel since its founding sixty-one years ago.

Strength Through Peace encourages your readers to view and sign an open letter to President-Elect Obama calling for a change in Israel/Palestine policy at http://www.endtheoccupation.org/form.php?modin=137.  Without such a change in policy, lasting peace in the Middle East will continue to be an elusive goal.

Originally appeared in the Ft. Collins Coloradoan on January 6th, 2009

Kevin Cross
Convener, Strength Through Peace