12th, January 2009
Below are the further reported actions carried out by some of the JAI, East Jerusalem YMCA and YWCA of Palestine partners and friends in various countries in the world, in response to the JAI Call for Actions and ongoing attacks on Palestinians in Gaza.
Again, we further encourage our partners and friends to take further actions and report to us in order to share and record.
Angela Elmiger – HorYzon – Switzerland, On 30th of December they have circulated the action alert among HorYzon-members and Swiss organizations, together with observations from Issa Saba of YMCA Gaza who spoke with them on the phone. There was also a call to the Swiss Government to get active and a call to remember and pray for the victims by lighting candles on Thursday.
Last week, HorYzon released an official statement approved by the board, in German and French, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the end of violence against civilians and calling the Swiss Government to and make sure violations of intern. Humanitarian law are denounced and prosecuted.
HorYzon also supported the call for the national demonstration which took place on Saturday and at which more than 7000 people participated.
YMCA-YWCA Switzerland decided not to issue its own statement, but officially supported the Statements of WA of YMCAs and World YWCA.
Norberto Rodriguez - Secretary General - Argentina YMCA have sent their movement' solidarity and support. They believe and working for having the worldwide YMCA movement very close to Palestinian people.
Adri Nieuwhof and Daniel Machover - The Electronic Intifada have written and send to us the link for an article reporting on actions being taken for abettors of war crimes to be held accountable.
Hollie Smith - participant at the JAI Olive Picking Program 2008, has held a Palestine documentary showing/discussion and stall at Stirling University. Emailed all her MEPs, MSPs, MPs raising the subject. Had a centerfold article in Edinburgh's Evening News about her and her dad's experiences in Palestine. Also went to Gaza demonstration in Edinburgh.
Fahed Abu Akel - Presbyterian Church USA, reported that Joining Hands for Justice in Palestine committee of The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta with their mission partners in the YWCA & YMCA in Palestine had a prayer vigil at North Decatur Presbyterian Church on January 8 for the People of Gaza & all the people of Palestine under occupation.
Judith Vink – YWCA of Belgium, has sent the JAI call press release to the Belgian Minister of External Affairs Karel de Gucht. Belgium has organized transport for some children from Gaza to get medical treatment.
They have joined a national demonstration in Brussels, and expressed that they are standing beside the Palestinians people and thinking of us.
Nazaleen Muhammad (UK) - Participant at the Olive Picking Program 2008, reported that she and other participants have invited people to join demonstrations and marches in London, in which tens of thousands of people attended. She has also gone to a rally, with over a thousand people there, where there were speeches about Gaza. She participated in activities into the Israeli Embassy and wrote letters to people e.g. their Foreign Minister and London M.E.P. Their thoughts and prayers are with the Palestinian people right now.
Helga Serrano - Ecuador YMCA, has been participating in two demonstrations last week, and met with the Foreign Minister's Office with other NGOs to demand that the Ecuador government break relations with Israel. On Saturday January 10 the YMCA in Quito held a vigil and prayer, especially for the two young YMCA members killed in Gaza.
They continue participating in all demonstrations called in Ecuador to stop the massacre.
Toshihisa Iwanabe - Executive Director – Yokohama YMCA as Japan YMCAs and members expressed their solidarity will send email and cards to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Israeli Ambassador and Japanese Prime Minister Asou in order that Israel may end the occupation and the bombing. And also they are joining in protesters' march in Japan.
