UntitledACTION ALERT: GAZA CRISIS

ACTION ALERT: GAZA CRISIS

Like you, we feel deeply the frustration and anger over the bloodshed in Gaza, and over the way the conflict is being framed in the media and by our government. We want to share with you a few tools you can use to convert that into action that is directed at those with power to change the status quo.
1.      Send a message TODAY to your Members of Congress
You can eithercut and paste the letter below to send to your U.S. Representative and Senators, OR use our online service to email your representatives directly: go to http://capwiz.com/arab/issues/alert/?alertid=12364076 now!
 
Dear (Congressman/woman or Senator ____),
 As one of your constituents who cares deeply about American foreign policy in the Middle East, I urge you to speak out immediately about the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip.
 Congress should call for an immediate end to the massive bombardment of Gaza; for the blockade of the Gaza Strip to be lifted and borders between Israel and Gaza reopened under international supervision; and for negotiations to renew an effective cross-border ceasefire.
 As the primary arbiter in ongoing efforts to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the United States should avoid imbalanced or provocative statements and ensure that all public messages and congressional actions are balanced, constructive, and put emphasis on the immediate need for robust American-led diplomacy to end this current crisis.
 Please recognize the urgency of this critical situation and help play a constructive role in improving the situation in Gaza. Working to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution to this conflict so Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in peace and security is in the best interest of the United States and necessary for any long-term peace in the Middle East.
Sincerely,
 
2.       Use talking points to focus your message to elected officials and the media:
The Arab American Institute (AAI) urges an immediate cessation to the bombing in Gaza and a de-escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. For over six decades, the tragic consequences of such brinksmanship have only led to an ongoing cycle of violence that continues to result only in massive losses of life, destruction of property and decimated infrastructure; an increase in anger and resentment towards Israel and the United States internationally; and the concurrent strengthening of extremist positions and weakened support for America's moderate partners in the region.
If the United States cannot resume its role as moderator and the voice of restraint, the consequences are dire and damaging no only to our interests, but to Palestinians, Israelis, voices of moderation in the Middle East, and long-term regional peace. Because the status quo is unsustainable, the effects of neglect so great, we urge Congress, the Bush Administration and Obama Presidential Transition Team to:
Call for the immediate cessation of the massive, disproportionate bombing campaign; an end to the rocket attacks; and the de-escalation of violence
End U.S. support for the blockade of the Gaza Strip; support efforts for immediate access to food supplies, electricity, water and medical provisions for the civilian population in Gaza; and support the reopening of the borders between Israel and Gaza under international supervision
Encourage robust U.S.-led diplomacy and cooperation with international partners to mediate a cross-border ceasefire
Issue only responsible, balanced and constructive public messages that urge restraint, reconciliation and progress towards peace
Recognize that a two-state resolution to this conflict is not possible without Palestinian political reconciliation; support genuine measures and necessary interim steps conducive to restoring Palestinian unity
Call on Congress and the Administration to only issue responsible, balanced and constructive public messages that urge restraint, reconciliation and progress towards peace
 
3.      Request a meeting in your district with your members of Congress
Your representatives are in their district offices this week before they return to Washington on January 6th. Now is the time to request a meeting with them, or their staff, to share your concerns about the Gaza crisis. The AAI website offers tips and guidelines for scheduling these sorts of meetings:
Click here for information on how to schedule a personal visit:  http://www.aaiusa.org/get-involved/2310/personal-visit
 
To find out who your representative is and how to contact him/her directly, go to the following website and enter your zip code: http://capwiz.com/arab/dbq/officials/
 
For more information as this crisis unfolds, please visit www.aaiusa.org

 

This email was sent to:
kwald@california.com

To unsubscribe, go to:
http://www.aaiusa.org/unsubscribe
Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a non-profit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI provides policy, research, and public affairs.
Arab American Institute
1600 K Street, NW Suite 601
Washington, DC 20006
www.aaiusa.org