A new relationship between America and the rest of the world 28/04/09 The brutal bombardment of the Gaza Strip at the start of this year killed over 1,400 people. Thousands more lost limbs, were scarred for life by phosphorus bombs, or were maimed by other hideous weapons. All this was inflicted on a besieged people who had nowhere to flee to. For far too long public policy and media coverage of Palestine in the US has been grotesquely distorted. We hope to change that and win a more just approachfativ from President Obama, whose election marks an emphatic rejection of the disastrous Bush years. The assault on Gaza has proved a turning point. A majority of Americans polled came out against it. Unprecedented numbers took to the streets in protest. Protest is important, but it is not enough. That's why we have organised a convoy of medical aid for the people of Gaza to leave the US on July 4. We hope to take hundreds of vehicles carrying $10 million worth of medical aid from Egypt into Gaza. The Palestinian people need those wheelchairs, medicines, prosthetic limbs and baby units. They need also to see that there are huge numbers of Americans who care about their plight. And the US itself needs the world – above all the Arab and Muslim worlds – to see a different face from that projected these last eight years. If hundreds of US passport holders bearing millions of dollars worth of medical aid enter Gaza this July, they will gain immense international publicity. Hundreds of millions of people who feel enraged at recent US foreign policy will see that ordinary Americans are also opposed to it and are in no sense their enemy. We appeal to you to support this convoy in whatever ways you can. Its success will not only bring some relief to the people of Palestine, it can be a significant step in building a new relationship between America and the rest of the world George Galloway MP Sign up for email alerts - scroll to the bottom of this page. We will send out information when it is available
Viva Palestina US : ‘We aim for $10 million in aid and 500 vehicles for Gaza.' Fresh from the success of the Viva Palestina aid convoy which took over 100 vehicles to Gaza from Britain , George Galloway MP has linked up on his US tour with the Vietnam veteran and peace campaigner Ron Kovic to launch a similar, but bigger venture from the States. Galloway announced the initiative at a 1000-strong meeting in Anaheim , South California , rounding off a packed-out, coast to coast speaking tour highlighting the Palestinian cause. “There's a new atmosphere in the US over Palestine ,” says Galloway , “the phenomenal response to this tour demonstrates that.” Ron Kovic, whose story was immortalised in Oliver Stone's Born on the Fourth of July , will be the co-leader of the convoy, which will form up in Egypt and make its way to the Rafah crossing and into Gaza Organisers are aiming for 500 vehicles and $10 million of aid. “And what better day to head off,” says Galloway , “Than July 4 – Independence Day!” Sign up to US email alerts here (click and then scroll down to green box) More information will follow soon. SIGN UP FOR EMAIL ALERTS FOR THE US CONVOY
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