Citizen Diplomacy trip to Gaza

A three-person delegation from the peace group CODEPINK just returned from Gaza, entering through the Egyptian border at Rafah. We were able, in a short period of time, to see the terrible devastation and meet with human rights, medical, and women’s organizations. We found the people of Gaza very anxious to have foreign delegations come to learn about their plight and push for an end to the blockade. That is why we are organizing a delegation to return to Gaza in time for International Women’s Day, March 8. The March delegation will be hosted by the Women’s Division of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
There is always the possibility that the Egyptian government won’t let us cross the border. In that case, we plan to set up an encampment near the border to call attention to the need to open the borders and end the siege of Gaza. See more details below. For more information or to sign up, contact gaza.codepink@gmail.com or call Nancy Mancias at 415-342-6409. We hope you will join us! Sincerely, Medea Benjamin Humanitarian Delegation to Gaza for International Women's Day: Pay Tribute to the Women of GazaMarch 5, 2009 - March 12, 2009 Itinerary: Meet up in Cairo, Egypt, on March 5 Travel to Gaza on March 6 Meetings and programs in Gaza on March 7-10 Return to Cairo on March 11 International delegates return home on March 12 Cost: $600 from Cairo, includes transportation, lodging, translation, program, some meals, and contributions to local groups. Scholarships are available. Program: Meetings with UN and government officials, local women (including victims of Israeli violence), humanitarian and development agencies, journalists, health workers, and political analysts. Visit areas devastated by Israeli attacks.
Purpose of the trip: Provide support to women and women's organizations in Gaza; exert pressure on United States, Egyptian, and Israeli governments to lift the blockade and promote peace and human rights in the region. Organizers: The trip is organized by CODEPINK: Women for Peace and will be led by CODEPINK cofounders Medea Benjamin and Jodie Evans. Sponsoring groups include National Congress of Black Women, Global Exchange, Voices for Creative Nonviolence, American Muslim Voice, and Women's Intercultural Network.
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