Video of Alex Thomson from Channel 4 (London News) interviewing -- with no apologies, forcefully and powerfully -- Israeli spokesman Mark Regev on the matter of starving children in Gaza. This is part of a broader, disturbing trend of civilian costs and casualties suffered overwhelmingly disproportionately by the besieged population of the Gaza Strip. Why is it that over 800 Palestinians have been killed, but only 130 of these were Hamas fighters? (On the other side, 13 have been killed, 10 of them soldiers, several apparently in instances of friendly fire.) Consider those ratios.
In a bit of positive news, Rabbi Michael Lerner of Tikkun Magazine has attached his name to a call for an immediate cease-fire which will run in the New York Times. I have echoed that call. All persons of conscience must support an immediate cessation of violence, in order to bring needed aid to the civilians of Gaza and to peacefully negotiate a long-term solution that finds a workable solution acceptable to both peoples. The use of violence has failed both sides, and has resulted, for Israel especially, in a dramatic, worldwide decline in reputation and standing.
Is that really the outcome the Israeli government would like to conclude with?
Elsewhere:
On January 27th, I will be speaking at a fundraiser for Gazan civilians, co-sponsored by the Islamic Center at N.Y.U., Islamic Relief, etc. Tickets, sold to raise monies for badly-needed humanitarian aid, will cost $25 per person. Details will of course follow, along with notice of other events at NYU, Columbia and in the region, including the upcoming IMAN Community Cafe, scheduled for January 31st.
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