PEACE VIGIL DEPLORES ISRAELI WAR CRIMES IN GAZA
KINGSTON, NY
Over 30 Mid-Hudson residents braved single-digit temperatures from 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2009, to stand at a busy corner of Route 9W calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The peace vigil was organized by Middle East Crisis Response to protest what members called the "slaughterhouse" in Gaza. According to B'Tselem, the Israeli human rights organisation, Israeli attacks have killed at least 1000 Palestinians in the last 20 days, including at least 300 children, with rockets fired into Israel causing 4 Israeli deaths in the same period.
Signs at the vigil called for an end to the siege of Gaza and an end to U. S. military aid to Israel. "The terror and collective punishment being inflicted on Gaza is supported by the U. S. government and your tax dollars," the group told passers by.