FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 2009 CONTACT
Medea Benjamin, CODEPINK co-founder, 415-235-6517
Blaine Clarke, CODEPINK DC coordinator, 757-870-0691
While Obama and Netanyahu meet, peace activists to rally in protest of Israel's violations of human rights
Will simulate Israeli checkpoints in front of White House
WHEN: 12 to 3 p.m. TODAY (May 18)
WHERE: Lafayette Park, outside the White House
WASHINGTON -- While President Obama meets with Israeli Prime Minister
Netanyahu today, and Netanyahu supporters hold a “Say No to Palestinian
State” rally at the White House, peace activists including CODEPINK
women will counter-rally and call on the Israeli government to end the
apartheid state that oppresses Palestinians. They will also call on
Obama to end military aid to Israel and investigate alleged Israeli war
crimes in Gaza.
The activists will perform a creative skit with Israeli Defense Force
“soldiers” setting up check points outside the White House similar to
those in Palestine.
“These abusive Israeli checkpoints that humiliate and exclude
Palestinians,” said CODEPINK coordinator Christianna Reinstein. “We
will give passersby a small taste of what it's like to live under
occupation.”
Others will counter the pro-Israeli government rally by holding signs
with messages such as “Say No to an Apartheid State,” “Want Peace? Lift
the Siege of Gaza,” and “Never Again Includes Palestine.”
“We want Obama to stand up to Israel's abuses," said CODEPINK
co-founder Medea Benjamin. "He should call for an end to the apartheid
wall and illegal settlements, and a lifting of the siege of Gaza. Obama
should condition U.S. aid on changes in Israeli policies that will
guarantee the rights of all, including Palestinians.”
For more information, please contact Medea Benjamin at 415-235-6517 or Blaine Clarke, CODEPINK DC coordinator, at 757-870-0691.
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