1.16.2009

breaking news: peace activists occupy conservative mp's office in london, ontario

See comments for updates.
Four peace advocates in London, Ontario are at the office of London West Conservative MP Ed Holder (390 Commissioners Road West) demanding immediate action from the Canadian Government to denounce the continuing massacre in Gaza.

They are determined not to leave willingly until Mr. Holder agrees to advocate that the minority Conservative government:

- call publicly and vigorously for Israel to accept the ceasefire proposed by Hamas without further conditions or stalling;

- condemn the Israeli aggression against Gaza for what it is—a war crime (as is the firing of Hamas rockets into Israel);

- demand that Israel ensure the full and safe delivery of humanitarian aid to the needy in Gaza and cease targeting relief workers and emergency medical staff;

- demand that Israel end the collective punishment of Gazans and lift the illegal blockade of the territory (failing which, boycott-divestment-sanction measures against Israel must be coordinated by the international community;

- immediately reverse its shameful opposition to the recent UN Human Rights Council resolution condemning Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip and set up a probe into "grave' human rights violations by Israeli forces against the Palestinians.

Wendy Goldsmith, a social worker, Beth Guthrie, a library reference specialist, David Heap, a professor, all three from People for Peace, London and Cory Morningstar, president of Council of Canadians London Chapter are outraged at Canada's complicity with Israeli aggression and crimes against humanity, and deeply concerned over the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"If my family and my community were being bombed to pieces and incinerated by white phosphorous shells, I would hope that people in other countries would take a stand against such atrocities," remarked Cory Morningstar, mother of five. Wendy Goldsmith adds "As a social worker in London, my job is to keep children safe. Who is helping to keep the children of Gaza safe?"

"Thousands of people in London have been crying out for justice for Gaza," points out Beth Guthrie, who has helped organize rallies and other events over the last three weeks. "But our government has been ignoring Canadians and ignoring international law. This complicity has to end."

"All Conservative government offices have turned into mouthpieces for Israeli war criminals," comments David Heap. "There are 142 more Conservative MPs offices across the country where other Canadians should be taking their peaceful, persistent and creative protests."

I know these good people from the War Resisters Support Campaign. Their strong action and determination inspire me!

No comments: