Over 700 people from around the UK have now signed up to support the Gaza Freedom March. Timed to coincide with the first anniversary of Israel’s brutal 22-day assault, this will involve hundreds of internationals marching nonviolently alongside the people of Gaza on 1 January 2010, breaching the illegal Israeli blockade (see PN 2513).
PN is organising a training for people intending to go on the march. Assuming sufficient demand, this will take place in London on the weekend of 31 October – 1 November, and will include: an opportunity to meet others who are thinking of taking part; forming affinity groups for mutual support; a briefing by an activist who has recently returned from Gaza; and practical training on media, rapid consensus decision-making and so on from the Seeds for Change training collective.
If you would like to attend then please e-mail gazatraining@googlemail.com or phone 0845 458 2564 as soon as possible.
Resignation
Since our last issue, Norman Finkelstein – whose brainchild the Gaza Freedom March largely is – has resigned from the organising coalition following its adoption of a new “statement of context”. This brings in references to the Palestinians’ right of return, and moves to boycott Israel - that he believes has “dimmed the prospect of a truly mass demonstration”.