Apologies for taking so long to get this to you, but thank you! Thank you!! THANK YOU…a hundred times over!!! I am still trying to catch up with all we did during those 40 days and am impressed with every new video, photo or comment I see.
Hopefully you, too, experienced some of the community, solidarity, comradeship and euphoria we shared in New York during the Veterans & Allies Fast for Gaza. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life and will stay with me the rest of my days. What we experienced was yet more proof that you don’t have to be in the military to experience the deep bonds and love of comrades. Yes, it can happen in the military but it is a perversion of all that is good in people to claim it can only be found there.
People have asked me if we accomplished anything. If you participated you already know the answer. Of course we did!! Unfortunately, we don’t control our government, so it goes on its murderous path. But we resisted. We spoke loudly with one voice that was heard literally all over the world. And it most assuredly was heard by people in Palestine who desperately need to know that people care and have not forgotten them.
The other way we succeeded can be found in your heart. When else have you experienced such a feeling of unity with good, loving people who cared enough to actually sacrifice something? I hope this wasn’t the first time, but I’m sure it was one of the most meaningful.
Please take a minute to read this “voices of the fasters” article. It’s based on the responses I received from you way back in the early part of the fast. No doubt an entire book could be filled with such comments now. And if you are looking for a solid documentary to share with people who need to see it, here is one of the best. Check out the numerous press clips we generated (minus, of course, any of the U.S. corporate press)
Finally, I invite you to read the brief, 1/3-page flyer attached. It boils down two decades of research, writing and discussion by some of the smartest organizers I’ve ever met. I believe it is an important strategy we can include in all of our work for a better planet, just as I worked it into this brief 2.5 minute speech last year.
My hope is that you feel revived and healthy, ready to continue the effort to win justice and peace in Palestine and the world over.
Much peace and love,
Mike