amazing action

yesterday i participated in by far the most moving action of this delegation. the april 6th movement invited the remaining internationals to accompany them in a demonstration to protest egypt's participation in constructing the steel wall beneath the ground on the border between egypt and gaza.

the april 6th movement is something that you should look up on youtube, but essentially from what i understand they organized a year ago because the egyptian govt sold off some textile factories to make way for villas and condos, in the middle of an economic recession. the govt also ceased its subsidy of bread, which it is obligated to do in the constitution. hundreds of jobs were lost, and people were afraid of this precedent. this created a very tense atmosphere in the country, and many students took to the streets. they organized via facebook to get masses of people into the streets. facebook was shut down by the egyptian govt, the leaders of this movement were all rounded up, imprisoned, tortured, raped, and several died while in custody. those that were released and other followers have been underground since then, and they have not made a public appearance in over a year. today was the first time they ahve publicly showed themselves. very powerful.

according to their organizers, they are very happy that internationals are here. they discussed for over a week whether they should carry out the action, and ultimately decided that they would, despite incalculable personal risks. we were in their protest, and they chanted very powerful chants, like we give our blood and our souls for palestine to be free. they harshly criticized egypt for taking money from the US to build this wall. they shamed egypt for its treatment of their palestinian brothers. it was very emotional, because we and they both know that after the rally, without the protection of our international presence, they will be hunted and possibly face terribly consequences for showing such a vocal critique of the regime. my heart is with them.

i thanked one leader for his chants, and he said "we support you". it almost made me cry. all i could say was that WE support them. to witness their courage and fearlessness in the face of certain pain and violence was something i have not experienced in a long time, and has given me so much strength.

the egyptians are encouraging any ex-pats and other internationals to have another action at the israeli embassy on teh same day as the other international demos that are being called for across the world to mark the end of the operation cast lead massacre. i hope that i can support them in this effort, but they are really taking the lead on this.

everywhere we go, people are thanking us for our action at the israeli embassy. at cafe's people buy us drinks, they give us discounts, they smile and say thank you and say that we are welcome.

it appears that some people are getting into gaza, with the support of their embassies. ours has definitely said that it will not support any of us in this endeavor. no surprise there.

there is more organzing happening in the coming weeks, i will keep people abreast of what i am involved in and what i am hearing. also, the end israeli apartheid campaign is already being sent around. it seems like the US social forum is potentially a next great place to organize around this, and i hope to make a proposal to give a presentation at the forum. if anyone has contacts with the organizers, please pass them along to me. thanks.

now its just biding my time and waiting. they have told us it takes at least a week for the security background check, so i ahve decided to travel to the south for a few days to aswan and luxor. its exciting to be here, a place that i never in my life imagined that i would see with my own two eyes and feel with my feet and heart. but here i am, the lush nile and stark desert on the horizon. its weird to be travelling, my goal didnt include any of this, i was expecting gaza. but here i am, making the best of the situation, trying to stay positive, and keeping my intent focused on getting to gaza and ending the occupation. it must be resisted by every possible means.

love sent to sarah, who i just found out was arrested and deported from israel. she was supposed to be the delegation leader of a CPT delegation. crazy country. christian peackeeping teams apparently represent a security threat to the country of israel...

be in touch, and feel free to call me if ya'll want. its seven hours from the east coast. peace