So, today I had a letter published in the daily Express in DC, so I decided to let Obama off the hook for the day and not e-mail him. And Monday I will be lobbying all day so I may not e-mail him then either. But just wait till Tuesday, Obama!!! Here's what my letter stated (after all the editing the paper did to it):
Another Excuse for Israel
(not my title but definitely much catchier)
A story in Thursday's Express ("Envoy Urges Extended Gaza Truce") said Israel is threatening more violence for the use of the tunnels between GAza and Egypt. One of your stories a couple weeks ago said these tunnels are actually mainly used to bring food and medical supplies into Gaza. It's unrealistic for Israel to expect the Palestinians in Gaza to not use these tunnels when they have basically no other way to get supplies. It's just another excuse for Israel to continue its massacre on the Palestinians.
-Davina Abujudeh
Here's what I actually wrote:
January 29, 2009
Gaza Tunnels Used for "Smuggling"
In an article published in today's edition, there was an article stating that Israel is threatening more violence for one offense--the use of the tunnels between Gaza and Egypt. As one of your published articles a couple weeks ago explained, these tunnels used in Gaza to "smuggle" weapons used by Hamas are actually mainly used to bring food and medical supplies into Gaza, which is the most populated region in the world and is complete blocked off from the outside world but for these tunnels. It is completely unrealistic for Israel to expect that Palestinians in Gaza will discontinue using these tunnels when they have basically no other method of supplying themselves with food, water and medical supplies, especially in a time when they need those things the most. It's clearly just another excuse for Israel to continue its masacre on the Palestinian people.
-Davina Abujudeh
Their version makes me sounds a lot stupider, don't you think? Anyone else smell a consipracy?!?!?!?!? Make me sound stupid and look like a fool, will you?!?!?!?!? How dare the Express! I'm shocked by the bias and dishonesty of the media! Oh no, wait, I'm not.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
January 29, 2009
Dear President Obama,
I read in the paper today that George Mitchell has made some strong comments about Gazans' use of tunnels for "smuggling" purposes. As I have written to you before, and as you well know, these tunnels--while they may in some cases be used to smuggle weapons into Gaza--these tunnels are for the most part used to "smuggle" things like food and medical supplies to the citizens of Gaza. Without the access that these tunnels provide to the outside world, Gazans are left with barely any life-sustaining resources in the most populated region in the world.
I ask you once again to not punish or allow the punishment of Palestinians in Gaza to continue just because they are doing what they need to do to survive. The rest of the world knows that Israel is using the tunnels and the "smuggling" as an excuse to continuously kill Palestinians.
The actions taken by Israel in general and within the past few months in particular have been absolutely unthinkable. 600 Palestinian civilians have been killed, with more surely to come. There have been billions of dollars in damages, families have lost their homes, businesses and any other trace of a life they may have had before and young Palestinian children are being traumatized into the hatred towards Israel which has spurred this violence to begin with. Why are we letting this happen? It would be bad enough if we sat back and acted like we didn't know what was going on--I think I would prefer that to actually supporting the proprietors of this violence.
I know that you and your administration, with the appointment of George Mitchell, are working towards a resolution but I am already skeptical--will this resolution be unbiased? Will it be skewed in Israel's favor, once again?
I ask you to please not let this happen. History and the majority of the world will thank you for it.
Sincerely,
Davina Abujudeh
Dear President Obama,
I read in the paper today that George Mitchell has made some strong comments about Gazans' use of tunnels for "smuggling" purposes. As I have written to you before, and as you well know, these tunnels--while they may in some cases be used to smuggle weapons into Gaza--these tunnels are for the most part used to "smuggle" things like food and medical supplies to the citizens of Gaza. Without the access that these tunnels provide to the outside world, Gazans are left with barely any life-sustaining resources in the most populated region in the world.
I ask you once again to not punish or allow the punishment of Palestinians in Gaza to continue just because they are doing what they need to do to survive. The rest of the world knows that Israel is using the tunnels and the "smuggling" as an excuse to continuously kill Palestinians.
The actions taken by Israel in general and within the past few months in particular have been absolutely unthinkable. 600 Palestinian civilians have been killed, with more surely to come. There have been billions of dollars in damages, families have lost their homes, businesses and any other trace of a life they may have had before and young Palestinian children are being traumatized into the hatred towards Israel which has spurred this violence to begin with. Why are we letting this happen? It would be bad enough if we sat back and acted like we didn't know what was going on--I think I would prefer that to actually supporting the proprietors of this violence.
I know that you and your administration, with the appointment of George Mitchell, are working towards a resolution but I am already skeptical--will this resolution be unbiased? Will it be skewed in Israel's favor, once again?
I ask you to please not let this happen. History and the majority of the world will thank you for it.
Sincerely,
Davina Abujudeh
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
January 28, 2009
Dear President Obama,
In an e-mail I wrote to you yesterday, I expressed the need for humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza in order to help Palestinians there recooperate from the recent Israeli seige on them. Today, I read about US money that is given to Afghans when civilians are killed in US attacks.
An Israeli attack on Palestinians is almost like a US attack on Palestinians. The US gives Israel military aid dollars to buy US weapons with, which are then used to kill Palestinians. The US lets Israel do whatever they want with little question or complaint, and even backs them up in the UN with their Security Coucil veto powers.
Considering the fact that we "compensate" the people of Afghanistan after killing their civilians and destroying their property, doesn't it make sense to do the same thing with the citizens of Gaza? If we had a huge anti-Afghanistan lobbying group in the US, would we not give them reperations?
I write to you today to ask you again to please support the letter sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asking for humanitarian aid be sent to Gaza.
Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Davina
Dear President Obama,
In an e-mail I wrote to you yesterday, I expressed the need for humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza in order to help Palestinians there recooperate from the recent Israeli seige on them. Today, I read about US money that is given to Afghans when civilians are killed in US attacks.
An Israeli attack on Palestinians is almost like a US attack on Palestinians. The US gives Israel military aid dollars to buy US weapons with, which are then used to kill Palestinians. The US lets Israel do whatever they want with little question or complaint, and even backs them up in the UN with their Security Coucil veto powers.
Considering the fact that we "compensate" the people of Afghanistan after killing their civilians and destroying their property, doesn't it make sense to do the same thing with the citizens of Gaza? If we had a huge anti-Afghanistan lobbying group in the US, would we not give them reperations?
I write to you today to ask you again to please support the letter sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asking for humanitarian aid be sent to Gaza.
Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Davina
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
January 27, 2009
Dear President Obama,
Recently, a letter has been drafted to be submitted to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, asking a humanitarian aid package be sent to Gaza. Although this packaged will only scratch the very surface of the problems Gaza will be facing in trying to pick up after the devastation left by Israel's offense on them, it will not only provide much needed financial assistance but will also send a strong message that America is ready for something you repeatedly promised--change.
Thus far, you have clearly kept your promises of change, and I and millions of Americans are deeply thankful to you and so excited everyday to see what you are doing. I work for a non-profit in DC and every fundraising meeting I go to focuses on two things: the bad economy and the excitement of having your administration in office. I must say that, as scary as this recession is, the joy and hope that your Presidency brings far exceeds our fears about the economy.
I believe that one of the most important changes we need to make is our actions as far as Israel/Palestine goes. You have made words of support for the Palestinian people since you've been in office, and now I ask, as someone who both voted for you and volunteered for your campaign in New Jersey, that you please support this humanitarian aid package to Gaza and anything else that will help bring some sort of assistance to the Palestinian people. I also ask, as I have before, that you make finding a fair solution to this conflict one of your top priorities, which I'm sure it probably already is, and to hold Israel accountable for any war crimes that may have occurred during this particular siege.
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Davina
Dear President Obama,
Recently, a letter has been drafted to be submitted to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, asking a humanitarian aid package be sent to Gaza. Although this packaged will only scratch the very surface of the problems Gaza will be facing in trying to pick up after the devastation left by Israel's offense on them, it will not only provide much needed financial assistance but will also send a strong message that America is ready for something you repeatedly promised--change.
Thus far, you have clearly kept your promises of change, and I and millions of Americans are deeply thankful to you and so excited everyday to see what you are doing. I work for a non-profit in DC and every fundraising meeting I go to focuses on two things: the bad economy and the excitement of having your administration in office. I must say that, as scary as this recession is, the joy and hope that your Presidency brings far exceeds our fears about the economy.
I believe that one of the most important changes we need to make is our actions as far as Israel/Palestine goes. You have made words of support for the Palestinian people since you've been in office, and now I ask, as someone who both voted for you and volunteered for your campaign in New Jersey, that you please support this humanitarian aid package to Gaza and anything else that will help bring some sort of assistance to the Palestinian people. I also ask, as I have before, that you make finding a fair solution to this conflict one of your top priorities, which I'm sure it probably already is, and to hold Israel accountable for any war crimes that may have occurred during this particular siege.
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Davina
Monday, January 26, 2009
January 26, 2009
Dear President Obama,
I woud like to thank you so much for your words of support for the Palestinian people. I hope that your future actions will back up these words of support. What we have witnessed since December 27th is an act of unbelieveable atrocities, many of which are international war crimes (such as the use of white phosphorous to burn and injure Palestinian civilians) and much of which has cost the Palestinians of Gaza millions of dollar of damage.
In addition, Israel's actions are only breeding a new generation of hate in young Palestinians towards Israel. In the paper this morning I read that many Palestinian children has suffered emotional trauma due to Israel's assault on their homes, families and communities. This trauma will most likely manifest into hate towards Israel and lead to thousands of new recruits for terrorist organizations in the Middle East. I don't know what can be done to reverse those problems now, but allowing Israel to continue their policies of condemnable actions against Palestinians and letting their crimes go unpunished (not to mention the $30 billion promised to Israel over the next decade to buy military weapons with) will only continue this cycle of violence and hate and only give Israel more "reason" to destroy any fabric of life the Palestinians may have.
Again, thank you for your kind words toward the Palestinian people. I only hope that you follow these words up with similar actions.
Sincerely,
Davina
Dear President Obama,
I woud like to thank you so much for your words of support for the Palestinian people. I hope that your future actions will back up these words of support. What we have witnessed since December 27th is an act of unbelieveable atrocities, many of which are international war crimes (such as the use of white phosphorous to burn and injure Palestinian civilians) and much of which has cost the Palestinians of Gaza millions of dollar of damage.
In addition, Israel's actions are only breeding a new generation of hate in young Palestinians towards Israel. In the paper this morning I read that many Palestinian children has suffered emotional trauma due to Israel's assault on their homes, families and communities. This trauma will most likely manifest into hate towards Israel and lead to thousands of new recruits for terrorist organizations in the Middle East. I don't know what can be done to reverse those problems now, but allowing Israel to continue their policies of condemnable actions against Palestinians and letting their crimes go unpunished (not to mention the $30 billion promised to Israel over the next decade to buy military weapons with) will only continue this cycle of violence and hate and only give Israel more "reason" to destroy any fabric of life the Palestinians may have.
Again, thank you for your kind words toward the Palestinian people. I only hope that you follow these words up with similar actions.
Sincerely,
Davina
Friday, January 23, 2009
January 23, 2009
Dear President Obama,
I read in today's paper that you are taking very fast steps towards reversing the negative course America has been taking for the past eight years. I am very happy to see already that you are keeping the promises that you made during your campaign. Once again, I must say that it is so nice to feel proud of my country and of my President, which is something I have never felt before.
In today's paper I also read about Israel's threats to continue their devastating violence in Gaza if Palestinians there continue to use their "smuggling" tunnels into Egypt. This threat is but another example of Israel's strangle-hold on the Palestinians and the impossible conundrum they have created for Palestinians both in Gaza and the West Bank. As you know, Gaza is the most populated prison in the world. It is surrounded by Israeli checkpoints on all but one side, which is controlled by Egypt. The movement of Palestinians in and out of Gaza is completely controlled by Israelis, and therefore their movement is severely limited. The tunnels that have been built by Gazans are used, for the most part, by Palestinians to "smuggle" things like food and medical supplies. Things that should be readily available everywhere, but most importantly in the most heavily populated area in the world.
I always think it's best to paint a mental image of this situation. Imagine that you and your family were stuck in the White House along with half the population of DC. You were told that you could not leave, and that you would not be supplied with food, water or medical attention. In that situation, the very least you would probably do is dug a tunnel to bring those supplies to your family.
I ask you once again to please look at the facts on the ground and end this cycle of extremley disproportionate violence and injustice.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Davina Abujudeh
Dear President Obama,
I read in today's paper that you are taking very fast steps towards reversing the negative course America has been taking for the past eight years. I am very happy to see already that you are keeping the promises that you made during your campaign. Once again, I must say that it is so nice to feel proud of my country and of my President, which is something I have never felt before.
In today's paper I also read about Israel's threats to continue their devastating violence in Gaza if Palestinians there continue to use their "smuggling" tunnels into Egypt. This threat is but another example of Israel's strangle-hold on the Palestinians and the impossible conundrum they have created for Palestinians both in Gaza and the West Bank. As you know, Gaza is the most populated prison in the world. It is surrounded by Israeli checkpoints on all but one side, which is controlled by Egypt. The movement of Palestinians in and out of Gaza is completely controlled by Israelis, and therefore their movement is severely limited. The tunnels that have been built by Gazans are used, for the most part, by Palestinians to "smuggle" things like food and medical supplies. Things that should be readily available everywhere, but most importantly in the most heavily populated area in the world.
I always think it's best to paint a mental image of this situation. Imagine that you and your family were stuck in the White House along with half the population of DC. You were told that you could not leave, and that you would not be supplied with food, water or medical attention. In that situation, the very least you would probably do is dug a tunnel to bring those supplies to your family.
I ask you once again to please look at the facts on the ground and end this cycle of extremley disproportionate violence and injustice.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Davina Abujudeh
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Hello From a New Woman!
Hello once again World! I know it's been a long time. I won't fill in the boring details but I will say that I am a new woman today. I have relocated and--I can hardly believe it--finally found a JOB with a SALARY and (this is the big one) INSURANCE!!!! (And the crowd goes wild!)
And, per usual, I have found something even better: NEW THINGS TO BITCH ABOUT!!!!
One thing I definitely don't have to bitch about it the fact that I was in DC to witness (without actually seeing) Barack Hussein Obama become the 44th and first black President of the United States of America!!!!!! First time in my life I can say I'm proud to be an American. It's a weird feeling. I like my President. I wear a hat with his name on it. Yeah, that's weird.
However, it wouldn't be the world we live in if there wasn't something to complain about. My issue of today is one that is probably not this-much-sarcasm-appropriate--the recent catastrophe in Gaza. Now that I'm in DC there are many ways to be involved in fighting against this crisis, which is a great feeling. I have tried to take on as much as I can. One of the things I have promised myself I would do is write an e-mail to President Obama every day, demanding he do something. And I have decided to share those e-mails and the other actions I take on this blog.
Here's what I have so far:
January 22, 2009
Dear President Obama,
I'm still so happy to be addressing a letter to President Obama! Congratulations once again on your new job! I volunteered for your campaign in New Jersey and nothing makes me happier than to know that you are our President!
I wrote to you yesterday expressing my concern about the current crisis in Gaza. As of today, Israeli troops have been pulled out of Gaza and the truth of what has happened there is just beginning to come to light. There are already reports of phosphorous being used against Palestinians to burn and otherwise injure them. This is a blatant international crime and a grave injustice to all of humanity. Generally when these horrific acts of violence are occuring in the world, the US will either do something or completely ignore it. In this case, we have done neither and take the additional step backwards of supporting the proprietors of this violence and inhumanity.
I unfortunately don't have any solutions to suggest--not that they would matter much anyway--but I can say once again that this issue deserves to be addressed immediately and that Israel must NOT be allowed to continue their barbarity against the Palestinian people. I am in no way anti-Israel--I am pro-peace and human rights. Israel's actions have shown that they are willing to stop at absolutely nothing to completely devastate the Palestinian population.
I beg you to listen to the millions of people globally who agree with me. Israel must be held accountable for its actions.
Sincerely,
Davina Abujudeh
And from yesterday....
January 21, 2009
Dear President Obama:
I am writing to you as a very concerned American and one of your constituents. While I am indeed buoyed with your message of change and hope, I am appalled by the ongoing tragedy and serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for 60 years now, and residents of the West Bank have been living under Israeli military occupation since 1967. While Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, it still controls the border, airspace, commerce, and sea shores. I strongly urge you to support the value of all human life, which includes the lives of the Palestinian people. They have been living in isolation and under extreme hardships, please don't allow this to continue.
Just like you, I am an American child of an immigrant father. My father is from the West Bank. He was born in 1948 and has suffered irreverable mental and emotional damage from his childhood as a Palestinian living in the West Bank under Israeli occupation. I just turned 25 and haven't spoken to my father in over 12 years because of his mental/emotional problems. As a result of growing up under brutal occupation, he was never able to completely "start over" in America and will carry that emotional baggage with him until the day he dies. Although his story is one of success compared to the overwhelming majority of Palestinian stories, he is still forever marred by the simple fact that he was born in the wrong place at the wrong time.
What is and has been happening in the West Bank and, especially recently in Gaza are clearly and undeniably human rights abuses to the extreme. I urge you to look at this situation for what it is and to take the action needed to end this crisis and find a workable solution to this conflict. It has been too long that Israel's government has been given free reign to slaughter Palestinian civilians and to strip them of all the basic human rights we, as Americans, take for granted every day.
We can't change what has happened in the past but you have already proved that anything is possible for the future. You have inspired me to continue pursuing what I believe in and I hope that you will listen to the people--though they may be the minority--standing up for the rights of the Palestinian people. We have all been taught as children that what is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right--I ask that you look beyond what the general American public/media has to say about this conflict and to address this issue honestly and from your heart, as you so clearly do with every other issue you are presented with.
I'm asking you to call for an immediate end to the siege on and blockade of Gaza. Residents of Gaza should be able to move freely and be able to have access to basic necessities like water, food, shelter, electricity and other necessities. Numerous international aid agencies have documented high levels of malnutrition and chronic vitamin deficiencies in Gaza's 1.5 million residents. Israel's attacks on Gaza have left thousands dead and injured, with the toll being especially high on Gaza's children.
Achieving a just and durable peace to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict necessitates that the United States value all human life and take immediate action.
Sincerely,
Davina H. Abujudeh
With more to come.
Thanks!
And, per usual, I have found something even better: NEW THINGS TO BITCH ABOUT!!!!
One thing I definitely don't have to bitch about it the fact that I was in DC to witness (without actually seeing) Barack Hussein Obama become the 44th and first black President of the United States of America!!!!!! First time in my life I can say I'm proud to be an American. It's a weird feeling. I like my President. I wear a hat with his name on it. Yeah, that's weird.
However, it wouldn't be the world we live in if there wasn't something to complain about. My issue of today is one that is probably not this-much-sarcasm-appropriate--the recent catastrophe in Gaza. Now that I'm in DC there are many ways to be involved in fighting against this crisis, which is a great feeling. I have tried to take on as much as I can. One of the things I have promised myself I would do is write an e-mail to President Obama every day, demanding he do something. And I have decided to share those e-mails and the other actions I take on this blog.
Here's what I have so far:
January 22, 2009
Dear President Obama,
I'm still so happy to be addressing a letter to President Obama! Congratulations once again on your new job! I volunteered for your campaign in New Jersey and nothing makes me happier than to know that you are our President!
I wrote to you yesterday expressing my concern about the current crisis in Gaza. As of today, Israeli troops have been pulled out of Gaza and the truth of what has happened there is just beginning to come to light. There are already reports of phosphorous being used against Palestinians to burn and otherwise injure them. This is a blatant international crime and a grave injustice to all of humanity. Generally when these horrific acts of violence are occuring in the world, the US will either do something or completely ignore it. In this case, we have done neither and take the additional step backwards of supporting the proprietors of this violence and inhumanity.
I unfortunately don't have any solutions to suggest--not that they would matter much anyway--but I can say once again that this issue deserves to be addressed immediately and that Israel must NOT be allowed to continue their barbarity against the Palestinian people. I am in no way anti-Israel--I am pro-peace and human rights. Israel's actions have shown that they are willing to stop at absolutely nothing to completely devastate the Palestinian population.
I beg you to listen to the millions of people globally who agree with me. Israel must be held accountable for its actions.
Sincerely,
Davina Abujudeh
And from yesterday....
January 21, 2009
Dear President Obama:
I am writing to you as a very concerned American and one of your constituents. While I am indeed buoyed with your message of change and hope, I am appalled by the ongoing tragedy and serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for 60 years now, and residents of the West Bank have been living under Israeli military occupation since 1967. While Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, it still controls the border, airspace, commerce, and sea shores. I strongly urge you to support the value of all human life, which includes the lives of the Palestinian people. They have been living in isolation and under extreme hardships, please don't allow this to continue.
Just like you, I am an American child of an immigrant father. My father is from the West Bank. He was born in 1948 and has suffered irreverable mental and emotional damage from his childhood as a Palestinian living in the West Bank under Israeli occupation. I just turned 25 and haven't spoken to my father in over 12 years because of his mental/emotional problems. As a result of growing up under brutal occupation, he was never able to completely "start over" in America and will carry that emotional baggage with him until the day he dies. Although his story is one of success compared to the overwhelming majority of Palestinian stories, he is still forever marred by the simple fact that he was born in the wrong place at the wrong time.
What is and has been happening in the West Bank and, especially recently in Gaza are clearly and undeniably human rights abuses to the extreme. I urge you to look at this situation for what it is and to take the action needed to end this crisis and find a workable solution to this conflict. It has been too long that Israel's government has been given free reign to slaughter Palestinian civilians and to strip them of all the basic human rights we, as Americans, take for granted every day.
We can't change what has happened in the past but you have already proved that anything is possible for the future. You have inspired me to continue pursuing what I believe in and I hope that you will listen to the people--though they may be the minority--standing up for the rights of the Palestinian people. We have all been taught as children that what is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right--I ask that you look beyond what the general American public/media has to say about this conflict and to address this issue honestly and from your heart, as you so clearly do with every other issue you are presented with.
I'm asking you to call for an immediate end to the siege on and blockade of Gaza. Residents of Gaza should be able to move freely and be able to have access to basic necessities like water, food, shelter, electricity and other necessities. Numerous international aid agencies have documented high levels of malnutrition and chronic vitamin deficiencies in Gaza's 1.5 million residents. Israel's attacks on Gaza have left thousands dead and injured, with the toll being especially high on Gaza's children.
Achieving a just and durable peace to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict necessitates that the United States value all human life and take immediate action.
Sincerely,
Davina H. Abujudeh
With more to come.
Thanks!
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