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