The group, We Refuse to Be Enemies, will hold a rally and march today in Hartford amid sub-freezing temperatures to demonstrate its condemnation of the actions in Gaza.  The group is targeting John Larson and the rest of the Connecticut legislative delegation for its support of the “AIPAC resolution,” endorsed by the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, the main Israeli lobby in the US, a measure that expressed solidarity exclusively with Israel, while laying almost complete blame on Hamas for the recent wave of destruction.

The measure is non-binding, but demonstrates the US government’s disconnect with the international community.  The United Nations and countries from around the globe have called for immediate ceasefire.  Outcry has spread around world against the disproportionate response of the Israeli army.  Democracy Now! reported yesterday, as did the BBC, that Israeli has been targeting civilian sites, including a UN aid agency which was burned severely by white phosphorus.  The UN site had become a sanctuary for Palestinians fleeing their homes.   Israel has since apologized for that attack.

We Refuse to be Enemies is calling for all concerned to gather at the Federal Building on Main Street in Hartford after which they will march to Larson’s office.  Here are the details:

TODAY – January 16, 2009
We Refuse to Be Enemies – March and Rally
Federal Building
450 Main Street, Hartford CT
3:00pm-4:00pm

From the We Refuse to be Enemies press release:

Larson was the house co-sponsor of the “AIPAC Resolution” passed Jan. 9 that blames Hamas and justifies the Israeli govt for the Massacre in Gaza.

When our entire Congressional Delegation co-signs the Massacre, we must refuse to be silent, we must refuse to allow this heinous propaganda to go unanswered.

In related news, the Media Education Foundation has released its acclaimed documentary, Peace, Propaganda and the Promised Land, online for free in response to the conflict.  It can be watched online or downloaded. The film details the Israeli occupation in defiance of UN resolutions and other violations documented by Amnesty International, some of which have been labeled “war crimes.”   Watch or download the video by visiting pppl.org.