Estimados amigos,

Let us make history, Let us send an Aztlan Delegation with trucks full of medical supplies to aid the besieged Palestinian people of Gaza. Let us join the Viva Palestina USA convoy along with 500 other vehicles and cross the Rafah Gate from Egypt into Gaza with urgently needed medical supplies.

We were all moved to tears of grief and anger when Israel launched its murderous bombardment against the people of Gaza in December and January. Millions of us took to the streets in unprecedented protests around the globe. Each and every one of us has asked ourselves what more we can do to help stop the suffering.

The inspirational anti-war and pro-Palestinian British MP, George Galloway, decided that while it is necessary to speak out – in his case with great force and eloquence – it is actions that speak louder than words.

While the bombs were still showering down on what has been called the largest open-air prison in history, Galloway decided to organize a humanitarian convoy that would start in Britain, drive through France and Spain, and across North Africa to arrive in Gaza with aid, even as all borders to the devastated region were under complete blockade. In just five short weeks, he pulled together 107 vehicles – including ambulances and a fire engine – 255 people and $2 million of aid, which set off from London on February 14. Some 23 days and 5,500 miles later it arrived in Gaza to tumultuous acclaim.

The fact that so many people come from Britain whose government had, along with George W Bush, backed the Israeli aggression had an enormous impact on the besieged people of Gaza.

Now, Galloway is heading a second convoy – this time from the USA. The Vietnam War veteran, Ron Kovic, whose experiences in the war led him to become a life-long advocate of a more just US foreign policy, has readily agreed to be co-leader of the convoy.

The convoy’s aim is to take hundreds of US citizens in 500 vehicles, bearing $10 million in medical aid from Cairo to Gaza. Convoy participants will leave from JFK airport on July 4, bearing the simple yet powerful message that Palestinian independence is as precious as US independence. The group will organize the convoy in Cairo and proceed to Gaza the following weekend, proudly waving US and Palestinian flags, as well as banners declaring thousands of supporting organizations and institutions.

This is set to be the biggest single aid effort for Palestine ever to leave US shores. It will be a source of great strength and hope for the Palestinian people. It will also have a major impact here in the United States, helping to stir US public opinion about the conflict in the Middle East and to bring about a permanent shift in government policy.

The US has a chance right now to step into a more progressive role in the world. But Viva Palestina USA needs your help to make this venture successful and to get this aid through the siege that has been strangling the people of Gaza for three years.

What YOU can do to help:

1) Circulate this message among all friends, community and religious groups and other organizations in your network. Publish it on your website if possible. MEChA Chapters are encouraged to participate.

2) Donate towards the $15,000 dollars per delegate member necessary for the Aztlan Delegation to purchase vehicles and medical supplies in Cairo. Donations are being handled by the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization and should be made payable to Viva Palestina – IFCO. Please write on your donation "Aztlan Delegation." For information on how to make a donation click Donate.

3) Come as an Aztlan delegate to Gaza. You must register and be accepted. Register by June 20, 2009 at http://www.vivapalestina-us.org/?cat=7 Indicate in comment box that you are interested in being part of the Aztlan Delegation. We must raise $15,000 dollars per delegate. In addition, each delegate must raise $2,100 for travel costs which hopefully can be raised through donations.

4) Hold a fundraiser in your city or community. We have films and other materials to assist you. E-mail Aztlan.Gaza.Delegation@aztlan.net for further information.

5) Contact your local and state media to tell them why you support the Viva Palestina USA convoy. If you need help communicating with the media or if you have media contacts who would like to speak with a convoy leader, contact usmedia@vivapalestina.org.

Together, we WILL break the siege, we WILL deliver much-needed aid to the people of Gaza, and we WILL help free Palestine! VIVA, VIVA PALESTINA!

www.aztlan.net/la_raza_to_gaza.htm