Robert Kennedy Would Have Gone To Gaza
Dear Friend,
Our Leadership Learning Mission to Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza is now scheduled for Dec. 27-31st and this is now entirely focused on the incoming Congress-members.
Because I helped Eng. Majd Mashharawi get through the blockade for her TED Talk, I am thrilled to be here at the TEDWomen Conference. Last night, Marian Wright Edelman spoke about bringing Robert Kennedy to Mississippi to visit HeadStart and see the empty cupboards. She told him, "You will see hungry" — well, that's what the Congress-Elect will see in Gaza.
Here's a short video of Marian Wright Edelman describing Robert Kennedy's visit and the change that came as a result. "With Robert Kennedy came press ... and then legislation."
If they are to ever get there, the newly-elected members of Congress must go to Gazabefore they take their oath of office. After that, they are not allowed because, per State Dept rules, US government employees are not allowed to enter Gaza.
It turns out that the best way to reach them is probably on Facebook, and there are two cool new tools to help you do this:
You can now register as a constituent on Facebook. There's a new page called Facebook/TownHall that helps you do this. Overall, this is a good way to show your members of Congress that you're in their district when you write to them on Facebook, but it involves giving your address to FB ... and they may find a way to make money from this info in the future.
To find contact info for the New Representatives to the 116th Congress, click onBallotpedia.org
Over 460 people have already sent invitations, and I don't want to overload you. If you have suggestions or ideas or wish to receive a copy of the invitation letter, please call me at (650) 440-9667 or reply to this email. Thank you for your help with this — and a big thank you, too, to all who gave during GivingTuesday and to all who've already reached-out to Congress!
Today is the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People — so sending a message today is especially appreciated. Also, in honor of this special day, Global Giving is featuring a learning page about some of their Palestine projects. If you would like to give, please do.
Lastly, if you are in the greater LA area and would like to invite Engineer Majd Mashharawi to speak this weekend, please let me know!
Sincerely,
Donna Baranski-Walker
Founder and Executive Director, Rebuilding Alliance