Within the next few days, over thirteen hundred people from 42 countries will be en route to Egypt and Israel to participate in the Gaza Freedom March on December 31. In fact, some are already there. But the Egyptian government is threatening to pull the plug on the march.

We need to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Using the pretext of escalating tensions on the Gaza-Egypt border, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced that the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza will be closed over the coming weeks, into January. This comes in addition to the news that Egypt is building a new separation wall at the border to stop cross-border smuggling. The US is clearly playing a role in encouraging Egypt, a major recipient of US aid, to make these moves.  Unfortunately, the Israeli-imposed siege on Gaza leaves Palestinians in the Strip with no alternative but the tunnels to survive. The solution to the smuggling will come when the siege is lifted, not when it is further entrenched.

Tell Egypt to let the marchers in and to stop the wall!

Solidarity actions will be taking place around the world at the same time as the march, including several sponsored by JVP. Please go here to find an event near you.

Be sure to check our website (http://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org) on December 31. A number of JVPers will be at the march. Technology permitting, they will live blog their impressions from the march and from inside Gaza.

Thanks!