New Orleans Protest in Response to Killings of Human Rights Workers

Louisiana Justice Institute is among the sponsors of a mass march tomorrow demanding justice for the human rights volunteers killed by Israeli soldiers on the early hours of Memorial Day.

More than 600 international volunteers joined a Freedom Flotilla of ships that set sail from Cyprus to deliver 10,000 tons of aid to the besieged people of Gaza. They were attacked in international waters by Israeli warships and helicopters. At least 9 international human rights activists were killed and more than 30 have been injured by live Israeli munitions, as Israeli commandos dropped down onto the ships from helicopters and opened fire on the unarmed peace activists.

The mission was begun as a response to the Israeli military blockade of Gaza, which has left 1.5 million people - more than 50% of whom are children - with restrictions on basic food items, medicine. and almost all forms of building materials.

The march and rally begins on Saturday, June 5, at 2:00pm at the World Trade Center Building, Canal and Poydras, across from Harrah's Casino.

In addition to Louisiana Justice Institute, sponsors include New Orleans Palestine Solidarity, General Union of Palestine Students - UNO Chapter, Women's Health & Justice Initiative, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee of New Orleans, Mayday New Orleans, Critical Resistance New Orleans, Pax Christi, and others.

Saturday is part of an international day of action in response to the siege and the Israeli military actions. Hundreds of thousands will be joining protests in cities across the US and around the world. Among the demands are: 1) An end to the Israeli Siege on Gaza, 2) An independent investigation of this act of Israeli piracy and killing, and 3) An end to Louisiana and US investment in Israeli Apartheid.

Photo: Jackson Square, January 2009. By Abdul Aziz.