A year since the Israeli invasion of Gaza

http://rt.com/Top_News/2009-12-31/year-since-israeli-invasion.html#

For many, New Year’s Eve is a time to reminisce and celebrate, but for some people it is a time to protest, mourn, and bring attention to the plight of others across the world.

Protesters have gathered on a cold Washington DC street corner on a freezing night, marking a year since Operation Cast Lead began.

Though a ceasefire was reached, these people argue that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is still raging.

Elise Springuel, one of the protesters, believes: “Things need to change – what’s happening now is deplorable. It’s one of the greatest human rights issues in the world and it’s been completely ignored by most of the media.”
It is ignored by the media and, the demonstrators say, ignored by governments – including the US.

For those whose families are living in Gaza, this rally means more than showing support.

Nehed Qedin, a Gazan protester, is concerned about the situation: “Right now there is no financial aid getting in. No food, no medicine…nothing is getting in.”
A diverse crowd came out on the streets of Washington DC to call for peace and to lift the blockade. It included Palestinians, but also Israelis, Jews, and Jewish organizations.

Emily Spiegel claimed: “I just don’t agree with what the Israeli government is doing. I think, as a
Jewish American, I feel the need to speak up, because a lot of my community supports what Israel is doing.”