“Fast for Gaza” Rendezvous with Supporters in Portland This Afternoon

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Jonathan Haines, of Biddeford and Jocelyn Jones, Both Fasters for Gaza, Holding up a Sign at the Rendezvous, in Deering Oaks Park Today.

One of the Signs at Today’s Rendezvous at Deering Oaks Park, Portland,

Some of the 25 or More Supporters at the Rendezvous for “Fast Gaza” Partiipants Today, Sometimes in the Rain and Unseasonably Chilly Temperatures.  Behind Them to the Right is the Grand Stand at Deering Oaks Park, Portland.

Robert Schaible, one of the Organizers of the Event and Long-Time Advocate on Behalf of Gaza, Near the Grand Stand in Deering Oaks Park, Portland Today With His Message.

Just before 5:00 pm today, a Caravan of fourteen vehicles carrying “Fast for Gaza” participants drove into Deering Oaks Park, Portland to rendezvous with supporters who had waited there for their arrival.  About 25 suppoters awaited the arrival of the Caravan  that had begun in Ellsworth working its way down the coast to the Park today.

Jonathan Haines, 71, of Biddeford, said he had been fasting for 38 days and that would officially end on Monday when the group protests in front of the United Nations in New York City.  A retired school nurse in the Boston Public Schools and employed in Masschusetts, he said fasting was probably easier on him that the others who were still working at their jobs.  He became involved because it was “outrageous” what the Israelis are doing to the people of Palestine.  He has been eating one meal a day – dinner only.

Sam Williams, of Belfast, joined the Caravan this morning when she drove up to Ellsworth.  Willilams, who works in child care,  drove one of the 14 vehicles in the Caravan even though she is not one of the fasters.  It was decided that in some instances non-fasters would do the driving for safety reasons.  The Caravan was composed of about 30 vehicles, but a number of them left the group before it arrived at the Deering Oaks Park rendezvous with supporters.

Originally, 38 people signed up for the fast and about 10 of them were involved in the Caravan today. They are staying in private homes of friends this evening before continuing the trip to New York City on Sunday.  From there they will join a protest on Monday morning at the UN in New York City.

Significantly, there is a report in “The New York Times” today that the US State Department approved yesterday $30 million in aid for a Gaza group.  However, the group, Gaza Humanitrian Foundation (GHF) has been condemned by the United Nations.

Importantly, “human rights organzations say the Foundation’s approach flies in the face of established methods of aid distribution meant to protect people in need.  It’s militarized model coupled with its close collaboration with Israeli authorities, undermines the core humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence,” according to 15 rights groups from various countries in a press release they issued on Tuesday.

In a report also in “The New York Times” on June 27, enitled “Gazans Face Lethal Risk Getting Food From New Aid Hubs,” it said:  “Since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation started distributing aid in mid-May, the Red Cross said its field hospital in Rafah has activated “mass casualty procedures” 20 times.”  The statement continues:  “We condemn with maximum strength the fact that for one month now, people are being injured and killed every day while trying to get urgently needed food in a war zone,” said Christian Cardon, the chief spokesman of the Red Cross.”  The same article also states:  “Most families survive on just one nutriously poor meal per day, while adults routinely skip meals to priortize children, the elderly and the ill amid deepening hunger and desperation.”

Please visit the previous post herein for more background informtion on the “Fast for Gaza” agenda.