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| Olmert & chicago students |
Protest Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister and war criminal for his role in the brutal attack on Gaza in December/January, who will be appearing as a speaker for the World Affairs Council. (see what happened in Chicago!)
On Thursday October 22, while former Prime Minister Olmert speaks in the St Francis Hotel, we will be gathered outside on Union Square (facing Powell Street). We want Israel and its leaders held accountable for their crimes against the people of Palestine and Lebanon.
We support the findings of the Goldstone Report, that detail the crimes committed by Israel during its war against the whole people of Gaza of last December/January, in "Operation Cast Lead". President Obama and most politicians have simply refused to take this report seriously, some by vocally rejecting it, or just ignoring it completely.
It is therefore up to us, civil society, to again do what politicians are just too afraid to do. Call for universal application of human rights and international law. This will be the message of our protest. We demand that Olmert, who initiated "Operation Cast Lead" be held directly responsible for the crimes that took place, not least of which is the death of over 1,400 people, including hundreds of children, Olmert is also responsible for the insane attack against Lebanon in the Summer of 2006, that left another 1,000 dead. Olmert shares criminal responsibility for the siege on Gaza that leaves children hungry and 1.5 million people in desperate circumstances.
We need to stand together to create a new reality. We will not accept that Israel may act with impunity and total disregard for human life. This protest is our opportunity to stand up and be counted.
As we gather on Union Square, many of us will be holding signs that include the names of a some of the children killed in Gaza just months ago. These children's lives were interrupted by this man who is being feted at the finest hotel in San San Francisco. Their laughter and play destroyed by the ruthless calculations of a ambitious politician. Moreover, Olmert's policies of supporting occupation and land theft from the Palestinians means that many more children will continue to suffer. It is these children that we will speak for in our protest.
"Free Speech" For Olmert?
This is not about someone who merely has an offensive ideas. This is about Olmert's criminal actions. Polite society does not grant speaking platforms to those who commit horrendous war crimes. Who next will be welcomed by the San Francisco World Affairs Council? Charles Taylor?
Olmert was paid a $50,000 honorarium or above in Chicago. It is probably at least that for his speech in San Francisco. $1000 per minute for a man who has assured that a million people in Gaza live on less than $2 a day? So not only is Olmert being granted a speaking platform, he is also being allowed to enrich himself.
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