International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Dear Palestinian Friends and Friends of Palestinians:

Nov. 29, 2008 is the for UN International Day for Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

I would like to to make this Nov. 29th, a day to show our appreciation and gratitude for Internationals that stand in solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Since I was a child in Lebanon (as a Palestinian Refugee) I met people from so many different countries, volunteering with the Palestinian people especially at the Palestine Red Crescent Society. I used to wonder: I am Palestinian, I was born into this misery, what is this person doing here when they can be living their beautiful life in their beautiful country. I am no longer a child, and I still meet amazing people from different countries in the world helping Palestinians, and I know why they come. It's the humanity, the collective conscious that stands for human rights, no matter who or where you are.

I don't know where our struggle for justice would be without those friends who sacrifice and stand by us, support our cause, speak for us, act as human shields, and die for us.

The examples of International activists' support are many and occur on a daily basis, for example, the latest big thing was the Free Gaza Boats, 44 Internationals from 17 countries. Then again, I read about Rabbis for Human Rights facing off with settlers to protect the Olive Harvest, and those of you going out with the fishermen, risking your lives. Really makes me feel so small in the presence of giants.

I am especially grateful to our American and European friends for going against the grain, and even more grateful to our Jewish friends who long for peace and justice as much as we do.

Having all these wonderful friends assures me that the world is still GOOD and that we have a real chance for peace. History has always shown that in the end the will of the people always wins.

Make Nov. 29, 2008 a memorable day of gratitude for all to remember.
Organize locally, across your Nation, and across the world for International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People to show our people and the rest of the world that we are not alone.
We will never be alone as long as we have friends like you.
Great love and gratitude to you all,
Dina