Join Internationals in Palestine

The ISM is led by a TREMENDOUS group of people. You will not find a more
disciplined, committed, brave, and loving group of people who are committed
to meaningful peace with justice. We are international citizens in
partnership with Palestinians and Israelis. We are Jews, Christians,
Muslims, adherents of other religions and none. We are not siding with
Palestinians against Israelis, but siding against violence and for a peace
based on justice that will allow Israelis and Palestinians to live in mutual
security.

Obviously, this is dangerous work, and some of the volunteers have been
injured and wounded, but if you decide to go, please accept my assurance
that you will be among people who have experience in facing danger, and in
taking proper precautions. If you join us, I can promise that you will have
a life-changing experience that will radicalize you.

Obviously it is very dangerous right now, and there are indications that the
Israeli authorities may be prohibiting groups they think might join ISM from
entering. Nevertheless, the ISM co-coordinators I have spoken with
encourage people to try and come to reinforce this vitally important
peace-making effort.
We ask for at least a two week commitment, and the cost of housing, food,
transportation and logistics, apart from your transportation, will be at
least $500. This money GREATLY helps the Palestinian economy of the places
we work, because, of course, tourism is non-existent.

If you can travel right now, I can send you contact information for our ISM
logistics coordinator, George S. Rishmawi. You will need to compose a
letter introducing yourself, and send it to me with your travel info. I'll
forward it on to George and give you his contact info. We'd like to know
whatever you'd like to share about your personal and work life, what
experiences you've had with peace-making and activism, if you've been to
Israel or the Palestinian Territories before, if you've had experiences in
war zones, and, importantly, why you want to join the campaign.

If you want to join a group in two weeks that will prepare itself with three
days of training in East Jerusalem before going to the front lines, then
please contact me and indicate that this is your choice. Training is very
important, and the ISM is just not able to provide it for people who are
coming as individuals. I will be leading the training, inshallah. You,
too, will be asked for a letter introducing yourself. We could gather on
April 19, 20 or 21, depending on the majority of people's schedules. The
best place to fly in would be Ben Gurion Airport. We are urging people to
go as individuals or couples; it is perfectly safe, and will not raise
suspicions (there are groups that have been turned away by the authorities).

If you cannot come until later-in May, June or July, let me know that, along
with your letter.

If you cannot be a volunteer, please send a generous donation to:
The Center for Creative Democracy
2084 Pauline Blvd.
#2-B
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
so that others might go in your place.

Some other web sites that will let you know what's going on are:
http://jerusalem.indymedia.org/
http://www.ccmep.org/
http://www.rapprochement.org/
http://www.freepalestinecampaign.org

Please let me know if I can answer any other questions, and keep me informed
about your plans. I look forward to hearing from you again.


Thom Saffold
Ann Arbor, MI
734-668-1549