Peace and Justice Vigil: No Path Forward Without a Permanent Ceasefire

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Date(s) - 05/04/2024
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

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NO PATH FORWARD WITHOUT PERMANENT CEASEFIRE

SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024 NOON TO 1:00 PM

The Peace Coalition of Southern Illinois will hold the Monthly Peace and Justice Vigil on Saturday, May 4, Noon to 1 P.M. at the corner of Main and Illinois Ave., Carbondale. On Sunday, May 5 at 2 P.M. join the weekly Rally for Peace in Gaza. Gather at 1:45 at the corner of Main and Illinois Ave in Carbondale (Pavilion) for a Rally from 2 P.M to 3 P.M.
US Secretary of State Blinken has called the latest ceasefire proposal “incredibly generous” despite it not ensuring an end to Israel’s brutal war. Indeed, Netanyahu promises to proceed with the unimaginable attack on Rafah and continues to destroy and kill in Gaza. Hostages suffer the same danger and deprivation as the citizens of Gaza. Palestinians are not given agency over their own fate. We have not seen effective action from the Biden Administration in restraining Israel yet. NOW IS THE TIME.
The world demands an end to this horrific war. A deal that sets the stage for real peace, justice and equality in the region is required. With no end in sight of Israel’s genocidal attacks on Palestinians, the student solidarity movement rippling across the country reminds us of the urgency of the situation. Chilling reminders of May 4, 1970, the date of the National Guard killing of peacefully protesting students and innocent bystanders at Kent State are prompted by the site of riot police and talk of bringing in the National Guard to respond with violence to peaceful protest.
As of April 30, over 1,100 students have been arrested for protesting on campuses. Instead of listening to student demands, university presidents are calling the police and armed guards to shut down their activism. It is one consequence of our tolerance of guns and wars that we so quickly resort to force and violence. Just as the Vietnam and Iraq wars proved to have been costly mistakes in lives and money, so will be the outcome in Israel/Palestine. This war must end now.
Appropriate signs will be provided at the vigil, but all are invited to bring their own. The next monthly meeting of the Peace Coalition will be held on ZOOM on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 6pm. For information about joining, contact georgeannhartzog@gmail.com.