On December 27, 2008, Israel launched the Gaza War, codenamed Operation Cast Lead, in response it said to the rocket attacks of Hamas. 22 days later, over a 1,000 Gazans had been killed, 4,000 homes and schools were destroyed, and 400,000 were left without running water. The war only worsened the siege of Gaza, causing an outcry around the world. Concerned Jewish communities in Morocco, Montreal and London, among other places, called for Israel to stop its attack. In the wake of the destruction Gazans found themselves living a humanitarian crisis. Read more.

Gaza event: Levantine event for Gaza with (l-r) CODEPINK co-founder Jodie Evans, Nile El Wardani and Jordan Elgrably (Photo S. Twair)IN A FIRST-of-its-kind experiment, the Levantine Cultural Center engaged speakers for its March 4 Gaza benefit to participate in a live KPFK radio conversation with Don Bustany, host of "Middle East In Focus."

CODEPINK co-founder Jodie Evans explained to Bustany that on March 8, a delegation of 60 CODEPINK members, including novelist Alice Walker, intended to enter Gaza from al-Arish, Egypt through the Rafah crossing. And they would be bringing colorful pink baskets filled with soaps and other necessary items for Gazan mothers.

Levantine board member and KPFK radio producer Nile El Wardani told Bustany that tons of food and supplies were rotting in the stadium of al-Arish because the Egyptian government of President Hosni Mubarak refused to let them enter Gaza.

"The Egyptian people are furious," El Wardani stated. "They feel they are kindred spirits of the Gazans. Young Egyptians protested at the Rafah border and were arrested."

El Wardani said that Egypt's border closure is due to government fears that if Hamas prevails in Gaza, it will empower the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.

Actor Eric Roberts and actress Raya Meddine also appeared at the Gaza benefit, which ended with music of Naser Musa and Vanya Green.

-Pat McDonnell Twair

Read original article in the Washingto Report.