FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 27, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Melissa Garriga | [email protected]
San Francisco CODEPINK Chapter Launches Fast and Vigil for Ceasefire in Gaza Outside Rep. Pelosi’s House
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - The San Francisco chapter of CODEPINK, a grassroots peace and social justice movement, is organizing a collective fasting and meditation for peace in Gaza. The ongoing crisis in Gaza, exacerbated by the genocidal crimes committed by Israel with the support of President Biden and most of Congress, has prompted urgent global action.
"Our hearts are being torn apart by the massacre, starvation, and denial of water and electricity to the civilians of Gaza by Israel with the support of the U.S. government. Thousands of children are dying. This tragedy is unbearable,” said fast and vigil organizer, Cynthia Papermaster. “Congress and the Biden administration need to end the siege. Maybe Representative Pelosi will find some compassion for the innocent lives being lost,” she continued.
Starting on October 27th and lasting until October 29th, the fast and vigil will take place at Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi's residence. Participants are encouraged to join for as long as they can, even if it's just for an hour or two.
During the daytime, fasting, bannering, and leafleting activities will be held at Pelosi's home. The event will culminate with an evening communal sunset meal to break the fast, followed by a candlelight vigil. Attendees are encouraged to bring music, song, and food to share, as well as their own folding chairs. Due to limited public transport options, carpooling is highly recommended.
On Saturday, October 28th, at 12:30pm, participants will march from Pelosi's home to the SF Ferry Building Plaza to join the "STOP THE GENOCIDE in GAZA" mobilization. Afterward, they will return to Pelosi's residence to continue the vigil and break their fast together. The final day of fasting and vigil will be on Sunday, October 29th, from sunrise to sunset at Pelosi's home. Following the communal meal and candlelight vigil on Sunday evening, individuals are encouraged to continue fasting and contacting U.S. officials from their own homes until a ceasefire in Gaza is achieved.
CODEPINK urges everyone to contact their Congress members and Senators daily at (202) 224-3121 and the White House at (202) 456-1111. They are encouraged to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and ask Representatives to support House Resolution 786, which calls for an end to the violence.
San Francisco CODEPINK would also like to invite all people of conscience to a mass rally at San Francisco City Hall on Nov. 4 in solidarity with the tens of thousands of peace activists converging in Washington D.C. on the same day demanding the White House and Congress to call for an immediate ceasefire and end the siege on Gaza.
For more information and updates on the fast and vigil, please visit the CODEPINK website or contact Cynthia Papermaster at 510-365-1500 or Toby Blomé at 510-501-5412.
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