Monday, December 28, 2009

House Arrest and other News

Bill and I are under house arrest as are all other Gaza Freedom Marchers that made it as far as El Arish. El Arish is the last town before the Raffa border crossing. We left Cairo a day early other wise we would be stuck there like all of the rest of the Gaza Freedom Marchers. There are about 40 of us here, in El Arish. 5 Americans from Viva Palestina, 20 from Spain, 2 Japanese, 1 French, 4 Brits, 4 or 5 from Luxenburg, 4 Jews from New York City, and us.
We are the lucky ones, a whole bunch of people who left Cairo after us have been detained at check points along the route to El Arish. They have gotten out their transportation and refused to go back to Cairo. The result of this is forced hunger strikes all along the route.
The authorities in Cairo have made it illegal to transport any foreigners out of Cario. There have been some arrests,and peaceful protests have been broken-up.
Is the US press covering any of this?
Bill and I are here to deliver hope and friendship in the form of a community made art glass mural. It will likely not get delivered. Thankfully the police officer who is in charge of watching our house is very friendly and kind.
We will wait it out and see what happens, on a plane back to the US on January 3rd, no matter what else is happening here.
Peace,Love and Light,
Kathleen
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14 comments:

  1. Kim TylerDecember 28, 2009 at 7:54 AM

    This is such sad news, and speaks to what a mess the international community is in with respect to the Middle East. So sorry you are caught up in it and that your gift of love and hope is unable to reach its destination. I'll make an effort to get some press coverage generated somehow. Love to both.

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  2. UnknownDecember 28, 2009 at 12:38 PM

    front news page on google today: "Gaza Marchers on Hunger Strike in Egypt" "Gaza protesters stranded in Egypt"

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  3. UnknownDecember 28, 2009 at 1:21 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. CADecember 28, 2009 at 3:20 PM

    3 recent articles

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8433010.stm

    washPost
    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/28/AR2009122801266.html

    http://www.liberation.fr/regarder-l-actualite/1101723-regardez-l-actualite

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  5. giniDecember 28, 2009 at 9:33 PM

    Gary found these on Aljazzera and BBC today, Monday

    http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/12/200912281583520582.html

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8433010.stm

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  6. giniDecember 28, 2009 at 9:51 PM

    For those following Kathleen....

    the NYTimes posted this on the MiddleEast page of the website. Has to do with biulding barrier wall or not

    http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/world/middleeast/23briefs-Egyptbf.html?_r=1&ref=middleeast

    and

    http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/world/middleeast/22briefs-Egypt.html?ref=middleeast

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  7. UnknownDecember 29, 2009 at 9:30 AM

    You're in the Sentinel this morning Kathleen. Stay strong. What you're doing is inspirational and I am so proud to be your colleague.

    Much love, Jessica O.

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  8. mark2uDecember 29, 2009 at 9:36 AM

    Keep the faith Kathleen... is there a way to convince the friendly policeman to somehow deliver the mural... or someone else like the American living in the area you mentioned in your blog? ...all in the name of religion and "us being better than them"!

    Keep up the good work and let me know when you do a slide show of your photos back here in Santa Cruz. Also, if you need me to sit in on your classes before you get back, let me know. -Mark

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  9. EllaDecember 29, 2009 at 10:03 AM

    hi mrs.crocetti ! the radio did a whole program about gaza and they mentoined you guys . ~ella c.

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  10. JillDecember 29, 2009 at 4:51 PM

    Kathleen,

    As an artist and a peace activist you are my hero. This is the most powerful way an artists can use their gift and their vision; through visual statements that transcend language, culture and even history. Thank you for all of the seeds of creativity that you sowed in your students in Santa Cruz (my 2 children included!) and for stretching even further now with your message and images of hope and peace.

    "Be the change you wish to see in the world"

    -M. Gandhi

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  11. giniDecember 29, 2009 at 5:40 PM

    I am so excited to hear from Cheri tonight that you are on the list of 100 to enter Gaza on the 30th. It is meant to be. I am so proud of our Kathleen! You are a beacon of light for the arts and for peace, for love and compassion.
    Still praying and sending angels upon high!

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  12. DrewDecember 29, 2009 at 9:57 PM

    Fleenie,
    Reading all these posts makes me feel very safe and comfortable at home.
    You're sure making Mom nervous......
    I'm so glad you have Bill to do this adventure with.
    Miss you and love you
    Carla

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  13. UnknownDecember 29, 2009 at 11:31 PM

    Though not your student, I made pencil cases for the childern in Gaza in the MH orchestra. My whole family, after learning of your situation, is keeping up to date on all of the stuff your doing. I have spread your news to my friends at MH to get their families involved too. We are sending you nothing but positive thoughts for your sucess in your mission and your safe return. You are in our thoughts and prayers! - Hailey Woolard

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  14. UnknownDecember 31, 2009 at 9:49 AM

    Kathleen,
    NY Times has an article today stating 85 of the 1000 protesters who were detained in Cairo were allowed to go to the border. Were you and Bill among those? Keep your spirits up, people are listening. . . .

    Beto

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