Salem-News.com Volunteers articles Page 14

Gaza Freedom Movement Remains Determined Despite Challenges

The convoy is trying to break the siege of Gaza that Israel, with the help of Egypt, has held fast since 2007.

(CAIRO/SALEM) - The Viva Palestina aid convoy to Gaza left London on December 6th and its tireless group of activists have received serious challenges on this journey - at every bend in the road.

All they want to do is deliver vehicles, food and medicine to the people of Gaza who were decimated during Israel's several week long attack one year ago that targeted schools, hospitals and thousands of people's homes. Israel used white phosphorous to start fires and over 1,400 people died while thousands received serious injuries.

Viva Palestina Still Blocked From Reaching Gaza

The Convoy, which is made up of more than 200 vehicles, planned to reach Rafah on December 27th.

(CAIRO, Egypt AL JAZEERA) - Al Jazeera's Sohail Rahman reports and discusses Egypt's decision to block the Viva Palestina Convoy from entering Egypt at Nuweiba.

The video includes commentary from Institute of Palestinian Studies' Mouin Rabbanu and a live phone interview with George Galloway at the Jordan/Syria Jaber border crossing.

Pink Floyd`s Roger Waters Issues Message of Solidarity with The Gaza Freedom March

"Today, hundreds of thousands, tomorrow, millions, soon, hundreds of millions. We Shall Overcome" -Roger Waters

(NEW YORK ) - I am writing to express my great admiration for and solidarity with the 1,360 men and women from 42 different countries around the World who are gathering in Egypt, preparing for The Gaza Freedom March.

We all watched, aghast, the vicious attack made a year ago on the people of Gaza by Israeli armed forces and the ongoing illegal siege.

Hedy Epstein Begins Hunger Strike to Open Gaza Borders

When Hedy Epstein was a young teen her parents smuggled her away, then perished in Auschwitz in 1942. No wonder she supports the people of Gaza.

(CAIRO, Egypt) - Hedy Epstein, the 85 year old Holocaust survivor and peace activist, announced that she will begin a hunger strike today as a response to the Egyptian government’s refusal to allow the Gaza Freedom March participants into Gaza.

Ms. Epstein was part of a delegation with participants from 43 countries that were to join Palestinians in a non-violent march from Northern Gaza towards the Erez border with Israel calling for the end of the illegal siege.

Gaza Freedom Marchers Maintain Pressure in Cairo for Border Opening

Activists are keeping up the pressure with the intent that Egypt should open the border and allow the convoy to go to Gaza.

(CAIRO, Egypt) - The Gaza Freedom March is being held up by the Egyptian government after all, in spite of word issued a few days ago that Egypt had changed its position on allowing entry into Gaza.

It has been one year since the Israeli military decimated the people of Gaza in retaliation for Hamas rocket attacks that killed a small number of Israeli people, approximately seven. In retaliation, Israel unleashed an attack involving illegal weapons and specific targeting of ambulance crews and schools.

Egypt Allows Humanitarian Viva Palestina Convoy to Enter Gaza

Government of Egypt changes policy to allow humanitarian group Viva Palestina to enter Gaza December 27, 2009.

(CAIRO, Egypt) - Members of the Gaza Freedom March are congratulating the Government of Egypt on its change of policy to allow international missions into Gaza during December.

The decision will allow the Viva Palestina convoy to go into Gaza on December 27, 2009.

When the Need is Greater, More Funds are Needed

The Salvation Army of Marion and Polk Counties needs the community’s help. Just five dollars in the red kettle will feed a hungry person for a day.

(SALEM,. Ore.) - Christmas Eve marks the last day of The Salvation Army's 2009 Red Kettle Campaign. With one more week to go, the Salvation Army of Marion and Polk Counties is 11% short of where they were this time last year, in part due to fewer kettle locations.

Funds from this year’s Red Kettle Campaign will help sustain vital Salvation Army programs and services in the Salem, helping those in need through their daily struggle for survival.

New Report States 75% of Young Americans are Unfit for Military Service

Education Secretary Duncan, former NATO Supreme Commander General Wesley Clark, retired admirals and generals say early learning key to reverse security threat.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - According to a new report, 75 percent of young people ages 17 to 24 are unable to enlist in the military because they fail to graduate high school, have a criminal record, or are physically unfit.

Internet News from an Inner Perspective

Want to know what it's really like to run a news site for five years?

(SALEM, Ore.) - If journalists hungry for a change could see what an average day is like for me, they would be more than intrigued. Over the course of five years I have gathered so many news contacts that I literally can't keep up some days.

So I move forward and try to keep the pace, taking in email that ranges from contributions from our regular team of writers, to press releases from the widest variety of sources imaginable. Our writers send stories that address all kinds of subjects, and they bring a flavor to the site that no press release ever could.

An American Hero Reprises His Role for the Last Time

The people of Wiltz have never forgotten their beloved American St. Nick and celebrated the arrival of an American Saint Nicholas each year thereafter.

(WILTZ, Luxembourg) - In 1944, Cpl. Richard Brookins was in the right place at the right time to help a city heal after years of Nazi occupation.

2009 marks the 65th anniversary of that event, and Brookins will return one last time to reprise his role as the American St. Nick.