Out of thedelegation to Gaza that CODEPINK led in May camethe idea to organize a large march through Gaza, with a significant internationalpresence including well-known personalities.  In the spirit of non-violent direct action, themarch would challenge the appalling and inhumane siege of Gaza. The idea, which immediately captured the imagination of many organizers,was the brainchild of Norman Finkelstein. We are truly grateful for Prof.Finkelstein's creative thinking and willingness to put forward big ideas thatgenerate enthusiasm and engagement.

However, afterthe initial call, the framework of the march was challenged by highly-respectedPalestinian activists, Omar Barghouti from Jerusalem,and Haidar Eid from the Gaza.Their criticism, expressed with the utmost respect for the courage and goodwill of the organizers, challenged the organizers' decision to delay engagingin a wide conversation with Palestinian civil society and activists until afterthe call was made and the framework formulated. As Barghouti and Eid noted,that also led to a number of problems with the framework and the call. The callfailed to provide historical context to the current siege, barely referred tothe occupation, and picked and chose from the history of Palestiniannon-violent resistance. It also used language that inadvertently reflectedIsraeli propaganda strategies, isolating Palestinians in Gazafrom their counterparts in the West Bank, EastJerusalem, Israel,and the Diaspora.

Ultimately,these criticisms led to a compromise that satisfied both the Palestiniancritics and most of the initial organizers. This compromise was reflected in a"context document" that is now part of the call. We welcome the concerns ofprominent Palestinian activists who represent significant grassrootsorganizing. We see in the exchange, negotiation and outcome a model example ofhow work of solidarity can deepen and improve through giving full attention tohonest and constructive criticism from those most impacted by the horrors weare challenging.

We have read the"context document" and express our full support for the march based on therevised call.