By Ed Flaherty, Iowa City
On May 22, two of my friends, Kathy Kelly and Mike Ferner, along with four others, began a 40-day fast outside of the UN in New York City. They are limiting themselves to 250 calories per day.
Why? Two simple goals: 1) Unimpeded humanitarian aid for Gaza; 2) Halt to U.S. arms to Israel. After an oft-violated ceasefire, on March 2 Israel imposed a blockade on all humanitarian aid into Gaza.
I was surprised when I heard of their fasting, but not shocked. I was concerned because they are in their 70s and have existing health issues. But I understood, because I know the strength of their dedication to peace and the depth of their solidarity with the starving people of Gaza. Kelly said that in contrast to people in Gaza, they have easy access to clean water and are not being bombed.
What realistically can the fasters expect to accomplish? They don’t expect millions of Americans to join the fast (over 700 have joined). But what if everyone witnessing their fast were to close their eyes for five minutes and contemplate their own family going without food, and then demand their government make those two goals happen, now?
