Friends,

The Fellowship of Reconciliation's executive director, Mark Johnson, leaves the United States today for the Middle East. He'll be heading to Egypt to help lead the Gaza Freedom March next week -- to be joined by FOR members from around the world and hundreds of other international peace activists.

But Mark and these peace people won't get into Gaza without your help! Please act now.

• TAKE ACTION: Currently, Egyptian authorities are denying marchers the ability to cross from Egypt into Gaza. Please send a message to the Egyptian embassy, urging them to allow Mark and other nonviolent peace activists to cross the border.

• WRITE TO GAZA: Write a letter to the people of Gaza! E-mail it to communications@forusa.org (you can simply reply to this message) by the end of the day on Saturday, December 26, and FOR leaders will hand-deliver it when we arrive.

• MAKE A CONTRIBUTION: Interfaith reconciliation is vitally necessary in the Middle East, and FOR is honored to be leading some of this work in Gaza -- but the financial costs are significant. Consider making a donation to support FOR's reconciliation work in Gaza and around the world.

• TAKE A STAND: Join a Gaza solidarity vigil in your home community between Dec. 27 and 31 -- or organize one of your own! FOR is encouraging all members, chapters and affiliates to organize local events, gatherings, vigils and walks during this time.

• ARE YOU GOING TO GAZA? Please let us know by replying to this email! You're invited to join the Interfaith Gaza Satyagraha being led by Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb and Mark Johnson.

For nearly a century, the Fellowship of Reconciliation has been working for interfaith reconciliation around the world. Please send in your end-of-year gift now to help FOR continue to break down international borders for the next hundred years. Remember that FOR is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations made by Dec. 31 will be tax-deductible for this year.