When conflict in Gaza broke out in late December 2008, the association was quick to raise their voice. Prayer sessions were held at the YWCAs of Kobe, Kyoto and Tokyo on January 8. On January 10, a ‘Light on Gaza! Immediately Stop Military Attack! Peace Parade and Symposium’ was organised by YWCA of Japan and 11 other NGOs in Tokyo. ‘1500 people marched in the parade and 500 people came for the symposium although it was very short notice,’ says Tomoko Negishi of the YWCA of Japan. ‘Many YWCA members who have participated in the Olive Tree Campaign by the Joint Advocacy Initiative (JAI) of the East Jerusalem YMCA and YWCA of Palestine rushed to the appeal.’
The YWCA of Japan also signed a joint statement with other NGOs that was presented to the Israeli Ambassador to Japan. ‘The people of Gaza need to be able to have free access to supplies, to move freely, to live without relying on international support, to develop their own economy, and to live with dignity. These are also preconditions for a peaceful solution to the conflict. However unfortunately, the humanitarian and development aid from our organizations and international society as a whole have been met with difficulties, or in the worst cases completely blocked. This has led to the spread of deep despair among the people of Gaza,’ read the statement.
The YWCA of Japan has been a strong lobbyist for peace with justice on a national and global level. “Peace doesn’t come unless we create it and doesn’t last unless we continue fighting to protect it. Peace cannot be achieved my military power," says Negishi.
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