The first imperative is to let people know that the reality on the ground is not what U.S. media is leading us to believe. Seek out eyewitness accounts on the web (see resources box, above) and spread them far and wide. Information is power, and the current situation faced by Palestinian civilians on the West Bank speaks for itself.

For more information in the U.S. on the International Solidarity Movement, call Eric (917-806-6452); Trish (212-533-4702); or Amanda (2120541-4226x241). Locally, the best contacts are two ISM veterans, Ed Mast and Linda Bevis of the Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC): 206-633-1086, or palestinejustice@yahoo.com. The local PSC is also the most active group locally on this issue, and Linda and Ed, beyond being experienced activists, are also exceptionally good and knowledgeable public speakers -- invite them to your school, church, or community group!

The world is demanding that the United States government force Israel to, immediately, call off its offensive, and, more broadly, pull out of the occupied Palestinian territories. This is what the U.S. public needs to demand, too: loudly and repeatedly. PSC and other activist groups can help with talking points. Here's where to weigh in:

Pres. George W. Bush: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC 20500-0001; president@whitehouse.gov; www.whitehouse.gov; 202-456-1414.

Vice Pres. Dick Cheney: Office of Vice Pres./Old Executive Office Building, Washington DC 20501-0001; vice-president@whitehouse.gov; 202-456-2326.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA): 173 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington DC 20510-0001; 202-224-2621; 202-224-0238 fax; senator_murray@murray.enate.gov; www.murray.senate.gov; local phone 206-0553-5545; local fax 206-553-0891.

Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA): 464 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington DC 20510-0001; 202-224-3441; 202-228-0514 fax; maria@cantwell.senate.gov; local phone 206-220-6400; local fax 206-220-6404.

Sen. Thomas Daschle (D-SD), Majority Leader; 202-224-2321.

Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), 7th District (mostly Seattle; check for other district reps): 1035 Longworth House Office Bldg., Washington DC 20515-0001; 202-225-3106; local phone 206-553-7170; loacl fax 206-553-7175.