TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:

We, the undersigned, are asking you, President Barack Obama, to make every effort within your authority as President of the United States, to convince the government of Israel to guarantee safe passage for the Jewish Boat to Gaza this summer and to permit its entry to Gaza to accomplish its peaceful and humanitarian efforts on behalf of the people of Gaza.

The ''Jьdische Stimme'' (Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Near East), along with Jews for Justice for Palestinians (UK) are sending the boat with needed supplies for the besieged people of Gaza, but also as a call to the leaders of the world: help Israel find her way to reason, to a sense of humanity and a life without fear.

American Jews for a Just Peace (www.ajjp.org) is proud to serve as the U.S. coordinator for this new effort to break the siege of Gaza and is the sponsor of this petition.

In coordination with the medical, educational and mental health services in Gaza, the boat will take school bags and books, donated by German schoolchildren, and musical instruments and art materials, to support the Gaza Community Mental Health Program. The boat will also be taking nets and tackle for fishermen, as well as essential medicines and small medical equipment for the civilian population. This is a humanitarian aid mission. Absolutely no weapons will be on board, and all participants will be trained in the principles of non-violence.

Please lend your voice and the power of your office to ensure the safety of international activists who come in a spirit of nonviolence to ease the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza.