On June 30, 2005, Nathan Kleinman began a hunger strike to raise awareness of the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. Since February 2003, at least 400,000 people have died due to violence, starvation and disease. More than 2.5 million people have been displaced from their towns and villages and now live in camps lacking adequate food, water, shelter, sanitation, and health care. It is LONG PAST time for the international community to take action.

Hunger Strike for Darfur

On June 30, 2005, Nathan Kleinman began a hunger strike to raise awareness of the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. Since February 2003, at least 400,000 people have died due to violence, starvation and disease. More than 2.5 million people have been displaced from their towns and villages and now live in camps lacking adequate food, water, shelter, sanitation, and health care. It is LONG PAST time for the international community to take action.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

The Work Continues

After fasting for over a week, Jay has finished his fast and returned to normal life, at least temporarily. Like myself, Jay found the experience of fasting energizing, and he now finds himself more committed than ever to working towards ending the genocide and chaos of Darfur. We have both learned how much can be accomplished in just a few weeks. We level of ignorance we found was baffling, and we continue to believe that education is our best tool right now. There is great momentum now, but we must not let it pass. More and more people are talking about Darfur every day (and mostly without the help of the mainstream media). We need to find more ways to talk about Darfur, and we need to do it every day. It's time to get creative.

As I understand it, there are a number of people fasting around the country for varying lengths of time to bring further desperately needed attention to Darfur. There is a fast beginning at the beginning of August, and a number of people plan on beginning fasts in August. An activist in New York is planning to start a hunger strike soon as well. I may decide to fast again myself. If we keep the pressure on, if we stay strong, and if that mainstream media starts paying real attention, maybe we can really do something. The stakes are so, so high.

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Jay's Day 5

I spoke with Jay today, and he is still going strong on his 5th day of fasting. It has been hot and muggy in Washington, and Jay has been spending much more time outdoors than I was able to. I am in awe of his dedication and the forcefulness of his spirit. He is talking to people every day, and no doubt changing many minds along the way.

I have received a few emails from people possibly interested in joining the fast, but so far no one has definitely volunteered to replace Jay, and even if someone does soon, we could ALWAYS use more. We hope to have someone fasting until this genocide is front page news again, and, indeed, until this genocide is over. If you have any interest or willingness in fasting to end a genocide, please contact me at nathankleinman@gmail.com. You don't necessarily need to travel to DC; you could go on a hunger strike wherever you are, in any city, in any country. The entire world is failing to act, and this movement has the potential to bring awareness and action to anywhere in the world.

Monday, July 11, 2005

Day 12- Passing the Fast

Dear Friends,

Today marks the end of my fast, but by no means the end of the protest. I made my decision to begin eating again after hearing word from a man named Jay McGinley, who informed me on Saturday that he had decided to join the fast, and thus relieve me of my duties. He began yesterday morning at his home, and joined me today in Washington. I was very honored, excited, and grateful to be able to end the fast with the strength to continue the fight. There is obviously very much more fighting to be done. Jay is in Washington right now, and he needs support. When I arrived in DC I had the benefit of many friends in the area upon whom I could rely. Jay is not from DC (remarkably, he is from the same township outside of Philly as myself, though we had never met before today), and I told him that he shouldn't bother bringing his car (the parking in DC is terrible, and hunger strikers shouldn't be driving around anyway). He has been offered comfortable lodgings at a Quaker run hostel on Capital Hill, but could use rides to and from the White House in the morning and evening, because the walk will become too straining as he grows weaker. If any kind souls in DC are able to oblige, please contact me by email, and I get you in touch with Jay. This blog will now be dedicated to what has become Jay's strike, and we both hope that many others will decide to join the fast as well, in DC and in towns and cities around the world. We can think of no better way to express either the depth of our commitment, or the urgency of the problem.

I came to Washington with next to no plan, only the decision to starve myself, the support of my family and friends, and a simple message: If this genocide is ever going to end, it will end because ordinary people around the world stand up and demand it. We all need to realize that living up to the words of that immortal phrase, "Never Again," is not just the responsibility of our leaders, and leaders of other countries, but it is the responsibility of each and every human being on this planet. Every man and woman should feel the solemn obligation to act. "Never Again" means personal commitment. It means NEVER AGAIN will I shirk my responsibility to humanity. It means NEVER AGAIN will I sit idly by while evil is allowed to reign. It means NEVER AGAIN will I continue to lead my normal, workaday, comfortable life, until genocide becomes an artifact of history, instead of a current event.

There are many ways to act against this genocide. I chose to starve myself. In the face of such an ugly genocide, replete with torture, castration, immolation, rape, murder, and forced starvation, I came to the conclusion that I had no other choice but to starve myself. I would never say that every American should stop everything, rush to Washington, and stop eating, but I'm absolutely certain that if everyone were to do just that today, America would surely stop this genocide by tomorrow.

Sincerely,
Nathan Isaac Kleinman

[In case anyone is wondering, my health after almost 12 days without food is good. In all, I lost exactly an eighth of my body weight, or 12.5%. It will take some time before I can eat anything but small quantities of raw, organic fruit, and overcooked not-too-startchy vegetables. I have found reserves of strength I didn't know I had. I couldn't have lasted so long without the vitally important help of my family, especially my father and mother, Jonathan and Barbara, and my sister and brother, Molly and Max. My father came from Ohio after slightly less than a week to make sure I was okay and keep me healthy and organized for the rest of the fast. My mother (who kept most of her agita to herself) was supportive throughout, used her medical expertise to advise me and keep me safe, and helped spread word of my action throughout the blogosphere and beyond. My sister created and maintained this wonderful blog, which was the most useful tool I've had to spread this message, and she and my brother brought Jay to DC and me back to Philly to recuperate. My brother also drove me down to DC originally, helping me to get situated and make my signs, in addition to spreading the word later and helping me with whatever else I've asked of him. The support and encouragement from my grandparents, Gert and Milt, also helped me enormously, and my commitment to social justice can be traced to their example. My aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially certain individuals whom I have already thanked privately, were all very instrumental as well. Having a loving family is truly a wonderful thing. If I were not so blessed, I might not see so clearly the stark injustice of a place like Darfur. Thank you all, and keep working. As my new friend Jay is fond of saying, "full effort is full success."]

Saturday, July 09, 2005

Day 10

Tomorrow (Sunday, July 10th), at 1:00 pm, Africa Action is sponsoring "A Public Religious Witness to End the genocide in Darfur: Worshipping in the Spirit of Justice" in Lafayette Park in Washington D.C. The mission is "To mobilize Christians and other people of faith for five Sundays of public worship and political witness in Washington, D.C., with the goal of ending the genocide in Darfur, and drawing attention to the needs of the African people in general." Nathan will be there, and if you are in the D.C. area, please join them.

Friday, July 08, 2005

Day 9



After a very rainy night, today was a beautiful day in Washington. I did not get much sleep last night (a little over two hours), but I was still rather well energized today. I was visited by a number of Darfur activists, from the Save Darfur Coalition and Prevent Genocide International, among others. It was very nice to have some visitors who already knew about Darfur. Most of the people I meet (mostly tourists coming to see the White House) have never even heard of Sudan, let alone Darfur. Organizations such as they represent and many, many others are doing so much important work for Sudan. But they need lots of help.

I also said goodbye today to some friends who had been fasting for three days to bring attention to global warming (that's them in the picture at the top of this post). They were much better organized than I, with tents set up in the park and solar panels to charge their laptops (I forgot to ask them if they get the wireless signal from the White House...). Some came to DC from as far away as Montana. Their action reminded me that there are so, so many grave problems facing our world. In my week at the White House I have met demonstrators against nuclear weapons (the legendary Concepcion who has kept vigil on Pennsylvania Avenue since 1981, before I was even born), against war in general, against the death penalty, and in favor of medical marijuana (surprisingly, these people were lighting up all over the park and none were arrested!). I'm grateful that there are dedicated people working on each of these issues, and many more, but I can't help but think how great it would be if we could pool our resources, ideas, and dreams, and really change the world together. We all know what's good, right, and just: it's too bad the President does not.

But what can I do?

Nathan has been receiving many letters of support over the last several days, and many people want to know how they can get involved and contribute. Here are two big ways, and neither one of them involves self-deprivation:

1) There are two bills regarding Darfur before Congress right now. The House version, H.R. 1424: Darfur Genocide Accountability Act, would impose sanctions against perpetrators of crimes against humanity and genocide in Sudan, and calls for a robust multinational force to support the African Union Mission in Sudan. The bill before the Senate, S. 495: Darfur Accountability Act, calls on the Administration to “engage in a concerted, sustained campaign with other members of the United Nations Security Council and relevant countries with the aim of achieving the goals described [in the act].” These goals include imposing sanctions on the Government of Sudan, establishing a military no-fly zone in Darfur, and expanding the size and strength of the African Union force in Darfur in order to stop the violence and protect the people in Darfur. Click on the above links to email your representatives regarding the bills via Africa Action, and if you want to go the extra mile, call or write letters as well, urging them to co-sponsor the bills, or at least vote for them, and to move for their rapid passage. (As a side note, Africa Action also has a some useful tips on communicating with elected officials).

2) Contact your local newspaper, your not-so-local newspaper, your favorite radio station, your favorite cable news program, (to quote Nate, "Hell, even Fox News") and let them know that there has been a hunger strike going on for over a week now, not to mention a genocide in Sudan, and encourage them to cover it. It is the responsibility of the news media in a democracy to keep its citizens informed, and right now most Americans are woefully ignorant of what's happening in their own backyards, let alone halfway around the world in Darfur. One place to start is CNN's News Tip form.

Thursday, July 07, 2005

Dayton Daily News article

The Dayton Daily News (our parents' local paper) published a nice article about Nate today, complete with photo. (If that link doesn't work, try this one).

Day 8



Sundown tonight marks the first full week of my hunger strike. I am still strong, energized, and healthy (a fact that was confirmed by my first visit to a doctor early this afternoon). I have been truly inspired by all of the good wishes I have received from around the world, including from a refugee camp in Darfur itself. That letter reminded me of something I had read in the news before beginning my strike: that many refugees, already at risk of starvation, are bravely considering a hunger strike themselves. It is my hope that we here in comfort and security can be convinced to act in their stead. They are already facing such horrible, deadly circumstances, and they will need all of their strength to survive and rebuild Darfur. They should be an inspiration to us all.

I am heartened by the response I have received so far, especially in the last few days, but today is certainly a tragic day, beyond the everyday tragedy of Darfur. I awoke at 8AM and soon heard the news of the shocking rush hour attacks in London. One of my best friends in the world rides the tube every day, and I miraculously reached his family by phone on only my second try. Thankfully, they are all okay. My heart goes out to everyone whose lives have been forever changed by the day’s events.

It bears mentioning at this moment that the issues of Darfur and terrorism are actually quite linked. I have avoided making this argument in the past because I truly believe it should be enough that Sudan is perpetrating a genocide, but Sudan is also a major state sponsor of terrorism. We should intervene in Sudan to stop the genocide, but we would also be wholly justified to intervene in the name of the so-called “war on terror.” I would argue that we have many more reasons to invade Sudan than we ever had to invade Iraq. Sudan was the last place Osama bin Laden lived before he moved to Afghanistan. It is a known base of major terrorist organizations, and is one of the few states perenially found on the US State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism. And considering the lawlessness and inaccessibility of so many huge swaths of Sudan (including Darfur, the Nuba Mountains, and other regions), it may well be considered a failed state. It is most assuredly a safe haven for terrorists, and its proximity to the Middle East and Europe makes it a source of instability throughout the region.

I know that following this latest terror attack it will be difficult to get much notice in the media right now, but it is imperative that we try anyway. This genocide will not end unless the American people and the people of the world take serious notice, and make a concerted effort to convince their leaders that intervention is absolutely justifiable and necessary. I am generally a pacifist (my initial reaction whenever we start dropping bombs is to head to the White House in protest), but we need to take action now. We cannot allow the media to be distracted by terrorists, or Supreme Court vacancies, or hurricaines. Nor can we allow ourselves to be distracted by the trials and stresses of our truly priviliged lives. The lives of over 3 million people—and indeed the survival of their very culture—depend on it.

A Message from Sudan

This letter was posted in the comments, but Nate asked me to put in the blog to be sure people will see it:

Hi there,

Thought you might be interested to hear that it's not just US citizens considering a hunger strike.

Over here in Kalma, Darfur's biggest camp for displaced people, several residents have told me that they will go on a hunger strike if the Sudanese government forcibly relocates them to Al Salam, another (much less secure) site just a few miles down the road.

Yep, that's right - people already facing starvation threatenning to go on hunger strike. Sounds crazy, but it's merely a reflection of how strongly the displaced communities here in South Darfur feel about the persisting insecurity outside of the large, well-established camps. Despite government promises to protect civilians and disarm Janjaweed militias, everyone knows that it is still unsafe for people to leave the relative security of the camps.

UN pressure (following several security incidents, including an attack on a bus last week in which four people were killed) seems to be helping in preventing the forced relocation for now, but if I have learned anything here in Sudan it's that nothing can ever be predicted with certainty.

Will let you know what happens over here in this little corner of Darfur - wonder what the IDPs will think of the fact that they have a fellow hunger striker over in America?

Sleepless in Sudan
http://sleeplessinsudan.blogspot.com

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Day 7

As Nathan concludes a full week without food, leaders of the world's largest industrialized democracies gathered in Scotland for the Group of Eight Summit. Prime Minister Tony Blair, this year's president of the summit, plans to focus on global warming and Africa during meetings over the next several days. He is encouraging G-8 countries to double aid to Africa to $50 billion by 2010, from the current $25 billion, and is pressuring member nations to increase giving for all foreign aid to the equivalent of 0.7 percent of national incomes by 2015. Not surprisingly, President Bush has been vocally resistent to Blair's agenda, both on Africa and global warming. Though Darfur has received passing mentions in news reports, it is unclear whether Blari is planning to address the situation during the summit.

To learn more about the history of the G8, visit the University of Toronto's informative site.

For those of you who are wondering about Nate's physical health, he is beginning to feel some weakness but is still upbeat. I would have thought that seven days on only water would make a person fuzzy-headed, but he's as lucid and coherent as ever. He has lost 15 pounds, and will be seeing a doctor tomorrow. Hopefully he'll be posting himself some time in the next day or two.

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Day 6

Bloggers are beginning to notice Nate's hunger strike. New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof mentioned him today, and so did Dan Markel. Those of us who are related to Nathan have been writing letters like crazy to every media outlet we can think of, along with our senators and representatives. Please join us in spreading the word in whatever way you can. We'll be posting again soon with an update on Nate's physical state.

Monday, July 04, 2005

Day 5



Thank you Michael for taking this picture.

Sunday, July 03, 2005

Nathan's letter

Dear Friends,

At sundown on June 30th, 2005, I began a hunger strike in solidarity with the 3.5 million civilians on the brink of starvation in Darfur, western Sudan. I will be stationed in front of the White House every day—except when I'm organizing, or sleeping, which is not allowed in Lafayette Park—until the world takes appropriate notice of what President Bush has now repeatedly called genocide. I will consume only water until steps are taken to stop this heinous crime. The approaching G8 summit presents world leaders with a tremendous opportunity to come together and take action.

The situation in Darfur is bleak: the whole countryside, farmland, and thousands of villages, have been depopulated, pillaged, and burned to the ground. Men and boys who don't escape to join the rebels are tortured (often castrated) and slaughtered. Women are also often killed, but more often they are beaten, tortured, and raped, sometimes for days on end. The survivors have been herded into refugee camps, often ringed by Arab janjaweed militiamen (the government's military proxy in Darfur) who rape women and girls when they leave in search of fire wood. Even some camps, which are basically tent cities, have been torched as Sudan pursues its policy of forcing Darfuri refugees into the desert to die (though they say they are forcing them back to their villages, which, coincidentally, were bombed by Sudanese military planes before being ransacked by janjaweed on camel and horseback; satellite images confirm this utter destruction). Starvation looms for the black African population of Darfur.

I have been stewing over this issue for almost two years now. For me, it is a simple question of morality. I am a Jew, and I was raised to believe that "Never Again" meant something. That faith was first shaken in 1994 when I was almost twelve years old and I began learning about the horrific four-month genocide in Rwanda. I had hoped Rwanda would prove to be an aberration. President Clinton and his cynical team were well aware of our nation's signature on the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, obligating us to intervene to stop any genocide, anywhere, so they avoided declaring the killings genocide. Of course, there is no punishment for ignoring the Genocide Convention, so Mr. Bush has used the word anyway, apparently without feeling obligated to act.

The International Criminal Court in the Hague has already indicted dozens of organizers and perpetrators of this genocide, all of whose names remain under seal, and some of whom are presumed to be high-ranking Sudanese government officials. These indictments are a positive first step towards bringing these criminals to justice, but they are a step backward if they are the pinnacle of the Free World's action. As of now, there is no indication that any criminal will ever be extradited, and there are no plans to seek arrests. Further, even if there were arrests, they would not guarantee an end to the genocide. Only boots on the ground can do that. As of now, the world has settled on turning our backs, closing our eyes, and plugging our ears.

There are a few troops in Darfur today, a force of less than 3000 representing the African Union, comprised of Nigerian and (ironically, though not surprisingly) Rwandan soldiers. But these AU soldiers are not mandated to protect civilians, they are ill-prepared and ill-equipped, and their force is not even a tenth of what is needed. International intervention must be swift, decisive, and truly cooperative. The whole free world can agree that atrocious crimes are being committed in Sudan, so the whole world should act in concert to stop them.

Many people have asked me why we haven't intervened already. That is obviously a complicated question, but there are many reasons. Some point to our armed forces' over-extension in Iraq and Afghanistan, and our other committments around the world. Others say simply, tragically, that these are black people being killed, and Americans just can't be brought to care about them. They point to Rwanda as proof. Some even argue that we have no proof it is even a genocide. But the real answer lies on the United Nations Security Council. China and Russia, both permanent members, have extensive economic ties to Sudan. The Chinese National Petroleum Corporation even has a huge oil concession in Southern Darfur. If they are not careful they will soon be burning oil tainted with innocent blood. And as we stood by and let China support Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge (which also led to mass murder), we are still standing by. Though now we ourselves have more ties to China than ever before.

We have waited far too long to act, but it is not too late to save lives, nor, indeed, to save an entire culture. Over the course of my hunger strike, thousands of innocent Darfuris will die by disease, violence, and starvation. Everyone can help: by writing letters, organizing protests, calling representatives and world leaders, boycotting companies that do business in Sudan, and even taking to the streets if need be. Search your conscience, your soul, and think about joining my protest, in DC or in your own city or country. One hunger striker is a start, but scores of us would be impossible to ignore. We must remind the President and the world just what starvation looks like. We must act now. There is no problem on earth more urgent.

Sincerely,
Nathan I Kleinman
Private Citizen

Saturday, July 02, 2005

Day 3

I began my hunger strike for Darfur on Thursday, June 30, 2005. I am sitting in Lafayette Park across from the White House during daylight hours. I have a sign that says "Ask me why I am on a hunger strike."

Future posts will include my views and links to information about Darfur.