I have never met Alice Walker, but I was influenced by her poetry and fiction way back in high school, and I love her non-fiction and activism, too.
Here is a brief essay that she wrote for the Middle East Children's Alliance:
Empathy is a Wave: The Banning of Palestinian Children's Art (From the Museum of Children's Art in Oakland)
The Good News is that the Exhibit will take place tomorrow!
" Empathy is a wave that need never be stopped." ~ Alice Walker, 2011
Showing posts with label Israeli. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Israeli. Show all posts
Friday, September 23, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
James Taylor - Shower the People (Live/1988)
I love this song, I love this version of it; I don't understand some of the hostile comments about the photos of some audience members.
and I wish I could Shower some Love on the Folks trying to Deliver Supplies to Gaza.
Here's a link to a petition worth supporting.
Thank you, the well-known and unknown, of different ages and backgrounds and political orientations.
Please visit the Jewish Voice For Peace site....and many others.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Grateful for the Parents Circle --
I cannot imagine what it is like living in any part of the Middle East, and definitely not in Palestine / Israel.
There is an amazing group of parents who share their bereavement and their vision for a peaceful life.
The Parents Circle.
I have recently found a very moving blog, Bethlehem Blogger, which I recommend and will be adding to the links here....
There is an amazing group of parents who share their bereavement and their vision for a peaceful life.
The Parents Circle.
I have recently found a very moving blog, Bethlehem Blogger, which I recommend and will be adding to the links here....
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Senator Whitehouse, Please Think This Over, Please Do Not Ignore Human Rights' Violations
I have written letters to the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation (with the exception of Representative Cicilline who has just arrived) questioning the United States' unquestioning financial and military support of Israel and I have blogged about this.
The responses I have received have been very brief, clearly formulaic, and essentially flimsy.
I am sorry to share this letter signed by seven Senators, including Rhode Island's Sheldon Whitehouse.
February 1, 2011
This text is copied from the Democratic Senators' website.
What exactly is U.S. military support for Israel accomplishing?
If part of a country is democratic, but a very large part of the population does not have the right to travel or work or have access to health care and education, is that country democratic ?
The responses I have received have been very brief, clearly formulaic, and essentially flimsy.
I am sorry to share this letter signed by seven Senators, including Rhode Island's Sheldon Whitehouse.
February 1, 2011
Dear Chairman Rogers and Chairman Ryan:
We write in light of recent statements that demonstrate the intent of certain Senators to eliminate foreign aid funding to the nation of Israel. Recently, Republican Senator Rand Paul suggested that the United States should “halt all foreign aid including its financial aid to Israel.” These remarks are alarming and aim to weaken the decades-long bipartisan consensus on U.S. support for Israel. Both Republicans and Democrats are committed to reining in the federal deficit, but assistance to Israel is not a matter of “pork barrel spending” - rather U.S. foreign aid to Israel demonstrates America’s rock-solid commitment to ensuring Israel’s right to exist.
Israel is the only democratic nation in the Middle East and one of our most trusted allies. A stable and secure Israel is strongly in our national security interest and has been a cornerstone of our foreign policy for over half-a-century. Using Congress’s bipartisan commitment to reining in government spending as a reason to abandon Israel is unacceptable and should be immediately rejected.
At a time when U.S. foreign aid is being utilized to strengthen our partnerships around the world, particularly in the Middle East where our relationships are more important than ever, we urge you to commit to maintain full foreign aid funding to Israel. As members of the United States Senate, we will work aggressively to prevent any attempts to abandon one of our most trusted allies. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Senator Stabenow
Senator Nelson
Senator Menendez
Senator Cardin
Senator Brown
Senator Casey
Senator Whitehouse
This text is copied from the Democratic Senators' website.
What exactly is U.S. military support for Israel accomplishing?
If part of a country is democratic, but a very large part of the population does not have the right to travel or work or have access to health care and education, is that country democratic ?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
President Obama, Please Vote YES on this UN Resolution...
Just Foreign Policy explains this succinctly:
This link will offer you the chance to sign a letter...
One day during the Democratic Primary Season, I was part of a group of Connecticut volunteers (New Haven) who met briefly with Cass Sunstein and Samantha Power. Both spoke passionately about Barack Obama's wisdom and conscientiousness; they gave examples from his senate career. There was time for a few questions. I raised one about whether, as president, Obama would have the same commitment for Palestinian rights as he did for others'. Powers answered very confidently -- that he would not be afraid to support human rights -- I wish I had written down or recorded her words...
A key resolution on the Israel-Palestine conflict is before the UN Security Council. The resolution embraces negotiations, endorses the creation of a Palestinian state, and demands an immediate halt to Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, largely echoing stated US policy. Despite this fact, forces in Washington who want to protect the Israeli occupation are pressuring President Obama to veto the UN resolution.
This link will offer you the chance to sign a letter...
One day during the Democratic Primary Season, I was part of a group of Connecticut volunteers (New Haven) who met briefly with Cass Sunstein and Samantha Power. Both spoke passionately about Barack Obama's wisdom and conscientiousness; they gave examples from his senate career. There was time for a few questions. I raised one about whether, as president, Obama would have the same commitment for Palestinian rights as he did for others'. Powers answered very confidently -- that he would not be afraid to support human rights -- I wish I had written down or recorded her words...
Thursday, January 20, 2011
"Where Love resides..." Listening to Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish
Thanks to Richard Silverstein's tremendous site, I was able to watch a video of this Palestinian man who has suffered unimaginable violence and who has a message of love and family to share.
The video was made by Todd Boyle.
I have now failed several times to download the video successfully, and it seems that the audio is not always clear.
Here is the link to Richard's post which contains the video of Dr. Abuelaish speaking in Washington State on the 17th.
In my attempts to bring it to this blog ( it is on my facebook profile ) -- I have listened to much of it more than once. That it made me shed many tears doesn't convey how much clarity and intimacy there is in this speech.
His wisdom and work are a faithful tribute to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thank you Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish for your Faith and Love.
The video was made by Todd Boyle.
I have now failed several times to download the video successfully, and it seems that the audio is not always clear.
Here is the link to Richard's post which contains the video of Dr. Abuelaish speaking in Washington State on the 17th.
In my attempts to bring it to this blog ( it is on my facebook profile ) -- I have listened to much of it more than once. That it made me shed many tears doesn't convey how much clarity and intimacy there is in this speech.
His wisdom and work are a faithful tribute to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thank you Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish for your Faith and Love.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Young, Jewish, Proud - Loud and Clear in New Orleans
A group of young leaders from within Jewish Voice for Peace has formed, and has published a Declaration.
Here is the first paragraph:
I. we exist.
We exist. We are everywhere. We speak and love and dream in every language. We pray three times a day or only during the high holidays or when we feel like we really need to or not at all. We are punks and students and parents and janitors and Rabbis and freedom fighters. We are your children, your nieces and nephews, your grandchildren. We embrace diaspora, even when it causes us a great deal of pain. We are the rubble of tangled fear, the deliverance of values. We are human. We are born perfect. We assimilate, or we do not. We are not apathetic. We know and name persecution when we see it. Occupation has constricted our throats and fattened our tongues. We are feeding each other new words. We have family, we build family, we are family. We re-negotiate. We atone. We re-draw the map every single day. We travel between worlds. This is not our birthright, it is our necessity.
Members of this group spoke up loudly during a speech by Benjamin Netanyahu at a Jewish General Assembly in New Orleans.
The disruption is documented on the website.
I posted the video on my facebook profile, also because I agree with these statements.
The Loyalty Oath delegitimizes Israel.
Silencing Dissent delegitimizes Israel.
Occupation delegitimizes Israel.
The Siege on Gaza delegitimizes Israel.
The Settlements betray Jewish values.
I recommend visiting the site and viewing the videos and the articles explaining the action in detail some by the participants and supporters, and others from national and international media.
"legitimizes" is an acceptable word, according to the blogging program, but not "delegitimizes".
Hmmm....
The Declaration says:
We will not call this liberation.
My question: What is wrong with "liberation" ? For me it is very much within Jewish values . . . and a very good thing...
Here is the first paragraph:
I. we exist.
We exist. We are everywhere. We speak and love and dream in every language. We pray three times a day or only during the high holidays or when we feel like we really need to or not at all. We are punks and students and parents and janitors and Rabbis and freedom fighters. We are your children, your nieces and nephews, your grandchildren. We embrace diaspora, even when it causes us a great deal of pain. We are the rubble of tangled fear, the deliverance of values. We are human. We are born perfect. We assimilate, or we do not. We are not apathetic. We know and name persecution when we see it. Occupation has constricted our throats and fattened our tongues. We are feeding each other new words. We have family, we build family, we are family. We re-negotiate. We atone. We re-draw the map every single day. We travel between worlds. This is not our birthright, it is our necessity.
Members of this group spoke up loudly during a speech by Benjamin Netanyahu at a Jewish General Assembly in New Orleans.
The disruption is documented on the website.
I posted the video on my facebook profile, also because I agree with these statements.
The Loyalty Oath delegitimizes Israel.
Silencing Dissent delegitimizes Israel.
Occupation delegitimizes Israel.
The Siege on Gaza delegitimizes Israel.
The Settlements betray Jewish values.
I recommend visiting the site and viewing the videos and the articles explaining the action in detail some by the participants and supporters, and others from national and international media.
"legitimizes" is an acceptable word, according to the blogging program, but not "delegitimizes".
Hmmm....
The Declaration says:
We will not call this liberation.
My question: What is wrong with "liberation" ? For me it is very much within Jewish values . . . and a very good thing...
Saturday, March 6, 2010
My solution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem
This upcoming May 14 marks the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel -- and the 62nd anniversary of the Israeli-Palestinian problem: the problem of two groups of people claiming the same land.
I have arrived at a permanent solution that, while rather radical and expensive, is nonetheless both humane and, I think, workable. The plan is this: we move Israel to Vermont. Basically, we sign a treaty with Israel setting a date for handing over Vermont to the Israelis, provided that the Israelis are willing to hand over Israel to the Palestinians at the same time. Since Vermont is a little bigger than Israel, there ought to be no problem fitting them all in (especially since the Palestinians, who make up about 20% of Israel's population, would be staying behind).
"But," you ask, "what about the people who already live in Vermont? What's going to happen to them?" That can be taken care of easily enough. The federal government will offer to buy the home of anyone living in Vermont, and also offer to pay the cost of their relocation to another state. Specifically, people who own their homes will receive a payment equal to their equity stake in their home, said payment to be no less than $10,000. Thus, if you own your $100,000 home free and clear, the government will pay you $100,000 for it, over and above your moving costs. If your home is mortgaged to the hilt and underwater, the government will pay you $10,000 to take it (and your mortgage debt) off your hands. If you rent, or have no home, the government will pay you a $10,000 Relocation Bonus for your trouble.
How much will this cost? According to the Census Bureau, Vermont has about 300,000 housing units, with a homeownership rate of about 70%. Typical value of a resident-owned house is $111,500, though of course many if not most of these houses are mortgaged to a greater or lesser extent, so call it 200,000 households worth $50,000 each, plus $10,000 each to the remaining 100,000 renter households, for a total cost to the government of $11 billion. This may seem like a lot, but bear in mind that the government currently pays Israel $2.7 billion a year in economic and military aid, a figure that is due to rise above $3 billion dollars a year by 2013. So, for the cost of four years of Israeli aid, we can solve the Israeli-Palestinian problem permanently.
And what about the Vermonters who don't want to leave? If they want, they can stay and become Israeli citizens, while still retaining their American citizenship. So they could still move if they decide they don't like being Israelis after all. However, any Vermont resident who remains after Handover Day would no longer be eligible for US government assistance. If they decide to move out of Vermont after Handover Day, they would pay their own moving expenses, and the US government would not buy them out or pay them any Relocation Bonus. Thus, Vermonters would have a considerable monetary incentive to git while the gittin's good. Also, any Vermonter who moves to the United States after Handover Day would relinquish their Israeli citizenship (unless they already had duel American-Israeli citizenship before Handover Day).
Since the Jewish population of Israel is currently around 5.6 million, there's going to be a bit of a housing shortage at first. However, if there's one thing Israelis are expert at, it's building houses. And while the climate of Vermont is not as clement as that of Israel, and the state is landlocked, these would be more than compensated by the fact that the Israelis would no longer be surrounded by (and living among) millions of hostile Arabs. Having the United States and Canada as neighbors would be child's play by comparison.
And that's my solution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem. The Nobel Peace Prize committee can contact me via this blog.
I have arrived at a permanent solution that, while rather radical and expensive, is nonetheless both humane and, I think, workable. The plan is this: we move Israel to Vermont. Basically, we sign a treaty with Israel setting a date for handing over Vermont to the Israelis, provided that the Israelis are willing to hand over Israel to the Palestinians at the same time. Since Vermont is a little bigger than Israel, there ought to be no problem fitting them all in (especially since the Palestinians, who make up about 20% of Israel's population, would be staying behind).
"But," you ask, "what about the people who already live in Vermont? What's going to happen to them?" That can be taken care of easily enough. The federal government will offer to buy the home of anyone living in Vermont, and also offer to pay the cost of their relocation to another state. Specifically, people who own their homes will receive a payment equal to their equity stake in their home, said payment to be no less than $10,000. Thus, if you own your $100,000 home free and clear, the government will pay you $100,000 for it, over and above your moving costs. If your home is mortgaged to the hilt and underwater, the government will pay you $10,000 to take it (and your mortgage debt) off your hands. If you rent, or have no home, the government will pay you a $10,000 Relocation Bonus for your trouble.
How much will this cost? According to the Census Bureau, Vermont has about 300,000 housing units, with a homeownership rate of about 70%. Typical value of a resident-owned house is $111,500, though of course many if not most of these houses are mortgaged to a greater or lesser extent, so call it 200,000 households worth $50,000 each, plus $10,000 each to the remaining 100,000 renter households, for a total cost to the government of $11 billion. This may seem like a lot, but bear in mind that the government currently pays Israel $2.7 billion a year in economic and military aid, a figure that is due to rise above $3 billion dollars a year by 2013. So, for the cost of four years of Israeli aid, we can solve the Israeli-Palestinian problem permanently.
And what about the Vermonters who don't want to leave? If they want, they can stay and become Israeli citizens, while still retaining their American citizenship. So they could still move if they decide they don't like being Israelis after all. However, any Vermont resident who remains after Handover Day would no longer be eligible for US government assistance. If they decide to move out of Vermont after Handover Day, they would pay their own moving expenses, and the US government would not buy them out or pay them any Relocation Bonus. Thus, Vermonters would have a considerable monetary incentive to git while the gittin's good. Also, any Vermonter who moves to the United States after Handover Day would relinquish their Israeli citizenship (unless they already had duel American-Israeli citizenship before Handover Day).
Since the Jewish population of Israel is currently around 5.6 million, there's going to be a bit of a housing shortage at first. However, if there's one thing Israelis are expert at, it's building houses. And while the climate of Vermont is not as clement as that of Israel, and the state is landlocked, these would be more than compensated by the fact that the Israelis would no longer be surrounded by (and living among) millions of hostile Arabs. Having the United States and Canada as neighbors would be child's play by comparison.
And that's my solution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem. The Nobel Peace Prize committee can contact me via this blog.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Representatives Kennedy and Langevin Dropped the Ball
I am not talking about the glittery ball at Times Square or even a basketball at any of the local games.
Neither of them signed a letter to Hillary Clinton expressing concern about Israel's ban on travel between the West Bank and Gaza as it relates to Gazan students who wish to study in the West Bank.
If you wish more information or to send a form letter about this to your congressperson, the End the Occupation site, has done the work for you.
I am not entirely surprised by their inaction, but I am disappointed.
Neither of them signed a letter to Hillary Clinton expressing concern about Israel's ban on travel between the West Bank and Gaza as it relates to Gazan students who wish to study in the West Bank.
If you wish more information or to send a form letter about this to your congressperson, the End the Occupation site, has done the work for you.
I am not entirely surprised by their inaction, but I am disappointed.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Stopping Military Bulldozers Is A Good Thing: Support Ezra Nawi
Grace Paley, Harold, Rhett Jones and Marsha Z. West would all be supporting this man.
And my Bubbe, whose birthday is next week, would too.
Here's a short piece about Ezra Nawi.
And here's the Free Ezra site from Jewish Voice for Peace.
Oops! I just found a link to the Support Ezra site, which has more information and links....
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
From Congressman Patrick Kennedy
Here it is:
I am a Rhode Islander from the Other District. We have two. The understanding in RI is generally, you never know when you (or the Rep) will move from one district to the other + there is always a possibility of redistricting...therefore he (it's rarely she) may represent me tomorrow...
Here is the letter I sent him:
Oy Vey. I found the statement thanks to the Jewish Voice and Herald.
That's all the document says. I almost wonder if someone was interrupted while writing it and forgot to finish it. If you have never visited this blog before, please visit Tikun Olam and
Brit Zedek v'Shalom and google Grace Paley and Middle East and those will give you some ideas of my sympathies.
Thank you for your email message. Hearing from Rhode Islanders and citizens across the country is important to me and I appreciate your taking the time to contact me with your thoughts and concerns.
For first district residents, I will reply to your correspondence as soon as possible via email or postal mail. Due to the high volume of correspondence and limited resources, I am regrettably unable to respond to out-of-state inquiries.
Finally, I hope you will make use of my House office website, www.house.gov/patrickkennedy, which may be helpful in addressing your concerns.
Once again, thank you for contacting me.
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Kennedy
Member of Congress
I am a Rhode Islander from the Other District. We have two. The understanding in RI is generally, you never know when you (or the Rep) will move from one district to the other + there is always a possibility of redistricting...therefore he (it's rarely she) may represent me tomorrow...
Here is the letter I sent him:
Dear Congressman Kennedy and Colleagues,
Please sign this letter
Please update me as to your position on this matter.
I am aware of your presence at the prayer service in Providence recently and have read your comments.
This is a very urgent matter.
I am a Jew, but I am a human first, and lastly I live and vote in Rhode Island .
Thank you for your attention.
Nomi Hurwitz
Oy Vey. I found the statement thanks to the Jewish Voice and Herald.
.
Statement from Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy:
In the wake of the recent attacks by Hamas, Israel has no choice but to defend its people from
violence and extremism.
With daily rocket attacks against towns in Southern Israel, Hamas falsely believes it can use
terrorism and intimidation as a bargaining tool. Israel has every right to defend the safety and
security of its citizens from terrorist organizations like Hamas
That's all the document says. I almost wonder if someone was interrupted while writing it and forgot to finish it. If you have never visited this blog before, please visit Tikun Olam and
Brit Zedek v'Shalom and google Grace Paley and Middle East and those will give you some ideas of my sympathies.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Why Didn't Reps. Kennedy and Langevin Sign This?
61 Members of Congress joined Congressman John W. Olver in calling on the Administration to address overwhelming humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.
Where are the names of Patrick Kennedy and James Langevin?
If there is a stronger, clearer letter they are shepherding around the hill, well I haven't heard or seen anything about it.
January 30th Update: There are now 63 signers to the letter. I have sent a short email to Congressmen Langevin and Kennedy asking them to sign it and/or to send me their current positions on this Crisis. I had read online their statements from the recent Event at Temple Emanuel. If I receive any interesting emails, I will share them here...
Where are the names of Patrick Kennedy and James Langevin?
If there is a stronger, clearer letter they are shepherding around the hill, well I haven't heard or seen anything about it.
January 30th Update: There are now 63 signers to the letter. I have sent a short email to Congressmen Langevin and Kennedy asking them to sign it and/or to send me their current positions on this Crisis. I had read online their statements from the recent Event at Temple Emanuel. If I receive any interesting emails, I will share them here...
Monday, January 26, 2009
Rites And Reason Theatre Seeks Musicians and Save These Dates!
CONTACT: Clarice_Thompson@brown.edu
MUSICIANS WANTED FOR
Strings
Guitars
Keyboards
Wind instruments
Percussions
RITES & REASON THEATRE
Gever/Shabab
Shadows of Israel-Palestine
by Noam Dorr, ‘09, RUE
Director, Elmo Terry-Morgan
Music Director, Clarice LaVerne Thompson, PhD.
Choreographer: Meida McNeal
Associate Director: Connie Crawford
Performance Dates:
February 19-22
February 26-March 1, 2009
Thursday, Friday, Saturday performances at 7 PM
Sunday performances at 3 PM with Folkthought
Yes, I am going to be in this play and Ethan is working Tech...
as we get closer to the dates above, I expect to be less available for blogging...
MUSICIANS WANTED FOR
Strings
Guitars
Keyboards
Wind instruments
Percussions
RITES & REASON THEATRE
Gever/Shabab
Shadows of Israel-Palestine
by Noam Dorr, ‘09, RUE
Director, Elmo Terry-Morgan
Music Director, Clarice LaVerne Thompson, PhD.
Choreographer: Meida McNeal
Associate Director: Connie Crawford
Performance Dates:
February 19-22
February 26-March 1, 2009
Thursday, Friday, Saturday performances at 7 PM
Sunday performances at 3 PM with Folkthought
Yes, I am going to be in this play and Ethan is working Tech...
as we get closer to the dates above, I expect to be less available for blogging...
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thank the Spirits! RI Has a Chapter of Brit Zedek v'Shalom (Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace)
I was recently reading a copy of the Jewish Voice and Herald, which I had picked up at the Cranston Library (the Sockanosset Branch) and found a reference to the Rhode Island chapter of Brit Zedek v'Shalom. It was not the article below, but that is sadly worth reading. It contains links to statements from RI's delegation in Washington, as well as Gov.Carcieri and Mayor Cicilline...
http://jvhri.org/stories/952.htm
Here's a link to the Rhode Island chapter of this national Jewish organization.
http://btvshalom.org//chapters/rhodeisland/
I missed a meeting last week.
They have an excellent list of links...
http://jvhri.org/stories/952.htm
Here's a link to the Rhode Island chapter of this national Jewish organization.
http://btvshalom.org//chapters/rhodeisland/
I missed a meeting last week.
They have an excellent list of links...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Israeli Soldiers Refuse...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cMs0nai4JQ
David McReynolds sent me this. Possibly Richard Walton did too...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Thank You, Jewish Canadian Women! or Grace Paley Presente!
David McReynolds just sent this news:
Arrests underway in Toronto Israeli Consulate Sit-in Toronto:
Wednesday January 8, 2009 Time: 11:20 am Police have moved in to
arrest a group of Jewish Canadian women who are currently occupying the
Israeli consulate at 180 Bloor Street West in Toronto. The women took
their action in protest against the on-going Israeli assault on the
people of Gaza.
The group is carrying out this occupation in solidarity with the 1.5million people of Gaza and to ensure that Jewish voices against the
massacre in Gaza are being heard. They are demanding that Israel end
its military assault and lift the 18-month siege on the Gaza Strip to
allow humanitarian aid into the territory. Israel has been carrying
out a full-scale military assault on the Gaza Strip since December 27,
2008. At least 660 people have been killed and 3000 injured in the air
strikes and in the ground invasion that began on January 3, 2009.
Israel has ignored international calls for a ceasefire and is refusing
to allow food, adequate medical supplies and other necessities of life
into the Gaza Strip. Protesters are outraged at Israel's latest
assault on the Palestinian people and by the Canadian government's
refusal to condemn these massacres. They are deeply concerned that
Canadians are hearing the views of pro-Israel groups who are being
represented as the only voice of Jewish Canadians. The protesters have
occupied the consulate to send a clear statement that many
Jewish-Canadians do not support Israel's violence and apartheid
policies. They are joining with people of conscience all across the
world who are demanding an end to Israeli aggression and justice for
the Palestinian people.
The group includes: Judy Rebick, professor; Judith Deutsch,
psychoanalyst and president of Science for Peace; B.H. Yael, filmmaker;
Smadar Carmon, an Canadian Israeli peace activist and others.
Spokespersons for the group will be outside the Israeli consulate: Dr.
Miriam Garfinkle: 416-731-6605 mgarfinkle@sympatico.ca Cathy Gulkin:
416-697-0768 cgulkin@rogers.com Release is online at
http://www.sources.com/Releases/NR135.htm
Monday, January 5, 2009
A Report from a Sunday Vigil, Providence, RI
In addition to the indoor Prayer Service at Temple Emanuel, there was a presence outside as well.
The following is a description from Susanne Hoder of the Interfaith Peace Initiative:
Dear friends,
Tonight's vigil was a wonderful success. We had about 50 people standing on two sides of the street up and considerably away from the Temple entrance, but still within view. We were mostly silent, except for the occasional singing of Truth Shall Overcome (to the tune of "We shall overcome"), and Peace, Shalom, Salaam. This was mostly as people were coming and leaving. None of this could have been heard in the service.
The signs were not confrontational or accusing, but were reminders that peace requires justice for all. AFSC members provided many of them. Some others said "End All Occupations," Support the UN Call for Cease-fire, etc. Four large cardboard signs with letters in foil that said GAZA caught the light of passing cars and TV cameras. Thanks to the Almonds and Eileen Sheehan, there were plenty of candles.
There were almost as many police at the temple as there were demonstrators across the way, and they were very cordial and helpful. The turnout for the service seemed smaller than expected.
People of many faiths stood with us tonight. I think we showed that there is nothing anti-Semitic or anti-Israel about opposing the Israeli offensive in Gaza and the occupation. One man came out of the Temple service and walked over to shake our hands. Again, silently, with no dialogue, but with mutual respect.
In interviews with ABC 6 News, Martha Yager and others made the point that this was about what was happening to the people of Gaza, and said groups at the vigil were concerned with a just peace for all the people of the region. At the end of its report at 11, ABC's reporter said it was clear both groups shared the goal of peace.
Without our presence there, the TV cameras would have only showed Rhode Islanders expressing solidarity with Israel. This way, they showed that there were also Rhode Islanders standing for a just peace, opposing Israel's actions and mourning the tremendous loss of life in Gaza as well as those killed in Israel.
Thanks to all who made this possible.
Susanne Hoder
The following is a description from Susanne Hoder of the Interfaith Peace Initiative:
Dear friends,
Tonight's vigil was a wonderful success. We had about 50 people standing on two sides of the street up and considerably away from the Temple entrance, but still within view. We were mostly silent, except for the occasional singing of Truth Shall Overcome (to the tune of "We shall overcome"), and Peace, Shalom, Salaam. This was mostly as people were coming and leaving. None of this could have been heard in the service.
The signs were not confrontational or accusing, but were reminders that peace requires justice for all. AFSC members provided many of them. Some others said "End All Occupations," Support the UN Call for Cease-fire, etc. Four large cardboard signs with letters in foil that said GAZA caught the light of passing cars and TV cameras. Thanks to the Almonds and Eileen Sheehan, there were plenty of candles.
There were almost as many police at the temple as there were demonstrators across the way, and they were very cordial and helpful. The turnout for the service seemed smaller than expected.
People of many faiths stood with us tonight. I think we showed that there is nothing anti-Semitic or anti-Israel about opposing the Israeli offensive in Gaza and the occupation. One man came out of the Temple service and walked over to shake our hands. Again, silently, with no dialogue, but with mutual respect.
In interviews with ABC 6 News, Martha Yager and others made the point that this was about what was happening to the people of Gaza, and said groups at the vigil were concerned with a just peace for all the people of the region. At the end of its report at 11, ABC's reporter said it was clear both groups shared the goal of peace.
Without our presence there, the TV cameras would have only showed Rhode Islanders expressing solidarity with Israel. This way, they showed that there were also Rhode Islanders standing for a just peace, opposing Israel's actions and mourning the tremendous loss of life in Gaza as well as those killed in Israel.
Thanks to all who made this possible.
Susanne Hoder
Monday, December 29, 2008
Rhode Islanders' Rally on Dec. 31: End The Occupation
Thanks to the facebook group,US Campaign To End The Israeli Occupation,
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2758106908&ref=ts
I learned of the following planned event.
Wednesday, December 31, 6-7PM
Burnside Park (opposite Kennedy Plaza)
Contact: Martha Yager, AFSC-SENE,
401-521-3584 or MYager@afsc.org
As a Recovering Zionist ( and I increasingly think all nationalisms are chronic illnesses), I find the current "defensive" attacks by Israel to be heartbreaking. There was a time when I would have justified them. That time was when I was in elementary and high school. I missed the 25 year reunion a couple of years ago...
Grace Paley's solidarity with Palestinians and advocacy for human rights for all is one of the roots of this blog.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2758106908&ref=ts
I learned of the following planned event.
Wednesday, December 31, 6-7PM
Burnside Park (opposite Kennedy Plaza)
Contact: Martha Yager, AFSC-SENE,
401-521-3584 or MYager@afsc.org
As a Recovering Zionist ( and I increasingly think all nationalisms are chronic illnesses), I find the current "defensive" attacks by Israel to be heartbreaking. There was a time when I would have justified them. That time was when I was in elementary and high school. I missed the 25 year reunion a couple of years ago...
Grace Paley's solidarity with Palestinians and advocacy for human rights for all is one of the roots of this blog.
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