End the Occupation

Occupation End Notes | April 26, 2007
Volume 4 Number 15

Occupation End Notes, April 26^th, 2007

Volume 4 Number 15

In this issue...

1. US Campaign Update: Get Involved with theUS Campaign’s June 10^th Mobilization; US Campaign launches June 10^th Face Book and MySpace Profiles; Join the CAT National Call to discuss the upcoming shareholder meeting!

2. Member Group Update: New Member Groups; JVP’s 2^nd Annual Conference & Job Opening; Boston Palestine Film Festival Call for Entries

3. Resources and Events: Bill Fletcher’s Commentary on ZNet; AFSC’s Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid Reading & Discussion Guide; Institute for Palestine Studies Journal Issue 142 is out; Institute for Palestine Studies Policy NoteNo 15; Rachel Corrie Foundation’s Peace Works; Canaan Fair Trade Job Opening

4. Opportunities to Visit Israel and Palestine: Interfaith Peace-Builders Delegations; Global Exchange Delegations; ICAHD Delegations; Join Middle East Fellowship for Palestine Summer Encounter; Join Interfaith Peace-Builders & AFSC on trip to Israel/Palestine; Zajel International Volunteer Work camp; Birthright Unplugged Delegations in July/August 2007; MECA Delegations in August 2007; Volunteer in Tel Rumeida;

1. US CAMPAIGN UPDATE

* June 10^th -11^th, 2007: The World Says NO to Israeli Occupation!

Mobilization in Washington, DC

Are You Coming to DC on June 10-11?

We hope that you're making plans to join the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, United for Peace and Justice, and nearly 200 other organizations in Washington, DC on June 10-11 for a historic two-day mobilization to protest US support for Israel's 40 year-old military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip.

With your participation, we're hoping that this will be the largest-ever protest in the history of the United States in favor of Palestinian human rights and for a just peace between Palestinians and Israelis. We are working closely with the various police authorities to ensure that this will be a safe, legal, and permitted protest and march, so everyone should come out! 

Here's a brief update with everything that you need to know to help us organize and mobilize for this protest and attend it:

LOGISTICS UPDATE

We've posted a schedule of events taking places on June 10-11, including times for the teach-in, rally, march, cultural event, and grassroots lobbying day training.

You can figure out how to get from event to event by taking a look at the maps and other info that we've posted on our logistics page.

If you or your organization is organizing bus transportation to Washington, DC, find out where to park your bus on our new bus parking info page.

If you're looking for or have transportation to Washington, DC, post an entry on our ride board.

We've also posted affordable housing options in the Washington, DC area. If you're looking for housing or have housing to share, you can also post an entry on our housing board.

HELP ORGANIZE AND VOLUNTEER

Sign up to help us organize in your community by becoming a June 10 volunteer organizer. When you sign up, we'll send you an organizing packet with postcards, petitions, and posters to help you get the word out.

We're very excited to welcome on board to the staff of the US Campaign Rami Elamine, a long-time Palestine solidarity activist, founding member of SUSTAIN (Stop US Tax-Funded Aid to Israel Now), and editor of Left Turn. Rami is the Local Organizer for the June 10 protest and he can be reached at june10@endtheoccupation.org.

We need hundreds of people to get involved in the planning process for the protest and to volunteer on the day of. Fill out a brief on-line form to join the local DC organizing committee. Or if you're coming in from out of town for the weekend and would like to help out, fill out the brief on-line form to volunteer on June 10.

You can also download a variety of organizing resources to help us get the word out, including mobilizing posters, petitions, fliers, and more.

This Thursday, April 26, we'll be holding organizing meetings in Philadelphia and Washington, DC. The Philadelphia organizing meeting will take place at 7PM at the office of the American Friends Service Committee, at 15th and Cherry Streets. The DC organizing meeting will take place at 7PM at the office of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee at 1732 Wisconsin Ave. NW. If you'd like us to hold an organizing meeting in your community, please contact Rami Elamine at june10@endtheoccupation.org.

ENDORSE AND SIGN THE PETITION BACKING THE POLITICAL DEMANDS

Nearly 200 organizations have endorsed the political demands of the mobilization, which are:

* An end to US military, economic, diplomatic, and corporate support for Israel's illegal military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.

* A change in US policy to one that supports a just peace between Palestinians and Israelis based on equality, human rights and international law, and the full implementation of all relevant UN resolutions.

You can view a flash map of endorsing organizations and also add your organization's endorsement. Individuals can also sign a petition to their Members of Congress backing the political demands of the mobilization.

You can also read the more detailed call to action, issued by the US Campaign and UFPJ.

SIGN UP FOR JUNE 11 GRASSROOTS LOBBYING DAY

People from 10 states, including those as far away as Washington State, are in the process of setting up meetings with their Members of Congress for the June 11 grassroots lobbying day, sponsored jointly by the US Campaign, UFPJ, and the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.

We've posted frequently asked questions about the lobbying day and urge people who are planning on coming to view the list of meetings scheduled to see if someone is setting up meetings for their Members of Congress. If no one is yet setting up meetings with your Members of Congress, you can find out how to set up a meeting. Everyone who is planning on participating should sign up for the lobbying day right away!

SUPPORT THIS MOBILIZATION

We couldn't put this mobilization together without your generous support. We've raised more than � of our goal for our spring fundraising drive. Help put us over the top by making the most generous tax-deductible contribution that you can today.

For a limited time, make a donation of $25 or more and receive a free set of six anti-apartheid posters union-made and suitable-to-frame. Thank you in advance for your generous support!

We'll see you in Washington, DC on June 10-11!

* Help Organize the June 10 Mobilization Against the Israeli Occupation

What: DC Metro Area Organizing Meeting
When: Thursday, April 26 @ 7PM
Where: ADC National Office, 1732 Wisconsin Ave, NW
RSVP: 202-332-0994 or june10@endtheoccupation.org

Join the DC Metro Area Organizing Committee at the National Office of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), 1732 Wisconsin Ave, NW, at 7PM on Thursday, April 26 to find out more about the June 10th & 11th Mobilization in Washington, DC!

* US Campaign Launches Face Book and MySpace profiles with June 10^th & 11^th updates and information

We would like to thank Nada El-Eryan, Megan Corro, and Joshua Stephens for their hand at creating and designing Face Book and MySpace pages specially dedicated for the June 10^th & 11^th Mobilization!

If you do have Face Book or MySpace profiles, please add yourselves to the group and tell your friends about them! We need your support!

Click here to view the Face Book profile http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2399780739

Click here to view the MySpace profile

(http://www.myspace.com/theworldsaysno)

* Join National Call to discuss Past Actions and Plans for CAT Shareholder Meeting

When: Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Time: 7:00 PM-8:30 PM EST
Dial-in Number: 1-620-782-8800
Access Code: 19772007

Purpose:

1.List the CAT Campaign’s past actions as a national campaign.

2.Discuss national actions, local and nationally coordinated, for the CAT Shareholder Meeting on June 13, 2007.

3.Generate energy and discuss strategy to reinvigorate the national CAT CAMPAIGN

AGENDA:

1.Introductions: Go-around and say name, city/state, organizational affiliation (just one)

2.Review the Purpose of and the agenda for the call

3.Share past actions of CAT Campaigns – both local and national.These will be compiled as a future resource for the National CAT Campaign.

4.Discuss possibilities for actions for the CAT Shareholder Meeting on June 13, 2007 and agree to a nationally coordinated action if desirable

5.Review available resources online and establish strategy for moving forward with National

Join us for this important phone call!

The National CAT Campaign is making a critical impact on the Caterpillar Corporation and the BDS movement!

2. MEMBER GROUP UPDATES:

The US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation would like to welcome the following groups to its membership:

ØWomen’s International League for Peace and Freedom – North Carolina

The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) was founded in 1915 with Jane Addams, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, as its first president. WILPF empowers women to work effectively for peace and justice in over 100 U.S. communities and 40 nations around the world. The Triangle Area Branch was one of the first in the United States (1935). We invite you to be part of it!

Click here to read more about WILPF – North Carolina

ØGeorgia Peace & Justice Coalition

The Georgia Peace & Justice Coalition/Atlanta is a diverse group of community organizations, faith-based institutions, students, local organizations, and individuals from across Georgia working for global justice and peace. We call for foreign and domestic policies leading to true social justice and economic security.

Click here to read more about Georgia Peace & Justice Coalition

Click here for more information about how your group can join our growing coalition.

* April 28^th-29^th, 2007: Please join Jewish Voice for Peace at their upcoming conference, "Pursuing Justice for Israel/Palestine: Changing Minds, Challenging US Policy"

We'll be meeting April 28-29 in downtown Oakland (on Pill Hill) at the beautiful SamuelMerrittHealthEducationCenter, 400 Hawthorne – for strategizing, educating, movement-building, and peace-making.

Join featured speakers include Jeff Halper, Ronnie Gilbert, Hussein Ibish, Rabbi Lynn
Gottlieb, Pastor Will McGarvey, Phyllis Bennis, George Bisharat, Aurora Levins
Morales, Mitchell Plitnick, Anat Biletzki, Charlie Varon, Sydney Levy, Alice
Rothchild and Sandy Tolan.

Visit jewishvoiceforpeace.org for more info on these extraordinary leaders and activists.

With panels/workshops on US policy, life under occupation, economic action,
building a Jewish peace movement, feminist activism, Arab-American organizing,
the state of the Middle East, coalition-building, art & activism, and more– We would love to have you with us! Please visit www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org and follow the prompts for lots more info and to register; note that registration is discounted until April 1.

* The BostonPalestine Film Festival (BPFF) is now accepting entries for its first annual festival to be held in September-October 2007

Download the Call for Entries (CFE) PDF Form

BPFF seeks to present the extraordinary narrative of a dispossessed people living in exile or under Occupation. Palestinian cinema represents a powerful means for visually interpreting the collective identity, historic struggle and emotional expression of Palestinians today.

Click here to read more! (http://www.bostonpalestinefilmfest.org/cfe2007/)

* Job Announcement: Jewish Voice for Peace Searching for National Director

Jewish Voice for Peace uses grassroots organizing, education, advocacy, and media toward the goal of a lasting peace in the Middle East that recognizes the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians for security and self-determination. JVP has about 100 Bay Area activist members who attend meetings and develop projects and campaigns, as well as new activist chapters in 5 cities across the U.S., over 1000 paid members and more than 20,000 online action alert participants.

JVP is seeking a National Director to provide overall leadership to an organization that is in the midst of a transition from a San Francisco Bay Area based grassroots organization to a national organization with chapters around the country, a national board, and greater visibility. The National Director will be accountable to the Board.

Click here for more information. (http://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/publish/article_713.shtml)

3. RESOURCES AND EVENTS

* April 19^th, 2007: US Campaign’s Advisory Board Member Bill Fletcher’s “A Challenge facing pro-Palestinian politics in the USA”

ZNet Commentary

Pro-Palestinian politics in the USA has faced a series of difficult challenges. Virtually every criticism of Israeli intransigence and US collusion is met with charges of alleged anti-Semitism. Consider, for example, the outcry that accompanied the publication of former President Jimmy Carter's provocatively-though correctly-entitled book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. Leaving aside that scholars and human rights activists around the globe-including from within Israel-have drawn appropriate comparisons between the Israeli occupation and South African apartheid, the more important fact was that anti-Palestinian forces wished to frustrate any broad dialogue on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict.

Click here to read the Bill Fletcher’s commentary in full. (http://www.zmag.org/sustainers/content/2007-04/19fletcher.cfm)

* AFSC Resource:Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid Reading & Discussion Guides

The Middle East Peacebuilding Program has just released a new resource - A Reading and Discussion Guide for Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. This 8-page guide is intended to facilitate discussion of President Jimmy Carter's book, Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, by book groups, social action groups, classes, and other interested parties. You can find the guide and other materials related to President Carter's book on the AFSC website(http://www.afsc.org/carter-discussion/)

The Middle East Peacebuilding Program has also printed a pamphlet-sized version of the guide so please contact Adam Horowitz (AHorowitz@afsc.org) if you would be interested in making a bulk order.

* The latest issue of the Journal of Palestine Studies, Issue 142 (Winter 2007) is out!

Take advantage of the Journal's special arrangement with publishersUniversity of California Press to read - FREE - the full text of DePaul professor Norman Finkelstein's deconstruction of Dennis Ross's book on the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

Read the full text and more articles by clicking here! (http://www.palestine-studies.org/final/en/journals/issue.php?iid=142&jid=1&vid=XXXVI&vol=203

* Institute for Palestine Studies Policy Note No. 15: How Can the Gaza Ceasefire Be Rescued?

The "low" level of violence between Israel and the Palestinians since the Gaza ceasefire on 26 November 2006 had reached alarming totals even before this weekend's escalation left nine Palestinians dead and led Hamas to end the ceasefire. The Institute's Senior Fellow Nadia Hijab shows how the missed opportunity to extend the Gaza ceasefire to the West Bank and the slow motion nature of negotiations has both helped to undermine diplomatic efforts.

Click here to read more.

* The Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice is pleased to announce two very exciting events as part of our annual Peace Works program: 

From April 26^th through 29^th, the Seattle Repertory Theatre production of My Name is Rachel Corrie will be performed at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, brought by Evergreen Expressions.  The Rachel Corrie Foundation is organizing talkbacks, post-play discussions by those who attend the play, and educational outreach to local high school and college students.

One week later, on Saturday evening, May 5^th, Peace Works will present Voices of a People’s History at the WashingtonCenter for the Performing Arts in downtown Olympia.  This is a theater presentation of readings from the book of the same name edited by Anthony Arnove and Howard Zinn.  Other Voices performances have occurred in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Berkeley to great acclaim.  The Olympia performance will be narrated by Anthony Arnove and will feature readers presenting true-life narratives from American history--from Sojourner Truth, Tecumseh, and Eugene Debs, to the present day--including an email from Gaza from Rachel Corrie. 

General Admission - $10
Tickets available on April 17th: call the WashingtonCenter at (360) 753-8586.

Click here for more information.

* Canaan Fair Trade Job Opening: Community Outreach and Marketing Specialist

Canaan seeks qualified personnel to lead its marketing scheme in the US market. Canaan distributes fair trade olive oil and other Palestinian products to networks of coops, natural food markets, solidarity groups, churches, and community organizations. Individual(s) will work to promote Canaan products through these venues and process orders with customers and correspond with fulfillment agencies. Experience in marketing or community outreach is required. Knowledge of fair trade and or the Palestinian solidarity movement in the US is a plus. Must have good communication skills and strong administrative skills. Location is flexible. Compensation based on experience.

To apply, send a letter of interest and CV, including three references, to Dr. Nasser Abufarha at nabufarha@gmail.com.

4. OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT ISRAEL AND PALESTINE

*Spring - Fall 2007 Schedule: May 26^th-June 9^th; July 28^th-August 11^th; October 27^th – November 10^th: Interfaith Peace-BuildersDelegations to Israel/Palestine

Interfaith Peace-Builders (IFPB) sends delegations to Israel and Palestine so that US citizens can see the conflict with their own eyes. Participants have the opportunity to learn directly from Israeli and Palestinian nonviolent peace/human-rights activists, to spend time in Palestinian and Israeli homes, and to experience the situation of Palestinians living under military occupation. For more information, contact the IFPB office directly by phone (202-244-0821) or email office@ifpbdel.org.

* Spring – Fall 2007 Schedule: April 21^st – May 1^st, August 12^th – 22^nd, December 2^nd – 12^th: Global Exchange’s Delegations to Palestine & Israel

Global Exchange’s delegations to Palestine & Israel provide first-hand exposure to the daily struggles and realities of Palestinians living under Occupation.  The delegations strive to further the US public's understanding of the conflict by listening to the aspirations and frustrations of Palestinians, by examining the dimensions of the human rights crisis under Israeli rule, as well as learning from Palestinians and Israelis who are working for a just peace and an end to the Occupation.

For more information you can contact Global Exchange (800-497-1994 x. 251) or email palestine@globalexchange.org.

April 21 – May 1, 2007 <http://www.globalexchange.org/tours/802.html>
August 12 – 22, 2007 <http://www.globalexchange.org/tours/803.html>
December 2 – 12, 2007

* Summer 2007: Resisting Occupation—Constructing Peace: 2007 ICAHD Summer Rebuilding Experience

July 14 – July 29, 2007: For the fifth year in a row, the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions [www.ICAHD.org] is offering a summer work camp intended to foster learning and friendship between Palestinians, Israelis and internationals. Twenty five internationals will work alongside Israelis and Palestinians to rebuild the home of a Palestinian family whose house has been demolished by the Israeli authorities. In addition, participants will learn about the facts on the ground through a full program including presentations from key organizations working for a just peace in Palestine and Israel and tours to other parts of the OccupiedTerritories, Jerusalem and Israel.

For an application form and all inquiries regarding the camp please contact ICAHD’s International Coordinator, Lucia Pizarro lucia@icahd.org. US Participants may contact Richard Wark at summercamp@icahdusa.org.

* May 24^th – August 16^th, 2007: Join Middle East Fellowship for Palestine Summer Encounter 2007

Middle East fellowship, in partnership with Holy Land Trust invites you to participate in the fourth annual Palestine Summer Encounter, a two month Arabic-training and volunteer program, starting on May 24th, 2007.

The purpose of the program is to create a dialogue between Palestinians and members of the global community. During the program, participants will learn beginner or intermediate conversational Arabic through language immersion and class and partner with Palestinian non-profit organizations as a volunteer. Click here for more detailed information.

* May 26^th – June 9^th, 2007: Join Interfaith Peace-Builders (IFPB) & the Americans Friends Service Committee (AFSC) to travel to IsraelPalestine: Assessing the Prospects for Peace: 40 Years of Occupation, 40 Years of Nonviolent Resistance

Delegation to Israel/Palestine

May 26 – June 9, 2007

Join Interfaith Peace-Builders (IPFB) and the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) to travel to Israel/Palestine. June, 2007 marks the 40th anniversary of the 1967 war and the beginning of the Israeli military occupation of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, which remains as one of the greatest obstacles to peace in the Middle East.

This delegation provides a unique opportunity to focus on the current situation in Israel/Palestine and understand the effects of the ongoing Israeli occupation. Your on-the-ground experience will enrich your understanding of the conflict as you meet courageous Israelis and Palestinians working for peace and justice, and witness the current realities of life in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.  In addition, you will confront and analyze the US role in the conflict, and wrestle with ways to translate your experience to others when you return home.

Click here for more information.

* June 2^nd – 20^th, 2007: Zajel International Voluntary Work Camp

An-NajahNationalUniversity is pleased to invite youth and adults up to 35, to take part in the “Step in the right direction” summer work camp. This project has been designed to provide international students and professionals the opportunity to meet and discuss the Middle East conflict, share ideas, enhance practical skills, foster relationships, and give assistance to members of the Palestinian community.

The international summer work camp, “Step in the right direction”, will bring together 25 young people from around the world who are interested in helping create a better world. We are specifically targeting people who are working with organizations led by young people that address humanitarian issues and social justice. We strongly encourage highly motivated and serious young men and women to apply.

For more information, please click here (http://youth.zajel.org/summer_camps/camp2007/announcing.htm)

* July 20^th-25^th and August 20^th-25^th, 2007: Birthright Unplugged Delegations to Israel/Palestine

Are you thinking of going to Palestine/Israel this summer?

Are you interested in meeting Palestinian families, activists, community leaders, and political figures, and learning about life under occupation? Are you committed to turning education into action and working for justice?

Then BIRTHRIGHT UNPLUGGED is for you!

Join us for a 6-day educational trip through the West Bank to visit Palestinian cities, villages, and refugee camps.The trip is designed to put you in conversation with people who you may not otherwise have the opportunity to meet and equip you to return to your community and work for change.

Birthright Unplugged trips will run from JULY 20-25, 2007 and AUGUST 20-25, 2007.Dates are subject to change.

The application deadline is Tuesday, MAY 15, 2007.Trips run every summer and winter.

While Birthright Unplugged is designed primarily for Jewish people, we welcome people of all backgrounds on our trips.We also welcome individuals of all ages, and have traveled with people ages 9-70.

For more information about the itinerary, costs, trip leaders, and application materials, visit www.birthrightunplugged.org.

* MECA Delegation August 2007: Come with MECA to Palestine/Israel!

For seventeen years, MECA has taken small groups to the West Bank, Gaza and Israel.MECA staff and local guides introduce you to activists, journalists, aid workers, teachers, social workers and others living under occupation. We’ll stay with our “Ibdaa family” in Dheisheh refugee camp, and visit other MECA partners and friends throughout Palestine/ Israel.

For information, please contact:

Deborah Agre or Josie Shields-Stromsness deborah@mecaforpeace.org, josie@mecaforpeace.org

510-548-0542

*Volunteer in Tel Rumeida!

Tel Rumeida Project is an organization solely for work purposes (i.e. it is not an organization for its own sake.)  Therefore, volunteers are expected to be able to function well with instruction and independently. Volunteers will be working in the neighborhood of Tel Rumeida, Hebron, keeping a presence on the streets to prevent against settler attacks and soldier/police harassment of the Palestinian residents who live in the neighborhood. For more information, please see http://www.telrumeidaproject.org/Volunteer.html

*****

Occupation End Notes is the US Campaign bi-monthly newsletter, designed as a tool for activists. For this newsletter to be successful, we need your participation. Use us to promote events, give feedback on recent actions, recommend resources, or just learn from other activists in the movement. If you or your organization are planning an event aimed at ending the occupation, or you have information for the Newsletter, please contact the US Campaign at office@endtheoccupation.org.

The US Campaign aims to change U.S. policies that sustain Israel's 39-year occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, and that deny equal rights for all.

US Campaign toEndthe Israeli Occupation PO Box 21539Washington, DC20009 202-332-0994 http://www.endtheoccupation.org

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