Events (MECR)

Against the Wall: The Art of Resistance in Palestine

2012-02-20T16:51:00.003-08:00

Against the Wall: The Art of Resistance in Palestine

Images, stories, and book signing with author and photographer, William Parry

Sunday, February 19 at 1:00 pm

The Inquiring Mind Bookstore and Cafe

65 Partition Street, Saugerties, NY 12477

"Since the West Bank Barrier Wall was started in 2002... it has cut Palestinians off from jobs, healthcare facilities, irrigation and clean water, as well as from their own families and communities and it is this that constitutes the subject of William Parry’s poignant photo essay. 'Against the Wall' follows the passage of the concrete barrier and documents the graffiti that adorns it as well as the lives ravaged by the wall’s juggernaut-like passage across the landscape." -Review by the New Left Project

Presented by Middle East Crisis Response (www.mideastcrisis.org).

Contact: mecr@mideastcrisis.org

-We had about 30 people at this event. Mostly members of MECR, although there were about 5 new people who sat and watched at least some of the presentation. Will Parry gave an amazing talk, and his analysis of the wall art adds another layer to our understanding of how apartheid works in the West Bank.

Potluck at Pia's House

2012-02-18T06:05:00.000-08:00

15 of us gathered at Pia's house for a potluck and a political discussion about Israel/Palestine. Many in the group have visited Israel, the occupied West Bank, Jordan and Egypt. We talked about our individual motivations as well as our commitment to bringing human rights to all peoples in the Middle East. A fine night of good food and lively conversation.

We want to hold these potlucks monthly as a way to consider broader issues and to build group solidarity.

Local activist Gale McGovern dies

2012-01-13T06:57:00.000-08:00

By Anne Pyburn 1/11/12 - 11:42 am
http://www.watershedpost.com/2012/local-activist-gale-mcgovern-dies

Gale McGovern, 1938-2011 Prominent activist Gale McGovern, who played a leading role in dozens of Hudson Valley causes and campaigns, died suddenly on Tuesday, December 27 at her home in Olivebridge. She was 73.

An obituary published recently by the Mid-Hudson News recounts her early activism in the 1960s:

The sixties were just beginning, and McGovern embraced them with zest and a fierce intellect, working on Bella Abzug's first congressional campaign, protesting Vietnam, and becoming a driving force in both the Gay Activists Alliance and the Daughters of Bilitis.

“We specialized in 'zaps',” recounts McGovern in a resume she wrote several years ago, “fun and imaginative political actions...We occupied the offices of Harper's Magazine for a full day.

After moving from New York City to Ulster County in the early 1980s, McGovern founded and led W.E.B (Women Escaping Batterers) the Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Youth, the Coalition for an Ulster County Human Rights Law, Friends of Comadres, People Against Racism, the Ulster County Global Warming Project and People for Medical Secularity. Her organizations, and others she supported, played roles in the Kingston Hospital merger, the New Paltz gay weddings of 2004, the preservation of the Rosendale Theatre and dozens of issues, local and national. Her winning lawsuit against the Town of New Paltz sought no money, but resulted in the town court being made handicapped accessible.

But it may have been her unclassifiable activities that made her so memorable: teaching phobic people to drive, helping families cope with legal troubles, refusing to take overtime pay in her home health aide cases when families needed her.

“She tackled big broad political, social and environmental issues and also helped her neighbors get to the store to shop for groceries,” said New Paltz businesswoman Ann Rodman.

McGovern was arrested on several occasions, notably for drawing a prison cell in sidewalk chalk outside the Ulster County courthouse (she appeared six times with her pro bono attorney before then-District Attorney Michael Kavanagh dropped the case) and on another occasion for letting the air out of an SUV tire (“nonviolently and very publicly,” she noted) in an environmental protest. That time McGovern performed fifty hours of community service.

Her friends say community service was what McGovern's life was all about.

“Gale was not "political," in the sense that something was Democratic or Republican, left or right, gay or straight,” said New Paltz town justice Judith Reichler. “She did not care about these labels. If she felt someone's actions supported human dignity, she did everything possible to support them.”

McGovern's writing frequently appeared in the Hudson Valley Black Press and other local publications and a play of hers, Voices from the Closet, was produced at Ulster County BOCES, and her life is chronicled in the National Women's Hall of Fame Book of Lives and Legacies.

A memorial page has been established at the Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home's website where friends and colleagues are invited to reminisce.

Final settlement of our lawsuit...

2012-01-12T18:49:00.001-08:00

How The City of Kingston Lost $25,000

2011-11-18T14:38:00.000-08:00

Protesters who got booted from Kingston park get $25,000 settlement from city (video)

By PAUL KIRBY
Freeman staff
Published: Wednesday, November 16, 2011

KINGSTON — A group that claimed its constitutional rights were violated when it was kicked out of a Kingston park during a 2008 demonstration has received a $25,000 settlement from the city.

The group, Middle East Crisis Response, sued the city after police evicted members from T.R. Gallo Park during a May 4, 2008, celebration in the park to mark the 60th anniversary of Israel’s independence.

The protesters, totaling about eight people, held up signs protesting policies of the United States and Israel but did not cause an audible disturbance.

The YouTube video below, posted by Middle East Crisis Response on May 5, 2008, shows part of the clash between demonstrators and Kingston police the day before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZLJFxkR-84M

Chester-based Attorney Stephen Bergstein, representing Middle East Crisis Response, said the settlement was negotiated just before the case was to go to trial last month in federal court in Albany.

As part of the deal, the group also will get a meeting with newly appointed Kingston Police Chief Egidio Tinti to discuss ways “to prevent this from happening again,” Bergstein said.

Bergstein said the settlement did not include the city admitting any wrongdoing but that his client still views the settlement as a victory for free speech.

“The bedrock principle of American constitutional law is that public parks and sidewalks are free-speech zones,” Bergstein said in a prepared statement when the suit was filed. “The government cannot pick and choose which advocacy groups may use the areas and which cannot.”

Kingston Mayor James Sottile could not be reached for comment on Tuesday. In 2008, he said he supported the police department’s decision to separate the Middle East Crisis Response protesters from people participating in the Israel celebration. The mayor said police acted in the interest of public safety.

We settle our lawsuit with the city of Kingston

2011-10-11T12:30:00.001-07:00

Here are some members of MECR who sued the city of Kingston over free speech issues. We were denied our rights in Gallo Park in 2008 and the case was resolved this Tuesday in the US District Court of Albany right before the jury was selected.

The city of Kingston agreed to pay $25,000 in damages, as well as provide a meeting with the new chief of the police. The new chief will also watch DeeDee's video of the Gallo Park police action.

Thanks to all who helped us, and especially to our lawyer, Steven Bergstein.

Fred

Voices From the Inside - Israelis Speak

2011-09-20T20:17:00.000-07:00

Voices From the Inside - Israelis Speak: Free film Screening

Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 7:30 pm
Saugerties Library Community Room
91 Washington Avenue, Saugerties, NY 12477

This documentary is based upon interviews with 16 Jewish Israeli voices of conscience, each representing a different facet within the peace movement. Explore the evolution of consciousness within each mind, moving from a perspective of nationalist myths to personal revelations regarding moral choices for their society. Best Documentary winner at the Renderyard International Film Festival. The producer, Margery Wright, will answer questions at the end of the film.

Sponsored by: http://www.mideastcrisis.org
Contact: mecr@mideastcrisis.org or 518 678-2076

Over 30 people attended our last film showing at the Saugerties Library. Margery Wright, the producer (also worked on editing and planning the interviews) gave a good insight into Israeli peace groups, what they face, and why they are active. Thanks to Jane for setting up this movie series.

Hudson Valley to Gaza: Report Back from the Freedom Flotilla II

2011-09-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

Hudson Valley to Gaza: Report Back from the Freedom Flotilla II

Sunday, September 18 from 2-4:00 pm
Woodstock Town Hall
76 Tinker Street, Woodstock, NY 12498

A number of local human rights activists participated in the recent Freedom Flotilla II, the attempt to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. They will tell their story of the government harassment and sabotage that prevented this flotilla from reaching Gaza's shores. They will also describe the solidarity they found with the Greek people and with the international movement to overcome Israeli apartheid.

Presented by Middle East Crisis Response (www.mideastcrisis.org)

We had a good turnout for what was a fascinating look at this important attempt to break the siege of Gaza. The end of the presentation elicited many good ideas for future campaigns, including a way to show the occupation inspired art done by American and Palestinian children.

Thanks, MaryMac

2011-08-25T18:53:00.001-07:00

Welcome Home!

2011-08-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here is MECR's party for the returning members of the Freedom Flotilla 2. We discussed many aspects of their recent attempt to break the blockade of Gaza, including what had been achieved and where the movement is headed now.

Thanks to Eli and Tammy for hosting this event in their beautiful back porch.

Jerusalem: The East Side Story

2011-08-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

Jerusalem: The East Side Story

Free film Screening

Tuesday, August 16 at 7:30 pm

Saugerties Library Community Room

91 Washington Avenue, Saugerties, NY 12477

This documentary brings the Palestinian struggle for freedom and independence to a Western audience. The film captures nearly 100 years of history of East Jerusalem, mainly concentrating on the period from 1967 on, showing how the city and its people have been affected by the Israeli occupation. Best Documentary at the Boston Palestinian Film Festival. 57 minutes.

Presented by Middle East Crisis Response (www.mideastcrisis.org). Free educational films about Palestine will be shown on the third Tuesday of the month from July through September.

About 30 attended this film, a moving and informative look at Israel's ethnic cleansing in Jerusalem.

Audience questions were interesting as always. One German woman described a book she was writing on human rights abuses in Palestine. Several in the audience signed up to receive her book as a PDF file. Several audience members stressed the progress local communities can make in fighting Israeli apartheid.

This from Jane, who organized the film series:

"The name of the German woman is Inge Etzbach and the title of her book is Ishmael and Isaac in the Promised Land. She spoke with the group, sharing the experience she had as a child in Germany after the war when she saw the inmates of a concentration camp. She has carried that terrible suffering within her to this day. That experience forms the background to her wanting to understand the suffering in Israel /Palestine. She has worked on a kibbutz and traveled in the West Bank.

What I find so meaningful in showing these films and in the discussions following the film-showings is the varied voices that emerge. Each person sees and interprets the film in a unique way. When I introduced the film last night, I couldn't say 'Enjoy it' because of the heaviness of the material. Instead, I said 'I hope you will find this meaningful.' The film forum provides a way to air and to listen to the different meanings each of us gets from the viewing. I believe this exchange enables growth and change."

Voices of Palestinian Youth

2011-07-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

About 30 people attended our second film showing:

Voices of Palestinian Youth

Free film Screening

Tuesday, July 19 at 7:30 pm

Saugerties Library Community Room

91 Washington Avenue, Saugerties, NY 12477

This collection of short and medium length films explores the views and experiences of West Bank Palestinian youth. "Hudad and Warda" (short animation movies made by 8 - 17 year olds); "Here, in Palestine" (interviews with young Palestinians); "Beyond the Wall" (voices of university students).

Presented by Middle East Crisis Response (www.mideastcrisis.org). Free educational films about Palestine will be shown on the third Tuesday of the month from July through September.

The first three questions from the audience seemed almost orchestrated. A young man asked why the wall was built, and that question was answered by a white haired man: "to stop the suicide bombers." A third member of the audience took us into the never-never land of "lets get these people to understand and respect each other." So it was a slow start after a emotional (and somewhat flawed) feature film.

But the rest of the crowd would have nothing of these obfuscations. An African American teacher from the Bronx said the first man's question was like asking black men why the chain gangs were created after the Civil War. Things got fairly heated for a time, and the discussions were more partisan than questioning. Donna was great, as were many others. Most people ended up having something interesting to say including the women whose husband, a Christian Palestinian, lived in Israel. "It is a racist and oppressive state for Palestinians," she declared.

Fred

No limitation on the subject matter of discussion

2011-07-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

Robert,

Thanks so much for calling me so quickly about this matter involving MECR. We understand now, based on what you told me, that Mr. Goswami’s letter from yesterday was meant to permit MECR access to the Community Room without the conditions we criticized in out letter of earlier today – i.e., that MECR is permitted to promote their sponsorship of the events and that there is no limitation on the subject matter of discussion surrounding the films that will be shown. We very much appreciate you setting us straight on that and are glad that this turned out to be a misunderstanding.

We are also glad to hear that the Library is going to be taking a look at their use policy’s prohibition on “political” meetings and appreciate your offer to let us know what comes of that review. We are eager to work with you and the Library on this, so if there is any assistance you think we can provide, please let me know.

Best,
Corey

Corey Stoughton
Senior Staff Attorney
New York Civil Liberties Union
125 Broad St., 19th Floor
New York, NY 10004

Community Meeting Room Use Policy and MECR

2011-07-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

Sukrit Goswami, Director Ted Conathan, President, Board of Trustees Saugerties Public Library
91 Washington Avenue
Saugerties, NY 12477

July 11, 2011
Re:

Dear Mr. Conathan and Mr. Goswami:
We write on behalf of the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) regarding limitations on political speech imposed upon a series of events sponsored by Middle East Crisis Response (MECR)—a group of Hudson Valley residents and patrons of the Saugerties Public Library—to be held in your library’s Community Meeting Room. We strongly urge you to reconsider your decision to prohibit MECR from mentioning its sponsorship of these events and to limit permissible topics of discussion at these events as a condition to reserving meeting space at the Library.

It is our understanding that, after initially allowing Jane Toby, a member of MECR, unconditionally to reserve the Meeting Room on June 21, July 19, August 16, and September 20, 2011, in order to show a series of documentary films about the Palestinian people, Mr. Goswami indicated on June 21 that MECR would not be allowed to host any events in the library because it is, in his words, a “political group.” This reversal occurred on the eve of MECR’s first event and, while Mr. Goswami allowed that evening’s film to be shown, he insisted that MECR’s name could not be mentioned, and the group could not be associated with the screening.

Following that evening, we understand that Mr. Goswami told Ms. Toby that subsequent events would have to be cancelled. Mr. Goswami also told Ms. Toby that he had received three calls about the event, and that he made his decision based on the fact that MECR’s website included the following mission statement: “[MECR] is a group of Hudson Valley residents who are joined in support of human rights for Palestinians and an end to the US's aggressive policies in the Middle East.” We now understand that, as of yesterday, Mr. Goswami is allowing the events to take place, but only on the condition that discussion be limited to matters that are not “political” and that MECR not mention its sponsorship of the events.

This course of action raises a number of concerns, both practical and legal, about Mr. Goswami’s interpretation of the library’s Community Meeting Room Use Policy:
The First Amendment. The First Amendment clearly prohibits a library from denying access to a forum like the Community Meeting Room, or imposing conditions on such access, on the basis of a group’s ideological beliefs. Such a decision is unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination. The Supreme Court has unequivocally stated that “[t]he government must abstain from regulating speech when the specific motivating ideology or the opinion or perspective of the speaker is the rationale for the restriction.”1 The decision to prohibit MECR from using the Community Room for any purpose other than showing the film (i.e., prohibiting “political” discussion) and to bar MECR from advertising its sponsorship of the film thus appears to violate this group’s First Amendment rights.

We understand that the Library’s Use Policy states that the Community Room is “available for use by non-profit organizations for educational, cultural, recreational or civic purposes,” but that groups may not use it for “private, for-profit, political, entrepreneurial or commercial purposes.” A straightforward reading of the rule would indicate that it prohibits partisan political meetings (e.g. events in support of political candidates), since a broader reading of the word “political” would be exceedingly difficult to define, and thus open to the very viewpoint discrimination the First Amendment prohibits. There is no clear dividing line between “educational” or “civic” discussion about the films to be shown and “political” discussion of the same and of MECR’s political viewpoint more generally. The Library’s decision to permit screening of the film, presumably as an “educational” or “cultural” event, but to prohibit broader discussion of MECR and the issues raised by the film as “political,” raises concerns about viewpoint discrimination and illustrates how such vagueness can be exploited for discriminatory purposes.

This is not merely a hypothetical consideration, as it would appear that the ban on meetings with “political” purposes has not been uniformly applied by the Library. This lack of consistency supports the inference that the Library’s decision in this case impermissibly rests upon the views of MECR. The Saugerties League of Women Voters, for example, has hosted several events in the library, including a forum with local school board candidates. The League of Women Voters, of which the Saugerties branch is a local member, explicitly describes itself in its mission statement as a “political organization,” and goes on to state that “the League is wholeheartedly political and works to influence policy through advocacy.”2 In addition to the League, the group FrackAction, which is “engaged in a long-term campaign . . . seek[ing] to expose the false claims of the gas industry and mobilize a citizen movement to protect our health and our future,”3 hosted a screening of the film Gasland in the Community Meeting Room in March of this year, followed by a discussion that included “information, announcements of actions being planned, time and place of meetings and other ways for [citizens] to get involved.”4 In none of these cases did the Library threaten to deny access, limit the topics for discussion, or prohibit the sponsoring groups from promoting their involvement.
1 Rosenberger v. Rector and Visitors of the Univ. of Virginia, 515 U.S. 819, 829 (1995) (“When the government targets not subject matter, but particular views taken by speakers on a subject, the violation of the First Amendment is all the more blatant. . . .”) (citations omitted); see also Lamb's Chapel v. Center Moriches Union Free Sch. Dist., 508 U.S. 384, 394 (1993) (finding unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination in the context of censorship of a religiously-oriented film series). 2 http://www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=About_Us (last visited July 7, 2011). 3 http://frackaction.com/content/about-us (last visited on July 6, 2011). 4 http://saugerties.uber.matchbin.net/bookmark/11441888-Letters-to-the-Editor-February-17-2011 (last visited on July 6, 2011).

The harms of censorship. In addition to the serious legal concerns raised by Mr. Goswami’s actions, we would urge you to consider the harmful effect that such censorship can have on communities. Libraries are centers of information, news, and open discourse, and they betray their commitment to diversity of expression when they seek to censor unpopular views. Indeed, the American Library Association has included this very scenario in its Library Bill of Rights: "VI. Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use."5 The ALA’s own interpretation of that Bill of Rights goes on to state unequivocally that "the library may not exclude any group based on the subject matter to be discussed or based on the ideas that the group advocates. For example, if a library allows charities and sports clubs to discuss their activities in library meeting rooms, then the library should not exclude partisan political or religious groups from discussing their activities in the same facilities.”6

For all of these reasons, we ask that you reinstate the original Community Meeting Room reservations that MECR applied for without conditions on the speech or expression of MECR or the events’ participants. We also ask that you clarify your Meeting Room Use Policy to avoid the constitutional issues regarding the meaning of “political” meetings raised above. Please let us know as soon as you have done this. If we do not hear from you by Friday, July 15, 2011, we will contact you to follow up on our request. Please respond to this letter by calling Corey Stoughton, NYCLU Senior Staff Attorney, at (212) 607-3300 (or by email at cstoughton@nyclu.org). We are also happy to discuss this matter further if you have any additional questions.
Sincerely,

Corey Stoughton
Senior Staff Attorney New York Civil Liberties Union
Linda Berns
Director, Lower Hudson Valley Chapter New York Civil Liberties Union

WIB Vigil for the Freedom Flotilla

2011-07-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

We held signs about Gaza and Palestine to oppose the treatment of the Freedom Flotilla by the Greek Government.

Fragments of a Lost Palestine: Film showing in Saugerties

2011-06-24T05:53:00.000-07:00

Fragments of a Lost Palestine

2011-06-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

Fragments of a Lost Palestine

Free film Screening:

Tuesday, June 21 at 7:30 pm

Saugerties Library Community Room

91 Washington Avenue, Saugerties, NY 12477

A subjective journey, shot as fragmented memories of the director's country of birth, Palestine, as remembered throughout years in exile. The film is above all an encounter with people: intellectuals, peasants, workers, and the director's niece as she grows up. Winner Dubai International Film Festival. 75 minutes

Presented by Middle East Crisis Response (www.mideastcrisis.org). Free educational films about Palestine will be shown on the third Tuesday of the month from June through September.

We had about 45 people at this showing, and almost everyone remained at the end for a good discussion of the plight of the Palestinian people.

Letter to the Director of the Saugerties Public Library

2011-06-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. Goswami,

I am writing to you on behalf of the National Coalition Against Censorship, a national coalition of over 50 organizations dedicated to promoting the First Amendment right to free speech. It just came to our attention that you are considering canceling a scheduled screening of Fragments of a Lost Palestine because of some complaints.

A decision to cancel the film because of some people's disagreement with the political viewpoints expressed in it as well as with the political viewpoint of the presenting organization raises serious First Amendment concerns. We strongly urge you to proceed with the screening as planned and offer a forum where opposing viewpoints can be voiced.

Conversations about the Middle East may be fraught with emotion, but that is no reason to suppress them: in fact, most of the issues that touch us socially, culturally and politically are fraught with emotion. If we cannot discuss such issues in a public library, out commitment to free speech is weak indeed.

The film itself is certainly worth showing - it has screened at various venues around the country and has been reviewed in the national press. For a public library to cancel a scheduled screening of the film is similar to a decision to remove a book from its collection because its viewpoint is disagreeable to some. Besides its First Amendment implications, such a decision can open the library to a flood of complaints and undermine its public credibility.

I hope you decide to proceed with the scheduled screening and avoid making the library a target for bad publicity and accusations of censorship.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Regards,
Svetlana Mintcheva

Svetlana Mintcheva, Ph.D. Director of Programs National Coalition Against Censorship 19 Fulton Street Ste 407 New York, NY 10038 phone 212-807-6222 ext. 103 fax 212-807-6245
-----------------------------------------

The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC), founded in 1974, is an alliance of 50 national non-profit organizations, including literary, artistic, religious, educational, professional, labor, and civil liberties groups. United by a conviction that freedom of thought, inquiry, and expression must be defended, we work to educate our own members and the public at large about the dangers of censorship and how to oppose them.

Civil Liberties and the FBI

2011-03-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

Civil Liberties and the FBI:

How Local Activists and Groups Can Respond

Monday, March 21

7:00 to 9:00 pm

Time and Space Limited

434 Columbia St, Hudson, NY 12534

Last September, the FBI raided homes and antiwar offices in Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan and North Carolina. Fourteen activists were handed subpoenas to testify before a federal grand jury. Among those targeted were members of the Twin Cities Anti-War Committee, the Palestine Solidarity Group, and the Colombia Action Network. Who is the next target?

A panel of four attorneys (Steve Downs, Valeria Gheorghiu, Kathy Manley and Michael Sussman) will speak about our rights as individuals and discuss ways that local peace and justice groups engaged in non-violent activism can prepare for and respond to federal interference, raids and subpoenas. A question and answer session will follow the panel discussion.

Sponsored by:

-Middle East Crisis Response

www.mideastcrisis.org

-Dutchess Peace Coalition

www.dutchesspeace.org

-Palestinian Rights Committee

www.palestinianrightscommittee.org

Two Peoples– One Future

2011-03-04T07:44:00.000-08:00

Two Peoples– One Future; If not now, when?
The Captain and Two Passengers
from the Jewish Boat to Gaza

7 pm, Thursday, March 3
Woodstock Community Center
56 Rock City Rd.
Woodstock, NY 12498

Fundraiser for the upcoming U.S. Boat to Gaza featuring: Glyn Secker (Captain of the Jewish Boat), Lillian Rosengarten (refugee from Nazi Germany) and Reuwan Moskovitz (Romanian-born survivor of the Nazi occupation).

Sponsored by:
-Middle East Crisis Response
www.mideastcrisis.org
-US Boat to Gaza
www.ustogaza.org/

Israeli Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall

2011-02-22T21:04:00.000-08:00

A number of MECR members attended this BDS rally in NYC.

Photos by Andrew Courtney

Sunday vigil for Egypt

2011-02-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

Jewish and Muslim Human Rights Activists at Vassar

2011-02-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

Jewish and Muslim Human Rights Activists speak on the professional and personal dynamics of pro-Palestine advocacy.

By Gail Goldsmith on February 2, 2011

“The occupation of Palestine follows me wherever I go,” said Noor Elashi, a writer and activist speaking at Vassar College.

Speaking on Jewish and Muslim activism for human rights in Palestine, Elashi and Rebecca Vilkomerson offered professional and personal perspectives on opposition to the Israeli occupation in a panel discussion, Jewish and Muslim Experiences in America: Working Together to Promote Human Rights, on January 26th at Vassar College.

Rebecca Vilkomerson and Noor Elashi (l-r) speak on their personal and professional activism for peace in Palestine to an audience at Vassar College
Vilkomerson, the National Director of Jewish Voices for Peace, described how Jewish Voices for Peace supports Boycott, Divestment, and Settlement campaigns including recent partnerships with University of California at Berkeley and a grassroots call for financial services company TIAA-CREF to divest from companies profiting from the Israeli occupation of the East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.

The 27 nationwide chapters of Jewish Voices for Peace refute the idea that all Jewish persons support the state of Israel.

“The American Jewish Committee supports Israel right or wrong and AIPAC doesn’t have a monopoly on Jewish opinion,” Vilkomerson said. “We’re continuing to carve out a place for activism in public Jewish life by being active on these issues while staying within the Jewish community.”

The event was sponsored by Vassar Islamic Society, DutchessPeace.org, and MidEastCrisis.org and was co-sponsored by many local activist groups, including the Marist Praxis Project.

“The Public Praxis Project was more an endorsement than a partner. I consulted a bit with the planners in an exchange of e-mails, but otherwise was not able to attend as I had a class at the time of the panel,” Dr. Mar Peter-Raoul, director of the Praxis Project, said. Although there were 9 co-sponsoring groups, attendance was approximately 45 persons-but the audience was engaged during the speech and inquisitive during the following question and answer session, particularly on the topic of civil liberties.

Both Vilkomerson and Elashi addressed the political challenges of religion.

“Hillel and its many campus groups excludes Jewish Voices for Peace through its anti-Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions stance. Jewish life shouldn’t be subjected to a political litmus test,’ Vilkomerson.

For Elashi, the intersection of politics with Islam has been an emotionally fraught one.

Elashi’s father, Ghassan Elashi, co-founded the Holy Land Foundation, a large Muslim charity that supported Palestinian charities, called zakat committees, through humanitarian aid.

Ghassan Elashi was arrested under the Material Support Law, a law expanded under the Patriot Act. The Material Support Law makes it illegal to donate to charities on the U.S. Treasury list of designated terrorist organizations. Neither he nor the holy Land Foundation was ever found guilty of donating to any group on the last, but rather for donating to zakat committees that were, according to an anonymous witness for the prosecution, fronts for Hamas.

In 2007, the trial deadlocked in defense of the Holy Land Foundation, citing evidence that many international NGOs including Red Cross, USAID, CARE , and the UN sent money to the same zakat committees. In a 2008 retrial, he was convicted, after similar arguments, and is now imprisoned in a Communications Management Unit in Marion, Illinois. Referred to as “Little Guantanamo”, 60% of inmates in the Communications Management Unit are of Middle Eastern descent.

“The trial, the conviction, the proceedings were McCarthy-esque,” Elashi said, of her father’s trial.

All contact with the outside world is live-monitored and regulated. He is allowed one phone call a week. On visitation day, his family arrives for non-contact visits.

“It deprives me of that paternal scent-chamomile and cedar,” Elashi said.

An appeal is in process.

“I recognize that that global change and support for this will not start with the United States, it will end with the United States,” Elashi said, citing Islamophobia and lack of empathy as political barriers to U.S. support of Arab-Israeli peace. She is re-tooling Freedomtogive.com to serve as a resource for her father’s supporters and the interested public.

“I think this was a great event, because not enough people voice their opinions on this issue and how media influences public opinion about Israel and Palestine,” R., a Vassar student and member of the Vassar Islamic Society,said. “We think of this harsh, totalitarian treatment as the sort of thing that happens in the past. We don’t think of the American public as being this harsh and unfair to a citizen.”

http://www.maristmy575.com/?p=4749

Jewish and Muslim Experiences in America: Working Together to Promote Human Rights

2011-01-27T06:18:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, January 26

6:30 to 8:00 PM

Sanders Hall Auditorium (Room 212)

Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY 12504

Panel discussion with Noor Elashi and Rebecca Vilkomerson. Noor Elashi is a nationally known writer and speaker on Muslim rights. Rebecca Vilkomerson is Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace.

Both Jews and Muslims in the United States are affected by passions surrounding the wars in the Middle East. The panel will explore how each group is dealing with issues such as human rights and ethnic identity.

Sponsored by:

-Vassar Islamic Society

-Dutchess Peace

http://www.dutchesspeace.org

-Middle East Crisis Response

http://www.mideastcrisis.org

Contact: (845) 876-7906

Cosponsors:

Alternatives to Violence Project

Fellowship of Reconciliation

I Will Not Kill - Veterans For Peace

Marist Praxis Project for Public Citizenship

New Paltz Neighbors for Peace

New Yorkers for Alternatives to the Death Penalty - Mid Hudson Branch

Peace Action New York State

Peace and Social Progress Now

Peace Justice & Environment Project

Real Majority Project

The Mid-Hudson 9/11 Truth Commission

UUFP Poughkeepsie, Social Justice Committee

Veterans Fellowship of Reconciliation

VFP Al Warren Tappan Zee Brigade

VFP Maury Colow Chapter 058, Catskill region

WESPAC Foundation

Jeff Halper at the Muddy Cup Bookstore in Saugerties

2011-01-27T06:01:00.000-08:00

Can I add my voice to the chorus saying thanks (kol hakavod, as we say in Hebrew) for the hospitality and events in Woodstock and Saugurties? Ellen and Tarak, of course, but also bagels at Nick and Helaine's, nights at Pia's and the event itself. (Thanks, Fred, for the technical support.) It is a testimony to the communication abilities of the left that when we have an event in a bookstore we have to bring our own books (mine are published but never in bookstores....).

Both the funds raised and the deepening of our relationships are very meaningful both for me and for ICAHD as we struggle on.

I look forward to seeing you all again -- and, of course if you come our way (Jerusalem is close to Bilin), you're invited to our version of bagels and lox: humous and falafel.

Thanks again,

Jeff

Panel Discussion: Crisis in Israel/Palestine

2010-11-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, Nov. 10

7:00 to 9:00 pm

Coykendall Science Building Auditorium
SUNY New Paltz

Speakers: Joel Kovel, author of "Overcoming Zionism"; Jack A. Smith, editor of the Activist Newsletter; Nada Khader, executive director of the WESPAC Foundation; Jane Toby, founder of the Hudson Valley branch of Women in Black; Faris Giacaman, an activist Palestinian student at Bard College; Hannah Schwarzchild, from "American Jews for a Just Peace"; and Paul Rehm, a Christian pacifist who was part of a peace mission to Hebron in the West Bank.

Organized by Middle East Crisis Response and the Hudson Valley Activist Newsletter and its activist arm Peace and Social Progress Now. Campus sponsor is the SUNY New Paltz Muslim Students Association.

We had about 140 people at this event, one of our most popular to date. Thanks to Donna, who was instrumental in planning and running this program.

MECR in New York Law Journal

2010-09-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

MiddleEastCrisisResponse : Message: MECR in New York Law Journal

Protesters Ousted From Park During Celebration of Israel Must Show Free Speech Violations at Trial

Joel Stashenko September 08, 2010

ALBANY - Kingston police officers did not necessarily violate the constitutional rights of pro-Palestinian protesters by ordering them out of a city-owned park where local Jews were celebrating the 60th anniversary of the formation of Israel, a judge has ruled.

Northern District Judge Lawrence E. Kahn denied summary judgment to the Middle East Crisis Response and 11 of its members for the city's alleged violation of their constitutional free-speech and equal-protection rights during a May 4, 2008 protest.

The case will now go to trial to resolve what the judge said in Middle East Crisis Response v. City of Kingston, 1:08-cv-0690, was an "ambiguity" about the actions and motivations of the police.

Judge Kahn wrote that the First Amendment does not guarantee the right of an individual to express his views at any time or place or in any manner of his own choosing. "Reasonable restrictions" may be placed on protected speech, especially if the restrictions are not based on content and are "narrowly tailored to serve a significant governmental interest," the judge said, quoting Clark v. Cmty. for Creative Non-Violence, 468 U.S. 288 (1984).

Here, he said that "There exist issues of material fact as to whether the actions of Defendant officers were motivated by the content of Plaintiffs' speech, as Plaintiffs' argue, or whether the measures were taken in furtherance of public safety," the judge observed.

Based on the preliminary papers, a "reasonable jury" might well find either that the police officers were justified in ordering the Middle East Crisis Response members out of the park to avoid a confrontation, or that they should have allowed the protesters to stay in an area safely removed from the Jewish celebrants, the judge ruled.

"This ambiguity demonstrates an issue of fact as to whether the conduct of Defendant officers was warranted in order to further the City's interest in public safety and order, and whether their actions were narrowly tailored to further this interest," Judge Kahn held.

According to the ruling, members of the Ulster County Jewish Federation had received permission from the city to use Kingston's T.R. Gallo Waterfront Park for the commemoration of the anniversary of Israel's birth. The event, which attracted more than 100 people, was co-sponsored by the city and open to the public.

About a dozen members of Middle East Crisis Response gathered outside the park to leaflet and display signs protesting Israeli and American policies in the Middle East. Some protesters entered the park and ended up in what one police officers calls "heated" discussions with Jews.

When Kingston Sergeant James Maisenhelder arrived, four or five protesters and several of the Jewish celebrants were only a foot apart, appeared to be moving toward each other and were yelling.

At that point, according to Judge Kahn, Sergeant Maisenhelder ordered the protesters to leave and relocated them to a designated "protest area" on a public street outside the park. The sergeant also prohibited the protesters from displaying signs or leafletting.

Judge Kahn noted that the protesters still could get their message out despite the restrictions.

"Plaintiffs…contend that the location was not an ample alternative because their protest was pointless when removed from the context of the celebration," the judge wrote. "Plaintiffs, however, were not protesting the celebration itself, rather they were protesting and advocating political issues in connection with the State of Israel that may or may not have been directly implicated by the celebration."

According to its Web site, the protesters are part of a Woodstock-based group of Hudson Valley residents "joined in support of human rights for Palestinians and an end to the US's aggressive policies in the Middle East."

The group was formed after the Israel-Gaza conflict of 2006.

Judge Kahn rejected a facial challenge the plaintiffs made to Kingston's permit and insurance policies for use of city parks. The plaintiffs failed to show how the policy was used to suppress free speech, Judge Kahn wrote.

He also noted that no permit is needed to use the Gallo Waterfront park.

Judge Kahn also refused to grant summary judgment to the group on its equal protection clause violation claim. The clause is invoked when First Amendment activities are regulated based on their content, but the judge ruled that whether police acted because of the content of the group's political message remains an issue of material fact.

Stephen Bergstein, attorney for the protesters, said in an interview that the participants captured 95 percent of their protest on video.

The video was not mentioned in the judge's ruling.

Among other things, Mr. Bergstein said in an interview, the video shows that there was ample room to relocate the protesters within the park. It also shows Sergeant Maisenhelder saying, "I am the law" when protesters argue that evicting them from the park is against the law, Mr. Bergstein said.

"We go to trial from here," said Mr. Bergstein, of the Bergstein, Ullrich Law Firm of Chester. "We are disappointed that we did not get summary judgment. …We moved for summary judgment because we thought as a matter of law moving the protesters out of the park was a violation of the First Amendment."

Robert S. Cook of Cook, Netter, Cloonan, Kurtz, & Murphy of Kingston represented the city and the police officers.

Mr. Cook said yesterday that while his opponents may well go to trial, he was "pleased" and "satisfied" with the decision from Judge Kahn.

"There are questions of fact, but the judge said that a reasonable jury might find that the officers were acting to maintain peace and order, based on the facts presented him," Mr. Cook said.

The action names as defendants the city of Kingston and four of its policemen: Sergeant Maisenhelder, Officers William Hadsel, Scott Williams and Harry Woltman.

The city did not file a motion for summary judgment on its own behalf.

Party Raises $3,500 for Gaza Boat

2010-08-12T09:39:00.001-07:00

U.S. Boat to Gaza
Fundraising Party
7 p.m., Friday, July 30
Colony Cafe
22 Rock City Rd., Woodstock

An evening of speakers, music, and dancing. Proceeds raised went towards buying and outfitting a US boat to sail in the next flotilla to break the blockade of Gaza. Speakers: Laurie Arbeiter, Jeff Cohen, Noor Elashi, Joel Kovel. Music: Bruce Ackerman, Johnny Asia, The Erin Hobson Compact, The Princes of Serendip, Charles Lyonhart, and more. Poetry: Remi Kanazi

Endorsed by American Jews for a Just Peace, CODEPINK, Free Gaza Movement, Gaza Freedom March, Jewish Voice for Peace, Jews Say No!, Middle East Crisis Response, Veterans for Peace, WESPAC, Women in Black Union Square, Women of a Certain Age

For more information or to contribute online, go towww.ustogaza.org

Joel Kovel's talk on June 17

2010-07-01T10:49:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day, Woodstock

2010-06-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

About eight of us went to the demonstration in NYC

2010-05-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

May 31 also saw a huge demonstration in NYC which went from Times Square to the Israeli Embassy on 2nd Ave. Here are a few pictures. Police estimated 1,500 to 2,000 people.

May 31 Response to Attack on Gaza Flotilla

2010-05-31T20:29:00.001-07:00

About 15 members of MECR were a lively presence during the parade, holding signs
and distributing handouts on short notice. Joel made a memorable speech citing
the current attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla as the latest of Israel's many
human rights atrocities and US culpability in not preventing and condemning
those crimes.

Arab Feast a Big Success

2010-05-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

Computers sent to Ireland

2010-05-03T09:34:00.001-07:00

Subject: Computers sent to Ireland

Dear Gail,
I just want to let you know that the 3 laptops are in Ireland and should be on their way to Gaza soon.
Thank you and Thank MECR.
Salam
Dina

Gaza Freedom March - Report Back

2010-04-25T17:45:00.001-07:00

Gaza Freedom March - Report Back

Sunday, April 25

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

67 South Randolph Avenue

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

Ten residents of the Hudson Valley took part in the Gaza Freedom March from Dec. 25 to Jan. 4. Members of this delegation will discuss their experiences as well as the emerging International Coalition to End the Illegal Siege of Gaza.

Sponsored by: Dutchess Peace Coalition (http://www.dutchesspeace.org) Middle East Crisis Response (http://www.mideastcrisis.org) UU Social Justice Committee (http://www.uupok.org).

Poughkeepsie Journal on Rachel Corrie play

2010-03-26T22:07:00.001-07:00

Play ignites political passions

Edward Meisel • March 25, 2010

Several weeks ago I was driving home from work very early in the morning and listening to the BBC World Service on the radio. The news reporter began discussing a civil action that was being launched against the Israeli defense ministry by the parents of Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen who was killed while protesting the bulldozing of Palestinian homes in the Gaza town of Rafah.

What was intended to be a nonviolent protest on the part of Corrie resulted in her death when an armored bulldozer crushed her. A swell of controversy followed the incident — one side believing the driver was effectively given orders to proceed despite the protesters, the other maintaining that Corrie was not visible to the driver and furthermore had no business being on what had been designated a closed military compound.

With the early rays of the daylight breaking over the Hudson River, I found it hard for some reason to take sides. As I drove across the Mid-Hudson Bridge and home to my family, all I could think was — what a sad waste of a life. Did this young woman know she was going to die? Why didn't she scurry out of the way? Was her cause worth the wasted potential of her life unlived? At that moment I felt both sad and angry and very confused. Were her actions heroic or foolish?

Corrie's story seems to affect many people that way.

Actor Alan Rickman and journalist Katharine Viner combined and edited Corrie's own journals, letters and e-mails to create a one- woman play titled "My Name Is Rachel Corrie." The play was first staged in London in April 2005 and was met with great success. Political fireworks began, however, when the same company attempted to stage a New York production a year later. The production was postponed "indefinitely" with insinuations either implied or inferred that the political content could impede funding of the nonprofit New York Theatre Workshop at which it was to be staged.

It seems Corrie's views, expressed in her own words, are emotional and gripping to some and naive propaganda to others. The play has since appeared in New York as well as venues throughout the world. But it still seems to have a reputation of being booked and then canceled due to controversy — something very unique in our modern and "enlightened" age of theater.

IF YOU GO

What: "My Name is Rachel Corrie," starring Courtney Day Nassar; sponsored by Dutchess Peace Coalition, Grassroots Alliance for Alternative Politics and Middle East Crisis Response

When: 8 p.m. March 26

Where: Rockefeller Hall, Room 200, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave., Poughkeepsie

Admission: $10 suggested donation; free for students with ID

Information: Call 845-679-3299

Rachel Corrie play a great success at Vassar

2010-03-26T21:31:00.000-07:00

First picture is of Courtney with Sam, the artist who made the great banner.

Second picture is Paul introducing the play to a packed house at Vassar College.

Courtney got a standing ovation for her wonderful performance. She also led an interesting question and answer session at the end of the play.

The room's capacity was 135, and almost every seat was taken. There were also lots of new faces, with many more community members than students.

(On March 16, 2003, Rachel Corrie, 23, was crushed to death by an Israeli Army bulldozer in Gaza as she tried to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home. "My Name Is Rachel Corrie" recounts the young woman's life from journal entries, letters, and e-mails she left behind. Courtney Day Nassar has performed this one-woman show at many locations including the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre, Villanova University and the University of Pittsburgh. "In terms of other productions, having seen the New York production, I can say that Courtney inhabits the role with such passion and conviction it can be almost overwhelming." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

One-woman play celebrates life of political activist

2010-03-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

One-woman play celebrates life of political activist

By Thea Ballard

Reporter

Published: Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Updated: Wednesday, March 24, 2010

About a month shy of her 24th birthday in March 2003, activist and Evergreen State student Rachel Corrie was killed by an Israeli Defense Force bulldozer while protesting the destruction of Palestinian homes in the Gaza strip. Her controversial death may be what made her famous, but it is her life that is the subject of the one-woman play “My Name is Rachel Corrie.”

Showing this Friday at 8 p.m. in Rockefeller Hall 200, this production of “Rachel Corrie” is a traveling show, featuring actress Courtney Day Nassar. The Grassroots Alliance for Alternative Politics, a student organization, joined forces with local groups Middle East Crisis Response (MECR) and the Dutchess Peace Coalition to host the play.

The MECR, a group described on its website as “joined in support of human rights for Palestinians and an end to the U.S.’s aggressive policies in the Middle East,” has been working on staging a version of this play for some time. Wrote MECR member Paul Rehm in an emailed statement, “After returning from a visit to Israel/Palestine as members of a delegation from Every Church a Peace Church…my wife and I had the good fortune to see the play during its initial run in London and were deeply moved by it.”

He continued: “Along with other members of Middle East Crisis Response, we’ve been working for the day when people in the Hudson Valley might also be able to see this remarkable one-woman play and through it, to learn about Rachel Corrie,” wrote MECR member Paul Rehm in an e-mailed statement.

Written by Alan Rickman and Katherine Viner, the play uses Corrie’s own e-mails, letters and journal entries as sources of material. Given the nature of Corrie’s death, there is something inherently political about the play, but it nevertheless focuses more on Corrie as a human character. MECR member Fred Nagel feels that the focus on the apolitical is an important part of the play. “I think that art brings us to a level of understanding that facts on the ground cannot,” wrote Nagel in an e-mailed statement. “This Friday, we will experience the truths as Rachel Corrie saw them. And the play will help us celebrate what is best in the human experience.”

The play has prompted some controversy in its brief history. A cancelled 2006 run of the show at the New York Theater Workshop caused a stir, raising claims of censorship. There have even been some bumps along the way for this particular production. MECR’s initial attempts to find Albany-to-Hudson area theatre companies interested in performing the play were met with discouraging results: “Honest theatre can be hard for some to handle,” said Rehm.

Once the MECR discovered Courtney Day Nassar’s performance, the search for a venue led the group to Vassar, where they got in touch with the Grassroots Alliance.

Peter Satin ’10, of the Grassroots Alliance, recognized the potential for controversy, but didn’t believe that it would present a significant issue. “I do know that there are a lot of Israeli sympathizers on campus,” he said. “But we hosted something in a similar vein about Israeli military conscious objectors earlier this year, and that went really well.”

Addressing the political nature of the play, he continued, “I guess the structure of the show is not so much agenda’d as it is bringing to light human rights abuses in general—it’s not politically charged. Hopefully the student body will see through the politics involved to look at the greater message.”

Rehm has a distinct vision of what this “greater message” entails: “We live in a society that tends to put on a pedestal those among us who pick up a gun, turning to violence to protect or promote the things we believe in,” he wrote. “Rachel’s life embodied the spirit, the ideal, the belief that there is another way and that defending the lives or homes of others non-violently requires just as much courage and may also call for the ultimate sacrifice.”

Satin continued, “That Vassar students might hear—above the din of voices calling for violent answers in conflict situations—one young woman’s voice rising in support of non-violent responses and from her life know something of the strength those responses require, is worth the efforts of all who care about the justice that accompanies real peace.”
He added, “I hope the student body can approach it with open minds, and I think it’s an important message that regardless of your political stance towards the Middle East, conflict can speak to anyone.”

"My Name is Rachel Corrie" to be performed at Siena and Vassar

2010-03-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

Posted on: Mar 15, 2010

Sponsored by: Palestinian Rights Committee

Date(s): Mar 27, 2010

Time: 08:00 pm

Description: "My Name is Rachel Corrie" to be performed at Siena and Vassar

On the 16th of March, seven years ago, Rachel Corrie was crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer as she attempted to prevent the destruction of a Palestinian home in Gaza. Drawing on Rachel's journals, letters and e-mails, Katharine Viner and Alan Rickman created "My Name is Rachel Corrie," a one-woman play that paints a remarkable portrait of this extraordinary young woman.

TimeOut London called the play, "Funny, passionate, bristling with idealism and luminously intelligent."

Courtney Day Nassar, whose performance as Rachel was described by Sean O’Donnel of The New Olde Bank Theatre as "brilliant" and in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as "almost overwhelming," will star in both productions.

"My Name is Rachel Corrie" will be presented on the 27th of March, in the Beaudoin Theatre, Foy Hall at Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville and on the 26th of March, in Rockefeller Hall at Vassar College, 124 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie. Both performances begin at 8:00 PM. The Siena performance will be preceded by a panel discussion at 6:45 PM.

General Admission: $10. Students: free with ID
Tickets available at the door or to reserve tickets at Siena, phone the box office at 518-783-4242. For advance tickets at Vassar, phone 845-679-3299 or 518-966-5366.

The performance at Siena is sponsored by: The Palestinian Rights Committee, Upper Hudson Peace Action, American Jews for a Just Peace and the Creative Arts Department of Siena College.

The performance at Vassar is sponsored by: Middle East Crisis Response, the Dutchess Peace Coalition and the Vassar Grassroots Alliance for Alternative Politics.

March 9 Protest Against IDF Dinner

2010-03-09T19:58:00.000-08:00

We had about 15 from MECR participate in this action. In all, about 400 to 500 protesters circled the Waldorf Astoria block.

This from the Nation Blog:

Tonight, March 9th, The Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, a non-profit organization that provides support and services to members of Israel's national army, will be holding a gala $1,000 a plate fundraiser at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan.

The keynote speaker, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, IDF Chief of General Staff, was responsible for the prosecution of last year's Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza strip, and is someone I consider a war criminal. This link explains why.

At the same time as the dinner tonight, a broad coalition of local groups will stage a mobile protest outside the hotel to highlight the crimes committed by the IDF during Operation Cast Lead as well as Israel's ongoing illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Photos by Laurie.

For many more photos of the event:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ellen.rachel.davidson/March92010ProtestAgainstFriendsOfTheIsraelDefenseForceFundraisingGala?feat=email#

Gaza Freedom March - Report Back

2010-01-23T19:48:00.000-08:00

Gaza Freedom March - Report Back

Saturday, January 23

2:30 - 5:00 pm

Woodstock Community Center

56 Rock City Rd, Woodstock

Ten residents of the Hudson Valley took part in the Gaza Freedom March from Dec. 25 to Jan. 4. Members of this delegation discussed their experiences as well as the emerging International Coalition to End the Illegal Siege of Gaza.

We are off to Gaza

2009-12-24T07:35:00.000-08:00

Bekah Wolf: Beyond the Rhetoric

2009-11-22T17:11:00.000-08:00

The Realities of the Israeli Occupation and Prospects for a Just Resolution in Palestine

Sunday, November 22
2:30 PM
United Methodist Church
1 Grove Street, New Paltz 12561

An American-Israeli, Bekah Wolf is a graduate of New York University with an MS in education from Long Island University. She co-founded the Palestine Solidarity Project, an organization based in the West Bank village of Beit Ommar and dedicated to supporting popular, non-violent resistance to the Israeli occupation.

Gaza Feast a Great Success

2009-11-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

Summer and Fall Events 2009

2009-11-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

Free Palestine Vigil

2:00 pm

Saturday, July 18

Ulster Plaza

1177 Ulster Avenue

Kingston 12401

We will line up in the parking lot of Barnes and Noble Bookstore

Sponsored by the Middle East Crisis Response

http://www.mideastcrisis.org

Contact: mecr@mideastcrisis.org

-------------

Report from Gaza: My trips with Code Pink

By Felice Gelman

6:00-7:30 pm

Sunday, August 23

Unitarian Universalist Congregation

of the Catskills

320 Sawkill Rd, Kingston NY 12401

Felice Gelman is member of the WESPAC Middle East Committee and part of a group of four delegations under the umbrella of CODEPINK invited to Gaza by the UN Relief and Works Agency. She will report on conditions that have been rarely talked about in the US media. She will be joined by Philip Weiss who made the trip with her.

Sponsored by the Middle East Crisis Response

http://www.mideastcrisis.org

-------------

Meeting on Palestine, Israel, and the US Empire

Tuesday, Oct. 27

7 p.m

Lecture Center 104

SUNY New Paltz

Richard Becker will analyze the struggle for Palestine — from the division of the Middle East by Western powers and the Zionist settler movement to the founding of Israel and the continuing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. He will also focus on the key role of the United States as a supporter of Israel. Becker, an author and commentator on Middle East affairs, will also sign copies of his new book, "Palestine, Israel, and the US Empire."

Organized by:

Peace and Social Progress Now

sponsored on campus by the Muslim Students Association

endorsed by Middle East Crisis Response.

http://www.mideastcrisis.org

-------------

Norman Finkelstein: Israel and Palestine, Roots of Conflict, Prospects for Peace

Wed., November 4th

7:30 PM

Multipurpose Room, Bertlesman Student Center Bard College, Annandale, NY 12504

Dr. Norman Finkelstein is an American political scientist and author, whose primary fields of research are the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the politics of the Holocaust. His parents were Holocaust survivors, and he has also written about their experiences during World War II.

Sponsored by:

-Middle East Crisis Response

http://www.mideastcrisis.org

-Bard Students for a Just Peace in Israel/Palestine

-----------

Anna Baltzer: Witness in Palestine

Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7:00 pm

Multipurpose Room, Bertlesman Student Center Bard College, Annandale, NY 12504

Anna Baltzer, Fulbright Scholar and volunteer with the International Women's Peace Service, will talk about her work in Palestine. Her book, "Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories" has been praised by Noam Chomsky. Joining her will be Paula Silbey, a local activist who has completed several trips to the occupied West Bank. There will be a question and answer session after the presentation.

Sponsored by:

-Middle East Crisis Response

http://www.mideastcrisis.org

-Bard Students for a Just Peace in Israel/Palestine

-------------

Arabic Feast to Help Break the Siege of Gaza

Sunday, November 8

1 - 4:00 pm

La Florentina Restaurant

604 Ulster Ave.

Kingston, NY 12401

A special Arabic meal will be served to raise funds for the Gaza Freedom March. This unique culinary event, prepared by excellent Palestinian chefs, will focus attention on the twelve local residents of the Hudson Valley who will be bringing supplies for children and families to Gaza in December. Tickets will be $25 if purchased beforehand or $30 at the door. Make checks payable to MECR and mail to Gaza March c/o MECR, PO Box 1362, Woodstock, NY 12498.

http://www.hudsontogaza.blogspot.com

or call: 845 -246-8415, Ext. 3

2009-07-24T20:52:00.001-07:00

Free Palestine Vigil

2:00 pm
Saturday, July 11
Sunflower Natural Foods parking lot
75 Mill Hill Rd
Woodstock 12498

We will march through Woodstock, ending up at the Village Green in the center of town.

Sponsored by the Middle East Crisis Response

Israel, Palestine, the US and the Role of Zionism

2009-05-04T08:30:00.001-07:00

Israel, Palestine, the US
and the Role of Zionism

Speakers included Harriet Malinowitz, professor at Long Island University, and Eldad Benary, Israeli American activist.

Both speakers are progressive Jewish critics of Israeli Zionism, as well as members of the Middle East Crisis Response.

Sponsor: Central and Latin American Support Project CLASP

Sunday, May 3 at 6:00 pm
New Paltz Village Hall
25 Plattekill Ave.

2009-04-18T17:43:00.001-07:00

Art by Children of Shatila Refugee Camp in Beirut

Exhibit on display: April 11-25 (with photos by Jane Toby)
Reception: Saturday, April 18 from 4-6 pm
Woodstock Artists Association
28 Tinker St.
Woodstock, NY 12498

Sponsored by CO-OP: Children of Occupation Project.

Vigil to Stop the Killing in Gaza, Woodstock, Feb. 14, 2009

2009-02-14T15:39:00.001-08:00

Vigil to Stop the Killing in Gaza, Woodstock, Feb. 14, 2009

2009-02-14T15:31:00.000-08:00

"We realize that the U.S. is funding this assault on Palestinian people; it is not in
our name and we stand together to condemn the actions of both the U.S. and Israel in Gaza."

Vigil For Gaza, Kingston, NY, Jan. 31, 2009

2009-01-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

"We stand together to deplore the Israeli war crimes in Gaza."

Free Gaza Vigil, New Paltz, Jan. 24, 2009

2009-01-24T11:06:00.000-08:00

PEACE VIGIL DEPLORES ISRAELI WAR CRIMES IN GAZA

2009-01-19T10:25:00.000-08:00

PEACE VIGIL DEPLORES ISRAELI WAR CRIMES IN GAZA

KINGSTON, NY
Over 30 Mid-Hudson residents braved single-digit temperatures from 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2009, to stand at a busy corner of Route 9W calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The peace vigil was organized by Middle East Crisis Response to protest what members called the "slaughterhouse" in Gaza. According to B'Tselem, the Israeli human rights organisation, Israeli attacks have killed at least 1000 Palestinians in the last 20 days, including at least 300 children, with rockets fired into Israel causing 4 Israeli deaths in the same period.

Signs at the vigil called for an end to the siege of Gaza and an end to U. S. military aid to Israel. "The terror and collective punishment being inflicted on Gaza is supported by the U. S. government and your tax dollars," the group told passers by.

March Of The Dead (thanks, Tarak)

2009-01-09T07:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, was the first day of the 111th Congress. For the first time since the November elections, members of Congress returned to the Hill, and newly elected officials were sworn in with pomp and circumstance, with their families in tow. What a proud moment for them, especially the recently minted democrats who rode the wave of national discontent with the republican party. The halls of the Dirksen, Russell and Hart Buildings were freshly scrubbed, and bustling with food, people, and new furniture.

However, gathering a few blocks away were anti-war activists determined to rain on their parade by reminding these partygoers that there are wars happening, with lots of death and destruction, compliments of Congressional funding and complicity. The “March of the Dead”, created by the group “Activist Response Team” or ART, sent out a call for all those with a conscience to show up on January 6th in D.C. to wear a mask and carry the name of someone killed in illegal wars and occupations.

They gathered, approximately seventy people, in the inclement weather, blocks away, doning white masks and wearing all black signifying the souls of those who will be haunting the criminals who are sending bombs to kill Iraqis, Afghanis, Palestinians and members of the military who are the lethal arm of this government’s quest for empire. About 11:45 AM the solemn march started in a downpour, with media watching and documenting the procession of the dead. Winding their way around the streets of D.C., the 70 represented over a million humans wantonly killed by mega-ton bombs and drone missiles; by soldiers’ bullets, car bombs and IED explosions. The souls of the dead reminding those who are living of the horrors of aggression.

The march stopped at the Supreme Court Building, where the guards expected the protesters to conduct civil disobedience. But moments later, the group moved away kept their ambling pace, hands open with black gloves and staring gazes. Their mission was to bring the dead to Congress.

Unexpectedly, at about 2:00 PM, the marchers entered the Senate Hart Building, and slowly moved into the middle of the open atrium where eight stories up are offices with large windows facing inside. The stark vision of death disrupted the staff inside the building, including some of those Senators who were reveling in their glory. The names of those killed in the wars began to be read and the press followed them.

In the center of this open area, about forty protesters kept reading and calling out to those in the building to end the war, end the illegal occupation, and stop the funding to Israel. The passionate pleas were noticed, and most came out of their offices to gaze down upon the spectacle, while munching their chips or drinking soda, something those dead would never do again.

Simultaneously with the reading of the names five huge banners were dramatically unfurled over the sides of the railings facing into the atrium. The largest, about four stories high, black with white lettering, read “THE AUDACITY OF WAR CRIMES.” It was dropped from the fifth floor and tied to the railing. For local news coverage see:
http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=80156&catid=158

Across the way “IRAQ” “AFGANISTAN” and “PALESTINE” banners were also dropped and tied to the railings. The Capitol Police, who were present when the march came into the building, quickly responded to remove the words that were so hurtful to those who were guilty of committing these war crimes. Within seconds, the banners were pulled up, but it gave press and other independent media a chance to photograph it all. An everlasting message to the murderers who keep spending taxpayer dollars to kill innocent people.

At that point seven people were arrested for unfurling the words of truth, but those on the ground floor of the Hart Building remained reading the names of the dead. The police were gathering in force, and just as a secure perimeter was formed around the masked readers, another banner announcing “WE WILL NOT BE SILENT” was dropped. Quickly, three people were carted off by the police, and the banner was cut down. But those onlookers on the ground floor applauded and yelled with excitement.

The reading continued for another 30 minutes. A warning was issued for them to stop their “unlawful activities”, or be arrested. The police announced that the protesters were “disrupting the building,” when in reality, it was war, death and destruction that was the disruption.

So on the first day of the 111th Congress, within the hour they were being sworn in, the dead were marching to remind them what they had done, what they are doing, and that it should end immediately. When it was over, seventeen courageous protesters were arrested. Those that participated in the banner action were charged with “unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct” and must return for a court appearance because it is a grave offense to speak the truth. Those who read the names were charged with “unlawful conduct” and were able to pay and leave. But the dead will not be forgotten.

By 3:15 PM the building was empty of those who called attention to the atrocities sanctioned by those who occupied the offices. But the souls of the dead will remain there, filling up the halls, hovering over their desks, following them home, forever to be haunting those who are and who will remain responsible and complicit for causing this holocaust.

O Little Town of Bethlehem: Beyond the Wall

2008-12-21T13:56:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. Woodstock Public Library 5 Library Ln. Woodstock, NY 12498

Talk and media presentation by Jane Toby, a "Jewish American woman concerned about our lack of knowledge of the Palestinian people in Israel and in the Occupied Territories."

About 25 people came out despite the snow to hear about Jane's trip to Palestine. A lively discussion followed the pictures and video clips.

Rotron acticle in Woodstock Times

2008-12-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

Bombs, banks, and buildings
Ethical issues at forefront of Woodstock board meeting

by George Pattison
Woodstock's image as an emblem of peace and idealism surfaced in sharp relief at the December 9 meeting of the Town Board, as a citizens group deplored the local manufacture of military weapons components, board members weighed the morality of the town's ties with a local bank, and a fair, consistent policy on the use of public buildings remained elusive.

In a presentation to the board, five residents - Dee Dee Halleck, Tarak Kauff, Laurie Kirby, Joel Kovel, and Ellen Povill - expressed concern over the Woodstock company Ametek Rotron's production of devices for military applications that include, according to the group, a missile launch system that is sometimes used to deliver cluster bombs, attack helicopters, tanks, and armored personnel carriers.

A statement to the Town Board, signed by 14 members of the citizens group, Middle East Crisis Response, read, in part, "We are surprised and dismayed to learn that Woodstock's largest manufacturing facility - according to its own promotional materials - makes components for many weapons systems. Some of these systems are being used to commit major violations of international law. . .We believe that the people of Woodstock can and should work together with local businesspeople and the town government to create a local economy that is sustainable and ethical."

The group emphasized that its goal was to persuade Ametek Rotron to convert its operations to the manufacture of "peaceful and environmentally positive products" and that it did not wish to jeopardize employees' jobs. The company reportedly employs more than 375 people at its Hasbrouck Lane facility.

In a subsequent interview, Kauff reported that he, Halleck, and another member of the group, Dutchess County resident Fred Nagel, met on December 8 with Ametek Rotron officials Charles Lohwasser, who is vice president and general manager in the parent company, Ametek's aerospace and defense division, and Larry Bruck to discuss their concerns.

Kauff described the meeting as cordial. "Both Charlie and Larry were very gracious and made no attempt to rush us. They take a lot of justifiable pride in the company's technical skills," he said. Kauff added, however, that the officials, who favored the term "defense" over that of "military," defended the company's activities as legal and legitimate and declined to dwell on the "ultimate result of their work." The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue the dialogue, said Kauff, who is a 17-year Woodstock resident and a member of the antiwar organization Veterans for Peace. Lohwasser could not be reached for comment on December 10.

Woodstock ponders kinder, gentler manufacturing

2008-12-13T08:49:00.001-08:00

By WILLIAM J. KEMBLE
Correspondent Kingston Freeman

WOODSTOCK — The Town Board is considering acting locally while thinking globally. Specifically, members are discussing whether to try to prohibit the local manufacture of parts used for military equipment.

The concern arises from the fact that Ametek Rotron Inc. has a manufacturing operation on Hasbrouck Lane in Woodstock, and a letter submitted to the Town Board by 14 local residents notes the company makes parts for helicopters, rocket launchers, tanks and armored personnel carriers.

Rotron’s Web site confirms the company manufactures those parts, but it does not say which, if any, are made at its Woodstock plant. Company officials could not be reached for comment.

Councilwoman Liz Simonson, agreeing with the residents’ letter, suggested town officials ask the company for a list of items it manufactures in Woodstock.

“For a town that prides itself on trying to create a zoning law that protects the environment, I can sort of see that the environment has a global scale,” Simonson said. “We’re protecting our own little hub of livelihood here, but it doesn’t speak well of us to say we’ll protect our own resources from degradation but we’ll manufacturer things that we can ship to other parts of the world (that will) destroy other parts of the world.

“I like the idea of trying to start a dialogue,” Simonson added. “I don’t want to be the person who says, ‘No, we don’t want you here because you’re making this,’ but to make them understand that perhaps people of Woodstock don’t want to be shipping these things to the rest of the world so we can destroy their environment while we sit in a nice little tidy place and protect our own.”

The letter signed by the 14 town residents said: “We’d like to know exactly what weapons systems have components that are made in Woodstock. We believe that the people of Woodstock can and should work together with local business people and the town government to create a local economy that is sustainable and ethical.”

The letter said studies conducted by the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts show “conversion from military to peaceful production can be done without jeopardizing jobs.”

Woodstock ponders kinder, gentler manufacturing

2008-12-13T08:49:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 11, 2008 3:05 AM EST

By WILLIAM J. KEMBLE
Correspondent Kingston Freeman

WOODSTOCK — The Town Board is considering acting locally while thinking globally. Specifically, members are discussing whether to try to prohibit the local manufacture of parts used for military equipment.

The concern arises from the fact that Ametek Rotron Inc. has a manufacturing operation on Hasbrouck Lane in Woodstock, and a letter submitted to the Town Board by 14 local residents notes the company makes parts for helicopters, rocket launchers, tanks and armored personnel carriers.

Rotron’s Web site confirms the company manufactures those parts, but it does not say which, if any, are made at its Woodstock plant. Company officials could not be reached for comment.

Councilwoman Liz Simonson, agreeing with the residents’ letter, suggested town officials ask the company for a list of items it manufactures in Woodstock.

Muslim Student Association at SUNY New Paltz

2008-11-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

This film screening and discussion was very well attended by both students and members of MECR. There was a good question and answer session after the film as well. The Muslim Student Association has much support on campus and the event was cosponsored by several groups. There was also a number of African Americans in the audience who made comparisons between the Civil Rights movement in the US and the anti-aparthied struggle in Palestine.

Philip Weiss on Anna Baltzer's talk

2008-10-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

October 19, 2008

http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweiss/2008/10/ive-been-hearing-about-anna-baltzer-for-a-while-anna-in-the-middle-east-a-big-activist-in-kansas-city-andy-whitmore-told.html

Finally Meeting the It-Girl of Anti-Zionism: 'Anna in the Middle East'

I first heard about "Anna in the Middle East" in July from my friend Andrea Whitmore, a Christian activist in Kansas City. "You have to meet Anna, she's glorious and beautiful," Whitmore said. I looked up her website: Anna Baltzer is a 29-year-old Jew who has utterly thrown herself into The Issue. She's lived in Palestine, written a book bearing witness, and now travels the country giving talks on how Israel gobbles land and destroys Palestinian human rights. I missed a big event with Baltzer in September, then two weeks ago Whitmore wrote me again with a link to Baltzer's speaking schedule.

"Please go hear my dear Anna at one of the events below...Finally you'll have a chance to meet her. She's warm and kind and you'll find her entirely engaging."

If that wasn't enough, that tentacle of the Israel lobby, CAMERA, then published an attack on the new generation of Jewish non-Zionists--happily, these attacks are becoming a form of lobby-shtik--and called Baltzer "Chomsky Lite." Who wouldn't want to be Chomsky Lite? So Friday night I drove an hour and change to Kingston, N.Y., to see Baltzer at a Unitarian Universalist congregation.

I got there early and chatted with Bard professor Joel Kovel, a leader of the group hosting Baltzer, the Middle East Crisis Response. Like Whitmore's group in Kansas City, this is one of scores of groups around the country that are engaged on The Issue. Kovel wrote the book Overcoming Zionism, and I asked him when he got into the issue--this leftwing psychoanalyst who's authored ten books. He got a tortured look and said it took the Second Intifadah, that he finally said, I'm not going to restrain myself any more and defer to family and community on this issue. I nodded, having gone thru a very similar process, post 9-11. Then Kovel said what everyone says, that the climate is changing. We used to be completely marginalized. Now we're only partially marginalized. (And Obama's about to reframe everything, dude!)

A thin woman in black shot past us and Kovel grabbed her, introduced me. Anna Baltzer was bringing in her equipment, moving stuff around. In a room full of old lefties it was hard not to focus on her. It was a little like when you're visiting old friends and there's a new black cat, running over the curtains and the countertops and tables. The air changes, everyone's watching the cat. Baltzer has that lithe, kinetic air. And her presentation had a professional air to it. There's a table with kaffiyahs on it, her book and DVDs, a computerized set of slides.

I got out of the way and sat down to read, and then Baltzer sat down in order to "introduce myself properly."

I asked her how her talk had gone the night before, at her alma mater, Columbia U. She mentioned that an Israeli Jew she had known as an undergrad, when she was a different person, had come with his parents. He was upset by the talk and needed to express himself a lot, and Baltzer gave him the space. He was in a little shock. Her talk can serve that function. He's at that point in his journey, Baltzer said, where he can't really accept this stuff... She had passed that "hump" a long time ago. I thought to myself, I haven't really passed it yet; I'm still strung out about being pro-Palestinian--in part because I've only spent 10 days over there and don't like taking people's word for something. Well this girl has spent months and months over there. She's very clear.

Whitmore's description was accurate. Baltzer is great-looking. She has an angular face, a lovely smile, glossy shoulder-length hair. She's the girl that Jewish parents dream their son might bring home. And there's "a lot going on," as we say of people who have an active interior life: I got the impression that Baltzer is high-strung, intelligent, unwavering.

There were about 70 people in the room, mostly old lefties. Some churchgoers, not many. Kovel opened it up, telling told about Baltzer's amazing commitment to "this priceless cause," doing 100s of talks per year, around the country. Then he spoke about how Zionists control the media, Hollywood, the Congress, the government, but "they don't control what's most important, and that's the people and civil society--patient, passionate, and enduring efforts to speak out at the base of society." The grass roots.

I want to interject here that this is something I love about Joel Kovel. Journalists like me will run away from the word "control" because of the predictable bugaboos; and we're going to parse Zionist influence, in this very Talmudic fashion (consider my post on Jews in the media), but Kovel comes out and calls a spade a spade. Because we truly are living in an age of blunt orthodoxy and blacklists on this question; the history books will be emphatic.

The presentation that followed was staggeringly effective. Maybe it's because she's done so many, but Baltzer never really left the human scale of any of this. She avoided hot-button words. She skirted talk of violence or solutions or politics, she made the occupation real and human. She has a gift of speaking simply, and talking about people as people and making it feel like they're your neighbor. And then she would click on little maps to show the enormity. Like a map of all the checkpoints. Or a map showing the Jewish colonization from the beginning of the last century to today. Or she would say, "Almost all the water in historic Palestine" is controlled by Israel.

The audience followed her every word, in part because she spoke so transparently of who she is. In her book she says the only point of view she has is her own, a great line. A California girl, she didn't care about this stuff at all in college, then she went on the free birthright trip to Israel and bought the whole birthright program. She didn't start to wake up till she went on a Fulbright to Turkey and began backpacking through the Middle East and met Palestinians, in Lebanon and Syria, and for the first time she heard the other narrative and it upset her. "It seemed unbelievable to me, when I discovered these things." She had to look into it. Well before long she threw herself into it. In this great clear way, she understood the issue was hers, and she signed up with a feminist group to go to the West Bank.

She showed us where she had lived in the West Bank, eight miles from Nablus, then asked us how long it takes us to drive the 8 miles to Woodstock. Fifteen minutes, people said. Well it takes an hour and a half to get to Nablus, and sometimes it takes four hours or even six. This means that no one can really have a job in Palestine, and no one can get an education. She showed us pictures of Palestinian women in cars stopped at checkpoints. Or stopped by a soldier. They get an education, but it's only by overcoming these extreme obstacles, getting up at 4:30 in the morning, etc.

I always find this stuff heartbreaking. I don't need more information, but it's like a passion play, and I do get more. Or like the gospels, trying over and over to find the simple story that will best communicate the matter. The emotional climax of Baltzer's talk was when she showed us photographs taken by Palestinian children who have been taken on visits into Israel to see the sea and their ancestral villages. It's an undertaking called Birthright Replugged, to take Palestinian kids who are under 15, before they're issued a card that serves to control their movements, to bring them into Israel. The villages are unrecognizable, covered in trees that Baltzer and Kovel and I all paid for when we were younger, in little cans, collecting coins, from Jews, for Jews, and inevitably these kids call their grandparents on their cell phones and the grandparents direct them how to find their old house, or the pomegranate orchard, or that kind of thing. The grandparents aren't 50 miles away.

"I can farm their land," Baltzer said. "I can live in their house, on their land. They can't even visit. Because they're not Jewish."

One of those moments when you just want to go outside and puke.

She riffed about what it's like for these kids who have only seen the sea from their rooftops to actually go down to the sea and feel it, smell it, bathe in it. "How thrilling it is to go to the sea for the first time." We all know that feeling, she said. They run into it in their clothes. "Then they go back to their camps..."

The politics of the talk were anti-Zionist. Baltzer began in a very didactic but helpful fashion by laying out the categories of Jewish, Israeli, and Zionist, and explaining how they do and don't overlap. And as for 1948, she presented simply as a motion of colonialist ethnic cleansing to obtain a majority Jewish state--"not an organic majority, an artificial majority." She did not honor the idea of Palestine as a refuge, and even the first Arab war she treated as a predictable response to the expulsion in early '48 of 250,000 Arabs into neighboring lands. She noted that when she came out of Grand Central Terminal the other day for the first time in years, what did she see-- 43d Street renamed David Ben-Gurion Place, after the architect of ethnic cleansing.

I'm trying to convey that she was very straightforward and untortured, but sophisticated, in black pants and a fine gray jacket, skinny, a little breathless, crossing the stage with a cordless mike.

There was one slide she presented that I need to get on this blog, it was so striking. It was the cover of Newsweek International that a friend picked up on a plane in 2004, she said, and there was a sell-line across the top, PLIGHT OF THE PALESTINIANS. Baltzer had the identical cover of Newsweek from the U.S., with the same cover story, "The Race to Unearth the Bible," but that line was replaced by another line. And the story wasn't in the magazine. "This is a pattern," Baltzer said, and I wanted to shout Amen. I loved this slide because it shows what any journalist who cares about The Issue has had to deal with. Acceptable speech elsewhere in the world puts you "in the tank" here--the latest term of art for a biased headcase.

Baltzer kept her focus on real-world detail, and kept the ideology at a minimum. She didn't get into the on-the-one-hand-on-the-other-hand stuff, no two state solution and Barak offered X at Camp David type of argument. It was all human and personal, a girl in her 20s, using everything she's got on behalf of, as Kovel put it, the Voiceless. "Is this a symbol of inclusiveness?" she said, with a slide of the Israeli flag. "What does it really mean?" How would we feel about separate roads? putting up photographs that juxtaposed the two systesm. The presentation ended with Baltzer playing an Arabic folk tune sung by two girls she knows as she showed images of non-violent protesters. A lot of slides or Arab life and humanity. It ended with a guy carrying a placard saying "Palestinians and Jews Refuse to Be Enemies."

Then there was Q-and-A. A guy named Jim Mathes, from Rhinebeck, saaid, Jews have been on the left forever, at the vanguard-- well they are the people who have to deal with this. "They're asleep on their feet or dead in the head on this issue." That's where the work has to happen, in order for American policy to change. Baltzer rejected this. She said it's all Americans' issue and not just Jews. I think Mathes is right. Jews care, and Jews are powerful. Few other Americans care. When Harvard faculty and students began a South-Africa-style movement to divest, it was crushed by Lawrence Summers, the Jewish president of the school, when he said it was antisemitic. We have to change that idea of caring. Baltzer and Kovel and I are all engaged in that work.

Hundreds of talks; but Baltzer said she has been invited to only one synagogue. In Albuquerque. The west, of course. Not out here. Usually she's the guest of Arab students or feminists, Women of a Certain Age. The SDS hosted her at Columbia. No synagogues. This will all be taught in history books some day. How a young Jewish woman of complete and pure commitment, of star quality, from the finest institutions, would devote herself to human rights and be shunned by her own, minority, community, which has licensed pogroms against a minority in a land far away.That really happened, once upon a time in America.

After the Q-and-A, Baltzer said, "I will answer as many questions as you have and I'll hang around as long as you want." I went off to the hummus table. The presentation here was beautiful. There were dried figs, and oven-toasted pita bread pieces, and an orange and red petal-like formation in the middle of the big bowl of hummus. And dishes of Palestinian olive oil. Very pro-Palestinian. Very Woodstock. No Zionists to be seen, in miles.

Then I looked around for Baltzer and didn't see her. Finally I saw her in a chair, in a corner, with a line of people going up to her. She was meeting one person after another, talking to them intensely. This older guy, goodlooking, whitebearded, late 70s, was talking to her and he walked away with a beatific look on his face. I introduced myself. His name is Amos Sunshine, from New Paltz.

Sunshine left Vienna, Austria, as a child on January 11, 1939, two months after Kristallnacht. His brother went to Palestine. Much of his family was blown and burned to the heavens. He told me that he's never opened the curtain really on the Israel Palestine business. He noticed once on a visit, in 1952, that someone was living in an Arab's house in Jaffa, near his brother, and that didn't seem fair. "Why wasn't that person paid? Or allowed to return to their house?" There were no reparations. (There still aren't, 60 years after those atrocities, in that place where the Arabs were forced into the sea.)

Sunshine says he knows a lot of Jews who close their minds when people talk about the Palestinians. "They have a sense of identification with Israel. Some of their relatives, when they left the concentration camps, it was the only place they could go. There's a sense of redemption about it, also a little bit of religion to it." He knows faculty at SUNY New Paltz, "set in their minds, it's impossible to break down the emotional attachment. And I was guilty of that as well." Well tonight that guilt was shaken.

Watching the presentation by someone he could "respect," Sunshine was "struck by the unfairness and the blind spot of the people who have such a strong attachment to Israel.

"How can I walk out of here tonight and not know, that this is wrong. And it's goddamn wrong."

I wondered what Anna in the Middle East had been able to do that so many other arguments and protests had not. Well it was that she made it so human and real, Sunshine said. He thought she was on the verge of tears once; and Sunshine started to cry.

I think it goes without saying that there's a strong Jewish/tribal component in this type of communication: when you see the future reflected in the face of a young woman from your tribe. But so be it. And I would add that if the upheaval-narrative of my parents' Jewish generation, and mine, was bringing home a gentile, a source of endless jokes and misery--that story is over. When my uncles did it, they were among 13 percent of American Jewry, I am among 62 percent and counting. And today the upheaval narrative is: bringing home a Palestinian.

I bought a bottle of Palestinian olive oil and Baltzer's book and said goodnight. Then I couldn't help myself but grabbed her arm. She'd taken off her jacket, it was skinny and white. Honey, I hate to sound the Jewish mother, but you have to eat something. I know, she said, there's going to be nothing left of me.

I close this report with a solemn appeal. The hummus was prepared by someone named Pia. I didn't get to meet her. The hummus was spectacular. I want the recipe. I will put it on this site. Help me!

Anna Baltzer - Woodstock Times letter

2008-10-18T06:49:00.001-07:00

WITNESS
I'm so pleased that Anna Baltzer will be coming to the Mid-Hudson community next week on her northeastern tour. Anna is a 29 year-old Jewish American woman, a Columbia graduate and Fulbright scholar who has lived and worked for peace in Israel/Palestine and has also dedicated herself to writing a book that describes her experiences: Witness in Palestine: Journal of A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories. In her time here, Anna will be sharing her observations on nonviolence and the hope for peace in the Middle East. Anna has a great gift: she speaks in the most open, non-violent way and really enables listening. I hope that many of you will be able to talk with her while she is here. Anna will be giving a presentation on Friday, October 17, 7:30 p.m. at the UUCC (Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills), Sawkill Road, Kingston. Since this is the first night of Sabbath, Anna would also very much appreciate being invited to Jewish congregations in our community to share with them at other times. If individuals, families, groups, schools, congregations, synagogues, mosques, churches are interested in hosting Anna or just learning more about her, please e-mail me: Jane.toby7@gmail.com.
Jane Toby
Catskill

2008-07-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

"What Do I Know About War"
Featuring Margo Lee Sherman

Sunday, July 20 at 7:00 pm
Kleinert/James Art Center, 34 Tinker St.
Woodstock, NY 12498

"What Do I Know About War?" is an internationally acclaimed one-woman show by theater artist, Margo Lee Sherman, which tells actual stories about our men and women stationed in Iraq. This unflinching look at the human cost of war was described by "The New York Times" as: "Brilliant…surreal…the experience is like eavesdropping on a small sorrowful town."

Cost: $10
Performance co-sponsored by:
Arts for Peace
International Women's Peace Service
Kingston Women In Black
Middle East Crisis Response
New Paltz Women in Black
Peace Action Network
Woodstock Veterans for Peace
Woodstock Women in Black

Freeman letter to the editor on lawsuit

2008-07-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

Police saved them

Dear Editor:

Those anti-Israel demonstrators are lucky the Kingston Police Department moved them so nicely to another location. They were rude, loud and boisterous during a lovely celebration of Israel's freedom.

Remember, Israel is American's only true friend and democracy in that God forsaken region of the earth. We celebrated its independence while these detractors only wanted to disrupt our legal celebration. The mayor, assemblyman, congressman, rabbis and many other fine folks came and spoke in favor of a free and independent Israel. Bravo to them.

The demonstrators are also lucky that the police moved them because I and a few others would not have been so nice as KPD was to them.

Boos to those idiots who spout the lies of terrorists and murderers just because they were unloved by their parents, or whatever drives them. They will lose in the court of law because they are wrong. They are wrong in their views and wrong in their charges against Kingston. Never again!

BUTCH DENER, New Paltz
bubbaband@aol.com

Editorial Kingston Freeman (on lawsuit)

2008-07-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

First and foremost 07/09/2008

We who cherish the First Amendment know it can be tricky thing. Advertisement

Some people, for instance, don't fully understand it. They cite free speech and First Amendment rights when the circumstances don't apply.

Others believe the First Amendment applies only to them, particularly if they'd rather not be exposed to a contrary point of view.

Which brings us a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Albany by a group called Middle East Crisis Response. Its members say their First Amendment rights were violated when Kingston police escorted them away from a recent Downtown celebration of Israel's 60th anniversary.

We suppose it's germane here to point out that we support Israel as an ally and beacon of democracy in the Middle East.

That duly noted, those who believe otherwise are entitled to say so in a public place without fear of government interference.

"The bedrock principle of American constitutional law is that public parks and sidewalks are free-speech zones," said attorney Stephen Bergstein, who is representing the protesters. "The government can not pick and choose which advocacy groups may use the areas and which cannot."

"I believe the police officers (acted as they did) for public safety purposes," said Mayor James Sottile. "But they (the protesters) were certainly heard (from the nearby parking lot to which they were moved). Their message was heard loud and clear."

Again, we said the First Amendment can be tricky.

Protesters claim they were denied their rights because they were told to move. The city claims their rights weren't denied just because they were moved.

"There was ample room for the (protesters) to peacefully assemble at Gallo Park, and the city had no right to expel them," said Bergstein.

However, had they stayed, police would say, might hotter heads have prevailed?

We say the city was appropriately attentive to the possibility of conflict, but didn't need to step in unless it actually occurred.

Israel/Palestine: Up close and personal

2008-07-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

A talk by Paul Rehm, member of Christian Peacekeepers

Tuesday, July 8 at 7:00 pm
Saugerties Senior Center
207 Market Street
Saugerties, NY 12477

"They come in the middle of the night, some with blackened faces, all with automatic weapons....Who are they, these men and women who steal food and clothing meant for students, orphans and needy families in Hebron, who raid and destroy bakeries that make the bread for the orphans' breakfast? They're Israeli soldiers..."

Recently returned from his third period of service with Christian Peacemaker Teams, Paul Rehm will share some of the experiences that shaped his days and nights in the West Bank.

Sponsored by the Middle East Crisis Response
http://www.mideastcrisis.org
Cost: free
-----------
Over 40 people attended this event, with many new faces.

Demonstrators sue Kingston over park expulsion

2008-07-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

By Paul Kirby, Freeman staff
07/02/2008
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KINGSTON - A group has filed a lawsuit against the city of Kingston, saying its right to protest in a city park was violated when police kicked demonstrators out during a local celebration of Israel's 60th anniversary.

Attorney Stephen Bergstein, representing the group Middle East Crisis Response, said on Tuesday that the suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Albany, alleges the group was denied its First Amendment rights to assembly and free speech when members of the Kingston Police Department on May 4 ordered the demonstrators out of T.R. Gallo Park, where the celebration was being held.

The group, comprising about eight people, was protesting policies of Israel and the United States.

"The bedrock principle of American constitutional law is that public parks and sidewalks are free-speech zones," Bergstein said in a prepared statement. "The government can not pick and choose which advocacy groups may use the areas and which cannot."

City Police Chief Gerald Keller said it is the policy of the department not to comment on pending lawsuits. He referred questions about the legal action to the city attorney's office.

Mayor James Sottile said he supported the police department's decision to separate the Middle East Crisis Response protesters from people participating in the Israel celebration. Sottile said the action was taken in the interest of public safety.

"I believe the police officers (acted as they did) for public safety purposes," Sottile said. "But they (the protesters) were certainly heard. Their message was heard loud and clear."

The protesters were allowed to continue their demonstration in a parking area near the Rondout Creek waterfront, not far from the Israel festival, after being ordered out of the park.

Bergstein said the parking area was "ill-suited" to engage "the public in meaningful dialogue about this important matter of public concern."

The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages, Bergstein said. But he said the group is more interested in having Kingston change its first-come, first-served policy regarding the use of city parks.

"There was ample room for the (protesters) to peacefully assemble at Gallo Park, and the city had no right to expel them," the attorney said.

©Daily Freeman 2008

LifeMaker's Center in Gaza

2008-06-11T10:55:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Some time ago we sent a contribution from MECR to Fida Qishta for her
LifeMaker's Center in Gaza. Here's a report on Al-Jazeera English
about her plan to build a playground in Rafah.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiTGv6Vsc_M

Gail

Liberty commemoration put in Poughkeepsie Journal

2008-06-10T09:56:00.001-07:00

Nakba event in Woodstock

2008-05-22T05:44:00.000-07:00

We got great publicity May 4

2008-05-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

Click on the pictures to make them bigger:

From the Kingston Freeman:

Israeli Day Celebration in Kingston

2008-05-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

Members of the Middle East Crisis Response are shown holding signs condemning Israel's siege of Gaza. They are on a public sidewalk near an Israeli Day Celebration at Waterfront Park in Kingston, NY. Soon, the Kingston Police forced the group to move to a "designated" protest area behind a nearby building. Several in the group asserted their right to stand on a pubic sidewalk in front of the park with their signs. Threatened with arrest, the group finally moved. The police also stated that anyone from the group handing out flyers in an area not designated for protest would also be arrested.

Maurice Hinchey, a speaker at the celebration was asked about this violation of First Amendment rights, but he deferred to the local authorities.

The newly named street signs are an indication of the political power of the pro Israeli lobby, even in a small city like Kingston, NY.

14 members of the Middle East Crisis Response attended the demonstration.

For a great video by DeeDee, click here.

Talk by author Ghada Karmi

2008-04-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 23
7:00 pm
Woodstock Community Center
56 Rock City Road, Woodstock

Ghada Karmi is Research Fellow at the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies. Her most recent book, "Married to Another Man: Israel's Dilemma in Palestine," was published by Pluto Press in 2007.

About 35 people gathered to listen and ask questions on Wednesday night. Her stories and analysis of the Palestinian plight were both moving and thought provoking.

Discussion Addresses Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

2008-03-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

The New Paltz Oracle Volume 15 Issue 79 Thursday, March 6, 2008

By Andrew Lipkowitz, News Editor

Almost 70 local activists and residents packed into New Paltz Village Hall Sunday night for a discussion about the Israel-Palestine conflict, which organizers said was created to present a view of the situation not typically seen in the U.S. media.

The discussion, which was titled, “Speaking Out against the Occupation of Palestine,” presented the Palestinian perspective on the conflict and was critical of the Israeli government, as well as American support for Israel. A short film titled “Jerusalem in Exile,” and two speakers, Joel Kovel and Jane Toby, explored the subject of Palestinian oppression in the Gaza strip and the West bank.

“The purpose in organizing this meeting was to look at the perspective of the Palestinians, to balance out what has been a totally one sided area,” said Jack Smith, editor of the Hudson Valley Activist Newsletter, and an organizer of the event.

The main speaker at the event was Joel Kovel, a professor at Bard College and author of the book “Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine.” Kovel’s speech criticized Israel for violating the human rights of the Palestinians by cutting off water, reducing electricity and limiting their movement throughout the country.

“There is no moment when they are not engaged in trying to eliminate the remaining Palestinians by taking away the things that make them human,” Kovel said.

Matthew Averbach, a senior graphic design major, said that Israel usually cuts off water or reduces electricity in response to attacks from Palestinian militants. He also said that checkpoints in Israel are for safety precautions.

“If you go into a mall in Israel, it doesn’t matter who you are, you will be stopped,” Averbach said.

Averbach founded the group Hawks for Israel on campus last year, which seeks to educate students about Israel.

Kovel’s presentation took a strong stance against Zionism, which is the doctrine that supports the creation of a nation-state for the Jewish people.

“I thought a lot of it was valid, but I can understand why you might walk out of one of his presentations, especially if you are Jewish,” said senior communication and media major Ian Taylor, who attended the event.

The conflict in the Middle East took renewed importance this week, as violence between Israel and Palestine in the Gaza strip and West bank left approximately 116 Palestinians and three Israelis dead. The violence started Feb. 27 when Hamas militants launched rockets from the Gaza strip, killing an Israeli civilian. Israeli air strikes before the attack killed several Hamas members. Palestinian officials claim many of the dead are civilians.

“I think we are verging on genocide in Gaza and the West bank,” said Fred Nagel, an organizer of the event and member of the Middle East Crisis Response Group, which supplied the speakers for the event.

The Middle East Crisis Response Group is based in Woodstock, N.Y. and formed after the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, to oppose “the Israeli occupation of Palestine,” their Web site says.

“Before people jump to conclusions and begin hating one side,” Averbach said, they need to realize, “the future of Palestinian and Israeli children are at stake.”

Nakba Vigil in Rhinebeck

2008-02-25T10:19:00.001-08:00

We had a good turnout (15 people) for the Nakba Vigil in Rhinebeck on Saturday, February 23. This was the first time we tried a Nakba vigil outside of Woodstock, and we are hoping to organize vigils in other surrounding towns. Contact us if you would like to organize one.

In 1947 and 1948, more than 700,000 Palestinians became refugees in a widespread campaign of ethnic cleansing. Today, they and their descendants number over four million. Their right to return to their homes has been affirmed by international law.

Can peace come without justice for the Palestinians?

Planet Waves covers Nakba Vigil

2008-02-16T06:41:00.000-08:00

Harriet Malinowitz of Kingston, NY and Fred Nagel of Rhinebeck, NY, on Woodstock's Village Green on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 2. They and others, members of the mid-Hudson Valley activist group Middle East Crisis Response (MECR), were conducting a vigil commemorating the Nakba. The Nakba ("catastrophe" in Arabic) is what Palestinians call the ethnic cleansing of their population circa 1948 via a series of massacres, murders, rapes, looting, burnings, and expulsions by Zionist militias (Haganah and Irgun). Israel calls it the "War of Independence." Over 700,000 refugees were created by the Nakba; today, they and their descendants number four million. They still seek the right of return to their homeland granted to them by U.N. Resolution 194, but this right is refused by Israel. Photo by Eric Francis. Prior cover: Anya from the Book of Blue.
---------------------
I've finally tracked down the cover of Planet Waves from February 5, which featured a photo (with caption) of our most recent Nakba vigil on its cover. The link is http://planetwaves.net:80/previouscovers/20080205.html. The editor/publisher, Eric Francis, had stopped and read our signs on the sidewalk, talked to Fred and me a bit, then took the picture. It's a rather unusual publication to feature us (horoscopes and such--and this week's cover features the headline, "Cunnilinigus and Clover"--not only racy, but misspelled! well, whatever...), but it's nice for our message (very nicely captured by the camera) to reach a fresh audience, isn't it?! Plus, absolutely no shrinking from the true grit in the caption--much appreciated.
-Harriet

Our Saturday Vigil: Feb. 2

2008-02-09T19:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Jane for the pictures, as well as to Harriet, Tarak, Diane and Elaine for the great posters.

End the Blockade of Gaza

2008-01-26T14:22:00.000-08:00

Twenty people came to the Woodstock Village Green to protest the blockade of Gaza. Handouts were given out explaining the US and Israeli involvement in this humanitarian crisis.

Nakba Vigil in Woodstock

2007-12-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

-Nakba Vigil
Well, we did manage to get together our initial Nakba (Nov. 29) demonstration at the Woodstock Village Green, which was good; but it was chaotic and understaffed and rainy, which was bad.

We did it again this Sunday, 2pm, same place, when there was heavier weekend traffic (foot as well as car).

The posters are now all made (as you can see). No more last-minute, desperate printing, cutting, pasting, and bagging. (Don't ask.) Like Israel, they exist, whatever you think of them.

We got at least ten people to stand there in a sequential row, each holding one poster. More would be nice next time to hand out flyers. (Elaine did a splendid job of this on Thursday--as she did of taking pictures.)

Joel Kovel on "Demcracy Now"

2007-10-30T06:33:00.000-07:00

Monday, October 29th, 2007
University of Michigan Press to Continue Publishing Joel Kovel's "Overcoming Zionism" After Initially Dropping Book Due to Rightwing Criticism

Last week the University of Michigan Press voted unanimously to continue distributing books from the London-based independent publishing house Pluto Press. The controversy began earlier this summer when the university press initially decided to stop distributing Joel Kovel's "Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine." [includes rush transcript] We turn now to an important victory in the battle for free speech here in the United States. Last week the University of Michigan Press voted unanimously to continue distributing books from the London-based independent publishing house Pluto Press. The controversy began earlier this summer when the university press decided to stop distributing a new book by author and activist Joel Kovel published by Pluto Press. It's called "Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine."

The press dropped Kovel's book in August after receiving a series of threatening emails from a rightwing pro-Israel group called Stand With Us. But faced with a growing campaign led by fellow academics and civil libertarians, the board overturned its earlier decision regarding distribution of Kovel's book. Last week's key decision to continue ties with Pluto Press came in the midst of a series of events organized around what rightwing groups called "Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week."

Joel Kovel is an antiwar activist and former Green Party candidate for Senate. He is the author of over ten books. "Overcoming Zionism" is his most recent book. He joins me now in the firehouse studio in New York.

* Joel Kovel, activist and author of over ten books. His latest book was temporarily dropped by University of Michigan after an initial controversy. It's called "Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine."

RUSH TRANSCRIPT

This transcript is available free of charge. However, donations help us provide closed captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing on our TV broadcast. Thank you for your generous contribution.
Donate - $25, $50, $100, more...

AMY GOODMAN: We turn now to an important victory in the battle for free speech here in the United States. Last week, the University of Michigan Press voted unanimously to continue distributing books from the London-based independent publishing house Pluto Press. The controversy began earlier this summer when the university press decided to stop distributing a new book by author Joel Kovel. It was published by Pluto Press. It's called Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine.

The press dropped Kovel's book in August after getting a series of threatening emails from a rightwing group called Stand With Us. But faced with a growing campaign led by fellow academics and civil libertarians, the board overturned its earlier decision. Last week's key decision to continue ties with Pluto Press came in the midst of a series of events organized around what rightwing groups called "Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week."

Joel Kovel is an antiwar activist. He was a Green Party candidate for Senate here in New York. He is the author of over ten books, this latest, Overcoming Zionism, is his most recent -- joining us in the firehouse studio in New York. Welcome to Democracy Now!

JOEL KOVEL: Hi

AMY GOODMAN: So your book will continue to be published.

JOEL KOVEL: Yeah. More to the point, Pluto will continue to be published, because that was a huge threat. It’s a marginal firm that nonetheless publishes a tremendous amount of alternative works. And it would have been devastating had that contract had been violated.

AMY GOODMAN: And it’s the University of Michigan Ann Arbor Press --

JOEL KOVEL: That’s right.

AMY GOODMAN: -- that distributes the British Pluto Press?

JOEL KOVEL: Right. Yes, through contract. And they panicked this summer when they dropped my book. I mean, they were pressured by this Zionist watchdog team, which is really part of the same apparatus that’s putting out “Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week” and many other things. And the director just wrote me this absurd letter saying that my book was not worthy of free speech, because it was hate speech. My book was so full of hate to the state of Israel. My book was really written to open the dialogue, which is so wretched in this country on this subject.

AMY GOODMAN: I thought it was interesting that one of the people who, well, what is called blurbing the book, who recommends the book is Michel Warshawsky.

JOEL KOVEL: Yes.

AMY GOODMAN: I remember him many years ago, visiting him in Israeli, who is a leading Israeli peace activist.

JOEL KOVEL: Yeah, a wonderful man. He doesn’t even necessarily agree with the conclusion, which is to have a single democratic state, but he recognizes the necessity of opening this discourse. And that’s why I wrote the book. I mean, I wanted to -- I disregarded all the taboos, that you're not supposed to talk about Israel in any depth in this country.

AMY GOODMAN: He says, Kovel is suggesting a binational Israeli-Palestinian state. It may be a challenged, but definitely should not be ignored.

JOEL KOVEL: Right. It should be challenged. What we don’t have is any kind of real debate on this subject in our country at this time. And I guess my book went too far for the watchdog, so they -- you know, they started barking and howling at the University of Michigan Press, which folded. And then that provoked a big reaction, and where we are now is that we’ve actually won quite a considerable victory in this, because as this story developed, we found that people all over the country and indeed many other parts of the world, particularly the United Kingdom, were backing us. And there were hundreds of letters sent to the University of Michigan Press. And I think it had a decisive effect. So it’s really historic, because basically these Zionist repression groups have had pretty much a free hand.

AMY GOODMAN: What do you mean by that?

JOEL KOVEL: Well, I mean there’s [inaudible] Michigan

AMY GOODMAN: I mean, there are many people who consider themselves Zionists that would not advocate the banning of your book --

JOEL KOVEL: Oh, that’s right

AMY GOODMAN: -- which it essentially comes down to.

JOEL KOVEL: Exactly, but the ones who do advocate the banning, you know, had a big effect. They got the University of Michigan Press to roll over for them.

AMY GOODMAN: Talk about how -- how did people organize to push back? Who were the leaders, among them Howard Zinn?

JOEL KOVEL: Well, we contacted Zinn and he was most gracious and generous in letting his celebrated, illustrious name be used to bring in people to write letters on behalf of Pluto. My book was restored, but the threat to Pluto continued, and so the organization emphasized, you know, we do need an alternative press in this country. Pluto does have perhaps the largest pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist, you know, collection of books. And it’s essential that people be given access to these books. So, Zinn and other well-known people, like Richard Falk, you know, have said yes, we’re on board with this. And we have a committee forming, Committee for Open Discussion of Zionism, codz.org. And we’re planning a conference and all. But the committee leapt into action, and we were amazed at just how eloquent and, you know, basically fed up a lot of people were with being intimidated by these kinds of tactics. They just want to suppress an open discussion of this subject.

AMY GOODMAN: Joel Kovel, as a Jewish activist and scholar, talk about this issue, this idea that you are proposing, creating a single democratic state in Israel/Palestine? Of course, it’s not only you; among others, it’s Ali Abunimah of Electronic Intifada, and others. But explain what it is. And also, how does it relate to your own religion, to Judaism?

JOEL KOVEL: Well, to take the second part first, I grew up in a very conventional Jewish home, except for the fact that there was a lot of division on this subject, so I think from an early age I learned to take a certain distance from it and to think critically about it. And I detail in the book certain incidents of my childhood, which sort of made me somewhat estranged from what was going on. But in any event, as I grew up, I felt that the Jewish people have been, you know, very largely deprived of a real opportunity to look at what’s going on in the state of Israel, you know, because there is such a frantic effort to establish Israel as a Jewish state, as somehow the destiny of the Jewish people, are using all of the history of the oppression and the persecution that Jews have suffered over the centuries.

And I feel that the notion of Zionism, as that there is this kind of destiny of the Jewish people to have their own state, is just the wrong idea. And it’s an idea that requires signing onto imperialism. It means signing onto ethnic cleansing. It means -- despite everything that has been said about it, it means basically becoming a racist situation, where you’re oppressing an indigenous population and depriving them of their right to existence and then thinking that somehow you can go ahead and have a decent life on that basis. Now, you can’t, in my view. And I join hands with those people who feel that the time has come to basically think of Israel in the same category as South Africa, as a state that just has gone wrong and needs replacement, OK? Now, that’s a way-out idea. On the other hand, a lot of people around the world think about it, and it should be openly discussed.

AMY GOODMAN: It’s interesting, Bishop Tutu, who was disinvited and then invited by the St. Thomas University --

JOEL KOVEL: Yes, in Minneapolis.

AMY GOODMAN: -- in Minneapolis, for making comparisons of Israel to Apartheid South Africa.

JOEL KOVEL: Yes. Well, the comparison was interesting, because Tutu and other leaders of the freedom struggle in South Africa who visited Palestine have always been asked, well, how does it compare? And he says, well, it’s not the same thing, Israel is actually worse. He actually said, Israel is a worse place than Apartheid South Africa was, because Apartheid South Africa attempted to retain the integrity of the blacks so they could work in the mines and the mills of the South African, you know, industrial system, whereas the key point about Israel is that it wants to get rid of them, transfer. It wants to get them out of there. And it wants this area to be for Jews only, you know?

AMY GOODMAN: Why not two states?

JOEL KOVEL: Well, first of all, it’s been destroyed as a practical alternative, because the nature of the occupation has completely eaten out from under any possibility of having a real Palestinian state. More fundamentally, it perpetuates the logic of the same kind of thinking that has gone on all along. I mean, I think a two-state solution, in any practical sense, that is to say that Palestinians would have a little statelet, would be basically rising Israel to the level of South Africa. South Africa had a two-state solution. There was the South African state, and there were the Bantustans. The kind of two-state solution that they’re talking about is that the state of Israel and then the bantustans, sometimes even dividing Gaza from the Occupied Territories.

AMY GOODMAN: What kind of support does a one-state solution have, either in the Occupied Territories or in Israel?

JOEL KOVEL: It has very small support. And I call it a strategic goal. This is to say, it’s not something that is on the horizon, but if you think in these terms, you are led to take a really constructive view towards the situation, because now you’re grounding your politics in universal human rights. You’re not grounding your politics in the aberration and the very wrong idea of a national, you know, ethnic state, which is a big mistake. And I think that that orients you in a good direction, and the overall outcome cannot help but be better, even if the result is another state for Palestinians. But you want to weaken this notion that there should be a Jewish state and that that somehow can be democratic. It can’t be.

AMY GOODMAN: We’re going to leave it there. When is the conference and where?

JOEL KOVEL: Well, the conference is being planned for early next year. We’re doing it in New York. We want a very high-profile conference. codz.org.

AMY GOODMAN: We’re going to have to leave it there. Joel Kovel, author of Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine. The book will continue to be distributed by the University of Michigan Press at Ann Arbor.

To purchase an audio or video copy of this entire program, click here for our new online ordering or call 1 (888) 999-3877.

U. of Michigan Press does the right thing

2007-10-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

The Middle East Crisis Response wrote letters along with many other national and international groups. The University finally decided not to drop Dr. Kovel's book or the Pluto Press. An important victory over the Zionist lobby.

Original letter from Howard Zinn...

As you may have heard, in late August of this year, The University of Michigan Press, after receiving a series of complaining and threatening emails and letters from an ultra-Zionist group called StandWithUs, an offshoot of Campus Watch, withdrew from distribution Prof. Joel Kovel's book Overcoming Zionism, published by Pluto Press in London, United Kingdom. Since then, following numerous protests by fellow academics and scholars, The U. of M. Press Executive Board has restored the book to its distribution listings. But, ominously, the Board has indicated its intention to reconsider its contract with Pluto Press in mid October...

Sincerely, Howard Zinn
For the Committee for an Open Discussion of Zionism
Complete letter: http://www.codz.org/zinn-letter.html

Woodstock Freedom Theatre

2007-10-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

Woodstock Freedom Theatre

Thank you on behalf of The Freedom Theatre. We all had a marvelous time.

Received: $449 Cash $300 checks to Grassroots for the Jenin FT

Thanks for hosting, thanks to all the hard work on publicity, thanks for those who provided the food and wine.

Warm regards,
Friends of the Jenin Freedom Theatre

====================

To: woodstockfreedomtheatre@googlegroups.com
Subject: WoodstockFreedomTheatre
Re: update

dear people,

it was our pleasure to host the event for freedom theater. the documentary was astounding and the the presence of juliano inspiring.

many of the people who attended are still talking about it, questioning aspects of the occupation, calling us, feeling disturbed... all the right things.

and we feel that much better for seeing this ray of hope brightening up our world and participating in some meaningful way.

peace and love in mind, heart and hand,

gillian and larry

-------------------

Thank you Dinky. It is really us who should thank the FJFT and Juliano and the children and the brave souls, the young actors grown up into freedom fighters, some with tragic consequences, but all of them heroic. I also learned something valuable from Juliano - for me a much needed lesson. Juliano and Yonatan Shapira both have a deeply patient and compassionate presentation, yet at the same time firm way of dealing with, as Juliano said to me, "paranoid Jews". He understands the deep trauma that warps much of their thinking. There is, I saw in him, a compassion for that suffering of the past and a taking it into account without making the mistakes that is made by the political Zionists. For me, knowing much of the history, being a Jew, but not having lived it, my response to American Jewish fear and ignorance is often expressed in a kind of anger. The injustice and oppression used against the Palestinians outrages me. But Juliano's patience and strength impressed me - made me think that I must learn to listen more and be more patient - with everyone, including Zionists and silly middle of the road liberals here in America.

Tarak

Film showing Sept. 25

2007-10-07T05:37:00.000-07:00

WAR MADE EASY:
How Presidents & Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death
Narrated by Sean Penn, this movie reaches into the Orwellian memory hole to expose a 50-year pattern of government deception and media spin that has dragged the United States into one war after another from Vietnam to Iraq.
"CHILLING AND PERSUASIVE" -The Nation
"SUPERB" -Howard Zinn
"FASCINATING YET FRIGHTENING"-Common Dreams
In Person: Jeff Cohen, writer, lecturer and media critic who founded the media watch group FAIR.

Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 7pm
Rosendale Theatre, Main Street, Rosendale
All seats $5.00 (845) 658-8989

Joel Kovel at the Golden Notebook

2007-08-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

Joel Kovel spoke about his new book, "Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine," at the Golden Notebook in Woodstock on Sunday, August 5, 2007. "Overcoming Zionism" can be purchased at Amazon or Pluto Press.

Two Great Documentary Films

2007-07-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

Two Great Documentary Films

"A Palestinian Woman" - A Palestinian Woman: Terry Bulatta, mother, teacher and community activist, shows how the 27-foot wall surrounds her neighborhood in East Jerusalem, dividing it from the adjacent community of Abu Dis, severing the historical bonds of the two communities. (24 minutes)

"African Palestinian" - In the Moslem quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City very near one of the great doors to the Dome of the Rock compound is the African Palestinian. (24 minutes)

Tuesday, July 24 starting at 7 pm
Blackbird Theater
(across the street from the Rosendale Theatre in Rosendale)

A talk by filmmaker Andrew Courtney followed the films (Red Hill Films). Tickets were $5.00.

Kovel Talk and Book Signing

2007-07-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

Dr. Joel Kovel, professor at Bard College and author of the recently published "Overcoming Zionism: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine,” gave a talk this Thursday at the Inquiring Mind Bookstore in Saugerties, New York.

Speaking to a full crowd, Dr. Kovel reviewed the history of Israel, the psychology of the early Zionists and how the current apartheid state is ultimately a threat to both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Deploring the confusion of Jews, Judaism, Zionism and the State of Israel, Dr. Kovel called for a one-state solution as an end to government supported racism.

The United States has used Israel to control the oil-rich Middle East, sending American tax dollars to pay for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from their land. Dr. Kovel urged a reassessment of Israel by all Americans who value human rights and democracy in the region.

The talk and the book signing that followed were sponsored by the Middle East Crisis Response .

First picture by David Bruner.

Trip to DC, June 10-11, 2007

2007-06-17T08:23:00.000-07:00

A group of MECR members made the trip to DC for the Sunday rally and the lobbying on Monday. The trip was judged to be a great success, and the lobbying very interesting. Here is a press release about the event from UFPJ, as well as pictures of the event (thanks, David).

June 10-11 Mobilization a Huge Success

(Washington DC, June 11, 2007) The largest ever national demonstration against the Israeli occupation took place yesterday in Washington DC. More than 5,000 demonstrators from all over the country declared that “40 years of Israel’s occupation are enough.”

Today, hundreds of activists are meeting with their Congressional Representatives and Senators to call for a change in US foreign policy in the Middle East.

“An overwhelming number of Americans believe in peace, justice and human rights. We’re calling on our government to do the right thing and end its support for the Israeli occupation,” said Huwaida Arraf of the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation.

“This day has global importance,” stated Phyllis Bennis, also of the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation. “While we say no to US support for Israeli occupation, our counterparts from all around the world are saying the same message to their own governments. From South Africa to Brazil, from Australia to Canada, from Britain to Malaysia, Ramallah to Tel-Aviv.”

A broad diversity of speakers and participants came from almost every state, faith, and ethnic group.

“Our vision is one of a comprehensive just and lasting peace for everyone: Palestinians, Israelis, Christians, Muslims, and Jews, and all people,” said Judith LeBlanc of United for Peace and Justice.

The event marks the 40th Anniversary of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. The occupation has created a desperate situation of collective punishment and suffering for almost 4 million Palestinians. Land seizures, curfews, checkpoints, and extra-judicial executions are part of everyday life and have been documented by human right organizations.

The rally took place in front of the Capitol and continued with a march to the White House – the two centers of US foreign policy. This demonstration was sponsored by the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation and United for Peace and Justice, two major national coalitions. More than 300 organizations nationwide participated.

Remembrance of Nakba

2007-05-18T18:51:00.001-07:00

Friday, May 18th on the Woodstock Village Green. Remembrance of Nakba: The Catastrophe that Continues for the Palestinian People.

In human terms, 1948 saw the mass deportation of a million Palestinians from their homes, massacres of civilians, and the razing to the ground of hundreds of Palestinian villages. The apartheid system that followed has destroyed any hope of peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. We grieve for these tragedies, while working for the day when Israelis and Palestinians can once again share the land of their ancestors.

Sponsored by the Middle East Crisis Response http://www.mideastcrisis.org

Impeachment Rally

2007-05-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

On Monday, May 14, an important impeachment rally was held beginning at 12:00 at the West Steps of the Capital building in Albany. The rally entitled "A Trust Betrayed: Impeach Cheney/Bush" included speakers and musical performers who made the case for immediate action to save our democratic form of government.

Speakers at the rally included: Elliot Adams - National President of Veterans for Peace, Yonatan Shapira - former Israeli Air Force Blackhawk pilot, now a Combatant for Peace, Dr. Stephen Larsen - Director Stone Mountain Counseling, Professor Emeritus Suny, Ulster and biographer of Joseph Campbell, Nathen Alft - Lafond - student activist on the situation in New Orleans and Government complicity, Dr. Andor Skotnes - Professor of History at Sage Colleges and former Co-chair of Historians Against War, Jay Wenk - World War II veteran and peace activist hero, co-founder Veterans for Peace, Joan Walker - co founder, NO DU Coalition of the Hudson Valley, Sarvananda Bluestone - founder of Wisconsin Committee against Vietnam War, Dr. Michael Rice – founder of Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace.

The last picture is of our large group chanting the names of the war dead in Iraq. Hillary Clinton's Office was closed, but we were allowed to chant the names in the lobby. I will see if I can include a short mp3 file so that people can listen to a couple of minutes of this dramatic event.

Yonatan Shapira Speaks in Kingston

2007-05-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

“What I am asking for is a new Jewish lobby in America, one that acts in the love of Israel.”

So spoke Yonatan Shapira at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills in Kingston on Sunday, April 29. Mr. Shapira, a former Black Hawk Helicopter pilot in the Israeli Defense Force, talked about his growing sense of unease about the Israeli occupation of Palestine. In the end, Mr. Shapira refused to serve in the West Bank and Gaza, and instead helped organize a group of like-minded veterans in Israel, Combatants for Peace combatantsforpeace.org.

Mr. Shapira described in detail the role of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in controlling the US Congress and stifling debate about the suffering of the Palestinians. “There is a joke in Israel,” Mr. Shapira said. “We were offered a chance to become the 51st state, but turned it down. That would give us only two US Senators.”

Describing himself as a lover of Israel, Mr. Shapira is traveling around the United States, trying to free the American people from the influences of the Israeli lobby, an impediment to genuine peace for the Israeli people. "As a Jew, as a lover of Israel, you must stand up and criticize the government of Israel. No one can call you an anti-Semite. It is your job to be a non-insane Jew."

Yonatan Shapira’s talk was sponsored by the Middle East Crisis Response http://www.mideastcrisis.org.

Permission granted to use text and photographs in any news article.

Kathy Kelly speaks in Woodstock

2007-03-29T20:45:00.001-07:00

Kathy Kelly spoke to a large group of people this Thursday, March 29 at the Woodstock Community Center. The title of her talk was "Eyewitness to War, Witness to Peace: Reflections on the US war in Iraq and the ongoing Middle East conflict." Having visited Iraq 24 times in the past ten years, Ms. Kelly gave a uniquely personal face to the suffering of civilians in the war zone. Her stories were both harrowing and very moving, and several in the audience expressed a desire to do more to end the occupation of Iraq. The presentation concluded with a plan to stage a sit-in in Hillary Clinton's office in Albany.

The talk was sponsored by a new group, the Middle East Crisis Response (http://www.mideastcrisis.org). Donations were accepted for Kathy Kelly's work in the Middle East.

Kathy Kelly on Activist Radio

2007-03-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

It was a privilege to have Kathy Kelly on Activist Radio today. If you didn't hear her tonight in Staatsburg, go to http://www.classwars.org and click on Mar. 28.

I put a picture of Kathy and Gary in the studio (thanks, Tarak).

Fred

Norma Musih

2007-03-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

Norma Musih from Zochrot spoke recently about Israeli efforts find the truth about Nakba, the Palestinian catastrophe of 1948. Thanks, David, for the pictures.

http://www.zochrot.org

Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh

2007-03-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh, author of "Sharing the Land of Canaan: Human Rights and the Israeli/Palestinian Struggle," spoke on Wednesday, March 7 at the Woodstock Community Center. His talk entitled "Is It Apartheid?" prompted a lively but courteous debate on the morality of ethnic cleansing in occupied Palestine. Dr. Qumsiyeh described how the 450,000 Jewish "settlers" in the West Bank have made the two state solution impossible. Several Jewish members of the audience spoke of their own inner conflicts when presented with the obvious racism of the occupation. The talk was sponsored by the Middle East Crisis Response.

Paula Silbey at the UU in Poughkeepsie

2007-03-16T17:47:00.000-07:00

Eyewitness Palestine
Sunday, Feb. 25 starting at 3:00 PM
at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
67 So. Randolph Ave., Poughkeepsie

Paula Silbey, a resident of the Hudson Valley, joined International Women's Peace Service (http://www.iwps-pal.org/en/index.php) and made two trips to Palestine in 2006. Her talk focuses on daily life, the hardships of Israeli occupation, and the conflict she experienced as an American Jew. But her presentation is full of pictures of Palestinian children, and there is an underlying hope that people of conscience can find a better way.

Mohammed Khatib and Feryal Abu Haikal

2007-03-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

Mohammed Khatib and Feryal Abu Haikal, both from the West Bank, spoke on Friday, February 9 at the New Paltz United Methodist Church. Feryal, headmistress at the Kortuba School in the heart of Hebron's old city, showed pictures of the daily assaults against her students by the Israeli settlers. Mohammed, Secretary of Bil'in's Village Council, spoke of nonviolent resistance to racism directed at Palestinians in their own land. The event was sponsored by a new group, The Middle East Crisis Response (www.mideastcrisis.org).

Hudson Valley Resident Visits Palestine

2007-03-16T17:30:00.000-07:00

An Ulster County resident with family in Israel, Paula spent several weeks in the fall and spring of 2006, working with the International Women's Peace Service. She described the constant harassment that average Palestinians go through to harvest their olives and to maintain a normal life. "Apartheid in South Africa," she explained, "never had one road for blacks and one for whites as does the West Bank."

Local Vigils

2007-03-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

Vigil in Woodstock in the fall of '06

Vigil in Rosendale in the summer of '06

Local Art for Rachel Corrie

2007-03-10T19:36:00.004-08:00

To read the article, double click on pictures or see text below (thanks, Judith)

The Barrytown Gazette (March 2007)
THE BARRYTOWN GAZETTE March 2007

Vol. 1 Number 1 Editor: Henry Christopher (845) 633-3264 c47henry@gmail.com

Doris Soroko fights for the rights of Palestinians in Israel

Photo: Ms. Soroko sets up “Occupation Ain’t Kosher” sign in her front yard, so that traffic on River Rd. in Barrytown can get the message

River Rd., Barrytown, NY — Doris Soroko’s home on River Rd. has one of those million dollar views city folks dream of when they look for their second home in the countryside … vast, rolling fields and forest with the majestic Catskill Mountains rising up to seemingly stunning heights. The lighting at different times of day can take your breath away.

Ms. Soroko could spend her days in a rocking chair on her porch, reading a book, or just gazing dreamily at the beauty before her.

But she usually is found indoors at her computer, putting in long hours searching through the web for stories and facts detailing the long suffering of the Palestinian people in Israel, which she sends to friends.

Tied to a tree in her front yard with barbed wired, is a large sign which reads, “Occupation Ain’t Kosher,” expressing her outrage at the callous and often inhumane ways in which the Israeli government treats the Palestinians, with the aid, she says, of the US government.

The most visible sign of this abuse of the Palestinians she says, is the wall Israel has been building around the West Bank, which Ms. Soroko calls the “Apartheid Wall.”

“It’s a land grab, because they are putting it on occupied territory.

They are cutting off the Palestinians from their farms. Imagine if I owned the field across the way with almond, apricot and olive trees, and suddenly the Israeli government puts up this wall between my house and farm. In some places it’s four stories high. It’s a monstrosity,” she says.

Stacks of printed material from the web and other sources are piled high on tables and chairs in her living room. One pamphlet tells the sad and tragic story of Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old American human rights worker who was crushed to death by an Israeli military bulldozer. She was trying to stop the Israeli army from destroying the home of a Palestinian doctor and his family in the town of Rafah in the Gaza Strip.

Ms. Soroko lived in Israel in the 1950s where she studied Hebrew and worked at a kibbutz. She married the late Igal Mossinsohn, Israeli writer and playwright.

Mossinsohn was beloved in Israel for writing children’s adventure stories. But it was his play, “Casablan” which most impressed her for its depiction of intolerance and snobbery within the Jewish community between the European and Middle Eastern Jews.

Ms. Soroko wrote the poem below in 2003 a month after Rachel Corrie was killed:

BEND NOT YOUR KNEES

Do not bend your knees before the bulldozer

Baby, cuz his heart’s been turned by zeal and burnt by brutishness

And his mind is made by jack-knives spin-split into territory

His mid is made — instead of created by thought, by reason, by logic

His mind’s been made up for him

like a bed in an army barracks

Inspection — looks good, yes sir

Please don’t look under the carpet…

Seeking New Israeli Settlers, Synagogue Draws Protesters

2007-03-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

The New York Times

A real estate fair in Teaneck, N.J., seeking Americans to buy homes in the West Bank met some opposition.

By TRYMAINE LEE

Published: February 26, 2007

TEANECK, N.J., Feb. 25 — As several dozen people screamed at one another across West Englewood Avenue on Sunday, waving Palestinian flags, Israeli flags and clenched fists, Rabbi Steven Pruzansky stood inside Bnai Yeshurun synagogue, smiling. He proclaimed the day a success.

Hundreds of Jewish families from New York and New Jersey had just gathered at a real estate fair at the synagogue that was anything but typical.

It was an attempt by an Israeli group to entice American Jews to buy and perhaps move into moderately priced homes in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Homes that the buyers did not want to live in would be rented to Jewish settlers.

“We’re fulfilling a biblical commandment,” Rabbi Pruzansky said in an interview after the fair. “God commanded us to settle the land of Israel. This is a very natural step,”

“There is an ideological motivation, but we also believe we might be able to attract prudent investors,” he said.

Under the 2003 “road map” to peace drawn up by the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia, Israel agreed to halt all settlement growth in the West Bank and the Palestinians agreed to disarm militant groups there.

But the plan stalled shortly after it was introduced. The Israeli government has argued that normal population growth in existing settlements should be acceptable.

The United States calls West Bank settlements obstacles to peace, since they are on land the Palestinians hope to turn into their state.

“Peace is an illusion already,” Rabbi Pruzansky said. “By having Jews live there, we are strengthening the land, adding a safeguard.”

The Israeli government has all but cut off money for new homes, forcing those who support the settlements’ growth to look elsewhere for financing — including to Jews in the United States, who would own the homes from afar.

The real estate fair was criticized by pro-Palestinian groups and by Amnesty International. Protesters gathered across the street from the synagogue, hurling chants of “Racists, racists, racists.”

“The major point in our minds was that we saw this as an event that was racist in its very nature,” said Samer Khalaf, a member of the executive board of the New Jersey Chapter of the Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.

“That’s what, in essence, we were protesting — that you have a group taking land away from Palestinians, Muslims and Christians and giving it to Jewish people from all over the world.”

Aliza Herbst represented the Israeli housing group, the Amana Settlement Movement, which held the fair and which would build the homes and rent them to settlers.

She said the homes would be built on land owned by the Israeli government that is designated for settlement.

Yitz Stern, a member of the Bnai Yeshurun congregation who attended the fair, said he and his wife had been thinking for years about moving to Israel, but until yesterday’s presentation they thought they could not afford to do so.

“Living in Jerusalem proper has become very cost-prohibitive,” he said. “I’m a normal middle-class guy, and I don’t have that kind of money.”

According to Ms. Herbst, homes in some West Bank settlements cost only $117,000. Mr. Stern said, “I know from our friends, acquaintances and neighbors that there are many people that are looking to have a piece of the rock in Israel.”

The fair’s organizers “made a seriously compelling argument for buying a home there,” he said, adding, “I’m going to think about it.”

Mr. Stern said he believed that the contested land was part of Israel and that Jews had a God-given right to it.

“I can see why some would be upset, but if we’re talking about these physical developments, I don’t see anyone being displaced, and if that’s the case I don’t see what the big deal is.”

Rabbi Pruzansky said he was pleased with the way the fair turned out. Asked if the protest had soured it, he said, “I think what they did was give us some free publicity.”

Meddling in Foreign Policy

2007-03-08T21:45:00.000-08:00

New Jersey

Letters to the Editor NY Times
Published: March 4, 2007

It’s exactly what Israel and the Palestinians do not need at this volatile time. We are talking about the attempt at a New Jersey synagogue to interest American Jews in putting up money for new or existing homes in Israeli settlements on the West Bank and perhaps moving there themselves.

Last weekend, Bnai Yeshurun synagogue in Teaneck sponsored a real estate fair by an Israeli group that attracted about 250 people from the New York-New Jersey area. It also brought dozens of angry demonstrators screaming at those who attended the fair.

Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, spiritual leader of the synagogue, portrayed the effort to encourage investment as a fulfillment of God’s commandment to Jews “to settle the land of Israel.” But expansion of the settlements is also a major obstacle to securing peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The anger in Teaneck was little more than a taste of the hostility the settlements provoke among Palestinians, who see the land as their own. Israel has occupied the territory since capturing it in the 1967 war.

The international, United States-backed road map for peace calls for a freeze on Israeli settlement activity coupled with a Palestinian renunciation of violence. Obviously, the Palestinians have not delivered on their part, but further expansion of the Israeli settlements would only worsen the situation.

Events (MECR)

Against the Wall: The Art of Resistance in Palestine

Potluck at Pia's House

Local activist Gale McGovern dies

Final settlement of our lawsuit...

How The City of Kingston Lost $25,000

We settle our lawsuit with the city of Kingston

Voices From the Inside - Israelis Speak

Hudson Valley to Gaza: Report Back from the Freedom Flotilla II

Thanks, MaryMac

Welcome Home!

Jerusalem: The East Side Story

Voices of Palestinian Youth

No limitation on the subject matter of discussion

Community Meeting Room Use Policy and MECR

WIB Vigil for the Freedom Flotilla

Fragments of a Lost Palestine: Film showing in Saugerties

Fragments of a Lost Palestine

Letter to the Director of the Saugerties Public Library

Civil Liberties and the FBI

Two Peoples– One Future

Two Peoples– One Future; If not now, when?The Captain and Two Passengersfrom the Jewish Boat to Gaza

Israeli Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall

Sunday vigil for Egypt

Jewish and Muslim Human Rights Activists at Vassar

Jewish and Muslim Experiences in America: Working Together to Promote Human Rights

Jeff Halper at the Muddy Cup Bookstore in Saugerties

Panel Discussion: Crisis in Israel/Palestine

MECR in New York Law Journal

Party Raises $3,500 for Gaza Boat

Joel Kovel's talk on June 17

Memorial Day, Woodstock

About eight of us went to the demonstration in NYC

May 31 Response to Attack on Gaza Flotilla

Arab Feast a Big Success

Computers sent to Ireland

Gaza Freedom March - Report Back

Poughkeepsie Journal on Rachel Corrie play

Rachel Corrie play a great success at Vassar

One-woman play celebrates life of political activist

One-woman play celebrates life of political activist

"My Name is Rachel Corrie" to be performed at Siena and Vassar

March 9 Protest Against IDF Dinner

Gaza Freedom March - Report Back

We are off to Gaza

Bekah Wolf: Beyond the Rhetoric

Gaza Feast a Great Success

Summer and Fall Events 2009

Israel, Palestine, the US and the Role of Zionism

Vigil to Stop the Killing in Gaza, Woodstock, Feb. 14, 2009

Vigil to Stop the Killing in Gaza, Woodstock, Feb. 14, 2009

Vigil For Gaza, Kingston, NY, Jan. 31, 2009

Free Gaza Vigil, New Paltz, Jan. 24, 2009

PEACE VIGIL DEPLORES ISRAELI WAR CRIMES IN GAZA

March Of The Dead (thanks, Tarak)

O Little Town of Bethlehem: Beyond the Wall

Rotron acticle in Woodstock Times

Woodstock ponders kinder, gentler manufacturing

Woodstock ponders kinder, gentler manufacturing

Thursday, December 11, 2008 3:05 AM EST

Muslim Student Association at SUNY New Paltz

Philip Weiss on Anna Baltzer's talk

Anna Baltzer - Woodstock Times letter

Freeman letter to the editor on lawsuit

Editorial Kingston Freeman (on lawsuit)

Israel/Palestine: Up close and personal

Demonstrators sue Kingston over park expulsion

LifeMaker's Center in Gaza

Liberty commemoration put in Poughkeepsie Journal

Nakba event in Woodstock

We got great publicity May 4

Israeli Day Celebration in Kingston

Talk by author Ghada Karmi

Discussion Addresses Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Nakba Vigil in Rhinebeck

Planet Waves covers Nakba Vigil

Our Saturday Vigil: Feb. 2

End the Blockade of Gaza

Nakba Vigil in Woodstock

Joel Kovel on "Demcracy Now"

Two Peoples– One Future; If not now, when?
The Captain and Two Passengers
from the Jewish Boat to Gaza