My first trip to Palestine

L > R: Lorna Vander Zanden, Ken Mayers, Tarak Kauff, Mike Hastie, Elik Elhanan, Itamar Shapira, Eran Torbiner, Ellen Barfield 

Photo by Ellen Davidson

 This happen on our last day. We didn't expect the result we got, but after around 40 minutes, a young fellow with a yarmuke on, came over to us with a big smile and said, "I don't know if you realize it, but the embassy is shut down because of you. I think they're afraid of you or something. See that big crowd over there? They're all waiting to get in." He thought it was great.  We felt at that point, our mission was more than complete and so told him to go tell them that we were leaving and they could open now, which he was delighted to go and convey. He asked what our "message" was and that he would give any message we asked and take it inside. Ellen Davidson said, "We want the occupation to end and equal rights for everybody," and that good enough for us. We also had a great time. Our friends Elik, who will receive his PhD from Columbia soon, Itamar, Yonatan Shapira's younger brother and a terrific activist in his own right and Eran, who makes documentary films are all former IDF and original members of Combatants for Peace, just the greatest people. 

 This was my first trip to Palestine and far exceeded my expectations. We'll be returning. 

 Tarak

Laurie Kirby sang two songs

We had a good crowd for this film on the Jaffa Orange

and its place in the occupation of Palestine.

Laurie Kirby sang two songs at the end, one of them

a very moving one about walls between people.

Several people who want to show it local churches

This is just a great film. The self contained chapters mean that you can stop it at any time. The showing resulted in several people who want to show it local churches, and at least one mosque. We had a good crowd of people, and as always, a interesting discussion at the end. Paul Rehm talked about his trips to the West Bank and answered questions.

Selected for the Woodstock Artists Association's In The News Exhibition

 Nic Abramson

Pia Oste-Alexander

 

We had a nice end to our film series, and plan to start another series in the fall. There were about 45 people in the audience to hear Ellie and then Jeff. We did a collection for Ellie's film that I think did very well. In all, a great night. Thanks to all those who brought food, and again to Jane who booked our quests and introduced them to the audience.

 

 

Land and Hope

We had a lot of people for this film and special event. Rami and Taha talked about friendship more than politics, but their relationship revealed many truths that the facts of the occupation often leave out. Rami's description of the fear and lack of knowledge of Israeli citizens was particularly insightful. Thanks to Jane for putting this all together.

Film Showing: Roadmap to Apartheid