Nakba Day in Beacon

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We had over ten Hudson Valley groups supporting this Nakba Day

in Beacon. Over 50 people turned out for the vigil and later for the

panel discussion at St. Rocco's. Philip Weiss (http://mondoweiss.net)

and Lillian Rosengarten (Holocaust survivor and member of the

Jewish boat to Gaza) were our two keynote speakers. Thanks to

Bennett Weiss for organizing the event.

Voices From Gaza

Dear Jo, 

I'm so grateful for your presentation and glad to know that it went
well. 

The film is on our YouTube but not on Vimeo but I believe it is fine to
upload it on Vimeo too. 

How are you? I hope all is going well. Are coming over anytime soon?
Much love and appreciation, 

Iman Aoun
Artistic Director
ASHTAR Theatre
Ramallah Palestine
Facebook : Ashtar for Theatre Productions and Training
www.ashtar-theatre.orgwww.thegazamonologues.com

Two events for early Spring 2015

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We raised over $800 from a good crowd of 45 people.

Veterans for Peace did much of the organizing, and we

thank Tarak and Ellen for their excellent work.

Dear Friends of Rachel Corrie: We Shall Never Forget

Dear Friends of Rachel Corrie,

In case you have not seen it, attached is this year's tribute to Rachel in The Poughkeepie Journal.

Thanks so much for your help - it would not be what it is without your help.

Greg DeSylva

Tom Shaker

Screening of film "Newburgh Sting"

Friday, March 6 in Kingston: Films of Palestine Series presents the film "Newburgh Sting"

7:00 - 8:30 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills, 320 Sawkill Road.

"The Newburgh Sting" is a documentary about the FBI’s entrapment of four Muslim men supposedly involved in a 2009 Bronx terrorism plot. It was later brought to light that the four men were coaxed and bribed into participating. The film reveals how the FBI targets Muslim communities in poor neighborhoods and lures believers into planning acts of terrorism.

SPECIAL GUEST: Liz Mc William, mother of David Williams, member of Newburgh Four

Sponsored by: Middle East Crisis Response http://www.mideastcrisis.org and Hudson Valley Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions http://www.hudsonvalleybds.org. Contact: Jane.toby7@gmail.com or 518 291-6808.

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We had a very good turnout, and Liz Mc William's account of her son's trial and incarceration added a good deal to the experience. Thanks to Bennett Weiss from bringing the film to us.

Bethlehem cards on Sunday

Yesterday Pia, Jane, and I gave out between 100 - 150 "Bethlehem" cards to people attending services at ... in Kingston. When people ask about the cards we tell them that they are Christmas cards with a message. The vast majority of people are receptive and even grateful for the cards. 

We were going to give out cards at the ... , but much to our surprise, we were actually invited inside the church. We actually had an opportunity to speak with the Pastor who seemed sympathetic to our cause. Pia suggested that this church might be a good place to show the fillm Steadfast Hope. I will be communicating with the Pastor to explore this possibility. It was a cold day, but overall a warm experience. Thank you Pia and Jane.

Eli

With God On Our Side documentary at the UU

We had about 20 people who came out in the snow and sleet to see

this excellent movie. The question and answer session was devoted

to Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, the focus of a revised website:

http://www.hudsonvalleybds.org

RE/MAX Israel has a commanding presence in the Israeli real estate market, referring to itself as “the number one company in Israel”. Most disturbingly, RE/MAX Israel is also the leader in selling land in the Palestinian West Bank territory to Israeli settlers - land that under international law is illegally acquired.

As a result, RE/MAX Israel is directly contributing to the oppression of the Palestinian people under Israeli Occupation. This is the same Israeli Occupation that has caused 40% of Palestinians in Gaza to be unemployed and 80% of those living in the areas of the West Bank under direct Israeli control to lack a steady supply of food. These terrible conditions existed even before the most recent escalation of attacks by Israel which have lead to the death of over 2,000 Palestinians, including over 500 children, and the destruction of over 10,000 homes in the Gaza Strip. (from: Code Pink)