Events (MECR)

Women in Black supporting Palestine (history from 2015)

Dear WIB and Friends,

We will once again stand this Saturday in solidarity with the Palestinian women of occupied East
Jerusalem and for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. The Middle East Crisis Response will also be joining us. It is from 12:45 to 1:30 on the vigil corner on Main and N Front Streets in New Paltz.

From our flyer, "The guerrilla state style tactics used in occupied East Jerusalem, be it the attacks on Palestinians in the streets, the beating of the young and old, the attacks on children going to and from school, the invasion of violent settlers into our homes, the control of our life, water, cell phones, internet, mobility, health, economy, and access to other resources, have situated us in human cages--segregated, restrained by Israeli laws and security theology, unable to know what will come next."

We will photograph our vigil to send to the Jerusalemite Women's Coalition so they know the world has not forgotten them and that many are working for peace and justice in that part of the world.

In Solidarity,
Barbara

Ahed demonstration joins Black Lives in New Paltz

Photos by Ellen Davidson

Miko Peled in Saugerties

-Friday, February 9, 7-8:30 PM: Miko Peled Speaking and Book Signing Event at the Inquiring Mind Bookstore, 200 Main St, Saugerties. Peled is an Israeli American writer whose new book explores the miscarriage of justice that has devastated the lives of five innocent men and their families. “Injustice,” published by Just World Books, traces the labyrinthine course of this case, presenting a terrifying picture of governmental over-reach in post-9/11 America. Sponsored by: Middle East Crisis Response mideastcrisis.org, Hudson Valley BDS hudsonvalleybds.org, Veterans for Peace, and Jewish Voice for Peace - HV jvphudsonvalley.org. Contact: mecr@mideastcrisis.org or 845 876-7906

We had a full house for this event, one of the best book signings we have had in our twelve year run. I counted 40 people, including a few late comers. Tarak did a fine job introducing Miko, and the questions were informed and interesting.

Our judicial system is just as distorted for Palestinians as it is for Black people. Justice is the last thing on the government's mind. Putting a few "terrorists" in jail satisfies some short term political goal. No matter that they are innocent, and some won't be with their families for the next sixty years. The shame of such a system, of such a country.

Disturbing the Peace

Great movie, and tasty potluck before the showing. But a disappointing turnout. Have we reached the end of our movie run? We will be showing films this spring at the Holy Cross Santa Cruz Episcopal Church, 30 Pine Grove Ave, Kingston (across the street from the YMCA). We also want to focus the films on racism, both in the US and in occupied Palestine.

Tears of Gaza

-Friday, October 6, 7-9 PM: Documentary “Tears of Gaza" presented at the Unitarian Fellowship (UUC), 320 Sawkill Road, Kingston. “My hope is that this film will arouse the same feelings of protest among the audiences, and that it will bring inspiration to continue the seemingly endless struggle against poverty, suffering and war." Cosponsored by the Middle East Crisis Response www.mideastcrisis.org, Hudson Valley BDS www.hudsonvalleybds.org, and Veterans for Peace. Contact: Jane.toby7@gmail.com or 518 291-6808

This was one of our best films, artistically directed with captivating children speaking about their heartbreaking lives. We had 22 people. Not the best turnout, but often people simply avoid the subject because they know it will be upsetting. For those who came, the film has it's own rewards in renewing one's dedication to the plight of the Palestinian people.

Women Behind the Chador

-Friday, August 4 from 7-9 PM: “Women Behind the Chador” presented at the Unitarian Fellowship (UUC), 320 Sawkill Road, Kingston. Photo journalist Susan and her husband, academic and translator Paul Sprachman, will speak about "Women Behind the Chador" in Iran, with photos and various mixed media. Cosponsored by the Middle East Crisis Response www.mideastcrisis.org, Hudson Valley BDS www.hudsonvalleybds.org, Jewish Voice for Peace - Hudson Valley.

We had a nice turnout (about 50 people) for this talk on Iran. Many questions at the end.