We'll be holding up the mock wall in Old City and giving out information about the Apartheid Wall, U.S. support for the occupation, and the current situation in Palestine.
(Meet us at the corner of 2nd and Market at 6:30PM -- hope to see you there!)
Hi folks,
If you can't make it to the all-night vigil and teach in on Tuesday, try to come out Wednesday morning for the Free Gaza protest that SUSTAIN is sponsoring, from 8-10am in front of the Israeli Consulate. Our work is not over!
--
Join us for a night different from all other nights -remembering, storytelling learning, and solidarity!
The teaching of Passover is at the core of the ethical tradition of Judaism: Remember we were slaves in the land of Egypt. How we treat another people defines who we are as a people. As Jews, we take this moment to affirm our ethical tradition by acknowledging the Deir Yassin massacre, an event symbolic of the atrocities of 1948, and those since, committed in our names. And we invite you to stand with us as we reinvigorate our commitment to work today for peace with justice in Israel-Palestine.
from Deir Yassin* to Gaza:
an 18 hour Passover vigil Beginning Tuesday, April 7 at 4:00 PM Continuous through Wednesday, April 8 at 10:00 AM Outside the Israeli Consulate, 19th and JFK Blvd. in Philadelphia Tentative Schedule:
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Opening events
6:00 PM Deir Yassin Memorial
8:00 PM A Passover Ritual of Memory and Repentance
10:00 PM Teach-In, Learning & Discussion
7:00 AM Morning Prayers
8:30 AM Gaza Protest and Call to Action
Please mark your calendars, and spread the word to your community.
Let us know for what part of our event you would like to join us -offer a teaching, read a poem, etc. Additional information will be forthcoming.
Please direct any questions or concerns to Susan Landau, at sjlandau@aol.com.
This event is sponsored by Philadelphia Jews for a Just Peace, PhillyJJP@gail.com the local chapter of American Jews for a Just Peace, www.ajjp.org .
** In the early morning of April 9, 1948, three Zionist militias -the Haganah, Irgun and Stern Gang -- attacked the Palestinian village of Deir Yassin, located west of Jerusalem. More than 100 men, women and children were massacred. Some were mutilated and raped before being murdered. Twenty-five men from the village were paraded through Jerusalem and then executed in a nearby quarry. Those able to escape fled to East Jerusalem.
Word of the terror attacks spread rapidly, causing many Palestinians to flee, fearing for their lives. Within a year of the massacre, Deir Yassin, which had been emptied of Palestinians, was re-populated with Jewish immigrants and its name was removed from the map.For Palestinians, Deir Yassin became the symbol of the sudden loss of their homes and homeland and the near destruction of their society, a situation which endures until today. When Israel was established sixty years ago, more than 700,000 Palestinians were exiled and 78 percent of the land of historic Palestine was lost.
First launched in Toronto in 2005, IAW has grown to become one of the most important global events in the Palestine solidarity calendar. Last year, more than 25 cities around the world participated in the week's activities, which also commemorated 60 years since the expulsion of the Palestinian people from their homes and land in 1947-1948. IAW 2008 was launched with a live broadcast from the South African township of Soweto by Palestinian leader and former member of the Israeli Knesset, Azmi Bishara.
This year, IAW occurs in the wake of Israel's barbaric assault against the people of Gaza. Lectures, films, and actions will make the point that these latest massacres further confirm the true nature of Israeli Apartheid. IAW 2009 will continue to build and strengthen the growing Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement at a global level.
Join us in Philadelphia for a week of action and education.
Saturday, February 28: Gaza Fundraiser
5-8pm Calvary Church 48 & Baltimore Featuring: Middle Eastern Food, Presentations by Doctor Labiq Syed & Doctor Labib Syed, brothers of John Hopkins & members of the Islamic Medical Association of North America, who recently traveled overseas to provide care in war-torn Gaza and will share information about their trip.
Spoken Word: Poets Aysha El Shamayleh & Ashraf Osman, Music by: Paddy Corcoran (of Paddy and the Hostages), Informational Loop Presentation created by Aine Fox Tickets: $10 - General Admission $25 & Above - Solidarity $5 for unemployed & students Call 215-724-1618 or email phillyiac@action-mail.org for ticket information or to make reservations.All proceeds to the Emergency Gaza Appeal of the United Palestinian Appeal Sunday,
Sunday, March 1st and Monday, March 2nd: City-wide Guerrilla Media Event
email sustainphilly@gmail.com for more information
Tuesday, March 3rd: Occupation 101 Documentary Screening followed by an Open Forum
7.00PM
Fisher-Bennett 401 (3340 Walnut St).
Co-Sponsored by: Penn for Palestine, SUSTAIN, Jews for a Just Peace
Join us as we watch this wonderful documentary, followed by an open forum.
Documentary Synopsis:
A thought-provoking and powerful documentary film on the current and historical root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unlike any other film ever produced on the conflict -- 'Occupation 101' presents a comprehensive analysis of the facts and hidden truths surrounding the never ending controversy and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions.
Email pennforpalestine@gmail.com
Wednesday March 4th: Protest Motorola!
Meet at 12:30pm at 18th and Chestnut to protest Motorola’s complicity in Israel's human rights violations and military occupation. There are 4 cell phone stores at 18th and Chestnut, all who sell Motorola phones and we will call on the corporation to cease producing and selling equipment to the Israeli army to prevent its involvement in future abuses.
Email sustainphilly@gmail.com for more info
Thursday, March 5th: Divestment Teach in, Temple Students for Justice in Palestine
Temple SJP reignites their divestment campaign with a Divestment Teach-In at 5:30 pm in the Student Center (corner of 13th and Montgomery) room 220.
Email monirage@gmail.com for more information
Friday, March 6th: Bubbes and Zaydes Israeli Consulate Vigil
Noon, Corner of 19th and JFK Email cswartz@pil.net for more information
Saturday, March 7th: Silent candlelight protest at the Opening Night Gala of the Israeli Film Festival
Candlelight Demonstration at the "Gala Opening" of the Israeli Film Festival of Greater Philadelphia -- gather at 7pm in front of the Gershman YMHA (Broad and Pine Streets) - please dress in black, bring a candle and join Philadelphia Jews for a Just Peace in solidarity with the Palestinian people
contact phillyjjp@gmail.com for more info
Sunday, March 8th: International Women's Day March
At 12 Noon, we will rally at City Hall, march down Broad Street with banners, signs, songs and chants, and continue the program with our afternoon Speakout and Cultural Performances, at 260 South Broad Street. Bring Palestinian flags, banners, and signs supporting Palestinian women and children.
Tuesday, February 10th
7pm
Kaffa Crossing, 4423 Chestnut Street.
SUSTAIN is open to all who are interested in getting involved! We would love to have more members, and now is an opportune time to get involved.
We will be discussing our role in the emerging Free Gaza Network in Philadelphia, fundraising, and our annual "Letters to Palestine: Words of Resistance" February event.
The War on Gaza
A Teach-In and Discussion with Penn Faculty and Members of the Penn Community
Wednesday, February 11, 5:30-7pm
McNeil Center for Early American Studies
3355 Woodland Walk
University of Pennsylvania
Intersection of Sansom and 34th St, across from Citizens Bank
For further information contact:
loomba@english.upenn.edu
amkaplan@english.upenn.edu
Hi folks. With all the recent events, this might be the biggest. Here's our official announcement, from the ad-hoc coalition Philly Gaza Action Group.
WHAT: Candlelight Vigil and March Led by Women and Children in Solidarity with the People of Gaza
WHEN: Monday, January 19, 2009 at 5:30 PM
WHERE: Gathering at Israeli Consulate (1880 JFK Blvd) and Marching to City Hall (15th and Market)
On January 19th, 2009, people throughout the United States will celebrate the life, legacy, and birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was assassinated on April 4th, 1968. Dr. King was one of the foremost leaders of the Black civil rights movement in this country, an organizer extraordinaire for peace and justice, and an eloquent orator who challenged racism, injustice, and oppression everywhere. Exactly one year before he was killed, in a speech entitled "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence," Dr. King called the U.S. government and military the "greatest purveyor of violence in the world today." These words are especially significant today, as the United States government continues its unequivocal support of Israel's criminal bombardment and massacre of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
As people of conscience we call for solidarity with the people of Gaza who are suffering at the hands of the one of the most advanced militaries in the world today. Supported by the United States, Israel has imposed a near total blockade on Gaza since June 2007 which has led to a breakdown in basic services including water and sanitation, electricity, fuel and medical supplies. Two-thirds of Gaza's 1.5 million people are currently without electricity and the remaining one-third are limited to just a few hours each day. As a result of these illegal sanctions 30% of children under 5 years suffer from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition and 75% of the population now rely on food aid.
Some 1100 Palestinians have been killed since the Israeli assault on Gaza began 20 days ago, with close to 5000 injured, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz and the International Red Cross. Many of the victims are women as well as children, who make up more than half of the population.
Join together with the peace and justice communities of greater Philadelphia and across the country, as we do justice to Dr. King's memory, and the memories of others like him, by demanding an end to Israel's war on the Palestinian people and the support it receives from the United States government.
LET THE PEOPLE OF GAZA LIVE!
END THE ECONOMIC BLOCKADE OF GAZA!
STOP ALL U.S. AID TO ISRAEL!
END THE ISRAELI OCCUPATION OF PALESTINE!
Here's another event in Philly, not sponsored by SUSTAIN but with discussion on the situation in Gaza.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE NEWS
What's Going on in Gaza? What's with the Cease Fire?
A Discussion by Three Activists
Followed by questions and discussion by attendees
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2009 –2:00 pm
STAPELEY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, 6300 GREENE ST.
Corner Washington Lane and Greene, Germantown
*********
Anan Zahr is a Palestinian activist in the Philadelphia area; a board member of the Ameriacan-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and of Playgrounds for Palestine. She teaches Arabic at Villanova
Janet Amighi is an anthropologist specializing in the Middle East, teaching at Montgomery Community College
Libby Frank is a member of WILPF's national and international Middle East Committees and the local WILPF branch
There's more than meets the eye and reaches the public from the corporate media. Come and participate and see if you're missing anything.
*********
Sponsored by the Philadelphia branch of the Women's International League for Peace & Freedom
For further information, contact Heather Shafter hshafter@comcast.net
Check out this event at Villanova, and look below for more details about the Obama train stop in Philly this Saturday, sponsored by World Can't Wait.
The Conflict in Gaza:
A panel discussion by members of the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies
Featuring professors Nasser Chour, Julie R. Klein, Marwan Kreidie, and Catherine Warrick, and moderated by Dr. Lowell Gustafson
Villanova University
Connelly Center Cinema
Thursday, January 22, 2009
4:30 pm
"From Guantanamo to Gaza, Stop the US War of Terror and Torture. The world can't wait!"
When Obama boards the Amtrak train to Washington D.C. from 30th street station tell him and the world that people living in the U.S. are fed up with war and torture for empire. On the heels of inauguration, we want the new president to know that we oppose Wars for Empire - from more troops in Afghanistan to legitimizing the massacre in Gaza in the name of security. Moreover, if you are horrified by what is going on in Gaza and Afghanistan or scared about an attack on Iran, make your voice heard on Saturday, January 17th at 30th street station. Although, we do not know what time in the morning that Obama plans on boarding, we are setting a tentative time frame and are planning on being flexible:
Saturday January 17th, 2009
30th & Market Street Corner
9am-Noon (Pending when Obama gets on the train and when he departs) Tentative Time!
sponsored by World Can't Wait
philly@worldcantwait.org
Thursday, 1.15.09, Penn March for Gaza: 11AM - 1PM
March for Gaza from the Bridge to the Button with Penn for Palestine, leaving from the bottom of the bridge (in front of ABP on 38th and Locust) and marching to the Button in front of the library and back for two hours.
Friday 1.16.09-Grandparents for Peace Demonstration at 19th and JFK from noon to one
We had a very productive public meeting yesterday to discuss actions in solidarity with Gaza and the Palestinians. This week, a series of events are being planned. Please see the below calendar, and don't hesitate to get in touch with questions.
Thanks!
SUSTAIN
267-455-9279
Philadelphia Action for Gaza
· Monday 1.12.09- ADC National Wear-Your-Kaffiyah day
· Tuesday-1.13.09- ADC day of fasting
· Tuesday 1.13.09- panel discussion sponsored by IAC [contact Betsy, bpiette@hotmail.com]
· Wed 1.14.09- 4:30-6 pm Rally Israeli Consulate, 19th and JFK. [contact SUSTAIN at sustainphilly@gmail.com]
· Fri 1.16.09- Consulate March/Rally planned by Arab community [contact Linda Hannah, aridfishing@verizon.net]
· Saturday 1.17.08-Obama Protest, 30th Street Station [contact Koyuki, livinginphilly@gmail.com]
· Monday 1.19.08-Tables at Gallery, Rittenhouse, 69th Street, ect. [contact Betsy, bpiette@hotmail.com]
· MLK Day Candlelight Vigil focused on impact on Women and children, 5:30, Israeli Consulate: [contact SUSTAIN at sustainphilly@gmail.com]
...Just one of the messages we sent out at the counter-protest to the Israel rally last Thursday. You can see photos here.
Read more...This week, SUSTAIN decided to call a meeting due to the current crisis in Gaza and the momentum in Philadelphia around the issue. Please attend, and forward widely.
Calling All Activists Concerned With Palestine!
What: A public meeting to gather in person to plan more responses to the crisis in Gaza and future action in support of Palestine
Where: LAVA, 4134 Lancaster Avenue, SEPTA trolley route #10
When: Sunday, January 11, 2009, 3 – 5 pm
Recent action in Philadelphia to support the people of Gaza has been strong and unified. Let’s continue to raise our voices together to support a just and lasting peace.
Also, be sure to check out media coverage of last Saturday's Gaza demonstration at the Philadelphia Inquirer, and from CBS3 Video.
Dave Butler took some great photos available here.
Here's a great action opportunity. We're not sponsoring but some of us in SUSTAIN will attend.
There is a march in DC on Saturday to protest the invasion and massacre of Gaza, and we want to have a strong Philadelphia presence. There are prepaid buses that will leave at 9am from in front of the Al-Aqsa Masjid 1501 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19106, returning by 9 PM on Saturday. If you would like to take the bus, PLEASE CONTACT Nabil 215-307-0167, Sonia 215-876-5427 or Rebhi 267-228-8448 as soon as possible.
LET GAZA LIVE!
Stop the U.S./Israeli War Against the Palestinian People
National March on Washington
Saturday, January 10
Assemble at the White House (north side) at 1:00 PM
Sponsoring organizations: Muslim American Society Freedom, Free Palestine Alliance, American Muslim Task Force, National Council of Arab Americans, Al-Awda - International Palestine Right to Return Coalition, ANSWER Coalition, and hundreds of others
Counter-Protest at "We Stand with Israel" Rally
When: Thursday 1/8/09 @ 11:30am
Where: Meet at 15th St. & Market St. by Clothes Pin Statue (we will move together to rally at Love Park at 11:50 am).
This is a call to the people of Philadelphia to mobilize a counter-presence at the "'We Stand with Israel" rally sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and others this Thursday, January 8th at 12:00pm. Co-sponsored by SUSTAIN and PJJP (Philadelphia Jews for a Just Peace), we ask that you join us.
As a group of Jews and people of all backgrounds, we stand with the world majority-- including the thousands of Israelis who've taken to the streets to protest the actions of their government- in calling for an immediate end to Israel's current and devastating aggression in Gaza, for Israel to be held accountable for it's actions, and for our fellow Pennsylvanians to join us.
The "We Stand with Israel" rally sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and others is being held at Love Park on 16th St. and JFK Blvd. We will meet at 11:30am at the giant Clothes Pin statue on 15th St. and Market St and move to the rally at 11:50am. For anyone coming from West Philly, we will be gathering making signs at a home at the corner of 50th and Catherine St. at 10:00am (email nlmcgiffert@gmail.com for more details). We will then get on the 34 trolley at 11:04am.
Please wear black for cohesion and to symbolize loss.
Many thanks to all those who participated in yesterdays action, commemorating the Al-Nakba by sending a cloud of black balloons over the Israel@60 parade. It was an incredibly dramatic and powerful event, and sent a clear message to those celebrating that Palestinians and those that stand for peace will not be silenced.
The Philadelphia Daily News shot a video of our protest that can be viewed here: Protesters Clash on Parkway.
This event was the culmination of 60 Days of Action for 60 Years of Palestinian Dispossession. Thanks to all who supported these two months of education and action! If you are interested in getting involved with SUSTAIN or other Palestine solidarity work, please email sustainphilly@gmail.com.
SUSTAIN will be meeting tomorrow, Tuesday May 20th, at Kaffa Crossing to debrief the demonstration and chart our next steps. Our meetings are open to all. Kaffa Krossing is located at 4423 Chestnut St.
The "Philly Remembers Al-Nakba... 60 Days for 60 Years" campaign has a new website! For now, the best place to find info about what we're working on is at http://www.phillyalnakba.org.
SUSTAIN is an integral part of the Al-Nakba Coalition, but remains its own organization. We have big plans! As always, you can contact us at sustainphilly (at) gmail (dot) com with questions or to get involved.
Hello SUSTAIN supporters!
Philadelphia SUSTAIN-Stop US Tax Aid to Israel Now!, in collaboration with other social justice organizations around Philadelphia, is organizing 60 days of action for 60 years of Palestinian dispossession. 2008 commemorates 60 years since Al-Nakba, the Catastrophe, when in 1948 the State of Israel was founded over the displacement and exile of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
SUSTAIN is heading an international call for focused, targeted action to support human rights, including the right to return, in Palestine. We are working with other organizations to establish a calendar of 60 days of protests, cultural events, readings, and film screenings to educate Philadelphia about where our tax dollars are going and where they're not going, the violence they're funding in Palestine and the positive change they could make if they were redirected to fund our city's needs.
SUSTAIN is a small, grassroots organization and we would love you to get involved! If you have been wanting to plug into Palestine Solidarity work locally, now is the time!
Email sustainphilly@gmail.com to get more information on how to participate in organizing for the 60 Days of Action.
For more pictures from our wall display on August 3, visit us at myspace.com/sustainphilly!
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