Phone: (517) 484 3178 Fax: (517) 484-4219 Email: michiganpeaceteam@comcast.net Website: www.michiganpeaceteam.org Fr. C. Peter Dougherty cell: 517-303 0116 For Immediate Release:
MICHIGAN PEACE TEAM MEMBER DETAINED BY ISRAELI MILITARY IN HEBRON, WEST BANK
James Coady, a member of the Michigan Peace Team (MPT), was briefly detained by the Israeli military Wednesday April 25 in the West Bank city of Hebron.
Coady, along with MPT member Karen Donahue and other internationals, had been observing and intervening as Israeli soldiers held up Palestinians who were walking near the Ibrahim Mosque, and had also intervened as Israeli settlers were throwing stones at Palestinians while the Israeli military stood by and watched, doing nothing. Coady and Donahue used a video camera to document this behavior of the settlers and the soldiers.
In response to this international intervention, the soldiers later in the morning stopped every international human rights worker and wrote down their passport numbers. When they did come to Coady, who for awhile had evaded the soldiers, they called to him and said they needed to "check him." When he asked if he was being arrested, they said "we just want to talk to you." They drove away with him in a military vehicle. As the internationals and a Palestinian-led human rights organization were trying to find out where Coady was taken and were deciding if an urgent action appeal was needed, Coady soon returned to the internationals' apartment, having been released. "Just another wonderful day in a police state. It is all such madness," quipped Donahue.
Two other MPT members, Martha Larsen and Loretta Johnston, are staying in the Jordan Valley with a Bedouin family to help prevent the demolition of their home by the Israeli military. MPT, which now has a continual team presence in the West Bank, works with Israelis, Palestinians, and other internationals to reduce violence in the Occupied Territories and create space for those in the conflict to work for a just resolution of the conflict. Michigan Peace Team was founded in 1993.
It provides trainings in active nonviolence designed for the specific needs of the participants, and deploys peace teams into places of conflict (both domestically and internationally) to reduce violence. MPT convenes, supports, and participates with local peace action groups and gatherings, and mentors individuals seeking experience with international teams in places of conflict. It also educates the public to the vision and practice of active nonviolence. MPT has deployed peace teams into areas of potential violence around the world.
# # #
Friday, April 27, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
PLO blames Israel incursions for blocking peace
Press Release
Vicious military incursions are the Israeli way to escape Peace obligations
With formation of the Palestinian National unity government, the 19th Arab summit have agreed that the Arab Peace Initiative is the key towards a dialogue with Israel in order to reach a comprehensive Peace agreement and to establish the independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. Israel on the other side is using all its power to divert away from its obligations towards peace.
The latest Israeli military invasions against Gaza strip, Jenin, and Nablus leaves the Palestinians and Arabs with no partner in their serious search for Peace; the Israeli government is escalating its terror in an attempt to bring the Palestinian unity government to a deadlock and to minimize any positive impacts for President Abbass efforts to break the International siege against the Palestinians.
For months now, and while the Palestinian Authority has been working to bring situation in Gaza to calm, the Israeli government has been sabotaging all those efforts and manipulating all excuses to avoid being reengaged in concrete steps towards the Arab initiative that is seen by all as the key to the solving the Palestinian issue.
After the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the Palestinians hopes were lifted high as they looked forwards for expanding the scenario to the West Bank; again, the Israeli measures on ground defeated all hopes.
DAIR –PLO confirms that the Palestinians are committed to the Arab Peace initiative as the road to an Independent Palestinian State, they are- more than ever- ready to embark in a comprehensive Peace talks with Israel as they are the most harmed of the current absurd situation.
Department of Arab and International Relations (DAIR)
PLO
April 23rd, 2007
Vicious military incursions are the Israeli way to escape Peace obligations
With formation of the Palestinian National unity government, the 19th Arab summit have agreed that the Arab Peace Initiative is the key towards a dialogue with Israel in order to reach a comprehensive Peace agreement and to establish the independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. Israel on the other side is using all its power to divert away from its obligations towards peace.
The latest Israeli military invasions against Gaza strip, Jenin, and Nablus leaves the Palestinians and Arabs with no partner in their serious search for Peace; the Israeli government is escalating its terror in an attempt to bring the Palestinian unity government to a deadlock and to minimize any positive impacts for President Abbass efforts to break the International siege against the Palestinians.
For months now, and while the Palestinian Authority has been working to bring situation in Gaza to calm, the Israeli government has been sabotaging all those efforts and manipulating all excuses to avoid being reengaged in concrete steps towards the Arab initiative that is seen by all as the key to the solving the Palestinian issue.
After the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the Palestinians hopes were lifted high as they looked forwards for expanding the scenario to the West Bank; again, the Israeli measures on ground defeated all hopes.
DAIR –PLO confirms that the Palestinians are committed to the Arab Peace initiative as the road to an Independent Palestinian State, they are- more than ever- ready to embark in a comprehensive Peace talks with Israel as they are the most harmed of the current absurd situation.
Department of Arab and International Relations (DAIR)
PLO
April 23rd, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
RAWI Conference May 18-20 Dearborn
PRESS RELEASE!!
Arab American writers organizationto hold national conference in May
DEARBORN , Mich .—The Radius of Arab American Writers, Inc. (RAWI) will turn Dearborn into the mecca for Arab American writers when it holds its second national conference on May 17-20, 2007 at the Arab American National Museum , 13624 Michigan Ave. "RAWI welcomes not only its members but also others who are interestedin engaging in the Arab American literary community said one of theconference's organizer, Khaled Mattawa, assistant professor of English at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor ."The conference will provide a venue for 150 or so writers and scholarsto present our writings and ideas to one another and to the Detroit andArab communities," said RAWI's Executive Director, Steven Salaita, whoteaches at Virginia Tech University . "Our gathering will offer anopportunity for colleagues to share strategies for publishing and circulating our work and also for confronting academic, community andpolitical barriers."This year's conference theme, "Writing While Arab: Politics, Hyphens,and Homelands," seeks to address the multiple challenges Arab Americanwriters face in an intensified post-9/11 climate, says Mattawa, who isone of the conference's organizers."When it comes down to aesthetics, we (artists, writers, poets) are all on the same palate. I see Arab American literary and cultural studies reaching its height: a renaissance is here. We should pay attention to what beautiful things our communities are producing," says RAWI secretary, Deborah Najor Alkamano, a professor in the English department at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn .In 21 readings and workshops open to all registered attendees ($35 for RAWI membership and "$85 for the conference, including meals), thewriters will address such topics as:• How is Arab American writing affected by the targeting of Arabs andMuslims as the "national enemy" inside and outside of the U.S. and bythe wars waged in our homelands?• How do we envision a future for our literature between the desire for location within American culture and our transcultural experiences?• How do we promote and teach our literature? • How to promote our unconventional literature within the convensionsof the market place?To register, visit the RAWI Web site at http://www.rawi.org/conferences.htmlOr OTHER CONTACTS HERE:Steven Salaita, Executive Director, RAWI,salaita@vt.eduDeborah Alkamano, RAWI secretarydebnajor@rawi.orgTo attend as a member of the news media, contact: MEDIA CONTACT HERE:Conference Coordinator, Rola Nashef,rawicoordinator@gmail.comABOUT RAWI: Founded in 1993, RAWI is a network of 215 Arab American writers,scholars and artists of all genres. Its mission is to urge members topublish their work in mainstream publications, to support sister andbrother writers in the Arab World, to nurture emerging writers, and toguide and bring together Arab American writers. Although devoted to theArab American community, RAWI accepts members of all ethnic andnational backgrounds. Its membership includes Muslims, Christians andJews, and is primarily American, represented by people of many nationalbackgrounds.
# # #
PLEASE JOIN US and SPREAD THE WORDMEET ESTABLISHED AND UP AND COMING ARAB AMERICAN ACADEMICS, ARTISTS, ACTIVIST, BLOGGERS, FILMMAKERS, POETS, NOVELISTS, .....
ATTEND WORKSHOPS WITH PUBLISHERS and EDITORS ALL ARE WELCOMEArab American Writers Meet at AANM "Writing While Arab: Politics, Hyphens and Homelands" is the theme for the second national conference of RAWI, Radius of Arab American Writers, to be held May 17-19, 2007 at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn . Featured Writers included Naomi Shihab Nye, Rabih Alamedinne for the opening night. Friday night, May 18th, RAWI and CAAS are co-sponsoring D.H. Melhem, and Fadhil Al-Azzawi (co-sponsored by Center for University of Michigan-Deaborn's Center for Arab American Studies, ARAB AMERICAN WRITERS SERIES).
For registration information, visit www.rawi.org . Preregistration is a plus!! To update your RAWI membership and pre-register for the conference, please fill out and send our registration form:
http://www.rawi.org/pdf/registration.pdf
. Registration for non-students who have not paid dues in the period since January, 2007, will be $120; for students it will be $75. Checks payable to RAWI. PO Box 11708, Blacksburg, VA 24062. Email Rola Nashef at rawicoordinator@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
ARAB AMERICAN BOOK CLUB at the ARAB AMERICAN MUSEUM
Dr. Steven Salaita, RAWI's executive director is the author of Anti-Arab Racism in the USA: Where It Comes From and What It Means for Politics
Today, the title for the AANM's upcoming Library Book Club meeting on Sat., April 28. See museum website for info about book club meeting.
Arab American writers organizationto hold national conference in May
DEARBORN , Mich .—The Radius of Arab American Writers, Inc. (RAWI) will turn Dearborn into the mecca for Arab American writers when it holds its second national conference on May 17-20, 2007 at the Arab American National Museum , 13624 Michigan Ave. "RAWI welcomes not only its members but also others who are interestedin engaging in the Arab American literary community said one of theconference's organizer, Khaled Mattawa, assistant professor of English at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor ."The conference will provide a venue for 150 or so writers and scholarsto present our writings and ideas to one another and to the Detroit andArab communities," said RAWI's Executive Director, Steven Salaita, whoteaches at Virginia Tech University . "Our gathering will offer anopportunity for colleagues to share strategies for publishing and circulating our work and also for confronting academic, community andpolitical barriers."This year's conference theme, "Writing While Arab: Politics, Hyphens,and Homelands," seeks to address the multiple challenges Arab Americanwriters face in an intensified post-9/11 climate, says Mattawa, who isone of the conference's organizers."When it comes down to aesthetics, we (artists, writers, poets) are all on the same palate. I see Arab American literary and cultural studies reaching its height: a renaissance is here. We should pay attention to what beautiful things our communities are producing," says RAWI secretary, Deborah Najor Alkamano, a professor in the English department at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn .In 21 readings and workshops open to all registered attendees ($35 for RAWI membership and "$85 for the conference, including meals), thewriters will address such topics as:• How is Arab American writing affected by the targeting of Arabs andMuslims as the "national enemy" inside and outside of the U.S. and bythe wars waged in our homelands?• How do we envision a future for our literature between the desire for location within American culture and our transcultural experiences?• How do we promote and teach our literature? • How to promote our unconventional literature within the convensionsof the market place?To register, visit the RAWI Web site at http://www.rawi.org/conferences.htmlOr OTHER CONTACTS HERE:Steven Salaita, Executive Director, RAWI,salaita@vt.eduDeborah Alkamano, RAWI secretarydebnajor@rawi.orgTo attend as a member of the news media, contact: MEDIA CONTACT HERE:Conference Coordinator, Rola Nashef,rawicoordinator@gmail.comABOUT RAWI: Founded in 1993, RAWI is a network of 215 Arab American writers,scholars and artists of all genres. Its mission is to urge members topublish their work in mainstream publications, to support sister andbrother writers in the Arab World, to nurture emerging writers, and toguide and bring together Arab American writers. Although devoted to theArab American community, RAWI accepts members of all ethnic andnational backgrounds. Its membership includes Muslims, Christians andJews, and is primarily American, represented by people of many nationalbackgrounds.
# # #
PLEASE JOIN US and SPREAD THE WORDMEET ESTABLISHED AND UP AND COMING ARAB AMERICAN ACADEMICS, ARTISTS, ACTIVIST, BLOGGERS, FILMMAKERS, POETS, NOVELISTS, .....
ATTEND WORKSHOPS WITH PUBLISHERS and EDITORS ALL ARE WELCOMEArab American Writers Meet at AANM "Writing While Arab: Politics, Hyphens and Homelands" is the theme for the second national conference of RAWI, Radius of Arab American Writers, to be held May 17-19, 2007 at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn . Featured Writers included Naomi Shihab Nye, Rabih Alamedinne for the opening night. Friday night, May 18th, RAWI and CAAS are co-sponsoring D.H. Melhem, and Fadhil Al-Azzawi (co-sponsored by Center for University of Michigan-Deaborn's Center for Arab American Studies, ARAB AMERICAN WRITERS SERIES).
For registration information, visit www.rawi.org . Preregistration is a plus!! To update your RAWI membership and pre-register for the conference, please fill out and send our registration form:
http://www.rawi.org/pdf/registration.pdf
. Registration for non-students who have not paid dues in the period since January, 2007, will be $120; for students it will be $75. Checks payable to RAWI. PO Box 11708, Blacksburg, VA 24062. Email Rola Nashef at rawicoordinator@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
ARAB AMERICAN BOOK CLUB at the ARAB AMERICAN MUSEUM
Dr. Steven Salaita, RAWI's executive director is the author of Anti-Arab Racism in the USA: Where It Comes From and What It Means for Politics
Today, the title for the AANM's upcoming Library Book Club meeting on Sat., April 28. See museum website for info about book club meeting.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
PLO/DAIR: Occupation killing children's "childhood"
Press Release
PLO says Israeli Occupation is murdering Childhood
The Palestinian children lately celebrated the Palestinian children's day – (5th April). A series of formal and public festivals were held throughout the Palestinian areas; the massage was the need to secure a dignified and free life for them.
Since 2000, about 900 Palestinian children were murdered and 16.000 were injured by the Israeli forces, 750 of whom were left with permanent disabilities. About 6000 children (13-18 years old) were imprisoned by the Israeli occupation- 398 of whom are still in prisons up to this day, another 16 are administrative detainees and have been held without a trial for till now. Mohammed Khawaja 13-year-old is the youngest Palestinian child detainee in the Israeli jails.
The Palestinian children in Nablus and other areas are still used as human shields by the Israeli military army during Israeli army raids to the Palestinian houses.
The Israeli unjustified practices against our kids are depriving Palestinian children from the basic element of a normal life; right to education, freedom of movement and even the right to play. Most children went through the experience of losing a beloved relative or friend, removed from his place of living, as well the experience of being assaulted on checkpoints and barriers.
The occasion takes us back to the memories of Deer Yassin massacre that was committed by the Israeli gangs in April 9th 1948 when tens of Palestinian children and their parents were slaughtered.
The Department of Arab and International Affairs- PLO, would like to add its voice to the Palestinian children's, and to urge UN Children Committee, humanitarian organizations and governmental and non governmental bodies to stand up to their designated missions in the defense of deprived children, namely the Palestinian children in order to secure a decent and safe life for them.
Defending the Palestinian children rights- can’t be interpreted without recognizing the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people and his right to establish his own independent state.
Department of Arab and International Relations /DAIR
PLO
Ramalllah
April 14th, 2007
PLO says Israeli Occupation is murdering Childhood
The Palestinian children lately celebrated the Palestinian children's day – (5th April). A series of formal and public festivals were held throughout the Palestinian areas; the massage was the need to secure a dignified and free life for them.
Since 2000, about 900 Palestinian children were murdered and 16.000 were injured by the Israeli forces, 750 of whom were left with permanent disabilities. About 6000 children (13-18 years old) were imprisoned by the Israeli occupation- 398 of whom are still in prisons up to this day, another 16 are administrative detainees and have been held without a trial for till now. Mohammed Khawaja 13-year-old is the youngest Palestinian child detainee in the Israeli jails.
The Palestinian children in Nablus and other areas are still used as human shields by the Israeli military army during Israeli army raids to the Palestinian houses.
The Israeli unjustified practices against our kids are depriving Palestinian children from the basic element of a normal life; right to education, freedom of movement and even the right to play. Most children went through the experience of losing a beloved relative or friend, removed from his place of living, as well the experience of being assaulted on checkpoints and barriers.
The occasion takes us back to the memories of Deer Yassin massacre that was committed by the Israeli gangs in April 9th 1948 when tens of Palestinian children and their parents were slaughtered.
The Department of Arab and International Affairs- PLO, would like to add its voice to the Palestinian children's, and to urge UN Children Committee, humanitarian organizations and governmental and non governmental bodies to stand up to their designated missions in the defense of deprived children, namely the Palestinian children in order to secure a decent and safe life for them.
Defending the Palestinian children rights- can’t be interpreted without recognizing the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people and his right to establish his own independent state.
Department of Arab and International Relations /DAIR
PLO
Ramalllah
April 14th, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
Illinois Scholarship for first year Arab students
Ziyad Brothers Importing Announces Illinois Scholarship for first-year College-bound Arab students
Cicero, Il – Ziyad Brothers Importing announced it is expanding its existing “Giving Back to the Community” student scholarship program to any student of Arab heritage who will be attending their first year of college this Fall.
A scholarship in the amount of $1,000 college bond will be given to one male and one female student of Arab heritage, selected from entries who demonstrate the highest level of pride, self-identity, confidence and writing talent.
The Scholarship will recognize students who demonstrate pride in their Arab heritage, and who detail how they have in the past and how they hope to contribute in the future both to their community as Arab Americans and also to this country, explained ZBI Vice President Nemer Ziyad.
“We want to recognize the future leaders of our community who demonstrate a commitment to enhancing and strengthening the image of the Arab Americans through individual initiative and community service. We are looking for young Arab American students, one male and one female, who demonstrate their pride in their Arab heritage and as Americans,” Ziyad said.
“There are many talented Arab students and we want to encourage them to pursue their professional career goals while also remaining dedicated to their Arab American heritage.”
Ziyad Brothers Importing, an Illinois-based distributor of more than 1,200 food items to stores in 46 states and six countries, awarded its first scholarships to students in 2006.
Applicants are required to submit an essay of 500 to 800 words on how they hope to “Give Back to the Community.” Winners will be announced in August and scholarships will be presented at the beginning of September. The student recipients must be enrolled in a college or university this Fall in order to receive the cash scholarship amount. Applicants can get information on applying for the scholarship by visiting www.Ziyad.com.
Ziyad Brothers Importing was originally founded in 1966 by Ahmad and Ibrahim Ziyad, two immigrant brothers from Palestine. Their small retail outlet on Chicago’s south side specialized in hard to find Middle Eastern food products as well as the first Pita Bread bakery in Chicago catering to the Middle Eastern ethnic community.
The retail outlet later expanded into one of the first automated Pita Bakeries in the Midwest and began distributing Pita bread and Middle Eastern food products to other retail outlets. Ten years later, from these humble beginnings, Ahmad and Ibrahim Ziyad purchased their first warehouse located at 21st and Western Avenue.
In 1995, Ziyad Brothers Importing consolidated facilities and moved into the current location in Cicero, IL. A year later in 1996, Ahmad Ziyad passed away at the age of 56. His brother Ibrahim assumed the role of President. Ziyad Brothers Importing is a family owned and operated business. Ahmad’s sons Nemer, Nassem and Nazmy and Ibrahim’s son Nezar and daughters Leila and Sonia also work at the company.
Winning essays will be published on the www.ZiyadNews.com web site as well as on the web site of the National Arab American Journalists Association (www.NAAJA-US.com), and in participating Arab American newspapers and magazines.
End
Cicero, Il – Ziyad Brothers Importing announced it is expanding its existing “Giving Back to the Community” student scholarship program to any student of Arab heritage who will be attending their first year of college this Fall.
A scholarship in the amount of $1,000 college bond will be given to one male and one female student of Arab heritage, selected from entries who demonstrate the highest level of pride, self-identity, confidence and writing talent.
The Scholarship will recognize students who demonstrate pride in their Arab heritage, and who detail how they have in the past and how they hope to contribute in the future both to their community as Arab Americans and also to this country, explained ZBI Vice President Nemer Ziyad.
“We want to recognize the future leaders of our community who demonstrate a commitment to enhancing and strengthening the image of the Arab Americans through individual initiative and community service. We are looking for young Arab American students, one male and one female, who demonstrate their pride in their Arab heritage and as Americans,” Ziyad said.
“There are many talented Arab students and we want to encourage them to pursue their professional career goals while also remaining dedicated to their Arab American heritage.”
Ziyad Brothers Importing, an Illinois-based distributor of more than 1,200 food items to stores in 46 states and six countries, awarded its first scholarships to students in 2006.
Applicants are required to submit an essay of 500 to 800 words on how they hope to “Give Back to the Community.” Winners will be announced in August and scholarships will be presented at the beginning of September. The student recipients must be enrolled in a college or university this Fall in order to receive the cash scholarship amount. Applicants can get information on applying for the scholarship by visiting www.Ziyad.com.
Ziyad Brothers Importing was originally founded in 1966 by Ahmad and Ibrahim Ziyad, two immigrant brothers from Palestine. Their small retail outlet on Chicago’s south side specialized in hard to find Middle Eastern food products as well as the first Pita Bread bakery in Chicago catering to the Middle Eastern ethnic community.
The retail outlet later expanded into one of the first automated Pita Bakeries in the Midwest and began distributing Pita bread and Middle Eastern food products to other retail outlets. Ten years later, from these humble beginnings, Ahmad and Ibrahim Ziyad purchased their first warehouse located at 21st and Western Avenue.
In 1995, Ziyad Brothers Importing consolidated facilities and moved into the current location in Cicero, IL. A year later in 1996, Ahmad Ziyad passed away at the age of 56. His brother Ibrahim assumed the role of President. Ziyad Brothers Importing is a family owned and operated business. Ahmad’s sons Nemer, Nassem and Nazmy and Ibrahim’s son Nezar and daughters Leila and Sonia also work at the company.
Winning essays will be published on the www.ZiyadNews.com web site as well as on the web site of the National Arab American Journalists Association (www.NAAJA-US.com), and in participating Arab American newspapers and magazines.
End
Picture Balata Palestinian US Tour
Picture Balata In Chicago This Week!
Picture Balata puts the camera into the hands of the children born and raised inside the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Participants ranging from ages 11 to 18 photograph their situation as they live it in Balata Refugee Camp. Showing their work and speaking about their lives, the photographers will travel to New York City; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh; Youngstown; Boston; Chicago; and San Francisco.
Three teenage participants from the Picture Balata workshop are in Chicago this week! These young people, leaving the West Bank for the first time, will be able to educate Americans on the reality of the situation in Balata Refugee Camp and occupied Palestine. The tour will also give them the chance to see that people outside Palestine support their work and the Palestinian struggle for justice, especially the Right of Return. The tour also aims to raise funds to purchase cameras, computers and Internet access so that, after further training, the workshop participants, nine in total, will be able to do everything from taking the picture, editing it on their own computer, and then publishing it on a website for the entire world to see. This self-sustainable project will give these young people the opportunity to further pursue photography and other media as a form of self-expression and resistance. For more information on any of these events, please email http://us.f324.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=info@psgchicago.org or call 312.656.8211.
The photographers will be in Chicago on the following dates:
Thursday, April 12
NPR Radio Interview
12 Noon
Listen to Picture Balata youth on National Public Radio (NPR)!
Their interview will be broadcast as part of the Worldview program at 12pm (CST) on 91.5 FM and online at http://www.wbez.org/Program_WV.aspx
Friday, April 13
Exhibition Opening! ACME Art Works 1741 N. Western, Chicago, IL 60647 6-9pm $10 Suggested Donation. Light dinner will be provided. Sponsored by the Palestine Solidarity Group - Chicago and Al Awda Chicago.
Saturday, April 14th
Nablus Society Annual Dinner Featuring Picture Balata Saint Xavier University (SXU) 3700 West 103rd Street, Chicago, IL 60655 Main Campus - Butler Room 5:30 PM -- 9 PM
Admission: $30 adults; $15 for children (12 years and younger). Call 312 804 4000 for ticket information.This event will include a full dinner with poetry, music, and a live Debka performance.
Picture Balata puts the camera into the hands of the children born and raised inside the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Participants ranging from ages 11 to 18 photograph their situation as they live it in Balata Refugee Camp. Showing their work and speaking about their lives, the photographers will travel to New York City; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh; Youngstown; Boston; Chicago; and San Francisco.
Three teenage participants from the Picture Balata workshop are in Chicago this week! These young people, leaving the West Bank for the first time, will be able to educate Americans on the reality of the situation in Balata Refugee Camp and occupied Palestine. The tour will also give them the chance to see that people outside Palestine support their work and the Palestinian struggle for justice, especially the Right of Return. The tour also aims to raise funds to purchase cameras, computers and Internet access so that, after further training, the workshop participants, nine in total, will be able to do everything from taking the picture, editing it on their own computer, and then publishing it on a website for the entire world to see. This self-sustainable project will give these young people the opportunity to further pursue photography and other media as a form of self-expression and resistance. For more information on any of these events, please email http://us.f324.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=info@psgchicago.org or call 312.656.8211.
The photographers will be in Chicago on the following dates:
Thursday, April 12
NPR Radio Interview
12 Noon
Listen to Picture Balata youth on National Public Radio (NPR)!
Their interview will be broadcast as part of the Worldview program at 12pm (CST) on 91.5 FM and online at http://www.wbez.org/Program_WV.aspx
Friday, April 13
Exhibition Opening! ACME Art Works 1741 N. Western, Chicago, IL 60647 6-9pm $10 Suggested Donation. Light dinner will be provided. Sponsored by the Palestine Solidarity Group - Chicago and Al Awda Chicago.
Saturday, April 14th
Nablus Society Annual Dinner Featuring Picture Balata Saint Xavier University (SXU) 3700 West 103rd Street, Chicago, IL 60655 Main Campus - Butler Room 5:30 PM -- 9 PM
Admission: $30 adults; $15 for children (12 years and younger). Call 312 804 4000 for ticket information.This event will include a full dinner with poetry, music, and a live Debka performance.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Holy Land Christians issue appeal for help
Dear brothers and sisters,
As Christians, the sunrise on Easter morning brings us more than the dawn of a new day. It is a Christian symbol of the hope for new life in the glorious resurrection of our Lord. As morning breaks from the east to the west, Christians will proclaim the hope of the gospel: "Alleluia! Christ is risen!" Our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land will also follow the traditions begun by the very first Christians as they celebrate Easter with the whole Body of Christ. The light of their eternal hope, however, finds them in the thick darkness of economic sanctions, occupation, and fear.
Some of the Arab Christians cannot see any future left in the Holy Land. The darkness of poverty and the fog of occupation have left the Christian residents of the Palestinian Territories grasping for hope – and finding little to hold. They suffer the effects of economic sanctions and blocked aid or relief efforts, and unemployment reaching past 60%. The school teachers, village administrators, and social workers have gone without pay for months. Even those who were lucky enough to have subsistence jobs and who wanted to stay are now looking for a way out. If we don't act now, time will run out for Christians in the Holy Land – even faster than I thought it might. They are moving away, leaving hope and energy for peace- building and spiritual continuity behind. They are simply unable to carve out a life any longer.
HCEF has aid programs in place, and they work. Every one of them was created to address a specific need, and those who benefit from our support express their deep thanks. They know we haven't forgotten them – instead, we bring the light of hope and the warmth of solidarity to these Christians left on the doorstep of the international political arena. Your commitment and our programs can make the difference. I feel compelled to emphasize this:
Your commitment and our programs can make the difference! Donate here
During eight years of work, we have sponsored Christian education for thousands of children, built new housing and community centers, created jobs and sustained industries supporting hundreds of families, and built a vast network of Christians across the world who are praying and acting in support of their brothers and sisters. Our efforts as a community united by faith have made a life-changing difference for thousands of Arab Christians across the Holy Land.
Your donations at work.
I never wanted to have to say these things about the lack of hope, the crushing conditions, and the insecurity weighing on the Holy Land Christians, and I hope that our involvement will reverse their effects. After seeing the extent to which conditions have deteriorated for Arab Christians, I would be irresponsible to keep this information to myself in favor of blithely hopeful language. If I had more powerful words, I would use them now.
Please, support the Holy Land Christians. They need your fervent prayers, your solidarity, and your awareness. Most of all in these desperate times, they need your material support. Do not wait for your neighbor or your friend to make the difference – log on to our website and bring help as soon as you can. You can light a candle for peace here and let the world know you care about the Arab Christians.
If you would like to support us, donate here. We need everyone on board to accomplish our mission:
To replace despair with hope, fear with security, and humiliation with human dignity.
With heartfelt prayers and trust in God, I wish all of us an Easter full of the hope of the risen Lord.
Rateb Rabie, KCHS
HCEF President
For Comments Email: news@hcef.org
Phone: 301-951-9400
Web: http://www.hcef.org
For additional articles or more info or to add your own comments please visit our website at www.hcef.org The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation, Inc. (HCEF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides support to the Christians of the Holy Land who live in Christian communities dating back in time to those who first heard Jesus Christ preach his gospel. HCEF sponsors programs that support children's education, create housing, and provide work programs for community development and indigenous handicrafts. HCEF Pilgrimages enable Western Christians to develop bonds of solidarity with their Christian brothers and sisters living in the Holy Land.
As Christians, the sunrise on Easter morning brings us more than the dawn of a new day. It is a Christian symbol of the hope for new life in the glorious resurrection of our Lord. As morning breaks from the east to the west, Christians will proclaim the hope of the gospel: "Alleluia! Christ is risen!" Our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land will also follow the traditions begun by the very first Christians as they celebrate Easter with the whole Body of Christ. The light of their eternal hope, however, finds them in the thick darkness of economic sanctions, occupation, and fear.
Some of the Arab Christians cannot see any future left in the Holy Land. The darkness of poverty and the fog of occupation have left the Christian residents of the Palestinian Territories grasping for hope – and finding little to hold. They suffer the effects of economic sanctions and blocked aid or relief efforts, and unemployment reaching past 60%. The school teachers, village administrators, and social workers have gone without pay for months. Even those who were lucky enough to have subsistence jobs and who wanted to stay are now looking for a way out. If we don't act now, time will run out for Christians in the Holy Land – even faster than I thought it might. They are moving away, leaving hope and energy for peace- building and spiritual continuity behind. They are simply unable to carve out a life any longer.
HCEF has aid programs in place, and they work. Every one of them was created to address a specific need, and those who benefit from our support express their deep thanks. They know we haven't forgotten them – instead, we bring the light of hope and the warmth of solidarity to these Christians left on the doorstep of the international political arena. Your commitment and our programs can make the difference. I feel compelled to emphasize this:
Your commitment and our programs can make the difference! Donate here
During eight years of work, we have sponsored Christian education for thousands of children, built new housing and community centers, created jobs and sustained industries supporting hundreds of families, and built a vast network of Christians across the world who are praying and acting in support of their brothers and sisters. Our efforts as a community united by faith have made a life-changing difference for thousands of Arab Christians across the Holy Land.
Your donations at work.
I never wanted to have to say these things about the lack of hope, the crushing conditions, and the insecurity weighing on the Holy Land Christians, and I hope that our involvement will reverse their effects. After seeing the extent to which conditions have deteriorated for Arab Christians, I would be irresponsible to keep this information to myself in favor of blithely hopeful language. If I had more powerful words, I would use them now.
Please, support the Holy Land Christians. They need your fervent prayers, your solidarity, and your awareness. Most of all in these desperate times, they need your material support. Do not wait for your neighbor or your friend to make the difference – log on to our website and bring help as soon as you can. You can light a candle for peace here and let the world know you care about the Arab Christians.
If you would like to support us, donate here. We need everyone on board to accomplish our mission:
To replace despair with hope, fear with security, and humiliation with human dignity.
With heartfelt prayers and trust in God, I wish all of us an Easter full of the hope of the risen Lord.
Rateb Rabie, KCHS
HCEF President
For Comments Email: news@hcef.org
Phone: 301-951-9400
Web: http://www.hcef.org
For additional articles or more info or to add your own comments please visit our website at www.hcef.org The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation, Inc. (HCEF) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides support to the Christians of the Holy Land who live in Christian communities dating back in time to those who first heard Jesus Christ preach his gospel. HCEF sponsors programs that support children's education, create housing, and provide work programs for community development and indigenous handicrafts. HCEF Pilgrimages enable Western Christians to develop bonds of solidarity with their Christian brothers and sisters living in the Holy Land.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
RAWI hosts confernece in May at Arab Museum
Arab American writers organization to hold national conference in May
DEARBORN, Mich.—The Radius of Arab American Writers, Inc. (RAWI) will
turn the city of Dearborn, Michigan into a hub for Arab American
writers when it holds its second national conference on May 17-20, at
the Arab American National Museum, 13624 Michigan Ave.
“RAWI welcomes not only its members but also others who are interested
in engaging in the Arab American literary community," said one of the
conference’s organizer, Khaled Mattawa, professor of English at the
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, and president of RAWI.
The conference will gather 150 or so writers and scholars who will
present their writings and research to one another and to the Detroit
and Arab communities. This year’s conference theme, “Writing While
Arab: Politics, Hyphens, and Homelands,” seeks to address the multiple
challenges Arab American writers face in an intensified post-9/11
climate, says Mattawa.
“I'm often asked what's happening in Arab America, or what Arab
American books teachers can use, or which writers are worth reading, or
what forms of diversity exist in this community, or where Arab
Americans come from and which spaces they inhabit,” said Steven
Salaita, Executive Director of RAWI and assistant professor of English
at Virginia Tech University. “For the past six months, my answer has
been: attend the RAWI Conference. It will be a tremendous opportunity
for those interested in learning more about Arab Americans and our
burgeoning literary tradition.”
In 21 readings and workshops open to all registered attendees ($35 for
RAWI membership and “$85 for the conference, including meals), the
writers will address such topics as:
• How is Arab American writing affected by the targeting of Arabs and
Muslims as the “national enemy” inside and outside of the U.S. and by
the wars waged in our homelands?
• How do we envision a future for our literature between the desire for
location within American culture and our transcultural experiences?
• How do we promote and teach our literature?
• How to promote our unconventional literature within the conventions
of the market place?
Some of the better known authors in attendance are Naomi Shihab Nye,
author of “Fuel,” novelist Rabih Alameddine author of “I, the Divine,”
and celebrated Iraqi poet, Fadhil Al-Azzawi, author of “Miracle Maker.”
To register, visit the RAWI Web site at http://www.rawi.org/conferences.html
Rola Nashef, (rawicoordinator@gmail.edu)
To attend as a member of the news media, contact: Steve Salaita,
Executive Director, (salaita@vt.edu)
ABOUT RAWI:
Founded in 1993, RAWI is a network of 215 Arab American writers,
scholars and artists of all genres. Its mission is to urge members to
publish their work in mainstream publications, to support sister and
brother writers in the Arab World, to nurture emerging writers, and to
guide and bring together Arab American writers. Although devoted to the
Arab American community, RAWI accepts members of all ethnic and
national backgrounds. Its membership includes Muslims, Christians and
Jews, and is primarily American, represented by people of many national
backgrounds.
DEARBORN, Mich.—The Radius of Arab American Writers, Inc. (RAWI) will
turn the city of Dearborn, Michigan into a hub for Arab American
writers when it holds its second national conference on May 17-20, at
the Arab American National Museum, 13624 Michigan Ave.
“RAWI welcomes not only its members but also others who are interested
in engaging in the Arab American literary community," said one of the
conference’s organizer, Khaled Mattawa, professor of English at the
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, and president of RAWI.
The conference will gather 150 or so writers and scholars who will
present their writings and research to one another and to the Detroit
and Arab communities. This year’s conference theme, “Writing While
Arab: Politics, Hyphens, and Homelands,” seeks to address the multiple
challenges Arab American writers face in an intensified post-9/11
climate, says Mattawa.
“I'm often asked what's happening in Arab America, or what Arab
American books teachers can use, or which writers are worth reading, or
what forms of diversity exist in this community, or where Arab
Americans come from and which spaces they inhabit,” said Steven
Salaita, Executive Director of RAWI and assistant professor of English
at Virginia Tech University. “For the past six months, my answer has
been: attend the RAWI Conference. It will be a tremendous opportunity
for those interested in learning more about Arab Americans and our
burgeoning literary tradition.”
In 21 readings and workshops open to all registered attendees ($35 for
RAWI membership and “$85 for the conference, including meals), the
writers will address such topics as:
• How is Arab American writing affected by the targeting of Arabs and
Muslims as the “national enemy” inside and outside of the U.S. and by
the wars waged in our homelands?
• How do we envision a future for our literature between the desire for
location within American culture and our transcultural experiences?
• How do we promote and teach our literature?
• How to promote our unconventional literature within the conventions
of the market place?
Some of the better known authors in attendance are Naomi Shihab Nye,
author of “Fuel,” novelist Rabih Alameddine author of “I, the Divine,”
and celebrated Iraqi poet, Fadhil Al-Azzawi, author of “Miracle Maker.”
To register, visit the RAWI Web site at http://www.rawi.org/conferences.html
Rola Nashef, (rawicoordinator@gmail.edu)
To attend as a member of the news media, contact: Steve Salaita,
Executive Director, (salaita@vt.edu)
ABOUT RAWI:
Founded in 1993, RAWI is a network of 215 Arab American writers,
scholars and artists of all genres. Its mission is to urge members to
publish their work in mainstream publications, to support sister and
brother writers in the Arab World, to nurture emerging writers, and to
guide and bring together Arab American writers. Although devoted to the
Arab American community, RAWI accepts members of all ethnic and
national backgrounds. Its membership includes Muslims, Christians and
Jews, and is primarily American, represented by people of many national
backgrounds.
Monday, April 02, 2007
JOurney to Jordan for high school students
Journey to Jordan
Arabic Language and CultureJune 21 - August 19, 2007Application deadline May 1
An exciting scholarship program for high school students worth $10,000!*
The University of Wisconsin–Green Bay announces an exciting opportunity for high school students, seven weeks in Jordan including a six-week Arabic language institute at the University of Jordan. A diverse group of 20 students from across the U.S. will be selected to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Must be age 14-18 when program begins.
A GPA of 3.0 is required.
No previous Arabic experience required.
Pre-departure and follow-on learning online using podcasts and other fun materials, with assistance from instructors of Arabic.
Pre-departure and return activities in Washington, D.C., including: cross-cultural orientation, “Arabic in Careers" presentations, and visits to Washington museums and monuments.
Cultural immersion activities in Jordan including: field trips to places like Petra, the “Lost City of Stone;” visits to museums, government offices, multinational organizations, and other special places of interest; community service projects with Jordanian youth organizations; a four-week home stay with a host family.
Accompanied for the duration by an Arabic-speaking American chaperone/adviser who has traveled and worked in the region.
*Participants are responsible for some nominal expenses.
For more information and the application package:
http://www.uwgb.edu/intlprojects/jordan.htm
Deadline: May 1
Arabic Language and CultureJune 21 - August 19, 2007Application deadline May 1
An exciting scholarship program for high school students worth $10,000!*
The University of Wisconsin–Green Bay announces an exciting opportunity for high school students, seven weeks in Jordan including a six-week Arabic language institute at the University of Jordan. A diverse group of 20 students from across the U.S. will be selected to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Must be age 14-18 when program begins.
A GPA of 3.0 is required.
No previous Arabic experience required.
Pre-departure and follow-on learning online using podcasts and other fun materials, with assistance from instructors of Arabic.
Pre-departure and return activities in Washington, D.C., including: cross-cultural orientation, “Arabic in Careers" presentations, and visits to Washington museums and monuments.
Cultural immersion activities in Jordan including: field trips to places like Petra, the “Lost City of Stone;” visits to museums, government offices, multinational organizations, and other special places of interest; community service projects with Jordanian youth organizations; a four-week home stay with a host family.
Accompanied for the duration by an Arabic-speaking American chaperone/adviser who has traveled and worked in the region.
*Participants are responsible for some nominal expenses.
For more information and the application package:
http://www.uwgb.edu/intlprojects/jordan.htm
Deadline: May 1
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Shaheen Scholarships to be awarded at ADC Convention
2007 Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarship to be Awarded at "Reel Bad Arabs" Premiere During ADC Convention
Washington, DC March 27, 2007 The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is currently accepting applications for the 2007 Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarship. Jack G. Shaheen, PhD, is the world's foremost authority on media images of Arab and the author of Reel Bad Arabs, Arab and Muslim Stereotyping in American Popular Culture, Nuclear War Films, and The TV Arab.
The deadline for applications is April 12, 2007. Dr. Shaheen established this scholarship through ADC to recognize Arab-American students who excel in media studies. Recipients of the scholarship will be announced and presented at ADC's Annual Convention during the DC premiere of the groundbreaking documentary, Reel Bad Arabs.On Friday, June 8, the ground breaking 50-minute documentary will be screened and then a question and answer session with Dr. Shaheen will follow and the scholarships will be awarded.
For more information on the DC premier of Reel Bad Arabs see:
http://www.adc.org/index.php?id=3069
PURPOSE:To recognize Arab-American students who excel in Media Studies.
AMOUNT:$1000
ELIGIBILITY:Juniors, Seniors, or Graduate Students.Must be attending college in the 2007-08 academic year.
Must be majoring in Mass Communications, Journalism, Radio, Television, and/or Film.
Must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be a U.S. citizen of Arab heritage
APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND THE FOLLOWING
TO THE ADC RESEARCH INSTITUTE:
A one-page statement stating that you are a US citizen, explaining your goals and why you merit the scholarship.Copies of articles, videos, films, etc.Official academic transcripts including your GPA.Two letters of recommendation from Mass Communications professors.Permanent home address, phone number, email address; also address, phone number, and email address during the school year.
DEADLINE: APRIL 12, 2007Awards will be announced and presented during ADC's Annual Convention in Washington, DC.
SEND MATERIALS TO:Attn: Nawar ShoraADC Research Institute (ADCRI)1732 Wisconsin Ave, NWWashington, DC 20007Tel: 202-244-2990Fax: 202-244-7968
SAVE THE DATE: June 8-10, 2007ADC Convention: "Toward A More Perfect Union"
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee www.adc.org1732 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20007Tel: 202-244-2990 Fax: 202-244-7968 E-mail: media@adc.org
Washington, DC March 27, 2007 The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is currently accepting applications for the 2007 Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarship. Jack G. Shaheen, PhD, is the world's foremost authority on media images of Arab and the author of Reel Bad Arabs, Arab and Muslim Stereotyping in American Popular Culture, Nuclear War Films, and The TV Arab.
The deadline for applications is April 12, 2007. Dr. Shaheen established this scholarship through ADC to recognize Arab-American students who excel in media studies. Recipients of the scholarship will be announced and presented at ADC's Annual Convention during the DC premiere of the groundbreaking documentary, Reel Bad Arabs.On Friday, June 8, the ground breaking 50-minute documentary will be screened and then a question and answer session with Dr. Shaheen will follow and the scholarships will be awarded.
For more information on the DC premier of Reel Bad Arabs see:
http://www.adc.org/index.php?id=3069
PURPOSE:To recognize Arab-American students who excel in Media Studies.
AMOUNT:$1000
ELIGIBILITY:Juniors, Seniors, or Graduate Students.Must be attending college in the 2007-08 academic year.
Must be majoring in Mass Communications, Journalism, Radio, Television, and/or Film.
Must have at least a 3.0 GPA and be a U.S. citizen of Arab heritage
APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND THE FOLLOWING
TO THE ADC RESEARCH INSTITUTE:
A one-page statement stating that you are a US citizen, explaining your goals and why you merit the scholarship.Copies of articles, videos, films, etc.Official academic transcripts including your GPA.Two letters of recommendation from Mass Communications professors.Permanent home address, phone number, email address; also address, phone number, and email address during the school year.
DEADLINE: APRIL 12, 2007Awards will be announced and presented during ADC's Annual Convention in Washington, DC.
SEND MATERIALS TO:Attn: Nawar ShoraADC Research Institute (ADCRI)1732 Wisconsin Ave, NWWashington, DC 20007Tel: 202-244-2990Fax: 202-244-7968
SAVE THE DATE: June 8-10, 2007ADC Convention: "Toward A More Perfect Union"
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee www.adc.org1732 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20007Tel: 202-244-2990 Fax: 202-244-7968 E-mail: media@adc.org
Sunday, March 25, 2007
PRESS RELEASE: American World War II Pilot honored by Saudi Arabia
Captain Joe Grant Honored in the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
WASHINGTON, March 24 /PRNewswire/-- His Excellency Adel A. Al-Jubair, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States, in partnership with Friends of Saudi Arabia (FSA), presented and honored Captain Joe Grant with Friends of Saudi Arabia's 2007 Hart Award.
"In Saudi Arabia we have a saying," said His Excellency Mr. Al-Jubair, "fire warms the body, the body and friendship warms the heart." In the first public address since he was appointed Ambassador in February, Mr. Al-Jubair painted a vivid picture of the friendship shared between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia.
Following his remarks, Mr. Al-Jubair congratulated Captain Grant on a "well deserved award." Captain Joe Grant was recognized for his longstanding contributions to fostering Saudi-U.S. relations. Named after late Ambassador Parker T. Hart, the Award recognizes an individual's achievements in fostering friendship, goodwill and mutual understanding between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Joe Grant, the 99 year old World War II veteran and pilot, was the original pilot of the DC-3 that was given to King Abdulaziz as a special gift from President Franklin Roosevelt in 1945. Captain Grant stayed in Saudi Arabia as the first airline pilot for King Abdulaziz and was instrumental in the establishment of Saudi Arabian Airlines.
"Being in Saudi Arabia is a part of your life that makes your life," said Captain Grant. "Warmth, friendship and feeling for one another -- that is Saudi Arabia. The great King Abdulaziz had a vision of friendship, and it is that vision and friendship that we, as Americans, want to be a part of."
Mrs. Jane Smiley Hart, 2005 Hart Award precipitant and wife of Ambassador Parker T. Hart, joined The Embassy of Saudi Arabia and FSA in the presentation of the 2007 Hart Award. "I went there by accident and loved it," reminisced Mrs. Hart. "Saudi Arabia was so special to me and touched my life in so many ways; I am honored to have gotten the opportunity to go there."
Present for the presentation of the Hart Award were members of the diplomatic core, US Department of State, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Embassy of Iraq, Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Embassy or Chile, Embassy of Tunisia, Kuwait Information Services, Aramco, World Bank, Former US Consul General, Middle East Institute, among many other high profile personnel and organizations.
In closing, Mr. Grant addressed His Excellency Adel A. Al-Jubair, "Thank you Mr. Ambassador. Thank you for being my friend and our friend as Americans. I hope you don't mind that I have adopted you into my circle of friends."
The event marked the opening of the photography exhibition hosted by the Embassy or Saudi Arabia entitled: "Yesterday and Today." The exhibition consists of photographs of Saudi Arabia taken by Captain Grant in 1945 and contemporary photographs of Saudi Arabia taken by photographer and filmmaker Bruce Wendt in 2006. The exhibition will remain on display at the Saudi Embassy until April 6, 2007.
About FSA: Friends of Saudi Arabia is an apolitical, secular, educational, non-profit organization that serves to build bridges of goodwill and understanding between Saudi Arabia and the international community. Events hosted by Friends of Saudi Arabia serve as a tool for nurturing dialogue, debate, alliance building and networking opportunities between people of diverse backgrounds with hopes to dispel misconceptions, establish friendships, and inspire global understanding and exchange. Friends of Saudi Arabia aims to promote better "people to people" understanding as well as bridging social and cultural gaps.
For information of Friends of Saudi Arabia visit http://www.fsaus.org.
Event Detailed Information: Date: Thursday, March 22, 2007 Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Where: The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia 601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20037 Contact: Hazami Barmada Director, Public Relations & Outreach Friends of Saudi Arabia Office: (202) 558-7504 Cell: (901) 219-2041 Fax: (202) 448-1392
Email: hazami.barmada@fsaus.org
Web: www.fsaus.org
SOURCE Friends of Saudi Arabia -0-
03/24/2007 /CONTACT: Hazami Barmada, Director, Public Relations & Outreach,
Friends of Saudi Arabia, Office: +1-202-558-7504, Cell: +1-901-219-2041, Fax: +1-202-448-1392, hazami.barmada@fsaus.org
Web site: http://www.fsaus.org /
WASHINGTON, March 24 /PRNewswire/-- His Excellency Adel A. Al-Jubair, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States, in partnership with Friends of Saudi Arabia (FSA), presented and honored Captain Joe Grant with Friends of Saudi Arabia's 2007 Hart Award.
"In Saudi Arabia we have a saying," said His Excellency Mr. Al-Jubair, "fire warms the body, the body and friendship warms the heart." In the first public address since he was appointed Ambassador in February, Mr. Al-Jubair painted a vivid picture of the friendship shared between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia.
Following his remarks, Mr. Al-Jubair congratulated Captain Grant on a "well deserved award." Captain Joe Grant was recognized for his longstanding contributions to fostering Saudi-U.S. relations. Named after late Ambassador Parker T. Hart, the Award recognizes an individual's achievements in fostering friendship, goodwill and mutual understanding between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Joe Grant, the 99 year old World War II veteran and pilot, was the original pilot of the DC-3 that was given to King Abdulaziz as a special gift from President Franklin Roosevelt in 1945. Captain Grant stayed in Saudi Arabia as the first airline pilot for King Abdulaziz and was instrumental in the establishment of Saudi Arabian Airlines.
"Being in Saudi Arabia is a part of your life that makes your life," said Captain Grant. "Warmth, friendship and feeling for one another -- that is Saudi Arabia. The great King Abdulaziz had a vision of friendship, and it is that vision and friendship that we, as Americans, want to be a part of."
Mrs. Jane Smiley Hart, 2005 Hart Award precipitant and wife of Ambassador Parker T. Hart, joined The Embassy of Saudi Arabia and FSA in the presentation of the 2007 Hart Award. "I went there by accident and loved it," reminisced Mrs. Hart. "Saudi Arabia was so special to me and touched my life in so many ways; I am honored to have gotten the opportunity to go there."
Present for the presentation of the Hart Award were members of the diplomatic core, US Department of State, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Embassy of Iraq, Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Embassy or Chile, Embassy of Tunisia, Kuwait Information Services, Aramco, World Bank, Former US Consul General, Middle East Institute, among many other high profile personnel and organizations.
In closing, Mr. Grant addressed His Excellency Adel A. Al-Jubair, "Thank you Mr. Ambassador. Thank you for being my friend and our friend as Americans. I hope you don't mind that I have adopted you into my circle of friends."
The event marked the opening of the photography exhibition hosted by the Embassy or Saudi Arabia entitled: "Yesterday and Today." The exhibition consists of photographs of Saudi Arabia taken by Captain Grant in 1945 and contemporary photographs of Saudi Arabia taken by photographer and filmmaker Bruce Wendt in 2006. The exhibition will remain on display at the Saudi Embassy until April 6, 2007.
About FSA: Friends of Saudi Arabia is an apolitical, secular, educational, non-profit organization that serves to build bridges of goodwill and understanding between Saudi Arabia and the international community. Events hosted by Friends of Saudi Arabia serve as a tool for nurturing dialogue, debate, alliance building and networking opportunities between people of diverse backgrounds with hopes to dispel misconceptions, establish friendships, and inspire global understanding and exchange. Friends of Saudi Arabia aims to promote better "people to people" understanding as well as bridging social and cultural gaps.
For information of Friends of Saudi Arabia visit http://www.fsaus.org.
Event Detailed Information: Date: Thursday, March 22, 2007 Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Where: The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia 601 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20037 Contact: Hazami Barmada Director, Public Relations & Outreach Friends of Saudi Arabia Office: (202) 558-7504 Cell: (901) 219-2041 Fax: (202) 448-1392
Email: hazami.barmada@fsaus.org
Web: www.fsaus.org
SOURCE Friends of Saudi Arabia -0-
03/24/2007 /CONTACT: Hazami Barmada, Director, Public Relations & Outreach,
Friends of Saudi Arabia, Office: +1-202-558-7504, Cell: +1-901-219-2041, Fax: +1-202-448-1392, hazami.barmada@fsaus.org
Web site: http://www.fsaus.org /
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Palestinian-Israeli women tour on conflict resolution issues
Muslim, Jewish and Christian Women Tour the US Offering Perspectives on Coping with War and Building Peace Between Israelis and Palestinians
Jerusalem Women Speak: Three Women, Three Faiths, One Shared Vision
April 9- 26, 2007
Chicago Events: April 10 - 11
Does your audience know what it means to live in Palestine and Israel? Do they know what it takes to build peace after years of war, occupation and conflict? How often have they heard of Israelis and Palestinians working together to build a new future?Three women, a Christian, a Jew, and a Muslim, who are living the realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can answer these questions and many more. These women bring their unique voices to the United States to call for an end to occupation and the ongoing violence between Israelis and Palestinians. They will share their experiences and hopes for a just peace with American audiences.The women are working professionals, educators and activists, all involved in their own way in resolving the conflict and charting a brighter future for their region.Each woman lives the hardships of conflict and the tragedy of occupation in unique ways. Each has also witnessed decades of Israeli-Palestinian violence and the intermittent attempts to rekindle peace talks. They have made a commitment to address American audiences about their work for a peaceful future and what must be done to improve today’s deteriorating situation.
What does an Israeli of South African descent, whose parents were involved in the founding of the state of Israel, think of President Carter’s description of Israeli policy as “Apartheid”?
What does an Educational Consultant with the Palestinian Ministry of Education face when accessing schools and communities surrounded by Israeli settlements and checkpoints?
How has one Christian Palestinian family used their contested land as a means to bring Israelis and Palestinians together?
How do Palestinians and Israelis work together in spite of the ongoing violence and animosity that surrounds them?
These three women can address these issues and more. The three will travel together on a national speaking tour for three weeks (April 9-26) to address realities of the conflict – the loss of family, the demolition of homes, persecution, occupation, violence, the separation barrier currently being constructed in the West Bank, Israel’s unilateral “disengagement” from the Gaza Strip, recent escalations of the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon, and more. They are here to demonstrate that working together for peace, while difficult, is possible.
The April tour is the Thirteenth National Jerusalem Women Speak Tour organized by Partners for Peace. The response to the tour in past years has been remarkable. Audiences have been fascinated and thrilled to hear their stories and see that even today in the midst of the ongoing conflict there are Palestinians and Israelis willing to travel together to talk about their lives, their fears, their hopes and their work for a just and sustainable peace.We refer to these individuals as “extraordinary ordinary women” for they are real women that deserve international recognition. If there is to be a real and lasting peace, everyday people like them will make it happen. The speakers for the Thirteenth National Jerusalem Women Speak Tour:
Huda Abu Arqoub, a Muslim Palestinian from Hebron, Palestine
Tal Dor, a Jewish Israeli from Haifa, Israel
Amal Nassar, a Christian Palestinian from Bethlehem, Palestine
Photos availableInterviews, talk shows appearances, editorial appearances and community presentations are currently being scheduled. They may be arranged by contacting Partners for Peace. Partners for Peace is an NGO based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to help bring about a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This is the thirteenth tour since 1998.
Chicago Schedule:Tuesday, April 10
12:00 – 2:00 PMPresbyterian Church of Western Springs5250 Wolf RoadWestern Springs, Illinois 60558Sponsored by the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs, the American Friends Service Committee and the Chicago Interfaith Work Group on Middle East PolicyLocal Media
Contact Person
Jennifer LewisPresbyterian Church of Western Springs
jlewis@presbyws.org708-246-5220 6:00 – 8:00DePaul University
Richardson Library, Rosati Room
2350 North Kenmore Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60614
Sponsored by Global Voices, the Islamic World Studies Program, the Women’s Center, the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, the Department of Modern Languages, the Department of Religion, the Department of Political Science, the Department of Peace, Conflict Resolution and Social Justice and the Irwin W. Steans Center for Community-based Service Learning
Local Media Contact Person
Nicole Zimmerer
Global Voices773-325-7407
nzimmere@depaul.edu
Wednesday, April 112:00 - 3:30 PMThe Chicago School of Professional PsychologyRm. 412325 N. Wells StreetChicago, Illinois 60610Sponsored by The Center for International Studies
Local Media Contact Person
Nancy Dubrow
Center for International Studies, Chicago
Schoolndubrow@thechicagoschool.edu
773-327-8817 (work)
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Northwestern UniversityMcCormick Tribune Center
Room - McCormick Tribune Center Forum
1870 Campus Drive
Evanston, Illinois 60208
Sponsored by The Roberta Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies and the Department of Women's and Gender Studies
Local Media Contact Person
Brian T. Hanson, Associate Director
Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies
Phone: 847-491-5058 Email: bhanson@northwestern.edu
Full schedule details available at www.partnersforpeace.org.
Speakers’ Biographies:Huda Abu Arqoub (Age 36):A Muslim Palestinian, Ms. Abu Arqoub is an Educational Consultant with the Ministry of Education of the Palestinian National Authority. A resident of Dura in the occupied West Bank, Ms. Abu Arqoub’s work takes her to schools throughout the district of Hebron where she documents the unique situation students and teachers face as they endure Israeli military and settler violence. She sees overcoming these daily injustices as a key component to peacebuilding and conflict transformation in Israel/Palestine. One of twelve children, Ms. Abu Arqoub was born in Jerusalem.† She is currently denied Jerusalem residency, however, and cannot travel freely to the city of her birth or visit relatives there because of Israeli-imposed restrictions.† Ms. Abu Arqoub’s family has lost 250 acres of land planted with olive trees and vineyards to Israeli confiscation and settlement construction. She has only visited the land once, in 1988, when her father took the family to see the property. Ms. Abu Arqoub’s parents are both teachers and she followed in their footsteps, obtaining her diploma for teaching English as a Second Language and a degree in Education and English Literature from Al Quds Open University in Palestine. A Fulbright Scholar, she now holds a Masters Degree in Conflict Transformation from Eastern Mennonite University in the United States.Ms Abu Arqoub is also active in grassroots Palestinian initiatives focusing on issues related to gender equality and human rights. She is a member of several local Palestinian organizations that work on empowering women to be more active in building a healthy society.† Ms Abu Arqoub’s advocacy has also brought her in contact with many international groups and she has worked with organizations like Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children International and the University of the Middle East Project.† Most recently, she has joined the faculty of AL Quds Open University as a part time professor in the Departments of Language and Social Studies. The land Ms. Abu Arqoub calls home is saturated with Jewish Israeli settlements built illegally on Palestinian territory.† As a result, Ms. Abu Arqoub works in areas that endure Israeli military and settlement policies that privilege Israeli Jewish settlers over the indigenous Palestinian population.† Her commitment to peace between Israelis and Palestinians necessitates her opposition to these Israeli policies, which she describes as apartheid.† Such policies will never result in peace, Ms. Abu Arqoub argues, because ultimately "human interaction is needed to bridge gaps created by distance, cultural difference and politics."Tal Dor (Age 29):A Jewish Israeli, Ms. Dor’s work urges her society to critically examine both its past and its present. For the past six years, Ms. Dor worked for Mahapach-Tagier, a joint Jewish-Palestinian grassroots organization developing leadership and social justice in disempowered communities throughout Israel. She left the organization last year after serving as Executive Director. She is also active in many other organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of Zochrot, an association working to develop a critical consciousness in Israel of the history and current reality of the Israeli War of Independence and Palestinian Nakba (Catastrophe) in 1948.Ms. Dor was born in Haifa, on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Her parents were Zionist immigrants from South Africa, one of whom came in 1948 to fight in the war to establish the state of Israel. Her identity and activism have been influenced by South Africa’s struggle to overcome its own conflict. The challenge to come to terms with both her family’s Zionism and her South African heritage led Ms. Dor to search for new and creative ways to address the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.Ms. Dor graduated with a BA in Social Work from Tel Hai College and holds advanced degrees in Community Organizing and Facilitating Groups in Conflict. In 1996 and 1997, she served in the Israeli army as a trainer for soldier-teachers working with at-risk youth in Israel. The experience opened her eyes to the reality of poverty in Israel, but her political activism began several years after her service ended. Following the outbreak of the second Intifada in late 2000, Ms. Dor joined thousands of other Israelis in peace rallies and actions across Israel and in the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, she continued her work with the disempowered in Israel proper. In the fall of 2006, Ms. Dor moved to France where she is currently writing a book with Palestinian colleague Manal Al Tamimi. The book documents and analyzes their dialogues as two women activists against the occupation- one Israeli and one Palestinian.Ms. Dor's work draws important links between the struggle for peace and justice among Israelis and Palestinians and the struggle for a more just and equitable Israeli society. Her work with disempowered communities and at-risk youth in Israel informs her work with Palestinian colleagues and contributes to her analysis of the broader trends in the region. Ms. Dor believes that peace between Israelis and Palestinians is within reach, but to achieve that peace, political awareness and activism has to spread to a larger cadre and in an equal civic partnership between Israelis and Palestinians. "I don’t think we can speak about peace in a situation of occupation," Ms. Dor argues. "I believe we have to speak about justice, equality and ending the occupation. We cannot live at the expense of other peoples and speak about peace."Amal Nassar (Age 46):A Christian Palestinian, Ms.. Nassar is a physiotherapist for infants and a nurse at the Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem. Concern for the next generation of Palestinians also extends to her volunteer activism. Ms. Nassar is a founding member of Tent of Nations- People Building Bridges, a project inviting Palestinians, Israelis and international visitors to take part in programs focusing on coexistence, peace and nonviolence. Her work with Tent of Nations is motivated by the belief that Palestinians and Israelis, especially young people, must participate actively in shaping their society and building a peaceful future based on principles of justice and sharing the land.Ms. Nassar and her family founded Tent of Nations on the 100 acres of land her family owns near Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank. Her grandfather purchased the property in 1917 and moved his family from the Old City of Bethlehem, where his ancestors had lived for generations. The family lived in a cave that they extended into a full stone house and tended the fruit trees and vineyards they planted.Ms. Nassar’s land is now surrounded by four illegal Israeli settlements built after Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967. In 1991, the Israeli military left notices on the property announcing that it had been classified as Israeli "state land" and would be confiscated. Ms. Nassar’s family began a legal battle to keep their land that continues today. In 2002, Israeli settlers attacked her family. The settlers beat two of her brothers and entered their home to threaten her 65 year old mother at gunpoint. Meanwhile, the attackers uprooted 250 olive trees. Ms. Nassar’s family has never been granted compensation. In light of such assaults on her family’s very presence on their own lands, Ms Nassar views Tent of Nations as more than an educational project. It is also a form of nonviolent resistance against the confiscation of her heritage.Ms. Nassar’s father taught his children that the land is an integral aspect of their identity as Palestinians and dreamt that the property would become a meeting point for people from around the world. Today, thirty years after her father died, Ms. Nassar is working to make his dream a reality. She organizes programs for youth and women that focus on peace education and nonviolence. Meanwhile, she fosters an understanding in Palestinian children of the vital connection between their people and the land.Through her work, Ms. Nassar has forged lasting friendships with Israeli peace activists who join Tent of Nations activities and support the family’s resistance. Ms. Nassar stays in contact with them through e-mails and phone calls. She cannot visit them, however, unless she is granted a special permit from the Israeli military.Despite the enduring efforts to dispossess her and her family of their land and heritage, Ms. Nassar remains optimistic that Israelis and Palestinians will live together in peace. "My dream is to see the youth of Israel and Palestine working together for a better future and a better quality of life for both nations," she explains. "I am looking forward to our young generation living together in peace without hatred and with an understanding that we must work for a new society based on democracy and justice."
GW Associates702 S. BeechSyracuse, NY 13210315-476-3396 603-590-8273 faxpwirth2@verizon.nethttp://www.peterwirth.net
Jerusalem Women Speak: Three Women, Three Faiths, One Shared Vision
April 9- 26, 2007
Chicago Events: April 10 - 11
Does your audience know what it means to live in Palestine and Israel? Do they know what it takes to build peace after years of war, occupation and conflict? How often have they heard of Israelis and Palestinians working together to build a new future?Three women, a Christian, a Jew, and a Muslim, who are living the realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can answer these questions and many more. These women bring their unique voices to the United States to call for an end to occupation and the ongoing violence between Israelis and Palestinians. They will share their experiences and hopes for a just peace with American audiences.The women are working professionals, educators and activists, all involved in their own way in resolving the conflict and charting a brighter future for their region.Each woman lives the hardships of conflict and the tragedy of occupation in unique ways. Each has also witnessed decades of Israeli-Palestinian violence and the intermittent attempts to rekindle peace talks. They have made a commitment to address American audiences about their work for a peaceful future and what must be done to improve today’s deteriorating situation.
What does an Israeli of South African descent, whose parents were involved in the founding of the state of Israel, think of President Carter’s description of Israeli policy as “Apartheid”?
What does an Educational Consultant with the Palestinian Ministry of Education face when accessing schools and communities surrounded by Israeli settlements and checkpoints?
How has one Christian Palestinian family used their contested land as a means to bring Israelis and Palestinians together?
How do Palestinians and Israelis work together in spite of the ongoing violence and animosity that surrounds them?
These three women can address these issues and more. The three will travel together on a national speaking tour for three weeks (April 9-26) to address realities of the conflict – the loss of family, the demolition of homes, persecution, occupation, violence, the separation barrier currently being constructed in the West Bank, Israel’s unilateral “disengagement” from the Gaza Strip, recent escalations of the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon, and more. They are here to demonstrate that working together for peace, while difficult, is possible.
The April tour is the Thirteenth National Jerusalem Women Speak Tour organized by Partners for Peace. The response to the tour in past years has been remarkable. Audiences have been fascinated and thrilled to hear their stories and see that even today in the midst of the ongoing conflict there are Palestinians and Israelis willing to travel together to talk about their lives, their fears, their hopes and their work for a just and sustainable peace.We refer to these individuals as “extraordinary ordinary women” for they are real women that deserve international recognition. If there is to be a real and lasting peace, everyday people like them will make it happen. The speakers for the Thirteenth National Jerusalem Women Speak Tour:
Huda Abu Arqoub, a Muslim Palestinian from Hebron, Palestine
Tal Dor, a Jewish Israeli from Haifa, Israel
Amal Nassar, a Christian Palestinian from Bethlehem, Palestine
Photos availableInterviews, talk shows appearances, editorial appearances and community presentations are currently being scheduled. They may be arranged by contacting Partners for Peace. Partners for Peace is an NGO based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to help bring about a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This is the thirteenth tour since 1998.
Chicago Schedule:Tuesday, April 10
12:00 – 2:00 PMPresbyterian Church of Western Springs5250 Wolf RoadWestern Springs, Illinois 60558Sponsored by the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs, the American Friends Service Committee and the Chicago Interfaith Work Group on Middle East PolicyLocal Media
Contact Person
Jennifer LewisPresbyterian Church of Western Springs
jlewis@presbyws.org708-246-5220 6:00 – 8:00DePaul University
Richardson Library, Rosati Room
2350 North Kenmore Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60614
Sponsored by Global Voices, the Islamic World Studies Program, the Women’s Center, the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, the Department of Modern Languages, the Department of Religion, the Department of Political Science, the Department of Peace, Conflict Resolution and Social Justice and the Irwin W. Steans Center for Community-based Service Learning
Local Media Contact Person
Nicole Zimmerer
Global Voices773-325-7407
nzimmere@depaul.edu
Wednesday, April 112:00 - 3:30 PMThe Chicago School of Professional PsychologyRm. 412325 N. Wells StreetChicago, Illinois 60610Sponsored by The Center for International Studies
Local Media Contact Person
Nancy Dubrow
Center for International Studies, Chicago
Schoolndubrow@thechicagoschool.edu
773-327-8817 (work)
5:00 – 7:00 PM
Northwestern UniversityMcCormick Tribune Center
Room - McCormick Tribune Center Forum
1870 Campus Drive
Evanston, Illinois 60208
Sponsored by The Roberta Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies and the Department of Women's and Gender Studies
Local Media Contact Person
Brian T. Hanson, Associate Director
Buffett Center for International and Comparative Studies
Phone: 847-491-5058 Email: bhanson@northwestern.edu
Full schedule details available at www.partnersforpeace.org.
Speakers’ Biographies:Huda Abu Arqoub (Age 36):A Muslim Palestinian, Ms. Abu Arqoub is an Educational Consultant with the Ministry of Education of the Palestinian National Authority. A resident of Dura in the occupied West Bank, Ms. Abu Arqoub’s work takes her to schools throughout the district of Hebron where she documents the unique situation students and teachers face as they endure Israeli military and settler violence. She sees overcoming these daily injustices as a key component to peacebuilding and conflict transformation in Israel/Palestine. One of twelve children, Ms. Abu Arqoub was born in Jerusalem.† She is currently denied Jerusalem residency, however, and cannot travel freely to the city of her birth or visit relatives there because of Israeli-imposed restrictions.† Ms. Abu Arqoub’s family has lost 250 acres of land planted with olive trees and vineyards to Israeli confiscation and settlement construction. She has only visited the land once, in 1988, when her father took the family to see the property. Ms. Abu Arqoub’s parents are both teachers and she followed in their footsteps, obtaining her diploma for teaching English as a Second Language and a degree in Education and English Literature from Al Quds Open University in Palestine. A Fulbright Scholar, she now holds a Masters Degree in Conflict Transformation from Eastern Mennonite University in the United States.Ms Abu Arqoub is also active in grassroots Palestinian initiatives focusing on issues related to gender equality and human rights. She is a member of several local Palestinian organizations that work on empowering women to be more active in building a healthy society.† Ms Abu Arqoub’s advocacy has also brought her in contact with many international groups and she has worked with organizations like Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children International and the University of the Middle East Project.† Most recently, she has joined the faculty of AL Quds Open University as a part time professor in the Departments of Language and Social Studies. The land Ms. Abu Arqoub calls home is saturated with Jewish Israeli settlements built illegally on Palestinian territory.† As a result, Ms. Abu Arqoub works in areas that endure Israeli military and settlement policies that privilege Israeli Jewish settlers over the indigenous Palestinian population.† Her commitment to peace between Israelis and Palestinians necessitates her opposition to these Israeli policies, which she describes as apartheid.† Such policies will never result in peace, Ms. Abu Arqoub argues, because ultimately "human interaction is needed to bridge gaps created by distance, cultural difference and politics."Tal Dor (Age 29):A Jewish Israeli, Ms. Dor’s work urges her society to critically examine both its past and its present. For the past six years, Ms. Dor worked for Mahapach-Tagier, a joint Jewish-Palestinian grassroots organization developing leadership and social justice in disempowered communities throughout Israel. She left the organization last year after serving as Executive Director. She is also active in many other organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of Zochrot, an association working to develop a critical consciousness in Israel of the history and current reality of the Israeli War of Independence and Palestinian Nakba (Catastrophe) in 1948.Ms. Dor was born in Haifa, on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. Her parents were Zionist immigrants from South Africa, one of whom came in 1948 to fight in the war to establish the state of Israel. Her identity and activism have been influenced by South Africa’s struggle to overcome its own conflict. The challenge to come to terms with both her family’s Zionism and her South African heritage led Ms. Dor to search for new and creative ways to address the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.Ms. Dor graduated with a BA in Social Work from Tel Hai College and holds advanced degrees in Community Organizing and Facilitating Groups in Conflict. In 1996 and 1997, she served in the Israeli army as a trainer for soldier-teachers working with at-risk youth in Israel. The experience opened her eyes to the reality of poverty in Israel, but her political activism began several years after her service ended. Following the outbreak of the second Intifada in late 2000, Ms. Dor joined thousands of other Israelis in peace rallies and actions across Israel and in the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, she continued her work with the disempowered in Israel proper. In the fall of 2006, Ms. Dor moved to France where she is currently writing a book with Palestinian colleague Manal Al Tamimi. The book documents and analyzes their dialogues as two women activists against the occupation- one Israeli and one Palestinian.Ms. Dor's work draws important links between the struggle for peace and justice among Israelis and Palestinians and the struggle for a more just and equitable Israeli society. Her work with disempowered communities and at-risk youth in Israel informs her work with Palestinian colleagues and contributes to her analysis of the broader trends in the region. Ms. Dor believes that peace between Israelis and Palestinians is within reach, but to achieve that peace, political awareness and activism has to spread to a larger cadre and in an equal civic partnership between Israelis and Palestinians. "I don’t think we can speak about peace in a situation of occupation," Ms. Dor argues. "I believe we have to speak about justice, equality and ending the occupation. We cannot live at the expense of other peoples and speak about peace."Amal Nassar (Age 46):A Christian Palestinian, Ms.. Nassar is a physiotherapist for infants and a nurse at the Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem. Concern for the next generation of Palestinians also extends to her volunteer activism. Ms. Nassar is a founding member of Tent of Nations- People Building Bridges, a project inviting Palestinians, Israelis and international visitors to take part in programs focusing on coexistence, peace and nonviolence. Her work with Tent of Nations is motivated by the belief that Palestinians and Israelis, especially young people, must participate actively in shaping their society and building a peaceful future based on principles of justice and sharing the land.Ms. Nassar and her family founded Tent of Nations on the 100 acres of land her family owns near Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank. Her grandfather purchased the property in 1917 and moved his family from the Old City of Bethlehem, where his ancestors had lived for generations. The family lived in a cave that they extended into a full stone house and tended the fruit trees and vineyards they planted.Ms. Nassar’s land is now surrounded by four illegal Israeli settlements built after Israel occupied the West Bank in 1967. In 1991, the Israeli military left notices on the property announcing that it had been classified as Israeli "state land" and would be confiscated. Ms. Nassar’s family began a legal battle to keep their land that continues today. In 2002, Israeli settlers attacked her family. The settlers beat two of her brothers and entered their home to threaten her 65 year old mother at gunpoint. Meanwhile, the attackers uprooted 250 olive trees. Ms. Nassar’s family has never been granted compensation. In light of such assaults on her family’s very presence on their own lands, Ms Nassar views Tent of Nations as more than an educational project. It is also a form of nonviolent resistance against the confiscation of her heritage.Ms. Nassar’s father taught his children that the land is an integral aspect of their identity as Palestinians and dreamt that the property would become a meeting point for people from around the world. Today, thirty years after her father died, Ms. Nassar is working to make his dream a reality. She organizes programs for youth and women that focus on peace education and nonviolence. Meanwhile, she fosters an understanding in Palestinian children of the vital connection between their people and the land.Through her work, Ms. Nassar has forged lasting friendships with Israeli peace activists who join Tent of Nations activities and support the family’s resistance. Ms. Nassar stays in contact with them through e-mails and phone calls. She cannot visit them, however, unless she is granted a special permit from the Israeli military.Despite the enduring efforts to dispossess her and her family of their land and heritage, Ms. Nassar remains optimistic that Israelis and Palestinians will live together in peace. "My dream is to see the youth of Israel and Palestine working together for a better future and a better quality of life for both nations," she explains. "I am looking forward to our young generation living together in peace without hatred and with an understanding that we must work for a new society based on democracy and justice."
GW Associates702 S. BeechSyracuse, NY 13210315-476-3396 603-590-8273 faxpwirth2@verizon.nethttp://www.peterwirth.net
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Metro Detroit Leaders Respond to New Immigration Bill
Metro Detroit Leaders Respond to New Immigration Bill
New Bipartisan STRIVE Act Initiates Action in Congress
Detroit, MI – Clergy from MOSES and a diverse group of community leaders from across Metro Detroit came together on Thursday to praise action in Congress on comprehensive immigration reform. Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and Representative Jeff Flake (R-AZ) introduced bipartisan comprehensive legislation today that will replace an immigration system that is unregulated, chaotic and abusive with one that is secure, controlled and fair.
The STRIVE Act (Security Through Regularized Immigration and Vibrant Economy) includes principles and elements that are needed to fix our broken immigration system. These principles include restoring the rule of law, providing a path to earned citizenship, protecting immigrant and American workers alike, reuniting families, respecting due process, and helping newcomers become new Americans while helping the communities in which they settle.
“A comprehensive solution must include solutions to many problems, including fundamental due process protections. Many of the enforcement measures introduced in the last Congress involved increasing the use of secret evidence in immigration processes and removing judicial discretion. Such provisions represent a particular threat to our community and, in general, a threat to the core principles on which our country was founded,” said Noel Saleh, President of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS).
“We welcome the STRIVE Act because it moves us in the direction of our goal: to get our Federal government to act decisively to get comprehensive immigration reform done this year, to get it done right, and to make it work on the ground once it is implemented,” said Rev. Kevin Turman of 2nd Baptist Church.
There are an estimated 12 million undocumented people who are working and living in the US, and deportation would be an extreme and unworkable alternative. Comprehensive immigration reform legislation along the lines of the Gutierrez-Flake proposal offers a realistic way of dealing with this issue.
It gives families the opportunity to be united with family members in a timely manner. The legislation also makes the changes needed to satisfy the needs of our economy for workers.
“We hope Congress will work together like these two Representatives because America will finally have an immigration system that serves our national interests through increased security, an improved economy and a renewal of the values that define our nation.” Father Tom Sepulveda, Ste Anne Catholic Church.
“Metro Detroit has experienced a renaissance and tremendous growth by the investments made by immigrants, some of whom are undocumented, and are trapped in the complex tangle of immigration backlogs and extended waiting periods.” Kathy Wendler, President and CEO of the Southwest Detroit Business Association.”
###
New Bipartisan STRIVE Act Initiates Action in Congress
Detroit, MI – Clergy from MOSES and a diverse group of community leaders from across Metro Detroit came together on Thursday to praise action in Congress on comprehensive immigration reform. Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and Representative Jeff Flake (R-AZ) introduced bipartisan comprehensive legislation today that will replace an immigration system that is unregulated, chaotic and abusive with one that is secure, controlled and fair.
The STRIVE Act (Security Through Regularized Immigration and Vibrant Economy) includes principles and elements that are needed to fix our broken immigration system. These principles include restoring the rule of law, providing a path to earned citizenship, protecting immigrant and American workers alike, reuniting families, respecting due process, and helping newcomers become new Americans while helping the communities in which they settle.
“A comprehensive solution must include solutions to many problems, including fundamental due process protections. Many of the enforcement measures introduced in the last Congress involved increasing the use of secret evidence in immigration processes and removing judicial discretion. Such provisions represent a particular threat to our community and, in general, a threat to the core principles on which our country was founded,” said Noel Saleh, President of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS).
“We welcome the STRIVE Act because it moves us in the direction of our goal: to get our Federal government to act decisively to get comprehensive immigration reform done this year, to get it done right, and to make it work on the ground once it is implemented,” said Rev. Kevin Turman of 2nd Baptist Church.
There are an estimated 12 million undocumented people who are working and living in the US, and deportation would be an extreme and unworkable alternative. Comprehensive immigration reform legislation along the lines of the Gutierrez-Flake proposal offers a realistic way of dealing with this issue.
It gives families the opportunity to be united with family members in a timely manner. The legislation also makes the changes needed to satisfy the needs of our economy for workers.
“We hope Congress will work together like these two Representatives because America will finally have an immigration system that serves our national interests through increased security, an improved economy and a renewal of the values that define our nation.” Father Tom Sepulveda, Ste Anne Catholic Church.
“Metro Detroit has experienced a renaissance and tremendous growth by the investments made by immigrants, some of whom are undocumented, and are trapped in the complex tangle of immigration backlogs and extended waiting periods.” Kathy Wendler, President and CEO of the Southwest Detroit Business Association.”
###
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Dr. Maya Angelou joins Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Tour at May 29 Toronto show
Famed poet Dr. Maya Angelou to open for Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Troupe
Chicago -- Poet, playwright, producer, director, conductor, actor, author, and social activist, the remarkable Dr. Maya Angelou will make a special appearance May 29 in Toronto, Canada to launch The Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Tour in North America.
The show is being booked by Howard Szigeti, producer of the acclaimed Unique Lives & Experiences Women's Lecture Series, and features Daily-Herald Columnist and standup comedian Ray Hanania.
A veteran journalist named "Best Ethnic American Columnist for 2006/2007" by the New America Media in November, Hanania entered standup comedy as an effort to promote peace between Palestinians and Israelis, Arabs and Jews. Hanania has performed around the country including at Carolines on Broadway, the New York Comedy Club, and in the Chicago area at the Schaumburg Comedy Spot and Riddles Comedy Club in Orland Park.
Dr. Angelou recently learned of this new "Peace Through Comedy" initiative called The Israeli Palestinian Comedy Tour and asked to be a part of the landmark event, which premiered before sold-out audiences Jan. 23 to Israeli and Palestinian audiences in Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem in Israel, and in East Jerusalem.
Hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature, Dr. Angelou travels the world, spreading her legendary wisdom of peace and love through the sheer beauty of her words and lyrics.
Hanania is joined by Israeli American comedian Charley Warady, former Irish Catholic convertand Israeli citizen Yisrael Campbell and African American convert Aaron Freeman, who is a veteran of Chicago area comedy clubs and the famed Second City. It is the first time Palestinian and Israeli comedians have ever toured together.
Warady and Hanania met on the Internet when Warady was researching his former Chicago neighborhood, Pill Hill, on the city's Southeast Side. As it turned out, Warady and Hanania attended the same school, only a few years apart. When Warady, who is an Israeli citizen and has been living in Israel for th epast 10 years, emailed Hanania to note the ties, Hanania asked Warady if he would perform comedy on the same stage as a Palestinian.
"Warady immediately accepted and together, we were able to enlist several other comedians including Yisrael Campbell, who is very popular in Israeli comedy clubs, and Chicago's very own Aaron Freeman," Hanania said.
"This tour differs from other Middle East comedy groups because most Arabs will not appear with Israelis, although they will appear with 'Jews.' I think that is hypocritical and decided to break the Arab taboo, performing not just with Jewish comedians but also Israeli comedians," Hanania said. "The audiences, Israeli and Palestinian, overwhelming agreed that this is needed."
The group is hoping to plan performances in Chicago. Hanania's first venture into standup comedy in August 2002 exploded in international headlines when Jewish Comedian Jackie Mason refused to allow him to perform on the same stage at Zanies Comedy Club because Hanania is Palestinian.
The group's web site is www.IPComedyTour.com.
END
JUST FYI: PRESS RELEASE DETAILS
For Immediate Release: March 20, 2007 • Please include in listings/announcements
Three Jews, an Arab and Dr. Maya Angelou walk into a bar …
MAYA ANGELOU TO MAKE SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY REMARKS AT THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR
Peace Through ComedyLive on Stage at Roy Thomson Hall
One Night Only, May 29, 2007
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
"We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike."
Human Family, Maya Angelou
Poet, playwright, producer, director, conductor, actor, author, and social activist, the remarkable Dr. Maya Angelou will make a special appearance in Toronto to christen THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR in North America.
A long time friend and colleague of presenter Howard Szigeti (producer of the acclaimed Unique Lives & Experiences Women's Lecture Series), Dr. Angelou recently learned of this new Peace Through Comedy initiative, THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR, and wanted to be part of the landmark event.
Hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature, Dr. Angelou travels the world, spreading her legendary wisdom of peace and love through the sheer beauty of her words and lyrics.
Israeli American Charley Warady, Palestinian American Ray Hanania, former Irish Catholic convert Yisrael Campbell and African American convert Aaron Freeman will grace the same stage, the first time Palestinian and Israeli comics have ever toured together, for THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR, launching in Toronto at Roy Thomson Hall on May 29, 2007.
I note the obvious differences/in the human family. Some of us are serious,/some thrive on comedy.
… We are more alike, my friends,/than we are unalike. Human Family, Maya Angelou
THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR
With Special Guest Dr. Maya Angelou
Live on Stage at Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
One Night Only, Tuesday, May 29, 2007 @ 8pm
Tickets range from $49 - $69 (incl. taxes) and can be purchased at http://www.roythomson.com or by calling 416.872-4255or in person at Roy Thomson Hall box office
Peace Through Comedy!
www.ipcomedytour.com
Media Contact: Carrie Sager, FLIP Publicity & Promotions Inc., 416.533.7710X224
carrie@flip-publicity.com • www.flip-publicity.com
end
Chicago -- Poet, playwright, producer, director, conductor, actor, author, and social activist, the remarkable Dr. Maya Angelou will make a special appearance May 29 in Toronto, Canada to launch The Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Tour in North America.
The show is being booked by Howard Szigeti, producer of the acclaimed Unique Lives & Experiences Women's Lecture Series, and features Daily-Herald Columnist and standup comedian Ray Hanania.
A veteran journalist named "Best Ethnic American Columnist for 2006/2007" by the New America Media in November, Hanania entered standup comedy as an effort to promote peace between Palestinians and Israelis, Arabs and Jews. Hanania has performed around the country including at Carolines on Broadway, the New York Comedy Club, and in the Chicago area at the Schaumburg Comedy Spot and Riddles Comedy Club in Orland Park.
Dr. Angelou recently learned of this new "Peace Through Comedy" initiative called The Israeli Palestinian Comedy Tour and asked to be a part of the landmark event, which premiered before sold-out audiences Jan. 23 to Israeli and Palestinian audiences in Tel Aviv and West Jerusalem in Israel, and in East Jerusalem.
Hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature, Dr. Angelou travels the world, spreading her legendary wisdom of peace and love through the sheer beauty of her words and lyrics.
Hanania is joined by Israeli American comedian Charley Warady, former Irish Catholic convertand Israeli citizen Yisrael Campbell and African American convert Aaron Freeman, who is a veteran of Chicago area comedy clubs and the famed Second City. It is the first time Palestinian and Israeli comedians have ever toured together.
Warady and Hanania met on the Internet when Warady was researching his former Chicago neighborhood, Pill Hill, on the city's Southeast Side. As it turned out, Warady and Hanania attended the same school, only a few years apart. When Warady, who is an Israeli citizen and has been living in Israel for th epast 10 years, emailed Hanania to note the ties, Hanania asked Warady if he would perform comedy on the same stage as a Palestinian.
"Warady immediately accepted and together, we were able to enlist several other comedians including Yisrael Campbell, who is very popular in Israeli comedy clubs, and Chicago's very own Aaron Freeman," Hanania said.
"This tour differs from other Middle East comedy groups because most Arabs will not appear with Israelis, although they will appear with 'Jews.' I think that is hypocritical and decided to break the Arab taboo, performing not just with Jewish comedians but also Israeli comedians," Hanania said. "The audiences, Israeli and Palestinian, overwhelming agreed that this is needed."
The group is hoping to plan performances in Chicago. Hanania's first venture into standup comedy in August 2002 exploded in international headlines when Jewish Comedian Jackie Mason refused to allow him to perform on the same stage at Zanies Comedy Club because Hanania is Palestinian.
The group's web site is www.IPComedyTour.com.
END
JUST FYI: PRESS RELEASE DETAILS
For Immediate Release: March 20, 2007 • Please include in listings/announcements
Three Jews, an Arab and Dr. Maya Angelou walk into a bar …
MAYA ANGELOU TO MAKE SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY REMARKS AT THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR
Peace Through ComedyLive on Stage at Roy Thomson Hall
One Night Only, May 29, 2007
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
"We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike."
Human Family, Maya Angelou
Poet, playwright, producer, director, conductor, actor, author, and social activist, the remarkable Dr. Maya Angelou will make a special appearance in Toronto to christen THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR in North America.
A long time friend and colleague of presenter Howard Szigeti (producer of the acclaimed Unique Lives & Experiences Women's Lecture Series), Dr. Angelou recently learned of this new Peace Through Comedy initiative, THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR, and wanted to be part of the landmark event.
Hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature, Dr. Angelou travels the world, spreading her legendary wisdom of peace and love through the sheer beauty of her words and lyrics.
Israeli American Charley Warady, Palestinian American Ray Hanania, former Irish Catholic convert Yisrael Campbell and African American convert Aaron Freeman will grace the same stage, the first time Palestinian and Israeli comics have ever toured together, for THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR, launching in Toronto at Roy Thomson Hall on May 29, 2007.
I note the obvious differences/in the human family. Some of us are serious,/some thrive on comedy.
… We are more alike, my friends,/than we are unalike. Human Family, Maya Angelou
THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR
With Special Guest Dr. Maya Angelou
Live on Stage at Roy Thomson Hall, 60 Simcoe Street
One Night Only, Tuesday, May 29, 2007 @ 8pm
Tickets range from $49 - $69 (incl. taxes) and can be purchased at http://www.roythomson.com or by calling 416.872-4255or in person at Roy Thomson Hall box office
Peace Through Comedy!
www.ipcomedytour.com
Media Contact: Carrie Sager, FLIP Publicity & Promotions Inc., 416.533.7710X224
carrie@flip-publicity.com • www.flip-publicity.com
end
MEDIA ADVISORY: Metro Detroit Leaders Respond to new immigration bill
MEDIA ADVISORY: Metro Detroit Leaders Respond to new immigration bill
Contact:
Hannan Deep, ACCESS
Juan Escareno, MOSES
313-842-7010
hdeep@accesscommunity.org
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHAT:
Press conference to address the introduction of the Strive Act of 2007 - - the Bill deals with comprehensive immigration reform.
WHEN:
Thursday, March 22 at 9:45 a.m.
WHERE:
Central United Methodist Church (corner of East Adams/Woodward - in front of Comerica Park)
23 East Adams Street
Detroit, MI 48226
(Inside Sanctuary)
SUMMARY:
STRIVE Act authored by Representative Luis Guiterrez (D-IL) and Representative Jeff Flake (R-AZ) is a bi-partisan response to the demands of millions of immigrants and their supporters for comprehensive immigration reform.
The following speakers will comment on the impact of this Bill on Michigan and on millions of immigrants around the country. Fr. Tom Sepulveda of St. Anne's Church, Rev. Kevin Turman of Second Baptist Church, Noel Saleh of ACCESS, Kathy Wendler of Southwest Detroit Business Association, and Dawud Walid of CAIR-MI.
###
Contact:
Hannan Deep, ACCESS
Juan Escareno, MOSES
hdeep@accesscommunity.org
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHAT:
Press conference to address the introduction of the Strive Act of 2007 - - the Bill deals with comprehensive immigration reform.
WHEN:
Thursday, March 22 at 9:45 a.m.
WHERE:
Central United Methodist Church (corner of East Adams/Woodward - in front of Comerica Park)
23 East Adams Street
Detroit, MI 48226
(Inside Sanctuary)
SUMMARY:
STRIVE Act authored by Representative Luis Guiterrez (D-IL) and Representative Jeff Flake (R-AZ) is a bi-partisan response to the demands of millions of immigrants and their supporters for comprehensive immigration reform.
The following speakers will comment on the impact of this Bill on Michigan and on millions of immigrants around the country. Fr. Tom Sepulveda of St. Anne's Church, Rev. Kevin Turman of Second Baptist Church, Noel Saleh of ACCESS, Kathy Wendler of Southwest Detroit Business Association, and Dawud Walid of CAIR-MI.
###
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Israeli Palestinian Comedy Tour Toronto, Canada May 29 Roy Thompson Hall
For Immediate Release: March 13, 2007 • Please include in listings/announcements
Three Jews and an Arab walk into a bar …
Sumrey and Let’s Talk Entertainment present
THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOURLive on Stage at Roy Thomson Hall
One Night Only, May 29, 2007
TICKETS ON SALE TOMORROW!
Peace Through Comedy
If we can laugh together, we can live together!
Performing for the first time outside of Israel, an Israeli American, a Palestinian American and two converts to Judaism, one African American and the other ultra-Orthodox, will take the stage at Roy Thomson Hall for one night only, Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 8pm.
The brainchild of Charley Warady (American ex-pat comedian and Israeli since 1996) and Ray Hanania (Palestinian American comedian since forever), THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR was borne of a conversation about peace in the Middle East. "How hard could it be? First peace in the Mideast, then the Nobel Peace Prize."
THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR is full of jokes that test political and religious limits. There are cracks about settlers, occupation, Jewish circumcision and suicide bombers. One may wonder how anyone could laugh about these things, but after four SRO shows in Israel so far this year, one in a synagogue, the comedians will tell everyone who will listen, humour can help any warring relationship!
It's the first time Palestinian and Israeli comics have toured together; instead of pointing fingers at one another and blaming each other, they are laughing; they are pointing fingers at themselves and laughing; and they are pointing fingers in indiscriminate directions and laughing … it's never been done before. "Well, except for the peace talks," adds Charley Warady.
The Jerusalem Post recently reported, "Protesters outside Jerusalem's American Colony Hotel last Thursday night couldn't halt the peals of laughter emanating from the historic inn, where a group of Israeli, Palestinian and Jewish American comics calling themselves 'The Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Tour' were staging their two-hour show."
"I don't think humour or comedy by itself resolves conflicts," reflected Hanania, "Israelis and Palestinians need to see each other as human beings. I don't think the shows can do more than be funny and successful. But in doing that, it has to leave an impact on people that's positive."
- more -
The Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Tour Release, Pg 2.
Israeli American Charley Warady headlined comedy clubs and colleges across the U.S., and appeared on NBC and Comedy Central, before immigrating to Israel ten years ago where he has continued his career targeting every aspect of life and politics in Israel.
Palestinian American Ray Hanania is a columnist, former political operative and current stand-up comedian making his Jewish audience laugh at themselves and at the luckless, ordinary Arabs living in the U.S. after 9/11, who are often branded as terrorists by their countrymen.
A former Irish Italian Catholic from Philadelphia, Yisrael Campbell made aliyah six years ago. Campbell appears on stage much as he dresses every day around the holy city — wearing a long black coat, a hat and a Moses-like beard. "Is it warm in here or am I the only one dressed for Poland in the 1700s?"
African American Jewish convert Aaron Freeman is a standup comedian, popular columnist, and radio commentator. His views on being a black, Jewish convert, have made him a hit all across America. "Are you trying to give an extra merit badge to a KKK sniper?" queried Freeman's friends upon learning of his conversion plans.
With a message of hope in the midst of hatred THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR uses comedy to help people in conflict find a way to co-exist since "it's not possible to aim a rifle when you're laughing."
Sumrey and Let’s Talk Entertainment present
THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOURLive on Stage at Roy Thomson Hall
60 Simcoe Street
One Night Only, May 29, 2007 @ 8pm
Tickets on Sale at 10am on Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Tickets range from $49 - $69 including taxes
and can be purchased at http://www.roythomson.com or by calling 416.872-4255 or in person at Roy Thomson Hall box office
Peace Through Comedy!
Media Contact:
Carrie Sager carrie@flip-publicity.com
416.533.7710 X224
FLIP Publicity & Promotions Inc.
www.flip-publicity.com
Three Jews and an Arab walk into a bar …
Sumrey and Let’s Talk Entertainment present
THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOURLive on Stage at Roy Thomson Hall
One Night Only, May 29, 2007
TICKETS ON SALE TOMORROW!
Peace Through Comedy
If we can laugh together, we can live together!
Performing for the first time outside of Israel, an Israeli American, a Palestinian American and two converts to Judaism, one African American and the other ultra-Orthodox, will take the stage at Roy Thomson Hall for one night only, Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 8pm.
The brainchild of Charley Warady (American ex-pat comedian and Israeli since 1996) and Ray Hanania (Palestinian American comedian since forever), THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR was borne of a conversation about peace in the Middle East. "How hard could it be? First peace in the Mideast, then the Nobel Peace Prize."
THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR is full of jokes that test political and religious limits. There are cracks about settlers, occupation, Jewish circumcision and suicide bombers. One may wonder how anyone could laugh about these things, but after four SRO shows in Israel so far this year, one in a synagogue, the comedians will tell everyone who will listen, humour can help any warring relationship!
It's the first time Palestinian and Israeli comics have toured together; instead of pointing fingers at one another and blaming each other, they are laughing; they are pointing fingers at themselves and laughing; and they are pointing fingers in indiscriminate directions and laughing … it's never been done before. "Well, except for the peace talks," adds Charley Warady.
The Jerusalem Post recently reported, "Protesters outside Jerusalem's American Colony Hotel last Thursday night couldn't halt the peals of laughter emanating from the historic inn, where a group of Israeli, Palestinian and Jewish American comics calling themselves 'The Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Tour' were staging their two-hour show."
"I don't think humour or comedy by itself resolves conflicts," reflected Hanania, "Israelis and Palestinians need to see each other as human beings. I don't think the shows can do more than be funny and successful. But in doing that, it has to leave an impact on people that's positive."
- more -
The Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Tour Release, Pg 2.
Israeli American Charley Warady headlined comedy clubs and colleges across the U.S., and appeared on NBC and Comedy Central, before immigrating to Israel ten years ago where he has continued his career targeting every aspect of life and politics in Israel.
Palestinian American Ray Hanania is a columnist, former political operative and current stand-up comedian making his Jewish audience laugh at themselves and at the luckless, ordinary Arabs living in the U.S. after 9/11, who are often branded as terrorists by their countrymen.
A former Irish Italian Catholic from Philadelphia, Yisrael Campbell made aliyah six years ago. Campbell appears on stage much as he dresses every day around the holy city — wearing a long black coat, a hat and a Moses-like beard. "Is it warm in here or am I the only one dressed for Poland in the 1700s?"
African American Jewish convert Aaron Freeman is a standup comedian, popular columnist, and radio commentator. His views on being a black, Jewish convert, have made him a hit all across America. "Are you trying to give an extra merit badge to a KKK sniper?" queried Freeman's friends upon learning of his conversion plans.
With a message of hope in the midst of hatred THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOUR uses comedy to help people in conflict find a way to co-exist since "it's not possible to aim a rifle when you're laughing."
Sumrey and Let’s Talk Entertainment present
THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN COMEDY TOURLive on Stage at Roy Thomson Hall
60 Simcoe Street
One Night Only, May 29, 2007 @ 8pm
Tickets on Sale at 10am on Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Tickets range from $49 - $69 including taxes
and can be purchased at http://www.roythomson.com or by calling 416.872-4255 or in person at Roy Thomson Hall box office
Peace Through Comedy!
Media Contact:
Carrie Sager carrie@flip-publicity.com
416.533.7710 X224
FLIP Publicity & Promotions Inc.
www.flip-publicity.com
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Bil'in Palestine Conference April 18-20, 2007
The Palestinian summer celebration 2007June 20 - August 18th 2007
Come and celebrate Palestine, learn Arabic, study history, know the people and their culture, share some time with local families and volunteer with a local community organization
The Palestinian summer celebration is a unique annual program that gives people from all over the world the chance to encounter the life and culture in Palestine in addition to donating some of their time to a local community organization through voluntary work and internships. The Palestinian summer celebration 2007 will take place in the Bethlehem area in Palestine, between Wednesday June 20th and August 18th 2007. the annual celebration is organized by Siraj Center for Holy Land Studies www.sirajcenter.org in partnership with Bethlehem University www.bethlehem.edu and the US based Society for Biblical Studies, www.sbsedu.org.
Participants will also have the opportunity to listen and question high level speakers of various positions and expertise. Educational opportunity:An Arabic language Course and a Modern Palestine Course are offered by Bethlehem U as apart of the program. Three credits hours will be given for each course, upon the participant’s request.
An opportunity to serve a good cause: Voluntary work in over 50 different organizations in Bethlehem and the surrounding towns of Beit Sahour, Beit Jala and Doha, also in the three refugee camps in the vicinity Dehaisheh, Aida and Azza who have been suffering the longest tragedy in the history of humanity.
Where to go home to:Accommodation will be in the hospitality of local families in the Bethlehem and the vicinity depending on the voluntary work place. Participants will have the chance to share the lives of the local family’s and get exposed to real life situation where they can practice there freshly learnt Arabic and Palestinian culture, experience the tasty traditional Palestinian dishes and all other aspects of Palestinian extended family life. Such an experience will give the participants the chance to build relations with their host families that may last for ever. Never the less accommodations at guesthouses are available for daily, weekly or monthly rates.
For more information: http://www.sirajcenter.org/courses.htm
YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
SECOND ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN BIL'IN, PALESTINE
18 – 20 APRIL 2007
February 2007 marks the second anniversary of the weekly non-violent protests in opposition to the "work-site of shame" for the Apartheid Wall that has annexed almost 60% of the land of Bil'in village in the West Bank. Bil'in has become a symbol both of the theft of land across Palestine and of the power of non-violent grassroots movements in building local and international resistance to Occupation.
The International Conference will follow upon a Palestinian conference to be held in March to extend the Popular Non-Violent Struggle across Palestine and offers Israelis and Internationals opportunity to join their Palestinian partners in spreading non-violent resistance to the injustice suffered by Palestinians: land confiscation, home demolitions, checkpoints, and imprisonment behind the Wall.
The year between June 2007 and May 2008 provides an effective framework for highlighting the ongoing Palestinian catastrophe: 90 years since the Balfour Declaration, 60 years since the Nakba, 40 years of Occupation, 25 years since Sabra/Shatila, 20 years since the First Intifada, 5 years of building the Apartheid Wall. Join us in strategizing effective, concerted non-violent action in Palestine and across the globe!
WHEN: 18 – 20 APRIL, 2007 with a major non-violent action on the final day
WHERE: BIL'IN VILLAGE near Ramallah, Palestine
SPEAKERS:
Dr. Azmi Bishara, Palestinian Israeli Knesset member
Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Irish Nobel Peace Prize recipient
Dr. Ilan Pappe, author of The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine
Luisa Morgantini, Italian EU Parliament member and Peace Activist
Stéphane Hessel, former French Ambassador
Jean-Claude Lefort, French parliament member
Amira Haas, author and journalist, Ha'aretz
Sam Bahour, Palestinian activist and entrepreneur
Representatives of the Bil'in Popular Committee
WORKSHOPS: NON-VIOLENT STRATEGIES TO OPPOSE OPPRESSION
Boycott, divestment, and sanctions
Building economic independence
Media & Advocacy
Direct Action
COST: Accommodations per night, 20 Euros plus Conference Registration, 20 Euros per day (April 18 -19)
TO REGISTER and for information on options for pre-and-post conference activities see: www.bilin-village.org
For Pre and post Confrence tours: http://www.sirajcenter.org/bilin.htm
Come and celebrate Palestine, learn Arabic, study history, know the people and their culture, share some time with local families and volunteer with a local community organization
The Palestinian summer celebration is a unique annual program that gives people from all over the world the chance to encounter the life and culture in Palestine in addition to donating some of their time to a local community organization through voluntary work and internships. The Palestinian summer celebration 2007 will take place in the Bethlehem area in Palestine, between Wednesday June 20th and August 18th 2007. the annual celebration is organized by Siraj Center for Holy Land Studies www.sirajcenter.org in partnership with Bethlehem University www.bethlehem.edu and the US based Society for Biblical Studies, www.sbsedu.org.
Participants will also have the opportunity to listen and question high level speakers of various positions and expertise. Educational opportunity:An Arabic language Course and a Modern Palestine Course are offered by Bethlehem U as apart of the program. Three credits hours will be given for each course, upon the participant’s request.
An opportunity to serve a good cause: Voluntary work in over 50 different organizations in Bethlehem and the surrounding towns of Beit Sahour, Beit Jala and Doha, also in the three refugee camps in the vicinity Dehaisheh, Aida and Azza who have been suffering the longest tragedy in the history of humanity.
Where to go home to:Accommodation will be in the hospitality of local families in the Bethlehem and the vicinity depending on the voluntary work place. Participants will have the chance to share the lives of the local family’s and get exposed to real life situation where they can practice there freshly learnt Arabic and Palestinian culture, experience the tasty traditional Palestinian dishes and all other aspects of Palestinian extended family life. Such an experience will give the participants the chance to build relations with their host families that may last for ever. Never the less accommodations at guesthouses are available for daily, weekly or monthly rates.
For more information: http://www.sirajcenter.org/courses.htm
YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE
SECOND ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN BIL'IN, PALESTINE
18 – 20 APRIL 2007
February 2007 marks the second anniversary of the weekly non-violent protests in opposition to the "work-site of shame" for the Apartheid Wall that has annexed almost 60% of the land of Bil'in village in the West Bank. Bil'in has become a symbol both of the theft of land across Palestine and of the power of non-violent grassroots movements in building local and international resistance to Occupation.
The International Conference will follow upon a Palestinian conference to be held in March to extend the Popular Non-Violent Struggle across Palestine and offers Israelis and Internationals opportunity to join their Palestinian partners in spreading non-violent resistance to the injustice suffered by Palestinians: land confiscation, home demolitions, checkpoints, and imprisonment behind the Wall.
The year between June 2007 and May 2008 provides an effective framework for highlighting the ongoing Palestinian catastrophe: 90 years since the Balfour Declaration, 60 years since the Nakba, 40 years of Occupation, 25 years since Sabra/Shatila, 20 years since the First Intifada, 5 years of building the Apartheid Wall. Join us in strategizing effective, concerted non-violent action in Palestine and across the globe!
WHEN: 18 – 20 APRIL, 2007 with a major non-violent action on the final day
WHERE: BIL'IN VILLAGE near Ramallah, Palestine
SPEAKERS:
Dr. Azmi Bishara, Palestinian Israeli Knesset member
Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Irish Nobel Peace Prize recipient
Dr. Ilan Pappe, author of The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine
Luisa Morgantini, Italian EU Parliament member and Peace Activist
Stéphane Hessel, former French Ambassador
Jean-Claude Lefort, French parliament member
Amira Haas, author and journalist, Ha'aretz
Sam Bahour, Palestinian activist and entrepreneur
Representatives of the Bil'in Popular Committee
WORKSHOPS: NON-VIOLENT STRATEGIES TO OPPOSE OPPRESSION
Boycott, divestment, and sanctions
Building economic independence
Media & Advocacy
Direct Action
COST: Accommodations per night, 20 Euros plus Conference Registration, 20 Euros per day (April 18 -19)
TO REGISTER and for information on options for pre-and-post conference activities see: www.bilin-village.org
For Pre and post Confrence tours: http://www.sirajcenter.org/bilin.htm
Sunday, February 25, 2007
New Muslim magazine seeks writers
Soon to be launched Elan: a magazine of contemporary Muslim culture, is on the lookout for talented journalists! Our start-up four-color glossy magazine is scheduled to launch Fall 2007, and we need a few good writers to work on short topical pieces 200-300 words) as well as longer, investigative features (2,000-3,000 words). The topics range from Music and Fashion to Media and Culture—all with an American Muslim focus.
Elan is dedicated to quality reporting on the current trends in the arts, business and contemporary Muslim lifestyle. We will also provide a public forum for the young professional community in print and on the web. Elan represents, embraces and commemorates the unique and distinct lifestyles of American Muslim, making Elsan a handbook for the chic Muslim. Our cosmopolitan publication is committed to incorporating all interpretations of Islam, realizing unity within our diversity.
For more information, please submit a resume and writing samples (pasted into the body of the e-mail---no attachments, please!) to: elan@elanthemag.com
Elan is dedicated to quality reporting on the current trends in the arts, business and contemporary Muslim lifestyle. We will also provide a public forum for the young professional community in print and on the web. Elan represents, embraces and commemorates the unique and distinct lifestyles of American Muslim, making Elsan a handbook for the chic Muslim. Our cosmopolitan publication is committed to incorporating all interpretations of Islam, realizing unity within our diversity.
For more information, please submit a resume and writing samples (pasted into the body of the e-mail---no attachments, please!) to: elan@elanthemag.com
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Ambassador al-Jubeir presents credentials to State Department
Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
Washington, DC
www.saudiembassy.net
Ambassador Al-Jubeir presents a copy of his credentials to the State Department
WASHINGTON, DC [February, 21, 2007] - Saudi Ambassador to the United States Adel A. Al-Jubeir presented a copy of his credentials to Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte at the State Department in Washington today.
Al-Jubeir was appointed to the post by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz on January 29, 2007. He succeeds Prince Turki Al-Faisal, who resigned last year for personal reasons.
Washington, DC
www.saudiembassy.net
Ambassador Al-Jubeir presents a copy of his credentials to the State Department
WASHINGTON, DC [February, 21, 2007] - Saudi Ambassador to the United States Adel A. Al-Jubeir presented a copy of his credentials to Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte at the State Department in Washington today.
Al-Jubeir was appointed to the post by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz on January 29, 2007. He succeeds Prince Turki Al-Faisal, who resigned last year for personal reasons.
NEWS: Mohammed Mar'i's columns, features and analysis now moved to Arabisto.com
Mohammed Mar'i, a member of the National Arab American Journalists Association and a journalist based in Ramallah, Palestine, is now writing for the popular Arab American/Arab World blog "Arabisto.com."
Arabisto is considered "The Arab Street" when it comes to diversity of Arab World and Arab American opinion, one of the most read Arab blogs on the Internet.
Mar'i's columns are now being featured on the Arabisto site at www.Arabisto.com
# # #
Arabisto is considered "The Arab Street" when it comes to diversity of Arab World and Arab American opinion, one of the most read Arab blogs on the Internet.
Mar'i's columns are now being featured on the Arabisto site at www.Arabisto.com
# # #
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Subscribe to Ray's
Join Ray Hanania on the
Follow Ray Hanania's 
