February 18, 2009
Film Occupation 101 in Whitewater
Wednesday, Feb 18, 7 PM
James R. Connor University Center, Room 275A
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
A screening of the film Occupation 101 with a discussion panel on the situation in Gaza. Sponsored by Peace, Education and Activism through Creative Engagement (PEACE — UW-Whitewater). For more information, see below or contact Karen at drydykkr23 (at) uww.edu.
Students participate in Gaza Awareness Project
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, January 28, 2009
Traditional black and white woven Kaffiyeh scarves symbolizing Palestinian nationalism cover the necks of several students on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s campus. These scarves are part of a 10-day campaign from Jan. 20-30, by UW-Whitewater students to demonstrate solidarity for the citizens of Gaza and Israel who were injured or killed during the 22-day war (Dec. 27, 2008-Jan. 18, 2009) between Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement) and Israel Defense Forces.
The 10-day campaign is sponsored by the Wisconsin student-supported coalition, the Gaza Awareness Project (GAP). The campaign’s goal is to raise awareness of citizens of Gaza who are suffering from an economic blockade of resources including electricity, fuel and food. UW-Whitewater junior Patrick Broderick, vice president of Peace, Education and Activism through Creative Engagement (P.E.A.C.E.) and public relations officer of the Muslim Student Association (MSA) is using a variety of events on UW-Whitewater’s campus to promote the cause.
“We want to inform as many people as possible about the events taking place in Gaza,” Broderick said. “If students and the Whitewater community become involved, we can reassert our connection to human rights by promoting social awareness and cultural diversity.”
Most students participating in the campaign are wearing the Kaffiyeh scarves and GAP armbands to represent the disproportionate conflict between Palestinians and Israelis. Optional fasting is also taking place each day from dawn to dusk to symbolize solidarity.
Broderick also hopes to show the film “Occupation 101,” a documentary about the root causes of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in UC 275A, as well as organize a guest speaker appearance from the Madison-Rafah Sister City Project, an organization of concerned Madison citizens building wider public awareness of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
P.E.A.C.E. and MSA hope their efforts on campus and throughout the state can contribute to a sustainable ceasefire between Gaza and Israel, the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza, an ending of the economic blockade to Gaza, and a reopening of border crossings along the Gaza Strip.
After the campaign ends on January 30, students are encouraged to continue solidarity with Gaza and Israeli citizens by participating in P.E.A.C.E. Week, March 30-April 3, in the UC Hamilton Center. Events include a world religions panel regarding parallels and conflicts across all borders and a presentation about Rachel Corrie, an American peace activist who traveled to the Gaza Strip and was killed during a protest.
Participating student organizations throughout Wisconsin include UW-Whitewater’s P.E.A.C.E. and MSA; UW-Madison’s Justice for Palestine; UW-River Falls’ Sisters and Brothers of Islam; UW-Green Bay’s Amnesty International chapter; and UW-Milwaukee’s Students for a Democratic Society chapter. Anyone interested in supporting the cause is encouraged to participate in any current or upcoming events.
For more information about the Gaza Awareness Project contact Broderick, brodericpm28 (at) uww.edu or 262-758-3765.
For information on Occupation 101, visit the Madison-Rafah Sister City Project film library. We have copies of this film for sale and for loan. Contact Paul Beckett at snkbeckett (at) yahoo.com.
