Madison Rafah Journal

For the first time there is going to be a session on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict at Fighting Bob Fest, the annual Chautauqua in Baraboo featuring progressive speakers, networking opportunities, and entertainment. The Fest carries on the tradition of Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette by providing a forum for progressive ideas on issues facing Wisconsin and the nation.

The Madison-Rafah Sister City Project is a co-sponsor of the Israeli/Palestinian workshop. We are preparing an educational and resource packet for all attendees, and will also have an information booth in the exhibition hall.

Israel/Palestine: A Progressive View

Robert La Follette opposed colonialism and U.S. imperialism and believed in the right of self-determination for all peoples. He wanted a U.S. foreign policy that met the highest ideals of America. The ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian land and Israel's continued oppression of the Palestinians have increased anti-American sentiment in the Mideast and around the world. This session will assess the current situation on the ground between Israel and Palestine, examine U.S. policy, present a seldom-heard Palestinian perspective, and explore ways to arrive at a peaceful solution.

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The Madison-Rafah Sister City Project will participate in the second annual crafts sale at the Madison Children's Museum American Girls Benefit sale in Middleton. NEW THIS YEAR: Doll-size traditional Palestinian embroidered dresses, shawls and scarves made by Palestinian craftswomen from Rafah and refugee camps in Lebanon.

TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT FOR THIS DATE!

Sunday, July 18 • 8 a.m.–noon.

Entrance to the Sunday markdown sale is free and open to the public; tickets will be issued on site beginning at 6 a.m.

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Tuesday, June 22, 6:30 pm
Wilmar Neighborhood Center, 953 Jenifer Street, Madison [Map]
Sponsored by Madison Area Peace Coalition |

Program:

(1) Presentation by Jennifer Loewenstein on the current situation in Gaza under the Israeli blockade, what is now known about the May 31st Israeli attack on and hijacking of the ships, and the campaign to compel Israel to agree to a UN investigation.

(2) Questions and comments by the audience directed either to Jennifer or to the meeting in general.

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Bright Stars of Bethlehem Benefit
Friday, June 11, 2010
The Madison Club [Map]
Madison, WI

Bright Stars of Bethlehem local representatives Bonnie Van Overbeke and Nancy Baumgardner invite you to attend a benefit for the children and families of Bethlehem. Rev. Mitri Raheb, pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church and director of the Diyar Consortium, will be the guest speaker at this benefit. The Diyar Consortium includes programs for children and their families, senior citizens, a health and wellness center, and a college. For more information, go to www.brightstarsbethlehem.org.

The Benefit will be held at The Madison Club. There is a suggested $50 donation. If you are interested in attending this event, contact nancybaumgardner (at) gmail.com.

Voices of the Peacemakers: From Roots to Reconciliation
May 23- June 5, 2010
Delegation Leaders: Anna Baltzer and Cathy Sultan
Co-Sponsored with the National Peace Foundation

This delegation will explore Palestinian and Israeli efforts to achieve peace and a resolution to their conflict based on justice. The delegation will feature meetings with Palestinian and Israeli peacemakers — leaders of civil society groups, grassroots organizers, religious leaders and more. Given the current situation in the West Bank, the delegation will focus on learning about the current challenges facing nonviolent activists resisting occupation. May also marks the annual commemoration of Israel’s independence and the Palestinian Nakba (Catastrophe) and the birth of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Your participation as an eyewitness to the situation will enrich your understanding of the conflict and empower your work back in the United States.

As with all delegations, you will meet with ‘ordinary’ Israelis and Palestinians, and people and organizations working for peace and justice. Delegates will confront and analyze the US role in the conflict and wrestle with ways to translate your experience to others when you return home.

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7:00 – 9:00 pm
1221 Humanities Building
455 N. Park St
UW-Madison [map]

Dr. Jad Isaac will present research on Palestinian agriculture, environment, land use and water, highlighting the problems facing farmers and residents in the occupied West Bank. His presentation will cover current and future water conditions, and options for a more sustainable water management system.

Dr. Isaac, a Palestinian resident from the Bethlehem area, is a former professor of life sciences at Bethlehem University and currently the director of the Applied Research Institute-Jerusalem (ARIJ). He headed the Palestinian delegation for the environmental working group in the multilateral talks and is an advisor to the Palestinian negotiating team on final status issues with Israel.

This event is sponsored by Hillel's Israel Celebrates 62 Committee, Kavanah: An Open Dialogue on the Israel-Palestine Conflict, The Middle East Interest Group, and the American Friends Service Committee in Chicago.