The Madison-Rafah Sister City Project (MRSCP)
Posts
Mar 25, 2025
❝Random Quotes❞
We found out that there was a systematic expulsion of Palestinians . . . there was an ethnic cleansing operation taking place. ― Ilan Pappe, Israeli historian, Occupation 101, 2006
A Ceasefire Won’t Stop the War on Palestine
TARIQ KENNEY-SHAWA, THE NATION, JANUARY 16, 2025. The Best Analysis of the Gaza Ceasefire.
First hostages freed as long-awaited Gaza ceasefire takes force
CNN, January 19, 2025 12:44 PM EST
ADC Statement on the Gaza Ceasefire
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Jan 17, 2025
This is a fragile ceasefire. We must ensure it holds.
Jewish Voice for Peace, January 17, 2025
What you need to know about the Gaza cease-fire deal
MICHAEL MERRYMAN-LOTZE, AFSC, JAN 17, 2025
Dr. Martin Luther King’s Prophetic Warning, Denouncing the Merchants of Death
Kathy Kelly, ZNetwork, January 13, 2025. Over the past three years, a collective of volunteer researchers, lawyers, and commentators created The Merchants of Death War Crimes Tribunal, dedicated to holding accountable four weapon manufacturing corporations based in the U.S. Their tribunal amassed copious evidence to prove that Boeing, Lockheed Martin, RTX (formerly Raytheon) and General Atomics (a…
Biden worked ‘tirelessly around the clock’ — to prevent a ceasefire
TRITA PARSI, Responsible Statecraft, JAN 16, 2025
Israeli cabinet ratifies ceasefire deal with Hamas
Lorenzo Tondo and Bethan McKernan, The Guardian, 17 Jan 2025 1:30 am local
Our heads are being smashed in as the world turns a blind eye
Hamdan Ballal, HUMANS OF MASAFER YATTA, Jan 16, 2025
A Deal Too Late
Jonah Valdez, The Intercept, January 15 2025. Israel Agrees To The Ceasefire It Rejected Months Ago, Thousands More Died AS PRESIDENT JOE Biden announced the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas from the White House on Wednesday, he repeated a key detail throughout his address: that the deal accepted today was the same deal he helped…
The Gaza Ceasefire: Pharoah is Still Pharoah
Rabbi Brant Rosen, Shalom Rav, Jan 17, 2025. My weekly email to Tzedek Chicago members: For Palestinians and those who stand in solidarity with them, the news of a ceasefire agreement between the Netanyahu administration and Hamas was welcome news. When the reports first broke, and I saw images of Gazans singing and dancing in…
This will not end with the last airstrike
Malak Hijazi, The Electronic Intifada, 15 January 2025. For 15 long months, the people of Gaza have endured a brutal genocidal war. We’ve lost loved ones, homes and any sense of normalcy. But as talks of a potential ceasefire grow, hope flickers that it might take effect before US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration next week.…
Jan 25, 2025: Taxpayers Against Genocide Class Action Webinar
RootsAction Team, Jan 17, 2025. We’re excited to invite you for the TAG Class Action Webinar 1-25-25. Click here to register. This 75-minute informational webinar will start at: 10am Pacific, 11am Mountain, 1pm Eastern. It is being hosted by TAG and will feature presentations by key TAG organizers who will provide information on how they organized and…
Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal signed in Doha
Barak Ravid, Axios, Jan 16, 2025. The Israeli government will vote on it Saturday night, postponing the start of the ceasefire until at least Monday, according to Israeli officials. The deal between Israel and Hamas to release hostages being held in Gaza and begin a ceasefire was officially signed by negotiators in Doha on Thursday, according to…
Israeli cabinet to meet on deal Friday
Jordana Miller, ABC News, Jan 16, 2025. The Israeli cabinet will meet on Friday to discuss and ratify the ceasefire deal reached with Hamas, according to a senior Israeli official.
Qatar: Ceasefire deal to take effect on Sunday, January 19
Al Jazeera, Jan 15, 2025. Both parties agreed to timeline of deal, according to Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesman Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari has told Al Jazeera that both Israel and Hamas agreed for the ceasefire deal to take effect on Sunday, January 19. “Both parties agreed to the timeline according to a lot…
Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza after ceasefire deal announced
George Wright & Ruth Comerford, BBC News, Jan 16, 2025. Israeli air strikes are continuing in Gaza ahead of the ceasefire agreement and hostage deal with Hamas, which comes into effect on Sunday, subject to the Israeli cabinet’s approval. The strikes killed 73 people overnight, following the announcement of the deal, Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defence…
Netanyahu delays ceasefire vote, claiming Hamas created a ‘last minute crisis’
Willem Marx, NPR, JANUARY 16, 2025. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said a cabinet meeting that was scheduled to vote Thursday on the peace deal between Israel and Hamas has been delayed, in a blow to hopes that a ceasefire after 15 months of fighting would take effect Sunday. Netanyahu said that the meeting…
The sun will rise over Gaza again
Adalah Justice Project, Jan 15, 2025. Dear Friends, As news of a ceasefire spread today, Abubaker Abed, a young journalist and genocide survivor, wrote “The sun will rise again over Gaza.” His words capture the bittersweet relief we all feel—a flicker of light in the endless darkness Gaza’s people have endured. For over a year, Palestinians…
Genocide doesn’t stop when the bombs stop dropping
US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, Jan 15, 2025. Did you see the news? An official ceasefire deal has been reached, and the first of the three-phase plan is due to go into effect on Sunday, Jan. 19. We want to be very clear: this is good news. We’ve advocated for a permanent ceasefire as the bare minimum…
What to Know About the Gaza Ceasefire Deal
PREM THAKKER, ZETEO, JAN 15, 2025. Will it lead to a permanent end to the bombing? Did Trump really make it happen? Why couldn’t Biden get it done eight months ago? Here’s what we know. For the first time in more than 400 days, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached. Notably,…
AMP Calls on UN Oversight to Guarantee Commitments
American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Jan 15, 2025. Today marks a long-awaited and bittersweet moment of solemn relief after 15 months of unimaginable suffering. The announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza is an opportunity to acknowledge the end of the genocide that has devastated the Palestinian people. It’s a day to honor and grieve the…
First ceasefire, then Palestinian liberation.
Jewish Voice for Peace, Jan 15, 2025. Today, after 15 months of the Israeli government’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, supported and enabled by the U.S. government, a 42-day ceasefire agreement was reported. We hold tightly to the hope of a halt to the Israeli military’s bombardments, an end to the starvation of Palestinians by…
On the Ceasefire in Gaza and the Road Ahead
Arab Resource & Organizing Center (AROC), Jan 15, 2025. After 465 days of Israel’s genocidal campaign, a ceasefire in Gaza has been confirmed. Israel’s violence has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians, including more than 17,500 children, and displaced 90% of Gaza’s population. Gaza’s infrastructure – schools, universities, mosques and churches, and hospitals –…
Jake Sullivan’s Mental Prison
Jake Sullivan’s Mental Prison (A Sequel) by Peter Beinart Read on Substack So, we’re in this interesting moment where top Biden administration foreign policy officials are kind of going out into the country, trying to craft a public narrative about what they did in office as they prepare to leave office. There was Antony Blinken’s…
Madison Sabra Boycott Victory!
We wanted to let you know that in response to hundreds of letters and comments, Madison’s Willy Street Co-op has removed all Sabra products from the shelves! Thanks to everyone who took action for making this victory possible!! About 450 people contacted the co-op and we are deeply grateful to them for using the collective power of words…
Jan 23, 2025: Author Talk with Heidi Morrison
Pearl Street Books, 323 Pearl St, LaCrosse, 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Join University of Wisconsin-La Crosse History Professor Heidi Morrison at Pearl Street Books January 23 at 6:30 PM to discuss her new book Lived Resistance: Against the War on Palestinian Children. This book examines how children endure and survive in war, as seen through the case study of Palestine.…
We Can’t Afford to Ignore This Threat to the People of Gaza
ABDULLAH SHIHIPAR, THE NATION, JANUARY 9, 2025. The very air that Gazans breathe could put their health in danger for many years to come. Gaza is no longer recognizable. Since Israel’s genocide began last year, more than 60% of its buildings have been destroyed or damaged – leading to more than 42 million tons of…
Free Moroccan human rights defender Ismail Lghazaoui
Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC), January 10, 2025. Join the Global Pressure Campaign. We call on you to take immediate action to pressure the repressive Moroccan authorities to immediately release Moroccan human rights defender and agricultural engineer Ismail Lghazaoui, who is unjustly imprisoned for exercising his constitutional right to freedom of expression. His tireless advocacy for Palestinian…
Jan 18, 2025: The People’s March in Madison!
Show Up for Palestine! James Madison Park, 614 E. Gorham Street, Madison, 1 – 4 pm. This event is part of the national People’s March. Throughout Inauguration Weekend, hundreds of everyday people will gather in Madison, WI and across the nation to demand the needs of the people over the interests of the wealthy elite. Together, we’ll defend…
Jan 11, 2025: Andaleeb Cartonera Bookmaking for Palestine
Friends Meeting House, 1704 Roberts Court, Madison, 2-5 pm. You are invited to another session of producing handcrafted editions of various works in support of Palestine. More information
Here are the propaganda leaflets Israel is dropping over Gaza
DROP SITE NEWS, JAN 08, 2025. The messages consist of crude warnings, threats and appeals to turn against Hamas and collaborate with Israel. With less than two weeks remaining before his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump reiterated his warning that “all hell will break out in the Middle East” if the captives held by Hamas and…
Why the US has declared genocide in Sudan but not Gaza
PBS News Hour, Jan 8, 2025. “The policy of the United States towards that particular conflict.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amna Nawaz (@amnaonpbs)
AJP Action Blasts Biden for Enabling Israel’s Genocide in Gaza
[WASHINGTON D.C., JANUARY 09, 2025] – Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) condemns President Joe Biden and members of his administration for continuing their unwavering support for Israel as it continues to commit genocide against Palestinians. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, B’Tselem, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and even former Israeli military officials…
Jan 3-15/16, 2025: Extended! Gaza Film “From Ground Zero” at AMC Fitchburg & Baraboo
From Ground Zero at AMC Fitchburg and Baraboo Arabic with English Subtitles Palestine’s Official Submission for the 2025 Academy Awards, From Ground Zero, is a collection of revealing stories from 22 Palestinian filmmakers living through war, who capture their lives in Gaza amidst war. Using a blend of animation, documentary, and fiction, they create a…
Where is Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, and what is Israel doing to him?
TAREQ S. HAJJAJ, MONDOWEISS, JANUARY 3, 2025. It has been one week since the Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, Director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital, was detained by Israeli forces. Reports indicate he is being held inside a notorious torture facility, but Israeli officials won’t confirm where he is. His white coat stands out in stark contrast…
Dwight Howard: ‘I tweeted Free Palestine.’
‘Less than 10 minutes later, I got a call from the NBA commissioner.’ By HoopsHype | January 7, 2025 Dwight Howard: But when you’re in the NBA, there are a lot of things you want to say, but you know if you say them, there will be repercussions. You could get into a lot of trouble. For example,…
Group of Quebec doctors suspends non-essential work Monday to protest bloodshed in Gaza
CBC, January 6, 2025 As Israel’s deadly assaults on Gazans and their fragile health-care system rage on, some Quebec doctors are rising in protest by taking sick leave Monday and suspending their non-essential activities for the day. United under the banner of Quebec Doctors Against Genocide and Health Workers Alliance for Palestine, this group of medical…
Willy Street Update on Sabra Boycott
Co-op News, Jan 6, 2025. “We have decided to drop the five Sabra products” In November, 1% of Owners (337) requested a boycott of Sabra Hummus. Per our Boycott Policy, in December, we initiated a two-week comment period, which ended on December 16, 2024. These Owners called for Willy Street Co-op to remove Sabra Hummus from…
‘Where the Hell Is Doctor Hussam?’ Israel Gives Mixed Messages on Gaza Hospital Director
“Dr. Abu Safiya’s unlawful detention is emblematic of the broader attacks on the healthcare sector in Gaza and Israel’s attempts to annihilate it. It is part and parcel of Israel’s genocidal intent and genocidal acts—meant to inflict conditions of life CALCULATED TO BRING ABOUT DESTRUCTION OF PALESTINIANS.” —Agnès Callamard; Director, Amnesty International JESSICA CORBETT, COMMON…
Rights Group Finds Israel Uses Gaza ‘Safe Zones’ to ‘Hide a Genocide’
The analysis was published a day before Israeli forces bombed yet another “safe zone,” killing at least 12 Palestinians, including children. BRETT WILKINS, COMMON DREAMS, Jan 02, 2025 A report published on Wednesday details how Israel forcibly expels Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in order to facilitate—and hide—genocidal attacks in evacuated areas, while forcing refugees into alleged humanitarian “safe…
The Scramble To Find The Gaza Doctor In The White Coat
Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya is one of six medical workers with the Chicago-based organization MedGlobal who remain in Israeli custody. Jonah Valdez, THE INTERCEPT, December 31 2024 AS THE ISRAELI military closed in on Kamal Adwan Hospital in recent weeks — the last remaining major health care facility in northern Gaza — Dr. Hussam Abu…
Jan 11-12, 2025: January Unity Gathering
You are invited to this two-day gathering to strengthen popular unity and plans for advancing world peace, justice, sustainability, and democracy throughout Wisconsin. Saturday and Sunday: People will meet for most of both days from 9 am until 4 pm in the North Hearing Room (225NW) and the GAR Hall (413N) of the State Capitol Building.…
Feb 22, 2025 Update: People’s Forum on the Black Freedom Struggle & Palestine!
‘BLACK FREEDOM STRUGGLE & PALESTINE!’ TO FEATURE INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERS MADISON, WISCONSIN – An educational forum discussing the historical relationships between the Black Freedom Struggle, Palestine and other people’s liberation struggles internationally, will take place at 2222 S Park Street, Madison, WI from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. The event is free and open to the…
What It’s Truly Like to Sleep in a Damp, Frigid Tent: A Report From Gaza
Five newborns have died of hypothermia amid the cold in Gaza. Doctors tell Drop Site the deaths are a direct result of Israel’s blockades ABUBAKER ABED, DROP SITE NEWS, JAN 1, 2025 DEIR AL-BALAH, GAZA—On the morning of Dec 28th, Yahya Al-Batraan, a 40-year-old father of five sons and three daughters, got up in his…
Israeli forces arrest Gaza hospital chief after ‘burning doctors and patients alive’
Troops beat Hussam Abu Safiya and kidnapped him alongside other doctors, leaving northern Gaza without any health services By MEE staff, Middle East Eye, 28 December 2024 Israeli forces detained the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, after setting the health facility in northern Gaza on fire with doctors and patients inside, according to…
And Now There Is Blood on my Name, and on the Name of America
Julia Vinograd, “For My Tree In Israel,” 1988
Today at Tuba in Masafer Yatta
December 22, 2024 Settlers have been in the village of Tuba multiple times in the last 48 hours. They chased all the sheep and the camels, using dogs and a flock of sheep, they completely destroyed the cultivated grazing crops of the camels, they chased and harassed multiple shepherds, stole a donkey which they rode…
The mystery is not why we Irish have responded to Israel’s barbarism. It’s why others have not.
I don’t believe in the idea of being on the right side of history. The histories of the future are none of our concern. Our concern is the present Mark O’Connell, The Irish Times, Dec 21 2024 A few weeks ago, I interviewed the historian Rashid Khalidi. Khalidi, who recently retired as professor of Modern…
Dec 21, 2024 Update: Interfaith “Longest Night” Gaza Vigil
Around 75 people braved the cold weather and joined the longest night vigil and service earlier this evening. I am overwhelmed by the turnout and the positive response of all participants and the cars beeping in support as they drove by. It was a wonderful night of solidarity. We had reporters there from Channel3000 and…
