The Madison-Rafah Sister City Project (MRSCP)
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Apr 1, 2025
❝Random Quotes❞
This is all this has ever been about. Not hostages. Not ending Hamas. Not self-defense. Not mass rapes. Not beheaded babies or babies placed in ovens. This has always been about taking land from the indigenous people of Palestine. ― Caitlin Johnstone, Oct 13, 2024
25 years of resisting Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank
Al Jazeera, Nov 21, 2024 Atta Jaber’s family has farmed the Baqa’a Valley in the illegally occupied West Bank for hundreds of years, but since Israel’s 1967 occupation, their land has been confiscated piecemeal by Israeli settlers, and their homes and ancient farming terraces attacked and demolished. “The sound of the bulldozer is the music…
Erasing Palestinian Life in Gaza: Israel’s Genocide Exposed
Francesca Albanase and Eyal Weizman, Palestine Deep Dive, 8 Nov, 2024 “Israel aims to cancel and erase Palestinian life!” UN Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territory, Francesca Albanese, and director of Forensic Architecture, Eyal Weizman, expose the mechanics of Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Speaking to Palestinian journalist from Gaza, Ahmed Alnaouq, Francesca references her…
Challenging Israeli ‘Hasbara’ and ‘Conventional Wisdom’ on Palestine
An Anti-Colonial Reframing Jeff Halper, Director, ICAHD, October 30, 2024 Israel’s success in “selling” its wars and oppressive colonial practices lies in its ability to condense its political position into one succinct sentence. “Israel,” the hasbara/PR line goes, “is a small, democratic, Western [subtext: white] country besieged by Arab/Muslim [subtext: dark, irrational] terrorism.” That hits about…
Let’s Turn Refaat Alareer’s “If I Must Die” into a Bestseller
On December 10 Palestinian writer, poet and educator Refaat Alareer will posthumously publish a book, “If I Must Die,” a collection of his poetry and prose. DROP SITE NEWS, DEC 6, 2024 Today marks one year since Israel assassinated Palestinian writer, poet and educator Refaat Alareer with a targeted airstrike on the second floor apartment…
Death march from Beit Lahia
Hossam Shabat reports from northern Gaza on Israel’s mass expulsion campaign Death march from Beit Lahia by Drop Site News Hossam Shabat reports from northern Gaza on Israel’s mass expulsion campaign Read on Substack
Boycott Review at Willy St Co-op
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Madison Rafah Sister City Project (@madisonrafah) Boycott Comment Link
In Masafer Yatta, our very right to education is under fire
Amid Israeli settler attacks, military raids, roadblocks, and an economic crisis, simply getting to school can be a challenge. But still we fight for our students. By Mahmoud Al-Omour, +972 Magazine, November 7, 2024 In Masafer Yatta, a collection of villages in the South Hebron Hills of the occupied West Bank, being a teacher is a hefty responsibility. The…
The West Bank villages wiped off the map by Israeli settler violence
Since October 7, over 50 rural Palestinian communities have been forced to abandon their homes amid intensifying attacks, threats, and harassment by Israeli settlers — almost always with the backing of the army and police. By Oren Ziv, +972 Magazine, December 4, 2024 In partnership with Several weeks before October 7, +972 Magazine published an investigation into the seizure…
Amnesty International Investigation Concludes Israel Is Committing Genocide
“We will look back and say, ‘Why did we not do more earlier?” Amnesty’s director tells Zeteo. PREM THAKKER, ZETEO, DEC 04, 2024 Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, Amnesty International said for the first time on Wednesday, calling on countries, especially those with influence over Israel, such as the US and Germany, to take action…
Amnesty International Concludes That Israel Is Committing Genocide In Gaza
In a new 300-page report the human rights group joins a growing chorus of legal scholars and activists describing Israel’s assault on Palestinians as genocide. Jessica Washington, The Intercept, December 4 2024 ON THE MORNING of December 14, 2023, an Israeli airstrike killed three generations of Ahmad Nasman’s family in Gaza. In a single blow, his…
Dec 5, 2024 Update: Protest for Disclosure and Divestment by University of Wisconsin
View this post on Instagram A post shared by CODEPINK Madison (@codepinkmadison) UW-Madison Gordon Hall 770 West Dayton St7:45 am Citing a Wisconsin anti-discrimination statute on University investments that forced divestment from South African apartheid, Students for Justice in Palestine UW-Madison, Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine, Freedom Road Socialist Organization Wisconsin, Young Democratic Socialists of…
“Ethnic cleansing by a thousand cuts”
An Update from the South Hebron Hills Unsettled Podcast, Dec 3, 2024 In this episode of Unsettled we hear from Ali Awad, a 26-year-old activist and translator living in Tuba, a village in a region of the west bank called Masafer Yatta in the south Hebron Hills. Ali’s livelihood and wellbeing have always been vulnerable…
Lebanon Ceasefire Had Built-in Loopholes for Israel
Lebanon Ceasefire Had Built-in Loopholes for Israel by Drop Site News And the civil and proxy war reignites in Syria. Read on Substack
Dec 8, 2024: Letter Writing For A Ceasefire
The Reading Room 2713 Atwood Ave, Madison 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm As the siege on Gaza continues, we refuse to let genocide become mundane or to stop speaking out against it. Join A Room of One’s Own in community to write letters to your representatives demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Whether you have…
Dec 14, 2004: Holiday Craft & Cookie Sale for Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem
Memorial United Church of Christ 5705 Lacy Rd, Fitchburg 9 am – 12 noon All proceeds support a scholarship fund for Dar al-Kalima University of Arts and Culture in Bethlehem. For more information email Nancy Baumgardner.
Dec 6, 2024: Launch of the “Gaza Writes Back” Memorial Edition
Online3 pm CT Registration
Update: Respond to Willy Street Co-op & Help Remove Sabra Hummus!
1% of Willy St Co-op members requested this by 12/02/24 Willy Street emailed all members on December 3 to announce a 14-day comment period ending December 16. Members can support the boycott by commenting at https://www.willystreet.coop/sabra. The boycott decision will then be made by Willy Street General Manager Anya Firszt and her staff. Sabra is…
Israel Builds Bases in Central Gaza, a Sign It May Be There to Stay
In recent months, soldiers have demolished more than 600 buildings to create a buffer area and expanded a network of bases, a New York Times analysis of satellite imagery and video footage shows. By Aaron Boxerman, Aric Toler, Riley Mellen, and Patrick Kingsley New York Times, Dec. 2, 2024 The Israeli military has been expanding its presence…
Former defense minister accuses Israel of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza
“The IDF is not the most moral army today. It’s hard for me to say that.” By Mick Krever and Dana Karni, CNN, December 2, 2024 CNN — A highly decorated former Israeli defense minister has caused a firestorm by accusing Israel of carrying out ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in northern Gaza. Moshe Ya’alon, who served for three decades in…
Israeli Settler Company Specializing in West Bank Outposts Now in Gaza
Israeli Libi Construction Company At Work In Beit Lahia REVEALED: Israeli Settler Company Specializing in West Bank Outposts Now at Work in Northern Gaza by Drop Site News A prominent Israeli settler offered me $165 per day to demolish homes in Beit Lahia Read on Substack
My Israeli Neighbors Are Rejoicing: Trump Will Make Israel Great(er)
DIARY FROM A PALESTINIAN IN ISRAEL Diana Buttu on how Trump’s ‘Israel first’ Cabinet picks and Netanyahu’s settler ambassador signal West Bank annexation is more likely than ever before. DIANA BUTTU, ZETEO, NOV 27, 202 In major Israeli cities, including Haifa, where I live, “Trump/Vance 2024” campaign signs have been quickly replaced by signs congratulating…
Israeli bombing kills World Central Kitchen workers and aid-seekers
Meanwhile, a former Israeli defence minister says the army is ethnically cleansing northern Gaza By Ahmed Aziz in Khan Younis, occupied PalestineMiddle East Eye, 30 November 2024 Israeli air strikes killed at least 10 Palestinians seeking aid and three humanitarian workers in Gaza on Saturday. An Israeli air strike targeted a World Central Kitchen (WCK) vehicle as it transported…
Dec 9, 2024-Jan 29, 2025: Gaza National Teach-In Series
7 pm Central More info & registration TeachinNetwork.org Toolbox on Gaza, Israel, and the Middle East
Nov 29-Dec 6, 2024: Read Palestine Week
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Madison Rafah Sister City Project (@madisonrafah)
Heavy rain washes away 10,000 tents in Gaza
Spreads misery for displaced Palestinians Palestinians in Gaza continue to suffer from hunger, disease, and bitter cold temperatures as Israel’s campaign of genocide continues News Desk, The Cradle, NOV 26, 2024 More than 10,000 tents in Al-Mawasi camp in Gaza were blown away by strong winds and rain overnight on 25 November, forcing displaced civilians to…
Winter rains pile misery on war-torn Gaza’s displaced
Agence France-Presse via Al-Monitor, Nov 26, 2024 At a crowded camp in Gaza for those displaced by the war between Israel and Hamas, Ayman Siam laid concrete blocks around his tent to keep his family dry as rain threatened more misery. “I’m trying to protect my tent from the rainwater because we are expecting heavy…
ADC Statement on Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire
Washington, DC | www.adc.org | November 27, 2024 – The U.S.-led ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon showcases the government’s ability to influence peace agreements when the political will exists. This begs the question: why hasn’t the Biden Administration applied the same pressure to secure a ceasefire in Gaza? Israel’s wars in Lebanon and Palestine demand permanent and…
Lebanon’s “Ceasefire” Deal With Israel, and What It Means for Gaza
A breaking news podcast discussion with Dr. Sami Al-Arian JEREMY SCAHILL, DROP SITE NEWS, NOV 26, 2024 Israeli Prime Minister and international fugitive Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech Tuesday encouraging his ministers to accept a ceasefire deal with Lebanon. The truce with Lebanon, Netanyahu said, would allow Israel to rearm itself and focus on the…
U.S. officials who hated “woke” investing won’t stop buying Israel Bonds
Israel is the exception to “politically motivated investment” KA (JESSICA) BURBANK, DROP SITE NEWS, NOV 25, 2024 First, they banded together to block investing in overly political, woke businesses. Now, a coalition of state officials across the U.S. is using its power to allocate state funds to a political cause it cares about: Israel. Since…
The Secret Recordings Netanyahu Wants Censored
A new documentary exposes never-before-seen video of the Israeli leader — and argues he’s prolonged the Gaza War to evade corruption charges. Arjun Singh, LEVER TIME, NOV 22, 2024 In the latest edition of Lever Time, producer Arjun Singh talks to Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney about his latest documentary The Bibi Files, which uncovers explosive new police footage…
Tell the World’s Governments to End the Genocide
The crime of genocide is happening. The intentional destruction of a people, in whole or in part, is genocide. The law is meant to be used to prevent it, not just review it after the fact. We sent over half a million emails to key governments urging them to invoke the genocide convention at the International Court…
‘A Starvation Policy’: Former UN Aid Chief on Gaza Suffering
Jan Egeland talks to Mehdi about his visit to Gaza, the ICC arrest warrants, and how Israel under Netanyahu is behaving like Syria under Assad. ‘A Starvation Policy’: Former UN Aid Chief on How Gaza Suffering Is on a ‘Different Level’ by Mehdi Hasan Jan Egeland talks to Mehdi about his visit to Gaza, the…
Nov 19, 2024 Update: Video of Osama Iliwat & Rotem Levin in Madison
Christ Presbyterian Church 944 E. Gorham St, Madison [map]7 pm – 9 pm All welcome to Christ Presbyterian Church for a conversation on Collective Liberation with Palestinian and Israeli activists Osama Iliwat and Rotem Levin. This event is co-sponsored by Jewish Voice for Peace Madison, Mennonite Action-Madison, and Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, World…
Saturday in At Tuwani
This has been a terrible day here with multiple large settler attacks in the area, including this attack in Tuwani in which two of my friends were badly injured by settlers who attacked them in their garden, and another arrested from the house. With no consequence for the settlers. I really don’t know how this…
Photo Essay: The silent displacement in the West Bank
As the world has focused on the Gaza genocide, a massive Israeli campaign of violence and displacement has taken place across the West Bank. Photojournalist David Lombeida tells the stories of families in the South Hebron Hills and Jordan Valley. BY DAVID LOMBEIDA, MONDOWEISS, NOVEMBER 12, 2024 While the world watches Gaza unfold, a shadow is cast…
Between Ta-Nehisi Coates and Me
‘The Message’ cuts to the human heart of the situation in Israel-Palestine, refusing to contort its argument to affirm other perspectives Amr Kotb,New Lines Magazine, November 19, 2024 few nights ago, I attended a session of my writers’ group, a collection of talented artists in New York City who identify as Southwest Asian and North…
Dec 7, 2024: Fair Trade Holiday Festival
Monona Terrace8 am – 3 pm Madison’s 28th Annual Fair Trade Holiday Festival MRSCP, Palestine Partners, and Playgrounds for Palestine-Madison will again be offering fair trade Palestinian products at one of the largest and most diverse holiday markets around town. 8 am – 3 pm at Monona Terrace.
East Washington Vigil for Gaza Ceasefire on Wednesdays
Every Wednesday (except Nov 27, 2024)SW corner of East Washington Av & Fourth St, Madison4:00 – 4:30 pm You are invited to join this weekly vigil featuring a sign saying “Honk for Gaza Ceasefire.” Just show up, or email Helena at hspw@att.net for more information.
Nov 29, 2024: Lights Up! for Palestine International Day of Solidarity!
Plaza at W Lawn Av & Monroe StNext to Trader Joe’s4-6 pm
Kamal Adwan Hospital under siege; we can’t treat the injured
Hussam Abu Safiya, Director-General of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, confirms the hospital remains under siege, with the Israeli occupation blocking medicine, food, and access for civil defense crews. Al Mayadeen English, 20 Nov 2024 Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director-general of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, confirmed on Wednesday that the hospital…
The House Just Blessed Trump’s Authoritarian Playbook by Passing Nonprofit-Killer Bill
Democratic support for the bill dwindled as critics warned it would let Donald Trump crack down on political foes. Noah Hurowitz, The Intercept, November 21 2024 A BILL THAT would give President-elect Donald Trump broad powers to target his political foes has passed a major hurdle toward becoming law. The House of Representatives on Thursday passed…
After losing her leg in an Israeli strike, Leyan fights for a new beginning
All That Remains, Al Jazeera, Nov 20, 2024 Leyan Abu Al-Atta, a 13-year-old girl from Gaza who lost her leg in an Israeli attack, is one of thousands of children who have lost limbs in this war in what experts say is likely one of the most intense mass-disabling events of children in our lifetimes.…
ICC Issues ‘Watershed’ Warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant
The court rejected arguments by the U.S. and Israel that the ICC does not have jurisdiction, subjecting the officials to potential arrest in 124 countries “The acceptance by Israel of the Court’s jurisdiction is not required, as the Court can exercise its jurisdiction on the basis of the territorial jurisdiction of Palestine,” the Court said.…
From attack dogs to prison time, this is how Israel is trying to thwart my activism
The Israeli army wants to make an example of Palestinians who protest the occupation — a campaign my village At-Tuwani has faced for generations. By Sami Huraini, +972 Magazine, October 24, 2024 On the evening of Sept. 29, Israeli soldiers arrested me during a raid on my house in At-Tuwani, a village in the Masafer Yatta…
War-crimes court issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Hamas officials
Israel and its major ally, the United States, are not members of the court BY MOLLY QUELL, Associated Press, November 21, 2024 THE HAGUE (AP) — The world’s top war-crimes court issued arrest warrants Thursday for the leaders of Israel and Hamas, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with their…
A Conversation With Peace Activists Iliwat And Levin
Listen To The Pain And Fears Of Each Other WORT 89.9FM Madison · Listen to the Pain and Fears of Each Other: A conversation with Peace Activists Iliwat and Levin A PUBLIC AFFAIR, WORT 89.9 FM, NOVEMBER 14, 2024 Allen Ruff is joined by Palestinian Osama Iliwat and Israeli Rotem Levin, who are peace activists…
Why Is It So Hard for Senator Tammy Baldwin to Oppose Genocide?
By David Swanson, World BEYOND War, November 19, 2024 At the very same time that we’re subjected to media analyses of how a “progressive” senator won reelection in a Trump state, that same senator, Tammy Baldwin, is refusing to come out against . . . wait for it . . . arming a proud, public, livestreamed genocide. On…
Anti-war group says Baldwin noncommittal on blocking Israeli military aid
University of Wisconsin-Madison students and community members said talks with U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s military legislative assistant Monday offered “no commitment either way” on the Wednesday vote to block weapons sales to Israel. By Jake Piper, The Daily Cardinal, November 19, 2024 Staff for U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin declined to reveal how she would vote on…
