MadisonRafah.org

The Madison-Rafah Sister City Project (MRSCP)

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May 15, 2025

❝Random Quotes❞

Settlements are strategically built colonies of Israel . . . connected by a network of roads, which separate each Palestinian community from the next. ― Occupation 101, 2006

  • In Masafer Yatta, our very right to education is under fire

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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”

    “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

    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

    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

    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.

  • Update: Respond to Willy Street Co-op & Help Remove Sabra Hummus!

    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

    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

    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 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)

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    ‘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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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!

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    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?

    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

    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…

  • Gaza Security Forces Ambush Gang Accused of Looting Aid with Israeli Support

    Gaza Security Forces Ambush Gang Accused of Looting Aid with Israeli Support

    The gang members are “operating in cooperation with the Israeli forces” to target aid convoys, Hamas’s Basem Naim said. SHARIF ABDEL KOUDDOUS AND JEREMY SCAHILL, DROP SITE NEWS, NOV 19, 2024 Palestinian security forces on Monday killed at least 20 members of an organized gang allegedly responsible for looting aid trucks in the southern Gaza Strip,…

  • Call Your Senators on Joint Resolutions Against Arms to Israel – Vote is Nov 20

    Call Your Senators on Joint Resolutions Against Arms to Israel – Vote is Nov 20

    Please call Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson to ask that they vote in favor of the six Joint Resolutions of Disapproval introduced last month by Senator Bernie Sanders to stop some major weapons to Israel. Senator Baldwin: (202) 224-5653 DCSenator Johnson: (202) 224-5323 DCThen send them this email This is a coordinated campaign by many major national organizations…

  • Nov 21, 2024: 2nd Vote on H.R. 9495 to Call Nonprofits Terrorists

    Nov 21, 2024: 2nd Vote on H.R. 9495 to Call Nonprofits Terrorists

    Dozens of Democrats still support the bill — giving the Republican-controlled House plenty of breathing room to pass it with a simple majority Noah Hurowitz, The Intercept, November 15 2024  A majority of Democrats in the House of Representatives rejected the bill on Tuesday out of fear that it could grant President-elect Donald Trump the…

  • UN Committee finds Israel’s warfare in Gaza consistent with genocide

    UN Committee finds Israel’s warfare in Gaza consistent with genocide

    Use of starvation as weapon of war UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, 14 November 2024 NEW YORK (14 November 2024) – Israel’s warfare in Gaza is consistent with the characteristics of genocide, with mass civilian casualties and life-threatening conditions intentionally imposed on Palestinians there, the UN Special Committee to investigate Israeli…

  • Nov 20-29, 2024: Never Again Is Now: Sanction Israel’s Genocidal and Apartheid Regime

    Nov 20-29, 2024: Never Again Is Now: Sanction Israel’s Genocidal and Apartheid Regime

    Join the Global Week of Action for Sanctions (20th to 29th Nov) to pressure states and the UN to impose lawful sanctions on Israel. Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC), October 31, 2024 In September, the UN General Assembly passed a historic resolution, calling for states and the UN to sanction Israel. This resolution affirmed that the…

  • Nov 18, 2024: The Palestine Movement Post-Election

    Nov 18, 2024: The Palestine Movement Post-Election

    Online 7 pm Central This call will provide an opportunity to reflect, strategize, and commit to the path ahead as we continue our efforts to end the U.S.-funded genocide in Gaza and strengthen the Palestinian movement. Hear from a range of speakers including Rep. Rashida Tlaib and help with a live fundraiser for Middle East…

  • Nov 18, 2024: Stop Arming Israel! Madison Push for Joint Resolutions

    Nov 18, 2024: Stop Arming Israel! Madison Push for Joint Resolutions

    Outside Tammy Baldwin’s office 30 W Mifflin St, Madison 4:15 pm Check here for day-of-event rain location This week, the Senate is expected to vote on blocking weapons sales to Israel, through the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRD) supported by Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and others. On Monday, Madison College and UW-Madison students with World BEYOND…