Action Steps for Palestine

Action steps for Palestine developed at the 2009 Peacemaking Worshop led by Anna Baltzer.

Check back frequently for updated information.

 

Events

 

Anna Baltzer and Mustafa Barghouti discussed peace and Palestine on the Daily Show on October 28. View the uncut interview.

Exclusive - Anna Baltzer & Mustafa Barghouti Extended Interview Pt. 1

 

Lincoln Council for Palestinian-Israeli Reconciliation

The Lincoln group that is studying the background of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict and opportunities for reconciliation will meet Saturday, Aug. 8th, 10:00 to 11:30 A.M. at the First Mennonite Church in Lincoln. We will discuss chapters 4 through 6 of "Under Vine and Fig Tree," by Alain Epp Weaver for 45 minutes and Action items for 30 minutes. The contact for this meeting is Richard Little at 402-805-7482.

 

LINKS

Stay in touch with Anna Baltzer.

Join Five For Palestine.

Get involved with American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights.

Influence Israel through Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions.

 

DISCUSSION NOTES

PDF format

 

PEACEMAKING WORKSHOP XXII

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

April 4, 2009

 

Group 1 - What to do locally?

• Support mutual Visa policies with Israel that don't discriminate against non-Jews.
• Letters and visits:
• Do we deal only with our own Senators and Legislators or those from other states?
• Create a list service:
• Email list specific to Nebraska as a Media watchdog.
• Prioritize what we look for in the media.
  • News that is:

-Unbalanced

-Prejudiced

• Boycott by looking for UPC code for Israel, which is 290.

 

Group 2 - What To Do Locally?

1. Watch local media - correct their distorted vies. Response by letter writing; also - thanks!
2. Need for equal protection for Palestinians. Israel and Palestinians have rights to self protection.
3. Urge Congress people to attend these meetings.
4. Communicate continually with representatives.
5. Jewish advocates to join within our community.  Middle East focus group.
6. University - Local sessions giving a balanced view.
7. Services of information on Zionism/Israel Lobby.
8. Presence of Christian Palestinians.
9. Using Anna Baltzer's CD.
10. Are Congressional people from Nebraska getting The Washington Report?
11. Establish sister churches with Palestinian Christian Churches.

 

Group 3 - What To Do Locally?

• Lincoln High - Demonstration waiting to happen
  • Theater
  • Art Projects - Murals - Student designs
• Divestment

o       Contact Alma Maters

o       Check United Methodist position on divestment

o       Would it be harder to get the state to divest?

o       United Methodist Women

• Present to as many groups at church as possible.
• Cooperative arrangement with the Islamic Center to hear the stories
  • How do we get past the propaganda and sensationalism?
  • The need to get together and grieve.
  • Tell the anecdotes; put the human face on it.
  • Palestinian Christian - so that we don't confuse the two
  • Bring Muslim and Christians together to tell the story.

 

Group 4 - What To Do Locally?

1. Enter faith dialogue, if possible or feasible, with:
   • Rabbi Emanuel of the Reformed Synagogue in town - they might be sympathetic. (He invited an Iranian Muslim to speak.)

• Possibly for Conservative Jewish community also
• But there should be a limit as to how much we think we need Jewish support, Palestinian suffering matters more.
• Maybe a place here to agree to disagree.

2. Educate church members that Zionism is not fulfilled prophecy, not God's will. That is, take it to the theological realm.

 

Group 5 - What To Do Locally?

• Organize - Church Women United meet monthly.
• Islamic Foundation of Lincoln - weekly - Friday meeting - monthly events
• Public Access Calendar Announcements

 

Group 6 - What To Do Locally?

• Get word out with KFOR - Neighborhood extra
• Viewing of Anna Baltzer's DVD with Islamic Foundation Of Lincoln
• Viewing of Anna Baltzer's DVD with UNL - Muslim Student Association
• Women's group