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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

ATFP Partners with Starkey Foundation to Offer Gift of Hearing to 2300 Patients in Palestine and Jordan


"We are excited to see what the future of our partnership with ATFP holds. We look forward to having an even bigger impact and opening up the world of sound to even more people in need. Together we can change the world!" --Starkey Foundation, May 7th - See more at: http://www.americantaskforce.org/in_media/pr/2014/05/07/1399435200#sthash.UBkkVDts.dpuf

"We are excited to see what the future of our partnership with ATFP holds. We look forward to having an even bigger impact and opening up the world of sound to even more people in need. Together we can change the world!" --Starkey Foundation, May 7th


"We are excited to see what the future of our partnership with ATFP holds. We look forward to having an even bigger impact and opening up the world of sound to even more people in need. Together we can change the world!" --Starkey Foundation, May 7th - See more at: http://www.americantaskforce.org/in_media/pr/2014/05/07/1399435200#sthash.UBkkVDts.dpuf
  [AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine]

Reasonable voices & helpful resources ...America for Palestine MAY 2014


The American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) is a 501©(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization based in Washington, DC. Established in 2003, its mission is to articulate and educate about the United States national interest in helping to create a Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace, security and dignity.

ATFP is committed to strengthening Palestinian-American relations at every level.

The Task Force supports Palestinian institution-building, good governance, anti-corruption measures, economic development, and improved living standards.

ATFP holds that these same values are relevant to the broader Arab world, and that the question of Palestine is inextricably linked to regional realities and developments.

ATFP provides an independent voice for Palestinian-Americans and their supporters and advances human rights and peace. It categorically and unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians, no matter the cause and who the victims or perpetrators may be.

ATFP builds effective and durable working relationships with government departments and agencies, think tanks and NGOs, and the media. It has developed lines of communication with the US and other relevant governments in order to pursue its policy advocacy goals.

AFTP’s Board of Directors is made up of noted Palestinian Americans who agree with these principles.


American Task Force on Palestine

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Welcome to Arab America!

Arab America is a national website founded with the purpose of promoting an accurate image about the Arab American community and the Arab world.

With over three and a half million Arab Americans in the U.S., Arab America's primary goal is to become a “bridge” bringing together the diverse Arab American community. Secondly, Arab America is an educational resource site for all Americans. Arab America serves six markets: California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Washington DC.

Arab America’s mission is achieved through the dissemination of accurate information about Arab Americans and the Arab world providing: up to date events, the latest news, Arabic restaurants and ethnic grocery outlets, churches, mosques, cultural and social service organizations, commerce, and music.

It is the intent of Arab America to be the leader in providing digital media to Arab Americans.


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The Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent.  AAI represents the policy and community interests of Arab Americans throughout the U.S. through two primary focus areas:  campaigns and elections, and policy formulation and research.

The Arab American Institute Foundation (AAIF) was founded by the Arab American Institute in 1995.  AAIF supports programs that promote greater awareness of Arab Americans in the U.S., demographic research and international outreach.  AAIF serves as the primary national resource on the Arab American experience for the media, academia, government agencies and the private sector.


The 10th Annual Arab American Service Day is on Saturday, May 17, 2014. This year AAI is partnering with the National Network of Arab American Communities to host a volunteer day in Washington, DC at the Neighborhood Farm Initiative. Join us to give back to the DC community! Click here, to learn more.



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The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is the first and only museum in the United States devoted to Arab American history and culture. Arab Americans have enriched the economic, political and cultural landscape of American life. By bringing the voices and faces of Arab Americans to mainstream audiences, we continue our commitment to dispel misconceptions about Arab Americans and other minorities. The Museum brings to light the shared experiences of immigrants and ethnic groups, paying tribute to the diversity of our nation.

MISSION 
The Arab American National Museum documents, preserves and presents the history, culture and contributions of Arab Americans. 

The AANM is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums; an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution; and a founding member of the Immigration and Civil Rights Network of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.

Portable typewriter. Carried by Helen Thomas early in her career, a tag marked "PRESS" and "TRIP OF THE PRESIDENT" is still tied to the typewriter's handle. On this tag, is written, "Helen Thomas UPI". She was cited by the World Almanac as one of the 25 Most Influential Women in America. Gift of Helen Thomas.

 Museum Events

May 10, 2014
FREE Guided Tours of AANM + Detroit Institute of Arts Middle Eastern Collection (via shuttle bus)


May 17, 2014
Feed Your Soul Pottery Workshop


May 30, 2014
Omar Offendum @ Detroit Public Library FREE


Telling Our Story - The Arab American National Museum
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 The Palestinian Heritage Foundation is a cultural and educational organization aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of Arab and, specifically, Palestinian culture and traditions. These aims have been pursued through programs that deepen the pride of Arab-Americans in their heritage, namely, lectures, live costume shows and exhibits in the United States, Canada and Palestine, and introduce the general American public to this Arab heritage.

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I'm running in the ATFP team. Colleen, Brendan, Tala Haykal Sami Awadh and two Sarah(s) are running too. You and your friends should run for the children of Gaza too. Miriam Awadallah Ameen Estaiteyeh

American Friends of UNRWA with José Paúcar Arce and Muin Hijazi

Join us on MAY 17 for the ‪#‎Gaza5K‬ Walk/Run in Washington, DC to support the children of Gaza! Proceeds will benefit UNRWA's psycho-social support program for children in Gaza suffering from psychological trauma & PTSD. REGISTER NOW: http://www.firstgiving.com/unrwausa/gaza5k-dc
 
GET SOCIAL
Join the conversation on social media by using #Gaza5K in your posts and tweets! Read our tips: https://unrwausa.org/gaza5K-spread-the-word


About Us - Our Mission - Banner

 American Friends of UNRWA, Inc. is a non-profit organization that supports the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Our mission is to promote a life of dignity and human development for Palestine refugees by informing the American public about UNRWA's work and generating support for its programs through fundraising, education, and advocacy.


American Friends of UNRWA (UNRWA USA) is a 501(c)(3) as designated by the IRS.  Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. You can donate online or mail contributions to: 1666 K Street NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20006
 

"We Refuse to Be Enemies" a briefing call with Daoud Nassar, a Palestinian farmer



"We Refuse to Be Enemies" with Daoud Nassar
Tuesday, May 20th at 4:00 PM (East Coast Time)


Please join CMEP for a briefing call on Tuesday, May 20th, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time to hear the insights of Daoud Nassar from the Tent of Nations. 

The Nassars are a Palestinian Christian family of farmers who live surrounded by Israeli settlements. Although they live under the constant threat of land confiscation, they strive to maintain a haven of peace through their work with the Tent of Nations Project. Living out the dream of their father, Tent of Nations has become a center for peace and local education. 

Visitors from all over the world, including Israelis, come to discuss peace strategies, learn organic farming methods, teach at the Women's Education Center, and lead activities at Youth Summer Camps. In spite of destructive threats by Israeli Defense Forces and neighboring hostile settlers, the Tent of Nations has become an outlet for pursuing a just peace through non-violent activism. At their front gate, a sign reads in three languages, "We Refuse to be Enemies".

While registration is not required for the event, if you would like to receive a reminder about the event and a post-event link to the briefing please register here.

CMEP logo
Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace is a coalition of 25 national Church denominations and organizationsincluding Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant traditions. It works to encourage U.S. government policies that actively promote a just, lasting and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ensuring security, human rights and religious freedom for all people of the region.

My letter to the NYTimes RE How Arabs Can Defeat Sectarianism By Marwan Muasher

AN ARAB AMERICAN CALL FOR UNITY...  a concert with beautiful voices expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people and their steadfastness and perseverance.
RE How Arabs Can Defeat Sectarianism
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/08/opinion/how-arabs-can-defeat-sectarianism.html?ref=opinion&_r=0

Dear Editor,

Good to see Jordan's exploring "How Arabs Can Defeat Sectarianism" in the New York Times.  Much of what he said makes sense, and is excellent advice at a very troubled time for the Middle East. 

The easiest and most obvious divide to point out right now is between Sunni-Shiite, but within both those groups there are subdivisions, and there will be even more subdivisions as time goes on, just as there has been within the Christian church.  Religious and ethnic differences are part of life, and part of every country.  Religious extremists, racists, opportunists and criminals are too, but with the rule of fair and just laws far more people have far less sympathy for religious extremists and racists. 

America's strength is rooted in an inspiring Constitution and Bill of Rights, but America's real strength does not come not from official decrees. America's strength comes from private, personal efforts to make our local communities, our homes and our schools and our country and our world, all a better place- for everyone's sake. Investing thought into our marketplace of ideas, and investing time and money in the arts and sciences and education, in museums and the preservation of history, in the protection and enjoyment of nature in the wild, as well as in our own private gardens and public parks, are a few of the many various ways that individuals and families have been nation building America for generations... all of that adds up into a building a positive identity and an allegiance for a country worth caring about. It also helps build a stronger economy with more job opportunities for more people.

In looking for ways America might be able to help curb religious extremism, sectarian strife, and refugee crises in the Middle East, our own political and religious leaders, as well as our fourth estate, would be wise to put some serious energy and compassion into helping Israel and Palestine end the Israel-Palestine conflict with a fully secular two state solution based on full respect for international law and universal human rights.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
Israel should stop distractions, focus on peace

Palestinian Refugees (1948-NOW) refused their right to return... and their right to live in peace free from religious bigotry and injustice.

The Arab villages lost since Israel's war of independence - Guardian Interactive: ...Pre 1948 ...March 1948 ... May 1948 ...June 1948 ...Oct 1948 ...July 1949 ...Now

Remembering the Nakba: Israeli group puts 1948 Palestine back on the map Zochrot aims to educate Israeli Jews – through tours and a new phone app – about a history obscured by enmity and denial

Palestine adopts UN human rights treaties, becoming a formal party to five global treaties banning torture and racial discrimination, and protecting the rights of women, children and the disabled

Dr. Saeb Erekat: With Status Quo On Its Side, Israel Happily Rejects Peace

Palestinian Identity

A few examples of the separate — and often unequal — rules and standards for Israeli settlers and Palestinian civilians

New York Times: Why Abbas Reconciled With Hamas by

Weighing in... for Palestine (a poem)

Pro-Palestine, Pro-Peace, Pro-Israel.... productive, pragmatic and focused on what can actually help people

Sources ...a poem (for Palestine)

Middle East peace: The concrete proof of Israel’s opposition to a two-state solution - the construction of nearly 14,000 homes in occupied territories

Reactions to the new unity deal ... for Palestine

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.” ― Martin Luther King Jr. ... FINDING alternatives to conflict and revenge: The Forgiveness Project

Jordan's King honours winners of King Abdullah II Award for World Interfaith Harmony Week 2014

Palestinians signal willingness to continue peace talks


Abbas: New govt recognizes Israel and rejects violence

King hails outgoing UNRWA chief in Jordan

PBS: Six takes on the Palestinian unity deal

That is real cultural and educational leadership and integrity. It is principled, brave, intelligent and unflinching. It deserves only support, applause and emulation...

American Task Force on Palestine Springs Forward

Outreach: American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) "Our Israeli and Palestinian partners in the Middle East as well as our partners in the U.S. believe as we do that a lasting peace must begin with a commitment to shared security for all."


Growing Gardens for Palestine: "And it's up to all of us together"... a Spring poem for Palestine & peace

Peace Building ... civic muscle
  • All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

"The only way to honor our tragic histories is to create a future for our children free of man-made tragedy. This means making peace fully, completely and without reservation, between Israel and Palestine." American Task Force on Palestine's born in Jerusalem Dr. Ziad Asali: To honor a tragic history, we must work for peace 

Monday, May 5, 2014

Snowden: ‘Training Guide’ for GCHQ, NSA Agents Infiltrating and Disrupting Alternative Media Online

21st Century Wire says… Ed Snowden’s latest leaked documents open the lid on what is perhaps the most vindictive and disgusting aspect of the government-corporate joint surveillance state seen yet…

"It’s so comforting to know that the governments of Great Britain and the United States have allocated public money not only to spy on their own innocent citizens, but also that ample public money is also being spent to actively undermine free speech, derail small businesses, to entrap and intentionally defraud and defame unsuspecting citizens that are deemed targets by some secret committee – all carried out in an extrajudicial (outside of the law) way."

Snowden: ‘Training Guide’ for GCHQ, NSA Agents Infiltrating and Disrupting Alternative Media Online