Last night Arizona CODEPINK gathered at OZbirds for the Gaza fundraiser in solidarity with the 2nd CODEPINK citizen diplomacy trip to deliver humanitarian aid and baskets to the women of Gaza.There were 34 people that showed for this local fundraiser & participated in an active discussion after my presentation which included an introduction and overall brief on the current status of our delegation.We collected $640 toward the national goal, there may be late checks as some folks had to decline the event invite due to conflicts.Joan Kroll with Grannies for Peace generously donated costume jewelry as did Rachael my college friend made 6 beaded necklaces.Zoe, Helen,Chris and Marie made certain everything went smooth with regard to food service.Perfect Venue!!!!!!!!
The most memorable aspect of the entire evening was Maysoon Naser's personal story of what it is to be OCCUPIED?! This story spoke volumes from the perspective of palestinians- of helplessness,terror,deHumanizing,frustration,unfairness,and the basic unjust nature of being occupied against your will endlessly.Maysoon described the unlimited wait time at border crossings,the challenges with ID- like Israeli Defense Forces taking ID without returning it.The many different types of ID establishing an apartheid like atmosphere.Maysoon had a powerful written report of the life from the side of being occupied.In hindsight the personal stories really touch a inner chord and should be utilized in letters to editor, visits to KYL'S offce and so on........Presentating the powerful presonal narratives will make a BIG difference -last night we all realized these stories must get outside the smalller community into a broader audience.
We learned many aspects of occupation that perhaps never enter our(US TAXPAYER) reality.Mitch Rubin our local Jewish Voice for Peace prepared a report giving basic facts which provided a segway into the deeper issues though elaboration was brief.
We had traditional snacks hummus, tabuli, olives,fried chick peas, pita bread.Our authentic musicians couldn't make it though.Next Time??
Special thanks to all attendees and donors
CODEPINK everywhere
Zoe Helen Chris Marie
Kent for having an after party so we could bring our leftover food.
Jennifer - longtime friend for showing up
Sweet Leslie Angeline Tshirts
Maysoon Chrisitine Cheryl new friends
still accepting $$$
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Wonderful and educational event in a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. Virginia
ReplyDelete