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Reflections on Life and War in Gaza
Wednesday, September 1st
7 pm
Iowa City Public Library, Meeting Room A

Originally filmed April 5, 2010 at the Newberry Library in Chicago, Illinois. Omer and Abunimah discuss with each other and the audience the current situation in Gaza after Israel’s Operation Cast Lead. Omer’s photojournalism very graphically shows the reality of a conflict that American media rarely covers. Please join us for this honest, first-hand look at what the U.S. is getting in return for its annual $3 billion investment of American tax dollars in the state of Israel.

Mohammed Omer was born and raised in the Rafah refugee camp I the Gaza Strip. He maintains the website: Rafah Today, and is a correspondent for the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs. His home in Rafah was crushed by an Israeli bulldozer while the family was inside, seriously injuring his mother. His reporting features interviews with ordinary Gazans attempting to survive amid frequent Israeli bombings, home demolitions, and a crippling economic blockade, which has created devastating shortages of electricity, water, fuel, and other necessities for survival.

Ali Abunimah is the founder of the website: Electronic Intifada. He is a writer and commentator on Middle East and Arab-American affairs and is a full-time researcher in social policy at the University of Chicago. He writes for numerous publications, is a regular radio and television commentator, and is the author of the book, One Country: A Bold Proposal to End the Israeli-Palestinian Impasse.

This event is sponsored by People for Justice in Palestine.

THIS FILM IS APPROXIMATELY 100 MINUTES. WARNING: THIS FILM CONTAINS GRAPHIC CONTENT.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program,
please contact Julia at 337-9303. Visit us online at www.iowapjp.org.

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Adults and youth aged 16 or over are invited to participate in an Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) introductory mini-workshop on Sunday, Sept 12th, 2:00-4:30 p.m. The program will be held at Old Brick on the corner of N. Clinton and Market Sts. AVP is a series of 3-day experimental workshops that promote respect for one's self and others, community building, effective communication, and creative resolution of conflicts in an effort to live non-violently. AVP is an educational program rooted in the belief in the presence of a transforming power for good and peace in every person and situation. The workshops are held in prisons, communities and schools throughout the U.S. and in many other countries. AVP-Eastern Iowa is looking for volunteers to participate in both prison and/or community workshops in our area, with the possibility of helping to facilitate workshops on completion of a training program. There is no charge for the AVP mini-workshop but pre-registration is requested by contacting Americorps volunteer Kathleen Crose at (563) 940-1380 or E-mail Kathleen <katcrose1986[at]gmail.com>. Additional information about AVP is available at www.avpusa.org.

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IOWA PEACE INITIATIVE CONFERENCE

A statewide conference for all Iowa peace-movement people, planned by representatives of AFSC, PSR, UNA and several local groups

Saturday, Sept 18th
10 am to 5 pm
Loras College, Dubuque

No formal speeches, just a stimulating day of discussions featuring Iowa groups plus a panel of national leaders from NEA Peace and Justice Caucus, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Veterans for Peace (all committed) and perhaps others. No registration fee. Lunch available for purchase.

GOALS:

• Face-to-face connection among Iowa peace people
  
• Statewide networking for coordinated advocacy and effort
  
• Opportunities for meaningful action in common
  

The Peace Movement is not dead, but it needs a shot in the arm, and this conference is the right medicine.

Women for Peace Iowa Announcements

Contact information is at www.womenforpeace-iowa.org/contact_us.htm

• We decided at our little WFPI gathering August 24th to start some Mall-Walking for Peace, ideally in our new matching t-shirts, "Out of Iraq and Afghanistan Now." We'll meet in the Food Court Sunday, August 29th, at 3pm, at Lindale Mall, and walk together around the mall for a half hour or 45 minutes. If you don't have our t-shirt yet, you might want to wear black, as our ts our black with green print, but the key thing is to SHOW UP.
  

• Alternative Book Discussion Group
  Thursday, September 9th
  Location TBA
  Book: Fire in the Lake by Frances Fitzgerald

  We all lead hectic lives, and while it is strongly encouraged to read the chapter, it is not absolutely essential. You will be missing a lot, though, since the questions are based on the chapter.

  E-mail Bob <dr_pac-man[at]mchsi.com> for more information.
  

• Women For Peace-Iowa Planning Meeting
  Tuesday, September 28th
  7-9 pm
  Busse Library Viewing Room, Mount Mercy College

  All are welcome!
  

• Potluck and Movie Night
  Friday, October 1st
  6:30 pm
  Paul Engle Center—1600 4th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
  

• Vigil every Friday until the wars are over.
  4:30 to 5:30 pm
  1st Avenue & 1st Street NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Across from the Federal Building at the Tree of Five Seasons

  Bring your own sign or hold one of ours. Spread the word!

  Contact Bob at 319-360-5119 for more information.