Archive for October, 2008

International LaOnf Solidarity Campaign Supporting Iraqi Nonviolence Activists

Today in Iraq, there is a growing movement of citizens pursuing an end to violence, occupation and corruption through nonviolent means.  LaOnf is a network of Iraqi organizations and individuals, from all religious and ethnic groups, with different ideological and political backgrounds, who have joined together to promote nonviolence as the most effective way to struggle for an independent, democratic, and peaceful Iraq.  From October 10 to 20, LaOnf members will hold their 3rd annual campaign, the Iraqi Week of Nonviolence, in which they will advocate through nonviolent action for measures to ensure the freedom and security of Iraqis who will exercise their right to vote during Iraq’s upcoming governorate elections.

During this Week of Nonviolence, the Iraqi members of LaOnf hope that you will each consider bringing their message and work into your communities. In the US, LaOnf is working in partnership with UFPJ and September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows to facilitate the following actions:

1.      Sign an Open Letter of support for LaOnf’s mission to promote nonviolence in rebuilding Iraq.

2.      Post a photo and a message of support on the LaOnf Campaign website.
3.      Host a home or community screenings of LaOnf’s documentary film “Mesalla: Activists in Iraq”
4.      Organize your own solidarity action to promote and demonstrate support for the Week of Nonviolence.
5.      Get local press for LaOnf.
6.      Let your elected representatives know about LaOnf 
For more information on LaOnf, volunteering to screen the documentary in your community or your home, and joining the campaign to support nonviolence activists in Iraq go to www.peacefultomorrows.org or simply email Peaceful Tomorrows at laonf@peacefultomorrows.org.    

More information on LaOnf is available on their website in Arabic, Kurdish and English: http://www.laonf.net/.  The button for English translation is in the upper right hand corner of the site. 

brenda on 11 Oct 2008 | Peace Updates | Comments (0)

PEACE WORKS! FILM Friday, October 10

PEACE WORKS! FILM SERIES 08
Presented as a community service for all who want to explore issues of social justice through film and informal discussions led by guest teachers.

DOWNLOAD THE LIST HERE: peace-works-fs-calendar-sep-08-update

Time: 7 p.m.
596 East 900 North; Logan, Utah
Unitarian Universalist Church
Free – (Donations are welcome)

Friday October 10
Occupation 101
Directors: Sufyan Omeish, Abdallah Omeish – 2007-U - 90 m
A thought-provoking and powerful documentary film on the current and historical root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unlike any other film ever produced on the conflict — ‘Occupation 101′ presents a comprehensive analysis of the facts and hidden truths surrounding the never ending controversy and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions. The film also details life under Israeli military rule, the role of the United States in the conflict, and the major obstacles that stand in the way of a lasting and viable peace. The roots of the conflict are explained through first-hand on-the-ground experiences from leading Middle East scholars, peace activists, journalists, religious leaders and humanitarian workers whose voices have too often been suppressed in American media outlets. The film covers a wide range of topics — which include — the first wave of Jewish immigration from Europe in the 1880’s, the 1920 tensions, the 1948 war, the 1967 war, the first Intifada of 1987, the Oslo Peace Process, Settlement expansion, the role of the United States Government, the second Intifada of 2000, the separation barrier and the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as well as many heart wrenching testimonials from victims of this tragedy. –Amazon.com Review

Guests:  Laurie McNeal  and Justin Heavilin recently returned from sabbaticals at An Najah National University in Palestine

brenda on 09 Oct 2008 | Peace Updates | Comments (0)