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December 14, 2009
Alert #237
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Dear Peace Activists, The Peace Action Fund of New York State Action Alert Network wants to thank you for your efforts for peace in 2009. We’re looking forward to 2010 and hoping for even greater successes. In 2009, we sent hundreds of emails indicating our desire for nuclear abolition. Even more emails were sent demanding the end of U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Other times you gave more than five minutes and called your officials or showed your support at activist gatherings. Those of us at PAFNYS are extremely grateful for your weekly contributions of five minutes for peace. The importance of your actions cannot be stressed enough. Because of your calls and emails, we have made our voices heard by President Obama, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and numerous New York Congressmen. Your emails, phone calls and ever-growing physical presence constantly remind our representatives that they have constituents who are deeply angered by their pro-war decisions. Sadly, peace — unlike war — is often under-funded. If you like our electronic alerts, please consider showing your support with a donation to Peace Action Fund of New York State. We will use your contribution to keep our action alerts and organization active and thriving in 2010. Please help us in our continued efforts for peace. Thank you for all your support. Sincerely,
Cheryl Wertz
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December 10 - 23, 2009 (see below for remaining special events)
CHELSEA. 6 West 26th Street CARTOONS IN CONFLICT: EDITORIAL CARTOONISTS EXPLORE PALESTINIAN-ISRAELI CONFLICT 
No Longer Empty, in partnership with The Parents Circle -- Families Forum (PCFF),
is pleased to announce an exhibition featuring the works of forty renowned American and international cartoonists offering
challenging perspectives on conflict, reconciliation, and peace in the Palestinian-Israeli situation. The exhibit includes
works by Nobel Laureate Pat Oliphant; Pulitzer Prize winner Jim Morin; syndicated political
cartoonist Jeff Danziger; The New Yorker's Liza Donnelly; No Rio
of Japan; Plantu of France; El-Roto of Spain; Cathy Wilcox of Australia;
and others. The exhibit, which previously visited Israel, Spain, and Italy, "serves as a catalyst for hope by imagining a
path to reconciliation and peace." Scheduled events following the opening night (Dec. 10) include an Interfaith Night
(Dec. 14), a private cocktail tour (Dec. 16), and the sale of special edition of signed prints and
exhibition calendars. For more information or to RSVP email
events@nolongerempty.com.
Thursday, December 17, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
In October 2009, Elliott Adams traveled to Gaza with Washington Physicians for
Social Responsibility and Veterans For Peace. The delegation met with government
officials, educational institutions, NGOs, student groups, cultural centers, medical institutions, and
ordinary citizens to learn about Gaza. In his slide presentation Elliott considers both the complexity
and tragedy of Gaza, considering such questions as: What is the lasting impact of the January attack and
invasion by Israel and the implications of the
three year old blockade? What is the role of Hamas? Is there any possible solution to this political
powder keg in the Middle East? How might we find a lasting peace? Is our 3 billion dollars a year in military
aid to Israel helpful to creating peace? What is our responsibility as American citizens and taxpayers?
Please join us this evening for an important presentation and discussion about Gaza. In addition, the BNP
store will be open at 6:30 pm, and after Elliott's talk, for all your holiday shopping needs. If possible,
please bring a snack to share. Information: 466-1192
DELMAR. Bethlehem Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave. ELLIOTT ADAMS SPEAKING ON HIS TRAVELS TO GAZA 
 Monday, December 14, 7:30 p.m. BROOKLYN. For exact location and to RSVP, call 718-624-5921 MEETING TO PLAN A PROTEST THE ESCALATION OF THE WAR IN AFGHANISTAN President Obama has announced a major escalation of troops to Afghanistan. We oppose this decision because sending more troops will cause more death and destruction, driving Afghans into the arms of the Taliban, billions spent on war deprives Americans of funds urgently needed for health care, affordable housing, jobs and schools, this war will NOT make Americans safer and drone attacks (even so-called "smart" ones) kill innocent civilians. 
Friday, December 18, 11:00 p.m.MANHATTAN . (Store to be announced) GRANNY PEACE BRIGADE: "WAR IS NOT A GAME" Our last action at Toys'R'Us was very successful. See video. Join us Friday at our next store. Sing with us (we'll bring song-sheets), and help us give out "Smart Toys For Smart Kids" flyers to guide shoppers along the path to peace. See you in the store! For further information and PDFS of song sheets and fliers, go to www.grannypeacebrigade.org. Tuesday, January 12, 6:30 p.m. MIDTOWN. The Mercantile Library, 17 East 47th Street, AN EVENING WITH MYRIAM MIEDZIAN, AUTHOR OF “HE WALKED THROUGH WALLS: A TWENTIETH-CENTURY TALE OF SURVIVAL” “He Walked Through Walls” recounts the story of Dr. Miedzian’s father, who faced death during three 20th-century wars—World War I, the Polish–Soviet War of 1919–21, and World War II. Public philosopher Myriam Miedzian is the author of “Boys Will be Boys: Breaking the Link Between Masculinity and Violence.” A frequent contributor to the Huffington Post, she has been published in The Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun and Time Magazine and has appeared on over 500 TV and radio programs including CHARLIE ROSE, OPRAH WINFREY and LARRY KING LIVE. Sunday, January 24, 1 p.m. UPPER WEST SIDE. The Unitarian Church of All Souls, The Chapel, 1157 Lexington Avenue at 80th Street SCREENING OF “PRAY THE DEVIL BACK TO HELL” Hosted by the Peace and Justice Task Force of All Souls Church. Free event – donations appreciated. “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” chronicles the remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country. Thousands of women — ordinary mothers, grandmothers, aunts and daughters, both Christian and Muslim — came together to pray for peace and then staged a silent protest outside of the Presidential Palace. Armed only with white T-shirts and the courage of their convictions, they demanded a resolution to the country's civil war. Their actions were a critical element in bringing about an agreement during the stalled peace talks. Light refreshments will be served.  Monday, December 14, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. GUILDERLAND. Helderberg Meeting Room, Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave. “SCREENING OF “RETHINK AFGHANISTAN” Rethink Afghanistan is a ground-breaking, full-length documentary focusing on the key issues surrounding this war. A discussion after the film will be led by Connie Frisbee Houde, who recently returned from a visit to Afghanistan, and Congressman Tonko’s Top District Aide, Sean Shortell, will attend as Keynote Listener. Free and Open to the public. For additional information call 464-6788. www.guilderland.neighbors4peace.org/rethinkafghanistan. Friday, December 18, 8:00 p.m. TROY. Sanctuary for Independent Media REVEREND BILLY AND THE CHURCH OF LIFE AFTER SHOPPING: SHOPOCALYPTIC REVIVAL 2009 CHRISTMAS TOUR. 
Reverend Billy’s "Blessed are the Jobless! Blessed are the Broke!" Christmas Tour.
The Rev, the choir and members of the Not Buying It band promises our old church a performance we
will not forget. Confess your shopping sins! Cast out the demons of overconsumption! Go beyond
the market to a life
after shopping! Strangalleiuah, children! On this tour there is no room in the inn. We are not
paid much – but our hosts have a lot to share. We’re forced out into public space, nuzzled by cows
and sheep with angels over-head! Out into the commons, out into the new funky Garden of Eden. We’re
starting over!” The Rev says: “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit. Blessed are the jobless
who force us to change the economy. Blessed are the homeless who unlock empty buildings. Blessed are
the evicted who resist with their children watching! Blessed are the broke who re-introduce the
what-can-I-do-for-no-money? Blessed are the re-cycled gifts and home-made art and swap-o-ramas and
farmer’s markets. Blessed is the local Christmas. Local-ujah! Admission: by donation ($10 suggested,
$5 student/low-income)
Saturday, December 19, 7:30 p.m. ALBANY. First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany , 405 Washington Avenue (across the street from the downtown SUNY campus) SCREENING OF “SURPLUS: TERRORIZED INTO BEING CONSUMERS” 
The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District continues its 2009-2010 film series with the
documentary, "Surplus: Terrorized into Being Consumers." This very unusual film explores the superficial
nature of what has become the major freedom encouraged in many societies: the freedom to consume. "Surplus"
shows why the purchase of goods does not necessarily lead to happiness. A post-film discussion will be led by
Brooke Newell of the NY Citizens Trade Campaign. This film-showing—co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for
Peace and Upper Hudson Peace Action. Admission is free, and free refreshments will be provided by the Honest
Weight Food Coop. Everyone is welcome to attend. Information: 466-1192
Monday, January 4, 6:00 -7:30 p.m. DELMAR. Perfect Blend, 376 Delaware Ave (Four Corners) BNP DISCUSSION GROUP Our gatherings are always lively and interesting, with many good ideas discussed among neighbors and friends. Contact: 439-8262 for further information. New members always welcome! Tuesday January 5, 12 noon. ALBANY. State Street Side of the Capitol. THE ANNUAL PEOPLE’S STATE OF THE STATE RALLY Sponsored by Hunger Action Network and the Empire State Economic Security Campaign, the key focus this year will be jobs. This includes more job creation (including 2nd year funding for the various jobs initiatives for welfare participants and the unemployed); raising the state minimum wage to $10 an hour; and increasing unemployment benefits. A secondary issue is affordable housing, including rent subsidies; elimination of vacancy decontrol; and foreclosure protection. The event will also call on the need for stringent ethics reform, particularly after the corruption conviction of long time Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno. Musicians, skits and performers needed. For more info, 518 434-7371 or 212 741-8192 xt 5#. Mark Dunlea is now primarily working at Hunger Action's NYC office at 212 741-8192 xt 5#.  Many local peace groups hold regular events, vigils, "Honk for Peace" actions, etc. See our list: www.panys.org/ongoing.htm  
Dec. 27 & 29, Jan. 1. CAIRO. RAFAH CROSSING. GAZA STRIP. WASHINGTON DC. GAZA FREEDOM MARCH On the one-year anniversary of the invasion of Gaza, individuals and representatives of organizations from around the world will convene in Cairo, attempt to cross into the Gaza Strip via the Rafah Crossing on Dec. 29, and march with the residents of Gaza to the Israeli border on Jan. 1. We are working with Israeli peace groups to organize a companion demonstration on the Israeli side on the same day. Meanwhile, back at home, we will stage companion demonstrations in DC and other cities across the nation -- calling on our leaders to do the right thing and use our considerable leverage to pressure Israel and Egypt to end the siege. You can get involved by:
Going out of state? Check UFPJ's national Events Calendar: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/calendar.php. |