HELP US"Be Bold Enough To Act"
Recently returned IFPB delegates are making change
You can join them today!
Interfaith Peace-Builders’ most recent delegation has wasted little time in jumping into the work of sharing their experiences. Delegates have been interviewed by local newspapers, presented publicly in their communities, and begun to develop the long-term commitment to peace-building necessary to challenge US support for the Israeli occupation.
It is in the dedication of each of them that the potential for IFPB’s work is realized and the ability of all of us to challenge the status quo of war and conflict is best understood.
Read some of what delegates have shared since they returned:
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Shirley Meckley (Kerrville, Texas): I gave my first presentation today to a small group which calls themselves "Interfaith Peace Dialogue". They were very thankful for the information and one woman stood up after I finished and said that she had been teaching and preaching about the situation for years at the University of Texas in a class on International Relations/Middle East. She said she was so glad to know that there were people like us who were spreading the word because it was a very lonely world for her. I told her I was glad to know her and to have a kindred spirit. . . Two other people said they were going to talk to their churches about my giving a presentation. And so, I am hopeful that I can impact my little local community. |
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Carolyn Cicciu (Goffstown, New Hampshire): I emailed out. . . analysis of businesses profiting from occupation, specifically urging everyone in my address book to boycott Chic, Motorola, Pizza Hut, RE/MAX, and Ace Hardware. In addition, I asked that they write those companies to let them know why they would not be patronizing them anymore. . . Several people have already emailed to say that not only have they done that but they have forwarded the message to their friends. I find most people want to do something but often don't have the education or particulars or the detailed suggestions. . . People admit that, while they read the news stories, they have no sense of what life if really like. |
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Thea Nietfeld (Manhattan, Kansas): The most obvious thing is how US citizens are complicit in the militarization of Israel. This matters because military aid actively encourages weapons and walls – so that the powerful can control those without power. . . Averaging aid since 1949 when it began, US taxpayers give Israel $8-10 million/day. We no longer give civilian aid, as of 2007; but for 2008, the military aid was increased from $1.8 billion to $2.4 billion. We have promised $3 billion in military aid annually until 2017. . . The haze of this violence clouds my mind: How could any country give another country $3 billion/year in military aid? My part is to take responsibility for how. . . our taxpayer resources encourage Israel’s violent, hurtful ways. |
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Ratna Noteman (Astoria, New York): Now that we have been privileged to witness the Occupation, we must be bold enough to act. Already, I am frightened by the responsibility of our task. I am frightened of my anger/sadness, scared of losing friends/family, scared of not doing enough justice to the Palestinians. I will be counting on all of you for strength and guidance as I find my form of protest. Know that you may all count on me for the same. |
In late May, IFPB sent our Spring Newsletter and appeal. Thanks to many of you, we have received donations from 56 individuals totaling just over $4500 in support! While that’s great, in order to have income balance with expenses, we have budgeted to bring in $6000 on this appeal. We’re close, but you can help us today meet our goal!
If you haven’t given yet—help us meet our goal with your generous donation today. We only need around 19 more donations to meet our goal. Can you be one of 19 people to join us today or renew your support?
Our work is more important than ever and as the voices of these recent participants show, Interfaith Peace-Builders’ efforts are unique in preparing delegation participants to act and inform others when they return.
Building on a long history of leading delegations to Palestine/Israel, IFPB combines the delegation experience with imaginative, innovative peace education and activism initiatives in the US. Delegation participants, inspired by what they have witnessed, develop into peace activists, local educators, and community organizers who have a ripple effect in building movements for peace.
This is the work of Interfaith Peace-Builders. If you agree with us that it is essential and must continue, please give generously today. Help us continue to empower these delegates (and the 450 other past program participants) be "bold enough to act."
Thank you all for your support.
SAVE THE DATES! Upcoming Opportunities for Training, Skills Building and Networking
September 12 – 13, 2009
The US Campaign’s National Conference and Grassroots Training Institute
Chicago, Illinois
March 7-8, 2010
The Grassroots Advocacy Training and Lobby Day
Sponsored by Interfaith Peace-Builders and the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation
Washington, District of ColumbiaThe first Grassroots Advocacy Training and Lobby Day in February 2009 brought together nearly 200 people from 28 states to hone their activism skills and take people power to the halls of congress. We are bringing back the popular event and, with your help, it will be even bigger and better. Mark your calendars today and save the date! We will announce further details soon. Click here for information on the 2009 Grassroots Advocacy Training.
You can help us fund this important work by making a donation through our website. The Grassroots Advocacy Training takes a lot of work to do well and all of your support is greatly appreciated. We hope to see you there!
DONATE TO SUPPORT INTERFAITH PEACE-BUILDERS
Nothing better prepares activists to work on the conflict than eyewitness experience. Your donation will further the education and engagement of new participants and build a larger, more diverse movement! Click here to donate online.
Donate for Scholarships: There are many enthusiastic people who want to go on a delegation but cannot afford it. Your donation to IFPB’s Scholarship Fund will directly assist young people, low income activists, people of color, and interfaith leaders who want to participate in our work. Click here to donate online.
TRAVEL TO ISRAEL/PALESTINE WITH INTERFAITH PEACE-BUILDERS!
Your participation as an eyewitness will enrich your understanding of the conflict and empower your work back in the United States! Click here for information on upcoming delegations.