SPJP Paints Beta Bridge: FREE GAZA

Beta Bridge: Palestinian flag v. Israeli flag

source: http://betabridgealmostdaily.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/free-gaza/

In Solidarity With Gaza

Dear SPJP members,

As you are reading this email, the world's fourth-largest military power is launching a full scale attack on a population that is heavily dependent on humanitarian assistance in order to survive.

Israel has launched a full scale attack on Gaza and her civilians in a striking example of asymmetrical warfare. Deeming it appropriate to target civilians in retaliation for the injuries of four Israeli soldiers who were in the line of duty, there are now at least 10 dead and 90 wounded.  Naturally, SPJP does not condone violence committed by anyone, but it is imperative to keep these attacks in context.  Launching ill-aimed rockets into a largely unpopulated segment of Israeli territory does not justify a full scale military operation by a military state against a defenseless civilian population living in one of the most densely populated areas if the world, who have been under siege for the past five years.

"The vast majority of the rockets from Gaza are like C-minus high school science fair projects, carry limited amounts of explosive, and are impossible to aim. For all that rocket fire, not a single Israeli has been killed by one this year." -Christian Science Monitor

There are worldwide protests being held against Israeli attacks in Gaza.  SPJP will be holding a rally to stop the ruthless violence in Gaza on Friday on the Lawn. More details TBA.  In the meantime, please pray for Gaza.

Special event *featuring Bill Quandt & John Mearsheimer*

Newsletter 10/17

The Students for Peace & Justice in Palestine (SPJP)

proudly presents...

Bill Quandt & John Mearsheimer, co-author of
The Israel Lobby

Middle East issues facing the next US President

October 25, 2012 

5 p.m. - Nau 101

SPJP Meeting

Monday, October 22, 2012

8 p.m.

Cabell 437

**Special Elections** for co-VP

Send nominations to Karla [ ksk9bj@virginia.edu ]

Flyers for the Mearsheimer/Quandt event will be distributed at the meeting

Palestine On My Mind
N e w s

Religious Leaders Call on Congress to Reevaluate Military Aid to Israel
http://www.jta.org/news/article/2012/10/09/3108806/religious-leaders-call-on-congress-to-reevaulate-military-aid-to-israel

Between Anger and Denial: Israeli collective memory and the Nakba

http://972mag.com/between-anger-and-denial-israeli-collective-memory-and-the-nakba/57822/

Testimony: Israeli activist blindfolded, mugged, beaten by settlers
http://972mag.com/testimony-israeli-activist-blindfolded-mugged-beaten-by-settlers/57129/

Palestinians: Lost in Representation
http://stream.aljazeera.com/story/palestinians-lost-representation-0022363

Virginia Film Festival
5 Broken Cameras
In 2005, Palestinian filmmaker Emad Burnat set out on what would become a five-year journey to document non-violent protests in the Israeli-occupied village of Bil’in. Five cameras and a little over five years later, Burnat paired with Israeli filmmaker Guy Davidi to piece together footage from the five broken cameras and the stories that they captured. Their project intensifies, as Burnat’s friends and family are shot or arrested, and heated protests in the region wage on. Through violence and tragedy, the film’s narration features a theme of resilience – both of the filmmakers, and of a people. Saturday, November 3rd, 2012
6 p.m.
Nau 101

Get tickets here: http://tickets.artsboxoffice.virginia.edu/single/psDetail.aspx?psn=2623

Newsletter 10/3/2012

Palestine On My Mind
N e w s

Google Street View to Feature West Bank Settlements
http://972mag.com/google-street-view-to-feature-west-bank-settlements/56566/

Bedouin Village in Negev to be Destroyed, Jewish Settelment to be Built On Site
http://972mag.com/bedouin-village-in-negev-to-be-destroyed-jewish-settlement-to-be-built-on-site/56875/

Child and Youth Arrested During Night Raid
http://palestinesolidarityproject.org/2012/09/25/night-raid-in-beit-ommar-two-youths-arrested/

Politics Department -
"Middle East Challenges Confronting the Next Administration"
featuring David Ignatius, Associate Editor and Columnist for The Washington Post
Recipient of the 2012 Lawrence J. Hall Award for Outstanding Contributions by an American Journalist to our Understanding of the Middle East
Thursday, October 11, 2012
5 p.m. Nau 101

Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation                 NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2013! The Know Thy Heritage Leadership Program 3rd Annual Delegation to Palestine June 25-July 10, 2013 Explore & Live Palestine! The Selection Committee will consider applications from highly motivated Palestinian Youth in the Diaspora, aged 18-25.  Applicants over age 25 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Don't wait--Reserve YOUR space now!   APPLY NOW by sending an e-mail to kth@hcef.org, indicating your name, phone number, address, date of birth, profession, which of your parents is Palestinian, and how you heard about KTH . Click HERE to watch our video KTH 2011!   What alumni said about their experience: "For the first time, I felt really connected. This trip was everything I had expected and more."  "Here I was, returning home. There is no greater feeling in the world."  "I wanted a chance to understand not only myself but my family. I feel that everything makes sense to me now."  "Awesome. Eye-opening. I'm moved to action."   "I am walking away with 40+ new brothers and sisters."  "I have never felt prouder to be Palestinian."  "I don't even want to go home right now. I AM home."   "This culture is definitely something I want to pass down to my grandchildren...especially after this experience."   Meet Palestinians your own age from all around the world Learn from civic, business and religious leaders and opinion makers within the Palestinian community Learn about various business and technological initiatives Visit Palestinian universities and youth centers Tour museums and cultural centers Attend folkloric and cultural nights Worship and explore the importance of Holy Places Visit the various cities of Palestine Join various established youth activities, such as summer camps Visit with local Palestinian families  For more information on this program and to watch our inspiring video from 2011, click this link to visit us online, or contact Chiara Cardone, Program Coordinator for Know Thy Heritage, Bethesda, MD, United States Office at ccardone@hcef.org or (301) 951-9400 ext. 210 HCEF is a Charitable 501 ( C ) 3  organization committed to the presence and well-being of Arab Christians in the Holy Land, and to developing the bonds of solidarity between them and Christians elsewhere. Visit us online at www.hcef.org; 1-866-871-HCEF.

Forward this email

General body meetings (Mondays @8pm)

1) National Students for Justice in Palestine Conference in Michigan (e-mail Karla- ksk9bj@virginia.edu, or Sima- ssd9et@virginia.edu ASAP if you're interested)
You can find more information through their website: http://sjpnational.org/

2) Philanthropy
We discussed organizations for our philanthropy this semester. Make sure to check out TheHopeFund.org and InmaFoundation.org so we can vote on a cause next meeting!

3) Ideas for this year
What do YOU want to see SPJP do this year? We want to hear from you! E-mail any of us at anytime if you have any suggestions and please bring them up at any time during our meetings!
Great ideas we've had so far include Leena's t-shirts, and a 5K during the spring semester!

4) MELC Fridays
The Middle Eastern Leadership Council is our umbrella organization and host us every Friday at 3:30PM in Lawn room #1. It's a great place to meet people, enjoy Arabic music and free food, so don't miss it!

Beta Bridge

Students painted Beta Bridge! theme: In solidarity with Palestine & Syria

Newsletter - 9/10

PAINTING BETA BRIDGE
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
7 PM
On the list of must-do things before you graduate!
BRING YOUR FRIENDS!!!!!
Co-sponsored by ASO



Palestine On My Mind
N e w s

California legislator promise to affirm free speech rights on campus earns praise of Palestine solidarity activists
http://mondoweiss.net/2012/09/california-legislator-promise-to-affirm-free-speech-rights-on-campus-earns-praise-of-palestine-solidarity-activists.html

The Rise of Settler Terrorism
http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/137825/daniel-byman-and-natan-sachs/the-rise-of-settler-terrorism

Mitt Romney's Plan for Israel
"The United States will reduce assistance to the Palestinians if they continue to pursue United Nations recognition or form a unity government that includes Hamas, a terrorist group dedicated to Israel’s destruction."

Violence against Palestinian citizens of Jerusalem is increasing -- B'Tselem
http://mondoweiss.net/2012/08/violence-against-palestinian-citizens-of-jerusalem-is-increasing-btselem.html

Daughters fight to save mother from arrest in Nabi Saleh
http://mondoweiss.net/2012/08/daughters-fight-to-save-monther-from-arrest-in-nabi-saleh.html


Blogosphere

Check out SPJP's new blog! --> http://uvaspjp.blogspot.com/


Upcoming Events

Painting Beta Bridge,
Lecture Series,
Workshops,
Guest speakers and more...

SPJP Commemoration for Rachel Corrie

Students held a candlelight vigil near the Rotunda to commemorate Rachel Corrie.
 

Guest Speaker: Pam Bailey

"Pam Bailey is a freelance journalist and social entrepreneur who has been regularly traveling to Palestine since 2007 -- once for as long as six months, when she lived and worked in Gaza in 2010. Her first trip to Gaza was in March of 2009, when she traveled with Cindy and Craig Corrie, Rachel's parents, and was there for the sixth anniversary of their daughter's murder. Pam last returned from Gaza in February this year, and will return later this month to participate in a model UN program for youth, sponsored by the UNDP."

Read more about Rachel Corrie's verdict... Haaretz: U.S. to Rachel Corrie's family: Israeli probe into death wasn't 'credible'

Occupation 101

Click here to watch the full documentary.

A thought-provoking and powerful documentary film on the current and historical causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Interest Meeting Fall 2012

Kicking off the 2012-2013 academic year!

Charity Bazaar - $2,000 raised

On Monday, Feb. 13 SPJP held a fundraiser and charity bazaar to raise money for children’s education in Palestine. The event was held in Newcomb Lounge to sell traditional scarves, jewelry, embroidery, and other cultural items. Two thousand dollars were raised by the end of the evening; enough to support three children in Palestine through a year of school. The bazaar included a henna station, a dabke (step dance) workshop, and featured pictures drawn by Palestinian children from Gaza. The theme of the evening was “Make the Children of Palestine Your Valentine.”