Sunday 27 December 2009

Anniversary of the Gaza attacks

Today, on the anniversary of the attacks on Gaza beginning with the killing of hundreds in the first few hours, Jo, Rada and Ellie from Waltham Forest Palestine Solidarity Campaign are still stuck on the beach at Aqaba, Jordan, waiting with the Viva Palestina Convoy for Egypt to allow humanitarian aid through its borders into Gaza.

We need you, our supporters, to write to the UK Foreign Office and to the UK Egyptian Embassy, to lobby them to drop their conditions and allow the Viva Palestina Aid Convoy through to Gaza.

Why must the people of Gaza continually be punished for existing? Why must the humanitarian efforts of a few hundred international peace volunteers be sneered at by Egyptian officials?

In Aqaba today, we have been demonstrating as much as we can. 20 members of the convoy have gone on hunger strike today, with further people joining up in the coming days. We held a jolly demo on two boats, making an attempt to take Palestinian flags and Gaza support banners over the water to wave at Eilat, the deeply disturbing and flashing Israeli holiday resort on the Red Sea (why does Israel need so much "aid" when it has such huge income generation of its own?). There was a demo in town to mark the hunger strike beginning and this morning a group of convoy volunteers climbed a local mountain overlooking Aqaba and flew an enormous Palestinian flag and VP Convoy banners for all to see. This evening we have a rally at our basecamp compound and a candlelit vigil to honour all 1,400 killed in the attacks on Gaza last year.

We remain steadfast and determined to get our aid to the people of Gaza. We will not be stopped. There is no reason at all why the people of Gaza should be denied our voluntary humanitarian assistance. The families of Gaza are waiting for us to arrive: we get text messages from our friends there every day wishing us well and looking forward to our imminent appearance.

Please help us by contacting the Foreign Office today and reading the riot act to them, to get them off their Christmas backsides and into action to persuade Egypt that Egypt must allow humane behaviour towards the people of Palestine and particularly the people of Gaza. Why does Egypt feebly do the bidding of Apartheid Israel? Does Egypt have no backbone of its own, that it is too wimpy to be strong and caring to its fellow man?

We will wait in Aqaba, clogging up the streets with demos and bashing away on the keyboards of every internet cafe in town for hours at a time until we are allowed to take our aid to Gaza.

Ellie

Wednesday 23 December 2009

On the Road to Gaza

Hello from Amman in Jordan!

Rada, Jo and I are still alive, our ambulance is almost still on one piece and your aid is totally intact. Rock on!

It is a huge relief to be able to blog for the first time during the convoy. Getting to an internet cafe has been tough work in most of our overnight destinations (which at the beginning of the trip were entirely petrol stations and sports halls but are now hotels and hostels) and those convoy members that do have internet on their laptops are so busy emailing and blogging themselves they understandably have not had much time to offer to those of us without instant access.

Currently I am sitting in an internet cafe down the road from a press conference/demonstration at the Jordanian Union Complex somewhere in Amman. We are tired, but happy to be here. On the road last night we encountered our first real authority difficulties, with the police blocking our path after crossing the border into Jordan. We had a sit-in, with all convoy ambulances blaring every single horn and flashing every light, and eventually the police gave up, probably due to being deafened (chortle chortle).

Our welcome from normal people in the street throughout Turkey, Syria and now Jordan has been phenomenal. Turkey has been the most overwhelmingly exuberant with clutches of supporters standing in the middle of motorway central reservations in the pouring rain and at 2am just to wave and cheer us on. It is overwhelming to have such heartfelt support.

It is a massive blessing to get a morning off today, only our second bit of time off in over two weeks of solid driving at painfully slow speeds, or break neck races after waiting around for hours at a time. We are all quite stressed because we never know what is happening each day from one hour to the next. There is a lot of justifiable criticism about VP convoy organisers from the convoy members, but it has to be said the resourcefulness of the drivers and the team leaders means we have succeeded in all we have needed to do in spite of anything the organisers fail to fix or arrange.

We are now bracing ourselves for Egypt. We need your support for this. Please contact your MP by email or fax, and also send messages direct to the UK Foreign Office, demanding that Egypt allow safe passage for the convoy and facilitate its entry into Gaza. Egypt must let us in.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas over the next few days, and please do tell your friends and families that we are living up to your support so far, but we will do our utmost in the time ahead of us to get through Egypt, get into Gaza and give the Palestinian people your support, money, aid, good wishes, solidarity and love. Watch us on Press TV (Sky Channel 515) to keep up to date on our progress from now on....

Hugs all round and "Viva, Viva Palestina!!"
Ellie

Friday 27 November 2009

We're going to Gaza in an ambulance!



WFPSC members will be joining the "Viva Palestina!" convoy (departing London on Sunday 6th December travelling across Europe to go to Gaza) in an ambulance. We're SOOOO excited and nervous all at the same time. It is not too late still to donate, so we can buy extra aid to take out. We hope to take education aid in our ambulance, as well as some basic medical materials.

Our ambulance will look similar to the one pictured above - we don't get to pick ours up until Wednesday! Once we've got our ambulance, we'll put photos of it up for you to see and admire. Thank you SO MUCH for your amazing support, very generous and kind donations and for showing how much you care about Gaza one year on from the dreadful attacks.

DON'T FORGET TO COME TO THE ASIAN CENTRE, WALTHAMSTOW ON SUNDAY 29th November, all AFTERNOON! Help the Lost Voices of Gaza boys raise their final funds for their ambulance too!

Saturday 14 November 2009

Chingford Morrisons and South Woodford Waitrose taken over by Boycott Israeli Apartheid Protestors on Sat 7th November

WFPSC and J-BIG protestors being politely evicted from Waitrose in South Woodford

Shopping in Morrisons, Chingford

Impressively few lines of Israeli Apartheid Goods - but all the usual ones, like Grapefruit, Oranges and Dates.


A light bit of relevant stickering to get the gentle message across.

Thursday 5 November 2009

WFPSC Boycott Action against Waitrose, South Woodford - Saturday 7th November 2009

1) Gather at 2pm at the Little Woodford Cafe, just along the road from South Woodford Station



2) At 3pm, set off for Waitrose


Waltham Forest PSC mobilising for Boycott Israeli Apartheid week of action!

SATURDAY 07 NOVEMBER

WFPSC STALL - WALTHAMSTOW TOWN SQUARE
11-1.30pm - come to rally everyone to the cause. Get your latest merchandise and info leaflets and catch up with everyone.

SOUTH WOODFORD WAITROSE ACTION!
Roll up! Roll up! Tell local South Woodford Waitrose "Enough is enough! No more Israeli Apartheid goods on your shelves!" Join in with lots of hearty pacifist resistance and noble non-violence: protesting, leafletting, singing, stickering, sitting on the ground, piling up illegal goods! Something for all your intrepid friends and family to do. Bring along loud hailers, banners, digital and video cameras!
2pm: Meet for briefing at the Little Woodford Cafe, George Lane, South Woodford (short walk from South Woodford tube station - Central Line)
3pm: Walk to South Woodford WAITROSE (http://www.waitrose.com/branches/branchdetails.aspx?uid=231)
5pm: Depending on how we get on, we may visit another supermarket nearby...
For further info, please email wfpsc@yahoo.com

THURSDAY 11 NOVEMBER

NATIONAL TELEPHONE/FAX/EMAIL SUPERMARKETS DAY OF ACTION!
You can do this any time of day, from home, your office, on the train, on a bus, walking along...

WAITROSE
Waitrose CEO Mark Price: mark_price@waitrose.co.uk
Waitrose Customer Service Freephone: 0800 188 884
Waitrose Customer Service Dept, Waitrose Ltd, Doncaster Rd, Bracknell, Berks RG12 8YA

MORRISONS
Morrisons' CEO Marc Bolland: marc.bolland@morrisonsplc.co.uk
Morrisons Customer Service: 0845 611 6111
Head Office - 0845 611 5000
Registered office - Hillmore House, Gain Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD3 7DL

SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER

WFPSC STALL - WALTHAMSTOW TOWN SQUARE
11-2pm - Join us to distribute more information to Waltham Forest's residents about the importance of boycotting.

WALTHAM FOREST & REDBRIDGE GREEN PARTY BAZAAR - United Reformed Church, Nightingale Lane, Wanstead (off the High St)
11-3pm - Join Liz and the fair trade gang selling Zaytoun produce. Turn up early to avoid disappointment because Liz's stuff sells VERY FAST!

Friday 4 September 2009

Wednesday 26 August 2009

Bank Holiday weekend - things to do in Walthamstow

Friday 28 August - leafletting Waltham Forest's mosques with "Don't buy illegal Israeli medjoul dates during Ramadan" fliers. If you can help us leaflet your local mosque in Waltham Forest on Friday lunchtime (12.30-2.30pm or any part thereof!) please email wfpsc@yahoo.com

Saturday 29 August - WFPSC stall in Walthamstow Town Square, 11am-3pm. Another jolly stall, with lots of local life popping by to see us, joining up, geting fliers for the meeting on 1st Sept and nosing through merchandise. It's a great place to meet your friends and do some good all at the same time! Do email wfpsc@yahoo.com if you can help set up/take down.

Tuesday 1st Sept - Our fanastic public meeting, with Iftar in the middle of it for not just those observing Ramadan but for everyone to be able to enjoy. Three amazing speakers - don't miss it! All welcome!!



Monday 24 August 2009

Netanyahu, Israel's dodgy Prime Minister, in the UK today - picket Netanyahu Tuesday lunchtime, and fax/email Gordon Brown with your views

TUESDAY 25 AUGUST
GATHER OUTSIDE 10 DOWNING STREET
1.30pm to 3pm

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of one of the most right wing governments in Israel for many years, is coming to London to meet Gordon Brown.

Stop the War and PSC have called a picket of Downing Street during his visit. Come and support the palestinian people.

Netanyahu has refused to stop Israeli settlement building on the West Bank. Palestinians are stil being evicted from their homes. The settlements are illegal and should be dismantled.

The seige of Gaza remains. Essential food and medical supplies are still being denied to the people of Gaza. The blockade should be lifted immediately.

Come to the picket on Tuesday to tell Gordon Brown that this is what he should be asking Netanyahu to do.



IF YOU CAN'T COME TO THE PICKET, WRITE/FAX GORDON BROWN

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in London and Berlin on a four-day visit, and is meeting British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Please take two minutes to contact Gordon Brown urgently, asking him to convoy these issues in his meetings with Netanyahu:

Israeli settlements block peace – they must be dismantled, not just frozen
End Israel’s siege on Gaza
End Israel’s ethnic cleansing in East Jerusalem

And remind Gordon Brown that real peace means delivering justice for Palestinians. The British government must act to ensure Israel ends its violations of international law – this includes an immediate end to Israel’s illegal occupation and respect for the right of return of refugees. The government must also act to uphold the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people.

You can:
Fax your letter to 10 Downing Street: 020 7925 0918.
Twitter Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street
Email David Miliband at the Foreign Office and ask them to convey your message to the Prime Minister: msu.correspondence@fco.gov.uk

Please circulate this call widely and copy us any replies.

=====================================

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) aims to raise public awareness about the occupation of Palestine and the struggle of the Palestinian people. PSC seek to bring pressure on both the British and Israeli government to bring their policies in line with international law. PSC is an independent, non-governmental and non-party political organisation with members from communities across the UK. Join PSC today!

Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Box BM PSA
London
WC1N 3XX
Tel: 020 7700 6192

Tuesday 2 June 2009

Israeli Apartheid confirmed by South Africans

South Africa's Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) has published a detailed and uncompromising legal reading on whether Israel's behaviour equates to colonialism and apartheid in Palestine.  Click here to read the report, which should be obligatory reading for every MP, MEP, UN representative and so on.  It puts the UK in a very sticky position....

Sunday 31 May 2009

A snapshot of daily Israeli Colonisation Apartheid behaviour

Palestine Literary Festival is blocked from opening in Jerusalem by Israeli Apartheid soldiers but it carries on anyway.  Eventually, on 26th May, Michael Palin has a 'road to Bethlehem' moment.

Meanwhile, Palestinian farmers in Safa try to tend their land with international peace activists for protection, except Israeli Apartheid soldiers enforce their colonisation goals by thugging up both Palestinian farmers and peace activists, on a whim - they were probably bored.

Thursday 28 May 2009

Things to do this weekend!

Hello lovely WFPSCers

 

We had an excellent pre-EU elections meeting on Tuesday - squashing a good turn-out into Hornbeam and grilling both Jean Lambert (Green MEP) and Jonathan Fryer (Lib Dem EU candidate).

 

It was tremendous to see so many new faces from our group, and to have such a hearty discussion followed by Rada Daniell's moving photographs of her recent two-month West Bank tour.

 

You've given us a lot of feedback recently about the national agenda for PSC, as opposed to how we do things at branch level.  If you are happy or unhappy at the way PSC national runs affairs, now is a good time to speak up at the forthcoming gathering on Saturday.  Come along and speak your mind, but remember to be a paid-up member of PSC to participate: 

 

Saturday 30th May
PSC Branch Forum in London
11am–5pm
University of London Union, Malet St , London WC1
(nearest tubes Goodge St/Euston/Russell Square )

 

Waltham Forest will have a group leaving Walthamstow Central at about 10.15am getting to Russell Square at 10.45am.  Please call Ellie Merton (WFPSC chair) on 07770 376701 if you have any questions.  We really hope you can join us for this important national debate.

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If you haven't done your bit to 'block the bloody BNP' there are plenty of other opportunities, like leafletting tube stations on Friday (tomorrow) morning or leafletting around Chingford on Sunday for you to help Unite Against Fascism (a group that we are grateful to say actively supports WFPSC).  Please contact our excellent local UAF branch by email uaf@waltham-forest.org.uk, phone 07017 401951 or 07905 258133 or see Mike Barton, Dean Harris or anyone from UAF to help them out.

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Finally, don't forget our bumber-packed "WFPSC Annual General Meeting" on Saturday 4th July, 2pm, at Quakers Meeting House, 1a Jewel Road, Walthamstow, E17 4QU.  (It's extremely easy to find - Quakers is at the top of Jewel Road opposite Hoe Street's Rose & Crown pub - but do note, despite the building being fully disability accessible, parking is frightful and 'single yellows' go up to 6pm).  Speakers, elections, debates, unveiling new initiatives, announcing new Patrons - lots of interesting material for you to get your intellectual and campaigning teeth into.  Please do come along, but make sure you join PSC to be able to vote.



Stoke "Love Music Hate Racism" Festival on Sat 30th May

There are just two days left to get your tickets & coach seats for Stoke-On-Trent's "Love Music Hate Racism" Festival on Sat 30th May.  

To purchase tickets contact uaf@waltham-forest.org.uk, phone 07017 401951 or 07905 258133 or see Mike Barton, Dean Harris et al from UAF.

At £20 (£10 entry + £10 coach seat), our trip package is a steal for a great day out: lots of top live acts, and a huge show of unity against the BNP with joint headliners Kelly Rowland and Pete Doherty. Our Waltham Forest UAF coach leaves Walthamstow Central Station at 8.30am Saturday morning, returns at 10.30pm.

"It's a great opportunity for a day of unity and a fantastic concert. Contact us for tickets today, and join us on the coach!" say Dean and Mike.

Friday 22 May 2009

WFPSC Pre-Euro Elections Meeting, Tues 26th May at 7.30pm

Join us at the Hornbeam Centre, 458 Hoe Street E18 9AH
Come and talk about EU Elections with local politicians, hear from recent Palestine visits and discuss Twinning.

Thursday 23 April 2009

Would you help out over next few days?

1) Two people to volunteer to help with Stall this Saturday (25th April), 12-2pm at Tesco, Leyton High Road just along from Baker's Arms.  If you can do this, please let us know asap (wfpsc@yahoo.com).  You would be encouraging the public to come to our film night, join in with various fantastic community events (like the Interpal Football Match on 4th May) and come to the big national Palestine rally in May.  We have a couple of people already but it's more fun and effective to have a lot more. 

2) Join in fundraising shop-hop this Sunday 26th April!  We're popping in and out of local shops collecting donations and support in Palmerston Road area.  Please email us (wfpsc@yahoo.com) asap if you can join in with this - should be very entertaining and there's already 3 people but the more the merrier.  All funds go to political campaigning by WFPSC. 

3) This coming Tuesday 28th "Film Night" at 7.30pm at the Hornbeam Centre, Hoe Street (near Baker's Arms) - flier downloadable on the post below.  We're showing "The Iron Wall", a documentary film from 2006 about the illegal Israeli Settlements and the building of the illegal segregation Wall to protect the illegal colonisations which are systematically destroying indigenous Palestinian lands.  Do come along with your friends and family.  We'll have a discussion and enjoy refreshments.  Small donation to cover costs. 

4) Twinning is go!  If you are interested in participating in any way, building friendship links initially with Beit Lahiya (in north east Gaza) and moving towards formal council twinning gradually, please let us know (wfpsc@yahoo.com) and we will respond to you about how you can join in.  First meeting in early May.

Friday 17 April 2009

Lots to do


Welcome back after the holiday break!  Read the whole spiel (lots to join in and think about...)

First section is dedicated to our branch activities in Waltham Forest.  Second section contains some of the interesting things being put on by PSC central or other organisations, like STW, the Welfare Association, Palestine Film Foundation and so on....

Quick update: ongoing Waltham Forest political pressure is continuing with our "Letter To The Foreign Office", which we are asking local WF Cllrs to sign.  Many Cllrs have not signed yet.  We have spoken to several who say they agree wholeheartedly with our sentiments, but won't put pen to paper where there is no "clear and direct link with Waltham Forest itself".  So we have more work to do on this to point out there is enormous relevance to Waltham Forest, as hundreds of residents keep telling us.  In the meantime, we are incredibly grateful to all those who made donations to WFPSC at the last meeting on 30 March at which we witnessed a harrowing insight into the real situation in Gaza.  Your donations paid for the hall hire, the leaflets and other information resources.  That fascinating evening ended our hard-working boycott campaign weekend when many of you turned out in grim weather to interact good naturedly with Tesco and local shoppers.  We are making consistent headway with the Boycott Campaign, raising awareness of goods Waltham Forest residents might like to avoid buying, since those goods help fund the oppressive behaviour of Israeli military forces and illegal settlements occupying Palestine.  One of the events we visited that weekend was the excellent Sisters' Bazaar to fundraise for Islamic Relief.  It was an inspiring community effort and we continue to work towards helping other local community groups understand why Palestine as an issue - (the use of the scarf/keffiyeh, many independent fundraising attempts for Gaza, militant radicalisation of local youth) - is playing out in the borough and why our concerned local residents want practical and positive means of applying their energy to support Palestinians, not alienation and disregard.


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FIRST SECTION

WFPSC BRANCH MEETING
Mon 20 Apr * 7.30pm-9.30pm
Hornbeam Centre, 458 Hoe Street, London, E17 9AH
Concentration on Twinning activities and fundraising - we'll hear how the Twinning group is getting on with ideas, and then crack on with a fundraising action plan to pay for our activities!


WFPSC FILM NIGHT - THE IRON WALL
Tue 28 Apr * 7.30pm-9.30pm
Hornbeam Centre, 458 Hoe Street, London, E17 9AH
Tickets £4 waged, £2 unwaged/concessions.  tea & coffee provided.
"The Iron Wall" (with discussion afterwards) 
Directed by Mohammed Alatar - Documentary Length: 52mins, 2006
In 1923 the prominent Zionist ideologue Vladimir Jabotinsky, wrote that,“Zionist colonization must either stop, or else proceed regardless of the native population. Which means that it can proceed and develop only under the protection of a power that is independent of the native population – behind an Iron Wall, which the native population cannot breach.” From that day these words became the official and unspoken policy of the Zionist movement and the state of Israel. Settlements were used from the outset to create a foothold in Palestine. After 1967 and the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, the settlement project was revived to create “facts on the ground” and make the creation of a Palestinian state there impossible. There are now over 200 settlements and outposts throughout the West Bank blocking the emergence of a contiguous Palestinian territory. The Iron Wall exposes this phenomenon, following the timeline, size, and population of the settlements, and their impact on the peace process. The film also touches on the latest project to entrench the settlements as permanent “facts on the ground” – the wall.

We'd also like to encourage you to pop down to the Palestine Film Festival at the Barbican Centre (details further down this email...).


WFPSC AGM
Sat 4 Jul * 2pm onwards
Please mark this date in your diary!  Elections and policy making, with cultural event in the evening.  We are still negotiating on location because we want to get some outside space to have breathing space and room for people to take bored small children out into a play area.  More about this very soon.


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SECOND SECTION

PALESTINE SOLIDARITY TRADE UNION CONFERENCE
Sat 18 Apr * 10am Registration for 11am-4pm Conference
Quaker Meeting House, School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BT
Speakers – Sameh Habeeb (Gaza photojournalist); Manawel Abdel-Al (Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions - PGFTU); Eamon McMahon (Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign); Greg Dropkin (Liverpool Friends of Palestine), Hugh Lanning (Deputy General Secretary PCS).
Fees – branch delegates £10; individuals £5/3 (concession low-waged/unemployed)
Lunch – Middle Eastern (mainly) food available at a small cost. Crèche available.
Organisers – Liverpool Friends of Palestine & Merseyside Association of Trades Union Councils –tbnw16268@blueyonder.co.uk


CHARITY CRAFT FAIR FOR GAZA
Sun 19 Apr * 11 am - 4 pm
The Mosaic Rooms,
Tower House,
226 Cromwell Rd,
London SW5 OSR
This one day event in the heart of central London is your opportunity to purchase some of the finest handmade craft and gift items including Islamic silver jewellery, handbags, shawls, scarves, clothes, embroidery, ceramics, pottery, silverware, crystal gifts, objets d'art, greeting cards, soft toys and much more.

Also featuring work by Internationally renowned calligrapher Dr Nassar Mansour who will be introducing pieces from his new silver jewellery collection plus paintings by Charles Foster Hall, Ghada Habib and Najia Karim. A tombola offering quality prizes and light refreshments will also be available. Come and enjoy a fun day out with family and friends or just relax over a coffee and soak up the beautiful surroundings of the mosaic rooms. The mosaic rooms provide full disabled access and facilities.

All proceeds from entrance fees, tombola, refreshments and stall hire will go toward the Welfare Association's Gaza Emergency Appeal. The Welfare Association (UK) is a Registered Charity (No. 1020238) which supports humanitarian and development projects in Palestine and in Palestinian Refugee Camps in Lebanon (http://welfareassociation.org.uk).


ROUTE 181, FRAGMENTS OF A JOURNEY IN PALESTINE-ISRAEL
Tue 21 Apr * 7pm for 7.30pm-9.30pm
Passing Clouds (behind the Jazz Bar),
Richmond Road, Dalston, London E8 4AA
Filmmakers Michel Khleifi and Eyal Sivan, a Palestinian and an Israeli, travel together from the south to the north of their country of birth, taking the viewer on a disorientating road trip across this tiny territory with vast ramifications. Encounters along the way with Palestinians and Israelis young and old, suggest a radical counter-history to the founding myths of the state of Israel. Frontiers have been built on the hills and in the plains, on mountains and in valleys but above all inside the minds and souls of these two peoples and in the collective unconscious of both societies.

Organised by Hackney Palestine Solidarity Campaign - Catastrophe Club screens films from and about Palestine


10TH LONDON PALESTINE FILM FESTIVAL
Fri 24 Apr to Fri 8 May
Barbican Centre, Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS or SOAS, Thornhaugh St, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG
http://www.palestinefilm.org/festivals.asp?s=next/ 

Fri 24 – 19:30 Laila's Birthday + Q&A (Barbican, Cinema 1) (Opening)
Sat 25 – 16:00 Divine Intervention + The View (Barbican, Cinema 3)
Sat 25 – 18:15 Laila's Birthday + Q&A (Barbican, Cinema 3)
Sat 25 – 20:30 To My Father + John Berger Reads Ghassan Kanafani + Q&A (Barbican, Cinema 3)
Sun 26 – 17:00 NAKBA:Palestine 1948 + Panel (Barbican, Cinema 2)
Sun 26 – 20:15 Introduction to the End of an Argument + Palestine Remembered + Sedition (Barbican, Cinema 3)
Mon 27 – 18:30 R-Existence + Smile! You Are in South Lebanon + Welcome to Shatila (Barbican, Cinema 3)
Mon 27 – 20:45 Shadow of Absence (Barbican, Cinema 3)
Tue 28 – 18:15 State of Siege (État de Siege) (Barbican, Cinema 3)
Wed 29 – 18:30 This Way Up + Open Heart (Barbican, Cinema 3)
Wed 29 – 20:30 Friendship's Death + A Space Exodus + Q&A (Barbican, Cinema 3)
Thu 30 – 18:30 House Salad (Salata Baladi) (Barbican, Cinema 3)
Thu 30 – 20:30 Salt of This Sea + 60 Units of Time + Q&A (Barbican, Cinema 3)
Fri 1 May – 18:30 My Land + Recognized (SOAS, KLT)
Sat 2 May – 16:00 Edward Said in Conversation with Salman Rushdie – 1986 (SOAS, KLT)
Sat 2 May – 18:00 Edward Said:The Last Interview (SOAS, KLT)
Sun 3 May – 16:00 We Like Life Tomorrow + Take Me Home (SOAS, KLT)
Tue 5 May – 18:45 La Terre Parle Arabe + Arthur Balfour and Me + Q&A (SOAS, KLT)
Wed 6 May – 18:30 Memory of the Cactus + Stranger in My Home (SOAS, KLT)
Thu 7 May – 18:30 A Summer Not to Forget + Panel (SOAS, KLT)
Fri 8 May – 18:30 5 Minutes From Home + Easy, Easy (SOAS, KLT)


STOP THE WAR COALITION ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Sat 25 Apr * 9am Registration for 10am-6pm Conference
South Camden Community School, Charrington Street, London, NW1 1RG
Nearest tubes Euston and Kings Cross.
Speakers – Tony Benn, Ken Loach, Karma Nabulsi, George Galloway, Rose Gentle, Anas al Tikriti, Andrew Murray, Sami Ramadani, Lindsey German, Jeremy Corbyn and Kate Hudson.
Sessions – Obama and the War on Terror; troops out of Afghanistan; Palestine; Muslims and civil liberties; Iraq briefing; building Stop The War.

Waltham Forest Stop the War branch may be sending a delegation to the conference – get in touch with them via us if you want to be included. Or you can register independently with the Stop The War office as a delegate if you were a member before 1st Jan this year, or an observer if you are a new member (you can join at the conference). Phone 020 7801 2768 to book your place. Entry is £10.


CAMDEN ABU DIS FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
Sat 25 Apr * 9.20am-6.20pm
SOAS, Thornhaugh St, London WC1
Camden Abu Dis conference will have speakers and film from Abu Dis and information on the situation there, information on the last year's work in CADFA and practical workshops on taking our work forward.  In the afternoon, the theme will be educational and academic links and school twinning, with lots of information, speakers and time to exchange ideas. We will finish with music from ATTAB HADDAD (oud) and KEITH FORD (piano) + a social.
Camden Abu Dis members and others all welcome.
Fee for pre-booked places is £2.50 for CADFA members and £7.50 for non-members.
For more info contact 08454 581167 or email contact@camdenabudis.net


OBAMA AND IRAN
Mon 27 Apr * 7pm onwards
Room G2, SOAS,  Russell Square Campus, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG
Chaired by - BARONESS PROFESSOR HALEH AFSHAR Prominent Iranian academic
Speakers - JON SNOW Channel 4 news journalist and presenter; MEHRI HONARBIN-HOLLIDAY academic and writer, leading member of Campaign Iran; ALI FATHOLLAH-NEJAD Political scientist and academic councillor of CASMII; JOHN REES Stop the War Coalition

With the election of Barak Obama as US President the world is asking what will his foreign policy be? In particular towards Iran. A few weeks ago, Obama addressed the 'Iranian people' via a new years broadcast. He spoke of peace, yet in practice thus far all we've seen is a continuation of the warmongering policies of his predecessor.


LE TRIO JOUBRAN TOUR – TAITH CYMRU 2009 WALES TOUR
Sat 2 to Sun 10 May
This is the second visit to Wales by a remarkable trio of oud virtuosos from Palestine: Le Trio Joubran. Samir, Wissam and Adnan Joubran are three young brothers who proudly represent the extraordinary cultural heritage of Palestine, and are the only professionally performing oud trio in the world. On this tour they are joined by percussionist Yousef Hbeisch.
02.05.09 @ 8.00pm – Aberystwyth ARTS CENTRE: 01970 623232
03.05.09 @ 7.30pm – Cardigan THEATR MWLDAN: 01239 621200
05.05.09 @ 7.30pm – Cardiff ST DAVID’S HALL: 02920 878444
06.05.09 @ 7.30pm – Pontardawe ARTS CENTRE: 01792 863722
07.05.09 @ 7.30pm – Milford Haven TORCH THEATRE: 01646 695267
08.05.09 @ 7.30pm – Caernarfon GALERI: 01286 685222
09.05.09 @ 7.30pm – Harlech THEATR HARLECH: 01766 780667
10.05.09 @7.30pm – Brecon THEATR BRYCHEINIOG: 01874 611622


YALLA TO GAZA: HOPE FOR GAZA CONVOY
Sat 2 to ? May
Organised by Palestine Return Centre, Palestine Telegraph and European Save Gaza movement [not to be confused with Free Gaza Boat Flotilla which is happening later in the month, or the Viva Palestina attempts also happening later in May and during the summer], on the 2nd of May a big convoy of hundreds of trucks is leaving Milan, Italy to Gaza.  They Convoy would move to Alexandria in Egypt by the sea and then to Gaza.  The trip itself would not cost you anything, but you have to fund yourself to get to Milan and then return from Gaza.  If you are interested, if you have more questions you can reach us by the contact info below:
يلا علي غزة
سوف تنطلق قافلة تضم مئات الشاحنات من ميلان بايطاليا مروروا بالإسكندرية بمصر ثم غزة في الثاني من مايو 2009. هذه فرصتك الذهبية للذهاب لغزة في رحلة لن تكلفك أي شيء, فقط كن في ميلان وستصل غزة في بعدها مباشرة.
للانضمام يمكنك الاتصال علينا من خلال معلوماتنا بالأسفل:
Direct Link: http://www.savegaza.eu/ 
Direct Link: http://www.paltelegraph.com 


CAMDEN WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL ON ISRAEL'S ATTACK ON GAZA
Sat 9 May * 11am-5pm
KLT, SOAS, Thornaugh St Russell St, London WC1H 0XG
Opening address by Jenny Tonge, with witness-preparation groups, cross-examination of eyewitnesses by Tribunal Panel, "verdict" and reports on war crimes campaign. David Miliband will be called to account for his statements during the attack.


FREE PALESTINE! END ISRAELI OCCUPATION! END THE ARMS TRADE!
NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION

Sat 16 May * 12 noon Assemble for 1-4pm March and Rally
Central London to Trafalgar Square
Called by – Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Stop the War Coalition (STW), British Muslim Initiative (BMI) and Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).
Supported by – Amos Trust, Arab Media Watch, Association of Palestinian Communities UK, Britain-Palestine Twinning Network, Campaign Against the Arms Trade, Friends of Al-Aqsa, Friends of Lebanon, Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions UK, Jewish Socialist’s Group, Midlands Palestinian Community Association, UNISON, Pax Christi, PCS, War on Want, Zaytoun.

For further details, merchandise, leaflets or posters and volunteer opportunities, contact PSC national office – 020 7700 6192 and info@palestinecampaign.org or keep an eye on the website:www.palestinecampaign.org 


TWO PLAYS FOR GAZA
Thu 21 May * 7.30pm-10pm
Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street London, E8 1EJ
Barebones production of staged readings directed by Tom Platten to raise funds for the Gaza Music School & Stop the War Coalition. Introduction by Tony Benn and performers include Tim Pigott-Smith, Corin Redgrave, Janie Dee, Jana Zeineddine, Kika Markham, Roger Lloyd Pack (tbc) and others. Plus music by Reem Kelani and Eugene Skeef.

1) Seven Jewish Children – Caryl Churchill's 10-minute play about the attack on Gaza was first performed at the Royal Court Theatre in February 2009: in seven scenes parents, grandparents and relatives debate how much children should know and not know from the Holocaust to the foundation of the state of Israel, through the many Middle East wars, up to this year's invasion of Gaza.

2) The Trainer – is a surreal comedy about the ‘terror’ laws as they descend into farce. Composer Keith Burstein sues the Evening Standard after being accused of 'glorifying' terror in his opera, Manifest Destiny. When his case goes to the Appeal Court, the judges go to a gym to exercise between court sessions. The gym trainer is Leila, a young Palestinian woman.

Tickets £15 Book online: Book Online or call the Box Office on 020 8985 2424
http://stopwar.org.uk/content/view/1169/1/ 


GAZA 100 - FUNDRAISE FOR SAVE THE CHILDREN IN GAZA
Sat 23 May and Sun 24 May * 12 noon each day
Mile End Stadium, Mile End, London

Organised by Friends of Jews for Justice for Palestinians who hope 4,000 participants will put this event into the Guinness Book of Records for the most people running a relay in 24 hours, and raise £400,000 for Save the Children’s projects in Gaza at the same time.

JfJfP signatories and supporters are invited to take part - you should be willing to run 100 metres in about 20 seconds and raise £100 for Save the Children in Gaza. The minimum age of entry is 11 and those under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.  Registration and details are on IF charity’s website at http://www.ifcharity.com/gaza100.html (including FAQs and planning for the event)

As we would like all participants pledged by your organisation to run at the event together*, we have devised a coding system. This is simply that each person you refer to register would enter a code to enable us to identify them. Your personal code is JFJFP.  This isn’t fixed so if you observe Shabbat - or can only run on Saturday - please choose the time that suits you. Whatever time you choose, please enter JFJFP in the referral box.

Sophie Waterhouse has kindly agreed to liaise with the organisers for JfJfP’s participation, so please also email sopwat6@yahoo.co.uk to let her know you’ve registered.

Once each person submits their registration form they will receive a unique ID number and confirmation of their chosen time slot. They will also be able to download the sponsorship form and event guide, containing general information about Gaza 100. 

Finally, we are encouraging all participants to set up a FREE online fundraising page with Justgiving (after registering for the event) details of which are available in the event guide as well as on our website. Alternately you can click here to set up an account: www.justgiving.com/if/raisemoney

Register for this event via: http://www.ifcharity.com/gaza100.html 
Inform JfJfP via Sophie Waterhouse: sopwat6@yahoo.co.uk

PSC BRANCH FORUM
Sat 30 May * (times tbc)
London
Details for follow about PSC Branch Forum, for branch delegates, this time taking place in London.


EUROPEAN UNION ELECTIONS
Thu 4 Jun * all day
Happening all over the country – your chance to vote to make the EU/Israel Association Trade agreement null and void.


PSC ANNUAL SPONSORED WALK
Fri 3 to Sun 5 Jul
Postbridge, Dartmoor, Devon
Join in much needed PSC fundraising event and meet other PSC supporters over a fun weekend. Wide range of walks available for various abilities. Social event with BBQ and music on the Saturday night.
Accommodation at local Youth Hostel booked out exclusively for PSC. Basic joining fee will cover accommodation, meals and admin costs.
To sign up contact PSC office – 020 7700 6192 and psc.admin@palestinecampaign.org


PSC DAY CONFERENCE
Sat 11 Jul * Morning registration, ending late afternoon
Birmingham (location tbc)
• 1948 and after: ethnic cleansing and the refugees
• The Reality of Occupation: Politics, Economy, Health, Education, Land
• Lessons from the Anti Apartheid Movement
Confirmed speakers: Karma Nabulsi, Rita Giacaman, Samia Botmeh, Daniel Machover, Victoria Brittain. For more information, see www.palestinecampaign.org