Israel’s illegal detention and imprisonment of Palestinian children
April 10, 2013
Join us for a discussion with Bradley Parker, Attorney and International Advocacy Officer for Defence for Children International–Palestine Section.
Monday April 22
4:00PM
Alumni Lounge
4th Floor
Brooklyn College Student Center
East 27 Street Campus Road
Bradley Parker will provide an overview of the legal framework in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and then discuss ill-treatment that Palestinian child prisoners face within the Israeli military detention system.
For more info on the work Defence for Children International click here
Monday April 22
4:00PM
Alumni Lounge
4th Floor
Brooklyn College Student Center
East 27 Street Campus Road
Bradley Parker will provide an overview of the legal framework in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and then discuss ill-treatment that Palestinian child prisoners face within the Israeli military detention system.
For more info on the work Defence for Children International click here
"Jerusalem in the mind" an Art Exhibit
April 1st 2013
From April 29 to May 2 Brooklyn College Students for Justice in Palestine will be having an art exhibit that will showcase Palestine through the artwork of various individuals. We are accepting art that relates to Palestine, its culture and struggle, whether it is personally or politically derived. If you have an art piece please consider donating it, and if you don’t, consider making one!
The deadline for submissions is April 26th NOW!
The maximum size of artwork is 30x40"
Attention: NON BC FOLKS MUST RSVP HERE and BRING PIC ID THE DAY OF THE EVENT!
Through this art exhibit we will be commemorating the catastrophe known to Palestinians as Al-Nakba. The day when more than 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homes and lands in 1948 to make way for the apartheid state of Israel. The art exhibit will help people understand that even though Palestinians are not allowed to return to their homes that their culture and roots are very much alive.
To donate art, please email brooklyncollegesjp@gmail.com. Please contact us if you have any questions. You can ship your artwork to the address we wil provide when you email us.
The deadline for submissions is April 26th NOW!
The maximum size of artwork is 30x40"
Attention: NON BC FOLKS MUST RSVP HERE and BRING PIC ID THE DAY OF THE EVENT!
Through this art exhibit we will be commemorating the catastrophe known to Palestinians as Al-Nakba. The day when more than 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly expelled from their homes and lands in 1948 to make way for the apartheid state of Israel. The art exhibit will help people understand that even though Palestinians are not allowed to return to their homes that their culture and roots are very much alive.
To donate art, please email brooklyncollegesjp@gmail.com. Please contact us if you have any questions. You can ship your artwork to the address we wil provide when you email us.
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Film screening of "Where should the birds fly"
March 27,2013
Screening followed by a discussion with the filmmaker Fida Qishta.
Thursday, April 11 2013
6:00pm
Brooklyn College
E 27th St and Campus Road Brooklyn, NY 11210
Room: Student Center Building GOLD ROOM
In December of 2008 Israel launched a devastating attack on Gaza. A month of bullets, bombs, rockets white phosphorus, tanks and bulldozers killed 1400 people, mostly civilians. It left much of Gaza in ruins.
But this is not a story of misery amongst the rubble. It is the compelling and moving story of two remarkable young women, the future of Palestine, who personify the struggle to maintain humanity, humor and hope, to find some degree of normality in the brutal abnormality that has been imposed on them. Mona is an 11 yr old girl of remarkable wisdom. Her family died under Israeli rockets. Fida Qishta, the filmmaker, is a 27 year old journalist. With her crew she has documented the lives of the people of Gaza.
This is a Palestinian film, the first made by Palestinians. But it is a story that resonates across the bitter history of man's inhumanity to man: in the oil soaked poverty of the Niger Delta, in the destroyed state of Iraq, in the fierce resistance of the Warsaw Ghetto. Your support is urgently needed to distribute and show the film in communities.
Thursday, April 11 2013
6:00pm
Brooklyn College
E 27th St and Campus Road Brooklyn, NY 11210
Room: Student Center Building GOLD ROOM
In December of 2008 Israel launched a devastating attack on Gaza. A month of bullets, bombs, rockets white phosphorus, tanks and bulldozers killed 1400 people, mostly civilians. It left much of Gaza in ruins.
But this is not a story of misery amongst the rubble. It is the compelling and moving story of two remarkable young women, the future of Palestine, who personify the struggle to maintain humanity, humor and hope, to find some degree of normality in the brutal abnormality that has been imposed on them. Mona is an 11 yr old girl of remarkable wisdom. Her family died under Israeli rockets. Fida Qishta, the filmmaker, is a 27 year old journalist. With her crew she has documented the lives of the people of Gaza.
This is a Palestinian film, the first made by Palestinians. But it is a story that resonates across the bitter history of man's inhumanity to man: in the oil soaked poverty of the Niger Delta, in the destroyed state of Iraq, in the fierce resistance of the Warsaw Ghetto. Your support is urgently needed to distribute and show the film in communities.
Israeli Apartheid Week 2013 at BC
March 14, 2013
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SJP at Brooklyn College displayed a mock Israeli apartheid wall, while students were on the floor blind folded and held signs about Palestinian's checkpoint stories.
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Film Screening of 5 Broken Cameras
March 10, 2013
Brooklyn College's Political Science club and Students for Justice in Palestine bring you a screening of 5 Broken Cameras. This Oscar nominated documentary has received critical acclaim for a first hand account of life under Israeli occupation in the West Bank.
Thursday March 14th
6:30pm-9:00pm
Brooklyn College
E 27th St and Campus Road Brooklyn, NY 11210
Student Center Building
GOLD ROOM 6th floor
This event is part of Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW), which is an annual international series of events (including rallies, lectures, cultural performances, film screenings, multimedia displays and boycott of Israel actions) held in cities and campuses across the globe. Last year’s IAW was incredibly successful with over 215 cities participating worldwide.
IAW seeks to raise awareness about Israel's apartheid policies towards the Palestinians and to build support for the growing Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel campaign.
For more info visit: http://newyork.apartheidweek.org/
FOR THE FULL LIST OF IAW NYC 2013 EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT: www.facebook.com/events/483455961715110/
Thursday March 14th
6:30pm-9:00pm
Brooklyn College
E 27th St and Campus Road Brooklyn, NY 11210
Student Center Building
GOLD ROOM 6th floor
This event is part of Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW), which is an annual international series of events (including rallies, lectures, cultural performances, film screenings, multimedia displays and boycott of Israel actions) held in cities and campuses across the globe. Last year’s IAW was incredibly successful with over 215 cities participating worldwide.
IAW seeks to raise awareness about Israel's apartheid policies towards the Palestinians and to build support for the growing Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel campaign.
For more info visit: http://newyork.apartheidweek.org/
FOR THE FULL LIST OF IAW NYC 2013 EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT: www.facebook.com/events/483455961715110/
Israeli Apartheid Week 2013 at Brooklyn College
We are excited to announce the upcoming 9th annual Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) starting late February in Europe and moving to various countries through the month of March.
Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) is an annual international series of events (including rallies, lectures, cultural performances, film screenings, multimedia displays and boycott of Israel actions) held in cities and campuses across the globe. Last year’s IAW was incredibly successful with over 215 cities participating worldwide.
IAW seeks to raise awareness about Israel's apartheid policies towards the Palestinians and to build support for the growing Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel campaign.
For more info click HERE
Facebook event page
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Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) is an annual international series of events (including rallies, lectures, cultural performances, film screenings, multimedia displays and boycott of Israel actions) held in cities and campuses across the globe. Last year’s IAW was incredibly successful with over 215 cities participating worldwide.
IAW seeks to raise awareness about Israel's apartheid policies towards the Palestinians and to build support for the growing Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel campaign.
For more info click HERE
Facebook event page
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Brooklyn College SJP Bake Sale!
February 26,2013
______________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2013
CONTACT: Sundus Seif - brooklyncollegesjp@gmail.com
Brooklyn College SJP Rejects Allegations Regarding Last Week’s Event on BDS
NEW YORK - Since last Thursday’s discussion at Brooklyn College of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement for Palestinian rights, several complaints and unfounded accusations have been made against the event organizers, Students for Justice in Palestine – Brooklyn College.
These claims, some of which have attracted media attention and prompted a request for New York’s attorney general to open an investigation, follow an ugly attack campaign that preceded Thursday’s event, waged by local politicians and others who attempted to smear BC-SJP and BDS supporters as anti-Semites and pressure Brooklyn College into cancelling the event. Such efforts to conflate support for equal rights for Palestinians and an end to Israel’s occupation with anti-Semitism are outrageous and deplorable.
In response to these latest allegations, BC-SJP reiterates once again that our organization, like the BDS movement as a whole, categorically rejects any and all forms of racial, ethnic or religious prejudice and bigotry, including anti-Semitism, and issues the following clarifications regarding what happened on Thursday:
Problems with Registration and Entry
Due to logistical problems on the part of the organizers, some people who registered for Thursday’s event were reportedly unable to gain access. A small number of individuals have claimed they were denied entry because they were Jewish and/or supporters of Israel. This is patently false. In fact, many Jewish students and opponents of BDS were in attendance, including several who posed questions during the question and answer session.
Problems with registration and entry were inadvertent and a result of difficulties organizers had handling the unexpectedly large number of requests from people who wished to attend, which skyrocketed in the days immediately prior to the event as media attention and controversy increased. We apologize to anyone who tried to register in advance but could not get in because of the overwhelming process we as organizers were dealing with. Suggestions that only those with opposing viewpoints were denied entry are unfounded. Many who agreed with the speakers’ views were also unable to get in because their names could not be found in the RSVP list.
Media Unable to Cover Event Inside
Initially, BC-SJP decided not to allow the event to be videotaped by media, at the request of one of the speakers whose remarks were to be published online in The Nation magazine the same day. On the day of the event, when several journalists wished to gain entry because of the widespread media attention and controversy it was attracting, the organizers could not accommodate them because all available places were already taken, with many people on the wait-list, and the administration couldn’t allow any additional guests in the room, which was filled to capacity.
Nevertheless, some media were able to attend because they had registered just like everyone else, and they covered the event for outlets like The New York Times. Others were encouraged to attend a press conference outside immediately beforehand featuring one of the evening’s speakers, Palestinian human rights activist Omar Barghouti.
Students Asked to Leave for Disrupting Judith Butler’s Speech
During Judith Butler's speech, four students were removed from the room by security for disturbing others sitting near them. The individuals in question were speaking loudly enough to prompt people sitting around them to ask them to be quiet. They were talking, shuffling papers, and moving noisily around in their seats for several minutes, while Dr. Butler was talking, prompting complaints from other attendees sitting nearby. Because the acoustics in the room were poor and Dr. Butler was speaking softly, their actions prevented those around them from hearing her well.
The decision to remove these individuals was made by organizers after consulting with security, after they failed to comply with requests to be quiet. Their removal was based solely on the fact that they were disturbing guests around them.
As with the accusation that some people were denied entry because of their religion or political viewpoint, claims that these four individuals were asked to leave because they were Jewish or opponents of BDS are entirely unfounded. There were many Jewish students and non-students in attendance, with varying viewpoints on the subject, some of whom asked challenging questions during the question and answer period.
In organizing and hosting this event, BC-SJP in no way discriminated against individuals because of their religion, ethnicity or political views. Allegations to the contrary ignore the facts that led to their removal. BC-SJP has always opposed all forms of racial, ethnic or religious prejudice and bigotry, including anti-Semitism, in theory and in practice, and will continue to do so. We will also continue our efforts to educate our fellow students and the general public about Israeli abuses of Palestinian human rights, and the complicity of the United States in those abuses, despite the efforts of some who wish to intimidate and silence us.
February 14, 2013
CONTACT: Sundus Seif - brooklyncollegesjp@gmail.com
Brooklyn College SJP Rejects Allegations Regarding Last Week’s Event on BDS
NEW YORK - Since last Thursday’s discussion at Brooklyn College of the boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement for Palestinian rights, several complaints and unfounded accusations have been made against the event organizers, Students for Justice in Palestine – Brooklyn College.
These claims, some of which have attracted media attention and prompted a request for New York’s attorney general to open an investigation, follow an ugly attack campaign that preceded Thursday’s event, waged by local politicians and others who attempted to smear BC-SJP and BDS supporters as anti-Semites and pressure Brooklyn College into cancelling the event. Such efforts to conflate support for equal rights for Palestinians and an end to Israel’s occupation with anti-Semitism are outrageous and deplorable.
In response to these latest allegations, BC-SJP reiterates once again that our organization, like the BDS movement as a whole, categorically rejects any and all forms of racial, ethnic or religious prejudice and bigotry, including anti-Semitism, and issues the following clarifications regarding what happened on Thursday:
Problems with Registration and Entry
Due to logistical problems on the part of the organizers, some people who registered for Thursday’s event were reportedly unable to gain access. A small number of individuals have claimed they were denied entry because they were Jewish and/or supporters of Israel. This is patently false. In fact, many Jewish students and opponents of BDS were in attendance, including several who posed questions during the question and answer session.
Problems with registration and entry were inadvertent and a result of difficulties organizers had handling the unexpectedly large number of requests from people who wished to attend, which skyrocketed in the days immediately prior to the event as media attention and controversy increased. We apologize to anyone who tried to register in advance but could not get in because of the overwhelming process we as organizers were dealing with. Suggestions that only those with opposing viewpoints were denied entry are unfounded. Many who agreed with the speakers’ views were also unable to get in because their names could not be found in the RSVP list.
Media Unable to Cover Event Inside
Initially, BC-SJP decided not to allow the event to be videotaped by media, at the request of one of the speakers whose remarks were to be published online in The Nation magazine the same day. On the day of the event, when several journalists wished to gain entry because of the widespread media attention and controversy it was attracting, the organizers could not accommodate them because all available places were already taken, with many people on the wait-list, and the administration couldn’t allow any additional guests in the room, which was filled to capacity.
Nevertheless, some media were able to attend because they had registered just like everyone else, and they covered the event for outlets like The New York Times. Others were encouraged to attend a press conference outside immediately beforehand featuring one of the evening’s speakers, Palestinian human rights activist Omar Barghouti.
Students Asked to Leave for Disrupting Judith Butler’s Speech
During Judith Butler's speech, four students were removed from the room by security for disturbing others sitting near them. The individuals in question were speaking loudly enough to prompt people sitting around them to ask them to be quiet. They were talking, shuffling papers, and moving noisily around in their seats for several minutes, while Dr. Butler was talking, prompting complaints from other attendees sitting nearby. Because the acoustics in the room were poor and Dr. Butler was speaking softly, their actions prevented those around them from hearing her well.
The decision to remove these individuals was made by organizers after consulting with security, after they failed to comply with requests to be quiet. Their removal was based solely on the fact that they were disturbing guests around them.
As with the accusation that some people were denied entry because of their religion or political viewpoint, claims that these four individuals were asked to leave because they were Jewish or opponents of BDS are entirely unfounded. There were many Jewish students and non-students in attendance, with varying viewpoints on the subject, some of whom asked challenging questions during the question and answer period.
In organizing and hosting this event, BC-SJP in no way discriminated against individuals because of their religion, ethnicity or political views. Allegations to the contrary ignore the facts that led to their removal. BC-SJP has always opposed all forms of racial, ethnic or religious prejudice and bigotry, including anti-Semitism, in theory and in practice, and will continue to do so. We will also continue our efforts to educate our fellow students and the general public about Israeli abuses of Palestinian human rights, and the complicity of the United States in those abuses, despite the efforts of some who wish to intimidate and silence us.
Boycott-Divestment-Sanctions Lecture at Brooklyn College
with Omar Barghouti and Judith Butler
February 7, 2013
With a room filled to capacity, Students for Justice in Palestine at Brooklyn College kicked off the semester with a great event featuring Omar Barghouti and Judith Butler. After a lot of pressure from city officials some of which threatened to cut the funding to the school, academic freedom prevailed and the event went on as planned.
On behalf of BC SJP and allies, we want to thank everyone who supported us throughout this journey.
With a room filled to capacity, Students for Justice in Palestine at Brooklyn College kicked off the semester with a great event featuring Omar Barghouti and Judith Butler. After a lot of pressure from city officials some of which threatened to cut the funding to the school, academic freedom prevailed and the event went on as planned.
On behalf of BC SJP and allies, we want to thank everyone who supported us throughout this journey.
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"Students at Al Quds Bard College in the West Bank stand in solidarity with Students for Justice in Palestine"
February 6, 2013
We the students of Al-Quds Bard College in the West Bank, stand in solidarity with Students for Justice in Palestine. The recent threats from the New York City council are unacceptable because not only do they marginalize the hardships that Palestinians face but at the same time ignores and marginalizes academic freedom. We, support the students of Brooklyn College that stood in solidarity despite the repeated difficulties. The nations of the world demand freedom. Boycott Israel and support CUNY.
نحن طلاب " كلية القدس بارد" في الضفة الغربية نقف وقفة تضامن مع طلاب من أجل العدالة في فلسطين
اخر التهديدات من الحكومة في مدينة نيويورك غير مقبولة, لأنها تهمش ليس فقط الصعوبات التي يواجهها
.الشعب الفلسطيني ولكن أيضا على الصعيد ذاته تتجاهل وتهمش الحرية الأكاديمية
.نحن هنا في كلية القدس بارد ندعم طلاب "كلية بركلين" الذين وقفوا تضامنا بالرغم من الصعوبات المتكررة
.شعوب العالم تطالب بالحرية, قاطعوا إسرائيل وادعموا كيوني
نحن طلاب " كلية القدس بارد" في الضفة الغربية نقف وقفة تضامن مع طلاب من أجل العدالة في فلسطين
اخر التهديدات من الحكومة في مدينة نيويورك غير مقبولة, لأنها تهمش ليس فقط الصعوبات التي يواجهها
.الشعب الفلسطيني ولكن أيضا على الصعيد ذاته تتجاهل وتهمش الحرية الأكاديمية
.نحن هنا في كلية القدس بارد ندعم طلاب "كلية بركلين" الذين وقفوا تضامنا بالرغم من الصعوبات المتكررة
.شعوب العالم تطالب بالحرية, قاطعوا إسرائيل وادعموا كيوني
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Press Conference for Free Speech & Academic Freedom organized by Brooklyn College SJP
February 6, 2013
NSJP Stands in Solidarity with Brooklyn College
February 5, 2012
As the Ad Hoc Steering Committee for the National Students for Justice in Palestine, we write to express our solidarity with organizers and academics at Brooklyn College.
The co-sponsorship by Brooklyn College’s political science department of an event organized by Students for Justice in Palestine about the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement has resulted in an onslaught of intimidation from a campaign led by Alan Dershowitz.
At first, the demand from Dershowitz and a handful of city politicians urged the Brooklyn College political science department to rescind its co-sponsorship (Glenn Greenwald wrote a comprehensive article, highlighting Dershowitz’s double standard [1]). Now, Lewis Fidler, Assistant Majority Leader of the NYC Council, and several other members of the City Council are threatening to pull Brooklyn College’s funding unless the school cancels or condemns the event [2].
The attack on Brooklyn College comes as students, professors and academic institutions around the country face an overwhelming pressure to suppress any and all criticism of Israel on campus.
Currently, students all along the West Coast face similar censorship attempts. Students for Justice in Palestine and Muslim Student Association chapters in the large University of California system are being subjected to systematic silencing and intimidation at the local, statewide, and national level. Lobbying by well-funded pro-Israel groups has led to biased “campus climate” reports, a California State assembly bill, and spurious federal complaints (leading to prolonged investigations); all deliberately and falsely conflating legitimate criticism of Israel with anti-Jewishness [3].
In light of increasing repression and intimidation against Palestine solidarity activism on UScollege and university campuses, The Center for Constitutional Rights and the National Lawyers Guild launched the Palestine Solidarity Legal Support Initiative on 28 January 2013. In a CCR statement, the project was described as an effort to ‘ensure that Palestinian rights activists have the legal support they need to exercise their First Amendment rights and continue speaking and organizing’ [4].
We pledge to continue our organizing on campus, to highlight the Israeli oppression of Palestinians, and to support and elevate the voices of Palestinian organizers and liberation movements. We will continue to educate, engage students, and mount campaigns using the non-violent tactic of boycott, divestment and sanctions. Despite the threats of powerful figures, we vow to continue to demand justice for Palestine. See the statement born out of the 2nd National SJP conference: Vision for our Non-Hierarchical Movement [5].
Please join us in showing support for Brooklyn College SJP and the professors and administrators who have remained steadfast despite escalating pressure, by signing this statement: http://bit.ly/WWJrUq [6].
[1] http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/feb/02/brooklyn-college-bds-alan-dershowitz
[2] http://www.scribd.com/doc/123394756/Letter-from-Lew-Fidler
[3] http://sjpnational.org/2013/02/05/sjp-national-voices-support-university-california-organizers/
[4] http://ccrjustice.org/newsroom/press-releases/rights-groups-launch-palestine-solidarity-legal-support-intake-system-and-website
[5] http://sjpnational.org/2012/11/14/national-students-justice-palestine-vision-non-hierarchical-movement/
[6] http://bit.ly/WWJrUq
As the Ad Hoc Steering Committee for the National Students for Justice in Palestine, we write to express our solidarity with organizers and academics at Brooklyn College.
The co-sponsorship by Brooklyn College’s political science department of an event organized by Students for Justice in Palestine about the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement has resulted in an onslaught of intimidation from a campaign led by Alan Dershowitz.
At first, the demand from Dershowitz and a handful of city politicians urged the Brooklyn College political science department to rescind its co-sponsorship (Glenn Greenwald wrote a comprehensive article, highlighting Dershowitz’s double standard [1]). Now, Lewis Fidler, Assistant Majority Leader of the NYC Council, and several other members of the City Council are threatening to pull Brooklyn College’s funding unless the school cancels or condemns the event [2].
The attack on Brooklyn College comes as students, professors and academic institutions around the country face an overwhelming pressure to suppress any and all criticism of Israel on campus.
Currently, students all along the West Coast face similar censorship attempts. Students for Justice in Palestine and Muslim Student Association chapters in the large University of California system are being subjected to systematic silencing and intimidation at the local, statewide, and national level. Lobbying by well-funded pro-Israel groups has led to biased “campus climate” reports, a California State assembly bill, and spurious federal complaints (leading to prolonged investigations); all deliberately and falsely conflating legitimate criticism of Israel with anti-Jewishness [3].
In light of increasing repression and intimidation against Palestine solidarity activism on UScollege and university campuses, The Center for Constitutional Rights and the National Lawyers Guild launched the Palestine Solidarity Legal Support Initiative on 28 January 2013. In a CCR statement, the project was described as an effort to ‘ensure that Palestinian rights activists have the legal support they need to exercise their First Amendment rights and continue speaking and organizing’ [4].
We pledge to continue our organizing on campus, to highlight the Israeli oppression of Palestinians, and to support and elevate the voices of Palestinian organizers and liberation movements. We will continue to educate, engage students, and mount campaigns using the non-violent tactic of boycott, divestment and sanctions. Despite the threats of powerful figures, we vow to continue to demand justice for Palestine. See the statement born out of the 2nd National SJP conference: Vision for our Non-Hierarchical Movement [5].
Please join us in showing support for Brooklyn College SJP and the professors and administrators who have remained steadfast despite escalating pressure, by signing this statement: http://bit.ly/WWJrUq [6].
[1] http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/feb/02/brooklyn-college-bds-alan-dershowitz
[2] http://www.scribd.com/doc/123394756/Letter-from-Lew-Fidler
[3] http://sjpnational.org/2013/02/05/sjp-national-voices-support-university-california-organizers/
[4] http://ccrjustice.org/newsroom/press-releases/rights-groups-launch-palestine-solidarity-legal-support-intake-system-and-website
[5] http://sjpnational.org/2012/11/14/national-students-justice-palestine-vision-non-hierarchical-movement/
[6] http://bit.ly/WWJrUq
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AMP stands in solidarity with Brooklyn College SJP
The American Muslims for Palestine stands in solidarity with the Brooklyn College Students for Justice in Palestine and the Political Science Department against a torrid smear campaign orchestrated by Israel-firster Alan Dershowitz designed to shut down a BDS event featuring Omar Barghouti and Judith Butler.
Dershowitz, who has made a career of silencing open debate about Israeli policies through intimidation and harassment, was joined in his efforts to quash the Brooklyn SJP event by major media and some members of the New York City Council, who had threatened to pull funding if the event takes place as scheduled on Feb. 7.
Laudably, Brooklyn College President Karen Gould on Feb. 4 issued a statement saying the administration would allow the event to go forward in the interest of “academic freedom.”
“Providing an open forum to discuss important topics, even those many find highly objectionable, is a centuries-old practice on university campuses around the country,” Gould said. “Indeed, this spirit of inquiry and critical debate is a hallmark of the American education system.”
Throughout the United States there is increasing pressure and backlash against anyone publicly criticizing Israeli policies that not only violate international law on a daily basis but that also deprive Palestinian people of their basic human rights. From the congressional confirmation hearings of Sen. Chuck Hagel to students in the University of California system to organizations such as AMP that advocate for Palestinian human rights, it is increasingly difficult to have open and honest debates when it comes to Israel.
AMP applauds Brooklyn College for standing against this tide of censorship and suppression of free speech. AMP also stands firmly with Brooklyn College students who have bravely and resolutely faced this firestorm of an orchestrated smear campaign, threats and intimidation.
The First Amendment guarantees free speech – even political speech. It is imperative that it apply equally to everyone, especially those presenting another narrative when it comes to the Middle East. For only when we are able to honestly confront Israel’s violations and how unconditional US support allows Israel to act with impunity can we begin to find a solution that will bring peace, justice and equal rights for everyone living in the Holy Land.
By remaining strong in the face of adversity, Brooklyn students are not only advocating for Palestinian human rights. They are also defending free speech – the very cornerstone of American democracy.
Dershowitz, who has made a career of silencing open debate about Israeli policies through intimidation and harassment, was joined in his efforts to quash the Brooklyn SJP event by major media and some members of the New York City Council, who had threatened to pull funding if the event takes place as scheduled on Feb. 7.
Laudably, Brooklyn College President Karen Gould on Feb. 4 issued a statement saying the administration would allow the event to go forward in the interest of “academic freedom.”
“Providing an open forum to discuss important topics, even those many find highly objectionable, is a centuries-old practice on university campuses around the country,” Gould said. “Indeed, this spirit of inquiry and critical debate is a hallmark of the American education system.”
Throughout the United States there is increasing pressure and backlash against anyone publicly criticizing Israeli policies that not only violate international law on a daily basis but that also deprive Palestinian people of their basic human rights. From the congressional confirmation hearings of Sen. Chuck Hagel to students in the University of California system to organizations such as AMP that advocate for Palestinian human rights, it is increasingly difficult to have open and honest debates when it comes to Israel.
AMP applauds Brooklyn College for standing against this tide of censorship and suppression of free speech. AMP also stands firmly with Brooklyn College students who have bravely and resolutely faced this firestorm of an orchestrated smear campaign, threats and intimidation.
The First Amendment guarantees free speech – even political speech. It is imperative that it apply equally to everyone, especially those presenting another narrative when it comes to the Middle East. For only when we are able to honestly confront Israel’s violations and how unconditional US support allows Israel to act with impunity can we begin to find a solution that will bring peace, justice and equal rights for everyone living in the Holy Land.
By remaining strong in the face of adversity, Brooklyn students are not only advocating for Palestinian human rights. They are also defending free speech – the very cornerstone of American democracy.
Alice Walker's statement of support to BC SJP
Statement
"I think this statement covers it! I sign on. Wishing you a wonderful new year, my friend. Blessings to Omar".—Alice
Sign the statement too!
Alice Walker is an internationally celebrated author, poet and activist whose books include seven novels, four collections of short stories, four children’s books, and volumes of essays and poetry. She’s best known for The Color Purple, the 1983 novel for which she won the Pulitzer Prize—the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction—and the National Book Award.
Walker has been an activist all of her adult life, and believes that learning to extend the range of our compassion is activity and work available to all. She is a staunch defender not only of human rights, but of the rights of all living beings. She is one of the world’s most prolific writers, yet tirelessly continues to travel the world to literally stand on the side of the poor, and the economically, spiritually and politically oppressed. She also stands, however, on the side of the revolutionaries, teachers and leaders who seek change and transformation of the world. Upon returning from Gaza in 2008, Walker said, “Going to Gaza was our opportunity to remind the people of Gaza and ourselves that we belong to the same world: the world where grief is not only acknowledged, but shared; where we see injustice and call it by its name; where we see suffering and know the one who stands and sees is also harmed, but not nearly so much as the one who stands and sees and says and does nothing.”
"I think this statement covers it! I sign on. Wishing you a wonderful new year, my friend. Blessings to Omar".—Alice
Sign the statement too!
Alice Walker is an internationally celebrated author, poet and activist whose books include seven novels, four collections of short stories, four children’s books, and volumes of essays and poetry. She’s best known for The Color Purple, the 1983 novel for which she won the Pulitzer Prize—the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction—and the National Book Award.
Walker has been an activist all of her adult life, and believes that learning to extend the range of our compassion is activity and work available to all. She is a staunch defender not only of human rights, but of the rights of all living beings. She is one of the world’s most prolific writers, yet tirelessly continues to travel the world to literally stand on the side of the poor, and the economically, spiritually and politically oppressed. She also stands, however, on the side of the revolutionaries, teachers and leaders who seek change and transformation of the world. Upon returning from Gaza in 2008, Walker said, “Going to Gaza was our opportunity to remind the people of Gaza and ourselves that we belong to the same world: the world where grief is not only acknowledged, but shared; where we see injustice and call it by its name; where we see suffering and know the one who stands and sees is also harmed, but not nearly so much as the one who stands and sees and says and does nothing.”
Pink Floyd's Roger Waters - Statement of support to BC SJP
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2013
CONTACT: Sundus Seif - brooklyncollegesjp@gmail.com
SJP Brooklyn College Welcomes Support of Musician & Human Rights Activist Roger Waters
The Brooklyn College chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine is pleased to welcome the support of internationally renowned musician and human rights advocate Roger Waters, of Pink Floyd fame, in the face of attacks from politicians and others who wish to silence critics of Israel and supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement at our school. Today, Mr. Waters released the following statement:
A SHORT NOTE OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE STUDENTS OF BROOKLYN COLLEGE
My young friends, I am proud of you. You are the fresh air "we the people" need to breathe. You are the true America. You represent all that the founding fathers intended and hoped for. You are standing up for truth and liberty. You believe that all men should be equal. You believe in civil liberty. You believe in the first amendment. You believe in, and try to live by the Constitution. You believe in The Law. You believe that the pursuit of liberty and happiness is the right of all men, women and children, regardless of their race, religion or nationality. Your empathies extend beyond the narrow confines of national or corporate interests. You man the barricades of intellectual and political freedom.
That you have come under attack from powerful political and media forces for trying to shed light on the predicament of the good peoples of Palestine and Israel is wrong. I stand with you. Sadly, none of us knows what lies behind the closed doors of government, even though we should for we have a right to know, to speak, discuss, still not your voice, be not afraid. More power to you. As long as young people like you stand up in face of all the bigotry and fear, in face of all the secrecy and doubt, stand up, unafraid, and shed your light, and seek the truth, then, "We The People," bowed, maybe? But still unbroken, we, will have at last, the right to hope!
With great respect.
ROGER WATERS
For more information, visit SJP Brooklyn College's website at http://www.brooklynsjp.com or email us at brooklyncollegesjp@gmail.com.
February 4, 2013
CONTACT: Sundus Seif - brooklyncollegesjp@gmail.com
SJP Brooklyn College Welcomes Support of Musician & Human Rights Activist Roger Waters
The Brooklyn College chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine is pleased to welcome the support of internationally renowned musician and human rights advocate Roger Waters, of Pink Floyd fame, in the face of attacks from politicians and others who wish to silence critics of Israel and supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement at our school. Today, Mr. Waters released the following statement:
A SHORT NOTE OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE STUDENTS OF BROOKLYN COLLEGE
My young friends, I am proud of you. You are the fresh air "we the people" need to breathe. You are the true America. You represent all that the founding fathers intended and hoped for. You are standing up for truth and liberty. You believe that all men should be equal. You believe in civil liberty. You believe in the first amendment. You believe in, and try to live by the Constitution. You believe in The Law. You believe that the pursuit of liberty and happiness is the right of all men, women and children, regardless of their race, religion or nationality. Your empathies extend beyond the narrow confines of national or corporate interests. You man the barricades of intellectual and political freedom.
That you have come under attack from powerful political and media forces for trying to shed light on the predicament of the good peoples of Palestine and Israel is wrong. I stand with you. Sadly, none of us knows what lies behind the closed doors of government, even though we should for we have a right to know, to speak, discuss, still not your voice, be not afraid. More power to you. As long as young people like you stand up in face of all the bigotry and fear, in face of all the secrecy and doubt, stand up, unafraid, and shed your light, and seek the truth, then, "We The People," bowed, maybe? But still unbroken, we, will have at last, the right to hope!
With great respect.
ROGER WATERS
For more information, visit SJP Brooklyn College's website at http://www.brooklynsjp.com or email us at brooklyncollegesjp@gmail.com.
______________________________________________________
BDS (Boycotts, Divestment, Sanctions) Movement for Palestinian Rights.
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED!
WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING ANY MORE NAMES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Brooklyn College Students for Justice in Palestine presents BDS (Boycotts, Divestment, Sanctions) Movement for Palestinian Rights.
A strategy that allows people of conscience to play an effective role in the Palestinian struggle for justice.
Join us for a lecture with Judith Butler and Omar Barghouti on the importance of BDS in helping END Israeli apartheid and the illegal occupation of Palestine.
Thursday February 7th
6:30pm-9:00pm
Brooklyn College
E 27th St and Campus Road Brooklyn, NY 11210
Room: Student Center Building PENTHOUSE
Refreshments will be served
Free and open to the public
OMAR BARGHOUTI is an independent Palestinian commentator and human rights activist. He is a founding member of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) and the Palestinian Civil Society Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Columbia University, NY, and a master's degree in philosophy (ethics) from Tel Aviv University.
www.bdsmovement.net
JUDITH BUTLER is an American philosopher, who has contributed to the fields of feminism, queer theory, political philosophy, and ethics. Her theories have been extremely influential in the field of gender studies, cultural studies, philosophy, and literary criticism. Herself being Jewish, her most recent work focuses on Jewish philosophy, exploring pre- and post-Zionist criticisms of state violence.
Co-sponsored by:
Adalah NY
Al-Awda NY: The Palestine Right to Return Coalition
American Muslims for Palestine
The Political Science Department at Brooklyn College
Brooklyn College Student Union
Brooklyn For Peace
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual Association at
Brooklyn College (LGBTA BC) - Upholding freedom of speech
Critical Palestine Studies Association at the CUNY GRAD Center
CUNY School of Law National Lawyers Guild Chapter
Existence is Resistance
Hunter SJP
International Socialist Organization
Jewish Voice for Peace
Jews say No!
Jews for Palestinian Right of Return
John Jay SJP
Columbia SJP
Muslim American Society Chapter - MAS on Campus
New Yorkers Against the Cornell-Technion Partnership (NYACT)
The Occupy Wall St Social Justice Working Group
Students for Justice at NYU
Labor for Palestine
New York City Labor Against the War
WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING ANY MORE NAMES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Brooklyn College Students for Justice in Palestine presents BDS (Boycotts, Divestment, Sanctions) Movement for Palestinian Rights.
A strategy that allows people of conscience to play an effective role in the Palestinian struggle for justice.
Join us for a lecture with Judith Butler and Omar Barghouti on the importance of BDS in helping END Israeli apartheid and the illegal occupation of Palestine.
Thursday February 7th
6:30pm-9:00pm
Brooklyn College
E 27th St and Campus Road Brooklyn, NY 11210
Room: Student Center Building PENTHOUSE
Refreshments will be served
Free and open to the public
OMAR BARGHOUTI is an independent Palestinian commentator and human rights activist. He is a founding member of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) and the Palestinian Civil Society Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Columbia University, NY, and a master's degree in philosophy (ethics) from Tel Aviv University.
www.bdsmovement.net
JUDITH BUTLER is an American philosopher, who has contributed to the fields of feminism, queer theory, political philosophy, and ethics. Her theories have been extremely influential in the field of gender studies, cultural studies, philosophy, and literary criticism. Herself being Jewish, her most recent work focuses on Jewish philosophy, exploring pre- and post-Zionist criticisms of state violence.
Co-sponsored by:
Adalah NY
Al-Awda NY: The Palestine Right to Return Coalition
American Muslims for Palestine
The Political Science Department at Brooklyn College
Brooklyn College Student Union
Brooklyn For Peace
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transexual Association at
Brooklyn College (LGBTA BC) - Upholding freedom of speech
Critical Palestine Studies Association at the CUNY GRAD Center
CUNY School of Law National Lawyers Guild Chapter
Existence is Resistance
Hunter SJP
International Socialist Organization
Jewish Voice for Peace
Jews say No!
Jews for Palestinian Right of Return
John Jay SJP
Columbia SJP
Muslim American Society Chapter - MAS on Campus
New Yorkers Against the Cornell-Technion Partnership (NYACT)
The Occupy Wall St Social Justice Working Group
Students for Justice at NYU
Labor for Palestine
New York City Labor Against the War
GAZA Solidarity Statement
November-22-2012
We are a broad coalition of people of conscience in New York/New Jersey who strongly condemn the Israeli assault on Gaza. Although a truce has been announced, Gaza still remains under a brutal and crippling siege and occupation. The recent assault on Gaza resulted in hundreds of civilian injuries and killings, including many children, and destroyed a significant number of homes and infrastructure, which will have a devastating effect on the strip.
The recent attacks on Gaza must be seen within a larger context and understood as the latest in the 64-year occupation and colonization of Palestinian land. Gaza, one of the most densely populated places on earth, has been under Israeli siege since 2006. This is collective punishment on Gazans for democratically electing Hamas. "The idea is to put the Palestinians on a diet, but not to make them die of hunger,” the former chief of staff to Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon confessed. Israel’s brutal siege of Gaza violates international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. The majority of Gazans are among the estimated 7 million Palestinian refugees, and many are even second or third-time refugees. They were expelled from their homes in either the 1948 nakba (Palestinian catastrophe), which resulted in the establishment of the state of Israel, or the 1967 war. Since then, the refugees have been prevented from exercising their right of return, which is enshrined in international law for every refugee population.
We recognize the profound role the U.S. plays in the occupation and ethnic cleaning of the Palestinians. Instead of sending 8.5 million tax dollars daily to perpetuate Israel's violations of international law, we believe our tax dollars should go to support education, health care, and victims of the latest disaster - Hurricane Sandy - here at home, and to fund reparations for US- financed death and destruction in Palestine.
Therefore, we call on people of conscience in the United States to:
+ Endorse this statement by signing this petition.
+ Call for an end to U.S. aid to Israel; + Contact the White House - 202.456.1111 and the U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Elizabeth Jones - 202.647.7209 and demand that President Obama hold to account Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government for their attacks on the civilian population of Gaza;
+ Participate in a local action near you. There are a number of protests/rallies/sit-ins around the world, or organize one and call for an end to Israeli occupation;
+ Support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement (BDS Call for Gaza), which calls for an end to Israeli military occupation, equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees; and back the efforts of labor unions and student groups to compel their employers and administrators to divest from companies that do business in Israel.
In solidarity with the people of Gaza,
ORGANIZATIONAL ENDORSEMENTS:
Adalah-NY: The New York Campaign for the Boycott of Israel
Al-Awda NY, The Palestine Right to Return Coalition
American Muslims for Palestine - NY
Defend the Egyptian Revolution Coalition
Existence is Resistance (NYC)
International Socialist Organization-NYC
Labor for Palestine
Network of Arab American Professionals - NY (NAAP-NY)
New Yorkers Against the Cornell-Technion Partnership (NYACT)
New York City Labor Against the War
Occupy Wall Street Environmental Solidarity
Siegebusters Working Group
Students for Justice in Palestine @ Brooklyn College
Students for Justice in Palestine @ Columbia University
Students for Justice in Palestine @ Hunter College
Students for Justice in Palestine @ John Jay College
Students for Justice in Palestine @ New York University (NYU)
US Palestinian Community Network - NY
INDIVIDUAL ENDORSEMENTS:
Abdu Salman
Abeer T.N. AlYazji
Amanda Najib
Ameera Hasan
Anna Calcutt
Anthony Arnove, author, Iraq: The Logic of Withdrawal
Carlos Guzman
Christine O’ Heron
Cyrus McGoldrick
Denise Fernandez
Eran Efrati
Fatimah Rimawi
Gabriela Lazaro
Hana Sleiman
Jasbir Puar, Professor, Rutgers University
Leena Widdi
Maryam Zohny
Maya Wind
Michael Letwin, Former President, Association of Legal Aid Attorneys/UAW Local 2325
Nasser Jaber
Ryan Green
Samer Asous
Sharita Sharmin
Sherry Wolf
Sundus Seif
The recent attacks on Gaza must be seen within a larger context and understood as the latest in the 64-year occupation and colonization of Palestinian land. Gaza, one of the most densely populated places on earth, has been under Israeli siege since 2006. This is collective punishment on Gazans for democratically electing Hamas. "The idea is to put the Palestinians on a diet, but not to make them die of hunger,” the former chief of staff to Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon confessed. Israel’s brutal siege of Gaza violates international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. The majority of Gazans are among the estimated 7 million Palestinian refugees, and many are even second or third-time refugees. They were expelled from their homes in either the 1948 nakba (Palestinian catastrophe), which resulted in the establishment of the state of Israel, or the 1967 war. Since then, the refugees have been prevented from exercising their right of return, which is enshrined in international law for every refugee population.
We recognize the profound role the U.S. plays in the occupation and ethnic cleaning of the Palestinians. Instead of sending 8.5 million tax dollars daily to perpetuate Israel's violations of international law, we believe our tax dollars should go to support education, health care, and victims of the latest disaster - Hurricane Sandy - here at home, and to fund reparations for US- financed death and destruction in Palestine.
Therefore, we call on people of conscience in the United States to:
+ Endorse this statement by signing this petition.
+ Call for an end to U.S. aid to Israel; + Contact the White House - 202.456.1111 and the U.S. Department of State Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Elizabeth Jones - 202.647.7209 and demand that President Obama hold to account Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government for their attacks on the civilian population of Gaza;
+ Participate in a local action near you. There are a number of protests/rallies/sit-ins around the world, or organize one and call for an end to Israeli occupation;
+ Support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement (BDS Call for Gaza), which calls for an end to Israeli military occupation, equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees; and back the efforts of labor unions and student groups to compel their employers and administrators to divest from companies that do business in Israel.
In solidarity with the people of Gaza,
ORGANIZATIONAL ENDORSEMENTS:
Adalah-NY: The New York Campaign for the Boycott of Israel
Al-Awda NY, The Palestine Right to Return Coalition
American Muslims for Palestine - NY
Defend the Egyptian Revolution Coalition
Existence is Resistance (NYC)
International Socialist Organization-NYC
Labor for Palestine
Network of Arab American Professionals - NY (NAAP-NY)
New Yorkers Against the Cornell-Technion Partnership (NYACT)
New York City Labor Against the War
Occupy Wall Street Environmental Solidarity
Siegebusters Working Group
Students for Justice in Palestine @ Brooklyn College
Students for Justice in Palestine @ Columbia University
Students for Justice in Palestine @ Hunter College
Students for Justice in Palestine @ John Jay College
Students for Justice in Palestine @ New York University (NYU)
US Palestinian Community Network - NY
INDIVIDUAL ENDORSEMENTS:
Abdu Salman
Abeer T.N. AlYazji
Amanda Najib
Ameera Hasan
Anna Calcutt
Anthony Arnove, author, Iraq: The Logic of Withdrawal
Carlos Guzman
Christine O’ Heron
Cyrus McGoldrick
Denise Fernandez
Eran Efrati
Fatimah Rimawi
Gabriela Lazaro
Hana Sleiman
Jasbir Puar, Professor, Rutgers University
Leena Widdi
Maryam Zohny
Maya Wind
Michael Letwin, Former President, Association of Legal Aid Attorneys/UAW Local 2325
Nasser Jaber
Ryan Green
Samer Asous
Sharita Sharmin
Sherry Wolf
Sundus Seif
National SJP Gaza Solidarity Statement
November-21-2012
As conscientious Students for Justice in Palestine – National, we strongly condemn the Israeli aggression on Gaza. On November 14, Israel launched an assault on Gaza that has claimed the lives of over 115 Palestinians and led to over 800 injuries, of which over 64 were civilians and 21 children. The numbers continue to rise by the hour. As of Friday afternoon, approximately 223 buildings were damaged or completely destroyed and Gazans have been awakening and sleeping to the sounds of U.S./Israeli-made F16 fighter jets, attack drones, and their accompanied explosions on a daily basis. The onslaught began due to Israel’s violation of its truce with Hamas.
Gaza, one of the most densely populated places on earth, has been under Israeli siege since 2006. The crippling siege is collective punishment for Palestinians in Gaza for democratically electing Hamas—a party Israel did not approve of. Dov Weissglass, the then chief of staff to Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon confessed: “The idea is to put the Palestinians on a diet, but not to make them die of hunger.” The majority of Gazans are second or third time refugees who were expelled from their homes in either the 1948 nakba (Palestinian catastrophe), which resulted in the establishment of the state of Israel, or the 1967 war. Israel’s crippling and brutal siege of Gaza is in violation of international humanitarian law and in violation of the Geneva Conventions.
Since the Wednesday attack on Gaza, the international community has sprung up in solidarity and organized hundreds of rallies, demonstrations, and sit-ins across the world from Hong Kong to Ireland, from Mexico City to South Korea, and from London to Beirut. Many fear that we might be witnessing another “Operation Cast Lead,” which occurred three years ago in 2008-2009, in which the Israeli military carried out a ruthless and disproportionate attack on the population. The magnitude of the harm to the mostly civilian-youth population was unprecedented: 1,385 Palestinians were killed of which 318 were minors under the age of 18. Furthermore, more than 5,300 Palestinians were wounded—many very seriously. In addition, Israel caused enormous damage to residential dwellings, industrial buildings, agriculture and infrastructure for electricity, sanitation, water, and health, which was on the verge of collapse prior to the operation.
Now, under the new Israeli major offensive attack ironically coined “Operation Pillar of Defense,” we have already seen tremendous damage, thousands of reserve soldiers have been called in amid threats of a ground invasion. It is important to note that Israel is not acting in “self-defense.” First and foremost, Israel broke the recent truce with Hamas, and secondly as the occupying power, it does not have the right to defend itself against the population it is occupying, as analyst Noam Chomsky states: “When Israelis in the occupied territories now claim that they have to defend themselves, they are defending themselves in the sense that any military occupier has to defend itself against the population they are crushing…Call it what you like, it’s not defense.”
Therefore, we, National Students for Justice in Palestine, as part of our vision to build a “collaborative movement where events and actions can be performed simultaneously in order to support local campuses in delivering our message in a strong, fierce, and unapologetic voice,” call on students nationwide to speak out against Israel’s brutal attacks on Gaza and take the following immediate actions:
Gaza, one of the most densely populated places on earth, has been under Israeli siege since 2006. The crippling siege is collective punishment for Palestinians in Gaza for democratically electing Hamas—a party Israel did not approve of. Dov Weissglass, the then chief of staff to Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon confessed: “The idea is to put the Palestinians on a diet, but not to make them die of hunger.” The majority of Gazans are second or third time refugees who were expelled from their homes in either the 1948 nakba (Palestinian catastrophe), which resulted in the establishment of the state of Israel, or the 1967 war. Israel’s crippling and brutal siege of Gaza is in violation of international humanitarian law and in violation of the Geneva Conventions.
Since the Wednesday attack on Gaza, the international community has sprung up in solidarity and organized hundreds of rallies, demonstrations, and sit-ins across the world from Hong Kong to Ireland, from Mexico City to South Korea, and from London to Beirut. Many fear that we might be witnessing another “Operation Cast Lead,” which occurred three years ago in 2008-2009, in which the Israeli military carried out a ruthless and disproportionate attack on the population. The magnitude of the harm to the mostly civilian-youth population was unprecedented: 1,385 Palestinians were killed of which 318 were minors under the age of 18. Furthermore, more than 5,300 Palestinians were wounded—many very seriously. In addition, Israel caused enormous damage to residential dwellings, industrial buildings, agriculture and infrastructure for electricity, sanitation, water, and health, which was on the verge of collapse prior to the operation.
Now, under the new Israeli major offensive attack ironically coined “Operation Pillar of Defense,” we have already seen tremendous damage, thousands of reserve soldiers have been called in amid threats of a ground invasion. It is important to note that Israel is not acting in “self-defense.” First and foremost, Israel broke the recent truce with Hamas, and secondly as the occupying power, it does not have the right to defend itself against the population it is occupying, as analyst Noam Chomsky states: “When Israelis in the occupied territories now claim that they have to defend themselves, they are defending themselves in the sense that any military occupier has to defend itself against the population they are crushing…Call it what you like, it’s not defense.”
Therefore, we, National Students for Justice in Palestine, as part of our vision to build a “collaborative movement where events and actions can be performed simultaneously in order to support local campuses in delivering our message in a strong, fierce, and unapologetic voice,” call on students nationwide to speak out against Israel’s brutal attacks on Gaza and take the following immediate actions:
- Call the STATE DEPARTMENT (202.647.6575) & the WHITE HOUSE (202.456.1111) and DEMAND A CEASEFIRE! Ask for the comment line (the public of inquiry/public affairs line) and hammer them. Demand answers to the unjust massacre. Demand that the US pressure Israel to STOP the attack on Gaza NOW! The attacks are our tax dollars (~$3 billion military aid to Israel annually), which could be used for other national services here at home, primarily Hurricane Sandy relief. Be firm, but kind;
- Organize a silent protest/sit-in/demonstration on your campus/community and make a presence to raise awareness in your community. Encourage members to also speak out against these injustices and join these efforts;
- Take photographs and use social media, contact local and campus media about your protest or write an op-ed for your school paper.
- Call on Israel to end its attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza
- Call on Israel to end its ongoing blockade of Gaza
- Call on the US government to end its military aid to Israel
- Call on Obama to condemn Israel’s attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza
- Call on your university’s pension fund (TIAA-CREF) to divest from corporations supporting Israel’s military attacks in Gaza (HP, Motorola, Elbit, Northrop Grumman)
- Call on your university to divest from all corporations profiting from Israeli occupation
Brooklyn College SJP Bake Sale!
November 8, 2012
Brooklyn College Students for Justice in Palestine first bake sale. Right after a snow storm BC SJP still come out determined to raise money for this organization. We served Middle Eastern food such as hummus, taboula, hareesa, and more! Join us again next week for another bake sale, Thursday November, 16 11:00am-4:00pm-Whitehead Breezy!
National-Students for Justice in Palestine: Vision for our non-hierarchical movement
October-14-2012
This statement is born out of the 2nd SJP National Conference.
1) As a solidarity movement we envision our role to be, first and foremost, a response to the needs and demands of the Palestinian people. In recognition of our positionality as solidarity organizations, we look to Palestinian civil society to determine the course and direction of our work. We acknowledge that it is our responsibility to introduce, embolden, and bring to surface Palestinian voices and narratives in public discourses on our college campuses.
2) It is of utmost importance that we tell our own stories and write our own history against the misrepresentation and cooptation of our movement in the public sphere. We seek to claim and establish an accurate characterization of our work in response to the mischaracterizations, which dominate public discourse and the mainstream media.
3) We envision a movement where students are able to organize effectively on campuses without financial and material constraints. Therefore we believe that we can collectively establish a financial support system so that students can focus on the difficult and important work that needs to be done on the local level.
4) In order to facilitate effective organizing we believe that we must preserve, provide, and disseminate generational knowledge, resources, and a space for networking. Thus, we seek to create a digital archive and website.
5) We envision a collaborative movement where events and actions can be performed simultaneously in order to support local campuses in delivering our message in a strong, fierce, and unapologetic voice.
6) We understand the need and utility for each local branch and respective chapter to assemble annually for the purpose of networking and connecting with one another in order to grow and learn from each other. Therefore, we envision the annual SJP-National conference to be a means where SJP chapters can come together to develop a stronger resistance in order to protect ourselves from political and academic repression.
7) We believe that no struggle against oppression is divorced from one another, that in order to resist structural oppression we must embody the principles and ideals we envision for a just society, and that we must be vigilant about upholding ethical positions against homophobia, sexism, racism, bigotry, classism, colonialism, and discrimination of any form.
1) As a solidarity movement we envision our role to be, first and foremost, a response to the needs and demands of the Palestinian people. In recognition of our positionality as solidarity organizations, we look to Palestinian civil society to determine the course and direction of our work. We acknowledge that it is our responsibility to introduce, embolden, and bring to surface Palestinian voices and narratives in public discourses on our college campuses.
2) It is of utmost importance that we tell our own stories and write our own history against the misrepresentation and cooptation of our movement in the public sphere. We seek to claim and establish an accurate characterization of our work in response to the mischaracterizations, which dominate public discourse and the mainstream media.
3) We envision a movement where students are able to organize effectively on campuses without financial and material constraints. Therefore we believe that we can collectively establish a financial support system so that students can focus on the difficult and important work that needs to be done on the local level.
4) In order to facilitate effective organizing we believe that we must preserve, provide, and disseminate generational knowledge, resources, and a space for networking. Thus, we seek to create a digital archive and website.
5) We envision a collaborative movement where events and actions can be performed simultaneously in order to support local campuses in delivering our message in a strong, fierce, and unapologetic voice.
6) We understand the need and utility for each local branch and respective chapter to assemble annually for the purpose of networking and connecting with one another in order to grow and learn from each other. Therefore, we envision the annual SJP-National conference to be a means where SJP chapters can come together to develop a stronger resistance in order to protect ourselves from political and academic repression.
7) We believe that no struggle against oppression is divorced from one another, that in order to resist structural oppression we must embody the principles and ideals we envision for a just society, and that we must be vigilant about upholding ethical positions against homophobia, sexism, racism, bigotry, classism, colonialism, and discrimination of any form.
Filmscreening of "The people and the olive"
October 28th, 2012
Brooklyn College's Students for Justice in Palestine and Students for Food Sustainability Present:
The People and The Olive by Aaron Dennis"The Story of The Run Across Palestine"
Followed by a discussion with members of Brooklyn for Peace.
Monday, November 19th 6-9pm
Student Centers Gold Room
This event is open to the public so please bring your friends and family.
The People and The Olive is an inspiring documentary about the daily struggles and joys of Palestinian olive farmers. When a group of American ultra-marathoners sets out to run 129 miles in 5 days across the West Bank they discover that in replanting uprooted olive trees they are planting hope and building cultural bridges. The People and The Olive was filmed during the Run Across Palestine in February 2012, as a project of the Michigan-based non-profit On The Ground, which works to support sustainable community development in farming regions across the world. The run was supported by the Palestine Fair Trade Association, a collective more than 2500 small-scale farmers in the West Bank who have embraced fair trade practices to sustain their futures and to sell their products worldwide.“Past generations planted these trees that we’re eating from and are supporting our lives, and we plant trees for our future generations to support their lives.” - Nasser Abufarha, Palestine Fair Trade Association founder.
http://thepeopleandtheolive.com/
The People and The Olive by Aaron Dennis"The Story of The Run Across Palestine"
Followed by a discussion with members of Brooklyn for Peace.
Monday, November 19th 6-9pm
Student Centers Gold Room
This event is open to the public so please bring your friends and family.
The People and The Olive is an inspiring documentary about the daily struggles and joys of Palestinian olive farmers. When a group of American ultra-marathoners sets out to run 129 miles in 5 days across the West Bank they discover that in replanting uprooted olive trees they are planting hope and building cultural bridges. The People and The Olive was filmed during the Run Across Palestine in February 2012, as a project of the Michigan-based non-profit On The Ground, which works to support sustainable community development in farming regions across the world. The run was supported by the Palestine Fair Trade Association, a collective more than 2500 small-scale farmers in the West Bank who have embraced fair trade practices to sustain their futures and to sell their products worldwide.“Past generations planted these trees that we’re eating from and are supporting our lives, and we plant trees for our future generations to support their lives.” - Nasser Abufarha, Palestine Fair Trade Association founder.
http://thepeopleandtheolive.com/
SJP Tabling- Whitehead Breezeway
September 12, 2012
Brooklyn College Students for Justice in Palestine first tabling of the year. We distributed over 600 flyers to students on campus about our new organization and about the Palestinian struggle. While tabling for a couple of hours, we got 82 students to sign up for the mailing list. Look out for our table again next week, September 19, 2012 Whitehead Breezeway from 11am-5pm.
Russell Tribunal on Palestine - NYC session
September 1st, 2012
Registration is now OPEN for New York session of Russell Tribunal on Palestine. Join Alice Walker, Angela Davis Noam Chomsky, Dennis Banks, Huwaida Arraf, Ilan Pappe and many others now!
On trial: UN/US complicity in #IsraelsCrimes, register now 4 #RToPNYC Oct. 6-7
http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/sessions/future-sessions
The Russell Tribunal on Palestine (RToP) will be holding its fourth international session in New York City on Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7. It will take place in Manhattan, venue TBA.
The RToP is an International People’s Tribunal created in response to the international community’s inaction regarding Israel’s recognized violations of international law. The Tribunal aims to bring attention to the complicity and responsibility of various national, international and corporate actors in the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the perpetuation of Israel’s impunity under international law. Although the RToP has no legal status, like other Russell Tribunals on Vietnam, Chile and Iraq, its legitimacy comes from its universality and the strength that it draws from the will of citizens and the support of international personalities who advocate for an end to the Israeli occupation and Israel’s denial of Palestinian rights. (For more information on the Tribunal, please see: http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/.)
Following the sessions in Barcelona (which focused on EU complicity), London (on Corporate Complicity) and Cape Town (on the crime of Apartheid), the New York Tribunal will go back to the root of the conflict and focus on UN and US responsibility in the denial of the Palestinian right to self-determination.
Please contact rtopnycgmailcom with any questions. Further information regarding location and on-site registration will be announced a week before the Tribunal.
On trial: UN/US complicity in #IsraelsCrimes, register now 4 #RToPNYC Oct. 6-7
http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/sessions/future-sessions
The Russell Tribunal on Palestine (RToP) will be holding its fourth international session in New York City on Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7. It will take place in Manhattan, venue TBA.
The RToP is an International People’s Tribunal created in response to the international community’s inaction regarding Israel’s recognized violations of international law. The Tribunal aims to bring attention to the complicity and responsibility of various national, international and corporate actors in the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the perpetuation of Israel’s impunity under international law. Although the RToP has no legal status, like other Russell Tribunals on Vietnam, Chile and Iraq, its legitimacy comes from its universality and the strength that it draws from the will of citizens and the support of international personalities who advocate for an end to the Israeli occupation and Israel’s denial of Palestinian rights. (For more information on the Tribunal, please see: http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/.)
Following the sessions in Barcelona (which focused on EU complicity), London (on Corporate Complicity) and Cape Town (on the crime of Apartheid), the New York Tribunal will go back to the root of the conflict and focus on UN and US responsibility in the denial of the Palestinian right to self-determination.
Please contact rtopnycgmailcom with any questions. Further information regarding location and on-site registration will be announced a week before the Tribunal.
When SJPs are under attack, what do you do?
August 10, 2012
Stand up fight back! **please forward widely** http://bit.ly/SJPdonate
National SJP
Dear friends and allies,
We are excited to announce that the second conference of the Students for Justice in Palestine national network will be held at the University of Michigan from November 2nd – 4th.
Will you support the largest network for Palestinian solidarity in the United States and help us grow into an organized force for justice?
Titled “From Local Roots to Nationwide Branches: Bridging Student Movements,” this year’s gathering will focus on solidifying a national structure, sharing valuable knowledge across campuses, drawing connections to other indigenous and anti-racist struggles, and facilitating vital discussion on the growing Palestine solidarity movement.
Thanks to supporters like you, we raised over $23,000 to make last year’s conference possible. By supplementing the resources of SJPs across the country, we were able to bring together about 350 students from over 150 SJP chapters. Organized entirely by passionate students and alumni on volunteered time, we pulled together a conference with minimal overhead.
Last year, we held 21 informative workshops. We took the first steps in brainstorming and democratically building a national structure to make our network stronger. We started an immensely important discussion on how to pool knowledge, experiences, and resources.
Creative and engaging Palestinian activism across US college (and now high school!) campuses is an opportunity to grow ourselves as organizers; it is a way to involve new, young people on the issue; it is a means of challenging academic discourses; and now with BDS, it is a chance to create real economic pressures.
Because we are gaining ground, SJPs nationwide are under attack. Our work to get SJPs collaborating and organized is more urgent than ever.
We want justice for Palestine and we’re taking the future into our hands — will you help us?
Donate today online or for tax-exempt donations, please mail checks to
WESPAC Foundation, 52 North Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603 with SJP National Conference in the memo.
In solidarity,
The NSJP Steering Committee
National SJP
Dear friends and allies,
We are excited to announce that the second conference of the Students for Justice in Palestine national network will be held at the University of Michigan from November 2nd – 4th.
Will you support the largest network for Palestinian solidarity in the United States and help us grow into an organized force for justice?
Titled “From Local Roots to Nationwide Branches: Bridging Student Movements,” this year’s gathering will focus on solidifying a national structure, sharing valuable knowledge across campuses, drawing connections to other indigenous and anti-racist struggles, and facilitating vital discussion on the growing Palestine solidarity movement.
Thanks to supporters like you, we raised over $23,000 to make last year’s conference possible. By supplementing the resources of SJPs across the country, we were able to bring together about 350 students from over 150 SJP chapters. Organized entirely by passionate students and alumni on volunteered time, we pulled together a conference with minimal overhead.
Last year, we held 21 informative workshops. We took the first steps in brainstorming and democratically building a national structure to make our network stronger. We started an immensely important discussion on how to pool knowledge, experiences, and resources.
Creative and engaging Palestinian activism across US college (and now high school!) campuses is an opportunity to grow ourselves as organizers; it is a way to involve new, young people on the issue; it is a means of challenging academic discourses; and now with BDS, it is a chance to create real economic pressures.
Because we are gaining ground, SJPs nationwide are under attack. Our work to get SJPs collaborating and organized is more urgent than ever.
We want justice for Palestine and we’re taking the future into our hands — will you help us?
Donate today online or for tax-exempt donations, please mail checks to
WESPAC Foundation, 52 North Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603 with SJP National Conference in the memo.
In solidarity,
The NSJP Steering Committee
Announcing the 2012 National Students for Justice in Palestine Conference
July 30, 2012
The National Students for Justice in Palestine Steering Committee calls on all current student activists to join us at the University of Michigan for the 2nd National Students for Justice in Palestine Conference, from November 2nd to November 4th, 2012.
As we continue organizing for justice in Palestine on our respective campuses and in our local communities, our growth, numerous victories, and collective struggle requires that we begin building bridges and breaking barriers between our campuses. As students on forefront of social change, it has become imperative that we connect our struggle with all those who seek justice and freedom from oppression. United, we can turn our organizing efforts at the local level into a united, nationwide campaign to better achieve liberation and justice for Palestine.
ELIGIBILITY
This conference is specifically geared toward:
GOALS
This year, we plan to accomplish the following goals:
It is critical that as many students as possible participate in shaping the conference and making it a success. We call on students from groups across the country to volunteer for the organizational committees that will put this conference together. To join a committee, please email the address provided with your name, school, phone number, SJP group name, and the contact details of a leader of your SJP chapter (so that each organizer can be identified for security purposes).
Coordinating – nsjp.coordinating@gmail.com
Programming – nsjp.programming@gmail.com
Press and public relations – nsjp.ppr@gmail.com
Fundraising and finance – nsjp.ff@gmail.com
Logistics - nsjp.logistics@gmail.com
Marketing/outreach - nsjp.outreach@gmail.com
COSTS
NSJP will make every effort to support travel for students. Our budget for travel subsidies depends on fundraising, and we hope that supporters publicize and donate to the conference, and that local SJP chapters attempt to raise funds themselves. Our goal is to have a conference attended by SJP members across the nation, and we are committed to not letting financial burdens discourage attendance.
Please assist us in covering the expenses of this conference by donating through our fundraising page.
This is an exciting time for SJP chapters across the country, and this upcoming conference promises to be a launching pad for amazing student organizing in the year to come. But we cannot do it without you. Please join us in working to build a stronger national student solidarity movement.
As we continue organizing for justice in Palestine on our respective campuses and in our local communities, our growth, numerous victories, and collective struggle requires that we begin building bridges and breaking barriers between our campuses. As students on forefront of social change, it has become imperative that we connect our struggle with all those who seek justice and freedom from oppression. United, we can turn our organizing efforts at the local level into a united, nationwide campaign to better achieve liberation and justice for Palestine.
ELIGIBILITY
This conference is specifically geared toward:
- Current student Palestine solidarity activists,
- Students looking to establish a campus Palestine solidarity student group,
- Alumni actively involved in their SJP group and endorsed by current members.
GOALS
This year, we plan to accomplish the following goals:
- Continue to build a National SJP structure that is a powerful and united support and organizing network for local chapters.
- Further local SJP campaigns, particularly Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions efforts.
- Link local SJPs with other national and international organizations, so that they have better access to outreach, speakers, and funding.
- Provide training on topics ranging from starting a campus education or BDS campaign to addressing criticism from Zionist and pro-normalization organizations, to conducting outreach and fundraising.
- Unite local SJPs with struggles for justice in the United States and internationally.
It is critical that as many students as possible participate in shaping the conference and making it a success. We call on students from groups across the country to volunteer for the organizational committees that will put this conference together. To join a committee, please email the address provided with your name, school, phone number, SJP group name, and the contact details of a leader of your SJP chapter (so that each organizer can be identified for security purposes).
Coordinating – nsjp.coordinating@gmail.com
Programming – nsjp.programming@gmail.com
Press and public relations – nsjp.ppr@gmail.com
Fundraising and finance – nsjp.ff@gmail.com
Logistics - nsjp.logistics@gmail.com
Marketing/outreach - nsjp.outreach@gmail.com
COSTS
NSJP will make every effort to support travel for students. Our budget for travel subsidies depends on fundraising, and we hope that supporters publicize and donate to the conference, and that local SJP chapters attempt to raise funds themselves. Our goal is to have a conference attended by SJP members across the nation, and we are committed to not letting financial burdens discourage attendance.
Please assist us in covering the expenses of this conference by donating through our fundraising page.
This is an exciting time for SJP chapters across the country, and this upcoming conference promises to be a launching pad for amazing student organizing in the year to come. But we cannot do it without you. Please join us in working to build a stronger national student solidarity movement.
Brooklyn SJP Launches New Website
We are happy to announce the creation of a new Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter at Brooklyn College. We will be working hard to spread awareness of the human rights violations committed by Israel in Palestine. Brooklyn SJP is committed to shedding light on the injustices Palestinians face by empowering the student body with the truth.
