Karim Awad, Mubarak's son, has started a fundraiser for NVI.
(Mubarak modeling our new merch)
In a time of growing global crisis, supporters of Palestinian humanity came to Washington, DC.
This sign sums it all up - "What if it were your children?"
May we find a way to value all precious humans equally in both words and deeds.
Sign reads, "Violence is the language of the inarticulate. Free Palestine."
Sign reads, "We don't agree with our government funding genocide."
One sign reads, "When you need to have hundreds of protests just to tell the world bombing children is not ok, that is when you know you know that Humanity has Failed.
Sign held by staff members of the US Congress and Presidential Administration reads,
"Biden and Congress Your Staff Demand a Cease Fire."
Large Banner reads, "Stop the attack on Gaza. Free Palestine. Stop Killing Kids in Palestine."
Signs read, "One holocaust does not justify another" and "Free Palestine"
Concise, clear, and a touch of humor.
I brought a two-sided sign to the event. This side reads,
"This Jew believes the radical notion that Palestinians are human! Never Again must mean Never Again for All People!
I brought a two-sided sign to the event. This side reads,
"Cease Fire NOW! Occupation is NOT my Judaism. Solidarity and Co-Resistance are needed now more than ever."
Please see updates on Gaza here.
Please learn more and take ACTION here.
Please support NVI’s wonderful fiscally sponsored partners:
We Are Not Numbers continues to humanize Gazan Palestinians with its youth-led media training program.
Holy Land Trust mobilizes Palestinians, Israelis and foreigners to work together for a future based on equality. They re-build homes, engage in dialogue, and challenge the fear of the other.
The US Advisory Committee for the Hebron International Resource Network rebuilds wells, playgrounds, schools, homes in areas threatened by land confiscation.
The Center for Jewish Nonviolence engages in direct action and co-resistance in support of Palestinians struggling for dignity and equal rights.
The US Boat To Gaza supports the global flotilla to challenge the blockade of Gaza this summer.
SOUL, a project of HIRN uses the power of music to promote change in difficult circumstances.
Hebron International Resource Network is a fiscally sponsored partner of Nonviolence International. Learn more at our Partner Page.
We are committed to supporting Palestinians to stay where they are–in their homes and on their lands–despite pressure from soldiers and local settlers to drive them out. This has involved building schools, improving housing and infrastructure, providing tuition for college students, and helping with needed supplies in communities.
Since October 7, 2023, life has grown much more difficult for Palestinians.The war in Gaza has resulted in the death of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza. And with the eyes of the world on Gaza, according to OCHA, violence has accelerated in the West Bank, with over 150 dead, thousands injured and many more arrested and detained..
For the Hebron International Resource Network (HIRN), this means we’ve shifted our support of South Hebron Hills communities significantly–from aiding in infrastructure and education programs, to immediate medical and nutritional aid.
The biggest need we’ve encountered is with emergency medical care. With road blockades becoming a fact of life in the West Bank, it’s getting more difficult for communities to get their injured to hospitals. Add to that an increase in settler violence, and Palestinians are facing the possibility that a settler attack plus lack of access to medical care could mean death for beloved community members.
The village of Umm Al Khair reached out to HIRN and requested that we supply a 24/7 medical clinic in the South Hebron Hills, so people in this remote area have a chance of survival in a medical emergency. We are working on meeting this need, and it is expensive–over thirty thousand dollars. Your support on this Giving Tuesday means we can make this urgently needed medical clinic a reality.
"The cries of the Palestinian and Israeli children sound no different to me."
On November 7th, 2023, the United States House of Representatives censured the only Palestinian-American in Congress. Sadly, in the current U.S. political environment this is not surprising. Nevertheless, it should horrify us all.
Can we imagine this happening to someone of Ukrainian heritage who spoke in the US Congress in support of the humanity of Ukrainians?
Please watch Rep. Rashida Tlaib's brave and moving remarks below. She held a photo of her grandmother and said wisely, "the answer to war crimes is not more war crimes."
"I can’t believe I have to say this, but Palestinian people are not disposable. We are human beings just like anyone else. The cries of the Palestinian and Israeli children sound no different to me. Why? What I don’t understand is why the cries of Palestinians sound different to you all."
Our wonderful fiscally sponsored partner, Center for Jewish Nonviolence, has launched a solidarity fundraiser. NVI urges those who can afford to do so to give generously to this important effort. Even as we rightly focus on the horror unfolding in Gaza, we are also heartbroken by the painful reality in the occupied West Bank.
Note: We are collecting donations to this fund through November 14.
Even in such difficult times, action remains a powerful antidote to despair. CJNV has built sustained relationships and you can trust these funds will go to brave nonviolent activists resisting in creative constructive ways.
If you find this work meaningful, please spread the word. Tell friends about this effort and urge them to learn more and join you in giving.
November 13 at 6:30 AM, nine peace and justice makers, holding long banners declaring that nuclear weapons are illegal, were able to block the two main entrances of General Dynamics-Electric Boat (GD-EB) nuclear submarine engineering complex in New London, CT for about a half hour to call for the cancellation of the new Columbia-class nuclear submarine program and the abolition of nuclear weapons. (GD/EB, which built 18 Trident nuclear subs, will now produce the new Columbia-class nuclear subs). They also wheat-pasted Article 6 of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty at both entrances. As these entrances were being blocked, several activists wore safety vests alerting workers that the entrances were closed off, while others held banners and signs on the sidewalk and passed out leaflets. New London police arrested the nine and cited two others (see names below). Those arrested were held at the New London police station for processing for up to 7 hours and then released. They were charged with Criminal Trespass, Criminal Mischief, and Breach of Peace. An arraignment date is set for November 27 in New London Superior Court. Here is a link to The Nuclear Resister post about this action.
Paul Magno, Isaiah Project leader, was among those arrested.
NVI is proud to be the fiscal sponsor for this important project. Please see the time sensitive updates below.
Learn more about the Isaiah Project Here
Watch NVI’s webinar featuring the Isaiah Project Here
Please see wonderful new piece by Isaiah Project leader, Paul Magno.
Paul writes,
For the past two-and-a-half years it has been my privilege to support the Kings Bay Plowshares. They are seven disarmament activists who entered the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in Georgia by night on April 4, 2018 — the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s martyrdom — to confront the Trident nuclear weapon system and engage in an act of disarmament. The seven poured human blood on signs and missile models, unfurled peace banners and used household tools to begin symbolic disarmament of Trident, a submarine based first strike nuclear missile, termed by the Navy as a “strategic” weapon.
The seven have subsequently been charged and convicted in a jury trial of three felonies and a misdemeanor in federal court. All but one have been sentenced, to date, some as recently as last week by Federal Judge Lisa Godbey Wood in Brunswick, Georgia. Their legal odyssey has been protracted, in part by important legal proceedings and in part by the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
My invitation to walk with these peacemakers came in 2018 as an outgrowth of longstanding personal friendships with each of them. It also came as a result of my own experience and commitment to explaining and supporting the basic idea of these Plowshares actions, as they have proliferated a hundred-fold since 1980.
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On Oct. 24 the historic Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was ratified by the 50th nation necessary for this international law to enter into force. This law now takes effect on Jan. 22, 2021, a little more than 75 years after the US dropped atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
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Father Steve Kelly and Patrick O'Neill are planning to go forward with in-person sentencing in Brunswick, GA on October 15. The other four defendants are asking for further continuances because of the virus. They should hear in a few days if this request is granted by Judge Wood.
They ask, "In the interest of public safety, and out of love for our supporters during this Covid-19 pandemic, the seven Kings Bay Plowshares members request that no one come to Brunswick for the sentencing hearings scheduled for Oct. 15-16. We do, however, encourage you all to join the Oct. 11 pre-sentencing Zoom meeting. Thank you all for your love and support, which sustains us."
There is expected to be an audio link from the court to listen to the proceedings as was done with Liz McAlister in June. The number and times will be posted on the website when we get them.
Check out this powerful video of our Festival of Hope
For those in the Brunswick area more information on local activities around the sentencing can be obtained through Sarah Cool: 404.449.7893 [email protected]
Steve Kelly has now served 30 months in county jails and so has satisfied the sentencing guidelines the government is proposing for him. However, he has a probation violation where he is facing up to six months stemming from a prior trespass conviction at Kitsap, WA at the West coast Trident base. It is not yet known what will happen with this.
We understand that many are struggling financially at this time. We ask for donations only if you are able and doing well. Thank you for all the support you have given through these past two and a half years. Your support for the Kings Bay Plowshares 7 will help cover the ongoing costs surrounding the seven co-defendants while in prison and their families and communities. Checks can be sent to Plowshares, PO Box 3087, Washington, DC 20010. Or donate online here at this link: Isaiah project. Thank you.
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.kingsbayplowshares7.org
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Kingsbayplowshares
TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/kingsbayplow7
"If you think one person can't be effective, you've never been in bed with a mosquito" -War Resister's League "
"Protest beyond the law is not a departure from democracy; it is absolutely essential to it" Howard Zinn (1922-2010)
“To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness...What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction...And if we do act, in however small a way, we don't have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory." -- Howard Zinn
NVI is proud to be the fiscal sponsor for the this important project. Please consider donating at: https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/donate_isaiah
I've got opinions. I'll share some of them below, but first I want to share what I'm most proud of while at NVI. I take great pleasure in helping to raise up the voices of diverse younger leaders whose vision is shaping new vibrant movements with the power to heal this troubled world.
I created and actively supported our wonderful interns to both write and host online videos. The writings are collected in our Many Faces of Nonviolence series. You can find them all here.
There are so many moving contributions in this series, I hesitate to highlight just one. Still, I'll point readers to this piece that has been resonating deeply with me recently. Nimesh Wijewardane, a skilled intern, who helped NVI in so many ways, wrote this beautiful tribute to the great Thich Nhat Hanh. I hope you will read through the many great profiles in the Many Faces of Nonviolence series. There is a path forward to better world. I hope you will find inspiration, as I have, in this youth-led series.
I also initiated and worked with others to guide our Spotlight on Nonviolence web video series. In these moving videos young leaders spoke with people who inspired them, asked hard questions and shared from their hearts. Each video is posted individually on this site and collected on our YouTube channel. YouTube.com/Nonviolence
As unimaginable horror unfolds in Palestine, I've been pondering how my efforts to combat supremacy in my community have been both worthwhile and insufficient. When you welcome into government the sheet-less Klan, what do you expect would happen? In the US, in Israel, and sadly in many places around the world haters have seized or been voted into power. We must reclaim our future. I share these select pieces below and ask you to be in conversation with me about what you think those of us who work for true and lasting peace with justice should do in this moment.
Seeking hope in hard times, I wrote this piece calling in those protesting with me for democracy in Israel and seeking a conversation about how occupation is warping Judaism. "Every group should celebrate the unique beauty of their traditions, but whenever people suggest that “we” are somehow inherently better than “the other,” danger is close at hand. Anyone who pretends that a “Jewish soul” is superior to all others is warping our faith in a way that undermines our proud history. This belief is having a profound impact on key policy decisions and on people’s lives. Thus we have a clear and ongoing obligation to call out this evil from within our community."
In a more hopeful moment, I created this photo essay inspired by the Poor People’s Campaign
I've also played key roles supporting our webinar series. At my urging we named the series after the great Barbara Deming's important reminder that We Are All Part of One Another.
I hosted a few and gave introductory remarks on others.
It is heartbreaking how relevant this video is today.
Short clip from same conversation.
I'll close with this silly / serious piece. I'm glad that NVI welcomed my suggestion to raise up not only our resources, but also the best nonviolent resources from around the web. Finally, please note our series of partner pages to raise up their impressive work.
Once upon a time...
At a time of growing global crisis, a call went out across the land.
People gathered deep in the heart of the troubled empire’s capital - they were full of fear.
Democracy itself was being tested here and around the world.
Violence was built into the economic and social systems.
Hatred followed fear to every part of the globe.
And, at the darkest hour, the light of active nonviolence shown brightly.
More and more people signed up to receive Rivera Sun's Nonviolence News.
Through this free publication they were able to celebrate the youth-led, diverse, global movements claiming a better future.
They searched and came upon a wonderful array of free resources that helped build movements for peace, justice, and planet.
Together the celebrated and supported Nonviolence International's wonderful partners.
Still, many issues plagued the people.
Nevertheless, we persist.
Join us as we welcome Jonathan Kuttab to speak about his memoir along with special guest Mubarak Awad. Jonathan Kuttab is a co-founder of Nonviolence International, a Palestinian Human Rights lawyer-and Christian pacifist. In this marvelous memoir, he takes us on a personal journey from anger and thoughts of violence to his deep commitment to unrelenting peaceful activism. Be forewarned: This is not the journey of a starry-eyed idealist. It’s a true life story of a man who has witnessed violence, terrible injustice, suffering and heart-wrenching losses. 3 of the chapters are devoted to nonviolence and the work of his cousin Mubarak Awad who will also be joining the book launch. After discussion of his book we will transition into talking about nonviolence and the future of Palestinians and Israelis today.
Jonathan will be joined by NVI founder, Mubarak Awad. Mr. Awad is an adjunct professor at the American University in Washington, DC at the School of International Studies. He focuses on promoting peace dialogue and transforming post-conflict societies, as well as teaching graduate courses on the methods and theory of nonviolence. Recently, we celebrate the first ever Mubarak Awad Day. Check out this page for inspirational comments from people who have been influenced by his work. https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/mubarak_awad_day
Hosted by: Dr. Maia Carter Hallward is a full professor at Kennesaw State University, Georgia, USA, in the School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding, and Development and Executive Editor of the Journal of Peacebuilding and Development. Maia has published widely in the fields of international relations, civil resistance, and international conflict management, including textbooks on International Conflict Management (2019, Routledge) and Nonviolence (2015, Polity). A former intern at Nonviolence International, she became a vegetarian for environmental reasons at 13.
