Hello everyone, Israel has rejected the latest ceasefire proposal and intensified its bombardment of Rafah, including destroying and seizing the Rafah crossing and further blocking aid as full-blown famine spreads in Gaza. It has ordered 100,000 people to evacuate from Rafah as a ground invasion begins. Please take the following actions in response: CALL THE WHITE HOUSE AT  (202) 456-1111 CALL SEN. TAMMY BALDWIN AT (202) 224-5653 CALL SEN. RON JOHNSON AT (202) 224-5323 CALL REP. MARK POCAN AT (202) 225-2906 (If any of these are not your representatives, please use this link to make a call.) *************************************************** SUPPORT THE UW STUDENT ENCAMPMENT Here in Madison, the UW student encampment on Library Mall continues; you can follow their requests and daily plans at this link. We understand that they are especially in need of support during the overnight hours. *********************************************** Also, Madison World Beyond War offers this nonviolent training tomorrow Wed. May 8: Madison for a World BEYOND War invites you to a training workshop this Wednesday called “Take to the Streets."  It will be led by Julie and Mohammed, of Community Peacemaker Teams & the Des Moines Catholic Worker, to help us prepare to support the students more, and to prepare ourselves for future war abolition work in general. Space is limited, timing will depend on when more people can come, so please rsvp today! Training info: https://actn.et/Fr9jXFi0  RSVP for training: https://actn.et/Fr9jXFi1 *********************************** CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION TO BE VOTED ON TONIGHT A City Council resolution "Reaffirming Support for a Permanent Ceasefire and Supporting Student Protestors" has been introduced for a vote tonight, Tuesday May 7, at the regular Council meeting beginning at 6:30 pm. The much stronger resolution originally drafted by Alders Wehelie, Bennett and Rummel has been significantly altered. You can read the old and new resolutions here. There are three ways you can weigh in on this resolution. (1) You can send an email to the Common Council at allalders@cityofmadison.com (2) You can register your opinion here, indicating whether or not you wish to speak. (The resolution is Item 38 on the agenda) If you want to join the meeting via zoom, they will send instructions. (3) You can attend the meeting in person. Meetings are held in Room 201 of the Madison City-County Building, 210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.. Madison 53703. You can register upon arrival as long as you do so before the item comes to the floor. Thank you, Barb O. MRSCP Madison-Rafah Sister-City Proj

contact@cleanwateractioncouncil.org https://www.wnpj.org/member-organizations-list/clean-water-action-council

From Common Dreams: Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip hold a press conference and event in the courtyard of a school turned into a shelter in the city of Rafah, expressing gratitude and thanks to American and European university students for their solidarity with Gaza on April 28, 2024. (Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images) UPDATE ON THE UW LIBRARY MALL PROTEST ENCAMPMENT After the police broke up the Library Mall protest and detained 34 people early Wednesday morning, the encampment was quickly rebuilt. A meeting was finally held between the Chancellor and the students and it is reported that police action is halted for the time being. WORT Radio has this excellent coverage. The Daily Cardinal blog is also a good source of information. And here is a good collection of pictures from Madison and Milwaukee protests. Meanwhile, anyone who can come down to the Library Mall protest please do so. SJP posts a daily schedule with updates on Instagram. Tonight there will be a Liberation Shabbat sponsored by Jewish Voice for Peace beginning at 7:30. Also, if anyone is experiencing harassment by counter-protestors or others, JVP is tracking those incidents and asks that people report them by emailing madison@jewishvoiceforpeace.org. GOOD ARTICLES TO READ (1) The Police Brought Violence to UW Madison's Gaza Encampment (Eyewitness account by Scott Gordon in Tone Magazine) (2) Will they Crush the Biggest Student Movement Since Vietnam? (JVP Wire) (3) Another Option is Possible: University of MN and Protestors Reach Agreement. Northwestern and Brown University also reached agreements with protestors. PETITIONS TO SIGN (1)  Please sign this petition to 37 college administrations (including UW Madison) asking for a stop to police repression against students protesting genocide in Gaza, with a special emergency petition to UCLA. Go to the link and click on the tabs to send your messages. There is also a great deal of information at that link. (2) Tell Google: Stop Retaliating Against Employees Speaking out for Palestine and Reinstate the Fired 50. AND...IRONIC SURPRISE OF THE WEEK: It turns out that camping on campus IS allowed!!! Badger fans camp outside Kohl Center ahead of game (Feb. 2024) AND FINALLY...MEANWHILE IN GAZA: As the news is dominated by the student protests, we need to remember the reality of what is going on in Gaza that is driving those protests. Check out The Electronic Intifada "Features" Section for a series of first-hand accounts of what life is like in Gaza right now, including Gaza's New and Terrifying Reality by Ahmed Abu Artema. Prominent Palestinian doctor tortured and killed in Israeli detention Reported by Middle East Eye (May 2, 2024) The Israel-US game plan for Gaza is staring us in the face by Jonathan Cook The western media is pretending the West’s efforts to secure a ceasefire are serious. But a different script has clearly been written in advance. This is what we must stop. *************************************************************************************************** MRSCP P.O. Box 5214 Madison, WI 53705 http://www.madisonrafah.org Face Book Twitter

NEWS UPDATE - Sat. April 27th: Hello all, I am heartbroken to pass on the news that our flotilla will be unable to sail for Gaza at this time due to Israel’s intense pressure to prevent the breaking of the siege on Gaza and the delivery of the flotilla’s  5500 tons of desperately needed aid.  We are returning to our home countries while the Freedom Flotilla Coalition works to find another way for us to sail. Below is today’s statement by the coalition, and yesterday’s statement of support from  UN experts who had hoped to see the flotilla depart for Gaza. Love Cassandra Dixon Chrepairs@gmail.com *******************************************************8 Press Conference: Under Israeli Pressure, Guinea Bissau Moves to Withdraw Flotilla Flags / Coalition statements, Featured, News, Press releases / By alex For immediate release, Saturday April 27 On Thursday afternoon, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition was contacted by the Guinea Bissau International Ships Registry, requesting an inspection of our lead ship – Akdenez. This was a highly unusual request as our ship had already passed all required inspections; nevertheless, we agreed. The inspector arrived on Thursday. On Friday afternoon, before the inspection was completed, the Guinea-Bissau International Ships Registry (GBISR), in a blatantly political move, informed the Freedom Flotilla Coalition that it had withdrawn the Guinea Bissau flag from two of the Freedom Flotilla’s ships, one of which is our cargo ship, already loaded with over 5000 tons of life-saving aid for the Palestinians of Gaza. In its communication informing us of this cancellation, the GBISR made specific reference to our planned mission to Gaza. It also made several extraordinary requests for information, including confirmation of the ships’ destination, any potential additional port calls, and the discharge port for humanitarian aid and estimated arrival dates and times. It further demanded a formal letter explicitly approving the transportation of humanitarian aid and a complete manifest of the cargo. Again, this is a highly unusual move from a flagging authority. Normally, national flagging authorities concern themselves only with safety and related standards on vessels bearing their flag, and are not concerned with the destination, route, cargo manifests or the nature of a specific voyage. Just like when you register your car, the authorities don’t require you to detail to them where you are going. Sadly, Guinea-Bissau has allowed itself to become complicit in Israel’s deliberate starvation, illegal siege and genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Israel is showing the world the extent to which it will go to deny Palestinians the aid they need to stay alive, in direct contravention of International Humanitarian Law, UN Security Council resolutions, and two orders of the International Court of Justice. Israel is only allowed to get away with this because we have an international order where law does not apply equally, where people are not valued the same, where might equals right. The US has hijacked international law and is violating its own laws in order to protect Israel at every turn. A leaked USAID memo states that famine in Gaza is inevitable, changes could reduce but not stop widespread civilian deaths. It also states that USAID assesses the government of Israel does not currently demonstrate necessary compliance with US law required to receive U.S. military aid. Nevertheless, last week, the US Congress passed and Biden signed a $26 billion aid package for Israel. It is this kind of naked impunity, over decades, that has brought us to this point where Israel can carry out a genocide, that includes a public declaration by Israel’s leaders that it is going to deliberately starve children, and not only not face consequences, but also involve a majority of world governments in its crimes. While our governments claim to care about Palestinian lives, but are complying and even enforcing a situation where a state that has been found to be plausibly committing a genocide, is allowed to control what, if any, life-saving aid gets to the people trying to stay alive. Yesterday, the UN Special Rapporteurs on the Right to Food, on the Right to Housing, and on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories issued a statement stating that civil society initiatives like the Freedom Flotilla are important precisely because governments are not complying with their obligations under international law and many of these governments are even complicit in Israel’s siege and genocide. The statement affirmed that ours was a legitimate challenge to Israel’s control over the delivery of aid to Gaza and it demanded safe passage for our flotilla. However, without a flag, we cannot sail. But, this is not the end. Israel cannot and will not crush our resolve to break its illegal siege and reach the people of Gaza. The people of Gaza and all of Palestine remain steadfast under the most horrific, unimaginable conditions. We take strength from their incredible, inexplicable ability to maintain their humanity, dignity and hope when the world has given them no reason to do so. It is our responsibility to keep that hope alive. We will sail. link to all of the Freedom Flotilla’s  social media https://linktr.ee/freedomflotillacoalition UN experts demand safe passage for Freedom Flotilla’s humanitarian mission to Gaza GENEVA (26 April 2024) – UN experts today demanded safe passage for the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, whose ships departing Türkiye will be carrying 5,500 tonnes of humanitarian aid and hundreds of international humanitarian observers to the besieged Gaza Strip. “As the Freedom Flotilla approaches Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza, Israel must adhere to international law, including recent orders from the International Court of Justice to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid,” the experts said. They issued the following statement: “Two hundred days into Israel’s siege and genocidal violence, including an unprecedented starvation campaign against the Palestinian people in Gaza, the situation continues to deteriorate. After a 17-year blockade against Gaza, Israel has now created a famine by cutting off the regular supply of water, food and critical goods into Gaza, destroying livelihoods, the food system and civilian infrastructure. Failing to comply with its humanitarian obligations as the occupying power, Israel is also restricting humanitarian aid, intentionally bombarding humanitarian convoys, and targeting both aid workers and civilians seeking aid. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is a civilian peaceful initiative whose ships departing Türkiye will be carrying 5,500 tons of humanitarian aid and hundreds of international humanitarian observers to the besieged Gaza Strip. Comprising a diverse coalition of human rights activists, including lawyers, doctors, nurses, journalists, parliamentarians and politicians, the convoy aims to deliver life-saving aid directly to the besieged people of Gaza, legitimately challenging Israel's control over the entry of humanitarian assistance. Besieging a civilian population is unlawful. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s demands include an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire, unrestricted access to humanitarian aid, and an end to the illegal blockade of the Gaza strip. The convoy is scheduled for imminent departure. The Flotilla is a material manifestation of international support for the ongoing Palestinian struggle for freedom and self-determination, and the internationally recognised right to receive humanitarian aid without interference or hindrance. Support for the Palestinian people’s human rights is acute under the current conditions of genocide*,* domicide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. We are witnessing purposefully induced famine amid the wholesale destruction of homes and hospitals. Disease is quickly spreading because millions of people were forced out of their homes, targeted, maimed or wounded, and left unable to be treated in highly unsanitary conditions, and are now living in makeshift and overcrowded shelters. The level of trauma and distress will impact Palestinians for generations. Countries are not complying with their obligations to end Israel’s genocide and starvation in Gaza. In fact, many countries continue supporting Israel with weapons, funds and political support: this may make them complicit in Israel's genocide and starvation. This is why civilians, like the Freedom Flotilla participants, are increasingly showing their solidarity by protecting and fulfilling Palestinian human rights through direct action. They express the will of a global movement, especially sustained by youth worldwide, to bring the horrors in Gaza to an end – in the interest of both Palestinians and Israelis. The Freedom Flotilla has the right of free passage in international waters and Israel must not interfere with its freedom of navigation, long recognised under international law. As the Freedom Flotilla approaches Palestinian territorial waters off Gaza, it is essential for Israel to adhere to international law, including recent orders from the International Court of Justice to ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. In 2010, Israel intercepted and attacked the Freedom Flotilla’s civilian ships in international waters, killing 10 passengers and wounding many others. At the time, the Freedom Flotilla had attempted to break the Israeli blockade by delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. We are especially concerned for the safety of the participants of the Freedom Flotilla in light of Israel’s repeated targeted attacks against UN and civilian humanitarian missions. Israel should remember that the world is closely watching and refrain from any hostility against the participants of the flotilla.” *The experts: The experts: Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food; Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967; and Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Ms. Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN human rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms. Special Procedures mandate-holders are independent human rights experts appointed by the Human Rights Council to address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. They are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organisation. They serve in their individual capacity and do not receive a salary for their work.https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/un-experts-demand-safe-passage-freedom-flotillas-humanitarian-mission-gazaThe Flotilla is set to Sail April 26th!! (update from 4/24/24) We have completed all technical and crewing requirements in order to launch the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza on Friday April 26, 2024. Our final group of participants are undergoing the required nonviolent direct-action training today. Our Flotilla will carry over 5000 tons of life-saving aid and hundreds of human rights observers. We are working diligently to move our boats to a port in Istanbul where the paperwork procedures for hundreds of participants can be completed, to allow for boarding beginning on Friday morning. “The Freedom Flotilla has the support of millions around the world who are outraged at the failure of our governments to protect the Palestinians people from Israel’s genocidal actions, including the deliberate starvation of over two million people,” said Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) Steering Committee member Zohar Chamberlain-Regev. Huwaida Arraf, U.S. human rights attorney and FFC Steering Committee member added, “Governments must refuse to collaborate in maintaining Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza by obstructing the Flotilla in any way. We call on the governments of the 40 countries represented on this Freedom Flotilla to uphold their obligations under international law and demand that Israel guarantee the flotilla safe passage to Gaza.” #BreaktheSiege ************************************************************************************* ACTION ALERT from Monday, April 22nd The 2024 Freedom Flotilla is about to get underway to Gaza.  MRSCP member Cassandra Dixon will be on board. In the first of two missions planned for 2024, multiple vessels will sail for Gaza, carrying 5000 tons of desperately needed humanitarian aid and hundreds of international human rights observers. In this video message retired Col. Ann Wright introduces and explains the aims of the Flotilla. You can see updates and follow the progress of the boats at the Flotilla's website at https://freedomflotilla.org/. Links to all of the Flotilla's social media platforms and resources are here. Israel has vowed that the Flotilla will never reach Gaza.  In light of what happened to earlier flotillas, most infamously the Mavi Marmara, it is critical that our government hear from us demanding that everyone including the American citizens on board be protected and that the Flotilla be allowed to deliver its aid. Please tell U.S. lawmakers to protect this nonviolent emergency mission by signing this joint petition from American Muslims for Palestine, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), and the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights. Then please call Senators Baldwin and Johnson, and Cassandra's Rep. Mark Pocan, and insist that they do all they can to protect the people sailing to Gaza and allow this emergency aid to be delivered. Also when you call, ask Senators Baldwin and Johnson to oppose the massive military aid bill that the House approved on Saturday which the Senate is expected to vote on by Tuesday. (Rep. Pocan voted against the Israel portion of this aid, along with Rep. Tom Tiffany.  All other Wisconsin representatives including Rep. Gwen Moore voted FOR the aid to Israel.) Please call the DC offices first. Rep. Mark Pocan DC Office (202) 225-2906 Madison Office (608) 258-9800 Send a message using his contact form here. Senator Tammy Baldwin DC Office (202) 224-5653 Madison Office (608) 264-5338 Milwaukee Office (414) 297-4451 Other offices here Send a message using her contact form here Senator Ron Johnson DC Office (202) 224-5323 Madison Office: (608) 240-9629 Other offices here Send a message using his contact form here From Madison-Rafah Sister-City Proj ******************************************************************* Update April 19th - by Cassandra Dixon, Organizer Hello and thank you!! We are in Istanbul, hoping to sail to Gaza on the 24th. I am beyond grateful to all of you for the chance to be here with people from more than 30 countries, and boats containing 5500 tons of aid, including 8 ambulances, food, anesthesia, medicines, maternity kits and more. Here is yesterday’s press release from the flotilla, and links for video of the press conference, and where to follow the flotilla on Instagram. Thank you !! Cassandra Lots of new videos about the flotilla on our GazaFreedomFlotilla instagram https://www.instagram.com/gazafreedomflotilla/ including our International press conference this morning on board our ship: https://www.instagram.com/p/C57-3qICwyz/ Press Release for April 19, 2024 "International participants arrive to sail with Freedom Flotilla to Break the Siege" https://freedomflotilla.org/2024/04/19/press-conference/ More News About the Flotilla: Why the Flotilla? Video with Ismail of Mavi Marmara Association with view of the ships https://www.instagram.com/p/C53ZevJL5aK/ Metro TV Indonesia with video of IHH warehouse operations and loading humanitarian supplies in trucks to go to the cargo ship in Merkez, Turkey. (8 minute video)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IgsPoZf6Ic ************************************************************************ BACKGROUND! From Cassandra, earlier this month: Much to my amazement, I’ve been accepted to go along on the Freedom Flotilla’s emergency humanitarian aid flotilla to Gaza. I’ll be leaving Madison on April 11, and would be grateful for your help. The UN Food agency has said that famine is imminent in northern Gaza. Virtually everyone in Gaza is struggling to get enough food, and around 677,000 people — nearly a third of the population of 2.3 million — are experiencing the highest level of catastrophic hunger. If Israel broadens its offensive to the city of Rafah, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed, the fighting could drive over a million people — half of Gaza’s population — into catastrophic hunger. The maritime corridor and floating pier to be built by the U.S. are dangerous distractions from the fact that Israel continues to obstruct the entry of aid through the land borders, prevent the distribution of lifesaving aid, particularly in the north of Gaza, and prohibit the entry of anesthesia, maternity kits, water purification systems and more. The maritime corridor will be controlled by Israel, which will decide what type and how much aid is allowed to enter Gaza. In response, the Gaza Freedom Flotilla Coalition will sail a large cargo ship carrying thousands of tons of humanitarian aid, as well as passenger ships, carrying civilians from around the world—journalists, doctors, aid workers, and more—straight to Gaza.  While we will carry much needed aid, the flotilla will also serve to directly challenge Israel’s naval blockade and siege of Gaza, and it’s  message and mission is one of solidarity and support for Palestinian freedom by breaking the illegal Israeli siege of Gaza. At this critical time—when the International Court of Justice has found that Israel is plausibly committing genocide, humanitarian aid organizations report that Israel continues to obstruct efforts to get aid into Gaza, and our own government is failing so miserably to prevent the intentional starvation of thousands of Palestinian children,  it is beyond time for civil society to step in and address this humanitarian crisis.  I have every hope that a way will open and these  thousands of tons of humanitarian aid will reach the people who so desperately need it. I’m deeply grateful for your support, and for all our continuing efforts to push our administration to restore UNRWA funding, end military funding to Israel,  and demand a permanent ceasefire and the opening of border crossings so that aid that is waiting just 10 minutes away can begin to reach those who are starving. If you would like to donate towards the cost of this travel,  you can mail a check to me at Cassandra Dixon, 3579 County Road G, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, or donate via GoFUndMe by clicking the button below, or at https://tinyurl.com/cassandratogaza, or Venmo me @Cassandra-Dixon-11 . Anything raised above the costs of travel will go to the larger costs of funding the flotilla.Thanks and love,Cassandra Contribute here. https://www.wnpj.org/member-organizations-list/mary-house https://www.wnpj.org/member-organizations-list/palestine-partners

WNPJ + Celebrate Earth Day in Fond du Lac + Spotlight on WISDOM and ‘Solitary Confinement’ Day of Action + Network News Deadline! + SAVE the date May 18th for WNPJ’s Spring Meeting + other statewide events *********************************** The WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella non-profit organization supporting the work of 85 member groups around Wisconsin. *************************** Earth Day Spotlight on CSA in Fond du Lac Celebrate at the Earth Day Fair with the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes – Sat April 27th - 10 am to 3 pm 320 County Rd K in Fond du Lac The Earth Day Fair features five 45-minute presentations throughout the day, 18 Earth-focused exhibitors in Founders Hall, and a raffle. Various guided tours will be offered over the course of the day, including solar array tours, a bird walk, and a two-hour in-depth tour of the land including the escarpment. Food truck on site for lunch! An hour-long adopt-a-highway clean up will take place just prior to the fair for those looking for a service opportunity. See website for all the details! https://www.csasisters.org/ Contact: Dusty Krikau dkrikau@csasisters.org https://www.csasisters.org/engage-with-us/earth-fair.cfm ***************************************** SPOTLIGHT on WISDOM WISDOM, The National Religious Campaign Against Torture, and National Unlock the Box Campaign and state legislators will host a Solitary Confinement Day of Action on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 1-4pm at the State Capitol, 2 E. Main Street Madison, WI 53703. From 1-2pm the event will feature testimonies from survivors of solitary confinement and a presentation on national best practices by leaders of the Unlock the Box Campaign. After the presentation in the North Hearing Room on the second floor of the Capitol, WISDOM members will be meeting with state legislators. WISDOM's campaign to end the use of solitary confinement is an important part of our statewide Transformational Justice Campaign. This campaign aims to advance racial justice, decarcerate Wisconsin, and redirect resources to build safer, stronger, and healthier communities. The campaign also strives to restore the rights of people with conviction records and shift narratives that dehumanize formerly incarcerated people. Register in advance at: https://bit.ly/solitaryconfinementdayofaction. For inquiries about the event, you can email WISDOM Transformational Justice Campaign Coordinator Mark Rice at ricermark@gmail.com. In Solidarity, David Liners office@wisdomwisconsin.org ****************************** We’re inviting your ideas and stories for the 2024 Spring issue of Network News! Tom Boswell is the new editor of our WNPJ newsletter. Send what you have to tomboswell2002@yahoo.com by the May 1st deadline! https://www.wnpj.org/newsletter ******************************************** Join WNPJ for the 2024 Spring Assembly! Our 2024 theme will be "Environmental Justice - Confronting Extreme Extraction and Ending Resource Wars on Indigenous and Frontline People". Connect on your own, or meet with a group to connect to Zoom at one of the satellite locations in Superior, Keshena, Milwaukee, and Madison. Some locations may offer social/potluck/networking opportunities. It's free, and open to all! Register here ---> https://tinyurl.com/WNPJSPRING24 Saturday, May 18th @ 1-3pm - Virtual option, too! Madison: Madison Friends Meeting House Milwaukee: TBD Keshena: College of the Menominee Nation Superior: Ball Room at the Old Post Office, 1401 Tower Ave The purpose of this annual Spring meeting is to offer a program to set our WNPJ goals and vision for the year ahead, with input from our member groups and allies. "Reports from the Field" will allow member group contacts to give a five minute update on their activities. Let us know if you want to speak for your member group on the registration form. We will be choosing a nominating committee for new board members to begin their term in the Fall. If you're interested in serving on the board or nominating committee, let us know at info@wnpj.org. ******************************************************************* WNPJ member groups and affiliates issue Statements, Events, Action Alerts on Hamas/Palestine/Israel See the developing list here: https://www.wnpj.org/post/statements-from-wnpj-groups-and-their-national-affiliates-on-palestine-israel-hamas Petitions to sign https://www.change.org/p/sign-and-share-this-urgent-petition-calling-for-a-ceasefirenow-in-gaza-and-israel and phone calls to make. Go to the Madison Rafah Sister City sites: http://madisonrafah.org/   and/or https://www.facebook.com/madisonrafah to learn more. ******************************** Upcoming Events this week for WNPJ groups: FITCHBURG Mon Apr 22, 10 am. UN in the News discussion group.  Meets at the Fitchburg public library the 4th Monday of each month -  We'll be discussing several important foreign policy topics and concerns for 2024. These include the Israeli war on Gaza, climate change, the continuing war in Ukraine, migration trends and major elections in 2024. Also continuing our discussion about ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Congo. And more......Questions? Contact Sam Romano of the UNA USA Dane County chapter. sromano@charter.net MADISON Mon Apr 22, 12 noon – 1 pm Monday Noon Vigil for Peace – Meet at the corner of MLK, Jr. Blvd and Doty St. For more information, call Tim at 608-630-3633. MADISON Mon Apr 22, 4 – 9 pm  Earth Day Every Day. Meet at the Garver Feed Mill.  Join Wisconsin Food Forest and others for a Unity Building Earth Day!  BuildingUnityWi@gmail.com  . Schedule for event at Garver: 4pm - 6pm - Music and socializing. 5:45pm - Join us near front doors for an outdoor “Earth Circle” 6 - 9pm - Indoor program with music, speakers, and more.  Share these Facebook Events: https://fb.me/e/6CHza7UHe   https://fb.me/e/67B58VkU0 MILWAUKEE Mon Apr 22, 5 pm Peace Action WI Hosting Annual Earth Day March. Meet at Dontre Hamilton (Red Arrow) Park! As one of the greatest contributors of pollution around the globe, the U.S. war machine is responsible for irreparable damage to the environment. We are holding local defense conglomerates such as the Wisconsin Defense Industry Council (WDIC) accountable for their crimes; profiting off the genocide in Palestine, proxy wars around the world, and ravaging finite resources for war instead of human needs. The struggle for climate justice is a struggle for justice everywhere! Join us Monday!#earthday #antiwar #milwaukee https://www.peaceactionwi.org/ MADISON Tues Apr 23, 1 – 4 pm  WISDOM’s Solidarity Confinement Day of Action – at the State Capitol….see more information in the Spotlight above. MAUSTON Tues Apr 23, 3:45 – 4:45 pm VIGIL AGAINST THE DRONES OUTSIDE THE GATES OF VOLK FIELD, Camp Douglas. We hope to see you at the vigil.  If you can’t come this time, mark your calendar.  We usually vigil on the 4th Tuesday of every month.  If you have any questions please call or email Joy at 608 239-4327 or joyfirst5@gmail.com or Bonnie at 608-256-5088 or blb24@earthlink.net Wisconsin Coalition to Ground the Drones and End the Wars MILWAUKEE Tues Apr 23, 7 pm CHAPTER MEETING of Veterans for Peace #102.  At ST. JOHN'S ON THE LAKE.  ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND OTHER BUSINESS. vfpchapter102@gmail.com FOND DU LAC Apr 23. 6 – 8 pm Special Earth Day watch party! Screening of “Common Ground” - In Founders Hall in the CSA Motherhouse.  Common Ground, is a powerful follow-up to Kiss the Ground. Common Ground provides hope for future generations with concrete ways to fix a broken planetary system. The film explores how regenerative agriculture can help heal the soil, our health, and the planet. “By fusing journalistic expose’ with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy – before it’s too late.” Free screening.  CSA Justice  tabler@csasisters.org VIRTUAL Wed Apr 24, 6:30 – 8 pm Save the Date - Poor People's Campaign Statewide Meeting. Registration link available through the organizers. ppcdaneco@gmail.com LaCROSSE Thurs Apr 25, 12 noon - 12:30 pm Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil. Meet at Main St & 4th Street South. A weekly vigil for peace every Thursday. Contact Deborah. dbuffton@yahoo.com MILWAUKEE Thurs Apr 25, 12 noon – 1 pm Monthly Anti-Gun Vigil - Dunham's Sports, South 108th Street. Assault weapons are made to kill or maim, not to protect others. Sent to WNPJ by Casa Maria Catholic Worker House – www.casamariacatholicworker.weebly.com MADISON Thurs Apr 25, 7 – 8:30 pm Beyond Lesser Evils: Rethinking the Importance of Elections w/ Author & Professor August H. Nimtz; Program with the Madison Democratic Socialist group. Landmark Auditorium at First Unitarian Society Meeting House•900 University Bay Drive. What role do elections play for the revolutionary left? How can we participate in electoralism without succumbing to what Professor Nimtz terms "electoral fetishism"? Addressing concerns about the "lesser evil" and "spoiler" phenomenon, we explore the possibility of building a party for the working and oppressed classes without falling prey to opportunism or distractions of the bourgeoisie. Contact: dsamadison@gmail.com  Register here. GREEN BAY Thurs Apr 25, 5 – 8 pm Clean Water Action Council of Northeast Wisconsin Annual Banquet – Riverside Ballroom, 1560 Main Street. Join us at our annual banquet for an evening of education, music, and fundraising benefiting CWAC's work protecting our environment. The program includes our Environmental Citizen Award and introduction of board members. The featured speaker is Amanda Smith, an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Biologist for the DNR. Her work covers northeast Wisconsin including coordinating responses to high-profile AIS, leading AIS prevention efforts and is the  point of contact for the public and partners. Originally from North Hudson, she has a BS from UW-Stout and a MS from UW-Madison. She values creativity and forward thinking inspired by the Seventh Generation. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clean-water-action-council-annual-banquet-and-fundraiser-tickets-852962853857?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm-source=cp&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing VIRTUAL Fri Apr 26, 1 – 2 pm WAVE ZOOM Discussion: Safer Spaces, Stronger Communities: Supporting Community Violence Intervention. Community violence intervention programs reduce gun violence by fostering meaningful relationships with those most heavily impacted and ensuring people have access to vital resources. Register now, and you’ll receive a Zoom link on the day of the webinar.  https://secure.everyaction.com/0_E_OEUvH0yy96YhWK7imQ2?emci=ae973e54-01fc-ee11-aaf0-7c1e52017038&emdi=86f54453-89fd-ee11-aaf0-7c1e52017038&ceid=77169 This virtual gathering will feature Wisconsin’s top violence prevention advocates, including Reggie Moore (Director of Violence Prevention Policy and Engagement for the Medical College of Wisconsin Comprehensive Injury Center) and Anthony Cooper (CEO and founder of Focused Interruption). You'll hear what violence intervention work looks like on a daily basis, and have a chance to take action in support of these programs right away. Contact Nick Matuszewski admin@waveedfund.org FOND Du LAC Sat April 27th - 10 am to 3 pm Celebrate at the Earth Day Fair with the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes – 320 County Rd K. See more in the SPOTLIGHT above…. MILWAUKEE Sat Apr 27, 12 noon - 1 pm Peace Action WI - Weekly STAND for PEACE: Capitol and Humboldt. Each Saturday, a different location.  Join us. Bring your signs. info@peaceactionwi.org    https://www.peaceactionwi.org/stand_for_peace VIROQUA Sat Apr 27, 11 am - 12 noon Driftless Palestinian Solidarity Weekly Vigil. Meet at Decker and Main. Action Alert: The Driftless Palestinian Solidarity group has a petition to demand that Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and end financial aid to Israel's military.  If your group is interested in getting signatures, please email  driftless.solidarity@gmail.com. Thank you for your help! MADISON Sat Apr 27 11 am – 4 pm 2024 Madison Print and Resist Zinefest! Madison Central Public Library, West Mifflin Street. Join dozens of regional artists, writers, print-makers and advocates for a day-long festival of transformative, and transgressive DIY publishing and printmaking. Various makers will be present and ready to share their work with the Madison area community. Drop in throughout the day to see their work and learn more about this long-standing art form. The event is free to attend and open to the public, keeping in mind that artists will not be censored and some content may not be suitable for children. Madison Print & Resist will comply with all public health recommendations active on the date of the event, even if not mandated at the time, there will be strong encouragement for social distancing and mask wearing. More info, visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MadisonPrintandResist/  Sent to WNPJ by Madison Infoshop - peckjohne@gmail.com MADISON Sat Apr 27 6:30 – 9 pm , Screening of “Common Ground” . First Unitarian Society of Madison 900 University Bay Dr.  This showing is free of charge - the sequel to the acclaimed regenerative agriculture documentary ‘Kiss the Ground’. It is an awe-inspiring, cinematic follow-up that lays bare the ways industrial agriculture has degraded the health of planet and people, while also telling the stories of farmers who regenerate the land, and why the techniques they use work.  Be sure to get your free ticket, available on eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-film-common-ground-change-in-date-tickets-863273924547?aff=oddtdtcreator&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=2b4501aa-c6aa-475a-ba82-67020b67be95  There will be desserts and refreshments before the film, starting at 6:30, with the film running from 7:00 - 8:30 and half an hour of discussion after.  contact@350wisconsin.org MADISON Sat Apr 27, 6:45 pm Celebrate Earth Day with a Screening of “Wild El Salvador”. At the  Catholic Multicultural Center, 1862 Beld Street . Co-sponsored with  Madison Arcatao Sister City Project.  It'll be a fun movie for all the family and a chance to buy stunning embroidered crafts from El Salvador, have some snacks (again free!), and learn more about the work of MASCP.  Though only the size of New Jersey, El Salvador is home to 20 volcanoes, 23 species of hummingbirds, a cloud forest, monkeys, anteaters, and a plethora of birds with names like resplendent quetzal, chacalacas and their national bird, the turquoise-browed motmot. You’ll get to feast your eyes on many of these during the movie! We need a couple of volunteers to help set up and clean up for 20-30 minutes before and after. If you and your kids volunteer, it’ll take even less time! Let us know by registering below if you can help out. We hope to see many of you there! https://forms.wix.com/877ed2cd-3633-4d43-982c-4e82f7695a1b:19cd5602-7666-4baf-8388-acf139a49db4 MILWAUKEE Sat Apr 27, 7 pm  Folk musician Tom Neilson with a night of music, satire and social commentary. Linneman’s Riverwest Inn.1001 E. Locust St. Benefit for Milwaukee Veterans For Peace.  Suggested donation $20-30.  MILWAUKEE CHAPTER 102, BOB HANSON, PRESIDENT Vfpchapter102@gmail.com  contact:  Bill Christofferson, 414-587-6477 RACINE Sat Apr 27, 12:30 – 1:30 pm Weekly Stand for Peace. At NW corner of Highways 31 and 20. Park in the SW corner of the Kohl's parking lot, near the AT&T store. Supported by the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice. We have signs, banners and flags available for all. Check out our website, http://racinepeace.wordpress.com    for weather concerns. Free Palestine! MADISON Sat Apr 27, 5 – 7 pm Passover Seder and Potluck with Jewish Voice for Peace. At Arboretum Cohousing, 1137 Erin Street.   Passover is the Jewish celebration of moving from slavery to freedom and from the dark, narrow places to freedom and liberation. As we watch and work against the horrors meted by Israel on the Palestinian people, we will dedicate this Seder to an end to the genocide and the start of rebuilding Gaza, returning people to their homes and fields in the occupied West Bank, and a world where Palestinian and Israelis can live side by side with equal rights and dignity for all. Our theme, "Resistance is Fertile", acknowledges a century of Palestinian resistance against colonial violence. As Jews, friends, and allies working towards collective action with Palestinians, our resistance against the ongoing genocide is bringing us more deeply in community with each other across Madison and beyond. We assert that resisting militarism, occupation, and supremacy will lead us toward a more fruitful future. With the coming spring as a time for new growth, we center land as the heart of justice for Palestinians as well as our Indigenous neighbors here in the Great Lakes, and celebrate botanical symbols of resistance, such as the watermelon, olive tree, and cactus. This will be a shorter and, to us, a meaningful seder. We hope you join us. Please RSVP at bit.ly/JVPpesach2024 to let us know how many people will be coming and what you will bring for the potluck. You, yours, your friends and neighbors of all faiths and traditions are welcome to join us. We are looking forward to marking this commemoration with you! There will be an online option for those who can't attend in person. Sent to WNPJ by Madison for a World BEYOND War warabolition@gmail.com VIROQUA Sat Apr 27, 6 – 10 pm Grassroots to Gaza Benefit event. Landmark Center, East Jefferson Street. All proceeds go to Middle East Children's Alliance for immediate humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Sponsored by Madison-Rafah Sister City Project and WORT. Learn more about Middle East Children's Alliance or make a donation at http://Tinyurl.com/madisontogaza . Sent to WNPJ by chrepairs@gmail.com  http://madisonrafah.org NATIONAL Sat Apr 27 “Ready to Walk!  Walk for Peace with Veterans for Peace - from Augusta Maine to Washington DC https://peacewalk2024.org/?emci=34f942a1-d592-ee11-8925-002248223f36&emdi=3da8f0ce-a196-ee11-8925-002248223f36&ceid=10475162 ******************************************************* Join WNPJ!WNPJ welcomes individual members and groups! For individuals, join at a sliding scale rate of $35/year – or whatever fits your budget! For between $50 - $75/year, a WNPJ membership keeps your group connected with peace and justice efforts and helps keep the Network going - and growing!https://www.wnpj.org/membership We help our member organizations reach a wider audience by amplifying your peace and justice events and actions on our listserve and Facebook page. Membership also provides access to our community tabling opportunities, our online toolbox of peace and justice resources, and a community that cares about your peace and justice journey. ******************************************** Here's an opportunity for WNPJ member groups! WNPJ member groups can sign up for a Saturday opportunity to TABLE at the Dane County Farmers Market – this Spring and summer at the Capitol Square. The Farmers Market opening date is April 13th – 7 am to 1 pm …and runs through Nov. 9th on Saturdays. Sign up for your spot today! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4daaa929a5fac34-wnpj#/ Bring your own table and hand-outs to the King Street corner of the Square, site #10, next to the VFP #25 table! You can't sell anything at the non-profit table, but donations to your group are acceptable. Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org *************************************************** If your group would like to get your events posted in the weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US! https://www.wnpj.org/membership Join WNPJ – www.wnpj.org **************************************** Interested in a yard sign? WNPJ has yard signs available!  yardsigns@wnpj.org See our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WisNPJ "Like" us and follow us! Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org

Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice(WFVJ) is a statewide 501c3 non-profit interfaith organization.  Our mission: We connect and empower faith communities and individuals to work for the common good and a life of dignity for everyone.  We advocate for change so that all individuals and families can thrive socially, prosper economically, and participate fully in civil society. We intentionally build bridges across faith communities and draw on the collective wisdom, courage, and strength of our various faith traditions. Website:https://www.wisconsinfaithvoicesforjustice.org/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/WisconsinFaithVoicesForJustice/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/wifaithvoices/ X: @wifaithvoices Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice Executive Director Job Description Position:          Executive Director Hours:              Part-time, 20 hours/week; some evenings and weekends Pay:                   $55,000 Reports to:     Board of Directors Purpose of Position: WFVJ seeks our next Executive Director. A successful candidate for this position will be someone dedicated to social justice, comfortable in interfaith settings, a proven fundraiser, and compelling spokesperson for the organization. Our organization is poised to grow to the next level and seeks a dynamic leader to help us get there. Scope of Work The Executive Director will be employed by the Board of Directors of WFVJ.  This is a half-time position (20 hours per week), with the potential to grow to full-time contingent upon funding. The scope of work will include, but not be limited to: Creating, in partnership with the Board, an annual fundraising plan and implementation of said plan, including but not limited to grant writing and tracking, major donor cultivation, donor management, fundraising events and activities Hiring and supervision of staff, independent contractors, and interns Managing website, social media, and e-newsletter Working with the Treasurer and bookkeeper to ensure financial management procedures are followed; monthly financial reports to the Board are prepared; and filings to the IRS and State of Wisconsin are made in a timely manner; annual renewals of the Charitable Organization certificate with the state of Wisconsin and biennial renewal of Charitable Business license, annual renewal of workman’s compensation insurance and Directors and Officers liability insurance Managing WFVJ’s position as the backbone organization to the Dane Sanctuary Coalition and the Dignity at Work Coalition Acting as liaison to other coalitions, including but not limited to the Wisconsin Voting Rights Coalition Preparing monthly reports of activities to the Board Assist the Board President in preparation of board meeting agendas Creation and implementation of programs, events, and initiatives to forward the priorities of WFVJ Represents WFVJ to the Wisconsin legislature, within the limits of a 501(c)(3) Represent WFVJ to the media Maintain membership database and other email lists Reporting: The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors Required skills and qualifications: Three to five years proven track record in fundraising Knowledge of leadership and financial management principles for nonprofit organizations A passion for social justice Committed to and interested in working in a multifaith environment. Able to work with persons and organizations from a variety of backgrounds, affiliations and diversities of identity and expression. Skills & experience with interfaith and multicultural communications and collaboration preferred. Experience working with coalitions Strong verbal and written communication skills Able to multitask Proficiency in Word, Excel, Google Suite, Mailchimp, Quickbooks, Zoom, Facebook, Instagram or willingness to learn Knowledge of public policy and the Wisconsin legislative process a plus Ability to travel As an interfaith organization dedicated to social and economic justice, workers rights, immigrant rights, voting rights, health care, and interfaith understanding, we are deeply committed to justice and equity for communities of color, LGBTQ+ communities, religious minorities, and all people regardless of gender identity or immigration status.  We strongly encourage candidates who share any of these identities to apply. Compensation The Executive Director will be paid a salary based upon Fifty-five Thousand Dollars ($55,000) per year, payable in biweekly installments, contingent upon funding. This is a salaried/exempt position which does not qualify for overtime pay. Expenses will be reimbursed with proper documentation, i.e. receipts for expenditures, records of mileage. Benefits The Executive Director will be reimbursed Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) towards the purchase of healthcare of her/his/their choice.  The Executive Director will receive four weeks paid time off. Working Conditions The Executive Director will work under the supervision of WFVJ Board of Directors.  The Executive Director will work from home. Applicants are responsible for providing their own means of transportation, computer, and cell phone, and should have access to reliable fast internet. Some travel is required. To apply, please send resume and cover letter by May 15 to: Reverend Larry Sexe, Board President Wifaithvoices4justice@gmail.com 608-444-0360

WNPJ + Spotlight on 350 WI and  Earth Day events + Peace in Gaza + SAVE the date May 18th for a WNPJ Spring Meeting on Environmental Justice + other statewide events *********************************** The WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella non-profit organization supporting the work of 85 member groups around Wisconsin. *************************** SPOTLIGHT on 350 Wisconsin on Earth Day… Art Collective Earth Week Celebrations in Madison….with 350 Wisconsin Please consider joining the Art Collective at one or both of the following Earth Week kick-off celebrations! Saturday, April 20 at 10am, a group of rather unusual visitors will appear at the Dane County Farmers’ Market, on the North Hamilton plaza of the capitol square.  These out-of-town “visitors” will be urging people to consider climate change in their voting choices, but all will transpire in an  unexpected way.  We would LOVE to have you join us, either to help hold a banner or to be a smiling face in the crowd. We also need help with tabling!  This is a great opportunity to educate folks about 350 Wisconsin and the important work that we do. Later that day, we invite all to participate in an Earth Day procession and rally with students from around Wisconsin.  We’ll meet at East Campus Mall at 1pm, march to Library Mall and then down State Street to a brief rally on the Capitol steps that will begin around 2pm.  We’d love to have as many folks as possible wearing “critter hats” to show our support for these young adults who are facing down the climate crisis with great resolve.  contact@350wisconsin.org To join us for either of these events, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944A5AD2FA1F9C43-48791984-earth?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=839e7f32-e5b3-46a3-88a8-d9dbe46d9aea#/ ******************************************************************* WNPJ member groups and affiliates issue Statements, Events, Action Alerts on Hamas/Palestine/Israel See the developing list here: https://www.wnpj.org/post/statements-from-wnpj-groups-and-their-national-affiliates-on-palestine-israel-hamas Petitions to sign https://www.change.org/p/sign-and-share-this-urgent-petition-calling-for-a-ceasefirenow-in-gaza-and-israel and phone calls to make. Go to the Madison Rafah Sister City sites: http://madisonrafah.org/   and/or https://www.facebook.com/madisonrafah to learn more. (image at Marquette University – from Peace Action WI) ******************************** SAVE the DATE: Saturday May 18th from 1pm - 3 pm, for WNPJ’s Annual Spring Meeting – We will be meeting in satellite locations and connecting via zoom in Appleton, Milwaukee, Madison and maybe more…. The WNPJ Spring Steering Committee Meeting is coming up in May for contacts of our 85 member groups, plus interested members. The purpose of this annual Spring meeting is to set our goals and vision for the year ahead, with input from our member groups. "Reports from the Field" will allow member group contacts to give a five minute update on their activities. We will also be choosing a nominating committee for Board members. Our theme for 2024 will be influenced by Environmental Justice - confronting extreme extraction and ending resource wars (on Indigenous and Frontline People). Watch for registration materials and local gatherings. We’ll send out a list of member groups by region – so you can find others who may want to gather near you for a WNPJ virtual event on the 18th!  Funds for snacks available.  Let us know if you would like to host a gathering! info@wnpj.org ************************************ Upcoming Events this week for WNPJ groups: MADISON Mon Apr 15, 12 noon – 1 pm Monday Noon Vigil for Peace – Meet at the corner of MLK, Jr. Blvd and Doty St. For more information, call Tim at 608-630-3633. MILWAUKEE Mon Apr 15, 4 – 5 pm  Peacemaker in Residence & Waging Peace in Vietnam Keynote; A Vietnamese Woman's Journey from War to Peace. Marquette’s Raynor Memorial Library Beaumier Suites BC, 1355 W. Wisconsin Ave. Le Ly Hayslip, Vietnamese-American author, philanthropist, peace activist, and speaker, will deliver the closing keynote of the Waging Peace in Vietnam series at Marquette. She is the author of two memoirs—When Heaven and Earth Changed Places and Child of War, Woman of Peace—which were adapted into the film Heaven & Earth, written and directed by Oliver Stone. Since 1986, she has founded two charitable organizations: the East Meets West Foundation and the Global Village Foundation. Free and open to the public. For more information about Milwaukee’s events, contact: Vfpchapter102@gmail.com VIRTUAL Mon Apr 15, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Webinar: Online to Offline Organizing.  Join the IVE Team for School of Democracy's session led by Rabbi Bonnie Margulis, Executive Director of Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice to learn more about how faith communities and leaders can play a role in electoral cycles and civic engagement. Who should attend? Organizers, Faith Leaders, Executive Directors, Presidents, Board Members, Digital Organizers and any other person within WISDOM, its affiliates or partner organizations, beginners passionate about organizing, leaders with a commitment to protecting our democracy, people who have an interest in electoral politics, and anyone interested in strengthening their digital skills. Register here. For any questions, please contact WISDOM's Digital Organizer, Amanda Ali at aali@wisdomwisconsin.org. MADISON Tues Apr 16, 7 pm A Vietnamese Woman's Journey from War to Peace, WI Historical Society, 816 State Street. Talk and book signing of her memoir When Heaven and Earth Changed Places, by Le Ly Hayslip, Vietnamese-American author, philanthropist, peace activist, and speaker, with Norman Stockwell, interlocutor. Part of the VFP Waging Peace in Vietnam Exhibit.  Further information: Judy Karofsky judykarofsky@gmail.com Phone: 608-770-5600 LaCROSSE Thurs Apr 18, 12 noon - 12:30 pm Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil. Meet at Main St & 4th Street South. A weekly vigil for peace every Thursday. Contact Deborah. dbuffton@yahoo.com MILWAUKEE Thurs Apr 18, 12 noon – 1 pm  Anti-ROTC Vigil. Meet in front of Marquette University Library on Wisconsin Ave. No Christian institution should be teaching our young that it is okay to kill people called enemies by our government. Sent to WNPJ by Casa Maria Catholic Worker House – www.casamariacatholicworker.weebly.com EAU CLAIRE Fri Apr 19th, 5 – 6 pm Monthly Peace Stand - Wisconsin 93 Trunk & Golf Road. The 3rd Friday of each month is Peace Stand time in Eau Claire, going on since 2004. We gather with signs at Hwy 93 & Golf Road, 5-6 pm, we visit one another and sometimes we sing. Stand and be counted. Contact for more information: helpsmeet@usa.net MADISON Sat Apr 20, 10 am through 3 pm – 350 Earth Day events….see the Spotlight above for details…. MILWAUKEE Sat Apr 20, 12 noon - 1 pm Peace Action WI - Weekly STAND for PEACE: Farwell and North. Each Saturday, a different location.  Join us. Bring your signs. info@peaceactionwi.org    https://www.peaceactionwi.org/stand_for_peace VIROQUA Sat Apr 20, 11 am - 12 noon Driftless Palestinian Solidarity Weekly Vigil. Meet at Decker and Main. Action Alert: The Driftless Palestinian Solidarity group has a petition to demand that Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and end financial aid to Israel's military.  If your group is interested in getting signatures, please email  driftless.solidarity@gmail.com. Thank you for your help! RACINE Sat Apr 20, 12:30 – 1:30 pm Weekly Stand for Peace. At NW corner of Highways 31 and 20. Park in the SW corner of the Kohl's parking lot, near the AT&T store. Supported by the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice. We have signs, banners and flags available for all. Check out our website, http://racinepeace.wordpress.com    for weather concerns. Free Palestine! Sunday April 21, 2 pm: Screening of the movie: Hunting in Wartime, directed by Samantha Farinella. Screening at the WI Historical Society, 816 State Street. A documentary film exposing the mistreatment of patriotic Native American soldiers while they served in Vietnam and upon their return to the United States. Introduced by Samantha Skenandore, tribal advocate. Part of the VFP Waging Peace in Vietnam Exhibit. Further information: Judy Karofsky judykarofsky@gmail.com Phone: 608-770-5600 VIRTUAL Sun Apr 21, 3 -  4:30 pm  Screening of “Common Ground” and discussion with Pat Skogen, hosted by the Christine Center! From the filmmakers of Kiss the Ground comes the follow-up documentary, Common Ground, winner of the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, which explores how regenerative agriculture can help heal the soil, our health and the planet. The discussion will be facilitated by Pat Skogen, long-time Wisconsin Farmers Union leader, educator and organic dairy farmer, who is a fierce advocate for family farms and rural communities and works to organize against the growing number of CAFOs invading Wisconsin’s countryside. The film can be watched online prior to the discussion between April 19th and 21st. For more info and to register, visit: https://christinecenter.org/community-in-action/  Sent to WNPJ by Madison Infoshop peckjohne@gmail.com ******************************************************* Join WNPJ!WNPJ welcomes individual members and groups! For individuals, join at a sliding scale rate of $35/year – or whatever fits your budget! For between $50 - $75/year, a WNPJ membership keeps your group connected with peace and justice efforts and helps keep the Network going - and growing!https://www.wnpj.org/membership We help our member organizations reach a wider audience by amplifying your peace and justice events and actions on our listserve and Facebook page. Membership also provides access to our community tabling opportunities, our online toolbox of peace and justice resources, and a community that cares about your peace and justice journey. ************************************************* Here's an opportunity for WNPJ member groups! WNPJ member groups can sign up for a Saturday opportunity to TABLE at the Dane County Farmers Market – this Spring and summer at the Capitol Square. The Farmers Market opening date is April 13th – 7 am to 1 pm …and runs through Nov. 9th on Saturdays. Sign up for your spot today! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4daaa929a5fac34-wnpj#/ Bring your own table and hand-outs to the King Street corner of the Square, site #10, next to the VFP #25 table! You can't sell anything at the non-profit table, but donations to your group are acceptable. Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org *************************************************** If your group would like to get your events posted in the weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US! https://www.wnpj.org/membership Here's our website WNPJ – www.wnpj.org **************************************** Interested in a yard sign? WNPJ has yard signs available!  yardsigns@wnpj.org See our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WisNPJ "Like" us and follow us! Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org

WNPJ + Action Alert – Save our Water! + and,SAVE the Date May 18th for a WNPJ annual mtg + JustDane celebrates its 50th + Rachel Corrie Remembrance Event + Cassandra is going to Gaza + other statewide events *********************************** The WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella non-profit organization supporting the work of 85 member groups around Wisconsin. *********************** TAKE ACTION NOW! This is a critical moment: President Biden’s administration has the power to weigh in on a pivotal decision that could protect the Great Lakes for generations to come. CLICK HERE to urge him to take a stand and support the Bad River Band. In solidarity, Britnie Remer - 350 Wisconsin Fossil Fuel Organizer - britnie.remer@350wisconsin.org ****************************** SAVE the DATE: Saturday May 18th  early afternoon for WNPJ’s Annual Spring Meeting  up North as well as virtual watch-parties in Appleton, Milwaukee, Madison and maybe more…. The WNPJ Spring Steering Committee Meeting is coming up in May, meant for contacts of our 85 member groups, plus interested members. The purpose of this annual Spring meeting is to set our goals and vision for the year ahead, with input from our member groups.  We’ll be listening, as our group contacts report on what their groups are doing “Reports from the Field” …and how we can work together for more impact on issues that unite us.  We’ll be choosing a nominating committee for Board members, too, at this meeting – and we’ll have a program.  Our 2024 theme will be  Environmental Justice - confronting extreme extraction and ending resource wars (on Indigenous and Frontline People). Watch for registration materials and meeting time and places. We’ll be sending out a list of member groups by region – so you can find others who may want to gather near you for a WNPJ virtual event on the 18th! WNPJ can supply these gatherings with some funds for treats!  Let us know if you’re having a gathering! info@wnpj.org And……WELCOME: WNPJ has hired two new people in contract positions to assist our all-volunteer communications team! Meet Tom Boswell – coordinating the Spring newsletter for WNPJ. Tom is a long-time Wisconsin activist working on Safe Skies WI. The newsletter deadline is yet tbd. If you have anything to submit, send it to info@wnpj.org and we’ll forward it Tom’s way! Meet Britnie Remer – She will share her skills in the areas of social media and graphic design, plus event planning ….as we work toward Economic Justice in our state.   britnieremer@gmail.com ************************************ SPOTLIGHT on WNPJ member group JustDane! Did you know?! JustDane's 50th Anniversary event is April 11th! Father Boyle of Homeboy Industries will be presenting at our celebration! Their work in Los Angeles corresponds with the work JustDane has been doing in Dane County. Come hear about their amazing contributions to supporting the people in their community and helping build a safer community! 6 – 8:30 pm at the Madison College Mitby Theater in Madison. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with our supporters, volunteers and the community! Order tickets here: https://JustDane50th.eventbrite.com For contact information – see https://www.wnpj.org/member-organizations-list/justdane ************************************ And, on Gaza….. MADISON Sun Apr 14, 1:30 – 3:30 pm  Remembering Rachel Corrie event. At Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St. Free & open to all, donations to the Middle East Children’s Alliance welcome. Join Madison Rafah Sister City Project for Madison's annual event honoring the life of Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old peace activist from Olympia, WA who was crushed to death in Rafah on March 16, 2003 by a US-made Caterpillar armored D-9 bulldozer driven by an Israeli soldier as she stood against the demolition of a Palestinian home. As Israel crushes the lives of millions in Gaza, we believe that Rachel’s wish now would be that we do all in our power to end the genocide in Palestine. The event will include readings from Rachel’s writings, a video message from her parents Craig and Cindy, and time to write and call congress and the White House to demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire, opening of Gaza to unlimited and adequate humanitarian aid, and an end to US support of the Israeli military. Music by Ensemble Shamaali, featuring the oud, drum and flute. Desserts and beverages will be served. Palestinian crafts, olive oil & olive oil soap will be available for purchase, as will children's books about Palestine and books by and about Rachel Corrie. https://www.facebook.co m/events/371565802454413/?ref=newsfeed Contact: chrepairs@gmail.com   http://madisonrafah.org *************************** Cassandra Dixon, contact for Palestine Partners and Mary House is going to Gaza on an aid flotilla, leaving next week. Cassandra writes: If you would like to donate towards the cost of this travel,  you can mail a check to me at Cassandra Dixon, 3579 County Road G, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965, or donate via GoFUndMe by clicking the button below, or at https://tinyurl.com/cassandratogaza, or Venmo me @Cassandra-Dixon-11 . Anything raised above the costs of travel will go to the larger costs of funding the flotilla. Contribute here.  Thanks and love, - Cassandra *************************** WNPJ member group events…. MADISON Mon Apr 8, 12 noon – 1 pm Monday Noon Vigil for Peace – Meet at the corner of MLK, Jr. Blvd and Doty St. For more information, call Tim at 608-630-3633. MADISON Mon Apr 8, 5:30 pm Antiwar Film Series: Screening of John Pilger's The Coming War with China. Central Library, Rm 302, 201 W. Mifflin St. Sponsored by Veterans for Peace #25 - World Beyond War Madison. Contact: Bradley Geyer  geyerb@yahoo.com MILWAUKEE POTLUCK Dinner Mon Apr 8, 6 – 9 pm Potluck and  "All People's Forum". At Zao MKE Church - 2319 E. Kenwood. Join Building Unity for the 7th Wisconsin State Senate District Democracy Tour Stop. At this and each of our 35 + Tour Stops, local activists and leaders will host a community forums on the existential issues of our time: PEACE, JUSTICE, SUSTAINABILITY, & DEMOCRACY. All are welcome to participate, share information, and learn about the next steps for our movement to grow our UNITY & PEOPLE POWER. Tour Schedule is still in formation but the current form can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/Spring-Tour-Schedule. This schedule, our Tour Stop Facebook event pages, and our website - www.buildingunitywisconsin.org - will all be updated with information about the tour as it becomes available. Volunteers are needed at all of the stops across Wisconsin! Help us make this tour what it needs to be - a massive wake-up call, a call to action, and an opportunity to collaborate and organize with the other groups and individuals in our area. And, of course, we will do all that we can to make sure that Wisconsinites are registered and ready to vote! To help or for more information, call Building Unity at 608-630-3633. MADISON Tues Apr 9, 8 am – 5 pm The WI Idea Conference! - hosted by the Morgridge Center for Public Service. UW-Madison, Union South (1308 W. Dayton) This year’s theme, ”Community University Partnerships for Stronger Communities,” intends to build understanding and highlight examples of robust community university partnerships, while also increasing capacity for such partnerships and strengthening bridges between UW and Wisconsin communities. This event is great for community-oriented academics, as well as community members in the public or nonprofit sector. Breakfast and lunch included. To register and for more info, visit: Wisconsin Idea Conference – Morgridge Center for Public Service – UW–Madison   Sent to WNPJ by Madison Infoshop peckjohne@gmail.com VIRTUAL Tues Apr 9, 7 pm  UNA USA Dane County Monthly Meeting:  Dr. Ryan Westergaard, MD, PhD, MPH on “Vaccines and Public Health: Past, Present and Future”.  Dr. Westergaard serves as Chief Medical Officer, and State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases, Wisconsin Department of Health. This free virtual presentation will address vaccines and public health, exploring the past present and future. The intersection of public health and the health of the community, lessons learned and how we must pivot and change in our approach to health care will be discussed.  Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87505514532?pwd=NFgrR2dGMGxEbTkxTms2YkpIWjU2Zz09#success . Learn more about UNA USA Dane County: https://www.unadane.org/upcoming-events.html MADISON Tues Apr 9, 4:30 – 6 pm Madison Community Event Addressing Youth and Gun Violence. At the Lussier Community Education Center.  Madison high schoolers will be leading an event to address the gun violence that has taken the lives of their family and peers. We are calling on you to please help promote this event so these high schoolers feel that their voices are being heard! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Jonah Frumkin - jonahf@werhize.org  || 202-695-0615 MADISON Tues Apr 9, 7 pm Screening of the movie: The War at Home, with director Glenn Silber. Wisconsin Historical Society, 816 State St. Part of the Waging Peace in Vietnam series of events.  https://www.wnpj.org/post/waging-peace-in-vietnam-exhibit-and-events-in-april-madison MADISON and MILWAUKEE Wed Apr 10, 7 pm Screening of the movie:  Sir! No Sir! with director David Zeiger. Wisconsin Historical Society, 816 State St. Part of the Waging Peace in Vietnam series of events.  https://www.wnpj.org/post/waging-peace-in-vietnam-exhibit-and-events-in-april-madison.  Join this event live-streamed from the Raynor Library meeting site at Marquette University in Milwaukee. MILWAUKEE Thurs Apr 11, 9 am – 12:30 pm United Nations Schools of International Learning (UNSIL) WORLD FAIR. At the Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue. Sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation. Click on the following link to be a volunteer for this event. https://bit.ly/UNSIL2024. Interact and learn with MPS 4th – 8th-grade students as they present on nearly 1,500 research projects about the member countries, organs, cultures, and goals of the United Nations.  Our young people are excited to share their work with you! The UNSIL program is presented in partnership with the Annette J. Roberts & Joan R. Robertson Fund for World Peace, World Law, and Peace Education at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. For more information, contact Annette Robertson at: annettejoanrobertson@gmail.com (email) or 414.332.3303 (phone) .  Sent to WNPJ by UNA USA Milwaukee - UnaMilwaukeewi@gmail.com MADISON and VIRTUAL Thurs Apr 11, 7 – 8:30 pm WI Faith Voices for Justice Interfaith Intersection event - ”Fasting and Self-denial”. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5701 Raymond Rd. This program brings people together to hold intentional conversations on a variety of topics related to faith. An important aspect of this program is that our panelists are lay people, not clergy or academics. Therefore, panelists will address the topics speaking from their own understanding of their faith but not speaking for their faith. Please volunteer if you're interested in being a panelist. Please join us. ·         May 9 - forgiveness - person to person; person to God; at the Bahai Center, 324 W Lakeside St, Madison ·         Sept. 12 - what is your faith’s "high holy day" - location TBD ·         Oct. 17 - cycle of times/seasons in different traditions; location TBD ·         Nov. 14 - giving thanks; Sugar River United Methodist Church, 415 W Verona Ave, Verona PLEASE RSVP HERE. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyVkki4VyxMj71M62T-77nTjh7WAIlpT0bY_fHRNf6dyuHkw/viewform If you would like to be a panelist for any of these events, email Rabbi Bonnie Margulis wifaithvoices4justice@gmail.com LaCROSSE Thurs Apr 11, 12 noon - 12:30 pm Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil. Meet at Main St & 4th Street South. A weekly vigil for peace every Thursday. Contact Deborah. dbuffton@yahoo.com VIROQUA Thurs Apr 11, 2 – 3 pm GAZA! Presentation & Community conversation about the current catastrophe and its origins. At the Vernon County Historical Society, 410 S Center Ave. Sponsored by Driftless Palestinian Solidarity dena.eakles@gmail.com MILWAUKEE Fri Apr 12,6:30 pm  Potluck and Film  "The War on Cuba". At Peace Action WI, Zao MKE Church, East Kenwood Boulevard. peaceactionwi@gmail.com MILWAUKEE Sat Apr 13, 12 noon - 1 pm Peace Action WI - Weekly STAND for PEACE: 51st and Silver Spring. Each Saturday, a different location.  Join us. Bring your signs. info@peaceactionwi.org    https://www.peaceactionwi.org/stand_for_peace VIROQUA Sat Apr 13, 11 am - 12 noon Driftless Palestinian Solidarity Weekly Vigil. Meet at Decker and Main. Action Alert: The Driftless Palestinian Solidarity group has a petition to demand that Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and end financial aid to Israel's military.  If your group is interested in getting signatures, please email  driftless.solidarity@gmail.com. Thank you for your help! RACINE Sat Apr 13, 12:30 – 1:30 pm Weekly Stand for Peace. At NW corner of Highways 31 and 20. Park in the SW corner of the Kohl's parking lot, near the AT&T store. Supported by the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice. We have signs, banners and flags available for all. Check out our website, http://racinepeace.wordpress.com    for weather concerns. Free Palestine! VERONA Sat Apr 13, 1-2:30 pm The Dine' and Uranium Presentation with Omie Baldwin and Cathy Middlecamp. Farley Center, 2299 Spring Rose Road. Register to programs@farleycenter.org. This presentation is co-sponsored with the Physicians for Social Responsibility Wisconsin. Presenter: Omie Baldwinis retired as the Student Service emerita in the University Counseling and consultation Service/University Health Services at UW-Madison. As a counselor and as an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, she and her colleague, Cathy Middlecamp, designed and taught the course "Uranium and American Indians. The first chemistry course, to meet the campus wide ethnic studies requirement. She is past board member of the Farley Center. Presenter: Cathy Middlecamp is professor emerita in the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and an affiliate of the Department of Chemistry. From 2015 to 2020, she also served as the director for education and research at the Office of Sustainability. Her scholarship lies at the intersection of science, people, and the planet. For her teaching and work bringing science to the general public, she has received awards at the local, state, and national levels. As a professor, she sought to engage students in learning chemistry in real-world contexts, including chemistry that related to radioactive substances. https://nelson.wisc.edu/staff/middlecamp-cathy/ https://www.facebook.com/events/1507115409867113 MADISON Sun Apr 14, 1:30 – 3:30 pm  Remembering Rachel Corrie event. At Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St. Free & open to all….see more in the Spotlight above…. https://www.facebook.com/events/371565802454413/?ref=newsfeed MADISON and MILWAUKEE Sun Apr 14, 7 pm Screening of the movie: The Whistleblower of My Lai, documentary on the Kronos Quartet’s making of the opera My Lai, plus live performance by Vanessa Vo, Kronos Quartet soloist. traditional Vietnamese instruments. Wisconsin Historical Society, 816 State St. Part of the Waging Peace in Vietnam series of events.  https://www.wnpj.org/post/waging-peace-in-vietnam-exhibit-and-events-in-april-madison. Join this event live-streamed from the Raynor Library meeting site at Marquette University in Milwaukee. ******************************************************* Join WNPJ!WNPJ welcomes individual members and groups! For individuals, join at a sliding scale rate of $35/year – or whatever fits your budget! For between $50 - $75/year, a WNPJ membership keeps your group connected with peace and justice efforts and helps keep the Network going - and growing!https://www.wnpj.org/membership We help our member organizations reach a wider audience by amplifying your peace and justice events and actions on our listserve and Facebook page. Membership also provides access to our community tabling opportunities, our online toolbox of peace and justice resources, and a community that cares about your peace and justice journey. ********************************************************** Here's an opportunity for WNPJ member groups! WNPJ member groups can sign up for a Saturday opportunity to TABLE at the Dane County Farmers Market – this Spring and summer at the Capitol Square. The Farmers Market opening date is April 13th – 7 am to 1 pm …and runs through Nov. 9th on Saturdays. Sign up for your spot today! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4daaa929a5fac34-wnpj#/ Bring your own table and hand-outs to the King Street corner of the Square, site #10, next to the VFP #25 table! You can't sell anything at the non-profit table, but donations to your group are acceptable. Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org *************************************************** If your group would like to get your events posted in the weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US! https://www.wnpj.org/membership Join WNPJ – www.wnpj.org **************************************** Interested in a yard sign? WNPJ has yard signs available!  yardsigns@wnpj.org See our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WisNPJ "Like" us and follow us! Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org

See the developing list here....including World BEYOND War, UNA, Madison Friends, Madison Rafah Sister City Project, WILPF, Palestine Partners, Veterans for Peace, Peace Action, Interfaith Peace Working Group, Unitarian Universalists, PoorPeople's Campaign, Family Farm Defenders, as part of La Via Campesino, Congregation of Sistersof St. Agnes, Madison Democratic Socialists of America, Building Unity, WISDOM, and more.... Veterans For Peace Statement on Hamas-Israel https://www.veteransforpeace.org/ “Our hearts are with all of the victims and their families, and we hope for the safe return of those held captive, and for the safety of the civilians trapped inside Gaza… Together, we must retain our humanity, and value all life as sacred and cherished… The only solution is ending the occupation, uniting Israelis and Palestinians and focusing our collective efforts on achieving peace.” Veterans For Peace is an organization of former soldiers and allies who know too well the costs of war – the obvious, visible wounds; the unseen wounds that curse us and our families for generations and the cost to society of maintaining a military larger than the next ten nations combined. Bitter experience taught us that war is insanity and suffering. We oppose all targeting of civilians. We denounce Hamas’ attacks on Israeli civilians and deplore Israel’s crushing response in Gaza. We also recognize this war did not start last week, it has gone on for decades. Over $150 billion of our tax dollars have provided Israel unlimited weaponry and diplomatic cover has allowed it to expand its occupation such that 16 years ago former President Jimmy Carter clearly labeled it apartheid. Our government fans the flames beneath the pressure cooker of occupation and our taxes make us complicit. We should not pretend shock at a violent response after Palestinian homes are destroyed to make way for Israeli “settlers” and Gaza is locked down, year after year, by a draconian air, sea and land blockade. History is defined by when you start the clock. In the war of competing propaganda, we recognize that U.S. officials fabricate incidents for corporate media consumption, such as President Biden claiming he saw photos of beheaded Israeli children. Hours later, as reported by news outlets from the Palestine Chronicle to Business Insider, a White House spokesperson had to "walk back" Biden's claims. But just like the Bush administration claims in 1991 that Iraqi soldiers threw Kuwaiti babies out of incubators, once the lie is out, the truth rarely catches up. This cycle of violence, coupled with the reality that war is an uncontrollable force with its own agency and purposes, results in the terrors we witness. Neither side has a military path to victory, which is why we strongly oppose our government’s plans to send troops, aircraft carriers and more munitions and President Biden’s promise to fully support Israel’s assault on the people of Gaza. We support a ceasefire, negotiations and release of prisoners from all sides. Only a political process will dismantle the apartheid system, answer the grievances of the Palestinian people, create a democratic system that provides rights for all the people of Israel and Palestine, and finally bring lasting security and peace. Without that political process, the cycle of violence will magnify, dooming more generations of Israelis and Palestinians. We lift up the words of our brother and sister military veterans, both Palestinian and Israeli members of Combatants for Peace: Veterans For Peace - vfp@veteransforpeace.org (photo creadit: Palestinians inspect the damage following an Israeli airstrike on the El-Remal aera in Gaza City Oct. 9, 2023. Wafa | Wikimedia | Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0] ******************************************* UNA USA As we all struggle to understand the dynamics of Hamas invasion of Israel and Israel’s response, here is a brief statement from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. "UN condemns complete siege of Gaza | Israel-Palestine conflict | Al Jazeera." https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2023/10/10/un-condemns-complete-siege-of-gaza-2 Sent to WNPJ from Sam Romano - sromano@charter.net of the UNA USA Dane County Chapter Israel/occupied Palestinian territory: UN experts deplore attacks on civilians, call for truce and urge international community to address root causes of violence Statement from the United Nations Association of Greater Milwaukee (UNA-GM) Board of Directors on the Crisis in the Middle East October 25th, 2023 The members of the United Nations Association of Greater Milwaukee Board of Directors are devastated by the war occurring between Israel and Hamas. The United Nations Association of Greater Milwaukee is committed to upholding the values and principles of the United Nations and the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) including peace and the preservation of human rights for all. The United Nations Association of Greater Milwaukee Board of Directors is in agreement with and supports the statement from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on October 19th, 2023 including his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to provide sufficient time and space to help realize his two appeals and to ease the epic human suffering we are witnessing. For more information, contact: Steve Watrous – President of the UNA of Greater Milwaukee On behalf of the UNA of Greater Milwaukee Board of Directors UnaMilwaukeewi@gmail.com ******************************** WISDOM APril 4, 2024 Normally, as the WISDOM Executive Committee we do not get involved in issues of foreign policy, where we have no expertise. Regarding the current enormous loss of life and humanitarian nightmare in Gaza, we feel a need to make an exception. In our WISDOM "Prophetic Declaration" we state that: We believe in the God-given dignity and infinite worth of each and every human life, and We believe that our faith calls us to work for justice and liberation, standing against all forms of oppression and inequity We cannot remain silent in the face of so much killing, no matter where it is happening. As human beings we cannot ignore injustice, especially when that injustice is in part supported by our own government. The people in Israel have a right to live in peace and a right to self-defense, as do the people in Gaza and the West Bank. As with every other right, though, there are limits. Security cannot be pursued at the cost of the lives of tens of thousands of non-combatant civilians, thousands of whom are children, as well as the lives of scores of journalists and humanitarian aid workers. Suffering and victimization can help to explain behaviors, but they cannot justify immoral actions. In the same way that the decades of unjust treatment of Palestinians cannot justify many of the actions of October 7, the actions of October 7 cannot justify the brutal bombardment and starvation of people in Gaza in the subsequent five months. There must be an immediate and permanent ceasefire. We do not know the elements of the path toward a lasting, just peace. We know that it needs to include true security, self-determination, and opportunity for Palestinian people as well as for Israeli citizens. It must value every human being in the region as equally valuable. It cannot include the use of starvation, withheld medical supplies or sexual violence as political tools. Finally, we believe that our tax dollars and the power of the US government can never be used to support actions that violate basic human rights. We urge our members to continue to exercise their rights as citizens to speak out against the continuation of the war and to join the call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire with a commitment to work toward a just solution that treats all with compassion and dignity. The WISDOM Executive Committee: Rev. Marian Boyle-Rohloff, President Rev. Wille Brisco, Immediate Past President Mr. Talib Akbar, Vice President Ms. Rachel Kincade, Vice President Ms. Betty Groenewold, Treasurer Mr. John Wagner, Financial Secretary Ms. Sue Spicer, Secretary David Liners, Yolanda Perkins, Freddie Wilson, Staff ****************************** World BEYOND War Sign the petition: The world's leading weapons dealer, the U.S. government, urgently needs to hear from the people of the United States and the world. President Joe Biden has told the U.S. Congress that he will ask for funding to send huge piles of free weapons to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, to prolong two wars and help start a third -- and possibly the world's last. Biden reportedly intends to combine weapons for these three wars, plus additional weapons for further militarizing the U.S. border with Mexico, all in one piece of legislation. The strategic thinking is that various Congress Members who find the nerve to oppose one horrific war will be unlikely to find it to oppose three wars at once. Regardless of how the legislation is concocted, we need to stop the weapons shipments and replace them with diplomacy and a new focus on the human and environmental crises that these wars defund, distract from, and exacerbate. SIGN AND SHARE THE PETITION HERE! World BEYOND War is a global network of volunteers, chapters, and affiliated organizations advocating for the abolition of the institution of war. World BEYOND War ************************************** From Peace Action Wisconsin: an urgent Action Alert: Tell Congress to end the killing in Gaza/Israel https://secure.everyaction.com/7W1UeYLCKkCg_ZWcIsUcQA2 We at Peace Action are heartbroken over the escalating violence in Israel and Gaza. Granted, this violence didn’t come out of a vacuum, there have been decades of violent Israeli government oppression. But the recent violence still shocks one’s conscience. Civilian lives deserve protection. The scenes of Hamas-led forces abusing Israeli children and elderly hostages, or of hundreds of civilians gunned down at bus stops, music festivals, and in homes, are heartrending. Even the strongest supporter of the Palestinian fight for self-determination can condemn the wanton mistreatment of civilians. Our hearts go out to the victims. We hope for a speedy return of hostages. At the same time, if we really care about protecting civilian lives and rights, we must work to end the ongoing crime of the Israeli occupation that drives cycles of violence. This includes the hellish blockade of Gaza for the last 16 years. Many in Congress are ignoring this essential context and pledging unequivocal support for Israel. But with U.S. support, Israeli security forces abuse children and the elderly. Settlers engage in home invasions and burning cars and houses. Police engage in torture. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed this year. Please join us at Peace Action in pushing Congress to call for de-escalation and restraint. Ask your representatives to support a ceasefire now. In the short term, we need our representatives to call for de-escalation and a ceasefire, not offer “unequivocal” military support. Congress must also work to end the occupation. That means ending the unconditional military aid that props up the occupation. The United States is the world’s greatest sponsor of the occupation with $3.8 Billion in military weapons a year. And now Congressmembers are calling for more military aid and giving a green light to unrestrained Israeli military action. This reminds me of 9-11 which led to decades of wasted lives and trillions spent. Already, jets paid for with your and my tax dollars are bombing Gaza indiscriminately. U.S. warships and fighter jets are being sent to the region as a “show of force”. Will Lebanon or Iran get dragged in? Escalation could trigger years of war. Before the casualty counts grow, you and I can help raise the voice for restraint and oppose more arms and military escalation. President Netanyahu is talking about turning Gaza’s “wicked cities” to “rubble”. The Israeli Defense Minister just said that “We are imposing a complete siege on Gaza. There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel. We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly”. This is collective punishment that is a violation of humanitarian law. Congress shouldn't offer “unequivocal support” for war crimes in the making. You and I can be the voice for de-escalation before the violations get worse. We can ask Congress to pressure the Israeli government to avoid massacres of civilians. Congressmembers can push to support a ceasefire. At the same time, it’s not too early to press Congress to look at the roots of this violence. Congress needs to re-examine how the billions in military aid we are sending to Israel only maintains oppression and violence. We need to end US complicity in this horrific tragedy. Please join in with all of us today to prevent a widening blood bath. Ask your members of Congress to support a ceasefire. My best to you and yours, especially if you’ve been personally touched by this violence. Our vision at Peace Action is of a just world where all can live their lives in dignity free from political violence and oppression. Even now we push for that vision. For a just and more peaceful world, Jon Rainwater, Executive Director - Peace Action https://www.peaceaction.org/ ************************************ Madison Rafah Sister City Project and Palestine Partners - . These 2 WNPJ member groups have recently joined the WI-Based Coalition for Justice in Palestine.....read their statement below. WISCONSIN-BASED COALITION FOR JUSTICE IN PALESTINE CALLS FOR A FAIR RESOLUTION FROM THE WISCONSIN STATE ASSEMBLY A broad coalition of Wisconsin organizations that work for peace and justice formed on October 8th to respond to the false and one-sided narratives regarding Israel’s war on Gaza and the continued oppression of the indigenous Palestinian population. The coalition’s member organizations include Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition, Jewish Voice for Peace–Milwaukee, Wisconsin Muslim Civic Alliance, Islamic Society of Milwaukee, Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice, Milwaukee Anti-war Committee, American Muslims for Palestine, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Students for Democratic Society, Adalah Justice Group, Syrian American Medical Society-Milwaukee, Peace Action Wisconsin, Students for Justice in Palestine at UWM, Marquette University and UW-Madison, Arab and Muslim Women’s Research and Resource Institute, Muslim American Society, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Friends of Palestine WI, Milwaukee Islamic Dawa Center, Al-Quran Foundation, Catholics for Peace and Justice, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Black Youth Project 100,We Are Many – United Against Hate, MKE4Palestine, United States Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), Sunseekers Milwaukee, Madison-Rafah City Project and Palestine Partners. In a joint statement, they said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Israeli and Palestinian lives, and condemn unequivocally the decades of provocation including the years by one of the most extreme supremacist Israeli governments in history. “We are also alarmed by the one-sided narrative in mainstream U.S. media and from President Biden’s administration that posits Israel as a victim and ignores the tremendous suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza under decades of brutal Israeli occupation.” This new Wisconsin coalition is calling for a correction of false narratives and an end to U.S support of Israeli apartheid and the subjugation of Palestinians. It is demanding a ceasefire, humanitarian aid and safety for civilians, thousands who are injured, and an end to the forced dehydration and starvation of the civilian population of Gaza. This coalition is extremely distressed that so many of the elected representatives that have worked with our organizations for years failed to give thought and consideration to the indigenous 2.2 million Palestinian civilians, Muslim and Christian who are facing imminent genocide in Gaza. We note these representatives have often stood against false and one-sided narratives targeting Black Americans, Latinos, the LGBTQ people, and other marginalized and oppressed people. When did it become acceptable for these representatives and the Wisconsin Assembly as a whole to support one of the most racist and supremacist governments in the world? As is seen more often in authoritarian countries, when representatives Ryan Clancy, Darrin Madison, and Lakeshia Myers took a more nuanced position, acknowledging the indigenous Palestinian children and civilians who are suffering, state elector Ann Jacobs threw around the word “antisemitism” and asked for Clancy to be ousted. A coalition of 27 organizations, with more joining each day, representing thousands of voters, we stand unequivocally behind the right of our democratically elected representatives to vote their conscience without intimidation and bullying. We commend Representatives Clancy, Madison and Myers for their principled and moral stand and we call upon our elected leaders to demand that food, water, electricity, medicine and safety be available to innocent civilians in Gaza, of whom half are children. Join the Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine now. Add your name or your organization to the list by contacting Janan Najeeb: jnajeeb@mmwconline.org Posted by Janan Najeeb | Oct 17, 2023 | OpEd *************************** Quaker Links provided by Madison Friends Meeting, Peace Subcommittee Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL): https://www.fcnl.org/issues/middle-east-iran American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) new Action Alerts: https://afsc.org/take-action ********************************** WILPF Urgent Response in Palestine The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom is deeply saddened at the ongoing and escalating loss of life in Palestine and Israel, which takes place in the context of ongoing Israeli occupation, war crimes and impunity. We denounce all attacks against civilians by all parties. Indiscriminate attacks on civilians are a crime under international law and cannot be justified. Please read and share WILPF’s statement and demands on the escalation of violence in Palestine and Israel. ******************************** Interfaith Peace Working Group Dear Peacemaking Friends, Tikkun magazine and Beyt Tikkun: A Synagogue without Walls partnered with others to write a joint statement that we hope can help us rise above divisiveness and division and call us to our highest selves. What follows is the joint statement. We invite everyone who agrees with this statement to add your name. You can read the statement below and add your name by clicking here. FROM TIKKUN MAGAZINE & BEYT TIKKUN: A SYNAGOGUE WITHOUT WALLS Solidarity with Israel/Palestine This statement is written and signed by Palestinians, Jews, and others who are committed to holding complex truths and striving to overcome polarization. We feel the pain of our people, identify with their pain, and need to work together to uplift our shared humanity. The unfolding horror in Israel and Gaza is an escalation of decades of state-sanctioned violence by Israel against Palestinians. We condemn the horrific actions of Hamas against Israeli civilians. We likewise condemn Israel’s unbridled bombing and cutting off access to all basic needs, including food, water, electricity, and medical care. Attacks on Palestinian and Israeli civilians are repugnant. Israeli violence against Palestinians has been intentionally hidden, slow, and steady. Contrary to what the media is reporting, this attack was not unprovoked. The Israeli and American governments have worked together to suppress and deny the inhumane acts against Palestinians that have led to this moment. There are Palestinians and Jews who have been raising red flags and warning about this inevitable outcome for decades, only to be dismissed and ignored. The world’s failure to challenge Israel’s ongoing occupation, apartheid, and unbridled violence by settlers and soldiers in the West Bank provides the context for what is happening now. The recent Israeli government’s escalation of violence, encroachment of Al Aqsa Mosque, and its 16-year siege of Gaza has led to the current explosion. We repeat: the brutality of Hamas’ attack on Israeli civilians is unjustified. As we watch the violent attacks and rallying of xenophobia on both sides, we are brokenhearted. Although it feels like a time to stand with “our people,” we know this is a time to come together. This is a time of great suffering for all; a time of painful emotions. It is only by recognizing our shared fears and our shared tears that we will find our way through this nightmare. It is a struggle we need to undertake jointly. When we fall back into our separate and distinct identities we risk becoming part of the problem, not the solution. Both peoples suffer from ongoing trauma. We are all on high alert. The fear is palpable. And it is easy for us to objectify the 'other.' We seek a third path that neither perpetuates a xenophobic response nor sustains an unjust status quo. This moment calls us to slow down, sit with the pain and complexity, and grapple with our discomfort. It is a moment for digging deep, seeing across differences, and remembering our deep yearning for peace and justice. It is only through compassion and empathy that we will find a different way. We recognize and uplift the humanity of all peoples in Israel/Palestine. We call for an immediate ceasefire from Hamas and Israel. We demand that basic needs be provided to Gazans. We demand that the United States provide only humanitarian support to Israel and Gaza. We support the creation of a movement that recognizes and affirms the humanity, dignity, and desire of both peoples to live in peace through reconciliation and justice. Add your name - click here: - Interfaith Peace Working Groups This statement from Milwaukee Faith Leaders was sent to WNPJ by Jerry Folk of the Interfaith Peace Working group on Jan 17th, 2024: https://www.wnpj.org/post/milwaukee-faith-leaders-call-for-ceasefire-and-lasting-peace-in-the-holy-land-jan-2024 ********************************************* Statement from Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) President Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt Regarding the Conflict Between Israel and Hamas Beloveds, I invite you to stop what you are doing if you can and sit with me in the depth of this tragedy. How to reconcile the cost of occupation and of war? How to nuance two very real histories of oppression and violence? I am holding close the words of U.N. Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland who said: "This is a dangerous precipice, and I appeal to all to pull back from the brink." We as a people of faith can condemn violence against civilians while at the same time engaging the full legacies and histories of oppression that shape such devastating conflict. As a faith tradition, Unitarian Universalists have long worked for peace, and our principles and values call for the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. At the same time, we have not engaged the tangled issues surrounding Israel/Palestine in community since 2018, and our last engagement resulted in severed relationships, and deep pain. I pray for the people of Israel and Palestine. I pray for leaders around the globe who must respond to this latest flare of violence and the untenable ethical considerations that abound. I pray for Muslim and Jewish UUs who experience the impact of this long strife acutely. I pray that those of us less likely to know the trauma of unending brutality and harm will not turn away from generational loss, from the devastating realities and their root causes, or from the relentless tragedy of war and occupation. Be gentle with yourselves when you need to be, but do not turn away unless you must. We are one global family living tenuously on the same human-impacted Earth. Let us center ourselves in justice as we call for peace. For more information contact pr@uua.org October 7, 2023 Media Contact: Suzanne Morse Ph: (508) 259-9354 E-mail: smorse@uua.org Note: There are 2 Unitarian group members of WNPJ: James Reeb and First Unitarian in Madison ************************************************************************** We must say an emphatic ‘no’ to Hamas a thousand times.There is no moral justification for killing, kidnapping and torturing innocent civilians. We must say a clear ‘no’ - Reverend William Barber I am weeping with my Jewish brothers and sisters, both in Israel and around the world, as they mourn the horrific acts of terror in Israel this past weekend. The stories of civilians murdered and families kidnapped are gut-wrenching. In grief, we are wrapped in darkness, and there are no words to express the weight we feel. Yet in the public square, words abound that both compound the grief of many and have the potential to precipitate more violence. So I must rise from the silence of mourning to speak. Killing civilians is indefensible, whether done by Hamas or Israel. I am a Christian, and my moral foundation demands that I unequivocally condemn these acts of terrorism. These were not militants attacking an army, nor were they acts of protest against Israel’s policy in Gaza. They were senseless acts of violence against civilians that have destroyed the lives of human beings. Some say, in a moment like this, you cannot condemn the violence without also mentioning the violence that precipitated it. I will not agree to that position. I cannot. On one side of my own family, I come from formerly enslaved people who chose never to issue violence against the women and children of those who happened to be white, or even against those who held people in bondage. They chose to fight in the American civil war, soldier v soldier; and they believed in the right of self-defense. My people are not weak, nor did they ever dismiss the ugliness of the injustices they endured; but even when enslaved people or persons claiming to care about the conditions of the enslaved used violence against innocent people, claiming it was for the cause of liberation, they said unequivocally: “No. We will not return evil for evil.” We are not talking about slaves versus slave masters in Israel today, but I know from my own context that an unequivocal “no” to the actors within Hamas who chose to commit these heinous acts does not dismiss history and the oppression of Palestinian people when they have been beaten and harmed by the actions of some – not all – in Israel. Nor does it dismiss a moral critique of Benjamin Netanyahu and others who have enacted harmful policies. In this moment, however, we must be clear that terrorism is not a protest against injustice, but rather an act of despair that creates more suffering for everyone. I have spoken out many times against the injustices that I believe the Israeli government – not all Jewish people – are committing against Palestinians. I have done this with Jewish and Palestinian colleagues, and I will continue to challenge the wrong if Israel tells its military to murder innocent Palestinians as some form of retribution. If the United States stands by Israel as they unleash their military against Hamas, that’s one thing; but if the military action is indiscriminate, with no regard for innocent people, just because of the horror of what has happened, moral voices must say that this too is wrong. Likewise, we must decry the irresponsible voices in the United States – many in extreme media – who are urging Israel to wipe out Gaza. Two wrongs cannot make a right. Yes, the perpetrators of violence should face justice, just as some in Israel must be held accountable for its policies of violent apartheid against the Palestinian people (remember, many Israelis have and do oppose these policies, including some who were attacked last weekend). But there is no moral justification for killing, kidnapping and torturing innocent civilians, women, children and tourists. On this point there can be no moral equivalency. We must say a clear and unified: “No.” The history of Black people in America who suffered through brutal domestic terrorism and legal lynchings in the era of Jim Crow has something to say in this moment. We, especially, must say an emphatic “no” to what Hamas – not the Palestinian people – has done. When Emmett Till’s mother received the body of her 14-year-old son, brutalized beyond recognition by a white mob in Mississippi, she did not try to kill white children. When three civil rights workers were murdered in 1964, the movement did not look for Klan members to lynch. Even those within the movement who did not embrace nonviolence did so in the name of self-defense – never to justify a shooting and killing spree. Moral movements for justice have always refused to take on the tactics of those who choose to terrorize. They fight for justice without being consumed by the evil that was perpetrated against them. I come from a faith tradition that says: “Even when the one you call Savior is crucified, you don’t respond with the tools of wanton violence and evil action. Even when life itself is crucified, you cannot start your own campaign of monstrous forms of violence and retaliation.” If anything, my ancestors passed down to me a resolve to organize even more massive nonviolent resistance in the face of injustice and oppression. We need their wisdom today, and to say this is not in any way to dismiss what has happened to Palestinian people. Even many Palestinians are saying that these acts of terrorism do not represent them. While the road to a just peace may be long and difficult, let us begin to build it in this moment on the basis of a broad consensus that acts of terror like those we saw in Israel this past weekend have no place in the struggle for justice. Hate cannot drive out hate. We must meet one another in our shared grief and find a better way. Fri 13 Oct 2023 From The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/13/hamas-no-moral-justification-william-barber Reverend William J Barber II is the president of Repairers of the Breach and the founding director of the Center for Public Theology & Public Policy at Yale Divinity School - as well as the leader of the WI Poor People's Campaign, member group of WNPJ ************************************************ Gaza – Defending the Rights and Dignity Amidst Escalating Military Aggression and Conflict WNPJ member group, Family Farm Defenders is part of La Via Campesina (LVC) La Via Campesina’s Official Statement | 14 October 2023, Bagnolet We are deeply shocked and outraged by the escalation of crimes against humanity committed by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. For 75 years, the Palestinian people have continued to suffer from living under occupation and siege and endured numerous attacks and arrests. Now, for more than six consecutive days, Israel has launched hundreds of air and artillery raids on the Gaza Strip, sometimes using internationally banned white phosphorus. Therefore, the collective punishment of more than two million people living in Gaza is unforgivable and must be condemned. Targeting residential areas, schools, medical institutions and government buildings are unacceptable and a violation of international law. As a global peasant movement, we firmly reject violence against civilians and military conflict to resolve disputes. We urgently call for immediate de-escalation on all fronts and a return to the path of dialogue and non-violent conflict resolution. Israel’s attacks against civilians in the past week have resulted in the deaths and injuries of thousands of Palestinians, with the majority being women, children, and babies. Moreover, in this critical moment, power stations have been obliterated, water supplies to the Gaza Strip have been cut off, and food access for over two million Palestinians has been blocked, creating a dire humanitarian crisis, an unjustified collective punishment. This vicious cycle of violence and human suffering stems from a long-standing history of uninterrupted occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people, with Israel’s brutal settler-colonialism, and military siege at its core. For many years, the people of Gaza have been denied food sovereignty, suffered from high levels of food insecurity, unemployment, land and sea dispossession, and limited access to essential services necessary for survival. The Palestinian people have been denied their dignity for decades. Since 2006, they have endured an illegal siege that violates their basic human rights, restricts their mobility, and subjects them to pervasive surveillance. This cruelty must cease. Instead of supporting Israel’s aggression under the guise of retaliation and the ‘right to defend,’ all countries must urgently employ diplomatic means to halt this military escalation and encourage all parties involved to return to negotiations and dialogue. Calls to open corridors for the safe passage for people to flee Gaza play into the long-term plans of Israel to remove them and occupy their lands. Why should the people of Gaza leave their territory? More Palestinian refugees is not the solution! Palestinians endure the continuous humiliation of losing their land to make way for Israeli settlements. Palestinians have a right to stay in their homeland. As La Via Campesina, we express our solidarity and support for the Palestinian people in these tough and complex conditions. As an international peasant movement, we urgently call for: Stopping this military escalation and urging all parties involved to return to a process of negotiation and dialogue. Urging all governments and the UN to use their influence to halt this escalation and act swiftly in all international forums to end this ongoing occupation and the war against the Palestinian people. Urging the immediate provision of international protection for the Palestinian people. Urging the immediate restoration of access to energy, food, and water supplies, as well as the provision of all necessary medical supplies for Gaza. Israel has bombed hospitals and medicine warehouses and destroyed most of the infrastructure, creating a catastrophic situation. As a global peasant movement, LVC will mobilize to provide any support needed by Palestinian peasants and fisherfolk to protect and maintain food production under these increasingly harsh conditions. We are calling upon all social movements to mobilize and support the Palestinian people and to pressure their governments to de-escalate this military conflict and initiate a process of negotiation and dialogue to address the catastrophic situation of the Palestinian people. This is essential to put an end to the conflict, the loss of life, and the destruction, this brutal occupation and ultimately the granting of all rights to the Palestinian people, with their right to establish an independent state being foremost among them. https://viacampesina.org/en/gaza-defending-the-rights-and-dignity-amidst-escalating-military-aggression-and-conflict/ ************************************* Family Farm Defenders statement on Gaza February 2024 The human right to food is sacred and protected under international law. Family Farm Defenders maintains the principles of food sovereignty, including the right to food, as a guide to our response to ongoing and escalating violence, destruction, and loss of life in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel. Therefore, in good conscience, we must speak up now, joining the millions of voices from around the world who are calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the suffering and starvation that is being inflicted on the civilian population of Gaza. Family Farm Defenders is proud to be part of a global movement advocating for food justice and human rights. John Kinsman, one of our founders, was a tireless champion of civil rights, social justice, and food sovereignty both in the US and around the world. As he once stated, “the seven principles of food sovereignty are the finest recipe for global food, social and environmental justice that exist today.” Due to decades of occupation and restrictions imposed by Israel, the ability of Palestinian farmers, fishers, and pastoralists to feed their people, has been greatly diminished. Since the horrific attacks on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, Israel’s military response, with US support, has created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Medical supplies, food, clean water, and energy are all in very short supply. The ongoing bombardments and attacks have shattered the lives of its 2.3 million residents and killed over 28,000. Food production and distribution has been severely affected. In addition to United Nations agencies, the Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC), a winner of the USFSA Food Sovereignty Prize in 2014 and member of La Via Campesina, has created a “Stop Gaza Starvation” campaign. Members have put their own lives at risk to provide food and other supplies. Even so, the situation is increasingly dire, marked by widespread hunger, relentless blockades, and continuous bombardment. In January, the International Court of Justice ruled Israel must take all possible measures to prevent acts of genocide. La Via Campesina stated that “this ICJ decision is an initial step in holding the occupation accountable for its heinous crimes and unprecedented use of starvation as a weapon in its war against civilians in Gaza.” For the people of Gaza, time is running out. In fact, now, in early February 2024, instead of responding to the ICJ ruling to prevent genocide, Israel is ramping up its attacks and has begun to implement plans for a ground invasion of the last “safe zone” – Rafah – which has become a massive refugee camp. Experts are warning of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza with millions of people facing starvation, the cruelty of which is unimaginable. Family Farm Defenders recognizes our responsibility to speak for peace and justice, for food sovereignty, and for human rights. We call on the United States government to demand an immediate ceasefire, the safe release of all hostages and political prisoners, and the stoppage of its own military support to any country or entity violating international law. Our government must end its imperialist ambitions and join the global community, accepting its humanitarian duty, and work toward a just and lasting peace in all regions of the world. Ceasefire, now! ******************************** Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes is part of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), which has issued this statement: LCWR Stands in Solidarity with the People of the Middle East Wed, 2023-10-11 21:58 by asanders “Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake. War begets war, violence begets violence.” Pope Francis, Angelus, September 1, 2013. The members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), in solidarity with the global community of faith, stand in the shadow of the horrors initiated on October 7, 2023 in Israel and Gaza. As women of the Gospel, we grieve with those who grieve, seek release of those held captive, and recognize the root causes of violence as well as the urgent call for the use of all possible resources to stabilize the Middle East, secure refuge for those in humanitarian crisis, and negotiate peace that will last. United with the interfaith community, we take seriously our responsibility to protect the safety of all people of faith throughout the world. We stand united with leaders of other faiths, intolerant of any form of hate or violence towards places of worship, and ready to witness to the transformation of consciousness necessary for sustainable peace. LCWR is compelled to work toward a world where reverence for all living beings finds expression in a life of nonviolence. We stand in solidarity with the victims of brutality and with faith leaders as we heed the Gospel call to follow Jesus’ way of nonviolence, reconciliation, and care for the most vulnerable across lines of division. We commit ourselves and the members of our religious communities to choose the peaceful path of Jesus and exercise all of our rights and duties as citizens to urge our leaders to act as responsible members of the world community. We join our prayer with religious people of all faiths who recognize that war is not the solution, and we commit ourselves to be those who believe that peace is possible. We call upon world leaders and the United Nations to activate those mechanisms necessary for an immediate ceasefire and the negotiation of peace, so that justice may prevail. We are each responsible to be aware, to be informed by factual information, to look at root causes, and to reject rhetoric that fuels violence. We, the members of LCWR, will continue to speak on behalf of the truth of faith, the strength of prayer, the power of nonviolence and the only pathway that will provide a future for our children: peace. ************ From the Madison Democratic Socialists of America: Please see our executive committee's finalized statement in support of Palestine. We stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, indigenous and colonized people everywhere, and all those here in Madison and around the world who are struggling for their liberation. Since October 7th, Israel’s military has intensified its 17 year blockade of Gaza into a full siege, blocking off water, electricity, and basic supplies. In the first 6 days of this conflict, over 6,000 bombs were dropped on the 140 square miles of the Gaza Strip. Over 1.1 million Palestinians, half of them children, have been ordered to leave their homes. This is genocide. This violence is not new. It is the culmination of 75 years of ethnic cleansing with support from the US government. We grieve the thousands of lives that have been and will be lost and upended in the current conflict. There is one, and only one way to end the violence: End the apartheid. End the Israeli government’s occupation. End the genocide. Support the liberation of the Palestinian people. The Biden administration has pledged further unconditional support for Israel, on top of the 3.8 billion dollars per year in military funding they already receive. We condemn in the strongest possible terms our nation’s continued and unqualified support of the apartheid regime in Israel. We demand the end to military funding of Israel, and an end to the blockade. There must be an immediate ceasefire and provision of humanitarian aid. We remember the devastating results of Islamophobia and dehumanization in the wake of the attacks on September 11th, and are distraught by the militaristic and genocidal rhetoric that we are seeing yet again from our country’s political leaders and in the news media. Social media is awash with this as well, as false claims spread even more quickly and easily. Standing in solidarity with the powerless in the face of oppression is often difficult, when so many are so eager to side with the powerful. We as socialists must not back down in the face of bad faith criticism, opposition, and disinformation intended only to silence critics and manufacture consent for the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestine. The chapter has donated $250 to the Middle East Children’s Alliance as well as $250 to Palestine Partners. Additional places to donate are Medical Aid for Palestine, Al-Awda Health and Community Association, American Near East Refugee Aid, and the Hebron International Resource Network. You can find other ways to take action with the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action Toolkit. ***************************************** Please… Join us in Building Unity for Peace Building Unity leaders call on all lovers of Peace, Justice, Sustainability, and Democracy to call on President Biden and your elected leaders in congress to work for an immediate cease fire, a robust flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the Ukraine, an end military aid to Ukraine and Israel, and a global push for negotiated settlements both in Israel/Palestine and in Ukraine. Please read the appeal and petition from Win Without War. Then call your Senators and Representative in Congress. Phone numbers can be found below: Senator Tammy Baldwin - (202) 224-5653 Senator Ron Johnson - 202-224-5323 Find your Congressperson’s number here: https://www.house.gov/representatives Thank you for caring enough to do something for peace. There are solutions that don’t involve killing people. **************************** Note to other WNPJ member groups... If your group issues a statement - please send to info@wnpj.org .

VOTE! + WNPJ welcomes new member group, Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network + Waging Peace in Vietnam Exhibits dates/locations + Weaving the Web + other statewide events *********************************** The WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella non-profit organization supporting the work of 85 member groups around Wisconsin. ************************************** IMPORTANT Wisconsin Constitutional Amendments on the April 2 ballot!!! If passed, two Constitutional amendments on the current ballot would limit the ability of election administrators to adequately fund and conduct elections. If passed, they are binding and cannot be vetoed. The non-partisan League of Women Voters offers this information: https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/vote-no-2-april-constitutional-amendments Go to https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/ to make sure you are registered with your current address, and have what you need to vote. Early voting has already begun and you can find locations and hours here: https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/Vote-Absentee-In-Person ************************************** WNPJ welcomes new member organization: Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network Sustain Rural Wisconsin Network is a statewide coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving the environment while maintaining the health and economic vitality of rural communities. Contact: Forest JahnkeE-mail fjahnke@crawfordstewardship.orgWebsite: https://sustainruralwisconsin.org/ ************************************ Spotlight on the Waging Peace in Vietnam Exhibit - three weeks in April in both Madison AND in Milwaukee. Co-sponsored by Veterans for Peace #25 and #102 and the Marquette Center for Peacemaking Contact: judykarofsky@gmail.com  or Vfpchapter102@gmail.com MADISON Tuesday, Apr 2, 5 – 6 pm Waging Peace in Vietnam Opening Reception and Panel on “Soldiers in Revolt” Dissent and Resistance Within the Armed Forces, Wisconsin Historical Society, State Street, Madison. Host John Nichols and moderator Al McCoy. Panelists include: ·        Susan Schnall, national president, Veterans for Peace; ·        Ronald L. Haeberle, former Army photographer of the iconic My Lai Massacre photographs; ·        David Cortright, Professor Emeritus and special advisor for policy, Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame. Author and editor of over 20 books including Waging Peace in Vietnam: U.S. Soldiers and Veterans who Opposed the War. To see a full list of all the events going on in Madison, including film screenings and panel discussions, go to https://www.wnpj.org/post/waging-peace-in-vietnam-exhibit-and-events-in-april-madison ********************* And, in MILWAUKEE: “Waging Peace in Vietnam: U.S. Soldiers and Veterans who Opposed  the War.” April 3-17: Exhibit at Marquette’s Raynor Memorial Library, Milwaukee.  Opening event at noon, April 3, at Alumni Memorial Union, Lunda Room (1442 W. Wisconsin Ave.)This special Soup with Substance panel will include: Susan Schnall, national president, Veterans for Peace; Ronald L. Haeberle, former Army photographer of the iconic My Lai Massacre photographs; David Cortright, Professor Emeritus and special advisor for policy, Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame. A light lunch of soup and bread will be provided. Free and open to the public. April 4:  Waging Peace in Vietnam Panel. A War Without End: Legacies of the American War 12:30-1:45 pm, Marquette Alumni Memorial Union, Room, 227 1442 W. Wisconsin Ave. Panelists:  Ngo Xuan Hien, communications manager, Project RENEW; which is locating and disarming unexploded ordnance; Chuck Searcy, co-founder and international advisor to RENEW; Heather Bowser, founder of Children of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance, advocacy for offspring of Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Light snacks will be provided. Free and open to the public. April 15: Peacemaker in Residence & Waging Peace in Vietnam Keynote A Vietnamese Woman's Journey from War to Peace, 4-5 pm, Marquette’s Raynor Memorial Library Beaumier Suites BC, 1355 W. Wisconsin Ave. Le Ly Hayslip, Vietnamese-American author, philanthropist, peace activist, and speaker, will deliver the closing keynote of the Waging Peace in Vietnam series at Marquette. She is the author of two memoirs—When Heaven and Earth Changed Places and Child of War, Woman of Peace—which were adapted into the film Heaven & Earth, written and directed by Oliver Stone. Since 1986, she has founded two charitable organizations: the East Meets West Foundation and the Global Village Foundation. Free and open to the public. For more information about Milwaukee’s events, contact: Vfpchapter102@gmail.com Bill Christofferson, 414-587-6477 ************************ WNPJ's Weaving the Web - all welcome! VIRTUAL Thurs Apr 4, 12 noon – 1 pm WNPJ’s Weaving the Web Drop-in Hour – with Debra Gillispie. All welcome! Zoom info:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89361313008?pwd=UmxCOUcxL3ZFb244aXp0SnBVTFRSZz09. Meeting ID: 893 6131 3008 - Passcode: 797041; +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Contact: office@wnpj.org ****************************************************** WNPJ member groups and affiliates issue Statements and Action Alerts on Hamas/Palestine/Israel See the developing list here: https://www.wnpj.org/post/statements-from-wnpj-groups-and-their-national-affiliates-on-palestine-israel-hamas Petitions to sign https://www.change.org/p/sign-and-share-this-urgent-petition-calling-for-a-ceasefirenow-in-gaza-and-israel and phone calls to make. Go to the Madison Rafah Sister City sites: http://madisonrafah.org/   and/or https://www.facebook.com/madisonrafah to learn more. ******************************** Upcoming Events this week for WNPJ groups: MADISON Mon Apr 1, 12 noon – 1 pm Monday Noon Vigil for Peace – Meet at the corner of MLK, Jr. Blvd and Doty St. For more information, call Tim at 608-630-3633. VIRTUAL Mon Apr 1, 7 – 8:15 pm  350 Wisconsin Webinar Mtg “ The transformative potential of the Inflation Reduction Acton”.  The IRA could accelerate climate action in Wisconsin—if we take full advantage of the opportunities. At our April 1 Monthly Meeting, Kathy Kuntz, Director of the Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change, will talk about what the IRA means for Wisconsin. She will outline the opportunities available to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and local governments under this landmark legislation.  ONLINE VIA ZOOM: Register in advance for the meeting: http://tinyurl.com/350-monthly-mtg Contact: https://350wisconsin.org   julia.isaacs@350wisconsin.org MADISON Tues Apr 2, 5 – 6 pm Waging Peace in Vietnam Opening Reception and Panel on Dissent and Resistance Within the Armed Forces, Wisconsin Historical Society, State Street – see info above.. VIRTUAL Thurs Apr 4, 12 noon – 1 pm WNPJ’s Weaving the Web Drop-in Hour – with Debra Gillispie. All welcome! Zoom info:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89361313008?pwd=UmxCOUcxL3ZFb244aXp0SnBVTFRSZz09. Meeting ID: 893 6131 3008 - Passcode: 797041; +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Contact: office@wnpj.org LaCROSSE Thurs Apr 4, 12 noon - 12:30 pm Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil. Meet at Main St & 4th Street South. A weekly vigil for peace every Thursday. Contact Deborah. dbuffton@yahoo.com MILWAUKEE Thurs Apr 4, 12:30 – 1:45 pm  Waging Peace in Vietnam Panel. A War Without End: Legacies of the American War.  Marquette Alumni Memorial Union, Room, 227 1442 W. Wisconsin Ave.  See detail above …. VIROQUA Thurs Apr 4, 2 – 3 pm GAZA! Presentation & Community conversation about the current catastrophe and its origins. At the Vernon County Historical Society, 410 S Center Ave. Sponsored by Driftless Palestinian Solidarity dena.eakles@gmail.com VIRTUAL Thurs, April 4, 6:30 pm (6:00 for visiting beforehand) WILPF Book Circle Conversation Let's talk about... The book tonight: Hell of a Book, A Novel by Jason Mott – virtual WILPF Book Circle conversation. An African-American author sets out on a cross-country book tour to promote his bestselling novel. That storyline drives Jason Mott's novel and is the scaffolding of something much larger and more urgent: since his novel also tells the story of Soot, a young Black boy living in a rural town in the recent past, and The Kid, a possibly imaginary child who appears to the author on his tour. For login details, email: wilfpmadison@gmail.com VIRTUAL Thurs Apr 4, 6:30 – 7:30 pm “The Power of Storytelling” with Dane County Poor People's Campaign. Our stories are powerful and can be an amazing tool to not only build the movement, but change the narrative. There are 140 million poor and low-income people in this country and we all have a story to tell.  Are you interested in telling your own story or helping others to share theirs? We'll discuss why we share our stories + how to do it in the most impactful and effective ways possible. Register here for your zoom link: https://actionnetwork.org/events/storytelling-training... MADISON Fri Apr 5, 12 noon:  Panel on “A War Without End: Legacies of the American War in Vietnam and Among American Veterans”, Wisconsin Historical Society, State Street. With Ngo Xuan Hien, communications manager, Project RENEW;  Chuck Searcy, co-founder and international advisor to Project RENEW; and Heather Bowser, founder of Children of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance, advocacy for offspring of Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Special guests Mike Boehm and Brad Geyer. See more info above…. MADISON  Fri Apr 5, 8 am Wisconsin Peace Institute Conference Conference at Edgewood College, Predolin rotunda. "RESOURCE WARS"- Conflict & Peacebuilding in a World of Environmental Challenge. Join students, academics, activists, community members and organizations from around the state for this participatory event exploring: Local & Global Environmental Challenges | Peacebuilding for Sustainable Change | Environmental Equity in a Post-Colonial World | Faith-Based Responses to Climate Change | and Much More. Same day registration - no fee - lunch included. For more info contact: John Fields, at jfields@edgewood.edu or at 608-663-3407. Sent to WNPJ by Maureen McDonnell WHITEFISH BAY Fri Apr 6, 6 pm Author/theologian Jim Wallis on Christian Nationalism and The False White Gospel. At United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay, 819 East Silver Spring Drive.  Organized by the We All Belong Campaign of MICAH, this event is free and open to the public. Jim will be addressing the alarming and dangerous rise of white Christian nationalism and its perverse distortion of the Gospel with reference to his new book The False White Gospel (to be released on April 2).  Register in advance for this event at bit.ly/FWGospel. This event can be viewed online through the website of the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay: umcwfb.org Sent to WNPJ by WISDOM  office@wisdomwisconsin.org APPLETON Sat Apr 6, 11 am – 12 noon Fox Valley Monthly Stand for Peace  Houdini Plaza, West Lawrence Street. Every month - the first Saturday! Bring your signs! Organizer: Ronna Swift ronnajean61@gmail.com MILWAUKEE Sat Apr 6, 12 noon - 1 pm Peace Action WI - Weekly STAND for PEACE: 43rd and Forest Home. Each Saturday, a different location.  Join us. Bring your signs. info@peaceactionwi.org    https://www.peaceactionwi.org/stand_for_peace VIROQUA Sat Apr 6, 11 am - 12 noon Driftless Palestinian Solidarity Weekly Vigil. Meet at Decker and Main. Action Alert: The Driftless Palestinian Solidarity group has a petition to demand that Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and end financial aid to Israel's military.  If your group is interested in getting signatures, please email  driftless.solidarity@gmail.com. Thank you for your help! RACINE Sat Apr 6, 12:30 – 1:30 pm Weekly Stand for Peace – Stand for Palestine. At NW corner of Highways 31 and 20. Park in the SW corner of the Kohl's parking lot, near the AT&T store. Supported by the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice. We have signs, banners and flags available for all. Check out our website, http://racinepeace.wordpress.com    for weather concerns. Free Palestine! MADISON Sun Apr 8, 7 – 8:30 pm Dane Sanctuary Coalition General Meeting - At First Unitarian Society, 900 University Bay Drive. Our keynote speaker is Mary Campbell, director of AMMPARO - Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities - the ELCA (Lutheran) Church's national immigrant justice initiative. Mary will share with us the amazing work AMMPARO does for migrants and refugees around the world, and update us on what AMMPARO is seeing at our own border and around the country. Also at the gathering, we will hear reports from the DSC steering and advocacy committees, a treasurer's report, and a report from our volunteer driver program. Congregations will have the opportunity to share the great work they are doing, including trips to the border and to Tucson which several congregations have recently sponsored.  Please RSVP by April 1 to let us know you will be joining us! RSVP here - https://forms.gle/wvUJ9RD74uUfH9Cj9 rabbibonnie@charter.net ******************************************************* Join WNPJ!WNPJ welcomes individual members and groups! For individuals, join at a sliding scale rate of $35/year – or whatever fits your budget! For between $50 - $75/year, a WNPJ membership keeps your group connected with peace and justice efforts and helps keep the Network going - and growing!https://www.wnpj.org/membership We help our member organizations reach a wider audience by amplifying your peace and justice events and actions on our listserve and Facebook page. Membership also provides access to our community tabling opportunities, our online toolbox of peace and justice resources, and a community that cares about your peace and justice journey. Here's an opportunity for WNPJ member groups! WNPJ member groups can sign up for a Saturday opportunity to TABLE at the Dane County Farmers Market – this Spring and summer at the Capitol Square. The Farmers Market opening date is April 13th – 7 am to 1 pm …and runs through Nov. 9th on Saturdays. Sign up for your spot today! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4daaa929a5fac34-wnpj#/ Bring your own table and hand-outs to the King Street corner of the Square, site #10, next to the VFP #25 table! You can't sell anything at the non-profit table, but donations to your group are acceptable. Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org *************************************************** If your group would like to get your events posted in the weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US! https://www.wnpj.org/membership Join WNPJ – www.wnpj.org **************************************** Interested in a yard sign? WNPJ has yard signs available!  yardsigns@wnpj.org See our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WisNPJ "Like" us and follow us! Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org

Are you registered and ready to vote on April 2nd, Wisconsin? There are TWO important constitutional amendments on this April ballot. WNPJ as a 501c3 can't tell people how to vote but we can encourage you to take a look and see what these amendments are about! **************************************** The WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella non-profit organization supporting the work of 85 member groups around Wisconsin. ************************************ Spotlight on the Waging Peace in Vietnam Exhibit - three weeks in April in both Madison AND in Milwaukee. Co-sponsored by Veterans for Peace #25 and #102 and the Marquette Center for Peacemaking Contact: judykarofsky@gmail.com  or Vfpchapter102@gmail.com ************************************************************ MADISON: US Soldiers and Veterans who Opposed the War; Wisconsin Historical Society 816 State St., Madison, Wisconsin 53706 During America’s War in Vietnam, tens of thousands of GIs and veterans created a robust movement in opposition to the war. Yet its history is largely unknown. The Waging Peace in Vietnam exhibit and its companion book show how the GI movement unfolded, from the numerous anti-war coffeehouses springing up outside military bases, to the hundreds of GI newspapers giving an independent voice to active soldiers, to the stockade revolts and the strikes and near-mutinies on naval vessels and in the air force. It’s time to set the record straight. Exhibit photographs and informational panels will be on display in the Wisconsin Historical Society lobby, April 1-21. Tuesday, Apr 2, 5 – 6 pm Waging Peace in Vietnam Opening Reception and Panel on “Soldiers in Revolt” Dissent and Resistance Within the Armed Forces, Wisconsin Historical Society, State Street, Madison. Host John Nichols, moderator Al McCoy. Panelists include: ·        Susan Schnall, national president, Veterans for Peace; ·        Ronald L. Haeberle, former Army photographer of the iconic My Lai Massacre photographs; ·        David Cortright, Professor Emeritus and special advisor for policy, Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame. Author and editor of over 20 books including Waging Peace in Vietnam: U.S. Soldiers and Veterans who Opposed the War. To see a full list of all the events going on in Madison, including film screenings and panel discussions, go to https://www.wnpj.org/post/waging-peace-in-vietnam-exhibit-and-events-in-april-madison ********************* And, in MILWAUKEE: “Waging Peace in Vietnam: U.S. Soldiers and Veterans who Opposed  the War.” April 3-17: Exhibit at Marquette’s Raynor Memorial Library, Milwaukee.  Opening event at noon, April 3, at Alumni Memorial Union, Lunda Room (1442 W. Wisconsin Ave.)This special Soup with Substance panel will include: Susan Schnall, national president, Veterans for Peace; Ronald L. Haeberle, former Army photographer of the iconic My Lai Massacre photographs; David Cortright, Professor Emeritus and special advisor for policy, Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame. A light lunch of soup and bread will be provided. Free and open to the public. April 4:  Waging Peace in Vietnam Panel. A War Without End: Legacies of the American War 12:30-1:45 pm, Marquette Alumni Memorial Union, Room, 227 1442 W. Wisconsin Ave. Panelists:  Ngo Xuan Hien, communications manager, Project RENEW; which is locating and disarming unexploded ordnance; Chuck Searcy, co-founder and international advisor to RENEW; Heather Bowser, founder of Children of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance, advocacy for offspring of Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Light snacks will be provided. Free and open to the public. April 15: Peacemaker in Residence & Waging Peace in Vietnam Keynote A Vietnamese Woman's Journey from War to Peace, 4-5 pm, Marquette’s Raynor Memorial Library Beaumier Suites BC, 1355 W. Wisconsin Ave. Le Ly Hayslip, Vietnamese-American author, philanthropist, peace activist, and speaker, will deliver the closing keynote of the Waging Peace in Vietnam series at Marquette. She is the author of two memoirs—When Heaven and Earth Changed Places and Child of War, Woman of Peace—which were adapted into the film Heaven & Earth, written and directed by Oliver Stone. Since 1986, she has founded two charitable organizations: the East Meets West Foundation and the Global Village Foundation. Free and open to the public. For more information about Milwaukee’s events, contact: Vfpchapter102@gmail.com Bill Christofferson, 414-587-6477 ************************ WNPJ member groups and affiliates issue Statements and Action Alerts on Hamas/Palestine/Israel See the developing list here: https://www.wnpj.org/post/statements-from-wnpj-groups-and-their-national-affiliates-on-palestine-israel-hamas Petitions to sign https://www.change.org/p/sign-and-share-this-urgent-petition-calling-for-a-ceasefirenow-in-gaza-and-israel and phone calls to make. Go to the Madison Rafah Sister City sites: http://madisonrafah.org/   and/or https://www.facebook.com/madisonrafah to learn more. *************************************** Upcoming Events this week for WNPJ groups: MADISON Mon Mar 25, 12 noon – 1 pm Monday Noon Vigil for Peace – Meet at the corner of MLK, Jr. Blvd and Doty St. For more information, call Tim at 608-630-3633. FITCHBURG Mon Mar 25 10 am UN in the News discussion group. At the Fitchburg public library. This group meets the  4th Monday of each month -  We'll be discussing several important foreign policy topics and concerns for 2024. These include the Israeli war on Gaza, climate change, the continuing war in Ukraine, migration trends and major elections in 2024. Questions? Contact Sam Romano of the UNA USA Dane County chapter. sromano@charter.net MADISON Mon Mar 25, 6 – 9 pm Screening of Israelism. Madison Central Library, Room 301. When two young American Jews raised to unconditionally love Israel witness the brutal way Israel treats Palestinians, their lives take sharp left turns.  They join a movement of young American Jews battling the old guard to redefine Judaism’s relationship with Israel, revealing a deepening generational divide over modern Jewish identity. More information here. You may also want to check out this interview with the film-makers from The Intercept, both audio and transcript are included.  http://www.madisonrafah.org VIRTUAL Tues Mar 26 11 am Webinar: “How to Fight the Climate Crisis and Militarism”, with Veterans For Peace and 350.org ;  a training on taking action on climate and militarism. The presentation will focus on how US militarism and wars worsen the climate crisis, and how peace and climate activists can take action together, especially by participating in the No MAS (No Military Air Shows) campaign. Please click here to register: bit.ly/protest-airshows. Contact: geyerb@yahoo.com VOLK FIELD  Tues Mar 26 3:45  - 4:45 pm Monthly VIGIL AGAINST THE DRONES. Volk Field Air National Guard Base, Independence Drive, Camp Douglas Please make this vigil part of your new monthly routine. We must keep vigilant and continue to speak out against killer drones. Our first vigil against drone warfare was at Volk Field on December 1, 2011, and so we are into our 13th year of vigiling. The vigil at Volk Field is a legal vigil where we will be on public property. As always, it will be a solemn vigil, remembering the victims of US government drone attacks. Bring posters if you can. If you have any questions please call or email Joy at 608 239-4327 or joyfirst5@gmail.com or Bonnie at 608-256-5088 or blb24@earthlink.net MADISON Wed Mar 27 6 – 7 pm Mutual Aid Tools for Healthy Business and Organizing. At the Social Justice Center 1202 Williamson and on meet.coop https://ca.meet.coop/syb-qar-wz9-f48 - click the green ‘join’ button when you arrive. The Madison Mutual Aid Network (MAN) Cooperative has some new capacities that can benefit our local economic ecosystem. We'd like to share them with you in a one-hour session where we also learn your needs and offers, and see what priorities would best serve our local community. Tools include timebanking, price-based mutual credit, clearing of invoices, the Common Good fee-free debit card, a Common Fund pool of money for loans or emergencies; plus tech tools for contact management, outreach, invoicing, membership management, project management, and more. Please invite people you think would benefit, or places you do business with! steph@at-home.coop LaCROSSE Thurs Mar 28, 12 noon - 12:30 pm Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil. Meet at Main St & 4th Street South. A weekly vigil for peace every Thursday. Contact Deborah. dbuffton@yahoo.com MILWAUKEE Thurs Mar 28, 12 noon – 1 pm Anti ROTC Vigil -  Marquette University Raynor Memorial Libraries, West Wisconsin Avenue.  Organized by Casa Maria Catholic Worker casamariamke@gmail.com MILWAUKEE Sat Mar 30, 12 noon - 1 pm Peace Action WI - Weekly STAND for PEACE: Cesar Chavez (16th) and Greenfield. Each Saturday, a different location.  Join us. Bring your signs. info@peaceactionwi.org    https://www.peaceactionwi.org/stand_for_peace VIROQUA Sat Mar 30, 11 am - 12 noon Driftless Palestinian Solidarity Weekly Vigil. Meet at Decker and Main. Action Alert: The Driftless Palestinian Solidarity group has a petition to demand that Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and end financial aid to Israel's military.  If your group is interested in getting signatures, please email  driftless.solidarity@gmail.com. Thank you for your help! RACINE Sat Mar 30, 12:30 – 1:30 pm Weekly Stand for Peace. 909 Dr Martin Luther King Dr. Supported by the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice. We have signs, banners and flags available for all. Check out our website, http://racinepeace.wordpress.com    for weather concerns. Free Palestine! MADISON Sat Mar 30, 6 pm Jewish Voice for Peace Madison Vigil in memory of Aaron Bushnell.  In James Madison Park, E Gorham St. Bushnell was an active duty member of the US military that self-immolated in protest of the US war machine profiting from genocide in Gaza.  This is  an opportunity for our community to come together, remember Aaron, and advocate for justice and change. madison@jvp.org ******************************************************* Join WNPJ! WNPJ welcomes individual members and groups! For individuals, join at a sliding scale rate of $35/year – or whatever fits your budget! For between $50 - $75/year, a WNPJ membership keeps your group connected with peace and justice efforts and helps keep the Network going - and growing! https://www.wnpj.org/membership We help our member organizations reach a wider audience by amplifying your peace and justice events and actions on our listserve and Facebook page. Membership also provides access to our community tabling opportunities, our online toolbox of peace and justice resources, and a community that cares about your peace and justice journey. ************************************************** Here's an opportunity for WNPJ member groups! WNPJ member groups can sign up for a Saturday opportunity to TABLE at the Dane County Farmers Market – this Spring and summer at the Capitol Square. The Farmers Market opening date is April 13th – 7 am to 1 pm …and runs through Nov. 9th on Saturdays. Sign up for your spot today! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4daaa929a5fac34-wnpj#/ Bring your own table and hand-outs to the King Street corner of the Square, site #10, next to the VFP #25 table! You can't sell anything at the non-profit table, but donations to your group are acceptable. Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org *************************************************** If your group would like to get your events posted in the weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US! https://www.wnpj.org/membership Join WNPJ – www.wnpj.org **************************************** Interested in a yard sign? WNPJ has yard signs available!  yardsigns@wnpj.org See our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WisNPJ "Like" us and follow us! Questions? Contact info@wnpj.org

Special events in Madison during April.... including an Essay Contest for UW-Madison students. There will be exhibits and events in Milwaukee and Oshkosh, too. Co-sponsored by Veterans for Peace #25 and #102 and the Marquette Center for Peacemaking Soldiers and Veterans who Opposed the War Apr 1, 2024 to Apr 21, 2024 Wisconsin Historical Society 816 State St., Madison, Wisconsin 53706 During America’s War in Vietnam, tens of thousands of GIs and veterans created a robust movement in opposition to the war. Yet its history is largely unknown. The Waging Peace in Vietnam exhibit and its companion book show how the GI movement unfolded, from the numerous anti-war coffeehouses springing up outside military bases, to the hundreds of GI newspapers giving an independent voice to active soldiers, to the stockade revolts and the strikes and near-mutinies on naval vessels and in the air force. It’s time to set the record straight. Exhibit photographs and informational panels will be on display in the Wisconsin Historical Society lobby, April 1-21. Scheduled Events and Participants All programs will be in the Wisconsin Historical Society auditorium Tuesday April 2, 5 PM: Opening reception, with talk: "Soldiers in Revolt" -Dissent and Resistance Within the Armed Forces, jpst John Nichols, moderated by Al McCoy - with Susan Schnall, national president, Veterans for Peace; Ronald L. Haeberle, former Army photographer of the iconic My Lai Massacre photographs; David Cortright, Professor Emeritus and special advisor for policy, Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame. Author and editor of over 20 books including Waging Peace in Vietnam: U.S. Soldiers and Veterans who Opposed the War. Friday April 5, noon: A War Without End: Legacies of the American War in Vietnam and Among American Veterans, by Ngo Xuan Hien, communications manager, Project RENEW; Chuck Searcy, co-founder and international advisor to Project RENEW; Heather Bowser, founder of Children of Vietnam Veterans Health Alliance, advocacy for offspring of Vietnam Veterans exposed to Agent Orange guests Mike Boehm and Brad Geyer Tuesday April 9, 7 PM: Movie: The War at Home, with director Glenn Silber Wednesday April 10, 7 PM: Movie: Sir! No Sir! with director David Zeiger Sunday, April 14, 7 PM: Movie: The Whistleblower of My Lai, documentary on the Kronos Quartet’s making of the opera My Lai, plus live performance by Vanessa Vo, Kronos Quartet soloist. traditional Vietnamese instruments. Tuesday April 16, 7:00 PM A Vietnamese Woman's Journey from War to Peace, talk and book signing of her memoir When Heaven and Earth Changed Places, by Le Ly Hayslip, Vietnamese-American author, philanthropist, peace activist, and speaker, with Norman Stockwell, interlocutor Sunday April 21, 2 pm: Movie: Hunting in Wartime, directed by Samantha Farinella. A documentary film exposing the mistreatment of patriotic Native American soldiers while they served in Vietnam and upon their return to the United States. Introduced by Samantha Skenandore, tribal advocate. Further information: Judy Karofsky judykarofsky@gmail.com Phone: 608-770-5600 ********************************************* For UW-Madison Students: deadline April 25th! seasia@seasia.wisc.edu