Hatem Ahmad Hatem Al-Hissi aged 2, Jenna Hamed NaserAl-Asatal aged 1, Esraa Mu’ayyad Yousef Abu Marzouq aged 12, Hayat Abdullah Musa Al-Asatal aged 6. While I was lying on the cold sidewalk under a sheet made bloody with red fingernail polish, David Barrows’ booming bass voice called out the names and ages of children who have been killed in Gaza. I began to moan softly as I thought about these children, and then I began to cry. The sidewalk was outside of the Raytheon corporate offices in Arlington, VA in the run up to the opening session of Merchants of Death War Crimes Tribunal which was livestreamed on November 12. This is a people’s tribunal, which will be trying several large corporations for war crimes. These corporations produce weapons that our government uses to cause death and destruction all over the world, but especially in the Middle East. These corporations profit through the suffering of innocent people. The organizers of the tribunal have spent the last couple of years gathering evidence through interviews with victims, analysts, lawyers, and philosophers. There will be a series of videos released weekly over the next four months that will show how Raytheon, General Atomics, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin are complicit in crimes against humanity. These compelling videos will expose the necessity of these corporations being held accountable for their crimes. Over 1,700 people around the world registered for the opening session. (You can register to watch the videos at merchantsofdeath.org). Raytheon, and the other companies mentioned, had been served a subpoena by the organizers of the people’s tribunal in November 2022 and refused to respond. Thus about 20 citizen activists were compelled to return to the sidewalk outside of Raytheon on November 8, 2023 at about noon. This was the first time I had been in the DC area for a nonviolent civil resistance action against war since 2018, and I was filled with anxiety, anticipation, and resolve. I knew deep in my heart that, with what is going on in the world, this is where I needed to be. The sidewalk outside of Raytheon has been privatized. What is usually a public place for citizens to exercise their First Amendment rights has been sold to this private corporation by Arlington County. Nonetheless that did not deter us. We had a large Merchants of Death banner and many other signs. We read names of children who were killed in conflict. We remembered that large corporations are lobbying our government to keep wars going so that they can make unprecedented profits off of the suffering and death of children, women, and men. These people have names and families who love them and grieve their deaths. Four of us laid down on the sidewalk and were covered with red-stained sheets. We had two life-size dolls laying with us who represented children. Eventually the police came and told us that we had to leave or we would be arrested. The four laying on the ground and two people holding the banner said that they could not leave. Raytheon is directly responsible for so much death and suffering and it was important for us to remain there and remind people about the war crimes being committed. After asking us to leave again, we were put under arrest. Arrested were Malachy Kilbride from Baltimore, Brad Wolf from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Alice Sutter from New York City, Phil Runkel from Milwaukee Wisconsin, and Anthony Walker and myself from Madison, Wisconsin. Our ages ranged from 28-77 years old. We were handcuffed and taken to the station where we were processed, including mug shots and fingerprints. We were charged with trespassing, After six hours we were released. When we were finally released, our support people, Paul Magno and David Barrows, were waiting for us in the lobby. It was so good to see their loving faces and to know that they had been there with us all along. As a grandmother, it is the suffering of the children that inspires and motivates me to take action. When we know what is happening, we have no choice but to act. It is too late to try to ignore the crimes of our government and large corporations. The videos now being released by Merchants of Death War Crimes Tribunal should be watched by everyone (merchantsofdeath.org). Children are dying and we are naturally grieving, but that is not enough. We must, all of us, take action today. Joy First, November 16, 2023 Joy First is a long time peace activist and doll maker. Her focus is on nonviolent civil resistance, risking arrest as she acts in resistance to the many crimes of the U.S. government. She lives in the Madison, WI area. You can contact Joy at Joyfirst5@gmail.com Joy is the contact for the WNPJ member group https://www.wnpj.org/member-organizations-list/wi-coalition-to-ground-drones-and-end-the-wars

COP28 is now just two weeks away and we’re very pleased to announce that our flagship initiative “The Climate Classroom” will be returning for an 11th time, complete with a brand-new look! The Climate Classroom offers a free and short interactive learning experience that is designed to help those attending or following climate meetings get quickly up-to-speed on important climate topics. Each class is 45 minutes long and delivered by a team of experts following a 3-step lesson plan that allows you to engage and interact with the content. Following the success of previous editions, The Climate Classroom @ COP28 will be fully online meaning that you can follow our classes if you’re attending COP in Dubai or following the event from home. Those who attend a Climate Classroom will receive our new virtual UN CC:Learn badge and enjoy first access to alumni engagement events next year. Check the programme below and register for the Climate Classrooms that you’d like to attend by clicking on the class titles. *All times Central European Time (CET) (UTC+1). COP28 will take place in Dubai, UAE which is three hours ahead (Gulf Standard Time, GST) (UTC+4). PROGRAMMEClimate Change Negotiations and Health with WHO - Thursday, 23 Nov 2023 at 3pm The Paris Agreement with UNFCCC - Wednesday, 29 Nov 2023 at 10am Mitigación del Cambio Climático with UNEP - Wednesday, 29 Nov 2023 at 2pm Achieving a Just Transition with ILO - Thursday, 30 Nov 2023 at 10am Climate Adaptation with the Global Centre on Adaptation - Thursday, 30 Nov 2023 at 2pm Loss and Damage with Manila Observatory - Friday, 01 Dec 2023 at 10am The Global Stocktake with WRI - Friday, 01 Dec 2023 at 2pm Gender Equality, Climate Justice and Youth Power with UN Women - Monday, 04 Dec 2023 at 10am Tackling Plastic Pollution with UNITAR - Monday, 04 Dec 2023 at 2pm Climate Finance with UNEP-FI - Tuesday, 05 Dec 2023 at 10am Sustainable Marine Transport with UNITAR - Tuesday, 05 Dec 2023 at 2pm Digital Solutions for Climate Action with ITU - Wednesday, 06 Dec 2023 at 10am Sustainable Infrastructure with UNEP - Wednesday, 06 Dec 2023 at 2pm Inclusive Humanitarian Energy with UNITAR - Thursday, 07 Dec 2023 at 10am Climate Change and Human Rights with OHCHR - Thursday, 07 Dec 2023 at 2pm Upskilling for Decarbonisation with UNITAR - Friday, 08 Dec 2023 at 10am Greening Data Centres with ITU - Monday, 11 Dec 2023 at 1pm CETFind out more! Will you be in Dubai? Meet us at one of the events being supported by us!We're drumming up something big!Financing Climate Change Education: Challenges and Successes / Financement de l’éducation au changement climatique : défis et réussites As countries increasingly prioritise education as a means of addressing the climate emergency, the focus shifts towards ways in which such initiatives can be financed in the long term. While climate change education is a critical lever for building resilience and prosperity it must be fully integrated into the education system for it to effect meaningful change. Monday, 4 December 2023, 10:30AM – 11:30AM (UAE TIME), The Greening Education Hub Organizers: UN CC:Learn, UN CC:Learn Partner CountriesYou also won't like to miss...Circularity as a Game Changer for Climate Action: Up-scaling Applied Research and Economic Solutions Sunday, 3 December 2023, 6:30PM – 8:00PM (UAE TIME), SE Room 2 Organisers: Partnership for Action on Green Economy, UNITAR, UNU Bâtir des synergies fortes : Travailler ensemble pour promouvoir et développer l'éducation au développement durable (EDD) en Afrique de l'Ouest Wednesday, 6 December 2023, 12:15PM – 1:15PM (UAE TIME), The Greening Education Hub Organizers: UNESCO, UN CC:Learn, Cabo Verde, Mali, Senegal Enabling Youth Climate Action Leadership through Innovative Learning Friday, 8 December 2023, 9:10AM – 10:30AM (UAE TIME), Monash University Pavilion Organizers: UNITAR, UN CC:Learn, Monash University Integration of Climate Change into School Curricula – Ghana's Experience Friday, 8 December 2023, 12:15PM – 1:15PM (UAE TIME), The Greening Education Hub Organizers: Government of GhanaLearn more about our events at COP28! That's it from us today. We invite you to keep an eye out on our social media to get fresh updates every day both on the climate classroom and on our events at COP28. Thank you and we hope to see you soon! United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) 7 bis, Avenue de la Paix, CH-1202 Geneva 2, Switzerland uncclearn@unitar.org | www.unitar.org | www.uncclearn.org Sent to WNPJ by Board member Jon Ward WNPJ has 2 UNA member groups: https://www.wnpj.org/member-organizations-list/united-nations-association---milwaukee-chapter https://www.wnpj.org/member-organizations-list/united-nations-association---dane-county-chapter

WNPJ will be part of BEA's 2003 movement for environmental justice. Join us! www.wnpj.org Nov. 2023. Building Equity and Alignment in Environmental Justice (BEA) in partnership with the BEA Fund Grant Review Committee, is pleased to announce it is awarding $4.8 million dollars in grants through the 2023 BEA Fund Cycle. Ninety-one grassroots environmental justice organizations will receive one-year general operating support grants of up to $75,000 to build local power and leadership, and influence the decisions that affect their communities. WNPJ - along with two of our member groups, Family Farm Defenders and WI Green Muslims - are recipients of this 2023 Grant opportunity!!! Wisconsin will be working on Environmental Justice. Watch the WNPJ website www.wnpj.org to see how you can get involved! For more information, contact dena.eakles@gmail.com

The WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella non-profit organization supporting the work of 80 member groups around Wisconsin. ********************** SPOTLIGHT! MADISON The Power and Practice of Non-Violent Action with Dr. Maria J. Stephan. Wednesday, November 15. from 7 - 8 pm. At the Memorial Union Terrace, Langdon Street. “Today we no longer have a choice between violence and nonviolence. Our choice is either nonviolence or nonexistence.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Interfaith Peace Working Group together with the Center for Interfaith Dialogue and the Nonviolence Project at the UW-Madison are initiating a year-long project titled The Power and Promise of Nonviolent Action. The purpose of this project is to increase awareness of nonviolent Civil Resistance's potential and encourage its use in conflict situations. Dr. Maria Stephan, co-author of Why Civil Resistance Works, will initiate this project with a presentation on Wednesday, November 15 at 7 PM at Tripp Commons in the Memorial Union on Langdon Street. The event is free. For more information contact: InterfaithpeaceWG@gmail.com Link for the zoom call option: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/j/94013739093?pwd=MGQ0WjM2YWVlNUN2aW1wRktEaG5jQT09 Co-sponsored by Interfaith Peace Working Group, WNPJ, Madison Friends and many more.... **************************** If you’d like to share this WNPJ e-bulletin, go to https://www.wnpj.org/blog for this week’s issue! ************************** 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. UNA USA Dane COunty has just sent an action alert to WNPJ - for Dane County residents to write to Rep. Pocan. https://www.wnpj.org/post/una-usa-dane-county-chapter-issues-an-action-alert-on-the-israel-hamas-conflict 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: CHICAGO Mon Nov 13 - Midwest Jews Demand Ceasefire Now---Mass Action. Join hundreds of Jews from across the Midwest in Chicago to take disruptive action demanding a ceasefire. Details and a form to fill out if you want to participate are here. Organized by IfNotNow, Jewish Voice for Peace, and Never Again Action Chicago. Janet and Stefania, warabolition@gmail.com VIRTUAL Tues Nov 14, 6:30 - 7:30 pm Webinar: Taking a Faithful Stand for Equity - "Oh, No! Not CRT!! Undoing Distortions and Misinformation" via zoom. We are delighted to welcome Professor Gloria Ladson-Billings , a nationally renowned expert on Critical Race Theory, and on how to teach in culturally diverse classrooms, with a particular eye to what makes teachers successful teaching African American students. She is the author of The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African American Children and Crossing Over to Canaan: The Journey of New Teachers in Diverse Classrooms. Please register here. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0oduyvqTkiEtRJK1dBghru8FF6R5e-k-6r#/registration. The Creating Beloved Community Leadership Team:• Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee• MICAH• Wisconsin Council of Churches• Wisconsin Council of Rabbis• Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice• WISDOM. contact: wifaithvoices4justice@gmail.com VIRTUAL Tues Nov 14, 7 - 8:30 pm Membership Meeting of Madison Democratic Socialists of America DSA. Via Zoom - Register with dsamadison@gmail.com MILWAUKEE and VIRTUAL Tues Nov 14, 7 - 8:30 pm Why Nuclear Power is NOT the answer to Climate Change - with Bill Christofferson. 350 Milwaukee Meeting/. In-person / Zoom Meeting. First Unitarian Church, 1342 N Astor St, Max Otto Hall, Second Floor. Ring the bell to gain access to the church. Bill Christofferson is a former – he says “recovered” -- journalist and political consultant who has worked in state and local government, and a longtime peace activist.A Ma rine Corps veteran of Vietnam, he is a member of Veterans For Peace and Vietnam Veterans Against the War. He was the first director of Nukewatch, the Progressive Foundation’s public education project on nuclear weapons and power, from 1980 to 1983. Two other related projects, Stop Project ELF, led by John Stauber, and the Radioactive Waste Project, run by Cassandra Dixon, operated out of the Nukewatch office. Join Zoom Meeting ID: 818 7303 5880 Passcode: 809467 Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kqojPZ0qE https://350milwaukee.weebly.com/ VIRTUAL Tues Nov 14, 7 pm UNA USA Dane County monthly Meeting - via zoom. Join us for our November Distinguished Lecture Event: the Color of Asylum: The Racial Politics of Safe Haven in Brazil. Watch for link to zoom at www.unadane.org VIRTUAL Wed Nov 15, 5:30 pm Unity Plan Letter Campaign is Underway! - with Building Unity via Zoom! For Our Future WI will be hosting this fun, interactive, virtual training on how to write a letter to the editor. This is a great opportunity for proponents of the Unity Plan Letter Campaign to get some extra-training on writing letters to editors. Are there local issues you have opinions about that you’d like to amplify to the community and our elected leaders? Interested in having your written ideas published? Writing a letter to the editor for publication with a news outlet is one of the most effective ways to amplify your voice and engage with community stakeholders on the issues most important to you -- and it's easier than you may think! Join us from the comfort of your couch to learn the basics, refine your writing skills, and set a goal to get your own letter published. Just click the link below to sign up and receive the zoom link! If you aren't able to make it this time, please share this link with colleagues, friends, and family: https://secure.everyaction.com/WMIHZMdYakmVbwklH_Sccg2 More information from Timothy Cordon BuildingUnityWi@gmail.com MADISON Wed Nov 15, 6 pm Monthly Veterans for Peace Business Meeting. At Sequoya Library, 4340 Tokay Blvd. Contact: Bradley Geyer geyerb@yahoo.com MADISON The Power and Practice of Non-Violent Action with Dr. Maria J. Stephan. Wednesday, November 15. from 7 - 8 pm. At the Memorial Union Terrace, Langdon Street. See the SPOTLIGHT above for details. MADISON Wed Nov 15, 6 pm House Concert and Community Sharing - 350 WI says, 'You're Invited'! At 201 Bram St. Sunni Leilani will be doing a house concert in Madison. An active participant at Standing Rock and Line 3, she is now active in supporting the Line 5 Water Protectors. An optional potluck will start at 6pm, with the concert starting at 7. During the second half folks will be invited to share a song, poem, or story of their own. Let us know if you are planning on coming, or even if you are a “maybe”, as seating will be limited to about 20 people. Admission is on a sliding scale, from 0 to $10. RSVP to bennett.russ@gmail.com . LaCROSSE Thurs Nov 16, 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 Buffton dbuffton@yahoo.com VIRTUAL Thurs, Nov 16, 6:30 p.m. WISDOM Webinar - a free training on 'Issue and Electoral Campaign Planning' led by Yolanda Perkins, Integrated Voter Engagement Director, and Amanda Ali, WISDOM's Digital Organizer. They will discuss how to develop a campaign to ensure the best outcome for your efforts. You can register in advance here! WISDOM's IVE Team at office@wisdomwisconsin.org Virtual Thursday, Nov 16, 6:30 pm – 8 pm Echo Valley Hope’s (free) Intro to The Peace Education Program . Clarity, appreciation, inner strength, self-awareness, understanding, dignity, choice, hope, peace and contentment…These are the topics of a free ten-week, video based and interactive course on peace that is used worldwide in schools, prisons, senior centers, veterans groups and more. If you would like to get a first hand look at how the course is run, please register in advance: https://bit.ly/45Kjrlo For more information: Contact Dena Eakles 608-606-4450, dena.eakles@gmail.com MILWAUKEE Thurs Nov 16, 5 - 8 pm PEACE ACTION WI Annual Membership Meeting and Chili Supper. At Zao Church, 2319 E Kenwood Blvd. Speaker David Swanson of World Beyond War will speak via internet. ($5.00 donation- no one turned away). Music by Julianne Lovely Thomson. Election of 2024 Steering Committee https://www.peaceactionwi.org/ VIRTUAL Thurs Nov 16, 7 - 8 pm Monthly Meeting of the Poor People's Campaign - via zoom. The November statewide meeting of the WI Poor People's Campaign will be focused on grounding ourselves in the history and organizing strategies of the Poor People's Campaign as we prepare to mobilize toward a nation-wide day of action on March 2, 2024 and Mass Assembly in June 2024. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about this fusion movement as a whole, and the campaign within Wisconsin. Whether you're new to the PPC or have been active since the original campaign led by Rev. Dr. King, - we will surely walk away feeling a deeper connection to one another and gain clarity about our demands to bring an end to poverty and its interlocking injustices. You'll hear stories from folks who have participated in past PPC actions and why they are part of this movement, and we'll share details about upcoming actions and how anyone can get involved. Forward Together! Register here for the zoom link: Contact: wisconsin@poorpeoplescampaign.org EAU CLAIRE Fri Nov 17, 5 - 6 pm Monthly Stand for Peace -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, we visit one another and sometimes we sing. Stand and be counted. Mark Helpsmeet is with Northern Spirit Radio, a member group of WNPJ. Contact for more information: helpsmeet@usa.net VIRTUAL Fri Nov 17, 7 - 8 pm Living “Laudato Si'”: Exploring the Spiritual Depths of Eco-Responsibility - Sinsinawa Mound Center, County Road Z. Beth Piggush, the Ecology Director for the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, will help us more deeply respond to Pope Francis’s profound call for an ecological conversion in his hugely important 2015 encyclical, “Laudato Si”: On Care For Our Common Home”. Please register by October 16, and the fee is $10 per person. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at https://sinsinawa.org/moundcenter for more information. Sinsinawa Mound, the motherhouse for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is located in southwest Wisconsin on County Road Z, off Highway 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque. MIDDLETON Sat Nov 18, 10 - 11 am White Flag / Black Flag: A Spiritual Anarchism Workbook – zine reading group. Meet at Prairie Cafe & Bakery, 3109 Pheasant Branch Rd. Hosted by the middleton hills trans anarchist collective. Whether you want to learn more about anarchism, are looking for community in the suburbs, or just like theory. All trans people and accomplices are welcome. Sent to WNPJ by Madison Infoshop jepeck@wisc.edu MILWAUKEE Sat Nov 18, 12 noon - 1 pm Peace Action WI - Weekly STAND for PEACE: Meet at 92nd/North. Each Saturday, a different location. Join us. Bring your signs. info@peaceactionwi.org https://www.peaceactionwi.org/stand_for_peace NEW! VIROQUA Sat Nov 18, 11 am - 12 noon Driftless Palestinian Solidarity Weekly Vigil. Meet at Decker and Main. Note their Action Alert: The Driftless Palestinian Solidarity group has written a petition to demand that Senator Tammy Baldwin support a ceasefire in Gaza. We are trying to get this initiative going throughout the state of WI. If your group is interested in getting signatures, please email debbie.a.dudek@gmail.com for the petition and instructions. Thank you for your help! VIRTUAL Sat Nov 18, 7 - 8 pm Webinar: How the Ho-Chunk Thwarted Removal from Wisconsin – Sinsinawa. Join us via Zoom for this presentation led by Stephen Kantrowitz, an author and professor, as he explores how a large portion of the Ho-Chunk people defied and defeated the plan of settlers and the U.S. government to expel them from their homeland during the 19th century. Registration ends November 13, and the fee is $10 per person. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at https://sinsinawa.org/moundcenter for more information. ******************************************************* If your group would like to get your events posted in the weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US! https://www.wnpj.org/membership ******************************************** **************************************** Interested in a yard sign? WNPJ has yard signs available! yardsigns@wnpj.org (facebook icon image) See our new Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WisNPJ "Like" us and follow us! Questions? Events? Send to info@wnpj.org THANKS!

Dear UNA members and/or supporters, The following message was adopted by the full UNA Dane board on the Israel-Hamas conflict at the UNA Dane County Board recent retreat on Saturday November 4. We urge you to print, sign and mail to Congressman Mark Pocan , 10 East Doty St., Suite 405, Madison, WI 53703. (letter follows) You can also go to his website and send message digitally (enter your zip code and click "go to next step") or call his office 608-258-9800 to convey message. Thank you, Mary Muse UNA-UDA Dane County Board President Sam Romano, UNA-USA Dane County Board Advocacy Chair UNA Dane County is a member group of WNPJ https://www.wnpj.org/.../united-nations-association... November 4, 2023 To: Congressman Mark Pocan 10 East Doty Street, Suite 405 Madison, WI 53703 I am writing to thank you for your October 18, 2023 statement calling for cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas and supporting a robust package of humanitarian aid for both Israel and Gaza. As the violence continues, we are witnessing massive loss of life and tragedy in Gaza. With each day of violence we are careening toward a wider war in the Middle East. Thank you for being out front and thank you for political courage in offering your statement which refers to the seemingly indiscriminate bombing in Gaza as “collective punishment” of innocent civilians and children. Please let me know if there is anything I can do or anything the United Nations Association of Dane County can do to support you as you push for the settlement of hostilities and humanitarian relief in this conflict. Sincerely, _________________________________ Signature _________________________________ Printed name __________________________________ Address

Washington DC Sat. Nov. 4, 2023 NOTE: KEEP CALLING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS RE: THE WAR ON GAZA AND THE WEST BANK... Call the White House and Tell President Biden that you demand a ceasefire and don’t want your tax dollars funding genocide. Call 202-456-1111 every day this week And be sure to follow MRSCP on Facebook for updates on events, news and analysis. Events may be called on short notice. ********************************************************************************** MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Annual Fair Trade Holiday Festival Saturday, Dec. 2, 8 am - 3 pm, Monona Terrace. MRSCP, Palestine Partners and Madison Playgrounds for Palestine will once again be selling our fair trade Palestinian products...or at least those which we are able to obtain during the current war. Interested in volunteering at our tables? Please reply to. Madison-Rafah Sister-City Proj And And... Musical Resource: Rise Up BDS Mix Tape Volume 2 is available. UPCOMING EVENTS DETAILS Tuesday, Nov. 7: Law School Panel on "International Law and Humanitarianism in the Israel/Gaza Conflict" Featuring Marwa Shalaby, Kevin Kelly, Helen Kinsella and Alexandra Huneeus 4:30 - 6:30 pm, 7200 Lubar Commons, UW-Madison More information here. Open to the public. Wednesday, Nov. 8: Green Olive Collective Emergency West Bank Online Fundraiser 12 Noon CT Another session of "Solidarity Speaks" focusing on the ethnic cleansing happening in the West Bank. Speakers are Ali Awad from Tuba and Awdah Hathaleen from Um Al Khair, two long standing advocates against the expropriation of Palestinian land in Masafer Yatta and for the collective rights of their communities in Area C. This is an emergency fundraiser for Palestinian communities in Area C defending their lands from military incursions, settler militias, and displacement. Complete information and registration link here. https://greenolivetours.cmail20.com/t/r-e-tiajtky-ohidduri-r/ Wednesday, Nov. 8: Climate Justice Alliance presents a Teach-in: Free Palestine is a Climate Justice Issue 5 pm CT. More information and registration link here. Sunday, Nov. 12: World Beyond War Presents a program on peace in Ukraine, including the link to Palestine/ The Crossing, 1127 University Avenue, Madison 6-9 pm Panelists: Andrew Kydd – UW-Madison Professor of Political Science: “I am in favor of US support for Ukraine’s war effort against Russia.” David Swanson – World BEYOND War International Director: “When you're deep in a hole the first thing to do is stop killing people.” Samer Alatout - UW-Madison Professor of Community & Environmental Sociology: “The war on Ukraine cannot be understood in isolation, it is one node in wars over the details of a new world order. The same thing can be said about the war on Palestine. They are inseparable, they fit the same narrative.” After the panel, there will be food, drinks, and a pro-peace art showcase of stirring music and poetry. Taiko drummers, Mennonite acapella singers, poets, and piano, fiddle and horn players will perform on the theme "Peace Through Empathy." More information here. ACTION ALERTS! CALLING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FIRST, Call Sen. Tammy Baldwin to demand that she support a ceasefire and not send more military aid to Israel. DC office: (202) 224-5653 Madison office: (608) 264-5338 Milwaukee office: (414) 297-4451 (You can also get numbers to call Sen. Ron Johnson here; leave a message, they seldom answer the phone.) Second, contact your representative to oppose the $14 billion supplemental military aid bill to Israel. All details are in this alert from American Muslims for Palestine. Call them here. Or if they represent YOU, call direct: Pocan at 202-225-2906 DC; Gwen Moore at 202-225-4572 DC. THIRD call Senator Bernie Sanders There is a national campaign by Jewish Voice for Peace, MPower Action and others to get Sanders to introduce a resolution to call for a ceasefire, which he still has not done. Call and tell Bernie Sanders (202) 224-5141: We want a #CeasefireNOW Have X/Twitter? Retweet our message to Bernie here! FOURTH, Call the White House and Tell President Biden that you demand a ceasefire and don’t want your tax dollars funding genocide. Call 202-456-1111 every day this week Sent to WNPJ by Madison-Rafah Sister-City Proj

WNPJ + Alert on Hamas/Palestine/Israel + SPOTLIGHT on the annual Family Farm Defender Celebration + VFP #102 in Milwaukee on Armistice Day + Become a Welcomer to WI + other statewide events… *********************************** The WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella non-profit organization supporting the work of 80 member groups around Wisconsin. ********************** 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 ******************************* SPOTLIGHT on Family Farm Defenders Annual Event in Spring Green 2023 John Kinsman Beginning Farmer Food Sovereignty Prize Award Dinner and Celebration! In memory of legendary organic pioneer and food sovereignty advocate, John Kinsman, Family Farm Defenders is proud to celebrate beginning farmers each year with a prize in his honor! Sat. Nov. 11th 5:00 – 8:00 pm Round Barn Lodge, E4830 U.S. Hwy 14 in Spring Green. 5:00 pm Reception and Socializing ; 5:30 pm Welcome and Local Harvest Dinner (catered by Lisa Buttenow & the Branding Iron in Lime Ridge); 6:00 pm Keynote Address: "Food, Land, and Justice: Lessons from the Driftless Area to the World” – with Curt Meine, Senior Fellow, Aldo Leopold Foundation and the Center for Humans and Nature; 6:45 pm John Kinsman Prize Award Ceremony! Suggested donation - $35 per person (children are free!) To RSVP and purchase advance tickets send a check to: FFD, P.O. Box 1772, Madison, WI 53701 or make an online donation at: www.familyfarmers.org Family Farm Defenders also welcomes sponsors of the John Kinsman Prize! Sponsors will be thanked in the evening program and prize sponsors of $100+ will also receive two free complimentary tickets to the event. More info? #608-260-0900 or visit the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/3548617115380554/ ******************************************** SPOTLIGHT on Milwaukee VFP #102 Saturday. Nov 11, 7 pm Please save the date, Nov. 11, for Veterans for Peace #102 annual Armistice Day event at Milwaukee City Hall, and help us reclaim the day as one to promote peace, not celebrate militarism, as Veterans Day too often seems to do. We hope your organization will join us as an endorser of the event. The only thing that entails is a willingness to help publicize the event and encourage your members to participate, and allowing us to list you with other endorsers on promotional materials. If your organization would like to endorse, simply reply to our email and tell us how you would like to be listed. Our recent experience with the Golden Rule peace boat visit, with 15 organizations involved, showed again what can happen when we collaborate. Thank you for all you do to promote peace and justice on a daily basis. Contact: MKE Vets for Peace , Bill Christofferson, 414-587-6577 vfpchapter102@gmail.com Register here for the webinar. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fbo6dp3GQx6gMSq9seWBQw Speakers: Medea Benjamin, co-founder of national women-led peace group CODEPINK, and Mark Denning, educator, lecturer and curriculum specialist in Native American history and culture, Music by Holly Haebig and Harvey Taylor. Free public event. Note – there are updates to the endorsing groups – see this FB event to lean more. All welcome. Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/891000929110543/ * VFPchapter102@gmail.com ******************************************************* Special Spotlight this week – Become a Welcomer - sent to WNPJ by member, Kathi Seiden-Thomas. See https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/alight-in-wisconsin-2786579 *********************************** Upcoming Events this week for WNPJ groups: VIRTUAL: Mon Nov 6, 7 pm Non-profits! Interested in information concerning a FREE FCC application for your own Low Power FM radio station? Join a Q&A video chat. Todd Urick from the grassroots radio advocate nonprofit Common Frequency discusses the opportunity to apply for a FCC license in WI, filing dates of Dec 6th - 13th. This filing opportunity happens once every ten years and mainly only evangalistic churches apply. You don't need to know anything about radio, have money, or any radio equipment to submit a request to the FCC. This presents a unique opportunity for Wisconites to bolster democracy and voter education. Send an email to todd@commonfrequency.org to RSVP and obtain a link for the chat. Supported by Tynnetta and Debra from the WNPJ Board. https://commonfrequency.org/ VIRTUAL Mon Nov 6, 7 - 8:30 pm Webinar: Climate Safe Pensions for Wisconsin: Divest from Fossil Fuels! Part of the Monthly meeting of 350 Wisconsin. ONLINE VIA ZOOM: Register in advance for the meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkd-qupz8jHtCx2JikRB3t05iy0Jney9AW#/registration. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting via computer, tablet, or smartphone. Members of Climate Safe Pensions for Wisconsin. are working to get the State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) to move the state retirement system out of financially risky and environmentally irresponsible fossil fuel investments. Our speakers, Peter Knotek and Anne Steinberg, will share what they’ve learned while researching SWIB’s holdings, meeting with SWIB staff, talking with many other Wisconsin Retirement System members, and participating in the international pension divestment movement. Contact@350wisconsin.org VIRTUAL Tues Nov 7, 7 – 8 pm Rooted in a Healthy Climate' webinar - with 350 WI. Join 350 to learn about what the Farm Bill is, how it could support farmers, communities, sustainable agriculture, affordable food, and the climate! We'll have experts from the agriculture, climate, and justice communities speaking about why it's important to advance farming practices that a good for small family farmers and the planet, while also keeping healthy foods within reach for all. Contact@350wisconsin.org VIRTUAL Tues Nov 7, 7 – 8 pm Webinar: Recovering a Hidden History: Indigenous Power and Culture in the Mid-Continent – Sinsinawa. Author, Bob Morrissey, will be leading the discussion. This talk reorients our understanding of the mid-continent as an Indigenous heartland. Focusing on the land of the modern corn belt, the former tallgrass prairies, Bob Morrissey explains what made this place so special in the pre-settler past. He explores aspects of those cultures, and concludes with reflections on recent projects by those Indigenous Nations to revitalize certain practices, including language, ecology, and especially art. Registration ends November 6, and the fee is $10 per person. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at https://sinsinawa.org/moundcenter for more information. WASHINGTON DC Wed Nov 8, 12 – 1 pm Merchants of Death War Crimes Tribunal Public Witness Day of Action. Silence & passivity cannot be an option! Join our action outside the offices of a Merchant of Death. We know about the crimes of war contractor-profiteers and because we know, we must act! A system which allows impunity and profit from war crimes, including the maiming and killing of combatants and non-combatants alike, is nothing but violent, filthy, rotten, and lousy! Within the last year, people have delivered subpoenas to the corporate offices and corporate directors of weapons manufacturers Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, and General Atomics. There are a handful of people from Wisconsin who will be taking the train out to participate in this action. Please let Joy know if you are interested. Peace, Joy joyfirst5@gmail.com VIRTUAL Wed Nov 8, 6 - 8 pm Webinar: Beating Guns: Hope for People Weary of Violence. Nuns Against Gun Violence hosts a free webinar with author and activist Shane Claiborne. Following Mr. Claiborne’s presentation, two women religious will address how their congregations are addressing gun violence. Sr. Patricia Millen, OSF will address how her congregation, the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, took a corporate stance on gun violence. Sr. Annette McDermott, SSJ will discuss the outreach of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield to the people of Springfield after a recent episode of gun violence. No need to register. Just click on the ZOOM link a few minutes before the presentation. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82630936976?pwd=VG4rL2tEQzRlbkliSWpPWUl5eHhJZz09 Meeting ID: 826 3093 6976 Passcode: XT4GxD. Nuns Against Gun Violence is a coalition of Catholic Sisters (including CSA) and their allies that affirms the value of human life through prayer, education, and advocacy for common sense, evidence-based, gun violence prevention. Formed in 2023, the coalition consists of more than 40 congregations of Catholic Sisters and allied organizations. Sent to WNPJ by Tracy Abler, Justice Coordinator, Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes. tabler@csasisters.org LACROSSE Thus Nov 9, 12 noon – 1 pm Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil. Main St & 4th Street South, A weekly vigil for peace every Thursday from noon to 12:30. Contact Deborah Buffton dbuffton@yahoo.com MADISON Thurs Nov 9, 7 – 8 pm Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice - Fall 2023 Interfaith Intersections - Mt Zion Baptist Church, 2019 Fisher St. This program brings people together to hold intentional conversations on a variety of topics related to faith. Goals: to deepen relationships among people of different faith, hold rich conversations on different topics, & learn about faiths other than your own. Panelists come from Buddhist, and Jewish communities, on the topic: what does your faith teach about death and dying? - If you would like to be a panelist, please contact Rabbi Bonnie Margulis at wifaithvoices4justice@gmail.com. Contact the organizer for a zoom option. MADISON Sat Nov 11, Dane County High School Climate Conference; Find Your Voice - Take back your future. Madison College, Wright Street. This year's youth climate conference will soothe your climate anxiety and inspire you to take action. You will hear success stories, discover the ways Dane County has hope for the climate crisis, create a climate plan of action that keeps you energized, make meaningful connections with other passionate high schoolers, network with organizations that want to help you succeed, and strengthen your voice both as a high schooler and as an activist. All Dane County high schoolers are invited, regardless of experience! Free Admissions, Free Lunch, Free Parking! Register here: https://www.theconnectiondane.org/2023-conference. Co-sponsored by the UNA USA Dane County Chapter: Sam Romano sromano@charter.net SINSINAWA Sat Nov 11, 9 am – 4 pm Autumn Wild Skills Day – Sinsinawa Mound Center, County Road Z. Join Nicholas WazeeGale, a certified Wilderness Guide, for a day in the Sinsinawa woods and fields. In this adventurous day workshop, we will learn to recognize and follow the tracks of local wildlife, make a warm fire, cook food, learn of shelter, wayfinding and safety in the outdoors, find and utilize wild foods of fall, learn about proper gear and clothing for comfort in the cold, and more! This workshop has limited capacity so sign up quickly. Registration ends November 8, and the fee is $65 per person. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at https://sinsinawa.org/moundcenter for more information. Sinsinawa Mound, the motherhouse for the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, is located in southwest Wisconsin on County Road Z, off Highway 11, about five miles northeast of Dubuque. MILWAUKEE Sat Nov 11, 12 noon - 1 pm Peace Action WI - Weekly STAND for PEACE. KK and Lincoln. Each Saturday, a different location. Join us. Bring your signs. info@peaceaction wi.org https://www.peaceactionwi.org/stand_for_peace SPRING GREEN Sat. Nov. 11, 5 – 8 pm * 2023 John Kinsman Beginning Farmer Food Sovereignty Prize Award Dinner and Celebration! Round Barn Lodge (E4830 U.S. Hwy 14) See SPOTLIGHT above for more details. www.familyfarmers.org MILWAUKEE Sat Nov 11, 4 pm Annual City Wide Veterans Celebration. At the JAK Foundation, 7814 West Appleton St. Co-sponsored by SOULS. Contact Tynnetta Jackson at 414-616-3114 souls4com@gmail.com MILWAUKEE Sat Nov 11, 7 – 8 pm Veterans for Peace - Armistice Day event – Milwaukee City Hall, East Wells Street. See Spotlight above for details. Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/891000929110543/ VERONA Sun Nov 12, 4 – 5 pm Moms Demand Action - meet-up. Kismet Books, North Main Street, Casual in-person meet-up. Reserve your spot here: lindsey.madisonwi@gmail.com MADISON Sun Nov 12, 6 – 8:30 pm Evening with World BEYOND War – What should be done to end the war in Ukraine? - The Crossing Campus Ministry, University Avenue. FREE. Music, spoken word, a panel on ending the war in Ukraine, and a bit of livestream of the Merchants of Death War Crimes Tribunal in Washington DC. Contact: warabolition@gmail.com Watch for videos and updates from the Annual WNPJ Fall Assembly held in Appleton Oct. 28th: "Every Drop Counts: Coming Together for Water https://www.wnpj.org/post/2023-fall-assembly ******************************************************* If your group would like to get your events posted in the weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US! https://www.wnpj.org/membership ******************************************** WNPJ member groups can sign up for a Saturday opportunity to TABLE at the Madison Farmers Market – This is the last week! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4daaa929a5fac34-wnpj#/ The Farmers Market opening date is April 15th – 7 am to 1 pm …and runs through mid-November on Saturdays. Sign up for your spot today! Bring your own table and hand-outs to the King Street corner of the Square, next to the VFP #25 table! Questions? Contact info@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? Want to volunteer? Contact info@wnpj.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Bill Christofferson, vfpchapter102@gmail.com, 414-486-9651 NOTE: Speakers available for advance interviews or on day of event. Ukraine, Gaza wars are focus of 17th annual Armistice Day program As wars rage in Ukraine and Gaza, Milwaukee Veterans For Peace will sponsor its 17th annual Armistice Day event at 7pm Saturday, Nov. 11 at Milwaukee City Hall. It will be an in-person event but also will be available as a Zoom webinar. Speakers will be: Medea Benjamin. Co-founder of the women-led peace group CODEPINK, human rights group Global Exchange, and Peace in Ukraine Coalition, she has been an advocate for social justice for 50 years and a high profile leader of the peace movement. NY Newsday calls her, “One of America's most committed -- and most effective -- fighters for human rights.” Her topic is Ukraine. Gaza. A trillion dollar war machine. What are peacemakers to do?” Mark Denning. An enrolled tribal member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Mark is an educator, lecturer and curriculum specialist in Native American history and culture who has been involved in public education programming for over 40 years. His work has taken him all over the world, working with people, communities & organizations. His talk is titled, “Aakode’ewin The Fearless Heart and the Cost of War” Two well-known Milwaukee acoustic musicians, singer-songwriters Holly Haebig and Harvey Taylor, will perform during the program, with music beginning at 6:45 p.m The event is free and open to the public. Veterans For Peace sponsors the annual event as a reminder that Nov. 11 was declared Armistice Day as a day to promote world peace, but since being renamed Veterans Day often seems to celebrate militarism. The United Nations Association of Greater Milwaukee, Peace Action Wisconsin, Building Unity Wisconsin, Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice and other peace and justice groups have endorsed the event. Register here for the webinar. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fbo6dp3GQx6gMSq9seWBQw

The WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella non-profit organization supporting the work of 79 member groups around Wisconsin. SPOTLIGHT on WNPJ’s Annual Fall Assembly! "Every Drop Counts: Coming Together for Water". The Assembly was held Saturday, October 28 in Appleton and via zoom. Click on this link for more images and updates. Peacemaker of the Year Award 2023 was presented to Bill Christofferson of Milwaukee, lead organizer for The Golden Rule, VFP anti-nuke ship. Introduction was by Mark Foreman (L) of Milwaukee Vets for Peace. Presenting the Award is Co-chair Mary Kay Baum (R). (photo credit, Brad Geyer): ********************** 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 URGERNT ACTION ALERT: As Gaza reels under the horrific Israeli bombardment, we are asking all WNPJ member groups and individual to take whatever action you can to stop it. Our government is using our tax dollars to underwrite and escalate this war against 2 million captive Palestinians -- at least three-quarters of whom are women and children -- with weapons, military advisors and political cover. In doing this they risk a much wider regional conflagration that could engulf many more millions of people in the region and beyond. Please join the call for a ceasefire now, and urge your members to sign. https://www.change.org/p/sign-and-share-this-urgent-petition-calling-for-a-ceasefirenow-in-gaza-and-israel. Sent to WNPJ by Barb Olson for Madison-Rafah Sister City Project rafahsistercity@yahoo.com and Cassandra Dixon for Palestine Partners and Mary House ********************** SPOTLIGHT! VIRTUAL Thurs Nov 2, 12 noon - 1 pm Weaving the Web - WNPJ monthly virtual drop-in Hour. All are welcome to this first Thursday of each month zoom call. No agenda. A chance to share ideas and events. Zoom Meeting Information: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89361313008?pwd=UmxCOUcxL3ZFb244aXp0SnBVTFRSZz09 ; Meeting ID: 893 6131 3008 - Passcode: 797041; +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Organizer: office@wnpj.org *************************************** Upcoming Events this week for WNPJ groups: VIRTUAL Mon Oct 30, 7- 8:30 pm October Membership Meeting of Madison DSA - via zoom. To learn more, contact: DSAmadison@gmail.com MILWAUKEE Mon Oct 30, 5:30- 6:30 pm Screening of "A Hallowed Home for Heroes". Oriental Theatre MKE, North Farwell Avenue. 5:30 PM: Registration and networking; 6:00 PM: Welcome from Emma Rudd, Milwaukee Preservation Alliance, screening of Milwaukee PBS' "A Hallowed Home for Heroes"; 7:00 PM: Q&A with documentary producers Maryann Lazarski and Scottie. Reserve a spot - limited seating. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKKG6waAYGuiV1xgpaTu6UGH--Rxiv_9w8lD5ylxTAz64WHQ/viewform. Sent to WNPJ by VFP Milwaukee. vfpchapter102@gmail.com LA CROSSE Thurs Nov 2, 12 - 12:30 pm Weekly Women in Black Peace Vigil - Meet at Main St & 4th Street South. Contact: Deborah Buffton dbuffton@yahoo.com VIRTUAL Thurs Nov 2, 6 - 8 pm WILPF Monthly Virtual Book Club "Harvest of Empire". To get the zoom link, reply to: wilpfmadison@gmail.com. Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. For questions or more information: http://wilpfmadison.org/ VIRTUAL Thurs Nov 2, 12 noon - 1 pm Weaving the Web - WNPJ monthly virtual drop-in Hour. All are welcome to this first Thursday of each month zoom call. Zoom Meeting Information: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89361313008?pwd=UmxCOUcxL3ZFb244aXp0SnBVTFRSZz09 ; Meeting ID: 893 6131 3008 - Passcode: 797041; +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Organizer: office@wnpj.org VIRTUAL Sat Nov 4, 9 am - 4 pm Webinar: An Integral Approach to Spiritual Development - SINSINAWA. As people embark on a journey of self-discovery, they often reach these in-between places. Join us via Zoom with facilitator, Wendy Mitch. This webinar can offer guidance during these challenging times of transformation. Drawing on the work of Spiral Dynamics by Integral theorists: Ken Wilber, Don Beck and Clare W. Graves, we will look at the various phases of human development. Through the use of facilitator input, group processes, facilitated discussions, journaling, and integral practices incorporating head, heart, and body, participants will find community and practices to encourage continues growth. Please register by Monday, October 30, and the fee is $60 per person. Contact Arrangements at 608-748-4411 or visit our website at https://sinsinawa.org/moundcenter for more information. APPLETON Sat Nov 4, 11 am - 12 noon Fox Valley Monthly Stand for Peace - Meet at Houdini Plaza, West Lawrence Street. Every month - the first Saturday! Bring your signs! Organizer: Ronna Swift ronnajean61@gmail.com ******************************************************* If your group would like to get your events posted in the weekly e-bulletin – JOIN US! https://www.wnpj.org/membership ******************************************** WNPJ member groups can sign up for a Saturday opportunity to TABLE at the Madison Farmers Market – this Spring and summer at the Capitol Square. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4daaa929a5fac34-wnpj#/ The Farmers Market opening date is April 15th – 7 am to 1 pm …and runs through mid-November on Saturdays. Sign up for your spot today! Bring your own table and hand-outs to the King Street corner of the Square, next to the VFP #25 table! Questions? Contact info@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? Let us know at info@wnpj.org!

Dear Fellow Members of WNPJ, As Gaza reels under the horrific Israeli bombardment, we are asking all member groups to take whatever action you can to stop it. Our government is using our tax dollars to underwrite and escalate this war against 2 million captive Palestinians -- at least three-quarters of whom are women and children -- with weapons, military advisors and political cover. In doing this they risk a much wider regional conflagration that could engulf many more millions of people in the region and beyond. Please join the call for a ceasefire now, and urge your members to sign. Also consider joining the Wisconsin Coalition for Justice in Palestine, which is focusing its attention on the shameful bipartisan consensus in support of war by our elected representatives, and our media's complicity forging popular opinion in favor of war. See their statement below. We realize that people have different views about underlying causes and what has been happening in the past few weeks, however, we urge everyone to put those differences aside and unite to stop something that we all agree must end. You can join the coalition by contacting Janan Najeeb: jnajeeb@mmwconline.org War IS NEVER the Answer. Thank you, Barb Olson for Madison-Rafah Sister City Project rafahsistercity@yahoo.com Cassandra Dixon for Palestine Partners and Mary House ps--Please read this new article by Richard Falk on the absolute urgency of a ceasefire.

On October 12, Veterans For Peace issued this statement about the conflict between Hamas and Israel, in which we condemned the horrific violence on both sides, particularly the killing of civilians. We added our voice to the many calls for a ceasefire and negotiations toward a political solution because there is no military one. Since then, conditions have worsened – terribly. If a ceasefire isn’t declared, the killing and wounding in Gaza will increase dramatically, given announced plans to intensify bombing and conduct what is likely to be a months-long ground invasion. Marjorie Cohn, VFP Advisory Board member and former president of the National Lawyers Guild, joined many others in defining what’s happening in Gaza as “genocide,” and the U.S. role as “complicity in genocide.” We take those terms very seriously. On October 20, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 4,127 people, including 1,661 children have been killed and 13,162 people have been injured. Since then, 400 people were killed in 24 hours on October 22. This Gaza surgeon’s eyewitness report from Al-Shifa hospital, where thousands have taken refuge, is one of many reports that describe “Hospitals in Gaza on the brink of collapse, power set to run out in matter of hours,” “Gaza conditions worsen amid warnings that shortages could ‘kill many, many people,’” and more. The only thing worse to read are the statements of Israeli officials ordering much more of the same. Prime Minister Netanyahu declared, “This is a struggle between the children of light and the children of darkness, between humanity and the law of the jungle.” Major General Gassan Alian added, “Human animals must be treated as such. There will be no electricity and no water [in Gaza], there will only be destruction. You wanted hell, you will get hell.” And Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told troops: “I have released all the restraints…” Members of Veterans For Peace know what happens when those are the “rules of engagement” and what a “free fire zone” is. Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, warned of a new instance of mass ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and called for an immediate ceasefire.” She added, Palestinians have no safe zone anywhere in Gaza, with Israel having imposed a “complete siege” on the tiny enclave, with water, food, fuel and electricity unlawfully cut off. How could anyone, at the very least, not support a ceasefire…Mr. President? Biden ordered our UN ambassador to veto the UN resolution calling for a ‘humanitarian pause,’ so he can have more time to let American on-the-ground diplomacy “play out.” The tragedy and hypocrisy in that statement are monstrous, but surely delight the weapons makers who profit savagely from the billions of dollars our taxes buy for Israel year in and year out. Our government, with many billions of our tax dollars, has fanned the flames beneath the pressure cooker of occupation for decades. We cannot pretend ignorance. One of our members saw a tragic similarity between what he witnessed in Palestine and what he did as an occupier in Iraq. VFP urges our members and supporters as emphatically as we can: Take action NOW – no matter how large or small – but do it now. We must do everything we can to prevent even greater disaster! Join in a local protest or organize one yourself. Certainly picket, and think seriously about occupying local offices of Members of Congress who do not support HR 786 for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid. Tell your friends what’s happening. Write a letter to the editor. But do it now! Without a ceasefire, this war, like all wars, will dangerously escalate. The U.S. has sent aircraft carrier battle groups into the eastern Mediterranean and more troops into neighboring countries; Israel has bombed two airports in Syria; Shia militias have attacked U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria. To American troops deployed to the Middle East: follow your conscience. Remember that what you do as a member of the United States military will be with you for the rest of your life. We in Veterans For Peace have learned from our experiences with war and death to be life affirming. Join us for peace. October 24, 2023 Iraq War Veteran Visits Palestine - https://youtu.be/tuybSl22m3g https://www.veteransforpeace.org/pressroom/news/2023/10/24/veterans-peace-statement-gaza? -- Veterans for Peace Chapter 102 vfpchapter102@gmail.com

Wisconsin Unity Plan Project Update: Building Unity and partners are pushing forward towards our Fall Unity Summit and other efforts that we are incorporating into a Unity Plan - a plan to create a united movement for Peace, Justice, Sustainability, and Democracy. View the first draft of this historic Wisconsin Unity Plan: https://tinyurl.com/WIUnityPlan. This plan will be changing, expanding and widening the circle of our unity. If you don’t see yourself or your group in this plan, we would love to help you change that. SAVE THE DATE: FALL UNITY SUMMIT - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023 A Location has been selected! Our partners at Wisconsin Voices, have agreed to host the Fall Unity Summit at their offices in Milwaukee, WI: 4201 N 27th St 7th Floor, Old North Milwaukee, WI 53216 If you’d like to learn more about this exciting project to build a “Unity Plan” for Peace, Justice, Sustainability, and Democracy, please sign up for more information here: https://tinyurl.com/BUSignUpForm. Each week, there are TWO weekly opportunities to provide your input and ideas towards the evolving Unity Plan. Wednesdays at 10:30 am, or Thursdays at 6:00 pm. Zoom Link for both meetings: https://zoom.us/j/94591249525?pwd=MWRoTVQzVXN4SW5LdHc1T3VjWnQwQT09 Meeting ID: 945 9124 9525 Passcode: 514017 Meeting agendas and recent notes are also available for viewing at this shared document: https://tinyurl.com/UPSCsharedDoc Highlights of the Unity Plan Project so far: (You can share these with our Unity Plan Highlights Flier - https://tinyurl.com/UP-Highlights-Flier) The Fall Unity Summit - 12/2/23 - Milwaukee! We are showing up for each other by sharing our “We Are One!” flier: tinyurl.com/WeAreOne6x. Action Teams are forming. More people are joining all the time and more people are needed. Call Building Unity at 608-630-3633 to join one of our action teams. We are taking steps towards creating a a Rapid Response Phone/Text Tree. Info at: tinyurl.com/BUPhoneTree a Letter Writing Team that will help turn out letters to leaders and editors. Info at: tinyurl.com/UnityPlanLetterCampaign a number of monthly potluck gatherings around the state that will help us to find each other, deepen our connections, explore collaboration, and the enjoy the power of united action. Info at: tinyurl.com/BUGatherings and we are beginning to explore the possibility of a statewide “Democracy Tour” during the three months of spring. The current proposal that we are exploring would involve community forums in each of Wisconsin’s 33 State Senate Districts. Info at: https://tinyurl.com/Democracy-Tour-Spring-2024 Past Action/Events that have been highlighted in the Unity Plan: https://tinyurl.com/PastUnityPlanActions Upcoming Action/Events Highlighted in the Unity Plan: https://tinyurl.com/UPcomingUPActions If your group’s work isn’t listed in this plan, please let us know. We want all of us included in the creation of this plan. Timothy Cordon