Omran Bus Tour concert and events oppose attacks on Iraq

Omran Bus Tour concert and events oppose attacks on Iraq
March 2001

The Gainesville chapter of Veterans for Peace will present internationally-known Middle Eastern musician and composer Rahim Al-Haj, for two fund-raising concerts for The Omran Bus Tour on March 14 and 15th. Al-Haj plays the Oud, the grandfather of all stringed instruments, and his compositions produce a sound that is "beautiful and unforgettable" as described in a program for a concert held at the University of New Mexico. He has played concerts in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Bahrain, Paris, Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

The Omran Bus, which will be in Gainesville March 15th &16th, is named for a 13 year-old shepherd boy, killed as he tended his sheep, in a bombing run by US and British jets in 1998. The bus celebrates the history, culture and scientific contributions of Iraq to Western Civilization and seeks to raise the consciousness of the public about the effects of the military blockade of Iraq on the children of that country. On the 14th he will be at the Thomas Center and on the 15th he will be at the Reitz Union Ballroom. Both concerts are at 7:30 PM and suggested donation is $5-$10 sliding scale. Larger donations are gladly accepted.

The Omran Bus Tour is a project of Voices in the Wilderness, a human rights organization dedicated to stopping the bombing and ending the blockade of Iraq.

OMRAN BUS TOUR * SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Wednesday, March 14, 2001, 7:30 PM
Iraqi Music Concert
Accomplished Musician & Composer Rahim AlHaj
Historic Thomas Center
302 NE 6th Avenue, Gainesville Florida
AlHaj plays the Oud, a six-string instrument sometimes referred to as the grandfather of all instruments. Historians estimate its age at 5000 years, with roots in Mesopotamia.

Thursday, March 15, 2001
3:00pm Peaceful Gainesville Demonstration to End the Embargo
We will meet at the main post office and attempt to mail a package of medical supplies to Iraq. We will then march to the Florida Farm Bureau complex. A symbolic meal will be shared on the grounds on the north side of the building. A small delegation will then go to Representative Thurman's office to present a statement of our purpose and to ask her to do what she can to end the embargo. There will also be a press conference as the meal is being served. Please call 375-0389 for car pool information.

7:30pm University of Florida Reitz Union Ballroom, Informational video; Speakers from the Omran Bus National Tour; Iraqi Music Concert

Friday, March 16
Omran Bus Tour on University of Florida Campus. Presentations all day.

Friday, March 16, 7:30 pm
Please join us for a delicious Middle Eastern Dinner featuring informative speakers from the Omran Bus National Tour. Video Presentation & concert at the St. Augustine Catholic Church Fellowship Hall, 1738 West University Avenue. Please call 375-0389 for dinner reservations.

Suggested donation for concerts & dinner is $5-10 sliding scale. Larger donations are gladly accepted.

The Gainesville Effort to De-normalize the Crime Against Iraq is sponsored by Veterans for Peace, Pax Christi, Student Peace Action, Islam on Campus, Florida Coalition for Peace & Justice, Quaker Peace & Social Concerns Committee, North Central Green Party, and others in Gainesville, Florida.