Palestine report: International Solidarity Movement speaker Oct. 22

Palestine report: International Solidarity Movement speaker Oct. 22
October 2003

Lauren Anzaldo, a 24-year-old Pensacola resident, spent two months this summer living and working in Jenin, Occupied Palestine (West Bank). While she was there, she taught English as a second language to elementary-school students at a summer camp and to employees of Physicians without Borders. She also volunteered with the International Solidarity Movement, a Palestinian-led movement of Palestinian and international activists committed to resisting the Israeli occupation of Palestine and to raising worldwide awareness about the conflict.

Now Lauren is embarking on a speaking tour to share the truth about the Israeli occupation. She will discuss her experiences in Palestine: meeting and getting to know families, talking to people about their struggles, participating in direct action, monitoring human rights abuses and enduring an Israeli military invasion of the city of Jenin and days of Israeli-imposed house arrest.

In Gainesville, she will speak as part of Palestine Awareness Week. Her talk is Oct 22nd, 5:30-8:00 on the UF campus at room CLB C130 (Chemistry Lab Building). Also as part of the event there will be the showing of the film "Children of Ibdaa."

Also for Palestine Awareness Week:

Allison Weir, "Myth and Reality in Israel/Palestine: What the Media Leave Out." October 23, 5:30-8:00 in Little Hall Room 109 at UF.

Weir is a journalist and founder of "If Americans Knew," an organization dedicated to providing Americans with information on topics of importance that are misreported or under-reported in the American media.

Mark Lance, "Wall, 'states', and resistance: Israeli apartheid and the responsibility of Americans." October 24, 5:30-8:00 in McCarty Hall, room 100 (MCCC 100)

Lance will discuss the institutionalization on the ground of the occupation of the West Bank and the "separation wall" currently under construction and the effects this will have on the possibility of a meaningful Palestinian state. Lance will also discuss how and who can counter the institutionalization of the occupation.

Lance is an associate professor of philosophy at Georgetown University. He is former chair and co-founder of the Program on Justice and Peace at Georgetown, former co-chair of the board of the Consortium on Peace Research, Education, and Development, and co-editor of Peace and Change.

Al-Phan photo exhibit Oct. 27-30, location TBA

This exhibit is a collection of 36 photographs, taken by three talented photographers, that capture the "Mind, Body, and Soul of Palestine." This compilation contains works that illustrate the Palestinian people in their everyday lives (Mind), the city and landscapes of Palestine (Body), and the Palestinian people's life under occupation and struggle for self-determination (Soul). The captivating imagery shows the essence of Palestine, vividly portraying the spirit of a vibrant people and culture in the context of their unique history. This gallery production contains framed and mounted photographs in both black & white and color. Each photograph is accompanied by explanations written by the photographer that captured them.