I couldn't share this with you before because of security. Israel has refused entry to thousands because they do not want people from other countries coming to protest their policies. Great democracy, no? No.
Stacey and some 20-plus other women are Women Of A Certain Age. That's cryptic for alta cockers. They're all over the age of 50 (with the exception of two younger women, daughters of two women members of the group. This group started with Stacey and her friend, Doreen.Then another friend, Carol, joined and then another and another and pretty soon there were 20 or so strong.
Stacey modelling the WCA hat that she designed and produced for her group.
It evolved from just a trip to go and see to something more like a mission with a purpose and action. This is the 40th anniversary of our Freedom Summer, the year of Shwerner, Goodman and Chaney; the year of the freedom bus rides; the year of intense civil rights activity in the deep south.
The I.S.M. (International Solidarity Movement) which brings people from all over the world to protest the Israeli occupation has announced a Freedom Summer in Palestine. Modeled after the U.S. summer of 40 years ago, it will employ non-violent civil disobedience and protest to bring to world attention the injustices being carried out in the occupied areas. In Europe, I believe, where their press is a bit more independant than our corporate media, there's a much greater awareness of the horrors of the occupation. Here that's not true. The women want to learn the facts and bring that truth back home to share it with family, friends and fellow-citizens. In that way, they will be doing their part and taking a stand against oppression.
Many of the women (not all) are Jewish. As such, they feel a special duty to speak out. They cannot remain silent when oppression is being perpretated by a state that purports to represent the Jewish people. Fortunately, many Israeli Jews feel the same way. Support for Sharon is huge; there's no understating that. But a significant part of the population is opposed to his policies; opposed to the occupation and wants the peace process to go forward. The women stand with those forces in Israeli society that want to live in peace and want no part of subjugating another people who only want the right to live in dignity and at peace with their neighbors.
I support Stacey and the women and their noble mission. Danger is present. The Israeli military have shown very little to no tolerance for peaceful protest. Tear gas, rubber bullets and real bullets have been used against peaceful demonstrations. Even the presence of "internationals" have not deterred them. We back home who are supporting them are aware of the danger. But we're also aware that in every generation and in every period there are those who, for reasons of conscience and morality, are compelled to take a stand, even when it means that you endanger yourself. The history of our own country is filled with pages that document the sacrifices that people have made to advance the cause of human dignity, freedom and emancipation.
If you would like to follow the daily adventures of the Women Of A Certain Age then just click here or set your browser to www.wca2004.blogspot.com Photos and text are by Stacey who has mastered her computer skills (I'm very proud of her) and is sending this home every (hopefully every) day. So keep tuned, the BLOG will be updated frequently.
Off now to the wedding celebration in Springfield. Oy...I'm late (again).
No comments:
Post a Comment