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BFP Summary of Activities 2008

Iraq / Iran / Afghanistan / Pakistan

Efforts to end war against Iraq, prevent expansion of war in Afghanistan, prevent war against Iran and Pakistan:

Marked the 5th anniversary (Five Years Too Many!!) of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq (March 2008) Flyer and outreach efforts in conjunction with these demonstrations emphasized domestic impact of spending for war (Cut the War Budget! Fund Human Needs!)

• Distribution of ten-point flyer "10 Reasons Not to Bomb Iran (or threaten to do so)
• Petition addressed to Secy of State Condoleezza Rice; Chair, Senate Foreign Relations Committee; and Chair, House committee on International Relations: urging peaceful resolution to the conflict with Iran; direct negotiations without preconditions; and no use of U.S. military action
• Congress holds the power of the purse! Continued grass-roots lobbying effort (post card and phone calls to Congressional Representatives and NY Senators) urging vote AGAINST appropriations for war
• Endorsed and participated in “Jews Uniting to End the War and Heal America” (November 23, 2008)
• Encouraged voter registration and participation in the 2008 elections (Peace is the Issue!); Voter engagement workshop July 21, 2008:
  Come to learn and discuss:
  **How can we make our voice for peace heard in this election season and beyond?
• Participated in the Million Doors for Peace campaign, urging passage of legislation to set a specific date to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq
• Public expression of protest against attacks on Pakistan: Ad in Courier Life Brooklyn papers and petition campaign

Demonstrations

• A Brooklyn delegation also supported and participated in the civil disobedience action in Washington protesting the Iraqi war
• Brooklyn-based demonstrations (downtown Brooklyn, from Grand Army Plaza to Military Recruiting Station at Flatbush Ave, and at Bay Ridge office of Cong. Rep. Vito Fossella) as well as participation in the city-wide NYC River-to-River event. (March 2008).
• Participated with IVAW and Peace Action NY State in demonstration at Hofstra University (October 15, 2008: final presidential debate)
• Participated in “freeze” Actions at Grand Central and Penn Stations, bringing the urgent message “No Attack on Iran!” to the attention of rush hour commuters (July 2008)

Forums

• Participated in Black Veterans for Social Justice Anti-War Forum (March 20, 2008)
• Stop the War in Iraq/Afghanistan/Palestine/South America/Africa (Darfur-Kenya-Congo,) and Haiti (March 20, 2008)
• Panel Discussion on World Peace, Democracy, and Self-Determination: Destabilization and Recolonization of Africa, the Middle East, South America, and Haiti
• “War in Afghanistan: History and Politics of a Defeat Foretold” with speaker Christian Parenti (April 9, 2008)
• “Iran & the U.S.: Confrontation or Diplomacy?” with Prof. Ervand Abrahamian (Nov. 20, 2008) co-sponsored with Fort Greene Peace

Anti-militarism (counter-recruitment)

Since Kings County has one of the nation's highest rates of military enrollment, we have taken on the challenge of cutting off this source of person-power for the war machine. Our leaflets "How to Go to College Without Joining the Military" (PDF) and "How to Travel and Have Adventures Without Joining the Military" (PDF) are regularly distributed at Brooklyn public high schools, along with information for students and parents informing them about how they can "opt-out" of the school releasing their personal information to military recruiters.

Upon learning the $2.4 million dollars of NYC tax-payer money is allocated in teh NYC budget to fund Junior Reserve Officers Traning Corps programs in NYC public schools, we initiiated a campaign to have this money remvoed fromt eh NYC budget.

Peace Fair

Saturday, April 26, 2008, at Long Island University’s downtown Brooklyn campus, co-sponsored by the Long Island University Student Government, on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at LIU's Brooklyn Campus!)

Speakers and performers included: Debbie Almontaser, Eric Adams, Major Owens;
Amanda Diva & Friends, Abiodun (Last Poets), Aja Monet (Def Poet), Dragons of Zynth, Invincible (Anomolies), Mental Notes, Queen God!s, Ra Hendrix, Remi Kanazi, Stephanie Rooker, Raging Grannies & their Daughters, Dance 4 Peace, & More!

UNICEF

"Trick or Treat for UNICEF" engaged more Brooklyn schools this year, in our campaign to foster international awareness and social responsibility among elementary school children.

Help our children realize that we are all global citizens. Raise money to help UNICEF provide clean water, nutrition, immunizations, schools, healthcare, and emergency aid for children in over 150 countries. October 31, 2008 (Halloween!)

Israel-Palestine

2008 was the 60th Anniversary of the Nakba (Catastrophe), Palestinian experience of the founding of Israel.

• Supported Palestinian Hip Hop Rebellion: DAM: First Palestinian Hip-Hop Crew
  North American Tour, only appearance in NYC at Southpaw, 125 Fifth Ave in Park Slope also featuring Rebel Diaz and Sabreena Da Witch (Abeer) (May 13, 2008)
• Film-showing: Can You Hear Me?? Israeli and Palestinian Women Fight for Peace: with filmmaker Lilly Rivlin (2008-03-09, with BSEC)
• Sponsored “Walking the Walk: A Palestinian and a Jew report on their travels together n Israel and the West Bank” Father Khader El-Yateem, pastor of Salaam Arabic Lutheran Church in Bay Ridge, and Marcia Kannry, president of the Dialogue Project, s they tell the stories of their unique January trip together to the Holy Land.
• Continued sales of Olive Branch Olive Oil, to raise awareness while supporting the development of the Palestinian economy

Forums

• 2008: 60th Anniversary of the Nakba (Catastrophe), Palestinian experience of the founding of Israel. Forum on the Nakba (second in Visions for Peace):
  Panel discussion of issues and emotions associated with events of 1948, and why they still matter.
  Speakers: Nadia Hijab, Adam Horowitz, Prof. Zachary Lockman
  2008-05-21, at Brooklyn Friends Meeting House
• Rebuilding Hope: Aqaba Defies Demolition" Sept 23, 2008
  This is an unusual opportunity for an eye-witness report from a Palestinian village (Aqaba) in which the kindergarten, and the entire village, are threatened with destruction.
  Speakers:
  Mayor Haj Sami Sadiq Shah, head of the Aqaba Village Council since 1998.
  Ms. Rawhieh Shaih, Director of the Al Haq Kindergarten in Aqaba
  Mr. Shmuel Groag, Israeli architect and town planner, specializing in conservation and urban planning. Co-founder of the Israeli human rights group BIMKOM Planners for Planning Rights
  Ms. Donna Baranski-Walker, founder of the Rebuilding Alliance, whose mission is to rebuild communities in conflict zones.
• “Separate Is Never Equal” Stories of Apartheid from South Africa to Palestine:
  Speakers: Rev/ Eddie Makue and Diana Buttu st Hebron Fund which raises money for illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land
  

Demonstrations

• Participation in demonstration at the U.N.. 5/16/08
• Protest of the blockade of Gaza, with resultant humanitarian crisis; support Relief Convoy organized by Gush Shalom; on-line petition

Darfur/Africa

Monthly vigils at the U.S. Mission to the U.N., in conjunction with NYC Coalition for Darfur: call for effective action by the U.S. to end the mass killings and genocide in Darfur; to urge U.S. to give support pledged to UNAMID, and to raise awareness of conditions in the refugee camps for internally displaced persons in Darfur.

Demonstrations

• Participation in demonstration and vigils protesting escalating violence in Chad and Darfur
  (Sudan govt is implicated in attacks against the Chadian government, as well as in resumed bombing of Darfuri villages and incursions on Internally-Displaced Person camps in Darfur.)
• Participation in Friday April 11, 2:40 to 3:20 pm
  Day for Darfur: 5th anniversary, start of genocide in Darfur (April 11, 2009): Rally at Sudan Mission to the U.N.
  

Latin America

Latin America Committee was formed!

Film-showing: On the Line: about the U.S. Military’s WHINSEC (previously known as School of the Americas); 2 members traveled to the November vigil and protest in Fort Benning, Georgia;
Report back from the Brooklyn Delegates, with luncheon and performance by Bruised Mangoes (2008-12-06)

Supported: Say "NO!" to U.S. Militarization of Latin America & the Caribbean! Nov. 9, 2008 Sponsored by Granny Peace Brigade Sunday November 9, 1:30 -- 5:00 pm

Forum

• In July 2008 the U.S. Navy redeployed its Fourth Fleet to patrol Latin American and Caribbean waters, a provocative return to gunboat diplomacy. This Teach-in will address political, economic, and military implications that threaten sovereignty of nations in this region. Presenters: Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Greg Grandin, Colonel (Ret.) Ann Wright
  Moderators: Basil Wilson,Guy deVeaux
  Sponsor: Granny Peace Brigade; Admission: Free; English & Spanish Interpretation
  

Diversity Outreach

Demonstrations/Participations

• “Seeking Justice, Speaking Truth”: community-building event and speak-out against anti-Arab and anti-Muslim racism Co-sponsored with Communities in Support of Khalil Gibran International Academy Jan 29, 2008
• Participation in Earth Day at Grand Central (29009-04-18 and 19): offering opportunities to Make Your Own Button with your message for peace
• Participation in We Are All Brooklyn Fellowship (Program Coordinator Nora Gordon)
• Participation in the 4th annual Bay Ridge Arab American Bazaar (2008-07-13) at Shore road Park
• Participated in “Cradle to College” Parent and Young Empowerment Seminar sponsored by NYS Senator Eric Adams
• Participated in Five Boroughs March for Peace & Non-Violence 2008-12-07

Forums

• Police Brutality: Statement on the Sean Bell Case and Systemic Police Brutality
  Co-sponsorship of Forum on Sean Bell Case: Racial Profiling & Police Brutality in NYC
  2008-06-12) with speakers State Sen. Eric Adams and Civil Rights Attorney Norman Siege
• Development or Displacement: A Neighborhood Forum, June 7, 2008, with speakers: Sheila Collins, Political Science Professor, William Paterson University (NJ), member of Union for Radical Political Economics (URPE)
  Theo Moore, community organizer with Families United for Racial and Economic Equality (FUREE)
  Aa forum about the economics of development, displacement, and debt.
  Hear from Experts and Brooklyn residents spoke about initiatives that seek to rebuild community while promoting racial and economic equality
  Sponsors: Prospect Lefferts Voices for Peace & Justice, Concerned Residents of Greater Prospect Lefferts Gardens.
• Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture Peace Site Award Presented to Sister Dianna Ortiz & the Torture Abolition & Survivors Support Coalition June 8, 2008
  Receiving award on behalf of Sr. Ortiz will be Sister Alice Zachmann, founding director, Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA
• Participation in the Peace Boat 4th Annual People Building Peace Concert, including a panel discussion on the Cost of War (July 13, 2009)

Endorsements

• Endorsed 4th Vietnam Agent Orange Justice Tour (2009-10-04)
• Endorsed 7th Annual Dialogue Project Interfaith Teach In (2009-11-16)

Fund-Raising and Community-Building

Generous support of foundations and individuals makes our work possible.
Support has been provided this year by Independence Community Foundation, North Star Fund, Con Edison, Emigrant Savings Bank, NY State Office of Children and Family Services, and the A.J. Muste Memorial Institute.

• Work o' the Weavers: Legacy Concert (April 12, 2008) Co-sponsored with
  Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture's Life & Ethics Committee, and Social Action Committee of the Park Slope United Methodist Church
  in memory of activists Charlie Horwitz & Donna Roberts
• Participation in Fifth Annual Children of Abraham Peace Walk (June 2008)
• Mike Farrell, actor and activist, as well as Dave Lippman, singing CIA agent, at the Madiba Restaurant in Fort Greene (2008-05-26)
• Winter Crafts Fair, Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture Dec. 13, 2008
• Saturday May 31, 10 am: Pedal for Peace 2008! Be a part of the cycle of peace!
  Family-friendly fundraising bike ride, benefit for NYC United for Peace and Justice.
• Interfaith Peace Walk (Children of Abraham) 2008-06-12
• Cultural events in partnership with the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture helped build our community and culture of peace, while raising funds and providing fun!
  

Media Outreach

"War No More" is our once-monthly show on Brooklyn Community Access Television (BCAT), making our forums and programs available to those who could not be there in person. These programs are also available on DVD.

Awards

Recipient, 2008 Better World Award from NY Friends of the People’s Weekly; world cultural events in partnership with the Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture helped build our community and culture of peace, while raising funds and providing fun!

Neighborhood Peace Groups

Believing that it's crucial to have active peace groups in many Brooklyn neighborhoods, we have encouraged the development of:

• Fort Greene Peace (film-showing “Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers” 3/11/08);
• Speak Out Open Mic at Tillie’s 3/20/08), film-showing “Beyond Blue and Gray: Portraits of Palestinian Creativity Under Occupation) 2008-06-24;
• Bay Ridge Peace Action, and Bay Ridge Neighbors for Peace (showing of “Convictions”, documentary about 3 Dominican nuns who engaged in non-violent protest at a Minuteman III missile site in Northern Colorado),
• Supported the activities of Prospect Lefferts Voices for Peace and Justice. (Immigrant Rights: A Community Forum, sponsored by Prospect Lefferts Voices for Peace & Justice: 2008-02-09 (speakers: Deepa Fernandes, Mohammed Rasvi (Council of Peoples Organization, and Caribbean Women’s Health Association)
  

Cinema

Cinema of the Vietnam War: Film series co-hosted with Brooklyn Historical Society, in conjunction with their exhibit “In Our Own words: Portraits of Brooklyn Vietnam Veterans”

Five films with speakers:

1. “The Green Berets” (Marilyn Young);
2. Sir! No Sir! (Dr. Howard Levy);
3. Year Zero: the silent Death of Cambodia (Elizabeth Holtzman);
4. Thanh’s War (Moss Roberts); and
5. The Fog of War (Carolyn Eisenberg)

Open Community Meetings:

Opportunity for members and constituents to discuss strategy and plans:

• Feb. 7, 2008: Advancing the Peace Agenda, 2008
• Beyond October 2, 2008: Building a Peace Movement Beyond the Election: strategies for post-election peace and social justice activism December 4, 2008P Share ideas, discuss plans and strategy!

Intern and Volunteer Opportunities

We provided opportunities for young people to engage in a concrete and practical way with our peace and justice work by offering opportunities for volunteers (particularly high school students with community service requirements, as well as energetic retirees) and interns (who receive a modest stipend).

Get Involved!

Our working committees meet regularly to plan and carry out our work. Visit the events page for the latest schedule.

E-mail Newsletter: Join our mailing list to say up-to-date on anti-war activities in Brooklyn.

Join Us! Become a member of Brooklyn For Peace, and advance our work for peace.

Visit our Year End Summary pages and see the work we've done over the years: 2013/2012/2011/2010/2009/2008/2007/2006/2005/2004/2003