NEW YORK PEACE NETWORK Alert #229

Featured Event

Wednesday October 14, 7:00 p.m.
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN.
Brooklyn Friends Meeting House, 110 Schermerhorn Street @ Boerum Place.
TOWN HALL MEETING ON A NUCLEAR-WEAPONS-FREE MIDDLE EAST AND A NUCLEAR-WEAPONS-FREE WORLD.

No New Nukes ... No Old Nukes ... Nuclear ZERO!!! Come to a Town Hall Meeting on real paths to a Nuclear-Weapons-Free Middle East (Israel and Iran included) and a Nuclear-Weapons-Free World (including us all). President Obama is planning a Global Summit on Nuclear Security in March 2010. Are we ready to participate in the political dialogue?? John Burroughs, Executive Director, Lawyers’ Committee on Nuclear Poilcy, will present some basic issues. Sponsor: Brooklyn For Peace. Co-sponsors: Peace & Social Action Committee of Brooklyn Friends Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers); Lawyers Committee on Nuclear Policy; Peace Action New York State; Peace Boat. Free admission, contributions appreciated! Questions? Call 718-624-5921 or e-mail nuclearzero@brooklynpeace.org./

Tuesday, October 13, 12 noon
MIDTOWN. Army Recruiting Station, Times Square
PRESS CONFERENCE TO KICK OFF MILITARY RAPE AWARENESS WEEK
One in every three women in the military will be raped during her time of service. Join Col. (ret.) Ann Wright and members of Vets for Peace and the Granny Peace Brigade in a press conference to highlight this critical issue.

Thursday, October 15, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
BROOKLYN. Boro Hall, Joralemon Street (between Court & Boerum Place)
VIGIL AND LEAFLETTING
This October marks the 8th anniversary of the launch of the U.S.-led "War on Terror" in Afghanistan, already expanded into Pakistan. As a result, we are LESS safe, and TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS poorer. Defending it as a "war of necessity". the Obama administration is considering a major escalation of the violence. Sponsored by Brooklyn for Peace. Co-sponsored by Fort Greene Peace, Bay Ridge Interfaith Coalition, CODEPINK, South Asia Solidarity Initiative, Raging Grannies, United for Peace & Justice. For questions, call 718-624-5921 or email iraq@brooklynforpeace.org.

Friday, October 16, 8:00 p.m.
FIVE TOWNS. Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett, Long Island.
THE CONTINUED PLIGHT OF LORI BERENSON
With Rhoda Berenson, Professor of Physics, Bard High School Early College;

Professor Emeritus of Physics, Nassau Community College; and author of Lori: My Daughter Wrongfully Imprisoned in Peru. Lori Berenson is a social activist, researcher, writer and editor born in New York but who has spent her adult life in Central and South America. On 1995 she was in Peru, engaged in writing articles for two progressive American magazines On November 30th, she was arrested on a public bus in downtown Lima, accused of leading an insurgent organization, the MRTA. A hooded military tribunal, using antiterrorism legislation promulgated during a state of emergency, sentenced her to life for "treason against the fatherland." Four-and-a half years later, due to international pressure, her sentence was vacated and she was retried by a civilian court under the same antiterrorism legislation. She presently is serving a 20-year sentence for collaboration. Sponsored by Five Towns Forum. Contact: Rochelle Dorfmran, (516) 623-5689

Sunday October 18, 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN. Public Assembly, 70 N. 6th St between Kent & Wythe
BROOKLYN GET RADICAL!! BENEFIT CONCERT FOR BROOKLYN FOR PEACE.
Celebrate our 25th anniversary! Featuring MC K-Swift; Chesney Snow; Stephanie Rooker; Intangible Collective; Readnex Poetry Squad; & More! DJ Sets by DJ Chela and Ohio Party. Admission: $10 (must be 21+) Questions? Call 718-624-5921 or e-mail bfp@brooklynpeace.org.

Monday, October 19, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
CITY HALL AREA. Outside the Metropolitan Correction Center, 150 Park Row at Pearl Street
STREET PERFORMANCE TO TO BEAR WITNESS TO THE TREATMENT OF FAHAD HASHMI.
Fahad Hashmi, an American citizen, has been kept in Severe solitary confinement at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Lower Manhattan for two and half years awaiting trial. He is under 24-hour electronic surveillance, is allowed no fresh air or sunshine, and can receive no letters or visits, outside of limited contact with his parents. These conditions are typical of the how terrorism suspects are being treated in U.S. prisons and courts. Guantánamo is set to be closed next year – it is time NOW to end violations of due process and inhumane detention happening right here at home. NO Guantánamos At Home or Abroad! We will continue this vigil, every Monday night from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Featuring a Weekly Radio Show by Theaters Against War (THAW) with special guests from Broadway and Off-Broadway every week For more info: thawaction@yahoo.com or 206 312 2201. www.thawaction.org.

Wednesday, October 21, through Saturday, October 24.
CHELSEA. SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street.

SVA'S "VISIONS OF WAR" CONFERENCE: PLAY, FILMS, PANELS
The Humanities and Sciences Program at the School of Visual Arts is presenting a four-day conference, "Visions of War: the arts represent conflict" at the Algonquin Hotel from Wednesday October 21 through Saturday October 24. See the VISIONS OF WAR web page for full schedule, including the following events, free and open to the public, held at the brand new SVA Theatre:

Thursday, October 22, 7:00 p.m.
PLAY: THE WARRIOR by Jack Gilhooley, with Talk Back session
The Warrior is a play about a veteran of the Persian Gulf War and two tours in Iraq, the damage her absence has done to her family, and to her mental health. After the performance there will be a Talk Back session which includes questions from the audience and answers. Preview for The Warrior.

Friday, October 23, 7:00 p.m.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Sponsored by Stephen Frailey, Chair, BFA Photography. More information to come.

Saturday, October 24, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
FILM SERIES: AFTER THE WARS
Film series hosted by Reeves Lehamna, Chair, Film Video and Animation Department. More information to come.

Saturday, October 24, 6:30 8:30 p.m.
PANEL: THE SCARS OF WAR: HEALING THROUGH THE ARTS.
Moderated by screenwriter/playwright/Vietnam combat veteran David Berry, a member of the SVA Film Department faculty. Panelists include film artists/combat veterans (screenwriters and directors), a psychologist with over three decades of experience treating Vietnam veterans, and a retired Army Colonel who has become a major spokesperson for those demanding official recognition and treatment of female victims of violence in the military.

Sunday, November 8, 1:30 – 5:00 p.m.
UPPER EAST SIDE. Hunter College/CUNY, 68th Street at Lexington Avenue
END US MILITARIZATION OF THE PACIFIC
The Granny Peace Brigade’s Fourth Teach-in will focus on U. S. military bases in Japan/Okinawa, the Philippines and South Korea, and their deplorable effects on the host countries’ populace and the environment. The event will be free and open to the public. Details on program and speakers will be forthcoming. For more details, please see www.grannypeacebrigade.org/.

Friday, October 16, 7:00 p.m.
ALBANY. WAMC, Linda Norris Auditorium, 339 Central Ave.
SCREENING OF “THE RECKONING”

In response to world wide atrocities of the 20th century, 120 countries formed the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute perpetrators (no matter how powerful) of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide. “The Reckoning” follows ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo for 3 years across 4 continents as he issues arrest warrants for Lord’s Resistance Army leaders in Uganda, puts Congolese warlords on trial, shakes up the Colombian justice system, and charges Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir with genocide in Darfur. The Prosecutor has a mandate but no police force. As this tiny court struggles to change innocent victims suffer and wait. Will the Prosecutor succeed? Will the world ensure that justice prevails? Like a deft thriller, The Reckoning keeps you on the edge of your seat. Please buy tickets in advance and come early to assure seating. For tickets, call 518-465-5233x4. Co-sponsored by Upper Hudson Peace Action.

Saturday, October 17, 12 noon rally, 1:00 p.m. March
ALBANY. West Capital Park, West side of the Capital. March to downtown Albany.
MARCH AND RALLY AGAINST THE WARS
At the time the Obama administration is reconsidering its Afghanistan policy, it is important that we have a strong turnout for this October 17 peace rally. Please make this one you will attend. 8 Years of War. How Many More? Bring the Troops Home Now From Afghanistan and Iraq. Stop Bombing Pakistan! Rally Endorsers: North East Peace and Justice Action Coalition (NEPAJAC), Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, Solidarity Committee, Guilderland Neighbors for Peace, Women Against War, Troy Neighbors for Peace, Upper Hudson Peace Action, Tom Paine Chapter of Veterans for Peace, Muslim Solidarity Committee, Schenectady Neighbors for Peace, Interfaith Alliance, Social Justice Cmty of the Schenectady Unitarian Society, Albany Friends meeting, Berkshire Citizens for Peace and Justice, Syracuse Peace Council, Rockland Coalition for Peace and Justice.
Saturday, October 17, 1:00 p.m.
KINGSTON. Academy Green Park
MAJOR ANTIWAR ACTION
The demonstration has been called by Peace and Social Progress Now! to protest the expanding war in Afghanistan around the time of the 8th anniversary of George Bush's invasion of Afghanistan. Peace and Social Progress Now! is a new group that was formed this fall by the Hudson Valley Activist Newsletter to help re-invigorate the antiwar movement in the region. The demonstration will include a picket line, a rally with speakers from various local groups, and musical performances. We're depending on all the activists in the region to help us restart a peace movement that once was active and vibrant in our community, turning out in the hundreds and thousands to oppose war in the aftermath of 9/11 and well into the Iraq war. Now, as we begin the 9th year of the U.S. war in Afghanistan, at a time when the war is going badly and the majority of the American people are opposed to it, we need to bring people back out into the streets. Please carpool. For more information, please contact Donna at 845-255-5779 or donna0726@earthlink.net.

Saturday, October 17, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
NANUET. NW and SW corners of Rt. 59 and Middletown Rd.
SPECIAL PEACE VIGIL IN NANUET
On October 17, antiwar protests will be held all over the country, including Rockland County! We are now at a critical point of the Afghanistan war, mirroring a similar historical moment forty-four years ago. Obama has been pressured to escalate the 8-year war in Afghanistan. Despite the fact that 57 percent of the U.S. public is now opposed to the war in Afghanistan, if Obama chooses to go along with the generals, his administration will be doomed not only for getting our nation into a quagmire but also for squandering opportunities to promote his domestic social agenda. The tragic history doesn’t have to been repeated. In addition to loss of lives of Afghans, Iraqis and US troops, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have already cost our country more than $920 billion. To finance these two wars, every household in Rockland County has paid $19,000 (www.costofwar.com)! On Saturday, October 17, antiwar protests will be held nationwide. In support of this call, the RCP&J will hold a special peace vigil on October 17 in Nanuet to demand an end to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Bring your family and friends to join this special peace vigil. Rain or shine!

Saturday, October 17, 6:00 p.m.
WHITE PLAINS. Memorial United Methodist Church, 250 Bryant Avenue
2nd ANNUAL JOHN COLLINS JUSTICE FUND DINNER
Honoring Joanne Gardner for her efforts in trying to make a difference in the lives of women and men in need in and around Yonkers, and Reverend Ed Muller and the incarcerated men and women who together developed life-giving opportunities through the promotion of higher education in NY State and the Exodus Program. Tickets - $50. People who have participated in Ed's programs are invited as honored guests. Proceeds will go to support Rising Hope, offering college level education to men in prison leading to a Certificate in Ministry and Human Services and Awakenings, assisting women returning from prison to the Westchester community. To RSVP email ellnbaer@yahoo.com or call 2I2-752-4474. Checks should be made out to Memorial United Methodist Church.

Sunday, October 18, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
NEW ROCHELLE. Main St & Memorial Highway
WOMEN IN BLACK PALESTINE SOLIDARITY VIGIL
Wear black if you like. Women and Men are welcome. We will stand on Main St. by the little park. Sponsored by CodePink Westchester & WESPAC. Information contact: ceilie@aol.com, 914 654 8990. Vigil for the Children of Gaza. Be a Voice for those whose voice is silenced.

Thursday, October 22 - Saturday, October 24
ROCKLAND. Rockland Community College
PRESENTATION OF THE AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT.
TOUCH (Together Our Unity Can Heal), a local HIV/AIDS advocacy and support organization, is bringing The AIDS Memorial Quilt to Rockland Community College. This will be the largest display of The AIDS Memorial Quilt in the Northeast in the past eleven years. We are looking to notify as many people as possible about the quilt’s arrival so that individuals can request panels, dedicate panels, and view the quilt. If your organization is interested in sponsoring a panel of The AIDS Memorial Quilt please contact Robert Maher at RMaher@touch-ny.org or call us at 845-268-8023 for more information.

Sunday, October 25, 4:00- 8:00 p.m.
SYRACUSE. Empire Room, NYS Fairgrounds
TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL PEACE AWARD DINNER
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: CHRIS HEDGES
HONORING PEACEMAKERS:

Second Annual Lifetime Peace Activist Award:
Oren Lyons. Faith Keeper, Onondaga Nation, and Chief, Onondaga Nation, Council of Chiefs of the Six Nations of the Iroquois.
Peace Awards:
Joseph Heath. General Counsel for the Onondaga Nation and long-time legal, peace and social justice activist
Helen Hudson. Co-founder-Mothers Against Gun Violence.
Mark Spadafore. SIEU 1199 Health Care Education Project andFormer Director of Syracuse Alliance for a New Economy
Syracuse Area Middle East Dialogue Group, established in 1981.

Please call the Peace Action CNY office at 315 478-7442 or go to our website at www.peaceactioncny.org. Tickets are $50.00 per person. The event is open to the public. Donations will help provide reduced ticket prices for students and others with limited means. Please save the date and join us for an informative and enjoyable evening.

Many local peace groups hold regular events, vigils, "Honk for Peace" actions, etc.
See our list: www.panys.org/ongoing.htm

Tuesday, October 13, approx. 6:00 a.m – 10:00 p.m.
WASHINGTON, DC
DC MOBILIZATION FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM
This mobilization will call very strongly for movement on immigration reform NOW. It is a very important mobilization because Rep Gutierrez is expected to announce the principles for his CIR bill on this day. It’s important that we have representation from New York to join this important national action, and it’s a great opportunity for you and your members to join others from across the country on this day and be united in this fight. NYIC is helping to coordinate these buses. The cost for the bus is around $30 per person. For more information e-mail or call Frances Liu, fliu@thenyic.org.

Thursday, Oct. 15, 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
WASHINGTON DC. National Press Club, 529 14th Street.
33RD ANNUAL LETELIER-MOFFITT HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS.
The 2009 Domestic Award will go to Domestic Workers United, a grassroots organization of Caribbean, Latina and African nannies, housekeepers, and elderly caregivers working together to end exploitation and injustice against vulnerable workers in New York. The International Award will go to La Mesa Nacional Frente a la Mineria Metalica, which has struggled against huge odds to press El Salvador to become the first country in the world to ban gold mining – their efforts will help preserve the environment and rural communities.

November 14 – 18
WASHINGTON DC. Georgetown University
INTERNATIONAL PEACE BUREAU ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Rolling back militarism: a task for the global movement. This conference was co-organized with Peace Action, America’s largest grassroots peace network. Come engage in a strategic process, to examine our campaigning priorities and options, to explore new ways to challenge the militarism we see around us, and to build international connections and partnerships. The programm includes a central conference and a day-seminar on military spending, plus the annual IPB Council meeting and a planning session for the NPT Review next May. It will also be the occasion for the award of the IPB’s annual Sean MacBride Peace Prize. Confirmed speakers include: Tom Hayden, David McReynolds, Phyllis Bennis, Carlos Vargas, Oskar Castro, Cora Weiss, Prof. Betty Reardon, Azza El-Kholy, Jackie Cabasso, Zia Mian, Joseph Gerson, Judith LeBlanc, Prof. Mark Lance, Emira Woods, and Frida Berrigan. For more information, contact ippn@igc.org.

Going out of state? Check UFPJ's national Events Calendar: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/calendar.php.