Really. You couldn't make this stuff up. Peter Seeger, the 91 year old icon of peace and political correctness is under attack from the anti-Israel forces. The singer/songwriter is scheduled to perform at the With Earth and Each Other: A Virtual Rally for a Better Middle East - an event organized by the Arava Institute and over 30 other non profits.
The Executive Director of Friends of the Arava Institute, David Weisberg, the sole lead organization responsible for putting together “With Earth and Each Other: A Virtual Rally for a Better Middle East” (www.withearthandeachother.org) claims the concert is meant to "celebrate the many efforts in trans-boundary cooperation occurring on the micro-level, like the important work of the Arava Institute, that are making a practical difference in bettering the quality of life for Palestinians, Israelis, Jordanians, and others. I should also note that Pete Seeger’s participation in “With Earth and Each Other” does not, in fact, involve him performing anywhere in the Middle East. It is also important to note that one of the chairs of “With Earth and Each Other,” Mohammed Atwa, is, in fact, a Muslim Palestinian from Gaza, who finds the endorsement of the virtual rally by the Jewish National Fund and the exposure of their constituents to our strong and positive message about coexistence and equality to be an important step in the right direction. And I hope all of you will consider joining us for this amazing event on November 14. Thank you. With Great Respect, David Weisberg, Executive Director Friends of the Arava Institute "
From the Arava website: "With a student body comprised of Jordanians, Palestinians, Israelis, and students from around the world, the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies offers students a unique opportunity to study and live together for an extended period of time; building networks and developing understanding that will enable future cooperative work and activism in the Middle East and beyond. Here, the idea that nature knows no political borders is more than a belief. It is a fact, a curriculum, and a way of life."
Education. Opportunity. Ecology. Peaceful co-existence. That's what these groups are rejecting. Don't let anyone tell you BDS is about peace.
With Earth and Each Other will demonstrate that there is more to the Middle East than conflict. This is not a political rally. The purpose is not to take a side, say who is right or wrong, or suggest what the peace process or the solution should look like. Instead, the purpose is to raise the voices of those on all sides, and throughout the world that yearn for peace, to marginalize those who try to undermine it, and to show the world that there is another side of the conflict in which people across borders are striving to work together for the betterment of all.
So spread the word, sign up to attend a local rally watching event, and let's join together for this special day to bring hope to a new future for the Middle East and for all of us.
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Sponsors of this peace initiative include:
Ameinu - Liberal Values, Progressive Israel - Ameinu, Hebrew for "Our People", is a national, multi-generational community of progressive American Jews. Recognizing the unbreakable bond between the Jewish people and Israel, as well as the commitment to make our own country better, we mobilize American Jews who seeks opportunities to foster social and economic justice both in Israel and the United States.
ALLMEP - ALLMEP is the coalition of 75 NGOs building people-to-people cooperation, coexistence, and peace on the ground between Israelis and Palestinians, Arabs and Jews in the Middle East. ALLMEP works to expand and strengthen the work of these inspiring organizations by bringing new awareness, supporters, and resources to these critical and inspiring activities.
The Center for Religion, Culture, and Conflict - The Drew University Center on Religion, Culture & Conflict (CRCC) encourages scholarly understanding of the most problematic intersections where religions and cultures meet in the nexus of conflict. The CRCC also focuses on practical strategies for improving cooperation and understanding in critical areas such as the environment, even in the midst of larger unresolved conflict.
Central Reform Congregation of St. Louis
Clearwater - Clearwater's strategy to inspire, educate and activate is still a powerful formula for the success of the environmental movement today. Clearwater has wonderfully effective and synergistic programs based on each of these themes. Their concerts, sloop Clearwater educational and environmental advocacy programs have changed the lives of generations, and have contributed to a better future for our planet.
Clergy Beyond Borders - Empower religious leaders to explore and utilize the resources of their diverse religious traditions in the advancement of world peace.Clergy Beyond Borders incorporates classical spiritual texts, traditions,and rituals; Utilizes contemporary conflict resolution disciplines; Respects and embodies religious pluralism; Works domestically and internationally
Crossing Borders - Crossing Borders (CB) is a non profit, nongovernmental organisation (NGO) whose mission is to provide impartial dialogue space and enabling skills training for youth, media people and educators to participate actively in the development processes of their societies
Green Zionist Alliance - The Green Zionist Alliance works to protect Israel's environment. By focusing on the environment while working from a pluralistic and multicultural base, we seek to bridge the differences between and within religions and people - helping to build a peaceful and sustainable future for Israel and the Middle East.
For more sponsors see:
http://withearthandeachother.org/building.html
Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson, who recently donated his proceeds from three Israeli performances to organizations working toward Israeli- Arab coexistence will also be performing!
Thank you , Pete seeger messages:
Sing Out! info@singout.org
P.O. Box 5253, Bethlehem PA 18015
Fax: (610) 865-5129
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