May 15 is the day that Palestinians worldwide mark al-Nakba.
In 1948, European and U.S.-funded terrorist squads forcibly expelled the Palestinian people from 80 percent of their homeland, in what is known as al-Nakba, or The Catastrophe.
Today, Israel remains a racist, apartheid-style state with vastly different rights accorded to Jewish and Palestinian Arab residents. Israeli repression in the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem and inside Israel's 1948 borders is at the highest level in more than a decade.
But against seemingly overwhelming odds, the Palestinians continue to heroically struggle for self-determination and an end to colonial occupation.
The ANSWER Coalition encourages its members and supporters in the Albuquerque regions to attend the following two events to mark the anniversary of this tragedy and continue the struggle for a free Palestine.
Author Richard Becker speaks on Palestine and 67 years of Nakba
Friday, May 15
7:00 p.m.
305 Washington Street SE (b/w Central & Zuni)
Join the Party for Socialism & Liberation at a special forum featuring Richard Becker, author of Palestine, Israel and the U.S. Empire and also Western Regional Coordinator or the ANSWER Coalition.
He has contributed to many books and films including: The Children Are Dying (1996) about the effects of sanctions on the Iraqi people; the anthology Challenge to Genocide: Let Iraq Live(1999); co-producer of the award-winning film Genocide by Sanctions (1998); c0-producer of the film Palestine Fights for Freedom (2002).
Richard will discuss the heroic resistance of the Palestinian people after 67 years of Nakba, as well as the latest the latest developments in the Middle East and how they help us understand the global political situation.
Contact: Chris Banks, 510-282-7032
[email protected] | LiberationNews.org
Eyewitness in Gaza: Nakba 1948 to current humanitarian crisis
Saturday, May 16
6:00 p.m.
ABQ Mennonite Church (1300 Girard Blvd.)
Speakers:
- Ayman Nijim, a life-long resident of Gaza, is a professional trauma specialist. He has designed programs to provide psychological support for children in gaza and to help mothers heal from the impacts of occupation, displacement, seige and the continuing Israeli assault.
- Samia Assed, third-generation Palestinian-American, is a local business owner and community activist. As a board member of the Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice she works with organizations that promote humanitarian rights.
- Richard Becker, is the Western Regional Coordinator of the ANSWER Coalition, and a noted writer and commentator on Middle East affairs.
- Music by Issa Malluf, an internationally recognized specialist in Middle Eastern, Arabic and North African percussion. He has performed at such prestigious venues as the Kentucky Center and the 2010 Winter Olympics.
When: May 16, 7:00-9:00 PM | Socializing and delicious Palestinian finger food beginning at 6:00 PM
This even will raise funds to assist Khuza'a, Gaza, rebuild its kindergarten and water system. Khuza'a is a small village in Gaza whose families have suffered repeated Israeli air and ground assaults. Families have lost loved ones, buildings have been leveled. The village has lost its water system and other key life supports. Their kindergarted was bombed into rubble. Friends of Khuza'a NM are New Mexicans who want to help the people of the Khuza'a rebuild their lives. Please join us, help us and learn what it means to live under seige, occupation and assault year after year.
Cost: Donations, in any amount, go to the Middle East Children's Alliance to rebuild Khusa'a's kindergarten and water system.
Contact: Dina Afek,
520-404-1988, [email protected]