Stelle Scheller is shown here in April, 2018, with fellow WILPF members at a Tax Day event. From left to right: Sylvia Metzler, Gayle Simons, Judy Elson, and Stelle Sheller. Photo credit: Judy Elson.

By Tina D. Shelton
Co-chair, Greater Philadelphia Branch

Stelle Scheller, stalwart member of the Greater Philadelphia Branch, died in the care of hospice on November 17, 2018. Her family shared her collection of articles, letters to the editor, and protests that she participated in spanning the last four decades.

Stelle served in various positions in her Branch, and maintained a steady presence even as the Branch changed over the years. Always ready to organize and join with other peace groups to advance the cause of justice, Stelle was also a board member of the Parkway High School for Peace and Social Justice and volunteered for many years with Manna.

Why Palestine Matters

On Saturday, November 17, Susan Landau, co-editor of Why Palestine Matters: The Struggle to End Colonialismprovided an engaging presentation for our branch on how the Palestinian struggle for justice is mirrored in other present-day struggles for justice. She shared how Black Lives Matter and the Dakota Pipeline Water Defenders, among others, have come to see connections between their respective movements.

Participants agreed that WILPF has been a forerunner in the understanding of intersectionality, and we left ready to delve more into the subject so we can bring it to our own circles. Learn more about the book at https://whypalestinematters.org.

Photo credit: Tina Shelton