Middle East Update and New ‘Fridays’ Action at Greater Philadelphia Branch

Branch gathering in member home; Credit: Ana Santoya

By Tina D. Shelton

February 2024
 
On November 18th 2023, Greater Philadelphia Branch members held a retreat in a member’s home. Due to recent events, our focus was learning from the The Middle East Peace and Justice Action Committee (MEPJAC) about recent events in Israel and Palestine. As we gathered together in person instead of our usual zoom, we greatly appreciated many things. First and foremost, we appreciated learning from Genie Silver who diligently keeps up with the news and passes on updates to not only from MEJPAC, but also our Branch. She was offered appreciation for being one of those who is “not looking away” during this time of horror and pain. Other members shared their experiences traveling to the area in past years and witnessing the stark contrast between settler homes (with swimming pools and green lawn) and Palestinian homes (with cisterns with bullet holes), as well as their grief and anger about the current situation, including the initial attack. All agreed we were grateful for the role of WILPF to educate us and provide a framework for our work for peace in the Middle East.

In December, our Branch became an endorser of a new coalition, named “Fridays at Fetterman’s.” Led by experienced peace activists, this coalition is building a network of activists who will gather on the sidewalk outside of Senator Fetterman’s Philadelphia office to let him know that his constituents are serious about calling for a ceasefire. They welcomed our Branch’s endorsement, and asked chair, Tina Shelton, to share a few words on Jan 5th.

Finally, we are continuing our every other month discussion group for our anti-racism work. Called “Deconstructing White Privilege”, we meet to listen to people of color who are willing to share examples of less overt discrimination that may not seem obvious and also learn about our own implicit bias. These meetings are held over zoom and have been a welcome time to go from learning to action.

Inset photo: Fridays at Fetterman sidewalk vigilers; Credit Matthew Sooby