NEWS

Reviewing the toll in Gaza and US complicity in supplying arms
Post date: Mon, 09/08/2014 - 08:14

Odile Hugonot Haber at Gaza march in Detroit MI.  Photo credit: Glenn Hieber

Author: Odile Hugonot Haber, Middle East Issue Committee co-chair

The war in Gaza lasted 50 days, 7 weeks. The dead have been counted.  The Israeli death toll is 64 soldiers, and 6 civilians. The Palestinian death toll is 2,139 people, with 70-75% of them civilians, including 490 children. There were also 11,000 people wounded.  More than 20,000 homes were destroyed to rubble, and 500,000 people have been displaced (U.N. estimate).

The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) claims that by air they struck 5,226 targets and that the Palestinians sent 4,500 rockets into Israel. Gaza is 6.8 miles wide by 32 miles long, bordered by the sea, Egypt, and Israel and has 1.82 million people; 63% of the population is under 24 years old.

Gaza is in a complete stage of siege by Israel.  Its residents have no means of getting out anywhere, since a few years ago tunnels to Egypt were closed.

A new documentary, The  Lab, describes Gaza as "a lab" for weapons testing. It states that tested weapons sell for a better price than untested weapons. There is now an Israel soldier who has spoken up and has said that what he was doing in Gaza, he felt, was testing weapons on a civilian population.

The Operation Iron Dome missile defense system is also being tested.   The US gave $351 million for the Iron Dome system. (AIPAC at War by Connie Bruck-The New Yorker)

Many of the weapons found in Gaza are made in the US. The United States gives $3.1 billion for weapons systems to Israel.

At  the  beginning of the Gaza offensive, on July 22,  Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel sent a letter to Harry Reid, Senate Majority leader, requesting an immediate payment to Israel of $225 million. (AIPAC at War by Connie Bruck-The New Yorker)

We in US WILPF have long advocated for a change of US policy. Soon the WILPF US Middle East committee will publish a Hamas guide for our branches asking them to get educated on Hamas and to demand that Hamas be taken off the US terrorist list and be able to negotiate at the peace table. Hamas was duly elected by the Palestinian people and all parties need to be seated at the table for just negotiations to happen.

The Hamas guide will be published by the end of September and then will be distributed to our branches. End the siege of Gaza, avert the next war.
 

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Seven bylaws amendment proposals for Sept. 30 board meeting
Post date: Mon, 09/08/2014 - 07:56

Author: Darien De Lu, Acting Chair, ad hoc Bylaws Committee

WILPF US Bylaws changes are important to the entire membership, and a number of important changes will be briefly discussed at the Sept. 30 Board meeting.  The goal of this article is to make members aware of the general nature of proposed changes in advance of their discussion by the Board.  The upcoming board meetings provide an opportunity for interested members to participate in the discussion.

The Bylaws Comm. anticipates presenting the board with at least seven amendments (some of the amendment areas may take the form of more than one amendment):

  1. Creating a process for an annual member ballot on Bylaws amendments, with an established deadline for submission (and refinement into final wording) of bylaws proposals.
  2. Defining term limits for the national board and, for that purpose, what constitutes a "break of service" to qualify for a new start of the limit count.
  3. Defining the method for filling a board vacancy during the time between and before annual elections.
  4. "Cleaning up" the current Bylaws by clarifying and/or correcting obvious errors: creating an edited version of the entire Bylaws, without making any changes of the substance.  This "Bylaws Cleanup" proposal will be presented to the membership for approval as a whole.
  5. Direct election of the WILPF US Representative/Member of the WILPF International Board position (under discussion)
  6. Direct election of the delegates to the International Congress (under discussion)
  7. Adding the Membership Development Chair to the board Steering Committee

The Bylaws Committee welcomes your input and comments on any of the proposed Bylaws amendment topics.  You can view the current WILPF US Bylaws. 

The Bylaws Committee expects that the proposed amendments will be discussed by the board and, subsequently, the final version of each amendment will be voted on by the general membership at the same time as the election balloting for the new 2015 board members.  (Approximately a third of the board members will be up for election.)

Please contact the Bylaws Committee by emailing the chair, Darien De Lu.  (Please re-send your email if you do not receive a response within five days.)  The Bylaws Committee, like nearly all WILPF US national committees, welcomes contacts from potential new committee members.  (To inquire about other committees, please contact the national Nominating Committee chair bln.sf.ca@gmail.com.)

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Call for nominations
Post date: Thu, 09/04/2014 - 16:19

US Section board officers — secretary, program co-chair, development chair, at-large member to serve on 2015 board.  Deadlines November 23 and 30. 

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Calling active members: Board election draws near
Post date: Thu, 08/14/2014 - 11:58

The annual election cycle is beginning for the 2015 US Section Board. Three-year positions are opening for the national secretary, one of two national program chairs, and one of two at-large (i.e., not a committee chair) national board members.

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Share your news!
Post date: Mon, 08/11/2014 - 10:36

Active members, issue committees and branches wishing to propose a statement by WILPF-US Section may contact Fran Foulkrod franf16@verizon.net, chair of the Rapid Response Team, who will work with the relevant committees to bring it to the Section for approval.

Photos and articles for eNews or WILPF’s Facebook page go to Joan Bazar <joanbazar@sbcglobal.net>, chair of the Communications Committee. Be sure to “like” the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Womens-International-League-for-Peace-and-Freedom-US-Section/96028865628  in order to receive notice of new postings.

Proposals for Peace & Freedom magazine go to Carole Vaporean, editor@wilpfus.org, editor.

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Use Crowdfunding to help celebrate the 100 year anniversary
Post date: Mon, 08/11/2014 - 10:31

The Growing WILPF Campaign has a goal of raising $1,000,000. We are more than half way there, and you can help us reach our goal. Crowdfunding is a fun and easy way to raise money. You can set up your own crowdfunding page and set your own goal. Visit www.womenstopwardonateus.causevox.com to donate or sign up today.

For more information on how to use crowdfunding, visit http://bit.ly/1r7wjZB. All funds raised via crowdfunding will go to support the Growing WILPF Campaign and centennial activities. If you have any additional questions, please contact Heather Wellman at centennialcoordinator@wilpfus.org
 

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WILPF Congress protests water shutoff in Detroit
Post date: Mon, 08/11/2014 - 08:00
WILPF Congress protests water shutoff in Detroit

WILPF women from around the US and International WILPF converged on the campus of Wayne State University in Detroit July 31-August 3 for the 32nd Triennial WILPF-US Congress. Attendees joined Detroiters protesting the shutoff of water at a rally August 1, in solidarity with the Michigan Welfare Rights Organization. They approved a resolution at the final plenary on August 3 calling on the Detroit Water and Sewage Department to implement the original 2005 Detroit Water Affordability Program, and not privatize this public resource.

Special thanks to US Section President Mary Hanson Harrison for setting the tone of the Congress; to Laura Dewey, Congress coordinator; Ellen Schwartz, Congress Committee chair; Joan Bazar, Program Committee chair; and especially to the 130 attendees, every one of whom came prepared to make a positive contribution.

Congress heard from International President Adilia Caravaca, longtime Secretary General Edith Ballantyne and Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin on Thursday. Detroit activists introduced us to their struggles Friday night, and a lively crew of talented musicians had the crowd clapping and swaying along Saturday night.

During the daytime participants shared updates and new concerns in 35 workshops – watch for outcome reports and suggestions for moving forward over the coming weeks. Additional resolutions on Gaza, international water rights, US-Mexico border issues, Monsanto, and nuclear weapons-free zones will also be posted. 

International WILPF guests along with Adilia Caravaca (Costa Rica) and Edith Ballantyne (Geneva), included vice presidents Kirsten Greback (Sweden) and Martha Jean Baker (UK), workshop presenters Shilpa Pandey (India) and Felicity Ruby (Australia).

Development chair Robin Lloyd announced that $600,000 has been pledged so far in the Grow WILPF million dollar campaign. See the report on crowdfunding by the Centennial Coordinator for additional ways to support this effort.
Our gratitude to the Detroit Branch for outstanding hospitality. Solidarity and love to the Detroit activists who shared their struggle with us: Maureen Taylor, Michigan Welfare Rights Organization; Gloria House, civil rights activist and retired Wayne State University professor; Dianne Feeley, Detroit Evictions Defense; Michele Martinez, environmental justice activist; Claudette Wilson, D15 minimum wage campaign; and moderator Harriet Saperstein.

Performers on Saturday night were One Race Human (hip-hop emcee 'Mizzion' and 'Mr. Peace' ), 'Nique LoveRhodes (hip-hop artist), Mike Fall aka 'Strats' (beat boxer extraordinaire). Darrin Breil   (Breilstyle sound of roots, rhythm, rural, urban, country, modern and classic) and Ruby Woods  (circle songs, goddess chants and original songs a cappella).

Image: WILPF members join the Freedom Friday rally on behalf of Detroit residents. August 1,2014. Photo by Heather Wellman

 

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WILPF calls for all parties to be at the table
Post date: Mon, 08/11/2014 - 06:57
WILPF Statement on Gaza

 

The US Section of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom at its Triennial Congress 2014 passed a resolution demanding:

  • That the US government immediately support a complete cease fire in Gaza and the lifting of the siege of Gaza.
  • That WILPF US call for an end of US aid to Israel, according to US laws, as long as Israel violates human rights.
  • That we call for an end of the occupation and immediate negotiations with all parties, including Hamas, invited to the peace table.

This resolution, approved August 3, 2014, updates the resolution approved July 26, 2014, calling for a cease fire in Gaza.

WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE FOR PEACE & FREEDOM
UNITED STATES SECTION
STATEMENT ON ISRAEL AND GAZA

JULY 26, 2014

We, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom - US Section (WILPF US), join with people pouring into the streets in cities the world over, to stand up for the Palestinian people of Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We must continue to speak out until the onslaught stops and the illegal occupation is finally ended.

Along with many individuals and groups, we stand for:

  • A cease fire
  • Negotiations by all parties
  • Multinational humanitarian aid to Gaza
  • Accountability required of the US and Israel

WILPF US demands a cease fire negotiated by all parties, including Hamas, the duly elected representative of Gaza and recently joined with the West Bank in a Unity Government. It must not be merely a surrender forced upon the victims. Negotiations must be ongoing until there is an end to the illegal occupation and hostile military actions on both sides. Hamas has offered a viable Ten Year Truce proposal which has been ignored. (http://mondoweiss.net/2014/07/report-israel-conditions.html)

We believe that all will benefit from a cease fire, an end to the blockade and eventual peace agreement, whether they be Israeli or Palestinian.

This is war; it is an invasion. Palestine has no army, no air force, no navy, and no weapons to compare with those of Israel. Instead Gazans are a population living in a constant state of siege, having been driven from their homes and into refugee camps for decades, where they have been denied sufficient food, potable water, electricity and medical supplies ongoing. They are now driven from even those homes when there is no more places to go.

The denial of human rights and human needs has yet again created a humanitarian crisis of death and destruction, the enormity of which is daily being documented for the world to see. The spokesman of UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs declared that there is no safe place in Gaza, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, has said that, “There seems to be a strong possibility that International law has been violated, in a manner that could amount to war crimes.”

  • WILPF US demands that our US government immediately suspend military aid to Israel, and instead use our tax dollars for humanitarian aid to Gaza.
  • WILPF US urges that all nations calling for a cease fire will also join the call to give assistance to the Palestinian refugees.
  • WILPF US further demands that US military aid to Israel remain suspended pending investigation of violations of US and international law for crimes against Palestinian civilians with the weapons thus obtained.

The world has stood by and allowed these atrocities to happen again and again. No more.

Image: Palestinian woman stands in front of the ruins of her house demolished during the Israeli operations in Ash Shuja'iyeh area east of Gaza City.  July 20. 2014. By Eloise Bollack / Zuma Press / Creative Commons license

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Letter from Ria Kulenovic, director of operations 2012-2014
Post date: Fri, 08/08/2014 - 11:18

It has been my pleasure to serve as the Director of Operations of WILPF US Section. What a journey it has been!

This organization has gone through many changes over the past century, but the fundamental principles have remained the same: commitment to peace, with racial, social, economic and environmental justice for all people everywhere. WILPF has had to be resilient and adaptable in order to survive 100 years, and thus it is necessary for the WILPF US Section to adapt to meaningful 21st -century activism. What would that look like?

Today we can achieve much more as women peace activists by working at the policy level and utilizing media, than through small uncoordinated protests where we merely preach to the choir — while both strategies are valuable in advancing social change. In addition to members’ activism, we need professional staff to fully achieve WILPF’s mission and goals.

As WILPF US faces a challenging year of transition into its next 100 years, it is more important than ever for the board, staff and members to have a unified vision for the future. Today, as you all stand at this crossroad, remember that data (gathered in our membership records and from branches) clearly show that the US Section must adapt to the different realities of its second century. WILPF US has an indispensable role to play in the coming decade and it is up to its members whether to let the organization thrive or allow its decline through outdated methods.

I am honored that you have put your trust in me for the past two and a half years. I will continue to support WILPF in every way possible.

I have shared a unique camaraderie with many of you, which I hope will continue in the years to come.

Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported me along the way!

I wish my successor the very best as she embarks in this new leadership role. I look forward to following all the future achievements, as WILPF’s mission remains deeply meaningful to me.

 

In sisterhood,

Ria Kulenovic

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WILPF US Statement on Joining the International Coalition, World Beyond War
Post date: Fri, 07/18/2014 - 09:04

We, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom - United States Section (WILPF US), have signed the Declaration of Peace organized by World Beyond War, a new international coalition which represents “a global non-violent movement to end war and establish a just and sustainable peace.” By adding WILPF US to the list of organizations supporting this coalition and its efforts, we hope to inspire others, including other national WILPF Sections, as well as our International body in Geneva, to do likewise.

It has been the mission of WILPF, since our inception almost 100 years ago, to work locally, nationally and internationally for a world without war. Building on the power of women together, we work to strengthen the institutions and the cooperation needed for sustainable peace.

We believe that the vast majority of the people on this earth share this goal, and that it will take all of us working together non-violently, each with our unique talents, to transform our visions for peace, freedom and social justice into reality. WILPFUS believes that joining with the international coalition of World Beyond War will provide opportunities for such cooperation. 

We, the members of WILPF US, which is about to enter its own second century, remain committed to using our power as women in working with World Beyond War and others across the globe, in order to achieve our common goal “to end war and establish a just and sustainable peace.”

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