Jewish Witnesses Goes International as Temperatures Dip
A good friend and European tour guide for Farouq, Mr. Geatano D., and Italian Canadian, joined our vigil from Windsor, Ontario, pushing our numbers to 14. The 9:30 start time for Saturday's vigil produced temperatures near freezing for the first time this fall, bringing out new coats and thermal underwear for vigillers as we head into Michigan's winter refrigerator. Keeping us warm, however, are the hearts and minds of local citizens, as they reach out to us with thanks and interest. Ann Arbor resident Nancy P. introduced herself to us at our coffee de-briefing, and expressed thanks for what Jewish Witnesses are trying to accomplish... Thank you, Nancy, and the next cup is on us!
It appeared that only 8 vigillers would be present on Sunday at Hiller's (if anybody sights guru Larry H, please have him phone home), but fifteen minutes from the end, local businessman Ahmed appeared with 4 supporters: Monief, Ahmed-2, Walid, and Kamel. JWP&F extends a welcome to our new partners.
Bank One admits it supports the Israeli Defense Forces
Ms. Patty Baker, 1st Vice President of JPMorgan Chase (Bank One), has admitted in a phone conversation that although support of Michigan Friends of the IDF did not come through their Foundation, it is likely that the donation (she does not know the amount), came from their other "lines of business", possibly through their Customer Connection, to support "significant client relationships". Patty's phone number in Chicago is 312-661-5380. Any activists out there willing to spend a dime are requested to place a call, asking why Bank One is supporting a foreign army. Patty was unable to list any other foreign armies that Bank One supports, and said that she has never visited the West Bank or Gaza.
Access Denied (again)
Ann Arbor Police Chief Dan Oates has scheduled annual Clergy Conferences ever since his arrival in our town in the fall of 2001. The topic of this Friday's conference was most likely generated from the actions of Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends. Reading from this year's Conference' invitation: "Ann Arbor has always prided itself on its tolerance of free expression and public dissent. This year's conference will feature an exploration of First Amendment issues. We will discuss the role and limitations of the police in protecting free speech. We will also feature a panel of clergy leaders who will explore the issues that occur when public protest and activism intersect with religious expression and worship."
JWP&F would have liked to be present at this conference, but invitations were not received, and this writer was particularly requested not to show at this event, to be held at the local St. Francis Catholic Church. With many clergy signing onto a document (see text below signature) highly critical of our vigils without witnessing one, it is imperative that these people see vigillers in the flesh. It's easier to condemn the actions of a faceless group, than to look them in the eye, and to have meaningful, respectful dialogue. Hopefully, Chief Oates will invite clergy members to attend our vigils any Saturday, and ask of us any question they may have.
Somerville Divestment Project
Margaret Mead was right! Read a well-written article describing the ongoing battle of a "Small Group of Thoughtful Committed Citizens" from Massachusetts... http://electronicintifada.net/v2/article3332.shtml
Work for Peace,
Henry Herskovitz
Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends.
Web page: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~hfc/mideast/vigil/index.htm
Text of clergy statement (author unknown):
Over the past 12 months a small group of protesters has picketed outside Beth Israel Congregation each week on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, as congregants arrive to participate in religious services.
We recognize that well-intentioned and well-informed people can disagree and encourage open, candid, respectful dialogue on difficult issues. We recognize and applaud a number of local groups, from all ideological strands, who have been addressing the difficult issues in the Middle East in an informed and thoughtful manner. However, we repudiate the tactic of picketing a place of worship, be it a synagogue, temple, church or mosque. This is not an effective way to generate productive dialogue on difficult topics.
The actions of these picketers have thus far been within the law. Furthermore, all of us, along with the members of Beth Israel Congregation, respect and value our constitutional right to free speech. However, this tactic of picketing a place of worship nonetheless violates any reasonable norms of civil and mutually respectful behavior. People go to houses of worship to contemplate difficult issues in their lives and in the world, to celebrate happy occasions and to seek solace in times of struggle. It is inappropriate to subject worshipers to a political protest.
While this protest activity primarily affects Beth Israel Congregation, we are joining together in solidarity across all faiths and across religious traditions in this statement. We all suffer individually and communally with Beth Israel Congregation. If this form of political protest is allowed to continue unchallenged outside Beth Israel Congregation, it will be just a matter of time before it spreads, causing worshipers of other faiths also to be unfairly subjected to this form of intimidation and harassment in connection with any number of other issues. These individuals must end this ill-conceived and illegitimate protest, because it impedes meaningful dialogue, and is an affront to the members of Beth Israel Congregation and to citizens of all faiths in the Ann Arbor community.