What You Find at a Jewish Federation Fund-raiser
19 people held vigil in front of the Ypsilanti Marriott to protest this year's Big Event, the annual Jewish Federation of Washtenaw County fund-raiser (see http://www.jewishannarbor.org ). Temperatures hovered around the freezing mark, and the snowflakes made 90 minutes of protest seem a lot longer.
We found that some cars turning the corner driving by our signs, would veer out of their way to speed very close to us, an angry and unsafe gesture. And the "Fark you" shouts from some rolled down windows, reminded us of received comments at Beth Israel. These reactions lead Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends to once again conclude that it is our message that stirs this pot, and not the place and time of Synagogue vigils. Israel-Firsters don't want to be reminded of their complicity in the destruction of the Palestinian people, anywhere, at any time.
We found (*) [Michigan] Congressman John Dingell among the ranks of attendees. Though Dingell is considered somewhat good on Palestine - his district includes Dearborn - one wonders if he used his career AIPAC funding of $10,700 to direct some of that to the Federation. (source: http://www.wrmea.com/archives/june2003/0306036.html
We found a true mensch: Frank L. - a friendly critic of our synagogue vigils - appeared at our protest and stood the full time wearing just jeans and a sweatshirt - next time bundle up, Frank!! His appearance as a member of the larger local peace group - AAACP (humorously defined as Ann Arbor Area Committee Against Palestine) could signify a possible shift in that organization's position on the key to peace in the middle east. See their statement on Palestine at http://justpeaceinfo.org/mestmt.html
We found Ann Arbor City Councilpersons: Margie Teal, Leigh Greden, Joan Lowenstein, and Wendy Woods. Leigh Greden, author of their Resolution condemning our vigils, had time for a handshake and short, friendly greeting. Chief of Police Dan Oates was also their and kindly offered a handshake and conversation.
We found four local Rabbis at this fundraiser as well: Rob Dobrusin of Beth Israel, Bob Levy of Temple Beth Emeth, Aharon Goldstein of Chabad House, and his son Rabbi Alter Goldstein, of an unknown congregation.
We found the event sponsored in part by Ford Motor Company (Is the anti-Semite Henry rolling over in his grave?)
And of course we found a number of Beth Israel congregants, though none in our protest line.
In short, we found a nexus of religious leaders and congregants, national and local government officials, individual and group donors, Big Business, and the financial support network that binds them all together. Perhaps there were representatives of the 5 banks who support the Israeli Army, but we were unable to identify them. These people and their organizations make possible, with their "generous" contributions, Israel's illegal occupation and ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people and land.
Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends opposes the goals of such organizations, and hope that the members of these groups will reconsider their support.
Bank Protest Builds
Comerica, Bank One, and Standard Federal have now admitted that their organizations have in fact given (OUR) money to the Michigan Friends of the IDF. An ad hoc group has formed to deal with this issue, and is in discussion with bank representatives to achieve actions that will resolve this issue. A full page retraction in the publications where their names appeared originally supporting MFIDF is a demand to be placed on the table.
Also in the planning stage is a demonstration to be held Friday, December 17th in downtown Ann Arbor - a location within sight of 3 of the 4 local bank branches. 12 new signs are being ordered which will call public attention to the question of why are these banks supporting a foreign army. Why, indeed?
Our Guru Returns
Larry H. pulled himself out of sick bay to attend our (his) Sunday Hiller protest; his words: "A windy day and 12 showed up, including me. Seemed there was lot of support.
Pothole getting bigger.
Bizarre exchange between first me and then Henry with the son of what used to
be called the "shamos" of the synagogue. I'll let Henry elaborate.
Hope there's large turnout tonight. Physically I just can't make it.
Next Sun, Hiller's, 2:00, Arborland entrance."
Note:
A short turnout at Beth Israel on Saturday was blamed on the Thanksgiving festivities. 10 vigillers, cool temperatures, and some thumbs up, even from (at least 2) cars pulling into the driveway...
From Palestine today, a report that the village of Al-Mawasi has been under constant harassment by local settlers. "The area was lately subjected to several attacks by settlers, who practiced against them all sorts of violations and aggressions aiming to terrify them and force them out of their homes and fields, in order to confiscate the fields and expand the settlements." Read entire article at http://www-personal.umich.edu/~hersko/Letters/Al-Mawasi.htm
Work for Peace,
Henry Herskovitz
Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends.
Web page: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~hfc/mideast/vigil/index.htm
(*) After the vigil, approx 8 of us entered the public hotel and observed conference attendees on their way out. There was a back entrance/exit, so we might not have identified all