There is no Peace without Justice
NFP Helps Children and Adults in Gaza
It is a pleasure to report about Nebraskans for Peace—Palestinian Rights Task Force’s recent Potluck Fundraiser for Gaza! The weather was cold and windy the evening of November 10th in Omaha. The fellowship hall at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church at 510 N. 93rd Street was warmed, not just by its heating system, but by the genuine, caring concern on the part of the people in attendance. They came there that night sharing the desire for justice for Palestinians in all areas, especially health care.
Members and guests filled the room numbering around eighty. Attendees’ hearts were inspired to give as they sat at tables together, sharing marvelous food choices from the long potluck buffet table. Many of the dishes were homemade Palestinian cuisine from local Palestinian cooks. Conversations were joyful among people appreciating being together again in person for a fundraising event. It was our task force’s first such gathering since the beginning of Covid-19.
It was wonderful to have our founder, Anne Else, return to assist with the event details, even though she is retired. She taught me a lot. It was a group production. Thanks to all who worked before, during, and after the event. Everyone joined in the cleanup!
We were blessed to meet Pastor Kathy Gerking several years ago when St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church hosted Mr. Daoud Nassar, whose family owns the Tent of Nations on a hill above Bethlehem. Her church was a perfect location for this event. St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church became our host and first sponsor. Three other sponsors followed: the Social Justice and Peacemaking Committee of the Missouri River Valley Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Holy Land Task Force of the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church and the Omaha Friends (Quaker) Meeting.
The evening’s announcement of the total donations was proof of the generosity of those who attended. Before the event, donations of over $5,750 had already come in by U.S. Mail and Internet giving. After the evening’s cash, checks, and raffle funds were added, the amount had grown to $12,000. On November 17th, when the checks were dispersed to the two organizations, the total had grown to $13,375.
Augusta Victoria Hospital was sent $6.435. The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund was sent $6,940. Each donor indicated how their donations were to be split between the two organizations or given to one or the other alone.
We carefully selected those funds, Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem and the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund. Both are highly needed medical providers for the people of Gaza. We were fortunate to have speakers from each group who were part of the organizations.
They inspired us that evening. Our Palestinian American emcee for the evening, Batoul, was ready to go with PCRF on its next mission after hearing Dr. Angela Hanna speak to us in person! Reverend Mark Brown’s description of the dedication of the medical staff at Augusta Victoria Hospital’s separate hotel for Palestinian patients certainly touched my heart and others via his Zoom presentation.
Following the prayer at the start of our dinner offered by Rev. Keith Nelson, Raghda, another Palestinian American member of our group, spoke to us about her appreciation for Americans who travel to Palestine, and then dedicate themselves to working for Palestinian human rights. She also spoke of the frustration many Palestinians have about not being able to go back to their homeland even though they have house keys in
their possession. She then shared her desire to help children in her job as a School Principal at the mosque.
As people first entered St. Timothy’s, they filled out their nametags and were offered the option to purchase raffle tickets. The raffle prize sat on the table at the entrance. The raffle prize was a hand-woven basket from Palestine filled with six bottles of Zatoun Olive Oil and three packages of Zatoun Za’atar from the hills of Palestine (thyme, roasted sesame seeds, and sea salt.) These items are fair-trade products coming from Palestine farmers. They were a gift to us to use as the raffle prize from the Palestinian Canadian owner of Zatoun, Robert Massoud. The youngest child at the dinner got to draw the raffle ticket out of the box with a big smile, and the lucky winner, Karima, went home delighted!
Our task force has Zatoun olive oil available for fair-trade sales in the Omaha area all year round. Just call 402-578-5729. The bottles with 750 ml are $25. The herbs are $6 in 5.3 oz bags. They make great holiday gifts, and the funds go directly back to Palestinian farmers — we make no profit.
If you want to learn more or join one of our meetings, send an email to Sandie Hanna at hanna7@cox.net.
Sincerely yours,
Sandie Hanna
Leadership Team Chairperson, NFP Palestinian Rights Task Force (https://www.facebook.com/groups/NFPPalestinianRightsTaskForce/)
It is a pleasure to report about Nebraskans for Peace—Palestinian Rights Task Force’s recent Potluck Fundraiser for Gaza! The weather was cold and windy the evening of November 10th in Omaha. The fellowship hall at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church at 510 N. 93rd Street was warmed, not just by its heating system, but by the genuine, caring concern on the part of the people in attendance. They came there that night sharing the desire for justice for Palestinians in all areas, especially health care.
Members and guests filled the room numbering around eighty. Attendees’ hearts were inspired to give as they sat at tables together, sharing marvelous food choices from the long potluck buffet table. Many of the dishes were homemade Palestinian cuisine from local Palestinian cooks. Conversations were joyful among people appreciating being together again in person for a fundraising event. It was our task force’s first such gathering since the beginning of Covid-19.
It was wonderful to have our founder, Anne Else, return to assist with the event details, even though she is retired. She taught me a lot. It was a group production. Thanks to all who worked before, during, and after the event. Everyone joined in the cleanup!
We were blessed to meet Pastor Kathy Gerking several years ago when St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church hosted Mr. Daoud Nassar, whose family owns the Tent of Nations on a hill above Bethlehem. Her church was a perfect location for this event. St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church became our host and first sponsor. Three other sponsors followed: the Social Justice and Peacemaking Committee of the Missouri River Valley Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Holy Land Task Force of the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church and the Omaha Friends (Quaker) Meeting.
The evening’s announcement of the total donations was proof of the generosity of those who attended. Before the event, donations of over $5,750 had already come in by U.S. Mail and Internet giving. After the evening’s cash, checks, and raffle funds were added, the amount had grown to $12,000. On November 17th, when the checks were dispersed to the two organizations, the total had grown to $13,375.
Augusta Victoria Hospital was sent $6.435. The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund was sent $6,940. Each donor indicated how their donations were to be split between the two organizations or given to one or the other alone.
We carefully selected those funds, Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem and the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund. Both are highly needed medical providers for the people of Gaza. We were fortunate to have speakers from each group who were part of the organizations.
They inspired us that evening. Our Palestinian American emcee for the evening, Batoul, was ready to go with PCRF on its next mission after hearing Dr. Angela Hanna speak to us in person! Reverend Mark Brown’s description of the dedication of the medical staff at Augusta Victoria Hospital’s separate hotel for Palestinian patients certainly touched my heart and others via his Zoom presentation.
Following the prayer at the start of our dinner offered by Rev. Keith Nelson, Raghda, another Palestinian American member of our group, spoke to us about her appreciation for Americans who travel to Palestine, and then dedicate themselves to working for Palestinian human rights. She also spoke of the frustration many Palestinians have about not being able to go back to their homeland even though they have house keys in
their possession. She then shared her desire to help children in her job as a School Principal at the mosque.
As people first entered St. Timothy’s, they filled out their nametags and were offered the option to purchase raffle tickets. The raffle prize sat on the table at the entrance. The raffle prize was a hand-woven basket from Palestine filled with six bottles of Zatoun Olive Oil and three packages of Zatoun Za’atar from the hills of Palestine (thyme, roasted sesame seeds, and sea salt.) These items are fair-trade products coming from Palestine farmers. They were a gift to us to use as the raffle prize from the Palestinian Canadian owner of Zatoun, Robert Massoud. The youngest child at the dinner got to draw the raffle ticket out of the box with a big smile, and the lucky winner, Karima, went home delighted!
Our task force has Zatoun olive oil available for fair-trade sales in the Omaha area all year round. Just call 402-578-5729. The bottles with 750 ml are $25. The herbs are $6 in 5.3 oz bags. They make great holiday gifts, and the funds go directly back to Palestinian farmers — we make no profit.
If you want to learn more or join one of our meetings, send an email to Sandie Hanna at hanna7@cox.net.
Sincerely yours,
Sandie Hanna
Leadership Team Chairperson, NFP Palestinian Rights Task Force (https://www.facebook.com/groups/NFPPalestinianRightsTaskForce/)
2022 ANNUAL PEACE CONFERENCE LINKS AVAILABLE
We would like to start out by giving a BIG THANK YOU to our Keynote Speakers, Medea Benjamin and Danaka Katovich from CodePink, and to our worshop presenters Jim Rine, Luisa Paloma-Hare and Michael Kelly!
We would also like to extend our heartfelt congratualtions to the winners of the Frank LaMere Peacemaker of the year awards, Ken Winston, Kathleen Rutledge and Paul Olson.
And of course, to our moderator Mike Semrad, THANK YOU for working with us to bring it all come together and make it flow so seamlessly!
For those of you that were not able to watch it live, you are still ble to watch the conference at your convenience! The links to watch are:
On Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/118178884240/videos/411592257767047
On YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gslyZLcpYqc
We would like to start out by giving a BIG THANK YOU to our Keynote Speakers, Medea Benjamin and Danaka Katovich from CodePink, and to our worshop presenters Jim Rine, Luisa Paloma-Hare and Michael Kelly!
We would also like to extend our heartfelt congratualtions to the winners of the Frank LaMere Peacemaker of the year awards, Ken Winston, Kathleen Rutledge and Paul Olson.
And of course, to our moderator Mike Semrad, THANK YOU for working with us to bring it all come together and make it flow so seamlessly!
For those of you that were not able to watch it live, you are still ble to watch the conference at your convenience! The links to watch are:
On Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/118178884240/videos/411592257767047
On YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gslyZLcpYqc
NFP's Billboard in Grand Island, NE
Help Us Spread the Message Visit our billboard near Hwy 281 and Hwy 34 in Grand Island and snap a photo to post to your social media. Please tag Nebraskans for Peace and use one or more of the following hashtags: #NebraskansforPeace #NFP #Cutthemilitarybudget #endhunger The United States spends more on the military budget than the next 9 countries COMBINED. Nebraskans for Peace has and will remain steadfast against this unsustainable budget. This summer Representatives Barbara Lee and Mark Pocan introduced the People Over the Pentagon Act which proposed cutting $100 billion from the proposed $801 billion military budget. The legislation was twofold: to cut funding from excessive spending on war and weapons and to support programs that are underfunded or not funded at all here at home. Imagine how we could use $100 billion here to support renewable energy infrastructure to combat climate change, supply Americans with equitable healthcare or keep our kids safe in schools. Unfortunately, The People Over the Pentagon Act failed but we can keep the message alive. Nebraskans for Peace displayed the billboard above in downtown Omaha during May and June and was viewed by thousands who attended The College World Series. We also held a press conference and were featured on several news outlets. Since that was a successful campaign, we decided to keep our message going. Right now, in Grand Island, you will find another NFP billboard pointing out the bloated military budget that can be viewed through the end of October. But we need your help to spread the message far and wide. Here are some ways you can help:
Dear members of Nebraskans for Peace and peacemakers in general, Please consider donating to one or more of the organizations listed below, known to be responsible organizations and recommended by Global Citizen. The Ukrainian need is dire. How Can I Help? While many of us might feel helpless when confronted with geopolitical machinations of this scale, we’ve rounded up some ways you can help the people of Ukraine right now. DONATE Organizations on the ground and globally are actively supporting people within Ukraine and refugees seeking safety elsewhere with medical and humanitarian aid. These organizations include: 1. People in Need is providing humanitarian aid to over 200,000 people on the ground. For those most in need, they provide food packages, emergency shelter, safe access to drinking water, hygiene items, and coal for heating. Donate here: https://www.peopleinneed.net/donate/once?amount=1000&accountId=7 2. The Ukrainian Red Cross does loads of humanitarian work, from aiding refugees to training doctors. Donate here: https://redcross.org.ua/en/donate/ 3. The International Medical Corps is on the front lines and prepared to help citizens with emergency health care services, as well as mental health and psychosocial support. The agency is also keeping the pandemic top of mind throughout the crisis by prioritizing COVID-19 awareness and prevention services, to help keep displaced citizens safe from the pandemic. Donate here: https://give.internationalmedicalcorps.org/page/99837/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=DP~UA22~DPHHU2202 4. CARE International is responding to the crisis by providing Ukrainians in need with food, hygiene kits, psychosocial support services, access to water, and access to cash. Donate here: https://my.care.org/site/Donation2?df_id=31071&mfc_pref=T&31071.donation=form1&s_src=172220UCFM00&s_subsrc=FY22UkraineCrisisFundMO 5. Nova Ukraine is a nonprofit that delivers aid packages to Ukraine with everything from baby food and hygiene products, to clothes and household supplies. Donate here: https://novaukraine.org/ 6. UNICEF is repairing schools damaged by the bombings and providing an emergency response to children affected by the conflict. Donate here: https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/amid-stress-and-sorrow-support-families-fleeing-ukraine/ 7. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency has stepped up its operations and is working with governments in neighboring countries "calling on them to keep borders open to those seeking safety and protection.” You can help support the UNHCR's work supporting refugees by sending a tweet urging governments and businesses to support the United Nations' urgent appeal for $1.7 billion to deliver life-saving humantarian support. Donate here: https://donate.unhcr.org/int/en/general#_ga=2.33590689.1083292833.1645717134-590708463.1645444824 8. OutRight Action is helping support LGBTQ+ groups and organizations on the ground, setting up shelters and providing safety for citizens. All donations made to OutRight will go directly to the cause. You can donate here: https://outrightinternational.org/ukraine?form=Ukraine 9. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is deploying emergency operations in Ukraine and surrounding countries to provide food assistance to those fleeing the conflict. Donate here: https://secure.wfpusa.org/donate/save-lives-giving-food-today-donate-now-7?ms=2000_UNR_wfp_redirect_EX&redirected=US. 10. Save the Children is working with partners to respond to meet the urgent needs of affected children and their families. It's ready to provide life-saving assistance, such as food, water, cash transfers, and safe places for children as people flee amid freezing temperatures and brutal conditions, and to scale up oprtions to ensure children impacted by the crisis have the support they need. Find out more and donate here: https://support.savethechildren.org/site/Donation2?df_id=5751&mfc_pref=T&5751.donation=form1 11. Mercy Corps is mobilizing a team to the region to assess where help is most needed, and is anticipating providing emergency cash assistance, as well as supporting local organizations that know their community needs best. Between 2015 and 2017, Mercy Corps provided humanitarian assistance in eastern Ukraine, reaching more than 200,000 people with emergency cash, food, water, and sanitation supplies, small business development grants, restoring war-damaged homes and more. Find out more and donate here: https://www.mercycorps.org/donate/crisis-ukraine-give-now 12. Medical Teams International is fundraising to send medical supplies to the region, with all procees going towards sending medicines and/or medical supplies. Learn more and donate here: https://give.medicalteams.org/ukraine.htm Nebraskans for Peace statement on the beginning of the war in Ukraine: Nebraskans for Peace believes that the Russian invasion into eastern Ukraine and escalation of hostilities in the whole Ukraine area is a matter of the greatest concern. Nebraskans for Peace’s central commitment is carried in a statement on its website, “Nebraskans for Peace is committed to the creative, nonviolent resolution of conflict and views war as a practical failure at peacemaking. Confronting violence with violence, we believe, will never create the conditions for peace.” In that light, Nebraskans for Peace believes that the escalation of hostilities in the whole Ukraine area is dangerous as the United States and Russia are the two largest nuclear powers in the world. Credible analysts have asserted that once a hot war gets started in Ukraine, it will be very difficult to prevent its escalation to nuclear exchanges. The board of Nebraskans for Peace calls on our leaders to attempt the following actions:
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"Nothing changes unless someone is made to feel uncomfortable.
Nothing changes unless we make ourselves uncomfortable."
-- Frank LaMere, Native American Activist
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Since 1970
Four themes have defined Nebraskans for Peace virtually from its inception: the search for peace through negotiation and especially through the reduction of nuclear armaments; the pursuit of nonviolence; an opposition to globalization that gives untrammeled power to multinational corporations; and an assertion that we will not stand by while the rights of persons of color and other marginalized populations in our society are trampled. |
Get Involved
If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, we are always looking for people to help in any way that they can.
Contact Email: nfpstate@nebraskansforpeace.org Lincoln Office: P.O. Box 83466 Lincoln, NE 68501 Phone: 402.475.4620 |
