IYAD BURNAT Sunday, December 16, 2 pm

Memorial United Church of Christ

Palestinian Civil Resistance Leader Speaks in Madison:

 

IYAD BURNAT

Sunday, December 16, 2 pm

5705 Lacy Road, Fitchburg

Iyad Burnat is a Palestinian farmer and leader of the Bil’in Popular Committee.

 

He is on a US speaking tour about the campaign of non-violent civil resistance which has mobilized thousands of Palestinians, Israelis and international activists against the theft of Palestinian land for the Israeli "separation wall" throughout the West Bank. These protests have maintained a commitment to non-violent methods in spite of armed military opposition that has resulted in many injuries and some deaths.

Iyad will tell stories of life in the occupied West Bank, and discuss the prospects for non-violent popular resistance to bring peace and prosperity for all people. His presentation will be accompanied by photos and videos, including footage from the acclaimed documentary Five Broken Cameras which was made by his brother Emad Burnat and Israeli filmmaker Guy Davidi.

Free and open to the public

Co-sponsored by American Jews for a Just Peace-Madison, Christ Presbyterian Church, Colombia Support Network, The Crossing, Family Farm Defenders, First United Methodist Church-Madison, Madison-Arcatao Sister City Project, Madison-Rafah Sister City Project, Memorial United Church of Christ-Fitchburg, Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, Pilgrims of Ibillin, Playgrounds for Palestine-Madison, Muslim Students Association, and Students for Justice in Palestine-Madison.

My Sister, Cynthia Laitman, by Judith Laitman

When my sister died in 2010 of brain cancer, I was devastated. She was one of those people who was so engaged in the world, that it was hard to imagine her not being a part of it anymore. She was brave, and brilliant, and funny, and kind. But she was also fierce in confronting social and moral wrongs. Days after her death, I knew I had to do something that would be a fitting and lasting memorial to her. I had been well-acquainted with Playgrounds for Palestine for several years because of the work being done by our chapter in Madison, Wisconsin. I knew that PfP was providing thousands of children a basic right of childhood – the right to have a safe place to play – something that had been taken away from them due to overarching injustices in their region of the world. Cynthia loved children as much as she hated injustice, so it was clear to me that building a playground in her name would be the perfect way to honor her and continue her legacy.

My sister, Cynthia Joy Laitman, was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1938. She was a devoted mother, and grandmother. She was also a medical writer and editor, a published author, an educator, and a political and social activist. Cynthia’s personal experience with her first pregnancy led her to write “DES: The Untold Story,” which was published by St. Martin’s Press in 1981. The book remains one of the definitive works on the subject.

She had a long and productive career as a medical writer, working for the University of Wisconsin Department of Surgery, the National Wildlife Health Center, the World Health Organization, and as the managing editor of the Annals of Surgery. She was especially proud to earn her Ph.D. in communications at the age of 63. She also served as a professor of communications at Edgewood College, developing original courses in propaganda and political manipulation.

Cynthia was a committed activist to a host of progressive causes, and she believed that anything was possible. She was a passionate advocate of human and animal rights, and a fearless opponent of corporate greed and the abuse of power in government. In 2007, “Bill Moyer’s Journal” shadowed her for a day as she went about lobbying the Wisconsin legislature as a grassroots activist fighting for consumer protection against huge corporate interests.

Most of all I remember my sister, not for her professional accomplishments, which were many, but for her qualities of character – her warmth and generosity, her exuberance and optimism, and her great big heart. She set a rare example of courage combined with compassion that inspired everyone who knew her.

Cynthia was also a rescuer and protector of those most vulnerable to the cruelties of human society. I like to think of her spirit hovering over the children at the Dair Ammar playground, listening to their laughter and reveling in their joy, and making sure they are safe.

Our Current Project: A Playground for the Dair Ammar Kindergarten

Thanks to your support, we are in the implementation stage of a playground forthe Dair Ammar kindergarten near Ramallah! Construction is set to begin in January!

This playground is a joint effort between the Madison chapter of Playgrounds for Palestine, and the family of Cynthia Laitman, who passed away last year, and in whose memory the playground will be built.

Here is a description of the current facilities:

Dair Ammar kindergarten is owned and run by the Dair Amar Athletic Club Charitable Society and is located in Dair Ammar Village -part of the Ramallah Governorate- in the WB.

The kindergarten accommodates up to a 100 children, has 3 teachers of which one of them is the headmistress as well. The KG is part of a three store building which includes the club (athletics and other youth and educational activities) as well. It was built in 2008 funded and built by the inhabitants of the village over 5 years.

The kindergarten occupies one floor with a space of 200km2 consisting of 3 classrooms, a hallway, 2 toilets, an Admin office and a kitchenette. Internally, the KG kitchenette lacks equipment; has no refrigerator or stove or filter for safe water drinking, additionally, the kindergarten's ground surface is not carpeted. However more importantly, the kindergarten has limited indoor educational, entertainment. The KG needs a TV, DVD, fans, shelves, curtains, new chairs and tables. Tuition fees are 200 shekels ($58) per year per child. Teacher salary is 500 shekels ($145) per month.

The KG needs urgent financial, educational (training & equipment) and entertainment support as a means to upgrade the level of teaching and quality of education and social environment for its children.

Through the field visit we noticed the playground consists of 2 rusted outdoor games, has a shelter that covers a quarter of the in front space and a water fountains that needs rehabilitation.

We are very pleased to be working to build a playground for the children of the Dair Ammar kindergarten. We will share plans for the playground as they are finalized, and of course, photos once it is implemented!

Below are photos of the current facilities, and some of the children and teachers.

Playground in Memory of Cynthia Laitman

On February 19, 2010, Cynthia Laitman passed away after battling brain cancer. Many felt the loss of a committed activist but of course, many more mourn the loss of a family member and friend.

Cynthia's sister Judith is raising funds to build a playground in Palestine to honor Cynthia's memory. Cynthia's commitment to social justice near and far makes this a fitting tribute to her life and passions. Playgrounds for Palestine-Madison is honored to be able to contribute to her legacy.

A total of $10,000 will be raised to make this a reality. If you would like to participate, please email us at pfpmadison AT gmail.com (replace AT with @) to find out more, or contact Judith Laitman directly at jlaitman AT tds.net (replace AT with @). As we progress in raising the funds, a location in Palestine will be selected.

The details:

What: Mediterranean Vegetarian Buffet Dinner

When: Sunday, January 23, 2011, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Bon Appetit Cafe, 805 Williamson Street

Minimum donation (includes dinner): $40 per person

Cash Wine bar.

RSVP by January 15th to Judith Laitman at jlaitman AT tds.net or 608-831-8224.

First Photos of the Jenin Playground!

Thanks to all of your support and help, a playground was built for the children of the Jenin refugee camp as a result of fundraising by the Madison chapter of Playgrounds for Palestine. Here are some great photos of the playground equipment and of the children enjoying it! (and of the old "playground" which was in dire need of replacement.)

What they used to have:

Even More Auction Items Added -- Bid NOW!

In conjunction with the PfP-Madison/Madison-Rafah Sister City Project event on March 21st (see post below for details), we have launched our first ever ON-LINE AUCTION!! Go right to it at http://shop.ebay.com/playgroundsforpalestine/m.html

Some items will close by Thursday, so get your bids and and make sure you don't get outbid!

* Day passes to Mt Olympus in the Dells, and a family fun pack to Bogey's in Middleton (go-karts, mini-golf, and batting cages!)

* gift certificates to Lulu's, Mediterranean Hookah Lounge and Café, Imperial Garden-Middleton, Fair Trade Coffeehouse, Mother Fool's, Community Pharmacy, Rainbow Bookstore Cooperative!

* Major discounts on stays at the Kalahari Resort and Water Park!

* yoga passes, massages, hair salon services!

* Ticket vouchers to the Wisconsin Union Theater, Broom Street Theatre, The Bricks Theater, and the Madison Mallards!

* beautiful handmade fish platters!

* membership to Madison Children's Museum, a day pass to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum in Milwaukee, bundles of great children's books!

* Lunch with Madison radio personality Lee Rayburn!

* A variety of pet care services!

* flower and vegetable shares from TWO local organic farms!

* Fair trade gift packages from Just Coffee and Family Farm Defenders!

* One-of-a-kind experiences like a private group bellydance class, an architectural tour, and special event planning consultation!

Don't delay -- you could miss out! Go to http://shop.ebay.com/playgroundsforpalestine/m.html today!

Bid on Items in our Great On-Line Auction!

In conjunction with the PfP-Madison/Madison-Rafah Sister City Project event on March 21st (see post below for details), we have launched our first ever ON-LINE AUCTION!! Go right to it at http://shop.ebay.com/playgroundsforpalestine/m.html

More items are still being added, but what is available NOW includes:

* Major discounts on stays at the Kalahari Resort and Waterpark!

* gift certificates to Lulu's, Mediterranean Hookah Lounge and Café, Imperial Garden-Middleton, Fair Trade Coffeehouse, and Mother Fool's, Community Pharmacy, Rainbow Bookstore Cooperative!

* Ticket vouchers to the Wisconsin Union Theater, Broom Street Theatre, The Bricks Theater, and the Madison Mallards!

* yoga passes, massages, hair salon services!

* membership to Madison Children's Museum, a day pass to the Betty Brinn Children's Museum in Milwaukee, bundles of great children's books!

* Lunch with Madison radio personality Lee Rayburn!

* A variety of pet care services!

* flower and vegetable shares from TWO local organic farms!

* Fair trade gift packages from Just COffee and Family Farm Defenders!

* One-of-a-kind experiences like a private group bellydance class, an architectural tour, and special event planning consultation!

Don't delay -- you could miss out! Go to http://shop.ebay.com/playgroundsforpalestine/m.html today!

PfP/Madison-Rafah event March 21st!

Building Hope for the Children

Join Playgrounds for Palestine - Madison and the Madison-Rafah Sister City Project for a delicious vegetarian Arabic dinner, poetry, film and silent auction in commemoration of Rachel Corrie.

4:30 - 9:00 pm (dinner 5:30), Fellowship Hall, First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Ave. Madison.

$15 adults/$10 age 12 & under.

All proceeds support West Bank playground and Gaza water filters project. Sponsored by Madison-Rafah Sister City Project and Playgrounds for Palestine-Madison.

Dinner reservations: dwallbaum@gmail.com or (608)235-7870. Silent auction online after March 10 at http://pfpmadison.blogspot.com/ Info? www.madisonrafah.org

A Playground in Memory of Cynthia Laitman

Please check back often for updates on this effort.

Our Current Project: a playground for the Ush Ghurab Peace Park in Beit Sahour

With your support, we were able to finish our fundraising for a playground for the Jenin refugee camp. The children should have their bright, colorful, safe and fun playground by March!

Our new project is to raise $10,000 to add a playground to the Ush Ghurab Peace Park in Beit Sahour. Located in the West Bank, not far from Bethlehem, the people of Beit Sahour have taken what was a former Israeli military base, and is now a centerpiece for community members of all ages. It includes a cafeteria, soccer field, climbing tower and barbeque/picnic area, as well as room for performances like the Beit Sahour Nights Festival. But most importantly, it represents hope and the reclaiming of territory formerly used to oppress the local population. The people of Beit Sahour have accomplished a lot, and we can support their efforts to expand the Peace Park. We hope that you'll help us!