[opirgyork] Weekly Digest - July 7 2010

Wed Jul 7 17:25:25 PDT 2010

Greetings all!

Hope everyone is safe and survivin'. We have had a crazy past month of June, and
only have lots more stuff to cover this summer to get ready for September!

We are looking for new working groups, and new board members, as well as new
volunteers for the space revamping and outreach! If you are interested in
social justice, anti-oppression, critical thinking, environmental justice, etc.
etc. etc. (the list goes on and on and on) then you should definitely consider
joining us at OPIRG York!
If you are interested in getting involved and helping out this summer, email
aruna at opirgyork.ca for more information!

Also - stay tuned for call outs for workshop/event/panels proposals for the
upcoming DisOrientation 2010, which promises to be the BEST one yet!
If you are interested in helping out with organizing or volunteering for
DisOrientation, please email aruna at opirgyork.ca.

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1) Push Play: This show is ENTITLED
2) Profile THIS! My Islam, launch of AQSAzine # 3
3) Resist, Educate, Mobilize, Organize against Police Racial Profiling
4) AUDISM AND THE TORONTO POLICE SERVICE
5) The 20th anniversary of Oka and the continuation of unearthing human rights
at the G8/G20
6) GAZA FREEDOM FLOTILLA: EYEWITNESS REPORTS
7) GAZA FREEDOM FLOTILLAS: Help launch a Canadian boat to Gaza!
8) Make your own healthy sunscreens! (Workshop)
9) Day of Action for Civil Liberties: Demand an Independent Public Inquiry (July
10th)
10) ***Urgent support NEEDED*** BELOVED & RESPECTED COMMUNITY ORGANIZER BEHIND
BARS

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1) Push Play: This Show is ENTITLED
Saturday July 10th, 1:00pm
FREE

Jackman Hall
Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON M5T 1G4
(two blocks west of St. Patrick subway station)
---------------------------------------

2) Come out to Profile This! My Islam, Launch of AQSAzine Issue #3
Art Gallery of Ontario on July 14th from 6 – 8:00.  
A  night of art and activism by young Muslim women and trans people

July 14th, 6 - 8 pm
Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas Street West Toronto
 A FREE event celebrating the launch of AQSAzine Issue #3 My
Islam Hosted in partnership with The AGO Youth Council and AQSAzine
  Showcasing videos, visual art, dance and readings by young Muslim
and trans people including: Azza Abbaro, Golie Moulaie, Samira Mohyeddin,
Nooreen Rahemtullah, Wilo Mohammed, Farrah Khan, Areen Khaled With
Musical performances by Secret Trial Five www.secrettrialfive.com Hosted
by Idil and May   **** My Islam After Party Beaver Hall Artists'
Co-operative, 29 McCaul Street, 8 pm onward! Yummy food, music and chilling
out  AQSAZINE is a grassroots zine for 16-35 year old women and
trans people who identify as Muslim. It is a creative avenue to express
ourselves, share our experiences, and connect with others.
The Facebook event can be found here: http://tiny.cc/0hm5j  With
thanks to our generous funders: ArtReach Toronto and the Art Gallery of Ontario
-----------------------------------------

3) Pan- African solidarity Network at UofT presents:

Resist, Educate, Mobilize, Organize against Police Racial Profiling

Saturday July 17th, 2010
6:30pm - 8:30pm
OISE - 252 Bloor St. W RM. 5-170
Free

Topics:
- Historical look at police brutality and african community resistance : Dudley
Laws, Black Action defence committee

Black Youth: In the crosshair of police containment: David Chin, Justice for
Alwy campaign against police brutality

Police racial profiling in Ontario - A Legal challenge: Munyonzwe Hamalengwa,
human rights lawyer

Developing a campaign to STOP police racial profiling: Thandiwe Chimurenga,
Organizer, All-African People's Revolutionary party

----------------------------------------

4) AUDISM AND THE TORONTO POLICE SERVICE
We have all heard the stories of the Toronto Police Services denying
interpreters, accusing Deaf people of "faking", interpreting attempts to
communicate as violence, misunderstanding facial expressions that are a part of
our grammar as anger, and countless other acts of audism, discrimination, and
violence. It is time to do something about it!

Join us in sharing out stories and coming together as a united community of
Deaf, oral deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and hearing allies! We will
share our experiences in a public forum to promote healing and change. This
will be the beginning of a long process of achieving change within the Toronto
Police Services policy, training, and sensivity to our diverse communities.

Saturday July 24, 2010 at 6:00pm
Location: OISE- U of T

ASL interpretation provided
Prayer Space Nearby
Child-friendly event.
Wheelchair accessible venue
If you require accommodations, please contact Jenny Blaser at
jb.signsofsupport at gmail.com as soon as possible.

Endorsed by the Legal Education Action Fund Youth Commission and Signs of
Support

------------------------------------------
5) The 20th anniversary of Oka and the continuation of unearthing human rights
at the G8/G20
By: Jessica Yee
http://www.racialicious.com/2010/06/29/the-20th-anniversary-of-oka-and-the-continuation-of-unearthing-human-rights-at-the-g8g20/#more-8841

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6) GAZA FREEDOM FLOTILLA:

EYEWITNESS REPORTS

Featuring flotilla survivors Farooq Burney
and Kevin Neish

P U B L I C   F O R U M

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Doors open: 6:30 p.m. | Event begins: 7:00 p.m.

Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE)

Main auditorium, 252 Bloor Street West

TTC: St. George | Public parking available on Bedford Road

Suggested donation at the door: Adult $10 | Student/youth/senior $5

- or -

PWYC (pay what you can): No one will be turned away due to lack of funds

Event on Facebook: http://bit.ly/cxy7fA

In the early hours of May 31, Israeli commandos illegally boarded and seized

six ships carrying 663 unarmed humanitarian aid activists from 37 countries,

and over 10,000 tons of badly needed aid for the people of Gaza. When the raid

was over, nine passengers were dead, dozens more were injured, and hundreds

were transferred to Israeli jails.

This illegal military assault on the Gaza
 Freedom Flotilla has, once again,

focused the world's attention on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The

flotilla's cargo included food, medicine, medical equipment, toys, books,

paper, school supplies, clothing, building materials, and electricity

generators - items that Israel has kept out of Gaza since it imposed its

illegal blockade in 2007.

The acute humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, as well as the attack on the

flotilla, are part of a growing list of Israel's deadly violations of

international law, including its war crimes committed in Gaza and documented in

the Goldstone Report (http://bit.ly/99GPQb), and war crimes committed against

the Lebanese people in 2006.

While the United Nations and world states have remained largely
 silent and

complicit, millions of people around the world have responded with outrage

about Palestinians' collective experience of over six decades of Israeli

apartheid. Immediately following the attacks, protests were held across Canada

and internationally to demand justice for those killed on the flotilla, to

demand an end to the Israeli siege on Gaza, and to call for boycott, divestment

and sanctions (BDS) against Israel until it complies with international law.

On the eve of the 5th anniversary of the Palestinian-led BDS campaign, join us

for eyewitness accounts and discussion with flotilla activists.

Farooq Burney and Kevin Neish, two of three Canadians who participated in the

flotilla, were aboard the Mavi Marmara when it was attacked by Israeli

commandos. Farooq and Kevin will share their eyewitness accounts
 of the raid,

and their experiences in Israeli detention. We will also discuss ongoing

efforts to end the siege of Gaza, and and what you can do to support the

broader BDS campaign to end Israeli apartheid.

Farooq Burney is the Director of Al Fakhoora (http://www.fakhoora.org), an

international campaign to defend the education rights of Palestinian students

living in Gaza and the West Bank. He was transporting 65 computers to students

in Gaza as part of the humanitarian mission.

Kevin Neish is a social justice and peace activist based in Victoria, BC. A

retired engineer, he has participated in numerous solidarity campaigns in

Canada, Latin America, and Palestine.

Co-organized by

Coalition Against Israeli
 Apartheid

Toronto Coalition to Stop the War

Students Against Israeli Apartheid, a working group of OPIRG Toronto

Endorsed by

Palestine House Community Centre

Palestinian Canadian Congress

Gaza Freedom March

Beit Zatoun

Canadian Arab Federation

Canadian Peace Alliance

Educators for Peace and Justice

Muslim Unity

Canadian Shia Muslims Organization (CASMO)

Independent Jewish Voices

Not In Our Name (NION): Jewish Voices Opposing Zionism

For more information or to endorse, please e-mail flotillareport at gmail.com.

For media requests, please e-mail flotillareport at gmail.com.

 The Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid is part of the growing movement against

Israeli Apartheid, and supports the global
 campaign of Boycott, Divestment, and

Sanctions against Israel until it recognizes the Palestinian people's

inalienable right to self-determination and fully complies with the precepts of

international law. http://www.caiaweb.org | endapartheid at riseup.net

The Toronto Coalition to Stop the War is Toronto's city-wide peace coalition,

representing over 70 labour, student, faith, and community organizations, and a

member of the Canadian Peace Alliance.

http://www.nowar.ca | info at nowar.ca | 416-795-5863

-----------------------------------

7) GAZA FREEDOM FLOTILLAS
...to end the siege

Help launch a Canadian boat to Gaza!

TALK & FUNDRAISER
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Doors open: 7:00 pm | Event starts: 7:30pm
Steelworkers Hall
25 Cecil Street

Event on Facebook: http://bit.ly/ab1pAf

SHIR HEVER, economic researcher of the Alternative Information Center, will
discuss the potential of flotillas to end the siege of Gaza. His research
topics include international aid to Palestine and Israel, the effects of the
occupation of Palestine on the Israeli economy, and the
global boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.

On May 31, early morning, Israeli commandos illegally boarded and seized six
ships carrying over 600 humanitarian activists from over 35 countries, and
10,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. The raid left nine
passengers dead, dozens more injured, and all
passengers were kidnapped and detained in Israeli prisons for at least 36 hours
before being deported.

Israel's military assault on the Freedom Flotilla once again exposes not only
the dire humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, but also Israel's flagrant
disregard for human rights and international law. As our countries and world
leaders remain silent, citizens around the
world are now re-energized and ready to launch more flotillas to bring
humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and to directly challenge Israel's
illegal siege and naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.

A coalition of Canadian human rights activists, humanitarian aid workers, and
concerned citizens is joining the upcoming Gaza Freedom Flotilla by uniting our
efforts and raising enough money to send at least one boat to Gaza!

Organized by:
Gaza Freedom March

Media Sponsor:
Rabble

Endorsed by (in formation):
Canadian Arab Federation
Canadian Shia Muslims Organization
CodePink – Toronto
Educators for Peace and Justice
Islamic Society of York Region
Muslim Unity
People for Peace - London
Queers Against Israeli Apartheid
Toronto Coalition to Stop the War

For more information or to endorse:
http://gazafreedommarch.org/toronto
canada at gazafreedommarch.org
Media contact:
canada at gazafreedommarch.org
Sandra Ruch, 416-716-4010

The Gaza Freedom March is a diverse coalition of individuals, focused on human
rights and international law, which came together following Israel's deadly
22-day assault on Gaza in winter 2008-09, to mobilize an international
contingent for a nonviolent march alongside the
people of Gaza on Dec. 31, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the assault
and calling for an end to the illegal blockade.
http://gazafreedommarch.org/ | info at gazafreedommarch.org

--------------------------------------

8) MAKE YOUR OWN HEALTHY SUNSCREENS

Sunday, July 11, 2:30 - 5:00 pm
Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) 4th Floor - 215 Spadina Avenue (between
Dundas and Queen)
Minimum $40 donation

We'll not only learn how to make these products from scratch, but also
learn how to protect ourselves and our loved ones from harmful sun rays,
while still making and storing essential vitamin D.  We will be making a
Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter Lotion, SPF 15, from scratch, and a Safe Sun
Protection Cream with zinc SPF 30.  You will leave with 170ml of shea
lotion, a 120ml of sun protection cream & a 170ml of cocoa butter lotion,
each in a container of your choice - altogether a $38 value!!!

This workshop will be facilitated by Tracey TieF, a Certified Natural Health
Practitioner of Anarres Natural Health.

Contact Information:  416-928-0880, office at womenshealthyenvironments.ca
Register at :  http://www.anarreshealth.ca/node/733

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9) July 10
Day of Action
for Civil Liberties
Demand an Independent Public Inquiry
Defend Civil Liberties

MASS RALLY & MARCH

Saturday, July 10 at 1:00 p.m.
Queen's Park, Toronto

Event on Facebook: http://bit.ly/dvW2SY

During the G20 Summit in Toronto on June 26 and 27, more than $1.2 billion was
spent on a reported 20,000 police and security officers, a 5-metre fence, and
new weapons designed to stifle dissent and silence public opposition.

Despite threats of new crowd dispersal weapons and dubious claims that police
were granted extraordinary powers of search and arrest, over 25,000 people
peacefully marched to question the legitimacy of the G20 and call on Canada to
take action on the economy, jobs, public services, global poverty, climate
change, Indigenous rights, migrant and undocumented workers? rights, women?s
rights, human rights, peace, inequality and social justice.

Under the pretext of stopping vandalism, the police descended upon peaceful
protesters and confused passers-by with force that was disproportionate,
arbitrary and excessive, and that included raids, rubber bullets, tear gas and
pre-emptive detentions. In total, more than 1,000 people were detained based on
dubious charges, in the largest mass arrest in Canadian history.

Demonstrate your opposition to the excessive use of police force and the
unprecedented curtailment of civil liberties. Demand an independent public
inquiry. Join the Day of Action for Civil Liberties in towns and cities across
Canada and Québec on July 10, 2010. To endorse, please see the official
call-out below.

CALL-OUT FOR JULY 10 DAY OF ACTION FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES

A broad cross-section of civil society organizations has called a Pan-Canadian
Day of Action for Civil Liberties for July 10 to voice opposition to the
excessive use of police force and an unprecedented curtailment of civil
liberties during the G20 summit in Toronto.
Over $1.2 billion was spent on security that was used to limit the freedoms of
people to protest peacefully and speak out for social justice during the
Summit. More than 1,000 people were detained based on dubious legislation that
purportedly granted sweeping new powers to the police.

Over 25,000 people marched on Saturday, June 26 to raise legitimate criticisms
about the G20 and its agenda. The police use of force was disproportionate,
arbitrary and excessive, and included mass arrests and pre-emptive detentions.
It served to stifle dissent and distract the public?s attention from bigger
questions, including: the economy, jobs, public services, global poverty,
climate change, Indigenous rights, migrant and undocumented workers? rights,
women?s rights, human rights, peace, inequality and social justice.

On July 10, a Day of Action for Civil Liberties will take place in towns and
cities across Canada and Québec to demand an independent public inquiry into
the excessive use of police force, the deployment of tens of thousands of
security agents and the denial of basic rights such as the freedoms of assembly
and expression.

Community members and organisations in other regions are encouraged to organise
their own local events on the same day, to pressure all levels of government to
support civil liberties.

For information or to endorse, email CivilLibertiesNOW at gmail.com.

ORGANISATIONS ENDORSING THE DAY OF ACTION
(this list will be updated regularly)

Canadians Advocating Political Participation (CAPP)
Canadian Arab Federation (CAF)
Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA)
Canadian Federation of Students (CFS)
Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)
Canadian Peace Alliance (CPA)
Canadian Union of Public Employees Ontario (CUPE Ontario)
Council of Canadians
Educators for Peace and Justice
Greenpeace Canada
Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL)
Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)
Steelworkers? Toronto Area Council
Toronto and York Region Labour Council

---------------------------------------

10) BELOVED & RESPECTED COMMUNITY ORGANIZER BEHIND BARS
Toronto Communities Demand His Release

Urgent Support Needed!
Please Donate to Hussan's Legal Defense Fund
Mail cheques to:
No One Is Illegal-Toronto
90C Beverley Street
Toronto ON M5T 1Y1

Syed Hussan, 25, an organiser with No One Is Illegal-Toronto and the Toronto
Community Mobilization Network was swarmed by a group of plain clothes
police-officers, thrown into an unmarked van and driven away while on his way
to the Labour March at Queen's Park on the morning of Saturday, June 26th.

“I see this as a failed attempt to instil fear into our movements and silence
dissent,” said organiser Farrah Miranda, who witnessed the arrest. “Hussan has
unwavering support from many communities across this city who respect his
outstanding contributions to social justice-based initiatives.”

"Mr. Hussan is eager to return to his work in the community, and looks forward
to answering these baseless allegations against him in court," asserted Michael
Leitold, his lawyer.

“I am closely familiar with Hussan's enormous service to community and academic
groups devoted to social justice,” commented David McNally, Professor of
Political Science at York University. “Hussan is a coordinator with the
distinguished Centre for Feminist Research at York and is widely respected for
his work there and beyond as a researcher, writer and community organizer.”

“Hussan is one of the most respected and important organizers in the city,” said
Judy Rebick, a Professor and the Sam Gindin Chair in Social Justice and
Democracy at Ryerson University. “He is thoughtful, intelligent and sensitive
to the needs of communities. His diplomacy skills and ability to bring people
together are a direct contradiction to the allegations made against him.”

“Hussan has supported the women in our community to improve our lives. He’s
provided free childcare and educational workshops teaching us about the impacts
of climate change on our home countries and the policies of the G8 and G20,”
said Sultana Jahinger, Executive Director of the South Asian Women’s Rights
Organisation.

“I feel scared for Hussan and really sad,” said Alisha Alam, an 11-year-old
participant in Hussan’s youth program. “He taught us a lot about the real
world. He stands up for people’s rights. He’s nice and friendly, and I don’t
think he should have been arrested.”

“Hussan has worked extensively with the Nomanzland Theatre group operating out
of Jane and Finch and the community is deeply indebted to him for his work with
youth of colour and their families,” said Greg Thomas, theatre group
Coordinator.

“Our community members in Jane-Finch Action Against Poverty have worked closely
with Hussan and No One Is Illegal. His arrest is completely unjustifiable.
We’re demanding that he be released immediately,” said the group's spokesperson
Sabrina Gopaul.

It is clear that a broad range of community groups will not accept this
unjustifiable attempt to silence a valued and courageous voice for social
justice. It is going to cost over $15,000 to mount an effective legal defense
against these baseless charges, so please donate whatever you can. This fight
will continue until Hussan is released, all charges are dropped, and he is safe
and back to organizing for progressive change in our society.

Donate to Hussan's Legal Defense Fund
Please mail cheques (with "Legal Defense Fund" in the subject line) to:
No One Is Illegal-Toronto
90C Beverley Street
Toronto ON M5T 1Y1