[van-announce] Forum to highlight women's struggles for just and lasting peace in the Middle East

[Grassroots Women]

 For Immediate Release
Grassroots Women Press Release
October 14, 2002
Forum to highlight women’s struggles for just and lasting peace in the
Middle East

 (Vancouver, Canada) – In response to intensifying threats against Iraq and
the heightened militarization of Palestine, local women speakers from the
Palestine Solidarity Group and the Coalition to End the Sanctions Against
the People of Iraq (CESAPI) will highlight the role of women in working for
a just and lasting peace at a forum on Monday, October 21, at 7pm at the SFU
Harbour Centre (515 West Hastings).

 The forum is being organized by Grassroots Women – Vancouver in the hope of
provoking discussion and dialogue about the impact of militarism and war on
women. “We hope the evening will be an opportunity to deepen our
understanding of why the US and its allies - including Canada - are charging
forward in a “preemptive” strike against Iraq,” explains Beth Grayer, a
member of Grassroots Women. The forum is part of a series of “Regional
Feature Nights” held in preparation for an international women’s conference
called Towards Our Liberation being convened by Grassroots Women and
GABRIELA Philippines.

 Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Palestine Solidarity Group, Reem
Alnuweiri will make the connections between the attacks against Iraq,
including the Gulf War, with attempts to crush the second intifada in
Palestine. Alnuweiri is also a member of the Arab Palestine Association in
BC and has recently returned from a trip to the Gaza Strip and West Bank of
Palestine.

 As a founding member of CESAPI, Linda Morgan will speak about the impending
US led war against Iraq. Drawing on her experiences in Iraq in 1999, when
she traveled there with Physicians for Social Responsibility, Morgan will
discuss the impact of the Gulf War and economic sanctions against the people
of Iraq. Morgan will also address women’s role in working for peace based on
her insights as the past president of the Women’s International League for
Peace and Freedom.

 The evenings will also include excerpts from the film “Jewish
fundamentalism and its role in Israel’s Domestic and Foreign Policies, a
talk by Noam Chomsky and Israel Shahak.”

 All are welcome to attend the “Regional Feature Night” on Women and the
Middle East. Entrance is by donation and all proceeds will go directly
towards supporting delegates from Third World countries to attend the
forthcoming women’s conference. Seats are limited for this important
conference: interested participants should register before October 25, 2002,
the registration deadline.

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 Media Contact: Rachel Rosen, Grassroots Women, 604.215.1905

______________________________________________

"Reclaim the struggle for a renewed
and militant women's movement!"
Grassroots Women
Phone: 604.215.1905
http://grassrootswomen.tripod.com

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