In the past month or so, I have had the pleasure of talking with individuals around the world who have taken the Al Aqabah case to heart. A few days ago, I talked with Dr. Peter Shambrook, a Cambridge-trained historian of the Middle East. He currently teaches at a secondary school in Sunderland, England and through our conversation gave insightful perspectives on the Al Aqabah case and world history which pertains to current events today.
Continue Reading May 3rd, 2008
Mona Lisa
On April 17th, the Israeli High Court of Justice heard the village’s petition to rescind the demolition orders and the court issued their response on April 26th. Their decision was as bleak as we feared. They wrote, "Accordingly, all the petitions are rejected. Nevertheless, we acknowledge … a limited zone in the center of the village — where there are residential buildings and public institutions built without a permit has been marked, and the Respondents [Israeli Civil Administration] are not planning to demolish them for the time being. What can you do? Read on!
Continue Reading May 2nd, 2008
Donna Baranski-Walker
Guess what? We found a way to help Gaza and former President Jimmy Carter!
When President Jimmy Carter was refused permission to enter Gaza, the Rebuilding Alliance called our partners at Gaza Community Mental Health Programme with an idea. Dr. Eyad El Sarraj and Tamer Mansour sprang into action and invited Palestinians from the non-governmental (NGO) community in Gaza to watch President Carter’s Jerusalem Press Conference and tape their questions for him. Everyone met at the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights in Gaza City on April 21, 2008.
Meanwhile in Jerusalem, we were given an invitation to President Carter’s press conference. Huwaida Arraf attended on behalf of the Rebuilding Alliance and the International Solidarity Movement. Working with Gaza’s Dr. Eyad El Sarraj by phone, she developed her question on behalf of the people of Gaza.
All the video questions for President Carter and the President’s written answers are posted here on the Carter Center website
Continue Reading May 2nd, 2008
Donna Baranski-Walker
In Livingston County, Michigan, Mrs. Mares Hichert has been a member of Amnesty International since 1980 and strongly supports The Rebuilding Alliance. A few years ago, she and her husband attended The Rebuilding Alliance’s speaking tour near Ann Arbor. The Corrie and Nasrallah families were the keynote speakers traveling through their state to tell their stories of the Israelis and Palestinians. They spoke of ways to heal wounds and bridge valleys toward peace. Inspired by their courage, she took an interest in the Rebuilding Alliance. Ever since, she has helped through her own creative networking skills and relentless enthusiasm for working toward peace, without borders, without walls, and with as much communication as possible.
Continue Reading April 24th, 2008
Mona Lisa
Eval Hareuveni, Researcher at B’Tselem The Israeli Center for Human Rights n the Occupied Territories sent us an court update. Along with his update, we are encouraging all citizens to call their Congresspeople, and express concern to save Al Aqabah… we have a week before the High Court makes issues its decision. Currently, The Rebuilding Alliance is holding a vigil in front of the Palo Alto City Hall.
Continue Reading April 17th, 2008
Donna Baranski-Walker
ISRAEL’S HIGH COURT TO DECIDE DEMOLITION OF WEST BANK VILLAGE
Al Aqabah Kindergarten and Village Built by Israel’s Best Allies
Wheelchair Mayor Denied Right to Attend Hearing
Jerusalem, April 17, 2008 – Today at 11AM, the High Court of Justice, abbreviated in Hebrew as Bagatz, will hear a petition on behalf of the kindergarten and village of Al Aqabah for their right to exist – but neither the village mayor nor any of the residents who homes are to be demolished are prohibited from entering Jerusalem and attending the hearing. Despite applying for travel permits in accordance with the District Coordinating Office of the Israeli Civil Authority’ rules, they were all refused travel permits. Representatives of many of the countries that helped fund construction of Al Aqabah plan to attend the hearing to demonstrate concern for the village and its peoples.
Continue Reading April 17th, 2008
Donna Baranski-Walker
Below is the most current correspondence between The Rebuilding Alliance, Netta Amar-Shiff, the lawyer who represented Al Aqabah in 1998-2002, and Eval Hareaveni, a Researcher at B’Tselem, The Israeli Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories. They discuss Al Aqabah’s history and reasoning behind the demolitions in the West Bank.
Continue Reading April 16th, 2008
Mona Lisa
04/15/08
In front of Palo Alto City Hall, Donna and I sit across from each other working on our laptops. On a table, there are markers, crayons, and construction paper, pencils, and stick pins. The tent walls are covered with oversized pictures of Al Aqabah children, activists, Mayor Haj Sami Sadeq, and the kindergarten The Rebuilding Alliance rebuilt in August 2003. Today, it is kindergarten we are trying to save from demolition .
Continue Reading April 15th, 2008
Mona Lisa
On April 14th, 2008, Donna and her assistant, Monica Quinn made a presentation at the Rotary Club in Milpitas, CA. Together, they told the room full of Rotarians about the plight of Al Aqabah kindergarten. Donna explained the mission of The Rebuilding Alliance, past projects, and the circumstances that many Palestinians must live under daily.
Continue Reading April 15th, 2008
Mona Lisa
International Solidarity Movement, Palestinian Authority, and activists protest to save the Al Aqabah kindergarten from Israeli demolition orders.
Continue Reading April 14th, 2008
Mona Lisa
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The individuals who post here either work for the Rebuilding Alliance, serve on the Board of Directors, or are partners or associates of the Rebuilding Alliance. They are committed to our work and advancing our cause. The opinions expressed here are their own, and are not necessarily reviewed in advance by anyone but the individual author. Sometimes, the author is intrepid and decides to post an opinion without a buddy reviewing it, and at other times, she may seek counsel of a friend. In any case, these opinions does not necessarily reflect the view of the Rebuilding Alliance or any other person, NGO, or company. Although, since these people are insightful, the Rebuilding Alliance might agree with them – or might not.
