Dear BACEIA supporters,

June and July have been super exciting and inspiring months for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction movement in the US and we are excited to share the developments.

Most importantly, we want to urge you again to take action to support the Olympia boycott. See the call to action on their website:

http://www.olympiabds.org/  

BACEIA

Contents
2010 Assembly of Anti-Zionist Jews

BDS at the US Social Forum

Docks Protest

Olympia Victory and Plea forSupport

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Dear BACEIA supporters,

The past two months have been filled with amazing BDS actions including the student’s divestment resolution at UCB, many calls to celebrities to adhere to the academic and cultural boycott, and more culture jamming! Looking forward, BACEIA is excited about tabling this Saturday at the Malcom X Jazz festival and then in June we will be participating in the 2010 US Social Forum. It is going to be an important time for BDS and the larger movement for social justice.

BACEIA

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We hope you all had a restful and enjoyable holiday season and that 2010 is treating you well thus far.

Below are several important events we hope you will attend. The first is a Commemoration of last year’s devastating massacre in Gaza and the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestine.  Second, we encourage everyone to attend the Middle East Children’s Alliance event with Ali Abunimah, co-founder of the Electronic Intifada, author and activist. Abunimah has recently returned from Cairo, where he gathered along with 1,400 other activists for the Gaza Freedom March.

Finally, we have an update on the Palestinian political prisoners mentioned in last month’s newsletter.  Fortunately the two activists from the Stop the Wall Campaign have been released.  However, Bil’in resident and activist, Abdullah Abu Rahmeh remains in detention facing charges, and waves of new arrests in Bil’in and elsewhere have taken place.  Please take action for the release of Abu Rahmeh and the latest victims of Israel’s repressive tactics!

And, don’t forget to take a look at our website — we update our blog regularly with news and analysis related to the BDS movement, as well as local event announcements, and updates from other movements for justice.  Have something you want to share?  Email us at webmaster@baceia.org.

Towards a just and peaceful New Year,

BACEIA

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Though we are well into our diverse holiday season — for many of us, a time full of friends, family, or celebration — we encourage you to take a moment to turn your attention to Palestine.  In less than a week, we will commemorate the brutal attacks on Gaza that took place last year, and take action against the ongoing siege and humanitarian crisis.

Below are three important opportunities for taking action!  First, we are sad to report that another Palestinian activist Jamal Juma’, coordinator of the Stop The Wall campaign, has been arrested by Israeli authorities.  Please take action for his release, and the release of other political prisoners!

Second, the Gaza Freedom March, an event meant to draw international attention back to Gaza, is now facing challenges from the Egyptian government, which is closing the Rafah border to deny these activists’ entry.

Third, we encourage you to participate in local actions in solidarity with the Gaza Freedom March, including an interfaith vigil in Union Square and a march across the Golden Gate bridge.  Please see below for dates and details.

And, just a quick update to our Top Ten Brands to Boycott list.  We’re excited to say that this list has been forwarded all over the country and world!  Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that some of our research was based on outdated information from other campaigns.  Please know that we’re once again fact-checking everything, and will release a comprehensive update soon.

As always, if you’re interested in becoming more involved in the campaign — especially in researching products — please drop us a line at info@baceia.org.

Towards a just and peaceful New Year,
BACEIA

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Thanks to everyone who came out to support Palestine solidarity events last month, from the protest of Olmert’s speech to Omar Barghouti’s lecture at SFSU!  We’re excited to support the growing movement in the Bay Area.

In December, we’ll be participating in local actions in support of the Gaza Freedom March.  Stay tuned for details.

We’re also planning some informal meet-ups in December to help welcome new members to the campaign.  If you’re interested in getting more involved, send us a quick email at info@baceia.org and we’ll find a time that works for you.

And, as so many holidays are approaching, we’ve put together a new resource: Top Ten Brands to Boycott.  We know there are a lot of products that are made in Israel, but we’ve put together this quick resource to help focus our energies on some of the most egregious companies.

in solidarity,
BACEIA

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October is Arab Heritage Month in San Francisco, and we’ve been representing the campaign at events in SF and across the Bay Area!  We’re glad to welcome everyone who signed our Pledge this month!

There are a number of actions and events coming up in the next few weeks — including a demonstration this Thursday, protesting former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.  Read on for details!

We’re also hard at work on a few projects and we’d love your help!  We’re working on some new materials for our website and for tabling, and could especially use folks to help with research.  In particular, while out tabling a few people have told us about auto parts from Israel sold in local stores but we have not had any confirmation. Send emails to products@baceia.org with product sightings or to help with research.

We’re also working on a BACEIA training so we can continue to build the movement by bringing our organizing principles to communities that are interested in becoming involved.  And, of course, we can always use help tabling at stores and events across the Bay Area.  If you’re interested in becoming more involved, drop us a line at info@baceia.org.

yours,
BACEIA

Protest former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert

THIS Thursday October 22, 6pm
Union Square, San Francisco

Olmert will be speaking at a World Affairs Council event at the St. Francis Hotel. We will gather outside in Union Square to demand that Israel and its leaders be held accountable for their crimes against the people of Palestine and Lebanon.

More info at stopaipac.org

Need inspiration?  Read about the protest at Olmert’s appearance in Chicago!

Omar Barghouti in San Francisco:
“BDS: A Quest for Justice, Human Rights and Peace”

Tuesday, November 3rd, Jack Adams Hall, 7pm
San Francisco State University

Panel discussion with Dr. Rabab Abdulhadi and Dr. Judith Butler

Omar Barghouti is an independent Palestinian researcher, commentator and human rights activist committed to upholding international law and universal human rights. He is a founding member of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) and a leader of the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.

Organized by the Cesar Chavez Student Center and General Union of Palestinian students to celebrate the Second Anniversary of the Edward Said Palestinian Cultural Mural.  Co-sponsored by BACEIA, and many other local groups.

More info >>

Mohammad Othman Action Update

As you may recall, we sent an action alert a couple of weeks ago about Mohammad Othman, a Palestinian activist arrested on his return to Palestine from Norway where he was supporting divestment efforts.

Here is an excerpt from the latest update from the campaign to release him:

20 October 2009, 4pm

At the court hearing yesterday, the judge has extended Mohammad’s detention for another 11 days. Again, the Israeli interrogation police failed once again to provide any evidence justifying Mohammad’s arrest, but contended that an extension of his detention period was necessary for further interrogation. The military judge rejected the interrogators’ initial request to extend Mohammad’s detention period to 23 additional days, arguing that the period was too long, but agreed to a 11 day extension period, based on “secret information”, which was made available to him by representatives from the Israeli Security Agency (ISA).  Military Judge Eliahu Nimni argued that the extension is required in order to end the interrogation and clarify suspicions against Mohammad. At the same time, he maintained that releasing Mohammad would constitute a security threat, despite the fact that no concrete suspicions of any alleged offences were made, thus siding with the interrogation police. Addameer appealed the court’s decision and the appeal hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, 22 October at 9.30 am at Salem Court (Ofer  prison, near Ramallah)…

It is very important that all of us keep sending letters to either your own political representatives AND the Israeli authorities!

Mohammad also has a personal message for all the supporters around the world, expressing his deep gratitude to all of you. He says he is doing okay, but his lawyer said that the long hours of interrogation are talking their toll on Mohammad. Mohammad is asking you to step up the campaign for his release and that of other anti apartheid activists.

Read the complete update here.

>> If you have not already done so, click here to find ways to take action in support of Mohammad.

Gaza Freedom March

BACEIA has decided to endorse the call for the Gaza Freedom March — an effort to draw international attention to Israel’s brutal attacks last winter and to end the continued siege on Gaza.  Individuals can read and endorse the call here.

BACEIA is glad to see the addition of a Statement of Context added to the call for action, which better situates the march in a history of ongoing occupation and apartheid, while also honoring “decades of nonviolent Palestinian resistance,” including the call for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions.

Upcoming Local Events

Here are some events that BACEIA isn’t involved in organizing, but we’re happy to support our allies and thought you might be interested:

Release party for Matzpen Celebrate People’s History poster
Friday, October 23.  9pm.  1630 Woolsey St, Berkeley.  Sponsored by AROC, IJAN, and Dialogues Against Militarism.  More info >>

Arab Film Festival.
October 23-25.  Shattuck Cinemas, Berkeley.  More info >>

“Back Home Right Here: Arab art across seas and generations”
Sunday, October 25.  3-7pm.  Galeria de la Raza (SF).  Sponsored by the Arab Resource & Organizing Center.  More info >>

“What I Saw in Gaza,” with Barbara Lubin and Hatem Bazian
Thursday, October 29th. 7pm.  UC Berkeley.  Sponsored by MECA, Students for Justice in Palestine, the Muslim Students Association, and the Center for Race and Gender.  More info >>

The summer has been good to us and we are looking forward to continuing work on the campaign.

Despite the summer lull, we have grown to more than 800 members!  
We are excited to welcome new supporters!

Event Report: Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions: Lessons from South Africa

Two weeks ago the campaign co-organized the panel discussion, Palestine Solidarity, Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions: Lessons Learned from South Africa’s Anti-Apartheid Movement, sponsored by Break the Siege, Center for Political Education, and the Arab Resource and Organizing Center.

Read our report on the event here: http://www.baceia.org/2009/09/event-report/

We will continue to support educational events on the issue of Palestine and the BDS movement so check our website for more information on upcoming events.

Help us table!

Third Thursday tabling is gearing up for fall. If you are interested in tabling with us, let us know. Also if you have a group interested in doing regular tabling, we are more than happy to give a training and get the materials out to you.

Contact the tabling coordinators:

• Andrea (SF) at aasalinas (at) gmail.com and/or
• Kinneret (East Bay) at kinneret.israel (at) gmail.com.

We have tables and materials and can give those of you some pointers on tabling if you need it.

Products To Watch Out For

Thanks to all of you who have been reporting Israeli goods and US companies that support apartheid in Israel. As a reminder, the email address to report products is:  products@baceia.org

Right now we are working on a major rehaul of our product list and hope to have a much improved resource sheet out soon!

In the mean time we have listed two fair trade products for people to support on our website: http://www.baceia.org/resources/supportpfteconomy/

Check out the website!

Last but not least, don’t forget to take a peek at our website now and again for news and information about local, national and global BDS work.

A major new item that we’ve added to the website is the ability to sign the pledge online. The pledge is primarily intended for local people, though we invite anyone interested to sign and receive news about the campaign… so, help the campaign out by spreading the word to people who would be interested.

The online pledge can be found here: http://www.baceia.org/get-involved/sign-the-pledge/

If you have any questions about BTS or the BACEIA campaign, please drop us a line at breakthesiege@gmail.com

Spread the word!
In solidarity and with many thanks!

This is the first of our newsletters for campaign supporters who signed our pledge cards.  THANK YOU!!!

As part of our pledge to you, we will keep you up to date on campaign activities, let you know how you can take action, and become involved in next steps of the campaign, but we won’t hog your inbox.

Why did we ask you to sign the pledge card?

How we are doing…

• Not buy Israeli products;
• Ask stores to de-shelve Israeli products;
• Support the Palestinian Fair Trade economy by buying Palestinian products
• Support the international movement for a full academic, cultural, political and economic boycott of Israel.

Activities:

How you can be involved

NEWS!!