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Dear friends of peace, I am Bengali and my family experienced forced displacement during the partition of India. I have many family stories about the tremendous suffering and trauma this caused. Today, most of us are aware of efforts by the Israeli government (and Settlers) to force displacement of hundreds of non-Jewish residents who live in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem. It is important to keep in mind the personal stories as they resonate and remind us that–as people of goodwill– we need to take a stand. There is the woman who told journalists that she sleeps with her shoes on in case they come take her home at night. And the video below from journalist Muhammad El-Kurd who like my relatives may be forced to leave his home merely because of his religion.  Here are ways that we in Maryland can help: Post on Social Media – Below is a sample text/graphic from Jewish Voice for Peace but any post is helpful. Attend Saturday’s Protest – Sponsored by the Palestinian Youth Movement, it begins at 3 pm near the Washington Monument. Contact our Elected Officials – Some like Senator Van Hollen have made a social media statement condemning Israel’s forced displacement. Others have been silent and may have in fact signed a Dear Colleague letter just over a week ago reaffirming their support of military aid to Israel. In your contact, please ask that the elected official contact the State Department to demand that the Israel government cease the forced displacements. When elected officials contact the State Department, it triggers a response and adds accountability.  Brainstorm with Us – If you are interested in doing more, please contact Susan Kerin at susank@capconcorp.com. There may be other actions that we can work on collectively at the local level to #SaveSheikhJarrah. Thank you. Tasnuva Kahn, Pharm.D. Chair, Peace Action Montgomery  Sample Social media post @chrisvanhollen @repraskin @repdavidtrone @jsarbanes @repkweisimfume @repanthonybrown please contact State Department Secretary @antony-john-blinken to #StopJerusalemExpulsions and #SaveSheikhJarrah  |
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Maryland United for Peace and Justice 