In Palestine/Israel, "security" is a word used often by the Israeli government, and its emotional appeal is deep. But the search for security goes both ways, and Palestinians long to feel safe in their homes as much as Israelis do. Margaret Hawthorn will share about her experiences in the region and her work to make the Palestinian story known.

Join us for Peace Forum every Thursday (when classes are in session) in the Dining Room at the Earlham School of Religion. Free, delicious lunch is always provided.

Contact Anna Lisa Gross for more information: annalisa144@gmail.com or 765.914.2973.

Ralph Nader announced his bid for president on Meet the Press today. Tim Russert gave a ridiculous interview, focusing on the 2000 election and Nader's potential effect on Democrats rather than real issues. Below is a particularly blatant and shameful example of Russert's disregard for Nader's platform and politics:

[The election coverage has avoided discussion of Palestine/Israel] even though it's central to our security and to, to the situation in the Middle East. [Barak Obama] was pro-Palestinian when he was in Illinois before he ran for the state Senate, during he ran--during the state Senate. Now he's, he's supporting the Israeli destruction of the tiny section called Gaza with a million and a half people. He doesn't have any sympathy for a civilian death ratio of about 300-to-1; 300 Palestinians to one Israeli. He's not taking a leadership position in supporting the Israeli peace movement, which represents former Cabinet ministers, people in the Knesset, former generals, former security officials, in addition to mayors and leading intellectuals. One would think he would at least say, "Let's have a hearing for the Israeli peace movement in the Congress," so we don't just have a monotone support of the Israeli government's attitude toward the Palestinians and their illegal occupation of Palestine.

MR. RUSSERT: But would you prefer, as an American citizen, to have Barack Obama or John McCain as president?  continue reading »

* What can we learn from Israelis about U.S. immigration concerns?
* If God were to give the Holy Land to another people, how would we know?
* What claim do you have to the land where you live?
* If you were forced to leave, at what point would you lose your right to return?

Anna Lisa Gross recently returned from three weeks in Palestine, Israel and Jordan and wants to discuss questions like these on February 17 at 5pm. Come for dinner, stories and discussion about politics, ethics, faith and culture in the Middle East, Christian Peacemaker Teams and what we can do to help.  continue reading »