USPCN is circulating a Pledge to Defend Civil and Human Rights and calls upon all of its members and supporters to both sign the petition online  and distribute the hard-copy form at your events and activities. Send the signatures you collect to defend_peoples_rights@uspcn.org! 

United States Palestinian Community Network (USPCN)

Strategic Planning Meeting

January 6^th-8^th, 2012

Santa Clara, CA

Standing Up for Our Rights!

Whereas, the USPCN’s mission statement includes the upholding of Palestinian rights around the world, including the protection of democratic rights in the U.S.;

And whereas, the FBI raids on homes and offices, and confiscation of property, in Chicago and Minneapolis, and the grand jury subpoenas served to 14 individuals in the Midwest, including one USPCN National Coordinating Committee member, in September of 2010, constituted an escalation of historical attacks on the Palestinian community, the Palestine solidarity movement, the anti-war movement, and democratic rights in the United States;

And whereas, the nine (9) grand jury subpoenas served in December 2010 were to six (6) additional Palestinians, all members and leaders of Chicago’s USPCN chapter, and 3 Palestine solidarity organizers;

And whereas, the FBI raid on Carlos Montes’ home in Los Angeles in May of 2011 constituted an additional attack on a leading immigrant rights, Chicano liberation, and Palestine solidarity organizer;

And whereas, Department of Justice and other U.S. government repression is being utilized to stifle critique of U.S. foreign policy and Israeli violations of the human, civil, and national rights of the Palestinian people, as evidenced by the cases of the Irvine 11, the Holy Land Foundation 5, Abdelhaleem Ashqar, Sami Al-Arian, and many others;

Therefore be it resolved that the USPCN calls on all Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims to sign the Pledge to Defend Civil & Human Rights at http://uspcn.org/pledge-to-defend-civil-and-human-rights/ and the petition to support Carlos Montes at http://www.stopfbi.net/petition/national;

And be it further resolved that the USPCN calls on all of its chapters and other Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and solidarity institutions across the U.S. to establish Emergency Response Plans in preparation for the possible indictments and arrests of any of the Palestinians or Palestine solidarity activists raided and/or subpoenaed;

And be it further resolved that the USPCN calls on all of its chapters and other Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and solidarity institutions across the U.S. to identify supportive U.S. Congresspeople in their respective districts, and call on these legislators to demand from Attorney General Eric Holder and U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald an end to this investigation;

And be it further resolved that the USPCN calls on its chapters to help organize a speaking tour of the U.S. for one of its Chicago members, to build support around the case;

And be it finally resolved that, even in the face of the attacks on our movement, the USPCN calls on all Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims, and other people of conscience in the U.S. and around the world to continue organizing for, and demanding, self-determination, independence, full equality, and the Right of Return for the Palestinian people; and freedom for Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and Palestine solidarity political prisoners in Israeli, Palestinian Authority, U.S., and all other jails.

ON DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATION

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2012, 4pm EST/1pm EST

On January 10^th 2012, Palestinian youth will be meeting in cities throughout Palestine and the shatat to discuss the next steps towards achieving genuine democracy and representation for all Palestinians through direct elections to the Palestinian National Council (PNC), the highest legislative body of the PLO.

These meetings build upon the demonstrations, assemblies, forums, rallies and sit-ins, inside and outside Palestine, which youth have been organizing since January of 2011. Again and again, it has been youth who have raised the banner for genuine unity and a re-claiming of the PLO through direct elections to the PNC. And so, one year on, young Palestinians around the world will be holding a conversation together with one aim:

How do we ensure that all Palestinians can exercise their inalienable right to participate in elections to our Palestinian National Council? What next steps can we as youth take to ensure that PNC elections actually happen?

Reflecting the Palestinian youth commitment to overcoming the geographic fragmentation imposed upon us, the meetings will take place in succession on the same day, January 10. Each conversation builds upon those before it, creating clarity and strength on the next collective steps required towards democratic enfranchisement.

In the United States, the US Palestinian Community Network will be facilitating a National Conference Call for Palestinian Youth on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 4pm EST/1pm PST.  Any and all Palestinian young people are invited to participate in this important and educational conversation. 

In order to get your own conference call-in number, and to gain access to the conversation room, you MUST register here: http://myaccount.maestroconference.com/conference/register/EK7SNHHTIHNMVPT

We will be joined by youth organizers of the international campaign, who will participate in the discussion and answer questions, as well as members of the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) branch in the US.

All throughout the day, meetings by Palestinian young people will be held in:

Ramallah, Palestine

Beirut, Lebanon

Rome, Italy

London, UK

Madrid, Spain

Stockholm, Sweden

Santiago, Chile

Other groups of youth will be meeting elsewhere around the world, before and after January 10^th, and will be sending in their suggestions and ideas to be part of the conversation. If you’re unable to make the call, follow the conversation at:

Twitter: #votepnc

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/129824823801784/

For more information, and technical help, please contact USPCN at pnccampaign@uspcn.org

The revolutions that swept the Arab world are far from over and 2012 brings new challenges for our community and our movement. Palestine’s freedom remains inextricably linked with the Arab world’s struggle to realize liberation, independence, and unfettered self-determination.

Despite recent attempts to marginalize the diaspora’s role in shaping Palestine’s future, Palestinians living in exile remain committed to Palestine’s freedom and will continue to seek unity over factionalism. From Ein al-Hilweh to Balata, Palestinian refugees anxiously anticipate the day when they can return to Palestine and enjoy her beauty without having to fear occupation and colonization.

We remember those Palestinians that have been released from the shackles of Israeli apartheid, and salute all those that remain behind bars. You are the heartbeat of our movement.

May 2012 bring you and your families health, happiness, and prosperity.

US PALESTINIAN COMMUNITY NETWORK

COMMUNITY FORUM

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Hyatt Regency, 5101 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA

Reflecting the strategic need for nurturing open spaces of conversation amongst Palestinians in the US, the US Palestinian Community Network is excited to announce its first of a continuing series of Community Forums to be held across the US on Saturday, January 7, 2012 in Santa Clara, CA.  This all-day Forum, part of a weekend of strategic organizing for the National Coordinating Committee of the USPCN, will offer attendees an opportunity to hear about the work of USPCN and participate in developing its plans for 2012 to advance a strong Palestinian voice in the diaspora and within the national movement. The Forum is a new initiative aimed at strengthening communication between the national coordinating committee and local chapters in order to advance participatory democratic practices within USPCN; coordinate amongst Palestinian associations in the US; and establish and develop local chapters of USPCN in Palestinian communities.

Based upon requests from Palestinian community members across the US, the Forum will also inaugurate a series of skill-building workshops for 2012 in order to develop community organizing skills and mobilization training.  We are delighted to announce that the inaugural workshop will be on Communication Strategies and led by Salah Asad, a national coordinating committee member of USPCN and an established expert on strategic communication skills.

The Forum concludes with a conversation on Palestine Amidst the Uprisings, featuring guests As`ad Abu-Khalil, professor at California State, Stanislaus, and Omar Barghouti, a member of the Boycott National Committee and a leader in the Palestinian-led movement for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Against Israel.

The Forum is open to the Palestinian and Arab community. Non-USPCN members may register to become members (and attend) at the Forum. Attendees will be asked for a $25 donation to cover costs.

Register online here: http://uspcn.org/register-here-for-uspcn-community-forum-january-7-2012/

Agenda for the Forum can be found here: http://uspcn.org/uspcn-community-forum-program-january-7-2012/

We look forward to the conversation and building ahead.

Until Liberation and Return!

Endorse the statement here.

In recent days, protesters demanding civilian rule in Egypt have again been murdered, maimed and tortured by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) and the Interior Security Forces (ISF).

The conspiracy, being brutally implemented in Egypt, is part of a global conspiracy to suffocate mass movements for socio-economic justice and is being done with direct assistance of the American government and the private interests which direct that government. We have word from friends in Egypt that SCAF, ISF and their hired thugs — armed by ongoing shipments of $1.3 billion in weapons from the U.S. government — plan to execute one by one all the leaders of the revolution, and as many activists as they can.

Accordingly, we need to ensure that people and organizers in the US and internationally are involved in closely monitoring the events unraveling in Egypt. By keeping track of the atrocities committed by SCAF and ISF, keeping track of those detained, tortured or targeted, and continuously contacting officials in Egypt and the US to demand accountability, cessation of the atrocities and justice, we can add pressure on SCAF, ISF and the forces they represent. In this way we may be able to play a role in helping save the lives of our Egyptian brothers and sisters.

Evidence of the conspiracy to execute the leaders and participants of Egyptian freedom movement, includes in very small part the following:

• Sheikh Emad of Al Azhar was killed by a bullet entering his right side from short range. This was seen at first hand by witnesses known to members of our coalition. Sheikh Emad was one of a small number of Azhar Imams issuing decrees in support of the revolution. His murder was no accident.
• Sally Tooma, Mona Seif, Ahdaf Soueif, and Sanaa Seif, all female friends and relatives of imprisoned blogger and activist Alaa abd El Fattah, and all known internationally for their political and/or literary work, were detained, and beaten in the Cabinet building.
• A woman protesting against General Tantawi, head of SCAF, was detained and then tortured by having the letter “T” in English carved into her scalp with knives.
• Detainees are being tortured while in courtroom holding pens. Two men (Mohammad Muhiy Hussein is one of them) were killed in those pens.These are only a small number of the horror stories we are hearing. And we continue to receive reports from Cairo about a massive army presence in Tahrir Square and the constant sound of gunshots.These are only a small number of the horror stories we are hearing. And we continue to receive reports from Cairo about a massive army presence in Tahrir Square and the constant sound of gunshots.

In every way, Egypt’s fight is our fight. Just like us, Egyptians are the 99%, fighting for social, political and economic justice.

The same 1% that arms the Egyptian dictatorship commits systematic violence in this country against the Occupy movement; antiwar and solidarity activists; and Arabs, Muslims, and other communities of color.

As the US Palestinian Community Network recently observed, “the same US-made tear gas rains down on us in the streets of Oakland, Cairo and Bil`in.”

Because of Egypt’s key strategic location, the fate of its revolution echoes across the world. Its success will bring us all closer to achieving economic and social justice. But its defeat would be a major blow to social justice movements everywhere, including Occupy.

In short, Egypt is key to the continued success of the Arab Revolution, and movements she has inspired.

For all these reasons, we ask Occupy and all U.S. social justice activists to join us in mobilizing to defend our Egyptian brothers and sisters by immediately organizing mass convergences on Egyptian embassies, missions, consulates, and at U.S. government offices, to demand:

• Cancel all US aid and shipment of military and police materiel to Egypt!
• Stop the murders, tortures and detentions!
• Release all detainees and political prisoners!
• Immediate end to military rule in Egypt!

Issued by (list in formation):

Ad Hoc Coalition to Defend the Egyptian Revolution
Al-Awda NY: The Palestine Right to Return Coalition
Egyptian Association for Change- NY
Existence is Resistance
International Socialist Organization
Jan25 Solidarity for Democracy Network
New York City Labor Against the War
Labor for Palestine
Palestine Solidarity Network – Bay Area
Raha Iranian Feminist Collective
Siegebusters Working Group
6 of April Youth Movement America
Socialist Action
United National Antiwar Coalition
US Palestinian Community Network

Please endorse and circulate this appeal widely. Please send statements with these demands to the bodies listed below*

www.defendegyptianrevolution.org and defendegyptianrevolution@gmail.com

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS:

TUESDAY

Call/write-in to Egyptian government.

Ministry of Defense
Field Marshall Mohamed Hussein Tantawi Soliman
Phone: 01120222916227
Fax: +(20) 2 2 5748 822 (+20) 22 291 6227
E-mail: mod@idsc.gov.eg
Website: http://www.mmc.gov.eg

Dr.Kamal El Ganzory, Prime Minister
Phone: +202-2793-5000
Fax: +202-2795-8048
E-mail: pm@cabinet.gov.eg
Website: http://www.cabinet.gov.eg/Cabinet/Prime_Minister.aspx

WEDNESDAY

2:00pm until 7:00pm
Protest against SCAF in NYC
Egyptian consulate, 1110 2nd Ave # 201 New York, NY 10022-2093
https://www.facebook.com/events/260847190641653/

• Wherever in the US you are, you can get in contact with Palestinian organizers. Reach out to us at uspcn@uspcn.org.
• Join us January 6-8 in San Jose for a national meeting and public event on Palestine and the Arab Spring.
• Help to support USPCN’s important work.

2011 has been a year of struggle and we look forward to a year of struggle – and of victories – in 2012 and beyond.

Project South awarded USPCN with the U.S. South to Global South Award as part of the event on Saturday, December 3. Vanessa Faraj and Kathryn Hamoudah accepted the award on behalf of USPCN as local representatives of the Movement to End Israeli Apartheid.

Project South was founded in Epps, Alabama in 1986, when leading Civil Rights workers were federally charged with vote fraud for registering Black absentee voters in West Alabama. Several organizations came together to launch a national campaign called “I’ll Vote On” to fight the charges and ensure voting rights for Black Communities. Project South emerged from these struggles. 25 years later, Project South is a local, regional, national and sometimes international organization based in Atlanta.

The US Palestinian Community Network is committed to struggling hand in hand with oppressed communities and communities of color inside the U.S. against racism and oppression, as part and parcel of the Palestinian struggle.

Thank you to Project South and congratulations on 25 years of struggle – looking forward to struggling together until victory!

USPCN is an endorser of this statement, which was initiated by multiple organizations in Northern California and the Bay Area. To endorse, email: bay2egypt@gmail.com.

As 2011 gives way to 2012, people’s movements for justice are met with unprecedented global militarization. From Oakland to Egypt, people are demanding democracy and an equitable distribution of wealth while attacked with tear gas and pepper spray, rubber bullets and live ammunition. We have become all too familiar with the recent images of the words “Made in the USA” on tear gas canisters used against Egyptians, thousands of whom have been injured and scores killed. Others have experienced firsthand the brutality of these weapons used against the decolonize/occupy movements in the US. Tear gas, however, is but one manifestation of this assault.

Militarization is not new. Police brutality is not a recent phenomenon. Communities of color and poor communities have long faced the violence of systems of power. Police brutality, racial profiling, surveillance of communities, control of media and communication, and attacks on immigrants in the US are all connected to the global militarization we are seeing in Egypt and other places where people are fighting for their freedom. What we are witnessing today is an illumination of these acts of violence as thousands stand together in defiance of such assaults.

We echo this resolve. We will not allow corporations to profit off the brutality against our people in the US or abroad! Egyptian revolutionaries have asked for the movements in the US to shutdown the manufacturing and shipment of weapons and we heed their call in solidarity. We are calling for a targeted campaign against the corporations that profit off the use of these chemical weapons. These corporations have paved the way for a systemic attack against movements for justice.

We must also hold our government accountable for their hand in repression abroad and demand they stop military aid to Egypt. We will not allow our tax dollars to be used in supporting corporations and dictators that profit from and facilitate state violence against our people in the US and abroad!

Endorsed By:

•  Al-Awda, SF – Palestine Right of Return Coalition
• ANSWER – Act Now to Stop the War and End Racism
• AROC – Arab Resource and Organizing Center
• ISO – International Socialist Organization
• Labor for Palestine
• New York City Labor Against War
• SJP – Students for Justice in Palestine at UC Davis
• Syrian American Council, Bay Area
• USPCN – US Palestinian Community Network
• War Resisters League, New York

On this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the US Palestinian Community Network marks 64 years since the partition of Palestine – 64 years of ongoing resistance, steadfastness and continuing commitment to free our land and our people. Today, we are in a time of revolution, and increasing global solidarity with our cause.  We are nearing the end of what has been a momentous year for the Palestinian people and the Arab nation. 2011 is almost over, but revolution continues throughout the Arab world. From Tunisia and Egypt to Bahrain and Yemen, the Arab revolutions are evolving in their own ways, demonstrating that the Arab people’s resolve against political despotism remains strong.

The Arab people recognize that the strategic enemies of justice and peace include puppet Arab regimes alongside Israel and its continued colonization and occupation of Palestine. The treachery of the puppet Arab regimes that are all too willing to suppress their own people while at times feigning support for Palestine is glaringly obvious. It is equally clear that the United States cares nothing for the freedom and self-determination of Arabs, as is apparent in its massive military, economic and political support for Israel, threats of war and assassination throughout Arab countries, and its complete disregard for the movements of the Bahraini, Yemeni and Saudi people against their dictatorial regimes. U.S. intervention, threats, and military and political maneuvers are a threat to Arab freedom and liberation – not a support. Despite attempts to co-opt the Arab revolutions and protect the status quo, however, there is no doubt that the Arab peoples will continue to demand freedom, equality, and unfettered self-determination until the last dictator is deposed and the Arab people can stand united against occupation, Zionism and all forms of globalization and exploitation.

Among all people in the region, Palestinians understand this historical moment to indicate that the Arab street rejects the status quo and seeks to create a future that is filled with hope and opportunity rather than despair and repression. Having in many ways inspired the 99% Movement in the United States, the proverbial Arab Spring is an unequivocal rejection of the puppet Arab regimes that are physical manifestations of the power abused by the world’s imperial powers. The 99% Movement must recognize its ongoing connection to and draw inspiration from the continuing Arab revolutions. The same corporate greed against which the 99% has mobilized has worked to sustain Arab dictators that prioritize money over their people’s dignity and freedom. Furthermore, Palestine is part of the 99% of the world, and the 99% Movement should also stand together with Palestinians to confront unfettered empire,settler colonialism, military and war profiteering. On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity, we encourage all cities and “occupations” in the 99% Movement to hold rallies, teach-ins, film screenings, and discussions about Palestine – and how to build our mutual solidarity as part of a global resistance to corporate power and imperial domination. We salute our comrades in the 99% Movement who have held Kuffiyeh Days, built Intifada Tents, and occupied the occupiers of Birthright Israel and the Boston Israeli Consulate – such examples hold brilliant promise for future solidarity as the same US-made tear gas rains down on us in the streets of Oakland, Cairo and Bil`in.

As Egypt continues its revolution in the face of increased repression, we are reminded that the revolution is not comprised of a single action or a series of protests. Rather, revolution is a mindset, an ongoing quest to disturb the status quo and promote freedom, equality, and self-determination through fair and representative self-government. Throughout this year, the Arab masses have demonstrated that they are the only genuine force that can bring justice, peace, and stability. We stand with the people of Egypt in their struggle to continue the revolution, confront military rule, and build a liberated Egypt that can reclaim its rightful role as a true leader of the Arab people.

At this critical juncture, we must also be wary about those forces that wish to divide us and use Arab or Palestinian institutions or official bodies to undermine and co-opt the Arab revolutions. However, we have strong faith in the Arab masses who are fully aware of their capacity to affect change without foreign intervention or interference. We also recognize and renounce attempts by the United States to treat Palestine as if it is a separate issue, totally disconnected from the popular uprisings that have gripped the Arab world. On the contrary, the Palestinian revolution is now – as it has always been – central to the Arab revolution and the achievement of true liberation. On this day of solidarity, USPCN reiterates that we will realize Palestine’s liberation through mass mobilization, revolution, political unity, and institution building, not through “peace processes” that prioritize colonial expansion over indigenous people’s rights.

As the forces in solidarity with the Palestinians continue to increase in size and strength, we remember those – Palestinian and others – who have given their lives for Palestine’s sake, and hold close to our hearts those that remain imprisoned behind the bars of settler-colonialism and apartheid. In this time of revolution, we call on all Palestinians, Arabs, and solidarity activists alike to renew their spirit and continue to struggle for Palestine’s liberation.

US Palestinian Community Network

Throughout the holiday season, we encourage everyone to pause and reflect on our collective struggle for liberation and return, and the sacrifices that must be made to realize a free Palestine. As hundreds of thousands across the Arab world and the United States continue to protest against corporate greed, political elitism, despotism, we are reminded that revolution and social change belong to the people, and that power will acquiesce nothing without a demand.

May each year bring you and your family health, happiness, and strength.