A voice for peace and social justice in Central New York PNL 565 November 1989 A Dry White Season By Thabo Raphoto Starring Marlon Brando, Susan Sarandon, Zakes Mokae, Winston Ntshona and Donald Sutherland. Directed by Euzhan Paley. Rated R . At the Fayetteville A PRY Cinema 2. The film, "A Dry White Season" is based on the novel trt written by Andre Brink, a South African novelist. This movie reveals to the world the truth about how ordinary citizens coul d be moved to take up the struggle for justice -- independent of an y 5fA-19X other political organizations of th e day. Without overstating th e familiar political arguments for dismantling apartheid, the movi e distinguishes itself by telling the story from the viewpoint of th e disenfranchised South African Blacks . Euzhan Palcy, the first African-American woman to direc t a Hollywood movie, and the firs t to reflect on the wave of repressions that followed the student uprisings of June 16 , 1976, has done a realisti c portrayal of the negative impact of apartheid on both Black and White persons in that country. What contributed to Palc y bringing the story with such realism to the screen is, perhaps, her focusing on the capacity of individual citizens to respond to injustice as they experience it directly. The depth of insights coming out of this movie surpasses thousands of reams of documents produced so far on apartheid. Dry White Season continued on Founded in 1936 page 6 ISSN 0735-4134 Published monthly by the Syracuse Peace Counci l

$yroevie Pewee Coma &e Dear Peace Council Volunteer corner The Silent Issue members, Well, we don't seem to b e SPC will be having a This is to all of you with getting much of a response from discussion group on Thursday, whom I've worked on various SPC all those prospective volunteers Nov. 16, at 7 p .m. on Kurdistan: functions over the past 3 1/2 out there. Maybe Syracuse' s The Silent Issue . years. As many of you know, I infamously chilly weather wil l The Kurds are an aboriginal was very sick last winter with lead you down to our warm house . people of the Middle East with mono. I am still not back to full Anyway, here's a run-down of history dating back 5000 years . health; the doctor says I have some different things you can do They are a people without a voice chronic fatigue syndrome . I am for SPC: and without a home . The 23 often tired and nauseous . Thus, I *Write letters to congresspeopl e million Kurds live in an area that have curtailed me involvement and socially un-consciou s stretches into Turkey, Iran, Iraq, with the Peace Council a great companies Syria, and the USSR. The deal. This time of illness has *redesign new promotional flyers governments of these countrie s given me an opportunity to look for SPC and the PNL fear Kurdish ethnic strength and at the priorities in my life an d *organize a fundraising concert , any activity towards self thus I am writing this letter to le t speaker or other program determination, and thus actively you know that I will no longer be *plan and speak at a Thursday try to suppress and assimilate the a part of the Peace Council . It's night discussion group (everyone Kurdish people. Today their not because I'm still sick . has something they can tell others existence is denied by Turkish It's because I felt that the about!) officials, they are massacred by Lord's calling me. to do different *offer your interio r chemical warfare in Iraq, bombe d things, and the number one item design/construction skills to help in Iran, and forced to be arabized . is know Him better. I thought I reorganize the library, Front Roo m in Syria . was leading a good Christian life , bookstore and office Join us at 924 Burnet Ave but I was wrong . I was defining *act as an SPC representative at for a video, slides, discussion and right and wrong by my own a local or national event Kurdish desserts . standards and who I thought God *reorganize the disorganized . I've come to believe that DON' CRUSH OUR FLOWERS was library THEY BELONG TO US. following our own ideas can lead THEY BELONG TO OUR CHILDREN *etc., etc., etc .. . THEY BELONG TO ALL PEOPLE IN THE WHOLE WORLD to all kinds of trouble and that all Volunteers can come down THEY EVEN BELONG TO YOU. DO YOU UNDERSTAND? of us need God and His World , Thursday evenings, from 7 to 9 BUT YOU DONT UNDERSTAND. WHAT SHALL I DO TO MAKE YOU UNDERSTAND? the Bible, to help us discern what p.m. to take up these or any other WHAT SHALL I DO? is good -and what is bad . Some of tasks. Call us at 472-5478 if you you are probably thinking, "Wow, want to come down some other M. E. Bozarsian, Kurdish Poet has she ever been brainwashed! " time. We hope to see you SOON!!! No, I feel like Satan did that to JoAnn Stak me for years and no I am truly seeing the light, praise God! I met a wonderful Christian man last fall, and we plan to marry in the spring. What a blessing he's been to me! I have learned a great deal from all of you, and I hope to keep in touch with those of you with whom I worked closely. I hope that all of you will know everlasting peace someday . A bumpersticker that I saw over the summer summarize s my thoughts well: No Jesus, No Peace Know Jesus, Know Peace . God bless all of you, Mary Van De Weert

11/89 Peace Newsletter 3

Be a Part of Plowshare

If you've ever been to the Plowshare Craftsfair, yo u There are other ways to soak in the atmosphere an d know it's impossible to spend only an hour or two there . really feel a part of Plowshare . Help set up the halls on . You check out the beautiful crafts in every nook an d Friday night, as craftspeople pour in — it's a magica l cranny of the Plymouth Church . You find old friends, new transformation . Or greet people at the door with a friendly . babies, smiles from familiar faces. From the upstair s welcome and a program . Staff the table of crafts donated , windows, you can take in a view of the large hall, hamme r to SPC; or if you're more outgoing, and tend toward th e dulcimer music warming the scene . And after surveyin g absurd, don an outrageous hat and hawk raffle tickets ! all the wares, it's time to pause for some hot and tasty And, of course, there's "restoring the house " — that's food, sit down and think over the tough decisions. A putting the church back to its usual self after the Craftsfai r gorgeous big basket for Mom? a painted t-shirt or a leathe r closes on Sunday. belt for your brother? those exquisite earrings for yourself?

More than a Craftsfair Yes, you can participate in the creatio n of Plowshare. We guarantee you a sense o f community, feelings of goo d - will, and lots of fun . Plowshare is, after all, not just a Craftsfair. It's a celebration of talents , community, and the work of peace an d justice. Call Andy at SPC, 472-5478, or Barbar a Floch at 424-6015 (don't be shy abou t leaving messages on their machines) and find out how you can be a part o f Plowshare . Children at Plowshare Young children are brought upstairs to the daycare space so parents can do thei r shopping in a relaxed mood . We want to offer this service to parents, and we wan t childcare to feel the Plowshare spirit, too . We are brainstorming ways we can help childcare feel more a part of Plowshare . But every year we find ourselves beggin g people to volunteer an hour or two i n childcare. Should we stop trying t o organize childcare? Let us know if yo u r want it to continue by calling SPC o r Saturday, Dec:2 loam 5 Barbara — and offering some of you r Plowshare time to share with the children. Sunday, Dec . 3 Noon"9 5 FREE ADMISSIONCHILD CARE® ANNUAL PEACE COUNCIL. RAFFLE—`" We look forward to seeing you o n Plymouth Congregational Church December 2nd and 3rd at Plowshare ! rt 232 E ONONDAGA 5t Downtown Syracuse across from THE GALLERIES co. Wgrrcn St.

ORGANIZED bytl* SYRACUSE PEACE COUNCI L 924 BURNET AVE, SVR .,N.'! 13203 (315) 472.-547S

IV*

4 Peace Newsletter 11/89

eaGes Timothy still needs us Timothy Jacobs is still in prison, still owes $6,000 and still needs you . Timothy and Kysta did not get married on Oct . 1 due to hurricane Hugo. They have decided to wait until May 12 when they can have the wedding they had originally planned. Timothy can use the Charlotte address of his cousin as a home address so that he will be sent there rather than back to Robeson Count y when he is released. He expects to be released on parole by Christmas . Letters to the parole board and his attorney, James Parrish, are still necessary, to insure that this will indeed happen . A video of Robeson County will be shown at 12:15 p.m. Nov. 5 at May Memorial Unitarian Society. Timothy speaks at the end of the tape about his commitment to speaking out against drug abuse and trafficking. Also, original artwork by Timothy will be available as fund raising for his defense . You can help. Come and see the tape, ask questions and give to Timothy's fund . Keep writing to: The North Carolina Parole Commissio n Timothy Jacobs Timothy Jacob's Fund 831 West Morgan Street Camp_Green PO Box 411742 Raleigh, NC 27603 PO Box 668327 Charlotte, NC 28241 Charlotte, NC 28266 ' Elizabeth Strong

Salvador." In all, 55 were arrested for civi l Local activists march disobedience. The Committee In Solidarity with the for justice in El Salvado r People of El Salvador (CISPES) coordinated th e On Oct. 16, members of the Syracuse Peace action in 12 other locations across the Unite d Council and the Syracuse University group FERS- States. It came at a historic time to call attention US traveled to Washington, DC to take part in th e to the negotiations occurring that day in Costa Rica CISPES action calling for an end to the US war i n between the FMLN and the ARENA government o f El Salvador. The protest visibly targeted Congress - El Salvador. - especially senators Dodd (D-CT) and Kerry (D- Anyone wishing to help with the legal cost s MA) -- for its continued and renewed support of th e for the two arrested from Syracuse can contac t war. Andy at the Peace Council (472-5478) or send funds Congress just passed appropriations bills to earmarked SPC-El Salvador. Your help would be give more than $85 million in unrestricted police gratefully appreciated. and military aid to El Salvador . Minimal Andy Molloy restrictions and conditions on the aid were defeate d due to actions by Dodd and Kerry and their ,belief DEADLY DEFENS E that only with increased and steady military aid Military Radioactive Landfill s would the climate be set for negotiations between This citizen guide is the first comprehensive survey of th e the government and the FMLN. Thiy fail to radioactive contamination at 16 nuclear weapons productio n understand that the military is and always' has plants . Deadly Defense uses 170 pages with more than 60 d maps, diagrams, photos, and tables to explain how bombs are been most opposed to negotiations and continue made and how radioactive waste is generated and spread . support will strengthen the military's hand . This Each book is accompanied by a dramatic 4-color 17' x 22" ma p translates into more suffering for the people: showing transportation routes used in the manufacture o f The march began on the steps of the bombs . To order, send $20 to Literature Dept., Radioactive Waste Campaign, 625 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, N Y Capitol with a rally and speakers from the 10012 . Salvadoran community, labor organizations and college campuses . The roughly 200 activists the n marched on a Tour of Shame to many congressional I office buildings to plant crosses on the lawn s representing the disappeared and murdered in E l Salvador. There were denunciations and chants o f "shame, shame" to the death squad Democrats who fund the repression. The march ended at th e DONNA K. H E ITZMAN, D.C. Rayburn Building with a 42-person blockade of th e Chiropractor main and side entrances. In addition, four people occupied each of the offices of Dodd and Kerry an d were arrested. A number also disrupted Congress in Network Chiropractic 5208 South Salina Street the Gallery by unfurling a banner reading, "N o (315) 469-0676 Syracuse, New York 1320 5 Blood Money For Death Squad Government in El

11/89 Peace Newsletter 5 Dry White Season continued It may interest the viewer make it abundantly clear to yo u from the cover to see how even small childre n how justice in South Africa i s "A Dry White season" is a can alert you to depth of misapplied when it comes to th e story about an African and a n persecution . We saw a n question of race." Afrikander (a South African of uncensored picture of Black Many people are hard put t o Dutch ancestry) working together children alerting their parent s connect White South Africans wit h for justice. From the beggining, we about the presence of the police in anti-apartheid activism. Whether notice that the Afrikander the vicinity: "Mabunu. ..Mama!" this movie succeeds from where schoolteacher, Ben du Toit they would cry (it is a crime in "Cry Freedom" left off is a matter (Donald Sutherland) had been South Africa to report the of speculation . The only contributing financially to the movement of the police) . This comparison to be made betwee n schooling of the son of his contrasts sharply with Ben du "Cry Freedom" and "A Dry White gardener. When the gardener, Toit's daughter who squealed to Season" is that in the former Gordon, later revealed to Ben that the police. In so far as Whites are Kevin Kline (Donald Wood) had his beneficiary, Jonathan, had concerned, we deduce a the rare privilege of viewing Steve unjustifiably been beaten by the phenomenon called "denial," which Biko's corpse at the morgue, and police, he got the impression that is analogous to the denial of Donald Sutherland (Ben du Toit) Ben, like the majority of White alcoholics -- a factor that viewed Ngubeni's body at a persons in South Africa, did no t contributes to disarray in family funeral home in Soweto . immediately grasp the magnitude relationships . Thus the du Toit The movie tells the story of the brutalities Blacks suffered family, as indeed most White with blatant disregard to home- under apartheid rule. families in South Africa, can grown human rights agencies tha t Failing to get the kind of easily live out their lives without could have been consulted - as help he first asked for from Ben , seeming to acknowledge that their Marlon Brando, the attorney fo r Gordon began his ow n Black compatriots suffer untold the plaintiff, and Donald investigation. He was helped injustices. Sutherland sought for ways to immensely in his effort by a taxi The courageous an d expose police brutalities in the driver, Stanley (Zakes Mokae) . No sagacious leadership of individual lab. Having seen the movie, I sooner had Jonathan died i n schoolchildren, like the fifteen- wondered what parts of the detention than did Gordon himsel f year-old Jonathan (Bekhithemba original script were not screened ; meet the same gruesome fate at Mpofu) is given a human according to a CBS interview , the torture chambers of the character so lacking in political (Oct. 7) Marlon Brando was upset Johannesburg security police debates. In one of the early scene s with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer fo r headquarters. Ben began to see in the movie we are witness to having "failed to release it in all how naive he had been about the heated accusations b y it's glory and effectiveness . " pain endured by hi s schoolchildren, directed at men Notwithstanding, the movie disenfranchised compatriots. As who repair to government-owne d succeeds to reflect th e Ben woke up to the horror of beer halls immediately after work overwhelming sense o f apartheid after secretly traveling instead of lending support to the commitment in the face of to Soweto to see the remains of student cause for academic fierceful odds put in the way of Gordon, we see him make a freedom. In yet another scene , justice and peace by South Africa' s decision that would cost him his Jonathan explains to his fathe r special branch police officers . job. Ben's political development that his generation does not wan t For me, personally, sittin g could be discerned not just in to live out their lives performing there and watching the sneak terms of supporting the poor but subservient roles for whites. But preview, I could not manage to as a process that leads to takin g recalling that in real life hi s arrest recurring thoughts of ho w up the cause of the poor, whateve r father performs one such role, he in a sense I was experiencing a the cost. restates his contention in a way flashback to my high school years "A Dry White Season" i s that would not suggest that he and torture chambers that became not your average "nice" movie. It does not cherish the dignity o f the setting for parts of the movie. shows that under apartheid even labor Gordon performs for a I could see, through Jonathan, my the most intimate relationships living: "You are a wise man , own life as a young student i n are warped. It is loaded with a Baba, and everyone comes to you Soweto flashing before me o n spectrum of emotions that are for help. You s4iould have been a celluloid. To see "A Dry White manifested in the loss of loved lawyer, father, not a gardener ." Season" is to share the pain and one. My hope is that it will dispel Later in the movie, we are the glory in all its manifestations . the illusion that South Africa is a witness to Marlon Brando's well- Thabo is the Anti-Apartei d land that is full of grace, or a founded fear 'shared with Ben du Project coordinator for American land where the music is at. Toit: "I will take your case ; just to Friends Service Committee.

6 Peace Newsletter 11/89

ilv pr,vp/ Fundraiser concerts for peace, justic e and environmental groups By Tom Sieling It's been said that our society funds least what it needs most. I'm sure most readers of the Tom Sieling Peace Newsletter are all too aware of this . Are you tired of bake sales, pledge drives, sleepless nights writing grant proposals and mor e sleepless nights wondering how your group can stay financially afloat? Are the expense column shark s circling ever-closer to your life raft? Does a relaxed evening of uplifting, sociall y relevant, sometimes-humorous, sometimes-poignant folk music with lots of group singing seem a bit more tolerable? I'm a singer/songwriter/activist from Rose, New York. I accompany myself with guitar, banjo and harmonica. For the past decade, I've made approximately equal shares of my living fro m music, carpentry and tree farming. Political activism has taken up most of my energy outsid e this. After much soul-searching and a lot of support and encouragement from audiences and friends, I'v e decided to take the plunge into music as activism First annual and a living for the long haul . SANE/FREEZE Well-publicized community and/or children' s concerts can be great fund raisers for progressive Peace Toy Fair causes. After 15 years of song writing, 12 o f By Diane Swords performing and a lot of contact with excellen t There are many excellent toys which stres s political artists, I have a wide range of material addressing most progressive issues, including the cooperation, problem solving and peacemaking. But arms race, environmental issues, Central America , often these are not as readily available in the racism, sexism, distribution of wealth, housing, stores as "war toys ." In order to increase awarenes s nuclear waste dumps, our everyday lives and many about positive toys among parents, teachers and children, SANE/FREEZE is sponsoring a toy fair. others. The first annual SANE/FREEZE Peace Toy You've never organized a concert before ? Fair is to take place Saturday Nov . 4 from noon t You're not alone. I can provide all the informatio n o f 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church on and materials you will need . It's more a matter o Nottingham and Waring roads . The fair includes being timely and thorough than of a large tim e toys, games and books for sale, and some which ca commitment. I have an excellent sound syste m n be ordered . Many of the toys and games can be capable of providing high-quality sound for up t o tried out . Refreshments, New Games (cooperativ 1,000 listeners (but it works fine for 40), so e group play) and brief small group discussion s anywhere from a living room to a large church o r throughout the day will make this fun, informative community hall is fine. Fees are kept as low as and stimulating for everyone. possible while covering my costs and helping a bi t This fair is co-sponsored by the American towards making a modest living. Please feel free to call anytime for more Friends Service Committee, Educators for Social information, demo tapes, or to be included on my Responsibility, and Physicians for Socia l mailing list. Responsibility. Toys will be available from Family Tom Sieling Pastimes, Wee Folk Tales, the World of Science, Discovery Toys TC Timber and others . Ron Shuffler RD # 1 will provide refreshments. Clyde, NY 1443 3 Enter the raffle to win a wooden train set (315) 587-9512 donated by TC Timber. For further information, call th e SANE/FREEZE office at 478-7442. Diane is a SANE/FREEZE worker.

11/89 Peace Newsletter 7

TheFOOFood Bank of Central NewD York was established in January of 1985 in response t o increasing demands on emergency food networks in the region . The Food Bank provides food assistance to non-profit agencies serving the needy in Central New York. More than 137 million tons of food are wasted annually -- enough to feed 49 million people. Presently there are a total of 20 million hungry Americans, 13 million of whom are children. Funding for the Food Bank comes from a wide range of community sources representing the general public, religious groups, businesses, private foundations and others. In addition, the Food Bank receives funding from Onondaga County and administers the New York State Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) . The Food Bank operates on a limited budge with administrative costs and overhead held to a minimum . This permits the maximum distribution of food to those agencies serving the needy. Every $1 worth of food contributed to the Food Bank equates to approximately $15 worth of food reaching someone hungry . Food products received by the Food Bank are donated sources wholesalers, farmers, retailers, brokers, restaurants and everyone else who plays a role in th e "food chain." Using its buying power as a member of the New York State Federation of Food Banks and the Second Harvest Network, the Food Bank of Central New York also provide s wholesale products to member agencies at cost plus 10 cents per pound. The Food Bank is presently utilizing donated space at 555 Stewart Drive West, Hancoc k Field, in North Syracuse. However, due to the growth of the Food Bank and the planned expansion of the Syracuse Airport, the Food Bank is presently conducting a search for anothe r facility. More than 250 non-profit agencies in eleven counties currently receive food from the Food Bank of Central New York. The Food Bank helps furnhish 150,000 meals per mont h through client soup kitchens, pantries, day care centers, group homes and shelters . In 1985 the Food Bank of Central New York distributed 27,000 pounds of food to thirt y member agencies . At this time an average of 180,000 pounds of food is distribued each month t o over 250 member agencies. The Food Bank of Central New York is a non-profit corporation and a certified membe r of Second Harvest, the national network of more than 200 food banks. In addition, the Food Bank is a member of the Food Bank Federation ,of New York State . By sharing transportation , solicitation and other costs associated with food banking as a member of the Federation, the Food Bank of Central New York is able to increase its distribution of food throughout th e region.

Syracuse Women in Black SYRACUSE Syracuse area Jewish women will hol d Real Food Cooperative monthly silent vigils to protest the Israeli Many Organically Grown And Produced Food s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza . In *Chemical Free Meat •Organic Produc e •Soy Products •Fresh Fish Delivered Thursday s solidarity with 22 other groups in this country and *Nuts, Grains, Seeds and More 14 groups in Israel, the Syracuse group is called A member owned and operetad ware. n Working and non-working Women in Black. Members include Jewish wome inanbaskips araiMki . of diverse beliefs and backgrounds : some have lived in or visited Israel, some have family in Israel, 'IRY OUT THE (X}-OP ! some are children of Holocaust survivors. All are' SYRACUS E Monday through Friday 10- 8 WY h .d l,~gnMrw united by a desire to end the occupation . Ns Rwwipten P• . Saturday 8-8 The next vigil will be Nov. 13, 5-6 p.m. at„i ion wwaeon s,,472.1 6 Closed Sunday the intersection of E . Genesee Street and Erie' Boulevard. For information, please call Linda a t 472-9386.

8 Peace Newsletter 11/89 Community groups Earth First! RECYCLE FIRST By Todd Rogers Psssssst! Onondaga Earth First! had finds The phone number for the Central its first meeting on Oct. 16, a new home New York branch of the National finally bringing this important Organization for Women is movement to Central New York. By Laurie Attridge Earth First! is not an organization RECYCLE FIRST ha s 455-7866 with the usual organizational recently found a new home at th e hierarchies of boards, director s Syracuse Peace Council . We're and memberships . This opens up settled in what used to be calle d Health care the group to the creativity of the penthouse (the upstairs room for women those involved, allowing them to that has served as a bedroom t o define what the group is . many beforehand.) By Barbara Waltz Earth First! is based on a We're looking forward to a Do you or someone you care philosophy called biocentrism -- a cooperative working relationship about keep putting off that yearly basic belief that all species have with the Peace Council, and check-up? Women's Healt h an equal right to exist, a belief envision a crossover of interests Outreach may be the program for that flies in the face of the basic between the two organizations and you. A nurse practitioner gives principles of our society. We take the people that are involved in you a general physical exam , the hard line on environmental them. including a pelvic exam and Pa p issues. Most of the pillaging of the In case any of you are Smear. Public health nurses earth is for profit, as opposed to unfamiliar with RECYCLE FIRST, screen for diabetes, hypertension the satisfaction of real human we're an Onondaga County base d and anemia. They also offer a needs . We need to end the environmental organization that is variety of health information and compromising that ha s striving to get the county to adopt education. accommodated the destruction . aggressive recycling, reduction, Women's Health Outreach We see ourselves as a part of composting and reuse programs . conducts two clinics a week at the nature -- not separate from it a s We oppose the construction of the Civic Center and several other our judeo-Christian heritage would oversized, overly expensive and clinics throughout the areas of have us believe . The defense of polluting garbage incinerator, and Onondaga County. For further the earth is an act of self defense. feel that the county must information on the sites available We act through the system by maximize safe alternatives first. to you in Onondaga County and participating in public hearings , If you would like mor e an appointment, please call 425 - writing letters and lobbying ou r information, would like to becom e 3653. lawmakers. But an important part a member, or would like to ge t Barbara is the public health of Earth First! is going beyond the involved, give the office a call or assistant for Women's Health system. We participate in civi l stop on by. Our address and Outreach Program in Onondaga disobedience actions such as phone are the same as the Peace County. blockades of destructive projects . Council's . .. 924 Burnet Ave., 472- This movement is here for you 5478. Hope to be hearing from to join in whatever way you feel you! comfortable . If you feel that th e Laurie is director of time has come to sto p RECYCLE FIRST. compromising, join us and share your creativity in the defense of the earth. The 1990 Peace Calendar Our next meeting is 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at 749 Euclid Ave . (near Maryland Avenue) . Successive Hauling Up Mornin g meetings will be on the first and Poetry and Images of Latin Americ a 15th of each month at this 5'/2 X 8'/s desk calendar address at 7:30 p.m. For $8.95 each/Four for $32 .00 Watch for news o n Order front : War Resisters League information contact either Todd the Oct . 7 Housing Now! march 478-5993, Andy Molloy 339 Lafayette St., Dept. L Rogers at New York, NY 1001 2 and at 471-7312, or Noel Johnson at SPC's Fairness Doctrine cas e 696-6199. Or write for free brochure for more details . Todd works wit h in the next PNL . RECYCLE and Earth First!

11/89 Peace Newsletter 9

Community groups WIMAI SNIPP update By Brent Bleier This active network of organization, groups and individuals has discussed a number of loca l happenings and tried to help plan some for the near future. We've been very encouraged by the monthly vigils to end the Israeli occupation of th e Fur Free Friday West Bank and Gaza held by the Women in Black, By Linda DeStefano which have generated good press coverage and On Friday, Nov. 24 from 11 :30 a.m. until 1 helped refocus debate within the Jewish p.m. in front of a Syracuse fur store in downtow n community. Also, a good turnout for the University Syracuse, People for Animal Rights will continue it s College lecture-discussion course, "Ending the Arab- tradition of picketing stores that sell fur. The day Israeli Conflict: How and Why", has been reported . after Thanksgiving is considered the busies t The energy going into the Witness for Mid Eas t shopping day of the year, so it's a good time to Peace has quickly moved this project closer t o remind shoppers that fur "fashion" causes much reality: an upstate delegation is now being formed ! unnecessary suffering and death . In coordination with the network, the Arab - How is fur obtained? Some animals ar e American Anti-Discrimination Committee ha s beaten to death, such as seals . (Although some of planned a Dec. 5 commemoration for the somber the slaughter of seals for fur has stopped, som e second anniversary of the ongoing Palestinian continues.) Some animals (the raccoon and many uprising, the Intifada, 7:30 . p.m. at First others) are caught in steeljaw, leghold traps an d Universalist Church, Nottingham and Warin g wait in agony for many hours or even days for roads. Following a candlelight vigil, two women death. Some animals (such as foxes and minks) ar e speakers are scheduled: Ghada Talhami, former raised on fur farms . After spending an unnatural chairperson of the Palestinian Human Right s life in cramped cages, the victim is electrocuted , Campaign and a Palestinian author currently gassed or strangled. There is no pretty way t o teaching in Chicago who was well-received her e create the "glamour" of fur. previously; and Leslie Lempert, a Jewish activis t If you want to join us or just want more with the American-Israeli Civil Liberties Coalition, information about the issue, contact People for who divides her time between Israel/Palestine an d Animal Rights, 148 W. Beard Avenue, Syracuse, NY Ithaca, NY. A coffee hour will follow. A number of 13205 by letter or phone Norma at 492-0459 (until organizations are consideration endorsement of thi s 11 p.m.) or Linda at 475-0062 (8 a .m. to 10:45 event. p.m.) Our network has discussed holding a pres s Our demonstration is in cooperation with conference or event to mark the Nov . 15 first Trans-Species Unlimited, which organized a huge anniversary of the Palestine Declaration of parade on "Fur Free Friday" last year and is Independence, but plans are tentative. For planning an even bigger one this year in New York information, call be at 479-5393 . City. Brent is a member of the Syracuse Network Linda is a PAR worker. for Israeli-Palestinian Peace .

Christina Platt Special $25.00 Initial Consultation Financial Consultant

specializing i n Socially Responsible Investing MARGARET SULLEVAN .CIH EN, MA, (CS/ CERTIFIED SOCIAL WORKER INDIVIDUAL / FAMILY COUNSELING Shc :+nun Lehman Mutto n (315) 445-8985 SHEARSON LEHMAN 1500 Main Stree t 1-IUFI N Springfield . MA 0I 11 5 413-734-731 1 II 800-332-9388 M A CLARITY • ENERGY • NURTURANCE MINI n U~ . Ml1MY 800-628-9046 NA"I"L., SLIDING-SCALE FEE

10 Peace Newsletter 11/89 Education for a free South Africa: Creating a home in exile By Lin Nelson fortitude to return to school and be in classes with Last of a two-part series those advanced 8 year olds . At the guesthouse, I June 16, 1989 . Mazimbu, Tanzania. The watched people in their 50s and 60s pore over basi c Solomon Mahlangu Freedom College -- primarily a n literacy texts as they tried to make up for years o f educational project, but also a refugee center -- being excluded from all educational opportunities. plays a powerful role in the anti-apartheid struggle. The teachers at SOMAFCO have taken o n These are the comments of one young high school extraordinary jobs . They are not only teachers, bu t teacher: "We need SOMAFCO -- not just to educate community activists -- and above all guardians of individual exiles, but as a proving ground, as a the children who more often than not are separate d place to learn from our mistakes, as a base for from families who have endured deaths, detentions , freely determining our future. There are difficultie s and disappearances . One teacher described the here -- lots of them. But it is interesting, a unique challenges, "One the one hand, we have to kee p challenge, a time and place to be creating people inspired about the general struggle for a fre e ourselves, our place in the world community. When South Africa, to bring them together around a you think about what this all looked like 10 year s common vision . We also have to be very practical ago, it is amazing." about education -- everyone who knows must teac h His sentiments -- his pride and sense o f those who don't. We also have to be attentive t o adventure -- were shared by many others . An older the needs of the student who slowly starts to woman who has long been away from home tol d withdraw into a depression, who loses sight of wh y me, "I can't wait for the freedom days when we ca n he is here and whose deep wounds are opened a t show people back home what the ANC has create d every new report of a torture or of state action here. It will give them hope and direction ." taken against demonstrators ." But SOMAFCO is not some utopian oasis . While teachers have to be ready to support Often there are serious shortages of basic resource s the very needy and troubled students, mos t -- construction materials, educational supplies , students seem vitally involved in the governance books, and a dangerous shortage of drugs and and culture of the community. They have a weekly medical equipment to cope with the malaria , newspaper, there is a community radio station, an d respiratory diseases and emotional disorders (whic h on a daily basis they meet to listen to and dissec t afflict the victims of torture, detention and the international news . High school students I isolation .) There are South African security forces - - spoke with reported that they were encouraged t o the "securocrats" -- going to great lengths t o critically examine and help change the curriculum. destabilize the liberation efforts throughout th e Despite the agonies of family separation, the frontline states (there was an attempt to poiso n intimidating demands of the educational program SOMAFCO's water supply.) And there are (high school students take exams which are persistent problems of coordination -- aggravated b y externally reviewed in England), and the daily the sudden influx of unannounced and distraugh t expectations to be both dedicated students an d refugees. committed activists, teenagers at SOMAFCO di d The African National Congress communitie s not seem to be living with severe stress or despair . at Mazimbu and Dakawa are more than building In fact, the community seemed to be on e projects and educational programs . They are th e characterized by much optimism . One graduating gathering place for a complex network of people - - student who hoped to become a pharmacist to "b e people trying to deal with their differen t deployed wherever I'm needed" said "There is n o backgrounds and needs as they create a commo n reason to give up hope. Who here can give up hope future. The SOMAFCO director, schoo l to return to their homeland, to find their family? administrators, teachers and parents talk about the There is a lot to look forward to . " variety of predicaments that bring people there . As a visitor to SOMAFCO, I hear firsthand There are children born to ANC exiles i n of the unspeakable -- a 60-year-old mother of nine Mozambique ; speaking only Portuguese, thes e held in solitary for six months ; a man just released children come to SOMAFCO, where it takes them a from almost two decades of misery in Robbe n very long time to feel at home . There are the Island; a young boy so distraught about the loss of children who know only SOMAFCO as home an d his father that he searches into the face of a who will come to understand their homeland onl y newcomer and asks "are you my father? Please are through the careful guidance of their teachers. you my father?" and walks away shattered as he i s There is the very confident 8 year old who, havin g reminded that his father is still disappeared. been on the run for many years, must find the SOMAFCO continued on page 12

11/89 Peace Newsletter 11 SOMAFCO continued from page 1 1 But SOMAFCO is not a depressing place . It is the opposite . There is much to look forward to. A longtime ANC activist visiting from Lusaka, Zambia says "I spoke to some of the little ones here this morning . Four and five year olds. They speak boldly -- with confidence, curiosity . They said to me, `you must be a guest . Where are you from? Tell us about yourself. ' I laugh and tell them • that they are the new ones and when w e all go home, I'm afraid they will boss me around ." She laughs. "And we will be going home . The resistance is strong. And the resistance among whites is growing . .. more and more are sick of apartheid, it is no way for any nation to conduct itself. They are embarrassed and tired . The Mothers Against War do not want thei r children wasted for an immoral and idiotic campaign . Recently, some while Afrikaner attorneys met -- quietly , without publicity -- with ANC attorneys . I think it went well. The future is coming."O Lin won a national raffle run by the African National Congress ; the prize was a trip to Mazimbu, Tanzania . Third World Reality Tours REBIRTHING Mozambique & Zimbabwe, India, Haiti & the • Reduce Stress Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras & El Salvador, Brazil, Appalachia, Israel/Palestine • Increase Self-Estee m the U .S ./Mexican Border and the Philippines • Improve Relationship s Global 2940 16th St. #307 • Greater Prosperity Exchange San Fran CA 94103 • More Effectiveness For Appt. or Seminar Info: Mark Jutton 471-8249 Brian Fusco 476-8024 THAT'S THE BEST Liz Cool 428-8724 W Men's magazine . . .

— the one that deal s most honestly with how men relate to eac h other, to women, and to kids ; the one that's gay-affirmative and opposes sex-rol e stereotypes . . . . the one that movingly explores men's hurts and joys . . .

recgubw R ? PLAYBOYA ?

Soldier of Fortune ?

Uh-uh . Its Changing Men ." — Sanford Berman, Library Journal Community Darkrooms M ------A New- /Vision of/Masculini l I'm Interested Ina magazine for Changing Men! 316 Waverly Avenue Enclosed S$6 (Watson Theatre Complex) AYrw Qly _ arse _sea 443-2450 O NO-RISK TRIAL SUBSCRIPTION : draws 1n. .aegeu.e . H you cnonae sour mind us' ails. us. Well refund the wgCrlplbn MC* , Includes use of our new Amiga 2000 compute r Mall 1d: Changing Men 306 N . Brooks 305A Madison, wl 53715 ------

12 Peace Newsletter 11/89 newspaper. A neighbor has asked me to speak to a A Nicaraguan Diary local town historical society . A friend wrote, " It By Joan Goldberg certainly provides us with deeper insight when w e Last of a two-part series. read the papers ." Here are notes I made from charlas A very special part of the trip was meetin g ("chats") with representatives of various Juana's brother. Juana and her family are El organizations: Salvadorean refugees who were recently in publi c La Organizacion de Revolutionario sanctuary in Syracuse . About ten years ago her Descapacitados -- Open to anyone with a physical brother disappeared from El Salvador and everyone or mental disability, this group is committed to assumed he was dead . Them about a year ago hi s empowering people to find a place in society rathe r family received a telephone call from him . He had than being marginal and to sensitizing th e been living in Managua for the past six years . I government to their needs . The focus is o n met him when I was there and we spent hour s architectural barriers and accessibility of schools , looking at photographs of his family that I brought health centers, banks, parks, movie theaters an d with me and talking about their lives now . When I bus stops. Members don't want the new society t o returned, I visited Juana and her family in Canada include discrimination of disabled. They want to (where they are now living), bringing bac k change the way society looks at them and the way photographs and letters for them . I was able to they feel about themselves . make the connection for them that right now the y The CDS (Sandinista Defense Committee) -- cannot make for themselves . It brought home to me This group works directly with the people in their in a very personal way the effects of ou r community to solve problems related to their basic government's policies on people whom I care about . needs. Its present priority is educating people about As I write this, the United States is doin g health issues. This is very difficult and takes tim e everything possible to discredit the upcoming' to change ideas and people's ways of thinking. elections (February 1990) in Nicaragua, making it Ministry of Economy, Industry and impossible for a free and independent Nicaragua to Commerce -- The Sandinistas have been able to put exist. Delegitimizing Nicaragua's elections is key to some curbs on inflation . They had no prior the U.S.'s efforts to destabilize Nicaragua . If the experience in government; they inherited an old elections can be condemned, then th e technology and a large foreign debt. Because a administration will be able to justify continued large percentage of their budget has to be used for aggression. defense, there is less for civilian consumption. Congress recently approved sending mor e Presently, there exists an economy of surviving, not than 9 million dollars to aid the Nicaraguan yet one of reconstruction . Nicaragua can never grow elections . In his letter to me of Sept. 18, on its own if dependent. Congressman Walsh stated: "I also do not believe Ciudad Sandino -- I talked with teachers in- we should become involved in their upcomin g the adult education program . The same situations elections ... other than to send a team of onlookers exist there -- mostly women enroll in the programs, Mr. Walsh then voted for the funding. (The there is a high drop out rate because of personal election reform law of Oct . 1988 permits donation s and family problems, husbands feel threatened from abroad, half of which may be made to politica l because the wives are becoming literate. parties, the other half to finance election expenses .) We share many problems -- singe-parent It is urgent that this money not be used to families, domestic violence, alcoholism and th e influence or to undermine the elections . "invisibility" of those with mental and physical What can we do locally? disabilities. 1. Keep writing Congressman Walsh and My friends donated items for me to take : others in Congress demanding that the U .S. not by crayons, pens, pencils, pads ; a bag filled with gauz e involved in the- elections, challenging the bandages and aspirin and Tylenol samples from a disinformation and holding them accountable for doctor friend, two dozen toothbrushes from m y their actions. Send copies to local newspapers . dentist. We distributed these to the neighborhood 2. You or your group can participate in the children and their families -- their joy and campaign by contributing to Nicaragua Network appreciation for these simple gifts were very and Quest for Peace to supply the Nicaraguan moving. government with much-needed pens, pencils and It has been very important to me to tell the markers for the elections. For information call (202) story of what I experienced to the media and t o 223-2328. friends, family and acquaintances. For some, it has 3. Contact Witness for Peace (422-9299) fo r validated what they already believe; for others, it additional actions you can take, to obtain a presented another perspective . My friend's son Citizen's Campaign Press Kit, and/or to participat e wants to quote me in his column in his college in a special election delegation to Nicaragua.

14 Peace Newsletter 11/89

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT EVERY TUES. 'Evening with 1 2 3 4 Arabesque ; Arabic televisio n tt/3,11/S'TheSnald n 9 Roots , EVERY SUN.P gple's 80 Every tat end 3rd Moe . show. Channel 7, 7pm 'Disciple Is rata dirty word : Minutes Cooke Cable Ch. 7 , Syracuse Real Food coo p Parenting skills with young EVERY THURS. Arise Women's a play about minorities with Council meets, 7pm t dWdren• King of King s support group. 10-1130am cal l AIDS. 8evard Room Civic Ctr. 8pm 472-5478 EVERY TUES.Syr. Covenan 425-2121 for into. 8p m Sanctuary Mtg . 7pm May Lutheran Church . Liverpool. 472-3171 Memorial Church 7-8 :30pm 'Gender and Conflict . Personal and Political' by Terry Northrup EVERY SUN. South Africa Now EVERY TUES. Lesbian d Gay EVERY 2nd and 4th THUR. of PARC Rm. 302 Schine weekly news from South Africa Youth Program Support Grou p Gay and Lesbian Alliance of Student Ctr . Fri. Lunch Series 5pm WCNY Channel 24 . meets 6-9pm call 422-9741 Syr . (GLAS) 730pm ECOH 12noon-fpm. EVERY WED. Allianc 5 Election Day 8 e 9 10 EVERY FRL Act -Up 11 6 7 meets at ECOH 6p m ECOH 7ppm 'Hold on :Robeson County's Pople for Animal Rights Mtg . 475-4120 for into. EVERY THURS. AIDS "Native American Women and Fight for Justice.' Video and 7pm Call Linda for info. Bereavement Grp . AIDS Tas k AIDS ; by Kally Martin . Rm. 302 Veterans Day (U.S .) artwork about Timothy Jacob's 475-0062 Force 7pm Schine Student Ctr. noon-fpm struggle against racist and 11/10-11/12 Statewide Cont. o n Remembrance Day religious violence . May Memorial SANE/FREEZE msg . Pat Toxic Waste . Mario Cuomo, Lois (Britian) Unitarian Society . 1225pm Rector 446-2380 Gibbs, etc . Workshops, tours . Sunday Night Underground at Travel and conference EVERY TUES. Lesbian & scholarships available Call Lin Schine Student Center Meet for free co fee and tea and hear Gay Youth mtgs . 6-9pm Socialist Forum 7pm at ECOH Nelson for into . 471-6187 singers, speakers and 13 1 4 15 Paleetnisin Declaration 1 6 17EVERY F . Country Dancing 1 8 performing artists. Presented by of Independence the Westcott M usic Women In Black vigil to protest EVERY TUES. AIDS Support 11/13-11/17 PNL Production 8-10pm, Grace Epfs. Ch. $3 Assoc. the Israeli oaupation of the Grp. 7pm AIDS Task Force of 'Families L akin9:itnP~'in 9 Come down to hey put 'Life and Letters at Princess As-71t1 pm Call Lee Spintds communication skills and for info. 428-bA?1 West Bank and Gaza CNY 627 W . Genessee St . together the December PNLI Etta," by Helen Reed, Rm. 302 1 2 Intersection of E. Genesee St. 475-2430 resolving conflicts peacefully ' Call Jo Ann 472-5478 Schine Student Ctr. Women and Erie Blvd . 5 6prn Cal Lind a King of Kings Lutheran Church, Studies Program Seminar 1 l. 7-8 .oprn cat : 'The Life and Times of Sunday Night Underground at for into. 472-9386 7 Film noon-fpm Help People for Animal Right s 4 Harvey Milk' sponsored by ACLU BIN of Rights cabaret at Sdrine Student Center. Into Overview of Earthwak , r . Refreshments Moving? Please save us 30 e same as above. 7-term mail out their newsletter. 7pm Final DeedMro PNL Calenda GLAS . ECOH MMUS. Call ACLU office for enviom mental form of triba l Call Linda for into. 475-0062 hems JoAnnStak 472. 6478 available 730pm 422-5732 more Into. and let us know before hand . leaders from Africa, Australia. 1 9 New Zealand, and the U.S. 21 22 23 Thanksgiving 24 25 Sunday Night Undergroundt a OCPL Petit Branch, 105 Vidorfa Place 7pm call 148 4700 EVERY TOES Meeting wit h Fur Free Friday. Protest the fu r Schine Student Center : Info those infected with HIV/AIDS business with the c for same as above . 7-11pm Final Deadline AIDS Task Force of CNY Animal Rights front is & For PNL Artidee and ADS Dey's on S . Salina St . 1130-fpm, 492-045 9 20 EVERY FRI: Gay Mans Support EVERY TUES. New If groups listed change regular Group, Metropolitan Community New Jewish Agenda monthly Assoc. Meditation 73E0. 8pm mtg. times or places, please let Church at Grace Episcopal mtg . call 479-5393 for Info. 475-4188 us know. AmericaAme Vigil 730am,Fedr .bldg 730pm 471-6618 26 27 28 EVERY TUES. Y~ Class 29 30 PNL Mailing Patty 7 s3gxn women .. Into General o Call JoAnn at 472-5478 for Into EVERY SUN : Metropolitan EVERY MOH: ARISE Men's 6p1 17en Int f Union Pdestinian tO Community Church Alisn Group 2~30pm . 472-3171 t loon 27th C .D. Novembe w 6prn, Grace Episcopal at Schiele Student Ctr. SU rservice, H C 4 71-061 8 nag Hoppe Memorial 1110 S. crinvos : .'~ State St . 472-433 1 EVERY THURS: SPC Volunteer~ :?' ::~:?~ :"% :t':`:`:?''' ::::::~ :? :sr'i::'.` :~:tai'.'•` .% :? :: :~ : :: :'~i~ ~ o To the Limit' woits~ Night, m, Lots of fun "::::• '!i..::....:. .::::::::::::::::::;;::::::::::.. 471-4676 for info . 7-8 Death Penally Vigil, noon U W l 3-5pm Plymoutrtxxnh 5 :1 7:1 5pm. Cali sister 30Pm IS Congreationaeatfonffi cChurch Patricia'Bergen 475-281 1 Columbus Circle 475-4822 Z 0 0 w O cNr1 w < T cc W ¢ W Q}f,. 0

t, -T o D ce Ai o q ' rn " co g fg N o >-