After graduating from the Academy of Music in Jerusalem in 1978, Shaheen was appointed its instructor of Arab music, performance, and theory. Two years later he moved to New York City to complete his graduate studies in performance at the Manhattan School of Music, and later in performance and music education at Columbia University.

In 1982, Shaheen formed the Near Eastern Music Ensemble in New York, establishing a group that would perform the highest standard of traditional Arab music. This time also marked the beginning of Shaheen’s workshops and lecture/demonstrations in schools, colleges, and universities to educate the younger generation. As a champion and guardian of Arab music, Shaheen still devotes almost fifty percent of his time to working with schools and universities, including Julliard, Columbia, Princeton, Brown, Harvard, Yale, University of California in San Diego, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and many others.

His concert credits are a veritable compendium of the world’s greatest venues: Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Cairo’s Opera House, Theatre de la Ville in Beirut, and Belgium’s Le Palais des Arts. In May of 2004, Shaheen appeared at Quincy Jones’ “We Are The Future,” fundraising concert in Rome in front of a half million strong crowd.

As a composer, Shaheen has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, Meet the Composer, the Jerome Foundation, Continental Harmony, and Yellow Springs Institute. In addition to his recorded work, his theatrical repertoire includes Majnun Layla, (performances included the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, and The Museum of Natural History in New York), The Book and the Stranger (from Kalilah Wa-Dimanah), Possible City, and Collateral Damage with actress Vanessa Redgrave. He has also written the music for the documentary of the British Museum’s Egyptian collection, which has toured U.S. museums.

Since 1994, Shaheen has produced the Annual Arab Festival of Arts, called “Mahrajan al-Fan.” Held in New York, the festival showcases the work of the finest Arab artists, while presenting the scope, depth and quality of Arab culture. To continue this exposure to Arab music and culture, Shaheen founded the Annual Arabic Music Retreat in 1997. Held each summer at Mount Holyoke College, this weeklong intensive program of Arabic music studies draws participants from the U.S. and abroad.

For the past six years, though, Shaheen has focused much of his energies on Qantara . The band, whose name means arch in Arabic, brings to life Shaheen’s vision for the unbridled fusion of Arab, jazz, Western classical, and Latin American music, a perfect alchemy for music to transcend the boundaries of genre and geography.

“I want to create a world music exceptionally satisfying to the ear and for the soul,” says Shaheen, “This is why I selected members for Qantara who are all virtuosos in their own musical forms, and whose expertise and knowledge can raise the music and the group’s performance to spectacular levels.”

Qantara made their first live recording debut on Mondo Melodia/ARK21’s “Historic Live Recording of the Two Tenors & Qantara ,” featuring tenors Wadi al-Safi and Sabah Fahkri. The disc featured two instrumental cuts by Shaheen and Qantara, which, only begins to show the band’s range and capabilities .”

Shaheen and Qantara made their full recording debut with Blue Flame, . Compositions of “Al-Qantara” and “Dance Mediterranea” sparkle like jewels, while the opening track, Blue Flame, is a bravura exhibition of Shaheen’s — and the band’s — virtuosity. The Los Angeles Times proclaimed the record “stunning,” National Public Radio called it “a staggering tour-de-force of technique and passion,” CMJ called it “a new benchmark in Arab-Western fusion,” and the Washington Post termed it “eminently cosmopolitan.”

The band has toured during 2003 and 2004, playing concerts and festivals like WOMAD USA, WOMAD Sicily, the prestigious Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival. Traveling throughout Europe and the Middle East, Qantara’s appearances have included: Beiteddine Festival in Lebanon; Les Mediterranean in France; New York’s Central Park Summer Stage; Stern Grove International Festival in San Francisco; Chicago World Music Festival; Royce Hall in Los Angeles; University Musical Society in Ann Arbor; Walker Arts Center in Minneapolis; International Souk Ukaz at the historic citadel in Amman, Jordan; and Yabous Festival in the historical Tombs of Kings in East Jerusalem amongst others . In Palestine, Shaheen conducts an annual weeklong music workshop designed for gifted children.

In addition to performing with his two bands, Qantara and the Near Eastern Music Ensemble, Shaheen tours as a solo artist internationally and as a lecturer throughout the academic world promoting awareness to Arab music through numerous lecture and workshop presentations.

Moe Rock
At 15 years old in Iowa, Moe Rock was very impressed by the visit of Iranian Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi to his school. Shirin Ebadi was the first Iranian and Woman ever awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It’s something he never forgot. In fact, meeting Shirin Ebadi is something that affected Moe deeply and still does.

Perhaps it is quite appropriate then, 4 years later, that Moe’s song “Ah-Low” has been downloaded over half a million times directly from Iran and has become an anthem of protest.

Moe has had mentors along the way like Rich Cronin (LFO and recently the reality tv show on VH1 ‘Mission: Man Band’).

Humility, patience, and persistence are the traits that define new R&B artist Moe Rock. At the tender, young age of 19, Moe possesses impressive maturity with a new and unique writing style. “I’ve had offers on the table that most musicians dream of, but I wasn’t gona sign away my soul or sell out. I’d rather go hungry than be a millionaire who has to fake his music.” Indeed, Moe Rock has turned down record deals to maintain total creative control over his upcoming album. He believes that singers should write their own songs from the heart, and he will never compromise his principles.

The first generation son of immigrants who escaped the deadly streets of Iran during the war, Moe began writing music for himself and other artists four years ago at the age of 15. He is now one of southern California’s fastest spreading and most talked about young artists. Because Moe understands his humble beginings, 10% of his sales go to help orphans who lost their parents to war in the Middle East.

Moe has recently started a campaign asking all entertainers and musicians to wear a green wristband supporting Democracy in Iran.

ABOUT Yellow Ribbon Program…

The Yellow Ribbon program was founded in 1994 by the parents of a bright, funny, loving teen, Mike Emme, who took his life when he did not know the words to say, or how to let someone know he was in trouble and needed help.

“Don’t blame yourselves, Mom and Dad, I love you.” It was signed, “Love Mike 11:45pm”. In a move that totally stunned all who know him, Mike died-by-suicide at a time of his deepest despair. At 11:52pm his parents pulled into the driveway behind that bright yellow Mustang, - seven minutes too late!

The legacy started when Mike rescued a 1968 Ford Mustang from a field where it had sat neglected. He bought it, rebuilt it (as he had others) and painted it bright yellow. As Mike and his mustang became more and more known for his mechanical ability and for helping other teens and friends - giving them rides to and from school and work he became known as “Mustang Mike”.

Streams of stories began emerging of the help Mike had given to people. A young mother’s car had broken down late one night, leaving her and her two small children stranded on a dark road. Mike stopped and showed her his driver’s license to assure her he would not harm them, got her car started, then accompanied them home to ensure they arrived safely.

A classmate told of how Mike had canceled his order for a new transmission and bought two used ones from the salvage yard instead so that his classmate could get his car running too.

As the teens gathered to comfort the family, and each other, they discussed the tragedy of losing Mike. Mike’s mom talked with the teens about creating mementos that others could have to remember him with, and she decided that yellow would be used in honor of the cherished yellow mustang. In response to teens asking what can we do?, - she told them, ‘don’t do this, don’t attempt suicide’. ‘If you are ever at this point of despair., please ask for help’! Kids took notes! Cards were made with the message to reach out for help, that It’s OK to Ask4Help!

On the night before Mike’s memorial services, his friends shared their grief and their tears as they pinned ribbons on the cards. Five hundred ribbon cards were placed in a basket and set out at his services. All the ribbon cards were gone at the end of the services!

Three weeks - just three weeks! - after Mike’s services, a phone call came from a teacher in Wyoming. A student had given her one of those bright yellow messages of hope when the student was at a time of her own need. The teacher called becuase she wanted to get help for teens in her area. (She didn’t know if had been such a short time since this had started.) Other calls began to come in from throughout the U.S. - teens were sending those cards to everyone! Teens also began to call and write, asking for ‘those yellow ribbon cards’, ‘I want to give them to my best friend in case he/she would ever be in trouble and need help’. The ripple effect had begun!

The ribbon became the symbol of the program when the teens began tying them their hair and pinning to their clothes on the day Mike died. Yellow was in memory of his cherished ‘68 Yellow Mustang.

The HEART in the middle of the ribbon is the symbol of the survivors. Our hearts go on & our voices will speak for those who cannot.

Dr. Meltzer expanded on his eclectic approach to health and wellness when he was granted a scientific visa from the Colombian government in 1975. During this fact-finding expedition, he was able to study the lifestyle and living habits of remote villages in the Andes. It was here that he refined his expertise and philosophy on healthy lifestyles and preventing disease. Upon returning to California, Dr. Meltzer created a step-by-step nutritional detoxification program, which to this day remains a cornerstone to his wellness programs.

As the 21st century begins, we are all looking for effective alternatives to costly health care and the overwhelming physical concerns that face our aging nation. Dr. Meltzer believes “the least costly illness is the one that never occurs.” As a leading author, professor, and motivational speaker, he has created a variety of pioneering wellness programs that promote permanent weight loss, optimal health, anti-aging, and increased energy and vitality—keeping Dr. Meltzer at the leading edge of innovation in the field of health and wellness.

Dr. Meltzer has recently published The Best Kept Secret to Permanent Weight Loss, an in-depth book that incorporates much of his knowledge that he has acquired over the past 40 years.

About the Author:

Timothy T Schwartz earned a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Florida and then went to live and work in Haiti for six years. His research included 15 months living with impoverished Haitians in the thatch-roofed huts of a remote fishing hamlet and three years residing in agricultural settlements and villages. He worked as a consultant for international aid agencies, including the German foreign ministry (GTZ), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), French ID (Initiative Developpment), and CARE International, the world’s largest international charity. Since leaving Haiti he has been living in the neighboring Dominican Republic where he works as an international consultant specializing in Haitian-Dominican relations and coordinates social impact assessments for private companies. His studies have been funded by the National Science Foundation, the Curtis Wilgus Foundation and the University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Recent publications include the Haiti entry for an encyclopedia of world cultures, Countries and Their Cultures (Macmillan Reference USA: Yale University), an article in the refereed Journal for Research in Economic Anthropology entitled Pronatalism and the Economic Utility of Children in Jean Rabel, Haiti, and an article published in the Caribbean’s oldest and most prestigious journal, New West Indian Guide, entitled Subsistence Songs: Haitian ‘téat’ performances, gendered capital and livelihood strategies in Jean Makout, Haiti.

To purchase Travesty in Haiti:

http://www.booksurge.com/Travesty-in-Haiti-A-true-account/A/1419698036.htm

Barbara was named on October 15, 2007 to the National Women’s Business Council. The Federal appointment is for a 3 year term. In addition, Barbara currently serves as Co-Chair of the National Global Trade and Technology Board of Directors, whose mission is to help reverse the long standing trends in balance of trade deficits by making the task of finding, selling and delivering US products and services into global markets as simple as doing business next door. She is also a media resource for the White House Project and has been recently cited as CEO of one of the top 3 most powerful non-profits in Washington, DC.

In addition, Barbara has previously served as President of The National Association of Business Owners in Detroit, Vice President of Public Policy for the national NAWBO organization, SCORE and on various community Boards, including: Detroit Edison Community Relations Board, Forgotten Harvest, International Institute and Majority Business Initiative. Barbara has served on the national Board of Directors of the Women’s Leadership Forum for the Democratic National Committee and served as the Small Business Chair for Kerry for President. She has helped develop new and closer relationships with the US Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Centers, Department of Commerce and local, national and international corporate leaders. She also advises for the Committee for Working Families for Wal*Mart. Barbara has served as a Delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business, was an invited delegate to President Clinton’s Midwest Regional Economic Summit and was the recipient of the State of Michigan Women in Business Advocate of the Year in 1995.

Please visit: www.WIPP.org

Today, with the same passionate determination, he has directed his energy towards the entertainment industry. In a record period of time, this famed political activist and early leader of the American Indian Movement (AIM) has become immersed in all five corners of the business, with projects including: Lead roles in major feature films, (The Last of the Mohicans, Oliver Stone’s Natural Born Killers, as a chief in John Candy’s comedy Wagons East and as the ghost of Jim Thorpe in Wind Runner); Disney’s third highest ever selling video (Pocahantas) in which he was the voice of Pocahontas’ father, a television documentary for HBO (Paha Sapa), (Indian Father and Son) a pilot he created; Two albums of protest music with lyrics he wrote (Electric Warrior and The Radical). On the technological side, he stars in a CD-ROM (Under A Killing Moon) and has created his own website www.russellmeans.com. The website features information regarding the A.I.M. club, his recordings via the American Indian Music Company, his art, book, current events, biography and upcoming appearances and direct e-mail to Russell. Born on South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation in 1939, Russell Means is the eldest son of Hank Means, an Oglala Sioux, and Theodora (Feather) Means, a full-blooded Yankton Sioux. Shortly after the outbreak of WWII, his family moved to California, where he graduated from San Leandro High in 1958 and continued his formal education at Oakland City College and Arizona State.

Russell’s commitment to uplift the plight of his people escalated when he served as director of Cleveland’s American Indian Center. It was there he met Dennis Banks, co-founder of the American Indian Movement, and embarked upon a relationship that would rocket them both into national prominence. During this period, Russell staged numerous events designed to bring dignity to the American Indian. His most famous act of defiance, however, occurred at Wounded Knee on February 27, 1973. Responding to the numerous murders perpetrated by puppet tribal governments and the extreme conditions of oppression, the takeover at Wounded Knee revisited the sight of the American Indian massacre at the hands of U.S. soldiers in 1890. Ever vigilant for his cause, Russell has been lauded by the international community for his tireless efforts.

Russell splits his time between San Jose, NM, his ranch on the Pine Ridge Sioux Indian reservation, Porcupine, SD and his office in Santa Monica, CA. He takes pride in having instituted programs for the betterment of his people: notable, the Porcupine Health Clinic (the only non government funded clinic in Indian Country) and KILI radio, the first Indian owned radio station. Today, one of his principle goals is the establishment of a Total Immersion School, which is based on a concept created by the Maori people of New Zealand, where children are immersed in the language, culture, science, music and storytelling of their own people. Russell will adapt this total immersion concept to the Indian way of life and philosophy which is taught from a perspective that will nurture a new generation of proud children educated in the context of their own heritage.

Russell Means has devoted his life to eliminating racism of any kind, and in so doing he leaves a historical imprint as the most revolutionary Indian leader of the late twentieth century. An inspirational visionary, Russell Means remains one of the most magnetic voices in America today. Whether leading a protest, fighting for constitutional rights, starring in a motion picture, or performing his ‘rap-ajo’ music, the message he delvers is consistent with the philosophy he lives by, which states:

The Universe which controls all life, has a female and male balance that is prevalent throughout our Sacred Grandmother, the Earth. This balance has to be acknowledged and become the determining factor in all of one’s decisions, be they spiritual, social, healthful, educational or economical.
Once the balance has become an integral part of one’s life, all planning, research, direct action and follow-up becomes a matter of course. The goals that were targeted become a reality on a consistent basis. Good things happen to good People; remember time is on your side.

Mitaku Oyasin (we are all related)

Eby’s ColdCure zinc lozenges use one of the only formulations ever demonstrated in the history of common cold research to reduce dramatically the duration and severity of all common cold symptoms in independent, non-company, double-blind, clinical trials published in peer reviewed medical journals. His 5-gram peppermint flavored ColdCure zinc lozenges release 18.0 mg iZn and they are pleasant tasting but highly astringent - evidence of iZn.

These by findings have been documented in medical journal articles:

Zinc lozenges as cure for common cold: THE LATEST WORD

Wayne State University - Prasad et al. - 2008

Wayne State University - Prasad et al. - 2000

University of Texas - Petrus et al. - 1998

British Medical Research Council Common Cold Unit - Al-Nakib et al. - 1987

University of Texas - Eby et al. - 1984

Additional science.

and

U.S. PATENT 5,409,905 World’s only cure for common cold patent

George Eby believes more chronic diseases are due to certain nutritional deficiencies than one would ordinarily belive, often zinc and magnesium (and in aging, Omega-3 EFAs, taurine, arginine). In brief, if we knew enough about nutrition, we would need few drugs.

The young attorney became distressed by the indifference of American corporations to the global consequences of their actions, and he began to speak out against the abuse of corporate power. He first made headlines in 1965 with his book, Unsafe at Any Speed, which took the auto industry to task for producing unsafe vehicles. Nader became an American folk hero when executives of General Motors hired private detectives to harass him and then publicly apologized before a nationally televised Senate committee hearing.

The consumer advocate went on to create an organization of energetic young lawyers and researchers (often called “Nader’s Raiders”) who produced systematic exposés of industrial hazards, pollution, unsafe products, and governmental neglect of consumer safety laws. Nader is widely recognized as the founder of the consumers’ rights movement. He played a key role in the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Freedom of Information Act and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. He has continued to work for consumer safety and for the reform of the political system through his group Public Citizen.

For many years, Ralph Nader has harshly criticized the two major political parties for preserving a campaign finance system that makes them both dependent on wealthy contributors. In 1996 he appeared on the ballot in some states as the Presidential candidate of the Green Party, but ran a largely symbolic campaign, making only a handful of public appearances to promote his candidacy. He made a more substantial effort in 2000, running nationwide as the candidate of the Green Party. He won nearly three million votes nationwide, close to three percent of the votes cast.

After the closest presidential election in American history, many Democrats blamed Nader for their loss of the presidency. They speculated that had Nader not entered the race, they would have won enough of Nader’s voters in either Florida or New Hampshire to shift the balance of electoral victory in their favor. Despite opposition from many of his previous supporters, Ralph Nader ran for president again as an independent candidate in 2004. In February 2008, he announced that he would officially enter the presidential contest for the fourth time, as an independent candidate. He lives and maintains his offices in Washington, DC.

ABOUT ‘ONLY THE SUPER-RICH CAN SAVE US!’

“In the cozy den of the large but modest house in Omaha where he has lived since he started on his first billion, Warren Buffett watched the horrors of Hurricane Katrina unfold on television in early September 2005. . . . On the fourth day, he beheld in disbelief the paralysis of local, state, and federal authorities unable to commence basic operations of rescue and sustenance, not just in New Orleans, but in towns and villages all along the Gulf Coast. . . He knew exactly what he had to do. . .”

So begins the vivid fictional account by political activist and bestselling author Ralph Nader that answers the question, “What if?” What if a cadre of superrich individuals tried to become a driving force in America to organize and institutionalize the interests of the citizens of this troubled nation? What if some of America’s most powerful individuals decided it was time to fix our government and return the power to the people? What if they focused their power on unionizing Wal-Mart? What if a national political party were formed with the sole purpose of advancing clean elections? What if these seventeen superrich individuals decided to galvanize a movement for alternative forms of energy that will effectively clean up the environment? What if together they took on corporate goliaths and Congress to provide the necessities of life and advance the solutions so long left on the shelf by an avaricious oligarchy? What could happen?

This extraordinary story, written by the author who knows the most about citizen action, returns us to the literature of American social movements—to Edward Bellamy, to Upton Sinclair, to John Steinbeck, to Stephen Crane—reminding us in the process that changing the body politic of America starts with imagination.

This book exposes important, often obscured truths about our money system and our economic past and future. Our money is not what we have been led to believe. The creation of money has been “privatized,” or taken over by a private money cartel. It is all done by sleight of hand, concealed by economic double-speak. “Web of Debt” unravels the deception and presents a crystal clear picture of the financial abyss towards which we are heading, pointing out all the signposts. Then it explores a workable alternative, one that was tested in colonial America and is grounded in the best of American economic thought, including the writings of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. If you care about financial security, your own or the nation’s, you should read this book.

Ellen Brown has applied her training as a litigating attorney, researcher and writer to the monetary field, unearthing facts that even the majority of banking and financial experts ignore: ranging from the privatization of money creation, to the Plunge Protection Team, to the Federal Reserve’s `Helicopter Money.

About “NATURE’S PHARMACY”

The definitive, A to Z guide to combating disease and enjoying optimal health–naturally

This straightforward resource compendium takes the guesswork out of finding safe and reliable natural approaches to healing. It gives readers the knowledge and confidence to battle disease and enjoy great health–drug-and-surgery free.

Packed with timely facts and practical information, NATURE’S PHARMACY cuts to the heart of what works and what doesn’t. Arranged alphabetically by ailment, it covers 200 common conditions, ranging from acne to Lyme Disease to whooping cough. For each disorder, readers will discover the underlying causes, warning signs, and best methods of treatment. The authors compare traditional doctor’s orders with natural alternatives, including herbs, nutritional supplements, and essential oils. Throughout, they highlight the best brands and dosage ranges, as well as potential side effects and dangers. They also offer plenty of targeted tips on diet, exercise, meditation, color therapy, motivational thinking, and other health-boosters.

Backed by extensive research and filled with lively patient histories and testimonials, NATURE’S PHARMACY is a proven guide to getting and staying well–naturally

Perhaps it is quite appropriate then, 4 years later, that Moe’s song “Ah-Low” has been downloaded over half a million times directly from Iran and has become an anthem of protest.

Moe has had mentors along the way like Rich Cronin (LFO and recently the reality tv show on VH1 ‘Mission: Man Band’). He also looked to Immortal Technique and (add to this list if you wish)

Humility, patience, and persistence are the traits that define new R&B artist Moe Rock. At the tender, young age of 19, Moe possesses impressive maturity with a new and unique writing style. “I’ve had offers on the table that most musicians dream of, but I wasn’t gona sign away my soul or sell out. I’d rather go hungry than be a millionaire who has to fake his music.” Indeed, Moe Rock has turned down record deals to maintain total creative control over his upcoming album. He believes that singers should write their own songs from the heart, and he will never compromise his principles.

The first generation son of immigrants who escaped the deadly streets of Iran during the war, Moe began writing music for himself and other artists four years ago at the age of 15. He is now one of southern California’s fastest spreading and most talked about young artists. Because Moe understands his humble beginings, 10% of his sales go to help orphans who lost their parents to war in the Middle East.

REBECCA VILKOMERSON - Director Jewish Voice For Peace

I have been visiting Israel my whole life. My aunt “made aliyah” as a young adult, and my grandparents soon followed her. My parents also lived in Israel for a year before I was born. I have layer upon layer of memories of being in Israel with my family throughout my life.

My Israeli family are religious kibbutzniks. When I was twelve, my favorite cousin’s fiance died in a car bombing in Lebanon during his last two weeks of army service. She had known him since they were both thirteen, and it took her years to recover. The ripples of grief this one death caused brought home to me, in some small way, the impact of Israel?s wars.

My connection to Israel was reinforced when Nasser,the Jordanian manager of my neighborhood cafe here in San Francisco,decided to introduce me to one of his best customers–Yoni, an Israeli.When we married, I gained a whole other Israeli family.

Shortly after I met Yoni, the second intifada brokeout. The combination of these two events forced me to sharpen my knowledge of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I had enough vague ideasa bout the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza to debate with my fathera bout Israeli policies, but I realized I needed to know more.

In my professional life, I am an organizer and advocate, specifically around welfare, homelessness, and other issues that affect low-income people in the United States. In my work I have seen enough of the negative impact of American capitalism and racism to question the prevailing myths of American opportunity and American history. The history and politics we are taught in school often do not reflect reality–whether in the United States or around the world.

Like many people, because of my emotional attachment to Israel, I had been reluctant to examine the “story” of Israel-making the desert bloom, the heroic wars Israel fought as the underdog, the duplicitousness of the “Arabs” (never Palestinians). But then I began to educate myself. I read books like “The Iron Wall” by Avi Shlaim and”Drinking the Sea at Gaza” by Amira Haas. I became a regular reader of the Electronic Intifada and JewishPeace News. As my own position became clearer to me, I knew I needed to become active in the movement for justice for Palestinian people.

The more I learned, the more I had to question not just the occupation, but the premise of a state for one religious group. I had to look at my own politics and ask myself if giving rights to some people and not others is consistent with my values. For example, do I believe that immigration laws should be based on ethnic identity? Would I define a country as democratic if only Christians had full rights? The answer, of course, is no. But in Israel, this is the reality.

I don’t currently belong to a synagogue, so JVPhas become my Jewish community. It is a pleasure to struggle with otherJews to live the ethics that I associate with Judaism in the fight forjustice in Israel and Palestine.

Rebecca is the new director of Jewish Voice For Peace, whose mission statement is to work together for peace, social justice, equality, human rights, respect for international law, and a U.S. foreign policy based on these ideals. JVP opposes anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab bigotry and oppression. JVP seeks an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem; security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians; a just solution for Palestinian refugees based on principles established in international law; an end to violence against civilians; and peace and justice for all peoples of the Middle East.

Jewish Voice For Peace seeks:

-A U.S. foreign policy based on promoting peace, democracy, human rights, and respect
for international law

-An end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem

-A resolution of the Palestinian refugee problem consistent with international law and equity

-An end to all violence against civilians

-Peace among the peoples of the Middle East

Please Visit:

http://www.JewishVoiceForPeace.org

“Look around,” the drill sergeant said. “In a few years, or even a few months, several of you will be dead. Some of you will be severely wounded or so badly mutilated that your own mother can’t stand the sight of you. And for the real unlucky ones, you will come home so emotionally disfigured that you wish you had died over there.”

It was Week 7 of basic training . . . eighteen years old and I was preparing myself to die.

They say the Army makes a man out of you, but for eighteen-year-old SPC Michael Anthony, this fabled rite of passage is instead a dark and dangerous journey. After obtaining his parents’ approval to enlist at seventeen, Anthony begins this journey with an unshakeable faith in the military based on his family’s long tradition of service. But when he finds himself in a medical unit of misfits as lost as he is, Anthony not only witnesses firsthand the unspeakable horror of war, he experiences the undeniable misconduct of the military. Everything he’s ever believed in dissolves, forcing Anthony to rethink his ideals and ultimately risk his career—and his freedom—to challenge the military that once commanded his loyalty.

This searing memoir chronicles the experiences that change one young soldier forever. A seasoned veteran before the age of twenty-one, he faces the truth about the war—and himself—in this shocking and unprecedented eyewitness account.