Category Archives: Peace educator

Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy

In the public interest.

This was suggested to me today to look at.

We should be mindful not to speak of ‘Jewish’ as the people of Israel do not necessarily agree with their leaders, note the attempted impeachment of PM Benajamin Netanyahu. It would be the same that Australian’s do not necessary agree with PM Scott Morrison. So leaders in many countries may not be representing people but more economic interests if the truth be realised.

Moreover, politics in Israel is dominated by Zionist parties. They traditionally fall into three camps, the first two being the largest: Labor Zionism, Revisionist Zionism and Religious Zionism. There are also several non-Zionist Orthodox religious parties, non-Zionist left-wing groups as well as non-Zionist and anti-Zionist Israeli Arab parties.

The issue of ethics is the card on the table. It is the Joker. I sense war crimes tribunal beyond impeachment. Legal issues are emerging..

My understanding of semitism and those anti are referring to a wide range of people’s. I am not saying there is not prejudice against Jewish people I am sure they have suffered but the use of the world anti-Semitism is curious as it only points to Jews according to definitions. Psychologically it typically creates a barrier to criticism of Israel which blocks them from hearing critique which is important as this is where growth occurs in understanding. In all conflict resolution it is important for people to be exposed to critique, especially in a democracy. that is why the Greek Agora’s had Senators debating and critiquing each other, it assist in problem solving, if resolution is desired. If they become intolerant seeing any criticism as anti-semetic or labelled as an enemy then they won’t listen as denial will attack the other party or seek to silence them, this is anti-democratic in truth. Yet teachers come in many guises. My greatest teachers were the ones who were the cruelest to me. I came to realise that it was my own belief in powerlessness that led me to suffer. So today I no longer accept victim status but victor as I found my own power confronting and facing all fear. I overcome my suffering and am healing. I would suggest the same to Israeli’s, particularly those in government.

I do realise that people use ‘suffering’ to be victims in order to change laws, to garner support but the hard work of conflict resolution requires an inward looking approach as we often say that their are 3 fingers pointing back when we point an accusing finger. It is far harder to look within at the darkness that projects out, particularly when civilians are harmed. That is why critiques are important, for all sides.

This information below is providing insights into the Israeli Lobby in the US. Of course they are in Australia as well. The real underlying question is should they influence other countries policies? If they do, then why? How does this undermine sovereignty? How does this redirect funding away from community or public spending? etc.

Of course I send love to the Zionists, Israelis, Jews, Semites, Muslims etc. as all are my family. My wish is for the family to resolve all conflict and let’s move on from endless wars on terror, corruption in politics, interference in other countries, economic ownership as influence and think tanks manipulating public policy. How about representation by the people for the people? That is a novel idea hey. Gandhi once said about civilisation – its a good idea. I smile. One way or another without funding this will stop.

I note below $4 billion spent on the US/Israel relationships, my mind goes immediately to homeless people or the poorest. How many in both Israel, Palestine and the US could be housed with this money. How would raising socio-economic standards de-escalate violence and improve relations. Social spending is a key to peace building. Politics diverts, democracy invests in its people. Imagine if the $4 billion was invested in real Peace (peace education) in the Middle East. There was a point when I was hoping to go to the Hope Flowers school in Bethlehem but unfortunately the venture fell through due to conflict and my Australian patron leaving for the UK. I wanted to clown with both Jewish and Palestinian kids and teach REAL HOPE, as children will show the way to peace. They don’t see Jew or Muslim, they see playmate. Ref. https://schools.worldpeacefull.com/anti-bullying/

Imagine if we could drop the enemy by questioning our thoughts and see the reality without a story. When there is an intention for peace, it will happen. Peace is The Way. To not learn to live with neigbhours means there is a vested interest in war. If we look at both sides suffering on the ground, the Jewish and Muslim families, they must be so tired of this never ending war. We need to select enlightened leadership around the world to break the cycle of bullying and violence that is business as usual, particularly with men.

Here is a video that overviews the Israeli Lobby.

Ref. https://thework.com/

Ref. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Israel

Ref. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/02/police-recommend-indicting-benjamin-netanyahu-on-bribery-charges

God works in mysterious Ways huh. The truth sets all free, including the Zionists. God is love, that is how you know who is chosen.

Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy

https://pdf-download-free-books.firebaseapp.com/rP8A1Lz/The%20Israel%20Lobby%20And%20U%20S%20Foreign%20Policy%20PDF.pdf

Government > International & World Politics > Middle Eastern
This book is stunning. The two authors are prominent political scientists with impeccable credentials, hailing from Harvard and the University of Chicago. They have boldly gone where many of their academic colleagues would fear to tread. Although their conclusions about Israel and its
negative influence on American foreign policy will awaken much anxiety, resentment and fury in certain quarters, Walt and Mearsheimer don’t seem to care. Why not? They are scientists. They appeal to logic, facts and common sense; and let the conclusions fall where they may. The writing is
calm, dispassionate, thorough. The basic argument is that the extraordinarily high degree of economic, military and diplomatic support given to Israel by the United States cannot be explained
or justified by the notion that Israel functions as a strategic asset to the U.S., or that Israel as the “only democracy” amidst a sea of authoritarian neighbors is deserving of special favor for its “shared interests and values”. In fact, the authors claim, Israel is more a liability than an asset. During the
Cold War, the strategic-value argument had perhaps some plausibility — but no longer. What has replaced the Soviet menace, as the enemy which the U.S. supposedly needs Israel’s help to combat, is Islamic terrorism. But the U.S. favor shown to Israel at the expense of the Palestinians only makes us more not less vulnerable to terrorism. Furthermore Israel’s cruelty towards the Palestinians and its essential nature as a Jewish but not a truly democratic state in which all citizens of whatever ethnicity or religion would be given equal rights and respect, belie the “shared values”
argument.So if neither “shared values” nor “strategic asset” can explain the overwhelming U.S. support of Israel, what else is there? The power of the Israel lobby, which has brought about a situation in which it is impossible for elected officials to question support for Israel, much less redirect foreign policy in any way contrary to the perceived self-interest of Israel. This has led the U.S. to make critical mistakes, such as invading and occupying Iraq. The war on Iraq has proven disastrous; the authors argue that the U.S. would not have attacked Iraq, were it not for the influence of the Israel lobby. In the end, perhaps what is most significant and remarkable about this book is that it has seen the light of day. It got published. Could it be that there is still hope for reasonable, open debate about the right courses of action in the Middle East? The authors have
been and will continue to be vilified as anti-Semitic or worse. They are owed a debt of gratitude for having the courage to stand up and to refuse to be silenced. This year has witnessed an amazing phenomenon. More accomplished Americans are willing to question United States blind support for the State of Israel. Recently we have seen books out by
President Jimmy Carter, Grant Smith, Professor Petras and full-page placements in newspapers questioning the American Israel Political Actions Committee placed by the Council for the National Interest Foundation. I suspect the major reason behind this is the Iraq War. As one digs deeper in why this war occurred and who were the major advocates a deeply troubling theme emerges. The chief architects and advocates of this war were also what Pat Buchanan terms “Israel Firsters.” These are Americans who have conflated American interests with those of Israel’s. I urge all readers to do a search on Scooter Libby, Paul Wolfowitz, Elliot Abrams, Bill Kristol, Doug Feith, Richard Perle, etc. and investigate their financial and political ties to Israel. I think the reader will be astonished. I suspect that Professors Mearsheimer and Walt did just as I did and were both outraged and troubled by what they discovered. Moreover, the recent efforts by the same cabal that manipulated a rather dull President into invading Iraq are up to their same tricks again by lobbying for war against Iran and Syria. Hence the book; “The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy.” This study is both timely and critical.The authors published a brief last year that examined the Israel lobby and its impact on U.S. Middle East policy. When the Atlantic Monthly cowardly reneged on their promise to publish the paper, they found refuge with the London Review of Books. Thank to
the internet, the Lobby was not able to squelch their research. This paper has now circulated among millions of Americans. For this rather minor effort in questioning US-Israeli policy, they were subjected to slander, humiliation and threats. Faster than you could say AIPAC, the usual pro-Israel flacks, Dershowitz and Foxman, rolled out their worn out charge of anti-Semitism. I suspect if a dog’s bark was construed as critical of Israel, Dershowitz and Foxman would be on the first morning talk show claiming the dog was an “anti-Semite!” I wish these two clowns would buy a thesaurus and find other words of insult. However, to their credit, Mearsheimer and Walt upped the anty and decided to publish a more detailed and documented book on the Israel Lobby.The book examines in
detail the power that the Israel Lobby now has over U.S. Middle East policy– manifested in the extreme by the invasion of Iraq. The book is well documented with over 100 pages of notes and citations. It first examines the true financial costs of the American-Israel relationship– it should
surprise no one that this is one way relationship- the U.S. taxpayers shovel out billions of dollars every year (now exceeding $4 billion) getting little if anything in return. The authors then ask the critical question- is Israel a strategic asset or liability to the United States? Correctly they conclude
that it has evolved into a major liability. The United States pays a high price for its blind support of Israeli policies…

Hawaii: Aloha Movement Project

I was very impressed by the young man who spoke briefly at the Rotary Peace Forum in Hawaii, he is the Founder and CEO of the Aloha Movement Project.

Here is some information on how young people are creating the change.

AMP Phase 1

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AMP Phase 2

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AMP Phase 3

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AMP Phase 4

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The Movement

Aloha,

This letter presents you the opportunity to change the world for the greater good.  Currently college students across America are coming together; to use their creative minds, courageous spirits, and resources available; to ensure a positive future for humanity. In response to the irresponsible and repressive actions of our own government— we the students are creating a global network of self proclaimed future leaders of the world. We do NOT seek to fight the governments or control economies. Rather, we are here to ensure equality between all people, and enhance the quality of life for the people of the world.

The Aloha Movement Project’s (AMP) goal is to inspire creativity in students across the world. Our long term mission is to create a global network of creative minds in order to collectively build a better world. It is our belief that creativity and self expression is the key to igniting passion within us. By finding our passions, we are able to identify our purpose. In discovery of our purpose, we are able to develop strong individuals and build communities based on positive values.

Imagine a world where we could trust our government, and we did not have to live in fear of corruption, paid politicians, money hungry lawmakers, and a greedy military. Martin Luther King and Ghandi shared similar dreams. However, when studying these inspirational men, we see a pattern in their struggle for freedom. Their successes and failures are based upon a system that has been put in place to segregate and suppress the masses, while keeping the rich in power. However, in recent years the collapse in government competence and effectiveness has brought us (the students and future leaders of the world) to a breaking point, and we have decided to stand together, to take non-violent action, to ensure a healthy and prosperous future for humanity.

Now AMP is searching America for the next student leaders to “Plant an AMP” in their university. Individuals will be provided with all the resources and support necessary to host innovative “collaborative arts events” to AMPlify the voice of our passionate youth, inspire creativity, and collaborate with the community. 

We will present our global movement to the people of the world as a “Declaration of Equality”. The tour will be focused on taking a non-violent stance, to apologize for the actions of our violent government. AMP’s exciting global benefit tour will offer the most creative and talented minds in the world a chance to collaborate and experience the evolution of our global community and creativity. AMP events host a dynamic experience of the arts including positive music of all genres, live art performances of all cultures, universal dancing, and a new definition of collaborative arts. AMP’s ultimate goal is to create the “experience of music and art, to inspire creativity, and to enhance life for the people of the world.”

Rotary Peace Forum: T Shirt Theatre is Drama and Education

The T-Shirt theatre did a quick performance at the Rotary Peace Forum.  Their performance received a standing ovation.

Information about them as follows.

About

Since 1985, ADE has continued to work with every incoming FHS student, inviting the most talented and generous ones from Farrington, Kalakaua and Dole High Schools to audition for ADE’s flagship, T-Shirt Theatre of Kalihi. This low tech, high zest company of performers embodies our mission to help Hawaii’s youth rehearse for a life full of jobs, justice and joy.

45 multi-ethnic adolescents, ages 13-20, rehearse after school in the Farrington High School auditorium, home to the largest inner-city student body in Hawaii. This district, teeming with talent, lies in the shadow of five federal housing projects and has a disproportionate amount of poverty, crime, and new immigrants with language challenges.

Like the lychee in Kalihi Valley, the students are rough on the outside but sweet on the inside. Public perception of Farrington is of gangs, violence and low achievement. We want to change that perception to more accurately reflect the wide array of positive talents, accomplishments and possibilities of our urban youth. We are establishing a model that other ‘tough’ high schools can adopt. We consciously work to meet the demands of Hawaii‘s employers and communities for worker-citizens with higher-order thinking skills: critical thinking, agility in judgment, creativity, imagination, cooperative decision making, literacy, communication, and the capacity for problem-solving. Kalihi Works is a program dedicated with this charter.

We want to change that perception to more accurately reflect the wide array of positive talents, accomplishments and possibilities of our urban youth 

TST engages youth in all aspects of play production. They write original material, dance, sing, act, run lights and sound, manage front-of-house, and perform for back-to-back assemblies of 1200 students. Topics range from anger management, bullying and ecology to dealing with death, money and friendship.

Students also tour to 5th grade classes and teach performer and audience skills. These Envoy Tours to Kalihi elementary schools help youngsters gain the performing courage needed to score in class while underscoring the support an audience needs to offer shy classmates the courage to take their turn in front.

This tour ranks as irreplaceable base line to insure our kids understand what a REAL work commitment entails and to realize what being a trouper requires. After offering a short performance together, each of 6-8 TST performers solo coach 6-12 fifth graders and bring them to supported performance before the period ends. They do this 5 to 7 times per day.

The T-Shirt Theatre program helps Graduates embark with enhanced esteem that encourages future life success.

Rotary Peace Forum: Holy Mosher Filmmaker is Bonsai

Holly Mosher spoke of Muhammad Yunus Vision people may recall he is the founder of Grameen Bank and has developed other projects to help empower people with access to solar panels, micro credit, removing night blindness for children (healthy green vegetables) and developing social businesses (see below). 

Muhammad one the Nobel Peace Prize for his work impacting the third world and the empowerment of women.  He has found by tapping into women, change happens.

Molly shared her journey as a filmmaker and how filmakers can create peace by telling the stories of those who are creating the change in the world, in positive empowering ways. Her film is called Bonsai.  This is about the planting of a seed and when contained in a pot becomes a Bonsai.

Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on May 3, 2011.

A documentary feature film based on Nobel Peace Prize Muhammad Yunus’ work from microcrediit to social business. Director Holly Mosher

  • Launched: Feb 1, 2011
  • Funding ended: May 3, 2011

What if you could harness the power of the free market to solve the problems of poverty, hunger, and inequality?

To some, it sounds impossible. But Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus is doing exactly that. BONSAI looks deeply at Yunus’ extraordinary humanitarian work, which started when he simply lent $27 to 42 people out of his own pocket. As the founder of Grameen Bank, Yunus pioneered microcredit, the innovative banking program that provides poor people – mainly women – with small loans they use to launch businesses and lift their families out of poverty. His Grameen Bank currently lends to one out of every 1,000 people on Earth and with a 98% rate of return – unheard of in the financial world.

But Muhammad Yunus didn’t stop there. Now, he’s gone beyond microcredit to pioneer the idea of social business – a completely new way to use the creative vibrancy of business to tackle social problems from poverty and pollution to inadequate health care and lack of education. BONSAI offers a glimpse into his visionary work.

While Muhammad Yunus didn’t invent the notion of doing business for social good – it is a concept that needed a leader and Yunus has become that person. And BONSAI is the feature length documentary film that is going to be his megaphone. BONSAI received a grant to make the film, but we still need finishing funds and money to share it with the world.

We still need to pay the composer, sound designer, graphics artist, dvd manufacturer and lastly and most importantly ignite a word of mouth campaign to get people to see this important film. We are excited to share how microcredit and social business work and how it can be replicated successfully around the globe.

We are looking for and excited about creating partnerships with like minded individuals and organizations to really ignite this new social movement. Join us in the new social business movement today!

——————— Bonsai is fiscally sponsored by Meaningful Media – 501(c)3 Produced by Hummingbird Pictures LLC http://bonsaimovie.com (Bonsai Official Website) http://on.fb.me/evJmZc (Bonsai Facebook page)

Rotary Peace Forum: Cherine Badawi – Generation Waking Up

Cherine Badawi, Plenary Session II: “Peace through Communication”

Cherine Badawi serves as Curriculum and Training Coordinator of Generation Waking Up, a global campaign to ignite a generation of young people to bring forth a thriving, just and sustainable world. Her background as an educator and peacebuilder includes designing and facilitating peace education experiences at the elementary, secondary, university and professional levels. She has worked with thousands of people across four continents to cultivate the culture of peace through designing and facilitating workshops on intercultural understanding and collaboration, diversity and inclusion, and community organizing.

Some further information on Cherine.

http://consciouscampus.com/portfolio/cherine-badawi/

 

Cherine Badawi – Global Citizen, Peace Educator and Interculturalist

Women’s History – International Week – Diversity – Leadership- Cultural Competence

Bio:

Cherine Badawi is an accomplished experiential educator and instructional designer who has worked globally to bring people together across lines of difference and empower them to create a more socially just, thriving and peaceful world. She has designed and facilitated hundreds of transformational workshops to young people in more than a dozen countries focusing on leadership development, intercultural communication, gender issues, community building and social change. Cherine was as an intrinsic member of the inaugural voyage of The Scholar Ship, a transnational floating university that brought together students and staff from more than 50 countries. Cherine served as a senior trainer for Challenge Day, an innovative social change program recently featured on the Oprah Winfrey show.

Lectures:

Re-membering Our Power
Cherine Badawi grew up in the US as a first generation immigrant from the Middle East. Through her personal story of navigating cultural worlds with very different perspectives on gender, she takes students on a journey to understand the social conditioning of gender and the power of women to rise beyond the constrictions of their times.

Sharing the World: Raising Our Global Intelligence
Having traveled to more than 50 countries and lived for extended periods of time in four continents, Cherine Badawi considers herself a Global Citizen. In this interactive presentation, she takes students on a journey to discover four critical skills that underlie Global Intelligence and support students in being effective anywhere in the world.

Diversity Matters Now: Bridging Lines of Difference (hyperlink to workshop page)
More than a lecture, Diversity Matters Now! Is a transformative workshop that uses interactive activities to address diversity issues, enhance leadership qualities and increase capacity to build connections and community across lines of difference.

Generation Waking Up: Igniting a generation of young people to bring forth a thriving, just, sustainable world (hyperlink to workshop page)
The WakeUp is a transformational multimedia presentation that strives to: Awaken in young people a clear sense of who they are as a generation, an understanding of the urgent global challenges and opportunities they face, and a calling to take action; Empower young people with the training, mentoring, and support needed to thrive as leaders, and change agents in the 21st century; and Mobilize young people locally and globally across issues, geography, and all lines of difference, unleashing the collaborative power of the Millennial generation.

Testimonials:

“Hosting you on Stetson’s campus was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made…” – Rina Tovar, Vice President of Campus Life, Stetson University

“Your workshops have been very helpful in discovering myself; how I viewed the world, who I really wanted to be, what I wanted to achieve, why I want to see changes, and what I can contribute to make a difference.” – Eng Tze Ng, study abroad student aboard The Scholar Ship