Understanding Palestine and Israel, with Phyllis Bennis
By Jan Nelson
I pay close attention to the news about Palestine and Israel, so at first I almost did not register for the October 15th webinar sponsored by United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR) and MFSA. I wondered what I could learn in an hour that I did not already know.
As it turned out, I learned a lot. The speaker, Phyllis Bennis, a leading voice in US and global movements supporting Palestinian rights and challenging US foreign policy, was excellent. The discussion covered the current Gaza ceasefire and what it could mean moving forward. If the ceasefire holds, it might be a first step, but there is not yet a real peace plan.
I also heard perspectives that are not often included in mainstream media, including insights into Hamas, what is happening in the West Bank, and the broader conversation about the region’s future.
The webinar is well worth 80 minutes of your time. You can watch it at the UMKR website.
Act Now: Support the Block the Bombs Act
Individuals concerned about justice in Palestine are encouraged to advocate for H.R. 3565, the Block the Bombs Act. This legislation would prohibit the sale or transfer of weapons currently being used in Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Even with a ceasefire in place, such measures remain essential to uphold international law and prevent further violence.
