From:
Move Over AIPAC Frequently Asked Questions
(moveoveraipac.org) --
Why Move Over AIPAC?
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has a dangerous stranglehold over U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East. AIPAC’s unrelenting support for the illegal policies of the Israeli government—separation walls, settlements, the siege of Gaza—in addition to its bellicose policies across the region, especially Iran, has been devastating for Palestinians and the Middle East, including Israel. It also harms our reputation around the world and squanders $3 billion a year subsidizing the powerful Israeli military when we need that money to rebuild the United States. It’s time to wean U.S. policy away from AIPAC’s grip towards an even-handed position that respects international law and the human rights of all people in the region. Read why one of the organizers, Rae Abileah, is going to Move Over AIPAC in this blog post here.
What are the goals of Move Over AIPAC?
The goals of Move Over AIPAC include:
* Strengthening our movement working for a just Middle East policy
• Showing politicians and the media that the tide is turning, that there is a strong movement for change that they cannot avoid
• Making AIPAC aware that they are no longer the “only game in town” and that they represent the old guard that must change in the changing times
• Building opposition to US military aid to Israel through creative protests, billboards and lobbying efforts
• Strengthening the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation’s goal of Challenging US Policy in Israel/Palestine
These goals will be achieved through actions and events aimed at bringing people together and stimulating discussion, provocative media/ad campaigns, creative direct actions, and cultural events. The goal is not to protest AIPAC or get into direct confrontations with AIPAC members. The goal is to pull the rug out from under the floor of AIPAC, to expose the truth about this lobby group and its occupation policies, and to show how another policy is possible, one based in justice, international law, human rights, respect, love, and dignity. Not only is this policy possible; it is also more strategically advantageous for Congress and the American public to support it. Our goal is not to launch a new organization or network. There are already a number of groups that are working on this front, including the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, the US Palestinian Community Network, local and national grassroots-based peace and justice groups, and faith-based networks. Rather, our purpose is to energize local movements that educate and organize their communities around the issues of how their tax dollars, resources, and policy makers are used to maintain injustice, war, and occupation in the Middle East instead of rebuilding the United States.
When is it?
Saturday – Tuesday, May 21-24, 2011
Plus join us Friday for pre-weekend orientation, trainings, and movie night.
Where is it?
All events and actions will be held within a few blocks radius of the DC Convention Center where the AIPAC Policy Conference will be.
Who is organizing this?
CODEPINK Women for Peace is coordinating Move Over AIPAC, in partnership with the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation, the US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), and with the endorsement of over 100 organizations from around the country. Have a creative action idea? Want to help organize? Email rae [at] codepink [dot] org to get involved. We’re especially looking for organizers to plan actions, join the peacekeeping/security team, be legal observers, write songs and chants, make visuals and props, and coordinate lobby day visits.
Who supports Move Over AIPAC?
An impressive list of activists and justice advocates have endorsed Move Over AIPAC, including:
The Israel Lobby authors John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt, Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein, writer Alice Walker, journalist Helen Thomas, consumer advocate Ralph Nader, authors Nadia Hijab and Phyllis Bennis, Palestinian blogger Laila El Haddad, Jewish Voice for Peace Director Rebecca Vilkomerson, peacemakers Cindy and Craig Corrie, Israeli researcher Dalit Baum, human rights lawyer Noura Erakat, clown doctor Patch Adams, Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb, union organizer Bill Fletcher, US Campaign to End the Israel Occupation national organizer and human rights advocate Anna Baltzer, Janet McMahon from the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and many more! See full Endorser list here.
What is the Move Over AIPAC Summit?
The Summit is designed to provide you with an in-depth analysis of the Israel Lobby, an inspiring opportunity to hear about movement successes, and ways to engage in your community for justice. The Summit will feature keynote speakers including The Israel Lobby authors John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt, Helen Thomas, and Nadia Hijab. There will also be workshops on how AIPAC works, Boycott, Divestment & Sanctions, Congressional advocacy, lifting the siege of Gaza, and more. See preliminary schedule here...MORE...LINK
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