Emergency Forum Raises Solidarity Funds for Lebanon Relief
August 11, 2006 -- In response to an urgent fund appeal at an emergency forum Wednesday night, representatives of the Chicago Coalition Against War & Racism today wired $788 in solidarity funds to Samidoun, a coalition of progressive Lebanese groups which have thrown themselves into organizing refugee relief in Beirut. The forum had been called to discuss the politics of the current conflict and discuss what, in addition to protests, vigils, etc, peace activists could do in solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Gaza.
About 1/4 of Lebanon's people have been displaced by the Israeli invasion and bombings, with fleeing refugees further harassed by bombed out roads, bridges and dwellings. Just today, an Israeli air strike killed several people as it hit a refugee column leaving the south of the country, despite the column having been authorized by the Israelis themselves and accompanied by UN observers.
The recipient of the solidarity funds raised by CCAWR, Samidoun, describes itself as "a grassroots coalition that aims to work in a democratic and participatory atmosphere. The coalition is multi-confessional and diverse in terms of nationality. The coalition is also diverse in its composition in terms of supporting organizations, from student groups, to the gay and lesbian center, to arts and film production collectives, to small political parties, to environmental groups."
Besides the fund appeal and the emergency forum, CCAWR has helped organize most of the pro-Palestian/pro-Lebanese protests in Chicago during the current U.S./Israeli onslaught. As Israel and the United States do their best to destroy Lebanon's economy and infrastructure, we appeal to all of good will to continue raising funds for Samidoun, a progressive, non-sectarian voice operating in extremely difficult circumstances.. To make a donation, please go to Samidoun http://www.samidoun.org
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