Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace Past Events

BNP Film Night: Commander 'N Thief
Thursday, October 2, 6: 45- 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

Greg Palast, introduces the documentary and also provides staggering information in the body of the film about the RNC’s purposeful and targeted strategies for disenfranchising millions of minority voters across the United States, including African-American soldiers serving in Iraq.
The outcome of the election is that the wrong candidate was sworn in as President of the United States. The evidence presented in this documentary, “Commander ‘N Thief,” should be seen as a warning that our democracy is now in peril and that ordinary citizens must act quickly and forcefully to restore honesty, transparency and verifiability to the
American electoral system. More information 466-1192.
Calling All Veterans!
Friday, October 3, 7-9pm
Friends Meeting House
727 Madison Avenue, Albany

Please join us for a meeting of veterans and veteran supporters who are interested in coming together to discuss forming a local veterans support network and a Capital District chapter of Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW). Adrienne Kinne, member of the IVAW Board of Directors, will join our meeting to help us understand how to go about forming an IVAW chapter in Albany and tell us more about the benefits of doing so. At this meeting we'll also discuss the possibility of holding a public forum for all veterans, to help educate veterans about the benefits due to them as a result of their service. Come one, come all--and invite your friends. It's time for veterans in the Capital District to unite! For more information call Jason or Elaine, 518-439-8262.
NEPAJAC Planning Meeting
Sunday, October 5, 3 - 5 pm
Albany Public Library, 2nd Floor Conference Room
161 Washington Avenue, NY

North East Peace and Justice Action Coalition (NEPAJAC) planning meeting. This will be a gathering of several regional peace and justice organizations to plan future peace and justice in the Capital Region. We will discuss: the October 11 Stop the Wars events, organizing of a local IVAw chapter, the upcoming conference at Berkshire Community College, events planned for after the elections, the No Bush Bailout event(s) and more. Join us. Information call Joe at : 439-1968.

Film "Body of War" and presentation by media activist Dee Dee Halleck
Friday, September 12, 7:00 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue, Troy NY

Body of War is an intimate and transformational feature documentary about the true face of war today. Meet Tomas Young, 25 years old, paralyzed from a bullet to his spine - wounded after serving in Iraq for less than a week. Body of War is Tomas' coming home story as he evolves into a new person, coming to terms with his disability and finding his own unique and passionate voice against the war. The film is produced and directed by Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro, and features two original songs by Eddie Vedder. Body of War is a naked and honest portrayal of what it's like inside the body, heart and soul of this extraordinary and heroic young man.Legendary community media activist Dee Dee Halleck, who played a major role in bringing this story to film, will speak after the screening. BNP is co-sponsoring this film with the Sanctuary for Independent Media. More information: 466-1192

BNP Film Night: In Debt We Trust -America Before the Bubble Bursts
Thursday, September 4, 6: 45- 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

Film presentation of: "In Debt We Trust" ( 98 minutes), directed by Danny Schechter. "The money we owe and the bill that's coming due". The film explores the extent of credit card debt, and the methods the credit card companies use to encourage an increasing debt load by everyone from students to the elderly. This film also takes an in depth look at the connection between Congress, President Bush and the credit card industry. Join us. More information 466-1192.

Friday August 22, 2008 from 4:30-6pm
March from Masjid As-Salam Mosque, 276 Central Ave., to Washington Avenue Armory followed by a vigil at the Armory.

The Muslim Solidarity Committee invites you to join us for this march and vigil remembering the arrests of these two Muslim men from our community after a long and costly “sting operation” waged by the Albany Field Office of the FBI.

One of the important visual effects of the march is the show of solidarity by diverse community organizations that work for peace and justice. We hope that you will carry a sign or banner proudly displaying the name of your organization (we have the sign made for your organization from last year). If you want to support this effort but can't send a representative on August 22nd, would you be willing to have someone else carry the sign with the name of your group? This would help us to visually demonstrate the wide range of community support for our Muslim neighbors.

MUSLIM INNOCENCE PROJECT CONFERENCE
Saturday, August 23,
1-5 PM, ALBANY , NY ,ALBANY LAW SCHOOL, Matthew Bender Room.

LYNNE STEWART will speak about her experiences as an attorney and then a defendant unfairly charged and convicted for standing up for her client in the proudest legal tradition. SEAN MAHAR, Attorney for SYED HASHMI and ABU YOUSEF, Cleric, will speak about that case. www.freefahad.com KATHERINE HUGHES, Writer, will speak about the case of DR. RAFIL DHAFIR. www.dhafirtrial.net STEPHEN DOWNS, One of the attorneys for YASSIN AREF, and DR. SHAMSHAD AHMAD, President of the Masjid As-Salam Mosque, will speak about the AREF/HOSSAIN case. www.yassinaref.com and www.nepajac.org/Aref&Hossain.htm

After these presentations, we will have workshops on how to identify these cases and put together a nationwide database; how to reach out to the public, the media and other groups; and generally how to move forward from here. For more information, e-mail Kathy Manley at mkathy1@hotmail.com

Nurturing Peace: The 10th Anniversary, Kateri Tekakwitha Peace Conference
Friday & Saturday, August 15 & 16, 2008
National Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine, Route 5, Fonda, NY

The 10th Anniversary, Kateri Tekakwitha Peace Conference. Featuring: Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, Fr. Roy Bourgeois, M.M. Colonel (ret.) Ann Wright. Workshops, Music, Lunch and more. National Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine, Route 5, Fonda, NY For complete conference information see www.kateripeaceconference.org Cost: Friday Evening, August 15th, 2008 Free Will Offering; Saturday, August 16th, 2008, Students and Seniors $10.00, Adults - $15.00 through $40.00. High School students free.

Col. (ret.) Ann Wright, author of Dissent: Voices of Conscience
Tuesday, August 12, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Albany Public Library
161 Washington Avenue, NY

Ann Wright will speak at the Albany Public Library while she is in the Capital Region for the Kateri Tekakwitha Peace Conference. Ann Wright's new book, Dissent: Voices of Conscience, profiles of those in government and active-duty military who have spoken out, leaked documents, resigned, or refused to deploy to protest the war in Iraq. The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression named Dissent their book of the month for February 2008. Daniel Ellsberg wrote the foreword. "This … illuminating and remarkably impressive … book should be leaked into the government. … This book could awaken … officials to withdraw their complicity and … tell the truth to [the public]. This country will not escape further human, legal, and moral catastrophes, or preserve itself as a democratic, constitutional republic, if that does not happen. If you're at all like me, you will have a whole set of new heroes when you finish reading this. …Dissent: Voices of Conscience could change your life." — from the Foreword, by Daniel Ellsberg. Please see www.voicesofconscience.com for further information. BNP contact: 466-1192..

Reading of John Hersey's "Hiroshima"
Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 11:00 - 3:00 pm
West Capital Park Park (S. Swan Street steps), Albany, NY

On August 6, 1945 the United States of America used the atomic bomb for the first time on the city of Hiroshima, Japan, destroying the city; on August 9, the United States used the atomic bomb again on Nagasaki, Japan. Over 200,000 people died immediately in the two bombings and over a hundred thousand more died in the following decades as a result of the effects of the radiation.
To remember those bombings and to commemorate the victims, local citizens will be gathering to read John Hersey’s Hiroshima. Seating will be on the grass, folding chairs or blankets are suggested. The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in reading can sign up to participate when they arrive, or by calling Dan Wilcox, 482-0262, dwlcx@earthlink.net.
Hiroshima was first published in the New Yorker in 1946; it tells the story of the bombing on August 6, 1945 by following the story of six of the survivors. The book version has been in print since 1946.

John Amidon: The Middle East and a Closer Look at Hezbollah and Hamas
Thursday, August 7, 7:00 -8:30 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

From May 14- 27, 2008, John was part of the U.S. Academics For Peace Delegation which visited, Amman, Jordan, Damascus, Syria and Beirut, Lebanon meeting with academics, religious leaders and representatives of both Hezbollah and Hamas. Getting past the rhetoric and misinformation in the American press will help us understand and give an expanded insight into the Midldle East and the roles played by Hezbollah and Hamas. A slide presentation will accompany this session along with questions and answers.
John Amidon is a member of Veterans For Peace and has worked dilgently to close the School of the Americas, keep JROTC out of Albany Public Schools, to oppose torture and for impeachment of the criminal regime in Washington, D.C. In September of 2005, John traveled with Academics For Peace to Iran and Syria meeting with former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami and Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. This winter (2008) John spent as interim coordinator for the Nevada Desert Experience working to abolish nuclear weapons and for environmental justice. In May of 2008 , John returned to the Middle East as a member of U.S. Acadmeics For Peace Delegation meeting with academics, religious leaders and representatives of Hezoballah and Hamas. He has served on the National Board of Directors of Veterans For Peace and on the Board of the Interfaith Alliance of NYS. John is also the founder of the Kateri Tekakwitha Peace Conference. Information 466-1192

Welcome Picnic for Iraqi Refugees
Saturday, July 19, 1:30 - 5:30 (rain or shine!)
Islamic Center of the Capital District,
21 Lansing Rd. N., Schenectady, 12204
(off Central Ave., just past Ethan Allen on the right, going west)

3rd Annual Picnic for Peace, Grafton State Park
Sunday, July 13, 9:00 AM till Dusk
Grafton State Park, Grafton MY

Please bring your own place setting and plan to take home any recyclables that you bring to the picnic. We would like to try to have as little garbage as possible and limit that to compostable food waste.We would like to make this a carry in, carry out event so that we can add sustainability to our theme. Thanks for your efforts to help us achieve this goal. See the Stop Trashing the Climate website, which "provides compelling evidence that preventing waste and expanding reuse, recycling, and composting programs — that is, aiming for zero waste — is one of the fastest, cheapest, and most effective strategies available for combating climate change. "

4th and Fireworks Festival
Friday, July 4, Noon - 10:00 pm
Empire State Plaza
Albany

Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace will have a booth and will be selling our usual assortment of t-shirts, books, bumper stickers and buttons. NEPAJAC will be leafleting on issues such as : Ending the War on Iraq, No war with Iran, Climate Change, Single Payer Health Care and more. Wendy Dwyer will be selling END THE WAR! yard signs. We invite Capital Region groups that advocate for Peace and Justice, to join us and are hoping there will be some street theater. This is an event that draws 20,000 or more people. Let's all be there to remind them that: War is Not the Answer!! Information: 391-2830.

BNP Film Night: Orwell Rolls in His Grave
Thursday, July 3, 6: 45- 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

Film presentation of: Orwell Rolls in His Grave. ( 103 minutes) From BBC: "If Fahrenheit 9/11 lit a match under the Bush administration, this homemade documentary about the manipulation of the media by America's ruling elites solemnly stokes the resulting flames of angry discontent. Filmmaker Robert Kane Pappas's long-winded yet terrifyingly bleak Orwell Rolls In His Grave argues that the mainstream American media are no longer the voice of American freedom. Instead, they're part of a repressive political power structure that has uncanny parallels with the dystopian world of George Orwell's novel 1984... Exploding the myth of the American media's liberal bias, the film asks tough questions: why, in March 2003, did 51% of Americans believe that Saddam Hussein was personally responsible for 9/11? Why did CBS hurriedly drop a BBC-led story about electoral irregularities in Florida after the subject of the allegations - Governor Jeb Bush - denied it was true?..." Join us. More information 391-2830.

NEPAJAC : Summer Peace Events Planning Meeting
Monday, June 30, 6:30 -8:30 pm
Albany Public Library
161 Washington Avenue, NY

North East Peace and Justice Action Coalition Meeting: What's Next and how can we build on the success of our March 22 Walk for Peace and the Conference? One of the greatest strengths of our recent events has been that members of the many peace and justice organizations in the Capital Region, worked together to create these events. Join us as we discuss what we would like to do next to STOP THE WAR!! Join us. More information 391-2830.

June 21 -22, Clearwater Festival: Great Hudson River Revival. Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace will be tabling again this year at the Clearwater Festival at Croton-on-Hudson.

Monday, June 9, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Bethlehem Vigil
Four Corners Intersection of Kenwood and Delaware Avenues, Delmar

Iran and The Threat of War: Speaker- Leila Zand, Iran Program Director for the Fellowship of Reconciliation & Film- “Bam 6.6 Humanity Doesn’t Have Borders”

Thursday, June 5, 6: 45- 8:45 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

Film Showing: “Bam 6.6 Humanity Doesn’t Have Borders”which explores the humanity of the Iranian people through the prism of the devastating 2003 earthquake that struck at the heart of Bam, an ancient Iranian village. After the film, Leila Zand, Iran Program Director for the Fellowship Of Reconciliation, will speak about the threat of war with Iran. For more information: 518-439-1968

Sharmeen Obaid-Chenoy will discuss her more recent projects and show her new film "The Lost Generation" (2008)" . At 27 she is the youngest ever nominee for the Broadcast Journalist of the Year Award. Five of Obaid-Chinoy's films concern her native Pakistan, but she has also made documentaries about women in Saudi Arabia, Native American women in Canada, illegal abortions in the Philippines, Muslims in Sweden and the ill-treatment of Zimbabwean migrants in South Africa. Her portfolio is a global tour of gender oppression and social injustice." Excerpt from the Guardian, June 4, 2007 The photo is from "The Lost Generation" (2008)" Co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and the Sanctuary for Independent Media. More information: 439-8262

10th Annual May Day Celebration
Thursday, May 1, 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Prospect Park, Congress St. (Route 2) just east of Troy
Troy, NY
blic Library
451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

The 10th Annual Capital District May Day Celebration of International Workers Day. This year’s theme is “Single Payer Heath Care.” Among the speakers are: Martha Livingston, Ph.D., Associate Professor at SUNY Old Westbury who gives courses on US healthcare and comparative healthcare systems, and has lectured widely on healthcare reform; and Dr. Andy Coates, Secretary of the local chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), member of the national board of PNHP and a local activist for peace and healthcare reform. Other speakers and entertainment to be announced; in addition there will be short video screenings and tabling by local organizations. The event is free & open to the public; refreshments will be available. TheHudson-Mohawk May Day Committee includes members from the Troy Area Labor Council, Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, The Eighth Step, New York Labor History Association, the Albany Chapter of United University Professors, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace, the Upstate New York International Workers of the World, area labor unions and other activists. The Committee has planned educational and entertaining events on Labor history and current social justice issues held on May 1 throughout the Capital District for the last ten years. May Day is the International Workers’ Holiday celebrated in most industrial countries in the world. It began in the United States in the 19th Century, growing out of the struggle for the 8- hour work day and the Chicago Haymarket Massacre in 1886. For more information about the May Day 2008 Celebration contact Dan Wilcox, 518-482-0262, email: dwlcx@earthlink.net; or Art Fleischner, 518- 273-2759, email: alad8@verizon.net or go to the Hudson-Mohawk May Day Committee website.

Film Night: Mother Jones: American's Most Dangerous Woman & Made in LA
Thursday, May 1 , 7:00 -9:00 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

Mother Jones: America's Most Dangerous Woman (2007, 24 minutes) is a documentary about Mary Harris Jones, an amazing labor organizer of the early 1900's . The documentary shows how Mother Jones' organizing career influenced the history of early 20th century United States. Quote from Mother Jones: "I asked a man in prison once how he happened to be there, and he said he had stolen a loaf of bread. I told him if he had stolen a railroad, he'd be a U.S. Senator." Made in L.A. (2007, 70 minutes) jumps forward a century to follow the remarkable story of three Latina immigrants working in Los Angeles garment sweatshops as they embark on a three-year odyssey to win basic labor rights from a trendy clothing retailer. Variety called it "a rousing true story of solidarity, perseverance, and triumph." In recognition of May Day, the International Workers’ Holiday. A discussion will follow the films. More information 391-2830.

NEPAJAC : Peace and Sustainability Conference Highlights & Review
Monday, April 28 , 7:00 -8:45 pm
Albany Public Library, 1st Floor Auditorium
161 Washington Avenue, NY

NEPAJAC Meeting. If you missed the conference and would like to find out more about it and enjoy some of the highlights, or if you did attend and would like to discuss and provide feedback, please join us. Steve Wickham will review his Modern Day Pamphleteering workshop and talk with us about the carbon offset that we have purchased. We may have time to watch the 15 minute video that was highly acclaimed by attendees of the Sanctuary for Independent media workshop. Hopefully people who took photos or recorded events will have some of these recordings to share as well. We will take some time to review what went well at the conference and how we could improve. The final topic of our meeting will be: What's Next and how can we build on the success of our March 22 Walk for Peace and the Conference? One of the greatest strengths of the event was that members of most of the peace and justice organizations in the Capital Region worked together to create a conference that covered a variety of issues and gave the participants options. Join us as we discuss what we would like to do next to STOP THE WAR!! ( Photo shown was taken at the April 12 Conference of Cindy Sheehan, Jason Peterson, Veteran for Peace, and members of the Iraq Veterans Against the War, attending the conference.) More information 391-2830.

Food Not Bombs co-founder Keith McHenry
Thursday, April 17 , 7:30 pm
Humanities Building, Rm. 132
SUNY Albany

Food Not Bombs co-founder Keith McHenry will give a presentation about the history of the movement and the many things it has accomplished around the world. He will show a dvd about his work in Africa and talk about how to start a Food Not Bombs group. Keith has spent over 500 days in jail for feeding the hungry. Amnesty International declared him a "Prisoner of Conscience" and worked for his unconditional release. Today Food Not Bombs is a global movement sharing vegetarian food with the hungry and working for peace and social justice. Keith has visited Food Not Bombs groups in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, Australia and the Middle East and will share his experiences of cooking and feeding the hungry. BNP is a co-sponsor.

Thursday, March 20, 7:00 pm
Unitarian Universalist Society
405 Washington Ave, Albany, downstairs, Room B3-B4

5th Anniversary March Against the War: Remembering the Fallen
Saturday, March 22,1:30 pm
March to begin at West Capital Park
Albany
This march for peace highlighted the following demands:

1. Support the Troops, Bring Them Home Now
2. Reparations for the Iraqi People
3. Money for Jobs, Health Care, Education, Community Needs, Not Occupation
4. Full Benefits for Returning Veterans
5. Restore Constitutional Government
6. Stop the Torture
7. No War with Iran

Endorsed by: Students Peace Action Network, Students for Workers Rights, Woman Against War, Veterans for Peace, Interfaith Alliance for Peace, First Unitarian Universalist Society of America in Albany, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace and more. Sponsored by Northeast Peace and Justice Action Coalition (NEPAJAC). More Information: 518 439-1968 or 518 391-2830

Film and Discussion: In the Valley of Elah
Sunday, March 16, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Bethlehem Town Hall
455 Delaware Ave, Delmar

In the Valley of Elah (100 minutes) is a film about veterans returning from Iraq. The story is based on actual events and reveals the real price that our veterans pay for giving up a piece of their humanity to the war machine. Following the film will be a discussion . Phyllis Alberici of the New York State Defenders Association will discuss the legal issues common to many Iraq veterans. Cost: Free More Information: 391-2830

Film and Discussion: Maxed Out
Thursday, March 6, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave, Delmar
Maxed Out ( 87 minutes, January 2006) takes viewers on a journey deep inside the American style of debt, where things seem fine as long as the minimum monthly payment arrives on time. With coverage that spans from small American towns all the way to the White House, the film shows how the modern financial industry really works, explains the true definition of "preferred customer" and tells us why the poor are getting poorer while the rich keep getting richer. Hilarious, shocking and incisive, Maxed Out paints a picture of a national nightmare which is all too real for most of us. Speaker to be announced. "The size of our problem out there is very large. I regret to say that the word billion does not encompass the nature of the problem." -Alan Greenspan. Cost: Free More Information: (518)391-2830

The Situation in Iran-
Film: “Bam 6.6 Humanity Doesn’t Have Borders” and Speakers: Scott Ritter, Fatemeh Keshavarz, Jahangir Golestan-Parast

Saturday, March 8, at 2 PM
Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany
405 Washington Ave., Albany , NY 12206

Film Showing: “Bam 6.6 Humanity Doesn’t Have Borders” which explores the humanity of the Iranian people through the prism of the devastating 2003 earthquake that struck at the heart of Bam, an ancient Iranian village. Followed by a panel discussion on the situation in Iran. Speakers: Scott Ritter: former chief UN weapons inspector in Iraq and prominent critic of the US war on Iraq and threats towards Iran. Fatemeh Keshavarz: Iranian author of the book; Jasmine and Stars, reading more than Lollita in Tehran. Jahangir Golestan-Parast: Director of the film; Bam 6.6 Humanity Doesn’t Have Borders
Sponsored by: Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace – www.bethlehemforpea ce.org, Fellowship Of Reconciliation – www.forusa.org, Women Against War – www.womenagainstwar .org, US Tour of Duty - www.ustourofduty. org
For more information: 518-439-1968

Benefit Concert for Iraq Veterans Against the War: Winter Soldier Project
Saturday, March 1 , 7:00 pm
Northern Lights, 1208 Route 146, Clifton Park

A concert to raise funds for Iraq Veterans Against the War's project "Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan" which will take place in Washington DC March on 13 to 16, 2008. Veteran and civilian survivors of the modern conflicts in both countries will give public testimony and share the eyewitness stories "... to confront the policy makers with the unvarnished truth about what they saw and did in Iraq." Mother Mcrees, a funk rock jam band from Albany NY played at the Sep 29th Syracuse Peace Rally, and were so impressed by the IVAW members that they wanted to help out further. They gathered three other bands; Alta Mira from Clifton Park, Deep Chemistry from Orange County, and Cooper Union from Albany, to put on a benefit show at the club Northern Lights. Cost: $8 advance tickets, $10 at the door. Contact: 518 765-4386, or via the email address : info4co@yahoo.com . Sponsored by: Veterans for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War.

Vietnam Veteran Richard Boes
Monday, February 25, 6:30 pm -8:00 pm
Java Jazz Cafe, 318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY

Vietnam Veteran Richard Boes will read from his book: The Last Dead Soldier Left Alive. For more information call Java Jazz at 439-1727.

Anniversary Vigil For Peace
Friday, February 15, 6:00 pm
4-Corners ( Kenawood and Delaware Avenues), Delmar

WE WILL GATHER TO DEMAND A PROMPT END TO THE WAR IN A SOLEMN CANDLE-LIGHT PROCESSION TO THE BETHLEHEM TOWN HALL.Bring candles or flashlights. Immediately following the procession we will show a 56 minute film “Think Peace: Portrait of a 21st Century Movement” in the Fellowship Hall of the Delmar Reformed Church, which is on Delaware Avenue immediately past the four Corners. "We urge all people who want peace to join us at the Four Corners in Delmar (Delaware and Kenwood) at 6 PM on Friday, February 15th, 2008. Let's renew our commitment to peace and once again illuminate the winter sky with the flame of peace." -Joe Lombardo

Iran: Personal Experiences, Reflections, and Suggestions for Action
Thursday, February 7, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Bethlehem Public Library
451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

People-to-People Mission to Iran. Barbara Spring and Priscilla Fairbank traveled to Iran in December 2007 with Fellowship of Reconciliation (www.forusa.org) as part of a citizen diplomacy effort. They will share their experiences, photos, and discuss issues they encountered. Come with your questions and see if their experiences match your own impressions.. Cost: Free More Information: 391-2830

Film and Discussion: Redacted
Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2, 8:00 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue, Troy NY

There will be audience discussions following each screening of the film: Friday night--with Dr. Edward Tick (author of the groundbreaking book "War and the Soul,and founder of Soldier's Heart, practicing psychotherapist specializing in veterans with PTSD) and Dan Black, Iraq Veterans Against the War. Saturday night--with Dan Black, Iraq Veterans Against the War.

De Palma won the Silver Lion for Best Director at the 2007 Venice Film Festival for this film, a fictional story inspired by true events. Redacted is a unique cinematic experience that pushes viewers to radically reconsider the filters through which we see and accept events in our world, the power of the mediated image and how presentation and composition influence our ideas and beliefs.Centered around a small group of American soldiers stationed at a checkpoint in Iraq, Redacted alternates points of view, balancing the experiences of these young men under duress and members of the media with those of the local Iraqi people, illuminating how each have been deeply affected by the current conflict and their encounters with each other. Sponsored by Sanctuary for Independent Media and co-sponsored by Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Tickets are $5-$10. Call (518) 272-2390, email info@MediaSanctuary .org, or visit www.MediaSanctuary. org for directions and more information.

Film : War Made Easy
Saturday, January 26, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Social Justice Center
33 Central Avenue, Albany NY

War Made Easy: How Presidents & Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death (2007, dirs. Loretta Alper and Jeremy Earp, 72 mins., http://www.warmadeeasythemovie.org/ ) A new documentary featuring Norman Solomon and narrated by Sean Penn, chronicling how propaganda has been used to sell wars to the public. Sponsored by The Solidarity Committee of the Capital District and co-sponsored by BNP and Peace Action. Cost: Free

Film and Discussion: SiCKO
Thursday, January 3, 6:30 pm
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

Michael Moore's latest documentary compares the US healthcare system to the free universal health coverage in Canada, England, France and Cuba. Following the film, Dr. Andrew Coates, Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace member, local physician and secretary of the Capital District Chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program http://www.pnhp.org/, will tell us more about Single Payer Healthcare and lead a discussion on this very critical issue. More Information: ( 518) 391-2830

"SiCKO: 18,000 Americans will die this year simply because they're uninsured. According to the Institute of Medicine, "lack of health insurance causes roughly 18,000 unnecessary deaths every year in the United States. Although America leads the world in spending on health care, it is the only wealthy, industrialized nation that does not ensure that all citizens have coverage." Insuring America's Health: Principles and Recommendations, Institute of Medicine, January 2004.http://www.iom.edu/?id=19175"

Annual Crossgates Mall Walk
Thursday , December 20, 5:15 pm -7:00 pm
Crossgates Mall, Albany

Poetry Night: Special Guest Larry Winters and An Open Mike
Thursday, December 6, 7:00 pm
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

Larry Winters, a former US Marine, willl read from his poetry. Some of you may remember Larry from the 9th Annual Kateri Tekakwitha Peace Conference this past summer. Larry did a workshop at the Conference on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dan Wilcox will host this event and will give us all a chance to read our own poetry with an open mike session. Refreshments provided. Co-sponsored by Bethlehem NEighbors for PEace and Veterans for Peace. Join us. Information: 518 391-2830.

Film: Everything's Cool
Monday, November 19, 7:00 pm
Friends Meeting House
727 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY

Everything’s Cool is a “toxic comedy” about the most dangerous chasm ever to emerge between scientific understanding and political action – Global Warming. The good news: America finally gets global warming; the chasm is closing and the debate is over. The bad news: the United States, the country that will determine the fate of the globe, must transform its fossil fuel based economy fast (like in a minute). While the industry funded naysayers sing what just might be their swan song of scientific doubt and deception, a group of self-appointed global warming messengers are on a life or death quest to find the iconic image, proper language, and points of leverage that will help the public go from understanding the urgency of the problem to creating the political will necessary to push for a new energy economy. Hold on -- this is bigger than changing your light bulbs. Co-sponsored by Pine Hills Neighbors for Peace and BNP.

War Crimes (Part of the Great Decisions series of international presentations)
Tuesday, November 20, 6:00 pm
Albany Law School , West Wing Classroom (W212)
80 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY

The speaker will be Maria Grahn-Farley, an expert in international law with a specialty in war crimes, especially as they involve children and especially child soldiers both as perpetrators and as victims. Refreshments will be served. This program co-sponsored by the International Center of the Capital Region and Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace. Donations accepted.

Film: Meeting Resistance
Friday, November 16, 7:00 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue, Troy NY

“Meeting Resistance” is set in the streets, alleyways and ubiquitous teashops of the Adhamiya neighborhood of Baghdad. It enters the physical and psychological heart of the "insurgency" against the American occupation. Photojournalists/directors Steve Connors and Molly Bingham spent ten-months among the insurgents there to create this exclusive, unique, and at once horrifying, compelling and insightful film about their lives, motivation, and goals. “Meeting Resistance” focuses on eight "insurgents," each with his or her own tale and reasons for opposing the American-led occupation, yet all people who within days of the fall of Baghdad were arranging themselves into resistance cells, finding the money and weapons to fight against the American military. The film witnesses how they began to organize themselves, reveals why they have decided to violently oppose the occupation of the country, and hears in their words the underlying ideological foundations to their fight and how and why those have changed over time. “Meeting Resistance” is a fascinating journey through a tumultuous period with diverse members of the Iraqi resistance. Their personal stories as well as their ideological ones are at once dramatic, eye-opening, and concerning - and they challenge the notion that those opposing the occupation are simply "dead enders," "common criminals," "Al-Qaeda operatives" and "die-hard Ba'athis." The directors’ unsurpassed access and visually stunning cinematography makes this film a one-of-a-kind; essential viewing for audiences around the world concerned with a deeper understanding of the current situation in Iraq, and with the human condition of resistance. Co-sponsored by BNP, Woman Against War and Sanctuary for Independent Media.

UFPJ March: END THE WAR NOW
Saturday, October 27, 2007
New York City

National mobilization to end the War in Iraq. 2 buses are reserved for Albany area activists. Bus leaving East Garage (Madison and Eagle Street) in Albany at 7:30 am. Join thousands from all over New York and northern New Jersey in a massive march and rally to end the war! Assemble at 12 noon on Broadway, south of 23rd Street . March at 1:00pm down Broadway to Foley Square . We will leave NYC for the return to Albany at about 5 pm. OUR 2 RESERVED BUSES ARE NOW FULL

Dahr Jamail
Saturday, October 20, 7:00 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue, Troy

Dahr Jamail is an independent journalist who has covered the Middle East for more than four years. He has reported extensively from inside Iraq for eight months, and has also has reported from Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. Jamail writes for the Inter Press Service, The Asia Times, and many other outlets. His reports have been published in The Nation, The Sunday Herald, The Guardian, Foreign Policy in Focus, and The Independent, among other publications. On radio as well as television, Jamail has reported for Democracy Now!, and numerous other stations around the globe. Jamail is also special correspondent for “Flashpoints” (KPFK Radio/Pacifica). He lives in California. Co-sponsored by Sanctuary for Independent Media, BNP and Women Against War. Information: (518) 272-2390.

Army of None Project
Wednesday, October 17, 7:00 - 9:30 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue, Troy

The Army of None Project to counter military recruitment, end war and build a better world features Aimee Allison and David Solnit. They are traveling across the United States to share their knowledge and experience with the counter recruitment movement, one of the fastest growing, most strategic forms of community organizing. The military recruitment complex insinuates itself into the daily lives of children and youth in ways of which most people are not aware. Millions of dollars are poured into advanced marketing strategies; recruiters walk freely into classrooms with false promises of a way out of poverty. The Army of None Project argues that childhood should be free of military influence and the constant pressure to enlist. This is not just a way to protect our most valuable national resource--children; it is an effective way to take local action to provide equal opportunity and youth leadership training for those who bear the burden of fighting in Iraq and beyond. Co-sponsored by Sanctuary for Independent Media. BNP and Women Against War.

Reese Erlich - Author of The Iran Agenda: The Real Story of U.S. Policy and the Middle East Crisis"
Thursday, October 11, 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Sanctuary for Independent Media
3361 6th Avenue, Troy

Will the United States and Iran find themselves at war? In "The Iran Agenda: The Real Story of U.S. Policy and the Middle East Crisis" (PoliPointPress, 2007), author and journalist Reese Erlich shows how the U.S. government is planning to subvert the Iranian government and lie about it to the American people. He traces the troubled history between the two countries that has led to the current showdown over nuclear technology and he reports from Iran and northern Iraq to uncover details of how the U.S. has funded ethnic minorities to carry out guerrilla raids and terrorist bombings inside Iran. In his previous book, the best-selling "Target Iraq: What the News Media Didn''t Tell You" (co-authored with Norman Solomon), Erlich presciently exposed the harsh realities and consequences of the run-up to the Iraq War and the media’s failure to present the full spectrum of facts to the public. Reese Erlic has been a working journalist for 40 years--starting as a staff writer and research editor for Ramparts, an investigative reporting magazine published in San Francisco from 1963 to 1975. Today he works as a freelance reporter, regularly filing print and broadcast stories for the Canadian and Australian Broadcasting Corporations, Radio Deutche Welle and National Public Radio. His articles appear in the San Francisco Chronicle, St. Petersburg Times and the Dallas Morning News. His television documentaries have aired on PBS stations nationwide. Produced by the Iran Working Group of Upper Hudson Peace Action and co-sponsored by Sanctuary for Independent Media, Women Against War amd BNP. 6 PM potluck, 7 PM talk. For more information: (518) 272-2390 or info@TheSanctuaryforIndependentMedia.org

BNP Discussion
Monday, October 15, 6:00 pm
Java Jazz Cafe, 318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY

Join friends and neighbors for a discussion of current events.

Dahlia Wasfi and Jimmy Massey
Monday, October 1 , 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Avenue, Albany

Dahlia Wasfi, a physician and activist who has returned to Iraq several times and Jimmy Massey a founding member of Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) will speak on the war in Iraq.. Sponsored by BNP, Physicians for Social Responsibility( Capital District), Upper Hudson Peace Action For more information: 518-391-2830

BNP Film Night- Meeting Face to Face – the Iraq-US Labor Solidarity Tour
Thursday, October 4 , 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

Meeting Face to Face (27 minute documentary) chronicles the 2005 Iraq-U.S. Labor Solidarity Tour sponsored by U.S. Labor Against the War. The tour follows six Iraqi labor leaders as they meet with union members and other Americans in twenty-five cities throughout the United States. Speaking to American audiences for the first time, Iraqis explain why the primary condition for a peaceful resolution in Iraq is ending the U.S. occupation and why an independent labor movement is crucial in creating a democratic society.The film was produced by Jonathan Levin and Michael Zweig of the Center for the Study of Working Class Life. After the film, local labor leaders Jon Flanders and Doug Bullock will lead us in a discussion. Doug and Jon will talk with us about recent events in Iraq and the current role of labor. For more information: 518-439-1968.

Bring the Troops Home Now:Rally and March, Syracuse, NY
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Syracuse, NY
11:30 am - 7:00 pm

Unconditional Withdrawal
Full Health Benefits For Returning Veterans Reparations to the Iraqi people
Money for Community Jobs, Education and Needs, Not Occupation.
Official Event Website

Presented by: Iraq Veterans Against the War-Ft. Drum, Syracuse Peace Council, and The Upstate NY Antiwar Network.

BNP Film Night- A Crude Awakening: The Oil Crash Thursday, September 6, 6:45 - 9:00 pm
Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave, Delmar

This 90 minute documentary was produced and directed by award-winning European journalists and filmmakers Basil Gelpke and Ray McCormack. It tells the story of how our addiction to oil puts us on a collision course with geology. Compelling, intelligent, and highly entertaining, the film visits with the world’s top experts and comes to a startling, but logical conclusion – our industrial society, built on cheap and readily available oil, must be completely redesigned. Join us for a discussion after the film. For more information: 518-391-2830

Muslim Solidarity March Wednesday, August 15, 4:00- 6:00
from the Mosque on Central Avenue (starting at 4:30 ) to a rally at the Armory

This event commemorates the third anniversary of the arrests of Yussin Aref and Mohammed Hossain who were entrapped by an FBI sting and persecuted in the terrorist scare emanating from the highest levels of our government. The March and Vigil will start at 275 Central Ave, the Masjid As-Salam mosque, at 4pm. We will march down Central Ave to the corner of Lark St at the old Washington Avenue Armory where a Vigil will take place until 6 pm.

Hope and Resistance Transforming the Course of History
Friday evening, August 17 and Saturday, August 18, 2007 at the National Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine in Fonda, NY.

Website for the Conference . The 9th annual Kateri Tekakwitha Peace Conference, "Hope and Resistance - Transforming the Course of History". Please join us in this Interfaith conference, featuring Stephen Eric Bronner and Fr. Louis Vitale OFM at the National Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine in Fonda, NY. All are welcome!

4th Annual BNP Picnic Sunday, August 12, 3 pm till Dusk
Elm Avenue Park , Delmar, NY

Join us again this year for lots of conversation, great food, volley ball and a walk in the park.This will be a pot luck so please bring a dish to share and you own place settings if possible. We will have some extra place settings but would like to keep the garbage to a minimum. Thanks. See you there. Call or email Trudy if you are willing to help set up or clean up for this event. 391-2830 or tquaif@yahoo.com. Thanks. New members always welcome.

Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace

Home || Coming Events || Links || BNP Projects || NEPAJAC Events

Past Events:

May 27, 2006 Protesting Bush at West Point || BNP Annual Summer Picnic|| Loose Change

Annual Crossgates Mall Walk
Thursday , December 20, 5:15 pm -7:00 pm
Crossgates Mall, Albany

Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace

Home || Coming Events || Links || BNP Projects || NEPAJAC Events

Past Events:

May 27, 2006 Protesting Bush at West Point || BNP Annual Summer Picnic|| Loose Change

Annual Crossgates Mall Walk Thursday , December 20, 5:15 pm -7:00 pm Crossgates Mall, Albany

Annual Crossgates Mall Walk
Thursday , December 20, 5:15 pm -7:00 pm
Crossgates Mall, Albany