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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250505T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250505T190000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20250411T214835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T214835Z
UID:22432-1746471600-1746471600@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:New York City - Palestine: the Moral Issue of Our Time with Gabor Maté and Chris Hedges
DESCRIPTION:Palestine: the Moral Issue of Our Time with Gabor Maté and Chris Hedges\nDate: Monday\, May 5\, 2025\nTime: 7pm – 9pm\nLocation: Adler Hall\, NY Society for Ethical Culture\, 2 W 64th St\, New York 10023\nSolidarity Tickets: $55.20\nSupporter Tickets: $108.55\nOrder Tickets Here:\nMECAxNYC.eventbrite.com \nThe Middle East Children’s Alliance is coming to New York City on May 5th to welcome Gabor Maté and Chris Hedges in conversation on Palestine – the Moral Issue of our Time. Please join us at the New York Society for Ethical Culture for this important discussion and to meet some of our team in person. \nProceeds will support MECA’s emergency relief efforts in Gaza. \nFor more info email meca@mecaforpeace.org\, or call (510) 548-0542
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/new-york-city-palestine-the-moral-issue-of-our-time-with-gabor-mate-and-chris-hedges/
LOCATION:New York Society for Ethical Culture\, 2 W 64th St\, New York\, NY\, 10023\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Untitled-design.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250427T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250427T160000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20250411T212922Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T212932Z
UID:22423-1745751600-1745769600@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:BERKELEY - OPEN HOUSE & MARKETPLACE
DESCRIPTION:Shop Palestine Open House & Marketplace\nSunday\, April 27\, 2025\n11am – 4pm\n1101 8th Street\, Berkeley CA 94710\nRSVP Here!\nJoin Shop Palestine for our open house and marketplace to learn more about the Palestinian artisans\, cooperatives\, and farmers we support. \nEvery purchase is an act of solidarity\, directly supporting Palestinian livelihoods and preserving traditions threatened by ongoing oppression. At a time when Palestinian communities are facing genocidal attacks\, your support offers hope to families in Palestine and strengthens their resilience. \nWe will be showcasing Olive oil\, ceramics\, tatriz embroidery\, jewelry\, olivewood\, cookbooks\, keffiyehs\, soap\, stunning scarves & shawls\, leather products\, children’s toys and books\, kitchenware\, t-shirts\, and much more from Palestine.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-open-house-marketplace/
LOCATION:Middle East Children’s Alliance\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94710\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MECA-Spring-Sale-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250331
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250404
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20250317T210630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250329T072025Z
UID:22399-1743379200-1743724799@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:CANCELED Mosab Abu Toha in Santa Rosa\, Berkeley and San Jose
DESCRIPTION:We are very sorry to announce that Mosab Abu Toha will not be able to join us for our events in San Francisco\, Santa Rosa and San Jose due to some serious safety concerns at this time. He wants to come here as soon as circumstances allow it. \nIn the meantime we want to urge you to read his published works\, Forest of Noise and Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear\, both available from shoppalestine.org. \nAbout the Author \nMOSAB ABU TOHA is a Palestinian poet\, short-story writer\, and essayist from Gaza. His first collection of poetry\, Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear\, was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry and won the Palestine Book Award\, the American Book Award\, and the Walcott Poetry Prize. Abu Toha is also the founder of the Edward Said Library in Gaza\, which he hopes to rebuild. He recently won an Overseas Press Club Award for his “Letter from Gaza” columns for The New Yorker. \nAbout Forest of Noise \n“A powerful\, capacious\, and profound” (Ocean Vuong) new collection of poems about life in Gaza by an award-winning Palestinian poet. \nBarely thirty years old\, Mosab Abu Toha was already a well-known poet when the current siege of Gaza began. After the Israeli army bombed and destroyed his house\, pulverizing a library he had painstakingly built for community use\, he and his family fled for their safety. Not for the first time in their lives. \nSomehow\, amid the chaos\, Abu Toha kept writing poems. These are those poems. Uncannily clear\, direct\, and beautifully tuned\, they form one of the most astonishing works of art wrested from wartime. Here are directives for what to do in an air raid; here are lyrics about the poet’s wife\, singing to his children to distract them. Huddled in the dark\, Abu Toha remembers his grandfather’s oranges\, his daughter’s joy in eating them. \nMoving between glimpses of life in relative peacetime and absurdist poems about surviving in a barely livable occupation\, Forest of Noise invites a wide audience into an experience that defies the imagination—even as it is watched live. Abu Toha’s poems introduce readers to his extended family\, some of them no longer with us. This is an urgent\, extraordinary\, and arrestingly whimsical book. Searing and beautiful\, it brings us indelible art in a time of terrible suffering. \n[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/mosab-abu-toha-in-santa-rosa-berkeley-and-san-jose/
LOCATION:CA
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/banner-for-web.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250222T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250222T170000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20250125T003510Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250129T225822Z
UID:22333-1740243600-1740243600@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:NEWARK\, CA: ISLAMOPHOBIA & ANTI-PALESTINIAN RACISM
DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, February 22\, 2025\nTime: 5:00 pm PST\nLocation: 5748 Mowry School Rd\, Newark\, CA 94560\nBuy Tickets here\nJoin us for an enlightening evening featuring renowned Columbia University professor Joseph Massad.  An expert in modern Arab politics and intellectual history\, Prof. Massad will deliver a thought-provoking speech on the intersection of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/newark-ca-islamophobia-anti-palestinian-racism/
LOCATION:5748 Mowry School Rd. Newark\, CA 94560\, 5748 Mowry School Rd.\, Newark\, CA\, 94560\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Islamophobia-2.22.25.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Islamophobia Studies Center":MAILTO:hello@iphobiacenter.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250207T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250207T183000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20250125T004748Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250129T225602Z
UID:22341-1738953000-1738953000@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:BERKELEY\, CA: LIFE SUPPORT - A POETRY EVENT WITH KATHY ENGEL
DESCRIPTION:DATE: February 7\, 2025\nTIME: 6:30 pm PST\nLOCATION: Middle East Children’s Alliance\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley\, CA 94710\nTickets: $10 from Eventbrite\nPoet\, educator\, and activist\, Kathy Engel will read from her new book: Dear Inheritors and the anthology she co-edited with Kamal Boullata\, We Begin Here: Poems for Palestine and Lebanon. \nIntroduction by Aracelis Girmay\, poet\, children’s book writer\, educator\, editor. Her most recent book of poems is The Black Maria. \nArabic music by Palestinian musician\, Ibrahim Safi. \nKathy Engel’s books include Ruth’s Skirts\, 2007 and The Lost Brother Alphabet\, 2020. She is the founder of MADRE\, an international women’s human rights organization\, the former President and co-founder of Riptide Communications\, co-founder of East End Women in Black\, Poets for Ayiti\, among other groups. \nHer new book of poems and personal prose\, Dear Inheritors and We Begin Here: Poems for Palestine and Lebanon are available at ShopPalestine.org
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-ca-life-support-a-poetry-event-with-kathy-engel/
LOCATION:Middle East Children’s Alliance\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94710\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WEBSITE-EVENTS-PAGE-IMAGE-TEMPLATE.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241116T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241116T180000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20240913T171735Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241023T192514Z
UID:22150-1731751200-1731780000@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley\, CA: 21st Annual Palestinian Holiday Crafts Bazaar
DESCRIPTION:Date: Saturday\, 16 November\nTime: 10 am – 6 pm\nLocation: 935 Carleton St\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94710\nTickets: $5\, Kids under 18 Free\, available via Eventbrite\nTicket prices help cover new venue costs. (This is first and foremost a Palestine solidarity event and no one will be turned away for lack of funds) \nSupport Palestinian artisans and keep ancient crafts alive! Purchase unique holiday gifts that support Palestinian children and families. \nOlive oil\, ceramics\, embroidery\, jewelry\, olive wood\, cookbooks\, keffiyehs\, soap\, stunning scarves & shawls\, Palestinian Dead Sea products\, children’s toys and books\, kitchenware\, t-shirts\, and much more. \nPlus delicious Arabic food and coffee! Lunch tickets available for 3 seating times (11:30am\, 1pm\, 2:30pm) \nEnjoy a taste of Palestine with Zaytoon’s mouthwatering selection of freshly made falafel\, creamy hummus\, smoky baba ghanouj\, and fluffy pita bread. Paired with a refreshing\, vibrant salad\, each dish is crafted with traditional flavors and fresh ingredients\, offering an authentic and satisfying culinary experience. Celebrate the rich food heritage of Palestine with every bite! \nFor more info email meca@mecaforpeace.org\, or call (510)548-0542 \nWheelchair accessible
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/21st-annual-palestinian-holiday-crafts-bazaar/
LOCATION:Ciel Creative Space\, 935 Carleton St\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94710\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/bazaar-for-web.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241108T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241108T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20241023T195233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241023T195233Z
UID:22228-1731090600-1731097800@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley\, CA: Direct from Gaza: Mosab Abu Toha
DESCRIPTION:Direct from Gaza: Mosab Abu Toha\nAuthor\, Poet\, and Founder of the Edward Said Library in Gaza Reading from his new book: FOREST of NOISE\nDate: Friday\, 8 November\nTime: 6:30-8:30 pm PST\nLocation: Berkeley City College Auditorium – 2050 Center Street Berkeley\, CA 94704\nJoin MECA in welcoming back Palestinian educator\, author and poet\, Mosab Abu Toha\, as he shares portions of his poignant new release Forest of Noise. The reading will be followed by a book signing with the author. Forest of Noise will be available for purchase at the event and is currently available on ShopPalestine.org. Purchase tickets here. \nAbout the Author\nMOSAB ABU TOHA is a Palestinian poet\, short-story writer\, and essayist from Gaza. His first collection of poetry\, Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear\, was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry and won the Palestine Book Award\, the American Book Award\, and the Walcott Poetry Prize. Abu Toha is also the founder of the Edward Said Library in Gaza\, which he hopes to rebuild. He recently won an Overseas Press Club Award for his “Letter from Gaza” columns for The New Yorker. \nAbout Forest of Noise\n“A powerful\, capacious\, and profound” (Ocean Vuong) new collection of poems about life in Gaza by an award-winning Palestinian poet.\nBarely thirty years old\, Mosab Abu Toha was already a well-known poet when the current siege of Gaza began. After the Israeli army bombed and destroyed his house\, pulverizing a library he had painstakingly built for community use\, he and his family fled for their safety. Not for the first time in their lives. \nSomehow\, amid the chaos\, Abu Toha kept writing poems. These are those poems. Uncannily clear\, direct\, and beautifully tuned\, they form one of the most astonishing works of art wrested from wartime. Here are directives for what to do in an air raid; here are lyrics about the poet’s wife\, singing to his children to distract them. Huddled in the dark\, Abu Toha remembers his grandfather’s oranges\, his daughter’s joy in eating them. \nMoving between glimpses of life in relative peacetime and absurdist poems about surviving in a barely livable occupation\, Forest of Noise invites a wide audience into an experience that defies the imagination—even as it is watched live. Abu Toha’s poems introduce readers to his extended family\, some of them no longer with us. This is an urgent\, extraordinary\, and arrestingly whimsical book. Searing and beautiful\, it brings us indelible art in a time of terrible suffering.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-ca-direct-from-gaza-mosab-abu-toha/
LOCATION:Berkeley City College Auditorium\, 2050 Center Street\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94704\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Mosab-Website-Events-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241012
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241109
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20241004T171840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241023T191300Z
UID:22184-1728691200-1731110399@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:SOMArts - BEARING WITNESS
DESCRIPTION:Bearing Witness: An Expression of Love\, Solidarity\, and Justice for the People of Palestine\nCurated by Rio Yañez and Bridgett Rex\nDate: October 12 – November 8\, 2024 \nLocation: SOMArts 934 Brannan Street\, San Francisco\, CA 94103 \nAs the world watches and responds to the genocide of the Palestinian people\, this year’s exhibition theme reflects on the impact of this ongoing trauma on personal\, national\, and international levels. Participating artists center creation as resistance by mounting traditional and contemporary altar installations that honor\, celebrate\, and mourn those who have perished in Palestine. \nIn alignment with the tradition of Día de Los Muertos\, the exhibition also showcases personal altars dedicated to loved ones who have passed. \nThis evening features curatorial remarks\, Día de Los Muertos inspired artist market\, and more. \nCalendar available for sale here 
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/somarts-bearing-witness/
LOCATION:SOMArts\, 934 Brannan Street\, San Francisco\, California\, 94103
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Bearing-Witness-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241006T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241006T130000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20241003T220250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241004T174658Z
UID:22173-1728219600-1728219600@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:San Francisco: ONE YEAR OF GENOCIDE\, ONE YEAR OF RESISTANCE PROTEST
DESCRIPTION:SAN FRANCISCO ONE YEAR OF GENOCIDE ONE YEAR OF RESISTANCE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION\nDate: Sunday\, 6 October\, 2024\nTime: 1:00 pm PST\nLocation: 16th and Valencia\, Mission District\, San Francisco\, CA\nThe Bay Area will honor our martyrs in Palestine\, we will demand an end to the US’ complicity in Israel’s crimes against Palestine and the world\, and demand an arms embargo on Israel. Palestine will be free\, and we will continue to march\, organize\, and fight. \nFind protests and actions in other cities
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/san-francisco-one-year-of-genocide-one-year-of-resistance-protest/
LOCATION:16th & Valencia\, 16th & Valencia\, San Francisco\, CA\, 94110\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/One-Year-of-Genocide-Protest-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240711T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240711T210000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20240704T045149Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240704T045149Z
UID:22113-1720724400-1720731600@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Direct from Gaza: Report Back from a Bay Area Midwife
DESCRIPTION:Date: Thursday\, 11 July\nTime: 7:00 pm PST\nLocation: 1736 Franklin St\, Oakland\, CA\nTickets: $10\, available via Eventbrite \nJoin us as Bay Area Midwife Bridget Rochios discusses her recent mission to Gaza in conversation with Palestinian-American Psychologist Dr Jess Ghannam. \nBridget Rochios is a Certified Nurse Midwife and Reproductive Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to reproductive justice and health equity. Born and raised in the East Bay\, she combines her clinical expertise with a passion for social activism\, working to improve healthcare access both locally and internationally. \nIn May 2024\, driven by her commitment to global health and social justice\, Bridget volunteered at Emirati Maternity Hospital in Rafah\, Gaza. During her month-long mission with the Canadian organization Glia\, she provided critical obstetric care alongside local healthcare providers amidst the ongoing genocide. This experience allowed her to witness firsthand the challenges faced by Palestinians and advocate for their healthcare needs.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/direct-from-gaza-report-back-from-a-bay-area-midwife/
LOCATION:Oakstop Ballroom\, 1736 Franklin Street\, Oakland\, CA\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240505T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240505T160000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20240424T055552Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240424T055552Z
UID:22068-1714917600-1714924800@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Palestine: Protecting Our Children and Supporting Our Community
DESCRIPTION:We are pleased to present this important event with: \nHannah Moushabeck\, author of the children’s book Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine\nBahar Hashemi\, MD\, child and adolescent psychiatry specialist\nFaten Hijazi\, parent advocate\nSamia Shoman\, Teach Palestine Project of the Middle East Children’s Alliance \nSunday\, May 5\, 2024\, 2-4pm\nArab American Cultural Center of the Silicon Valley\, 3968 Twilight Drive\, Building 2\, San Jose\, California\nRegister now!\nJoin us for a discussion with Palestinian educators and parents about how to support our children and youth as they witness current events in Gaza and throughout Palestine; and how to work with schools to do the same. \nWe are experiencing heightened levels of repression of our youth and educators. We need to be equipped to collaborate with districts on including Palestine in their diversity and equity initiatives; we cannot continue to be the exception. \nThis event will be an opportunity to connect with other Arab and Palestinian families\, in addition to others who care about Palestine and want their students to be in safe and inclusive learning environments. \nOur speakers: \nHannah Moushabeck is a second-generation Palestinian American author\, editor\, and book marketer who was raised in a family of publishers and booksellers in Western Massachusetts and England.  She is the author of the beautiful children’s book Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine (Chronicle Books\, March 2023). \nBahar Hashemi\, MD\, is a child and adolescent psychiatry specialist based in Los Altos\, CA. She initiated the Gaza Pediatric Mental Health Initiative in 2014\, and has traveled to Gaza to train local community organizations. \nFaten Hijazi is a tech professional who works at the cross section of engineering\, business\, and social justice. She is originally from Palestine and many of her family are in Gaza right now. She is an active volunteer at her children’s school. She is passionate about education and helping students\, parents\, and teachers be more equipped to advocate for the needs of all students with empathy\, equity\, and social justice. \nSamia Shoman\, co-coordinator of the Teach Palestine Project\, is a California native with Palestinian roots who has dedicated her career in public education to promoting racial and social justice in the classroom and in broader educational organizations. She currently works as a school administrator in the Bay Area and with teachers across the country. \n  \n 
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/palestine-protecting-our-children-and-supporting-our-community/
LOCATION:Arab American Cultural Center of the Silicon Valley\, 3968 Twilight Drive\, Building 2\, San Jose\, CA\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Protecting-Our-Children-banner-web.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Teach Palestine Project":MAILTO:teachpal@mecaforpeace.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240406T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240406T170000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20240314T112825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240314T113200Z
UID:21739-1712415600-1712422800@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Carmel\, CA: Poetry for Peace in Palestine
DESCRIPTION:Poetry for Peace in Palestine\nA Reading by Monterey Peninsula Poets\nto benefit Middle East Children’s Alliance\nwith Marie Boucher\, Farnaz Fatemi\, Rana Issa\, Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts\,\nDaniel Summerhill & Patrice Vecchione\nreading poems by Palestinian and Palestinian American poets\nSaturday\, April 6\, 3:00 – 5:00pm \nCarl Cherry Center for the Arts\n4th & Guadalupe\, Carmel\, CA \nSuggested donation $20. Seating is limited. \nReserve tickets: https://poetryforpeace.eventbrite.com \nCo-sponsored by Middle East Children’s Alliance\, MENA & Seven Stories Press \nQuestions: patrice@patricevecchione.com
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/carmel-ca-poetry-for-peace-in-palestine/
LOCATION:Carl Cherry Center for the Arts\, 4th & Guadalupe\, Carmel\, CA\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Poetry-for-Peace.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240306T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240306T180000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20240228T060233Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240304T190930Z
UID:21642-1709748000-1709748000@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Sumoud Through Food: Food Sovereignty and Resistance in a Time of Genocide
DESCRIPTION:Join MECA for this special for a discussion with this panel of chefs\, cookbook authors and activists for food justice to\ndiscuss current situation in Gaza and the fight for a more socially and economically just world. \nFeaturing: Laila El-Haddad\, Jocelyn Jackson\, Crystal Wahpepah\, and Reem Assil in Conversation \nSmall nourishing bites provided by Reem’s\, Mandela’s\, People’s Kitchen Collective\, Nyum Bai\, and Wahpepah’s Kitchen. \nWednesday\, March 6\, 6 – 8pm\nOakstop: 2323 Broadway Oakland\, CA 94612 \nGet tickets! \nLaila El-Haddad is an award-winning Palestinian author\, social activist\, policy analyst and journalist. Her books include Gaza Mom: Palestine\, Politics\, Parenting\, and Everything In Between and critically acclaimed The Gaza Kitchen: A Palestinian Culinary Journey. She writes for numerous newspapers and speaks frequently on the situation in Palestine. \nJocelyn Jackson’s passion for seasonal food\, social justice\, creativity\, and community led her to found JUSTUS Kitchen\, and co-found People’s Kitchen Collective. She creates food experiences that inspire people to reconnect with themselves\, the earth\, and one another with the goal of collective liberation. And she starts every meal with a song. \nCrystal Wahpepah\, an enrolled member of the Kickapoo Nation of Oklahoma. is acclaimed for being one of the first Native America women to own a catering business and for her business Wahpepah’s Kitchen in Oakland. She views her business as a portal to food sovereignty and a reclamation of Native ancestral knowledge. \nReem Assil is an award-winning Palestinian-Syrian speaker\, author\, & chef based in Oakland. With food as a tool\, Reem uses Arab hospitality to build strong\, resilient community. Her widely reviewed book\, Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora\, celebrates the food and spirit of Arab cuisine.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/sumoud-through-food-food-sovereignty-and-resistance-in-a-time-of-genocide/
LOCATION:Oakstop\, 1736 Franklin Street\, Oakland\, CA\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231213T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231213T120000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20231212T184619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231212T184619Z
UID:21550-1702465200-1702468800@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Online: Live with Mosab Abu Toha
DESCRIPTION:Join MECA for this special online event with poet Mosab Abu Toha. The event will honor two dear friends and colleagues Refaat Al-Areef & Doaa Al-Masri who were killed by Israeli attacks several days ago and feature poetry by Refaat as well as Mosab’s own work. \nMosab is the founder of MECA partner the Edward Said Public Library in Gaza. Mosab will be joining us from Cairo to speak about his personal experiences living through seven weeks of Israel’s genocidal attacks. \nRegister now!
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/online-live-with-mosab-abu-toha/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mosab-banner.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231118T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231118T180000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20230914T074255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231113T075425Z
UID:21368-1700301600-1700330400@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley\, CA: 20th Annual Palestinian Holiday Crafts Bazaar
DESCRIPTION:Celebrate 20 years of supporting Palestinian artisans and keeping ancient crafts alive! Purchase unique holiday gifts that support Palestinian children and families. \nOlive oil\, ceramics\, embroidery\, jewelry\, olive wood\, cookbooks\, keffiyehs\, soap\, stunning scarves & shawls\, Palestinian Dead Sea products\, children’s toys and books\, kitchenware\, t-shirts\, and much more. \nThis year’s bazaar is a benefit for emergency aid for Gaza.\n\n\nWe’ll be having some lovely small events during the bazaar:\n\n\n11 am–1 pm: Jos Sances & Juan Fuentes authors of Mission Grafica: Reflecting a Community in Print – book signing\n\n\n12-1 pm: Hashem Abdel-Hadi\, originally from Jenin. Architect and Musician – will be doing a live painting for auction\n\n\n1-3 pm: Natalie Tannous – will be doing a live tatreez (embroidery) demonstration\n\n\n1-3 pm: Wafa Shami\, author of A is for Arab – will be reading her children books.\n\n\n2-4 pm: Renda Dabit\, Henna Garden – will be doing henna\n\nFacebook event – please RSVP & share! \nOrganized by Joining Hands & MECA \nFor more info email meca@mecaforpeace.org\, or call (510)548-0543 \nWheelchair accessible
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-ca-20th-annual-palestinian-holiday-crafts-bazaar/
LOCATION:Middle East Children’s Alliance\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94710\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bazaar-Flyer.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231024T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231024T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20231010T095939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231020T094419Z
UID:21406-1698172200-1698179400@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Oakland\, CA: Un-Erasing Palestine: Dena Takruri in Conversation with Dr. Hatem Bazian
DESCRIPTION:MECA Presents: \nDena Takruri in Conversation with Dr. Hatem Bazian\nUn-Erasing Palestine\nPlease join us to hear award-winning journalist and author Dena Takruri in conversation with Dr. Hatem Bazian about Dena’s reporting on the daily struggles of Palestinians. Dena will also talk about the book she co-authored with Ahed Tamimi\, They Called Me A Lioness\, as well as her AJ+ Documentary “One Day in Hebron”. \nDr. Hatem Bazian is UC Berkeley faculty\, Founder of the Islamophobia Studies Center\, and co-founder of Students for Justice in Palestine and American Muslims for Palestine. \nDate: Tuesday\, Oct 24\, 2023\nTime: 6:30 – 8:30PM\nLocation: Oakstop: California Ballroom\, 1736 Franklin St. Oakland CA\, 94612 \nThis is a free event\, please RSVP: denatakruri2023.eventbrite.com \n“This passionate memoir shines a floodlight on a people\, a place\, a problem that the world too often discounts. Beautifully written\, Tamimi’s story will rattle your soul and ignite calls for justice\, equality\, and peace.” \n—Mona Hanna-Attisha\, author\, What the Eyes Don’t See
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/oakland-ca-dena-takruri-in-conversation-with-dr-hatem-bazian/
LOCATION:Oakstop\, 1736 Franklin Street\, Oakland\, CA\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/dena-takruri-banner-for-web-updated.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231014T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231014T120000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20231013T202355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231013T202441Z
UID:21428-1697284800-1697284800@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:SF: Emergency Protest for Gaza
DESCRIPTION:For those of you in the Bay Area\, please join us for this emergency protest\nBAY AREA: Stand with Palestine. Stand on the right side of history. \nALL OUT FOR GAZA!\nALL OUT FOR PALESTINE!\nNO US AID FOR GENOCIDE! \nJoin us on Saturday\, October 14\, 12pm at the SF Ferry Building
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/sf-emergency-protest-for-gaza/
LOCATION:SF Ferry Building\, San Francisco\, CA\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230820T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230820T193000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20230724T195352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230724T195352Z
UID:21335-1692559800-1692559800@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley\, CA: Rumi's Caravan Returns to the East Bay!
DESCRIPTION:Rumi says\, “Ours is not a caravan of despair.” We are here to share the Oral Tradition and revive the Soul of the World!  For twenty years\, Rumi’s Caravan (www.rumiscaravan.com) has offered an improvised poetic conversation with music\, quoting from Rumi\, Hafiz\, Mary Oliver\, Kabir\, Wendell Berry\, Pablo Neruda\, Nikki Giovanni\, Robert Bly\, W.B. Yeats\, Naomi Shehab Nye\, William Stafford\, Maya Angelou\, Leonard Cohen\, Seamus Heaney\, Denise Levertov\, Antonio Machado\, Rainier Maria Rilke\, May Sarton and others. The conversation can range from the heights of inspiration and ecstasy to the depths of grief\, and back again\, but always carried with images of beauty. Dress lavishly! \nWe offer this treasury of words to meet and inspire the souls of the audience.  All proceeds from tonight’s performance will support the work of the Middle East Children’s Alliance (www.mecaforpeace.org) \nTickets: $25 \nBuy tickets now from the Freight & Salvage 
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-ca-rumis-caravan-returns-to-the-east-bay/
LOCATION:Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse\, 2020 Addison St\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94704\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/unnamed-copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230716T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230716T150000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20230405T203457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230619T085938Z
UID:21245-1689498000-1689519600@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:2nd Annual Ride for Palestine
DESCRIPTION:Date: Sunday July 16\, 2023\nTime: 9am – 3pm \nLocation: MECA 1101 8th St\, Berkeley\, CA\nCost: $25-$50 \nThe Ride for Palestine is an annual fundraiser to support the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA’s). The Ride for Palestine is an 11-mile scenic route with beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay. Bring the entire family along for the Ride! It is designed to be enjoyable for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. \nSign up to Ride now\, before it’s too late! \nThe Ride will be followed by a celebration that includes delicious food\, music\, activities for all age levels\, and so much more. Not riding\, but still want to join us for the post-Ride celebration? You can purchase tickets for the celebration here. \nAfter 75 years of ethnic cleansing\, displacement\, and attacks on their lives and livelihoods\, Palestinians remain steadfast on their land and fiercely committed to the cause of freedom. \nMECA’s first annual Ride for Palestine was a huge success. Riders raised more than $50\,000 to support MECA’s projects. This year our goal is $75\,000 in honor of 75 years since the 1948 Nakba that began the expulsion and dispossession of Palestinians. \nRiding is an act of solidarity with Palestinian communities as they struggle to protect their children\, educate them\, and strengthen their spirits. \n \nMore info available at RideforPalestine.com. Have any questions? Reach out to info@rideforpalestine.com \nFor updates follow\, like and share the Ride’s Facebook\, Instagram\, Twitter\, and Tiktok \nRide for solidarity. Ride for Palestinian children. Ride for fun and community. \nide for fun and community.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/2nd-annual-ride-for-palestine/
LOCATION:Middle East Children’s Alliance\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94710\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ride-for-website-posting.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230518T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230518T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20230417T095243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230507T082713Z
UID:21251-1684434600-1684441800@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:CANCELED Oakland\, CA: Direct from Palestine! Jamal Juma' on the Ongoing Nakba
DESCRIPTION:We’re sad to announce that this event has been cancelled due to unforeseen logistical issues.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/oakland-ca-direct-from-palestine-jamal-juma-on-the-ongoing-nakba/
LOCATION:Oakstop\, 1736 Franklin Street\, Oakland\, CA\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Jamal-Juma-1-e1595796738612.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230513T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230513T140000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20230511T203606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230511T203714Z
UID:21268-1683986400-1683986400@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Bay Area Protest for Palestine In Commemoration of 75th Nakba
DESCRIPTION:Join us in San Francisco to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Nakba. Nakba Day commemorates the ongoing displacement and dispossession of Palestinians as a result of zionism and its collaborators. Generation after generation\, Palestinians continue to resist Israeli military occupation\, colonialism\, exile\, and ethnic cleansing. Wear your keffiyehs and bring your flags! We call on the Bay Area community and all supporters of the Palestinian cause to show up and send a clear message – the Bay Area says NO to Zionism! After 75 years\, no matter where we are\, we will continue to uplift our people’s demands for return and liberation!
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/bay-area-protest-for-palestine-in-commemoration-of-75th-nakba/
LOCATION:518 Valencia\, San Francisco\, CA\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230430T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230430T200000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20230317T091811Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230405T202436Z
UID:21223-1682877600-1682884800@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:SF: Voices of Palestinian Resistance: Commemorating 75 Years of Nakba
DESCRIPTION:The Middle East Children’s Alliance presents\nVoices of Palestinian Resistance:\nCommemorating 75 Years of Nakba\nFeaturing:\nSpecial Introduction by Dr. ANGELA DAVIS\nIn person: RASHIDA TLAIB\, Congresswoman from Michigan\nand\nOriginal video interviews with Palestinian refugees about their history and dreams\nSunday\, April 30\, 2023 6 PM\nSydney Goldstein Theater\, San Francisco (near Civic Center BART)\nBuy tickets!\nFacebook event – RSVP & share! \nA benefit for the children of Palestine \nRASHIDA TLAIB\n“A mother working for justice for all.”\nRashida Tlaib is a well-known progressive warrior\, proud daughter of Palestinian immigrant parents\, and mother of two children. The name Rashida means “righteous” in Arabic. Rashida made history by becoming the first woman of Palestinian descent to become a Congressperson and the first Muslim woman to ever serve in the Michigan Legislature. \nTICKETS: $30\, $50\, $70\, $100\nOrder tickets from www.cityboxoffice.com\, 415-392-4400.\nAll seats are reserved. Sorry\, no refunds. \nGroup rates available – please contact MECA for info meca@mecaforpeace.org\, 510-548-0542 \nNote: Disability seating is available (2 seats together) in the Orchestra.\nOrder today–we expect this event to sell out!
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/sf-voices-of-palestinian-resistance-commemorating-75-years-of-nakba/
LOCATION:Sydney Goldstein Theater\, 275 Hayes Street\, San Francisco\, CA\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221119T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221119T180000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094626
CREATED:20221005T082255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221112T070444Z
UID:21029-1668852000-1668880800@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley\, CA: 19th Palestinian Holiday Crafts Bazaar
DESCRIPTION:Join MECA & Joining Hands for our 19th annual Palestinian Holiday Crafts Bazaar!\nOne Day Only! Stunning gifts directly from Palestinian craftspeople — your purchase aids Palestinian children and their families. \nBrowse the award-winning olive oil\, olive wood products\, embroidery\, pottery\, rugs\, jewelry\, cookbooks\, children’s toys\, much more from Palestinian artisans\, cooperatives\, and farmers! \nDate: Saturday\, November 19th\nTime: 10am-6pm\nLocation: MECA office\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley (inside)\nCost: Free! \nRSVP & share the event on Facebook! \nWheelchair accessible\, Masks Required \nNot in the Bay Area? Check out our online store www.ShopPalestine.org
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-ca-19th-palestinian-holiday-crafts-bazaar/
LOCATION:Middle East Children’s Alliance\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94710\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/jpg-bazaar-card.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221029T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20221029T123000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094627
CREATED:20220914T113310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221010T184814Z
UID:20993-1667041200-1667046600@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Poetry Book Celebration! “You Can Be the Last Leaf" by Maya Abu Al-Hayyat
DESCRIPTION:Poetry Readings and Conversation with Maya Abu Al-Hayyat & Special Guest Deema Shehabi\n“You Can Be the Last Leaf: Selected Poems” by Maya Abu Al-Hayyat directs the Palestine Writing Workshop. She’ll read poems & be in conversation with poet Deema Shehabi \n\n\n\nSATURDAY\, OCTOBER 29\, 11am PT / 2pm ET\nRegister now! $10 donation\, benefit for the Palestine Writing Workshop \nFacebook event – RSVP & share! \n \nMaya Abu Al-Hayyat directs the Palestine Writing Workshop\, an institution that encourages reading in Palestinian communities through creative writing projects and storytelling with children and teachers. \nMaya has published four collections of poems\, four novels\, and numerous children’s stories\, including The Blue Pool of Questions. She contributed to and wrote a foreword for A Bird Is Not a Stone: An Anthology of Contemporary Palestinian Poetry\, and she is an editor of The Book of Ramallah. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Review of Books\, Cordite Poetry Review\, The Guardian\, and Literary Hub; she lives in Jerusalem and works in Ramallah. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \nDeema K. Shehabi is the author of Thirteen Departures From the Moon and co-editor with Beau Beausoleil of Al-Mutanabbi Street Starts Here \, for which she received the Northern California Book Award’s NCBR Recognition Award. She co-authored Diaspo/Renga with Marilyn Hacker and won the 2018 Nazim Hikmet poetry competition . Her work has also appeared in Literary Imagination\, the Kenyon Review\, Literary Hub\, Poetry London\, and Crab Orchard\, and has been translated into French\, Farsi\, and Arabic; she has been nominated for the Pushcart prize several times. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPRAISE FOR “You Can Be The Last Leaf”\n“The Palestinian poet’s U.S. debut gathers two decades of her intimate testimony about private life in a public war zone\, where ‘those who win by killing fewer children / are losers.’”—New York Times \n“Al-Hayyat’s latest devastating and courageous collection captures the precarious everyday lives of Palestinians with enormous empathy and glistening clarity . . . The vivid translations by Fady Joudah will jostle readers into discomfort and pin Al-Hayyat’s stunning voice into their ears.”—Booklist \n“Abu Al-Hayyat explores the broader political and geographic aspects of Palestinian life under colonial rule while at the same time interweaving the quotidian aspects of life and loss in such settings. Within these frictions of exterior trauma and private contemplations\, large constraints and small freedoms\, these poems soar.”—Chicago Review of Books \nBuy a copy of “You Can Be the Last Leaf” from MECA’s online store! \nTickets $10\, Benefit for the Palestine Writing Workshop\nRegister now! www.mecaforpeace.org/lastleaf\nFor info: meca@mecaforpeace.org\, 510-548-0542 \nCosponsored by SacramentoBethlehem Sister City
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/virtual-poetry-book-celebration-you-can-be-the-last-leaf-by-maya-abu-al-hayyat/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/MAYA-BANNER.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220717T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220717T150000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094627
CREATED:20220206T084123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220517T110045Z
UID:20842-1658048400-1658070000@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley\, CA: Ride for Palestine
DESCRIPTION:The Middle East Children’s Alliance’s (MECA’s) First Annual Ride for Palestine\, on July 17\, 2022\, will be a day of fun\, solidarity\, and celebration to raise money for children in Palestine. \nThe 11-mile scenic Ride for Palestine is designed to be enjoyable for cyclists of all skill levels. \nThe post-Ride celebration will include delicious Palestinian food\, music\, and more. \nRide for Palestine is a fundraiser for MECA’s work to protect the lives\, rights and\, well-being of children in Palestine and the refugee camps in Lebanon. By signing up for the Ride for Palestine\, you are committing to raise funds for Palestinian children. This is what makes our inaugural Ride for Palestine so special. \nLearn more about the Ride for Palestine including how to sign up and get involved at: www.rideforpalestine.com\nIf you are in the UK\, please check out our sister ride\, The Big Ride for Palestine \n 
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-ca-ride-for-palestine/
LOCATION:Middle East Children’s Alliance\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94710\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ride-logo-square-enlarged.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220708T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220708T210000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094627
CREATED:20220521T080333Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220624T165735Z
UID:20924-1657303200-1657314000@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:POSTPONED TO JULY 8: Cookbook Release! ARABIYYA: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora
DESCRIPTION:With author and chef REEM ASSIL\, celebrate the warmth and welcoming spirit of Arab food and hospitality while supporting fabulous causes!\nJoin celebrity chef and author REEM ASSIL at the release of her new book ARABIYYA: Recipes from the life of an Arab in Diaspora [A Cookbook] \nMusic by DJ Emancipation and small bites provided by Reem’s — celebrate the warmth and welcoming spirit of Arab food. \nNOTE: this event is postponed to FRIDAY\, JULY 8th\, 6-9pm!\nSorry for any inconvenience; date change is because Reem has Covid — but July 8th is also her birthday\, so cause for a double celebration!\nBuy tickets!\n$35 Event Supporter Ticket Price– includes food and entertainment!\n$65 Event Champion Ticket Price– ALSO includes your very own signed copy of Reem’s book!\n\nEvent is at Restore Oakland: 1419 34th Avenue\, #203\, enter on International Avenue. https://restoreoakland.org/\nWe encourage you to take public transportation as parking is limited. \nNOTE: Proof of vaccination required for admission to event \nCash bar with beer and wine for purchase will be available\, soft drinks\, entertainment! \nIf you already have Reem’s book\, please bring it for her to sign! \n \nREEM ASSIL is a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: West; a James Beard Award finalist for OutstandingChef; and the owner of Reem’s California\, a bakery with locations in Oakland and San Francisco. Reem was also the opening chef for Dyafa\, an Arab fine-dining restaurant that was awarded a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand in its first year. She has established herself at the intersection of food\, Arab Culture\, and social justice. \nARABIYYA is a collection of 100+ bright\, bold recipes influenced by the vibrant flavors and convivial culture of the Arab world. Alongside the tempting recipes\, Reem takes readers on a journey through her Palestinian and Syrian roots\, sharing stories of the power of Arab communities to turn hardship into brilliant\, nourishing meals and any occasion into a celebratory feast. There is also food for thought about what it takes to create a more equitable society. Reem’s glorious dishes draw in readers and customers\, but it is her infectious warmth that keeps them at the table. \nONE OF FOOD52’S MOST ANTICIPATED COOKBOOKS OF 2022 \n“This is what a cookbook should be: passion\, politics\, and personality are woven through the fabulous recipes.”—Ruth Reichl\, author of Save Me the Plums \n“A dazzling cookbook filled with mouthwatering recipes and moving stories that take you to the very heart of Arab culture and the migrant experience. Reem’s cooking and storytelling is an inspiration.”—Yasmin Khan\, author of Ripe Figs and Zaitoun \nFacebook event – please RSVP & share! \nEvent hosted by Middle East Children’s Alliance\, cosponsored by Arab Resource & Organizing Center. \nPhoto Credit: Laura Aburamadan
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/cookbook-release-arabiyya-recipes-from-the-life-of-an-arab-in-diaspora/
LOCATION:Restore Oakland\, 1419 34th Avenue\, #203\, Oakland\, CA\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220328T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20220328T200000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094627
CREATED:20220205T070132Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220215T105122Z
UID:20832-1648490400-1648497600@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley\, CA & Virtual: Tribute to Gus Newport with Danny Glover
DESCRIPTION:TRIBUTE TO GUS NEWPORT\nFormer Mayor of Berkeley\, racial justice champion\, former MECA Board Chair –\n–Including MC and Special Guest: DANNY GLOVER–\nMonday\, MARCH 28 — In-Person & Virtual — 6pm PT / 9pm ET\nBuy TICKETS! $25-100 sliding scale for in-person and virtual tickets!\nor\nJoin the HOST COMMITTEE! \nFacebook event – please RSVP & share! \nFreight & Salvage Coffeehouse\, 2020 Addison Street\, Berkeley CA\n5pm PT: hors d’oeuvres\n6-8pm PT/ 9-11pm ET: \nPROGRAM: Danny Glover\, Angela Davis\, Bernie Sanders\, Holly Near & Natalia Zukerman\, Palestinian Ensemble ASWAT\, Barbara Lubin\, Zeiad Abbas Shamrouch — and Gus Newport! \nProceeds benefit MECA’s programs for Palestinian children and refugees. \n \nGus Newport is a Berkeley legend\, grassroots organizer\, and “champion of the people.” With roots in the Civil Rights Movement\, he was mentored by Malcolm X and helped found the Organization of African American Unity. Gus also served on the UN Committee Against Apartheid\, the Committee on the Question of Palestine\, and was an honorary member of the African National Congress. \nGus also: \n\ntraveled to war zones in solidarity with the people of El Salvador\nheaded the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative in Boston\, creating a national model for a neighborhood run “by and for the people”\nwas one of the first U.S. mayors to ride in a Gay Freedom Day parade (1979 in San Francisco).\nhelped oversee the rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina\nmentored young activists\nserved on the faculty of UC Berkeley\, MIT and Yale\ncampaigned for Bernie Sanders\nserves on the National Council of Elders\, an organization of key social justice activists over 65\nreceived the 2019 Khalil Gibran Spirit of Humanity Award\, from the Arab American Institute Foundation\n\n“Everybody tells me I have to slow down. I tell them death will have to catch me – I am not going to sit and wait for him!” – Gus Newport \nBuy TICKETS Here ($25-100 sliding scale) or join the HOST COMMITTEE ($500 for two tickets plus other benefits)! \nYou can also mail a check for tickets ($25 – $500)\, and put “Gus Tickets” in the memo line. Be sure to include your phone number and email address. Mail to:\nMECA\n1101 8th Street\nBerkeley CA 94710 \nSorry\, no refunds. \nRead “Gus Newport: In It for the Long Haul” to learn more about Gus and his incredible contributions to movements for justice \nNotes: All ticket-holders will receive a private link to the virtual event.\nIn mid-March we will ask you to let us know if you plan to attend in person\, so that we can plan accordingly\, but you are free to change your mind and just attend virtually. \nFor those attending in person: Currently the Freight & Salvage requires everyone to bring personal ID plus proof of vaccination and booster\, and to wear N95\, KN95\, KF94 or surgical mask. Anyone wearing a cloth mask only will be supplied with a surgical mask to wear under it. Bandanas or gaiters are not acceptable. Sorry but no exceptions to the above. \nThe Freight & Salvage is wheelchair accessible. \nQuestions?: penny@mecaforpeace.org\, 510-548-0542\, x313 \nCredit for Gus & Danny photo: Andrew Bohan
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-ca-virtual-tribute-to-gus-newport/
LOCATION:Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse\, 2020 Addison St\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94704\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/gus-courthouse-e1644044611193.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211205T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211205T113000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094627
CREATED:20211122T081256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211122T081805Z
UID:20701-1638698400-1638703800@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Palestinians Fight For Their Village: Virtual Brunch in Solidarity with Silwan
DESCRIPTION:Last summer\, Palestinians and pro-Palestinian activists worldwide rose up to defend Silwan and other villages in East Jerusalem from Israeli bulldozers. Silwan is out of the headlines\, but the battle rages on! \nSilwan is an example of creative resistance to Israeli efforts to destroy all Palestinian presence in the villages surrounding Jerusalem’s Old City. The community\, while struggling with the impact of the Covid pandemic\, faces the constant arrests of Silwani children\, house thefts and demolitions\, the imminent destruction of whole neighborhoods—and the use of the City of David National Park as an archeological weapon for conquest. \nJawad Siyam\, founder of the Wadi Hilweh Information Center and Madaa Creative Center for Children\, has been at the center of Silwani resistance. We’re honored to be able to share his perspective and news about the current situation. \nJody Sokolower\, co-coordinator of MECA’s Teach Palestine Project\, is the author of Determined to Stay: Palestinian Youth Fight for Their Village. Determined to Stay is filled with voices of Silwani youth and their families that illuminate the connections between Israeli’s role in Palestine and racism faced by youth in the United States. Jody will share some of those stories and discuss ways her book can be a tool for building understanding and solidarity. \nSilwani community leader Jawad Siyam on how the village is fighting current attacks from Israeli forces and settlers. \nJody Sokolower shares the stories\, fears and dreams of Silwani youth from her book Determined to Stay: Palestinian Youth Fight for Their Village. \nCome join us to learn more about Silwan and how you can stand in solidarity! \n 
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/20701/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/silwan-brunch-for-web.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211024T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20211024T170000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094627
CREATED:20210911T121049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211020T210213Z
UID:20608-1635076800-1635094800@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Palestinian Holiday Crafts Mini Bazaar
DESCRIPTION:We’re thrilled to let you know that our 18th Palestinian Holiday Crafts Bazaar is returning\, after last year’s hiatus due to COVID. \nOne Day Only: SUNDAY\, OCTOBER 24\, Noon – 5pm \nIMPORTANT UPDATE:\nDue to predictions of rain and wind this weekend\, we’re moving our Palestinian Crafts Bazaar this Sunday INDOORS!\nIt’s the same place and time: Sunday\, October 24\, noon-5pm at MECA office\, 1101 8th Street in Berkeley\nWe do need to require proof of vaccination (City of Berkeley requirement) — and please wear your mask.\nWe have brand new shipments of beautiful crafts — perfect for holiday gifts\, or for you to keep. Every purchase benefits Palestinian children and their families\, plus it’s wheelchair accessible. Sponsored by MECA & Joining Hands. \nA remarkable display of items from Palestine — very special for gifts\, or for you! Award-winning Olive Oil\, Pottery\, Olive Wood Products\, Embroidery\, Shawls & Scarves\, Olive Oil Soap & Palestinian Dead Sea Products\, Keffiyehs\, Children’s Toys\, Clothing\, Jewelry\, Kitchenware\n& Cookbooks\, Rugs\, Books. \nFacebook event: please RSVP & share!\nBring friends and family!\nwww.mecaforpeace.org\, 510-548-0542 \n?
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/palestinian-holiday-crafts-mini-bazaar/
LOCATION:Middle East Children’s Alliance\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94710\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Save-the-date-flyer-Bazaar-cropped.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210826T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20210826T183000
DTSTAMP:20260426T094627
CREATED:20210715T084127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210717T074708Z
UID:20552-1629997200-1630002600@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Mona Hajjar Halaby Book Launch!
DESCRIPTION:“In My Mother’s Footsteps: A Palestinian Refugee Returns Home”\nVirtual Event — Thursday\, August 26: 5-6:30pm PT / 8-9:30pm ET\nFREE\, Register Now! www.mecaforpeace.org/MonaHalaby\nJoin Middle East Children’s Alliance to celebrate the release of Mona Hajjar Halaby’s new book! Mona is a long-time friend and supporter of MECA and a member of Joining Hands\, the group of Bay Area women who founded the annual Palestinian crafts bazaar and co-organize it with us each year. \nMONA HAJJAR HALABY is a Palestinian-American educator\, writer and social history buff\, who lives in California\, USA. She is the author of In My Mother’s Footsteps: A Palestinian Refugee Returns Home\, which interweaves the story of her mother’s life and her own sabbatical year teaching conflict resolution in Ramallah. She has created a Facebook page focused on photographs of Jerusalem during the first half of the twentieth century\, entitled “British Mandate Jerusalemites Photo Library\,” and has also collaborated on the interactive documentary www.jerusalemwearehere.com. \n  \nIn My Mother’s Footsteps is a moving and heart-rending journey of a daughter discovering her roots and recovering her mother’s beloved past. It’s also an intimate and tender account of daily life for Palestinians as never seen before. Letters from her mother make this a memoir of two voices; the inspirational resilience of the Palestinians shines through. \nOrder your copy today! \n\n“‘Refugees are like seeds that scatter in the wind\, and land in different soils that become their reluctant homes’ my mother once told me. As a small child\, I looked up at my mother and clutched her hand. The puffiness of her palm reminded me of a loaf of warm pita bread\, and when she laced her fingers into mine like a pretzel\, I felt safe. I would have walked with her to the ends of the earth.” \nFrom Goodreads Reviewers:\n“A beautifully written story told with honesty and passion…It will jerk those tears right out of your head…Surely one of the best books of 2021.” \n“Informative\, powerful\, moving…Her descriptions of the places she visits in Palestine are exceptionally evocative…I felt transported to the streets of Jerusalem and Ramallah\, almost as if I was walking alongside her…[She] summarizes the outcome of her journey: ‘Unbeknownst to me\, in the process of recovering from my mother her beloved past\, I had found it for myself.'”
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/mona-hajjar-halaby-book-launch/
LOCATION:Online
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MONA-BANNER-for-web.jpg
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