BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Middle East Children's Alliance - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Middle East Children's Alliance
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Los_Angeles
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20220313T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20221106T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20230312T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20231105T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20240310T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20241103T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20250309T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20251102T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20260308T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20261101T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20270314T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20271107T090000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230820T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20230820T193000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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:20231014T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231014T120000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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:20231024T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231024T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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:20231118T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231118T180000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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:20231213T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20231213T120000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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:20240306T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240306T180000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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:20240406T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240406T170000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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:20240505T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240505T160000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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:20240711T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240711T210000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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:20241006T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241006T130000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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;VALUE=DATE:20241012
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241109
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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:20241108T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241108T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241116T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241116T180000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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:20250207T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250207T183000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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:20250222T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250222T170000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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;VALUE=DATE:20250331
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250404
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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:20250427T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250427T160000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250505T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250505T190000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250927T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250927T180000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
CREATED:20250821T185930Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250821T185930Z
UID:22530-1758988800-1758996000@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:OAKLAND: Art for the Children of Gaza
DESCRIPTION:Art for the Children of Gaza\nSeptember 1 – 30\, 2025\nReception: Saturday\, September 27\, 4-6pm\nLocation: Grand Gallery\, 560 2nd St\, Oakland CA\nkathykennyart.com\nAll proceeds of art purchased during the month of September will benefit children in Gaza \nBay Area contemporary artist and activist Kathy Kenny is raising $10\,000 in the month September for urgent aid to families in Gaza through the Middle East Children’s Alliance. Over a dozen Grand Gallery artists are joining in—look for green dots on our works. MECA Reception at The Grand Gallery: Sept 27\, 4–6 pm. Every art purchase or direct donation makes a difference—scan the QR code to learn more or give directly.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/oakland-art-for-the-children-of-gaza/
LOCATION:Grand Gallery\, 560 2nd Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94607
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Kathy-Kenny-Event-Banner-for-Website.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250928T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250928T213000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
CREATED:20250915T171508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T175332Z
UID:22587-1759087800-1759095000@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley: Rumi's Caravan
DESCRIPTION:Rumi’s Caravan Returns to Berkeley\nSunday\, September 28th 7:30-9:30\nThe Freight: 2020 Addison Street Berkeley\nRumi says\, “Ours is not a caravan of despair.” We are here to share the oral tradition and revive the soul of the world! \nFor 25 years (10 in the East Bay)\, Rumi’s Caravan has offered an improvised poetic conversation with music\, quoting from Rumi\, Hafiz\, Mary Oliver\, Kabir\, Wendell Berry\, Neruda\, Rilke\, Robert Bly\, Yeats\, Naomi Shehab Nye\, William Stafford\, Maya Angelou\, Leonard Cohen\, Seamus Heaney\, Denise Levertov\, Antonio Machado\, 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 with images of beauty. Dress lavishly! We offer this treasury of words to meet and inspire the souls of the audience. \nAll proceeds from tonight’s performance will support the work of the Middle East Children’s Alliance (mecaforpeace.org) \nAdvance Tickets: $30.00 (includes all fees)   \nhttps://secure.thefreight.org/15271/15272-rumis-caravan-returns-to-berkeley-250928 \nDay of Show Tickets: $35.00
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-rumis-caravan/
LOCATION:The Freight\, 2020 Addison Street\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94704\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Rumis-Caravan.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251001T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251001T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
CREATED:20250910T231930Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T190304Z
UID:22566-1759343400-1759350600@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Oakland\, CA- Two Years of Genocide: The Legacy of Malcolm X and Black-Palestinian Solidarity
DESCRIPTION:Two Years of Genocide: The Legacy of Malcolm X and Black-Palestinian Solidarity\nDate: Wednesday\, October 1\, 2025\, 6:30pm\nJoin MECA as we welcome Angela Davis\, Ali Abunimah\, and Lara Kiswani in conversation on the two years of ongoing genocide in Gaza. the legacy of Malcolm X\, and Black-Palestinian solidarity.  Co-sponsored by IJAN\, NorCal Sabeel\, AROC\, PYM\, and Center for Political Education \nWhile the genocidal assault on Gaza intensifies\, the international Palestinian solidarity movement is gaining strength. A united resistance is the only way forward and can take inspiration from the revolutionary internationalism of Malcolm X. 2025 marks 100 years since his birth. \nMalcolm X’s views on Palestine were shaped by his evolving global perspective and his 1964 visit to the Gaza Strip\, where he witnessed the conditions in Palestinian refugee camps. He drew a direct parallel between the displacement of Palestinians and the oppression of Black people in America\, emphasizing that both were part of a universal struggle for justice and self-determination against a system he saw as a new form of colonialism. \nAngela Y. Davis\, Professor Emerita at UC\, Santa Cruz\, is an activist\, writer\, and lecturer. Her work focuses on prisons\, police\, abolition\, and the related intersections of race\, gender\, and class.  \nAli Abunimah is Executive Director of The Electronic Intifada. He is the author of One Country and The Battle for Justice in Palestine. \nLara Kiswaniis the Executive Director of the Arab Resource & Organizing Center (AROC)\, which serves thousands of poor and working-class Arabs and Muslims across the Bay Area. \nHatem Bazian is Founder and Director of the Islamophobia Studies Center\, Co-Founder of Students for Justice in Palestine and American Muslims for Palestine\, and UC Berkeley Faculty.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/oakland-ca-two-years-of-genocide-the-legacy-of-malcolm-x-and-black-palestinian-solidarity/
LOCATION:First Congregational Church Oakland\, 2501 Harrison Street\, Oakland\, CA\, 94612\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Malcom-X-Event-7.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251015T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
CREATED:20250915T164741Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T164741Z
UID:22576-1760553000-1760560200@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley: Terms of Servitude
DESCRIPTION:Terms of Servitude: Big Tech’s Rise in Silencing Palestinian Voices and Advancing Genocide\nWednesday\, October 15\, 2025\, 6:30 pm\nMiddle East Children’s Alliance\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley\, CA 84710\nEvent is free but please RSVP\nJoin MECA in welcoming Omar Zahzah to discuss his new book\, Terms of Servitude: Zionism\, Silicon Valley\, and Digital Settler/Colonialism in the Palestine Liberation Struggle. \nZahzah illustrates how big tech has leveraged massive power to spread propaganda\, silence criticism of Israel\, and smear dissenters. Zahzah calls this “digital settler colonialism” and shows how it operates in both subtle and overt ways—from shadow banning to blacklisting to paid trolling—across platforms. He also profiles the creative Palestinian activists\, artists\, and journalists who are outwitting the seemingly all-powerful tech titans and getting their message out despite the massive forces arrayed against them. \nOMAR ZAHZAH is a writer\, poet\, organizer of Lebanese Palestinian descent\, and Assistant Professor of Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas (AMED) Studies at San Francisco State University. Omar has covered digital repression in relation to Palestine as a freelance journalist since May 2021\, with work appearing in such outlets as Al Jazeera\, Middle East Eye\, Electronic Intifada\, Mondoweiss\, CounterPunch.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-terms-of-servitude/
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/2025/09/terms-of-servitude-Website.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251026T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251026T210000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
CREATED:20250915T183027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T183442Z
UID:22601-1761505200-1761512400@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley: United in Song\, United for Gaza
DESCRIPTION:United in Song\, United for Gaza: Benefit Concert for MECA’s Gaza Relief\nSunday\, October 26\, 2025\nLa Peña Cultural Center\, Berkeley\n7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Doors open at 6:00pm)\nTickets: $25-$75.  Reserve your spot on Humantix\nJoin us for an evening of powerful music and solidarity featuring the renowned Georges Lammam Ensemble\, legendary activist-artist Holly Near\, Poet Anita Barrows\, and special guest\, Zeiad Abbas\, MECA Executive Director with an informative slide show on MECA’s work in Gaza.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-united-in-song-united-for-gaza/
LOCATION:La Peña Cultural Center\, 3105 Shattuck Ave\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94705\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-La-Pena-1026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251108T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251108T180000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
CREATED:20250915T170047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T215500Z
UID:22581-1762596000-1762624800@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley: MECA & Joining Hands' 22nd Annual Holiday Crafts Bazaar
DESCRIPTION:This will be our second year hosting the bazaar at Ciel Creative Space at 2611 Eighth St\, Berkeley\, CA 94710. Support 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! \nRegister today! https://events.humanitix.com/mecabazaar2025 \nFor more info email meca@mecaforpeace.org\, or call (510)548-0542 \nWheelchair accessible
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-meca-joining-hands-22nd-annual-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/2025/09/2025-Bazaar.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260319T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260319T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
CREATED:20260305T004902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T004902Z
UID:22779-1773945000-1773952200@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley\, CA - The Voice of Hind Rajab Screening
DESCRIPTION:The Voice of Hind Rajab Screening at MECA Offices\nDate: Thursday\, March 19\, 2026\nTime: 6:30pm – 8:30pm\nLocation: Middle East Children’s Alliance 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley\, CA 94710\, USA\nJoin the Middle East Children’s Alliance for our screening of The Voice of Hind Rajab. This tragic docudrama\, written and directed by Kaouther Ben Hania\, follows the Red Crescent response during the killing of Hind Rajab\, a six-year-old Palestinian girl\, by the Israel Defense Forces during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. It stars Saja Kilani\, Motaz Malhees\, Amer Hlehel\, and Clara Khoury.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-ca-the-voice-of-hind-rajab-screening/
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/2026/03/Hind-Rajab-Screening.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260414T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260414T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
CREATED:20260326T232821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260403T190833Z
UID:22828-1776191400-1776198600@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley: Author Talk - Michael J Cooper on Crossroads of Empire
DESCRIPTION:Author Talk: Michael J Cooper on Crossroads of Empire\nDate: April 14\, 2026\nTime: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm\nLocation: MECA Offices\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley CA 94710\nJoin MECA in welcoming author Michael J Cooper as he introduces two of his books of historical fiction which are set in Ottoman Palestine during WW1 and deal with the imperial designs of the Great Powers. Michael will also discuss his experience as a pediatric cardiologist on 26 volunteer medical missions to Palestine over the past twenty years. \nThere will also be refreshments and special musical entertainment from Cormac Gannon and Ibrahim Safi. \nThe presentation will be followed by a Q&A and opportunity to obtain books with donations to MECA: all donations of at least $50 will receive a free copy of either book\, with both books free for a donation of $90 or more. \n100% of monies raised at this event will be donated to MECA to assist in delivering vital aid to children in Palestine. \nPlease note: this event is dedicated to the memory of the founder of MECA\, Barbara Lubin. \nEntry is free\, but because of limited space\, we ask that you RSVP in advance. \n“Wages of Empire is a superb historical novel and a must read! I am a man of Jerusalem and felt goose bumps as Cooper’s prose brought back vivid memories of the city of my birth. Most importantly\, this memorable historical novel directly relates to issues we face today. I’m grateful for Cooper’s genius in invoking a difficult past to heal a broken present.”\n—Rizek Abusharr\, Emeritus Director General of Jerusalem International YMCA\, nominated for Nobel Peace Prize (1993)\, recipient of Marthe Laube Prize for Tolerance and Democratic Values (1996). \n“Crossroads of Empire dives into the tumultuous waters of World War I\, presenting a thrilling narrative enriched by a blend of historical and fictional characters. Cooper’s writing is compelling and richly detailed\, offering a tapestry of scenes that bring early 20th-century conflicts vividly to life.”\n—Literary Titan Review \nCombined synopsis of Wages of Empire & Crossroads of Empire \nIn the summer of 1914\, sixteen-year-old Evan Sinclair leaves home to join the Great War for Civilization. Little does he know that\, despite the war raging in Europe\, the true source of conflict will emerge in Ottoman Palestine\, since it’s from Jerusalem where the German kaiser dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor. Filled with such historical figures as Gertrude Bell\, T.E. Lawrence\, Winston Churchill\, Faisal bin Hussein and Chaim Weizmann\, Wages of Empire follows Evan through the killing fields of the Western Front where he will help turn the tide of a war that is just beginning\, and become part of a story that’s still being written. \nThe story of Evan Sinclair that begins in Wages of Empire continues in Crossroads of Empire. Having survived German artillery\, poison gas\, and friendly fire in helping to turn the tide of the war in its first months\, Evan barely survives his hospital ship’s sinking by a German U-boat\, and left with amnesia\, he no longer remembers who he is. During his quest to recover his memory Evan will discover far more: love for his father\, grief for his late mother\, and hidden secrets of his bloodline. \nThe Middle East Front soon explodes with pitched battles at Suez and Gallipoli as the great imperial powers maneuver\, calculate\, and make promises they have no intention of keeping. These machinations are woven into the fabric of both books as the German Empire\, the British Empire\, and France look forward to controlling various portions of the Ottoman Empire\, and particularly the Middle East\, after the war.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-author-talk-michael-j-cooper-on-the-rabbis-knight/
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/2026/03/cooper-banner-events-website.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260503T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260503T170000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
CREATED:20260318T234209Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T234209Z
UID:22816-1777806000-1777827600@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley: Shop Palestine Spring Bazaar
DESCRIPTION:Shop Palestine Spring Bazaar\nDate: Sunday\, May 3 2026\nTime: 11 am – 5 pm\nLocation: MECA Offices\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley CA 94710\nWe’re excited to announce our second Shop Palestine Spring Bazaar happening Sunday\, May 3rd from 11am – 5pm at our offices on 1101 8th Street in Berkeley.  We will have our new shipment of olive oil for sale as well as ceramics\, embroidery\, jewelry\, and so much more!
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-shop-palestine-spring-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/2026/03/2026-Spring-Sale-MECAWEBSITE.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260520T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260520T203000
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
CREATED:20260409T174119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T174119Z
UID:22854-1779301800-1779309000@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley\, CA - Refugee: Poems of El Salvador and Palestine with Paul Totah
DESCRIPTION:Refugee: Poems of El Salvador and Palestine with Paul Totah\nDate: May 20\, 2026\, 6:30pm – 8:30pm PDT\nLocation: Middle East Children’s Alliance\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley CA 94710\nJoin us in welcoming Paul Totah\, Palestinian-American poet and activist as he reads from his new poetry book\, Refugee: Poems of El Salvador and Palestine \nEvent is free\, but please RSVP \nPaul Totah is the author of several books\, including Refugee: Poems of El Salvador and Palestine. Paul had his start in journalism at Santa Clara University\, where he served as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper before working for five newspapers around the Bay Area. After three years working with homeless teens\, he earned his master’s degree in creative writing from San Francisco State University and began teaching English literature at St. Ignatius College Preparatory\, his alma mater. He served there between 1985 and 2020; along the way\, he edited the school’s alumni magazine for 33 years and became SI’s first director of communications. The books he wrote include The San Francisco Fair: Treasure Island 1939–1940 (Scottwall Associates); Spiritus Magis: 150 Years of St. Ignatius College Preparatory (published by the school); The Gospel of Everyone: A Poetic Retelling of the Gospel of Luke (Resource: a division of Wipf and Stock); Charting a New Course: Reinventing High Schools for the New Millennium (Information Age)\, Earth\, Word\, Fire & Water (poetry and landscape photography)\,Murder at Beach Chalet & The Body in Sutro Baths. He has also co-authored a play on the life and study of Dante.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-ca-refugee-poems-of-el-salvador-and-palestine-with-paul-totah/
LOCATION:Middle East Children’s Alliance\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley\, CA\, 94710\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260719
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260720
DTSTAMP:20260426T150056
CREATED:20240611T190413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T210501Z
UID:22109-1784419200-1784505599@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Fifth Annual Ride for Palestine: The Ride of Return
DESCRIPTION:Join us Sunday\, July 19 for our Fith Annual Ride for Palestine\, a day of solidarity along the 14-mile scenic San Francisco Bay. The ride is designed to be enjoyable for cyclists of all skill levels and the post-Ride event\, Gather for Palestine will include delicious Palestinian food\, music\, dancing\, and more. \nAll funds raised this year will support MECA’s work in Palestine–where the situation is dire and your support is more important than ever. Thanks to the efforts of our community\, MECA’s 2025 Ride for Palestine was a huge success\, raising more than $450\,000 in support of our ongoing work in Palestine. \nHelp us reach our 2026 Ride for Palestine goal of $500\,000 by registering today. \nWith your support\, we can deliver food and other necessities and send a powerful message of solidarity to Palestine. \nRide for Palestinian Children. Ride for Solidarity. Ride for Return.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/fifth-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/2024/06/2026-RFP-MECAWEBSITE-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR