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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Middle East Children's Alliance
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260414T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260414T203000
DTSTAMP:20260524T161140
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260503T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260503T170000
DTSTAMP:20260524T161140
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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260516T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260516T200000
DTSTAMP:20260524T161140
CREATED:20260505T171615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T172027Z
UID:22875-1778947200-1778961600@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Richmond\, CA: All That's Left of You at Central Stage in Richmond\, CA
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Saturday\, May 16\, at 4:00 pm for a screening of All That’s Left of You at Central Stage in Richmond\, CA. \nStorytelling can illuminate truths that are too often overlooked. In All That’s Left of You\, the history of the Nakba—and its ongoing impact today—comes into focus through Palestinian life portrayed with a depth\, humanity\, and dignity rarely seen on screen. \nFollowing the film\, we invite you to stay for a Q&A discussion to further explore the themes\, histories\, and lived experiences shared in the documentary. \n \nMay 15 is internationally recognized as Nakba Day\, a commemoration of the forced displacement of Palestinians that began in 1948 and continues to shape lives and histories. It is a day of remembrance\, reflection\, and acknowledgment of profound loss—and of the enduring struggle for justice. \nWe believe this makes it a deeply meaningful moment to share this film. All That’s Left of You invites viewers to engage with personal stories\, honor lived experiences\, and confront the ongoing legacy of the Nakba with openness and care. \nPURCHASE TICKETS HERE \nLimited Seating \n$25 Sliding scale ticket \n$35 Supporters \n$50 Sponsor \n\nCentral Stage can be a little tricky to spot\, so here’s the easiest way to find it: \n\nHead down Central Avenue toward Costco\, crossing over the freeway overpass.\nAs you head towards Costco\, you’ll see a side street on your right (San Joaquin Street) after the freeway overpass.\nJust after that side street\, look for the driveway entrance to United Granite & Cabinet on your right. Look for Palestinian flags and signs.\nTurn into that driveway.
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/richmond-ca-all-thats-left-of-you-at-central-stage-in-richmond-ca/
LOCATION:Central Stage\, 5221 Central Ave\, Richmond\, CA\, 94804\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Untitled-11.249-x-6-in.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260520T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260520T203000
DTSTAMP:20260524T161140
CREATED:20260409T174119Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T230442Z
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
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Paul-Totah-event-website.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260604T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260604T203000
DTSTAMP:20260524T161140
CREATED:20260505T173002Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T173002Z
UID:22882-1780597800-1780605000@www.mecaforpeace.org
SUMMARY:Berkeley CA: MECA Film Screening - Palestine 36
DESCRIPTION:MECA Film Screening: Palestine 36\nDate: Thursday\, June 4\, 2026\nTime: 6:30pm – 8:30pm PST\nLocation: MECA Offices\, 1101 8th Street\, Berkeley CA 94710\nTickets: $10 + 1.68 fee\nJoin MECA for a screening of Palestine 36 on June 4\, 2026 at 6:30pm.\nIn 1936\, as the British Empire tightens its grip on Palestine\, Yusuf is caught between his village home and his work in Jerusalem. Amidst an anti-colonial revolt\, and Jewish refugees fleeing persecution from Europe\, all sides converge in a decisive moment for the entire region. \nDirected by Annemarie Jacir \nStarring Jeremy Irons\, Liam Cunningham\, Hiam Abbass\, Kamel Al Basha\, Yasmine Al Massri\, Jalal Altawil\, Robert Aramayo\, Saleh Bakri\, Yafa Bakri\, Karim Daoud Anaya\, Wardi Eilabouni\, Ward Helou\, Billy Howle\, Dhafer L’Abidine
URL:https://www.mecaforpeace.org/event/berkeley-ca-meca-film-screening-palestine-36/
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/2026/05/Untitled-11.249-x-6-in-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260719
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260720
DTSTAMP:20260524T161140
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
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