The Holy Qur’an teaches us, “If anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.” And today we are compelled to communiate our pain and outrage about the violence being inflicted on peaceful Iranians. The killings of innocent civilians, beatings of elderly women and young students alike, and imprisonment without charge of hundreds of civilians – done in the name of Islam – serve to slander this holy religion whose name itself means the “making of peace.”

For the full text of the letter signed by 35 national organizations, including the Resource Center for Nonviolence, go to www.forpeace.net, click on Iran (at top of page), then scroll down to the letter.

Sunday, July 26, 2009 7 to 9 p.m.
Mill Gallery 131 Front St., Santa Cruz

An evening of dessert, wine, music and belly dancers with Crystal Silmi. Scott Kennedy will give a presentation on the Peace Builders delegations and Congressional Accompaniment Program, which both lead delegations to Palestine/Israel where they meet with a wide variety of individuals and organizations that work to end the conflict and bring peace to the region. For more information, call 423-1626.
Suggested donation: $15 – $50 at the door.

Sun. Aug. 2, 2009, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Resource Center for Nonviolence

A book reading/signing of a new translation of 14th Century Iranian poet Hafez with Mahmood Karimi-Hakak and Bill Wolak, translators and a Q & A on Iran today. Karimi-Hakak is a Fulbright scholar, Iranian educator, poet, playwright, director and filmaker. Wolak is a poet and the recipient of several National Endowment for the Humanities grants and two Fulbright-Hayes scholarships. He has been an adjunct Professor at Wm. Paterson U. for more than 20 years.

Contact: Cheryl De Ciantis, 831-425-3828

This event is being rescheduled. A new date and location will be announced soon.

Live music, belly dancers, wine tasting and a presentation by Scott Kennedy on the Peace Builders Delegation Program to Israel and Palestine and more.

Tuesday, June 30, 7:00 p.m.
Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd, Aptos

Congressman Sam Farr will speak on US policies to advance peace in the Middle East. All are invited; questions are encouraged. Sponsored by the Middle East Dialogue Group.