Zionism and the Nakba
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Church in Ocean Park
The Campaign To End Israeli Apartheid-S.C. presented to the community for the first time its full-size 24 panel exhibit,
consisting of 6' by 3' panels presenting the history of the Palestinian people. The panels will now travel to parks, churches,
colleges and universities, among other venues, to expand understanding of this struggle, which is, for the most part,
not reflected in the popular, corporate media. The 70+ people who attended certainly shared a dedication to the just
cause and heroic struggle of the Palestinian people.
The success of the event was furthered by the Palestinians that joined us who, in their own words, explained so eloquently
the history of their struggle and the reasons it continues militantly after 60 years.
The historical overview of the Palestinian struggle by Dr. Zahi Damuni, co-founder of Al-Awda, was articulate and
comprehensive and held the crowd spellbound. Dr. Damuni put into historic context the struggle since well before
1948 to the present. A special thanks to Zahi for his extraordinary presentation.
The program opened up with readings by Zav Hershfield, Hannan Khamis and Nassar Al Faris of "first person accounts"
of survivors of the Nakba of 1948. The emotional testimonies of those people, reflecting the terror which befell them,
certainly reflected vividly the disaster of the "Catastrophe."
A profound video, showing the reality of the Deir Yassin massacre of April 9, 1948, with testimonies of survivors, was shown.
A growing number of communities around the world now assemble on April 9 to honor and commemorate this tragedy and
a goal of Deir Yassin Remembered is to erect a memorial at the very site of the village, now tightly controlled by Israeli security.
A special thanks and tribute to members of Al-Awda and PAWA [Palestinian American Women Association] who traveled a
long distance to attend and participate. Those attending donated generously to support the Exhibit Project, for which we
are deeply appreciative. The in-depth and informative question-and-answer period was a perfect way to top
off the day!
Finally, our deep appreciation to the Church In Ocean Park congregation, and Rev. Janet McKeithen, for their unqualified
hospitality and warmth in welcoming us to their church. Thanks to all for your support!
Click here to download the exhibit and/or booklet of the exhibit