1:15 p.m. - Peace & Justice Walk starts in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, NY |
2:00 p.m. - Panel Discussion with Dr. Dahlia Wasfi, May Saffar and Spee Braun at the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church, 24 Circular Drive, Saratoga Spring, NY | |
The human suffering the US wars and sanctions have inflicted on the people of Iraq in defiance of the Geneva Conventions are felt by all, but most cruelly by the children and women. Chatham Peace Initiative, Saratoga Peace Alliance, Muslim Solidarity Committee and Women Against War have organized an event drawing attention to the human rights crisis in Iraq with speakers Dr. Dahlia Wasfi, May Saffar and Spee Braun. We have invited Rep. Gillibrand and Senators Clinton and Schumer and their respective staff to attend. We are awaiting their replies.
We will gather at the Spirit of Life statue in Congress Park where the Women's Peace Chorus will lead the walk up Broadway and back to the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church. Bring flowers, photos, artwork, and letters to leave at Rep. Gillibrand's office. If possible wear white tops for the walk. Families and children are welcome. To get to the statue enter Congress Park on Broadway across from Congress Street, go left (north) when inside the park.
The speakers in the panel discussion all have personal experience with the human rights crisis in Iraq. Dr. Dahlia Wasfi testified at a Congressional Forum in April 2006 to provide an eyewitness account of life in Iraq. May Saffar, a native of Baghdad who now lives in the Capital District, is a co-founder of the Muslim Solidarity Committee. Spee Braun works with Save the Children and in 2003, twice traveled to Iraq to assist in community revitalization efforts. Childcare will be available during the panel discussion. For information call 518-766-4091 or 518-883-6394 or check www.chathampeace.org |
