Norwich Stop the War Coalition
From Nstwcwiki
[edit] Current Events of the NSTWC
[edit] New Spring (April) Newsletter
You can download the PDF newsletter from here: http://www.norwichstopwar.org.uk/images/f/fa/NSTWC_Newsletter_0409.pdf
[edit] Vigil for Gaza and Afghanistan, Saturday June 27th, 11.30 am- 1.30 pm, at the Forum
Focussing on the need to end the siege of Gaza, Israel's accountabilty, the dismantling of illegal settlements and the settlement programme, especially around Jerusalem and in addition the ending of the war on Afghanistan highlighting the humanitarian disaster which has and is being caused there.
[edit] Norwich Stop the War steering committee meeting, Wed, June 24th, 7.30 pm, Jurnet's Bar, Wensum Lodge
Regular meeting of the NSTWC steering committee. Open to newcomers.
Further information from info@norwichstopwar.org.uk or http://www.norwichstopwar.org.uk.
[edit] Peace Camp & Peace Cycle Saturday 4th July 2009, 10 am - 4 pm, Forum
The Peace Camp is an inter-active forum where people can meet, exchange ideas and information. Here people can find out about and consider joining any of the diverse but interconnected organisations which exist to promote peace, justice and better understanding. The Peace Camp invites people to bring and contribute their own viewpoints, ideas and suggestions, in a day-long event devoted to peace and better relations.
We think in terms of an alternative independence day promoting peace, understanding, justice and genuine concern for others among other things, let us aim to make this 4th Norwich Peace Camp the best and most all embracing yet.
The Forum will host a day of inter-active exhibitions bringing together many local peace, human rights, environmental, community groups and charities acting locally and thinking internationally.
In this 4th consecutive year participating organisations reflect an integrated definition of commitment to peace embracing all ages in the belief that peace is achievable.
Outdoor events from 11-3pm, opened by the Lord Mayor, will hopefully include: peace balloons, bike doctor, peace art, street theatre, music and a charity auction. The main focus is a symbolic Peace Cycle around the old city wall and inner ring road, including the peace memorial, starting at 1pm. If you would like to take part, bring your bike and come early and please tell Shan beforehand.
See also http://www.thepeacecycle.com for more information on the Peace Cycle to Jerusalem.
For further information please contact co-ordinator at
shan_barclay@yahoo.co.uk
[edit] More Events
Please also have a look at our Events page.
[edit] Reports on events
[edit] Protest in solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine, Sat. Jan 24th 2009, Norwich City Centre
On Saturday 24th January, in line with other demonstrations around the country including in a number of universities, over 200 people gathered outside the Norwich Forum for a Rally and March through the city streets to show solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine.
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This is the fourth consecutive such assembly bringing together many people from across the local community including Muslim, Christian and Jewish and many others, all united in their condemnation of the Israeli government’s action which has left over 1,300 dead, over 5,000 wounded including very many children and women and untold damage to thousands of buildings including homes, schools, hospitals, mosques, universities and administrative centres. Speakers highlighted the need to stand together in the face of this inhumanity, that the Israeli government be held legally accountable for its war crimes, that an arms embargo on Israel be imposed, and that other sanctions also be instituted.
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In addition the lack of action by the government here and of other Western nations was mentioned as was the BBC’s refusal to broadcast a charity appeal for the stricken people of Gaza. Calls were also made for the siege of Gaza to be ended, illegal settlements removed and an end to the occupation so that meaningful peace talks can be resumed. It should also be noted that so far donations in charity at these events exceed £3,000 for which the organisers would like to extend thanks to all those who generously contributed.
[edit] Large Gaza Protest in Norwich, Sat Jan 3rd 2009, 12 noon, opposite the Forum
The largest protest in Norwich for many years took place in the centre of Norwich on Saturday to protest at the Israeli action in the Gaza Strip. Around 300 people attended and the cross section of the community included both Muslim and Jewish people.
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The meeting was opened by Peter Offord, Chair of the Norwich Stop the War Coalition and a Green councillor . Other speakers included Keith Rowley of the Norwich Palestine Solidarity Group, Lesley Grahame of the Jewish Peace Group, Dr Musa Said and Dr Muhammad Abu Elmag of the Norwich and Norfolk Muslim Association and the Islamic Society at UEA, Adrian Ramsay National Deputy Leader of the Green Party and its prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Norwich South and Frank Stone, Convenor of Norwich Stop the War Coalition.
Adrian Ramsay said “The UN has made clear that these attacks are resulting in loss of life of civilians as well as people caught up in active fighting. Oxfam has said that it is getting harder by the day to get food and medicine to the people of Gaza. These attacks are having a very real and large-scale human cost. We need all world leaders to be putting on pressure for an immediate ceasefire. Green Party Leader Caroline Lucas is calling for the EU to overturn its agreements on preferential trade agreements with Israel to help put on pressure for the attacks to stop."
Ian Gibson, MP for Norwich North, was unable to be at the protest but sent a message saying was pressing the Foreign Secretary to denounce Israel’s action.
Norfolk resident Helen Beynon, brought messages from one of her closest friends who is currently living and working in Gaza, largely as a voluntary medical assistant. Last night my friend and other international volunteers were all set to ride with a Red Cross/Crescent ambulance in the hope that the presence of internationals will prevent Israeli forces from targeting ambulances at night. It is heartbreaking to hear that such work is thought necessary, terrible to hear of the rising body count in Gaza and terrible to live everyday in fear for a close friend’s life.”
Lesley Grahame a member of the Norfolk Jewish Peace Group said “As diaspora Jews in Britain, we use the information painstakingly gathered by beleaguered Israeli Human Rights groups to put whatever pressure we can on the British and Israeli government. The Israeli government steadily sought to break down the ceasefire, not just in Gaza since early November, but also in the West Bank. Israeli forces have carried out an average of 33 incursions, 42 arrests or detentions, 12 woundings and 0.84 killings a week in the West Bank during the ceasefire.”
Inter alia, speakers condemned the hugely disproportionate use of force by the State of Israel, supplied by the latest weaponry from the US. Such use in itself is a war crime. It has resulted in vast differences in the respective death toll. The numbers have increased but at the time of the protest over 400 Palestinian deaths and 1700 injured against only 4 Israeli deaths. One Palestinian mother alone had lost 5 daughters – more than the entire Israeli death toll.
Gaza had endured a severe blockade for 18 months, was suffering a ferocious bombing campaign and faced imminent invasion. When founded its supporters had hoped that Israel would become a beacon of light unto nations instead it had become a pariah state.
It was pointed out that Hamas, labelled a terrorist organisation by Israel, had been elected in free democratic elections by the Palestinian people. to resist the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land which has lasted over 40 years.
The rally called for an end of the killing, renewal of the truce, and the end of the siege with the permanent opening of the border crossings. Without a steady flow of supplies there can be no life in Gaza.
Closing the meeting Frank Stone, convenor of Norwich Stop the War Coalition thanked the large number attending for expressing their solidarity with the people of Gaza. He invited them to help build up the anti-war movement in the UK. Action proposed included a boycott of Israeli goods, lobbying our MPs to increase government pressure for a ceasefire and MEPs to oppose preferential EU support for Israel.
The rally was called by Norwich Stop the War Coalition, Norwich Palestine Solidairty Campaign and supported by Norwich Green Party, Norfolk and Norwich Muslim Association and the Islamic Society at UEA.
[edit] Campaign against the War on Terror
[edit] No to racism - defend civil liberties - stop the war
[edit] Don't attack Iran
Norwich Stop the War Coalition condemns any military action against Iran and will organise protests against this - in the event of a military strike we will meet to protest at 6:00 PM at the steps of the City Hall.
[edit] FAQ about the Norwich Stop the War Coalition.
Please follow the link to the FAQ (frequently asked questions) page.
