[Peace-discuss] An Urgen Call to Call

[David Green]

Dear friends:

    This coming Monday, January 15, Champaign-Urbana is being visited by
David Olesker of the Jerusalem Center for Communications and Advocacy
Training. This visit is being sponsored by local Jewish institutions,
religious and secular. Unless I am mistaken, and I don't think for a minute
that I am, Mr. Olesker's task will--to put it bluntly--to tell people how to
lie on behalf of Israel.

     But Olesker will also be appearing on a local radio talk show that can
be heard nationwide on the internet (www.will.uiuc.edu) at 10 a.m. (CST).
The show, Focus 580, is on our local public radio outlet, and is moderated
with fairness and aplomb by David Inge. I would like to urge folks to call
in and be heard regarding their opposition and their concern about the
treatment of Palestinians. It is usually not hard to get through and be
heard on this program, but it would be wonderful if this were not the case
for this show, and if Olesker were sent a strong message--from both Jews and
non-Jews-- that the Israel/Palestine problem is not one of  "image," but of
"reality."  It would be especially good if Jews would call and let Mr.
Olesker know that they are appalled by recent events, and understand that
Israel bears primary moral responsibility for the violence.

    The information I am passing along is from the monthly calendar of the
Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation. Under the listing for the program,
members are encouraged to "listen and call in!" But my sense is that the
already-converted do not often pick up the phone. So please call beginning
right after 10 a.m. on Monday, and you will get your chance. Be firm,
respectful, and don't worry if you don't understand the whole history of
this conflict.

    After the program, from 12 to 1, Olesker will be conducting an "Advocacy
in Action Workshop" for B'nai B'rith, CUJF, JCRC, Hillel, and Sinai Temple
Board Members. LET'S GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT.

    At 7:30, Olesker will be giving a public lecture at Sinai Temple on
"Perceptions of Israel." This is my synagogue, and I fear that there will be
plenty of red meat for the faithful to gnaw at. But again, let's make sure
that Olesker is sent a strong message on how difficult it is to overcome the
realities of occupation with the imagery of propaganda. Let's send him from
C-U with his work cut out for him.

David Green


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