[Peace] FW: Palestinian (Sabeel) Exhibit Censored by Illinois Gov

[Sharyn DuPuy]

Please call and protest this censorship.  Nothing should be censored by
anyone in the United States government.  We still have 1st Amendment rights
until Bush decides to cancel those too.
Sharyn DuPuy 

Sabeel Palestinian Heritage Exhibit Censored by Illinois Governor 

Dear Friends of Sabeel, 

Your immediate response is needed.  The Sabeel photo exhibit on display at
the Thompson State of Illinois Center this week has been taken down by the
office of the Governor of Illinois 

"Our Story, The Palestinians" is a photo journalistic journey through the
history of the indigenous people beginning with pre-catastrophe Palestine,
through the wars and massacres of 1948 and 1967, to the uprising of the
Intifada, into military occupation and the present day struggle for justice
and peace. The photo exhibit has toured internationally. It's content is so
moving and powerful that a book consisting of the photographs from the
exhibit was published. 

Says Canon Naim Ateek, "... this [exhibit] book of photographs stands as a
warning to all of us because of our propensity to oppress others, as a
constant reminder of our need for the mercy and forgiveness of God, and the
ever present urgency to commit ourselves to the doing of justice." 


The following report has been provided by Del Leppke, Sabeel member in
Illinois, and by Jennifer Bing-Canar of the American Friends Service
Committee: 

Exhibit Installation Censored by Governor's Office-Call Today 
The Arab American Arts Council and the American Friends Service Committee
got permission from the Illinois Governor's office to exhibit "Our Story" at
the Center in Chicago. The exhibit included a three-panel display developed
by AFSC which highlights Palestinian arts, dance, food and architecture,
which has been displayed in Chicago-area public schools this year.  The
exhibit also included a collection of photographs developed by Sabeel, a
collection 50 photos. 

Within an hour of the installation, the exhibit was taken apart by a staff
person from the Governor's office who said they had already received
complaints about the exhibit.  Of the 50 photographs, 8 generic photos were
"allowed" to represent the Palestinian history.  The three panel arts and
crafts exhibit also was allowed to stay up. 

We encourage you to contact Governor George Ryan's office to protest this
censorship:  100 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL  60601, Phone:
312-814-2121 

Thank the governor's office for allowing space for the display but register
your strong opposition to the censorship of 42 of the 50 photographs. 

Thank you. 

Rev. Richard K. Toll 
National Chairperson 
Friends of Sabeel-North America 

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