Protest Planned: "March Against Genocide!" In Newburgh 11/7/2023

Who: Organized by New York Palestinian-Americans, Muslims of the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association Masjid’s Al-Ikhlas and Al-Noor, and citizens of Congressional Districts 17, 18, & 19.

What: Protest demanding a ceasefire in Palestine. From the organizers: “We DEMAND more than a ceasefire. The American government needs to prioritize ending the blockade and support humanitarian efforts in Gaza, NOW. Let’s FLOOD Newburgh for a Free Palestine.

When: Tuesday, November 7, 2023
3:30pm: Meet and organize
4:00pm: Step off
4:30pm: Speeches, chants, demand, moment of silence
5:45pm March back

Where: March from 401 Washington Street to 605 Broadway

Over 150 Jewish, Palestinian and Allies Protested Outside Congressman Pat Ryan's Office in Poughkeepsie On Oct 25th Demanding Ceasefire

A group of Jewish, Palestinian and Allies protested outside of Congressman pat Ryan’s office in Poughkeepsie demanding a ceasefire, near the Vassar Campus. Despite the large “Space For Rent” sign, Pat Ryan’s office is apparently inside.

“This is not justice. Justice doesn’t mean vengeance, it means dignity and freedom for all, including Palestinians. MHVDSA condemns violence against civilians, whether by Hamas or Israeli forces, and we also firmly believe that Israel cannot bomb its way to peace.”

— Andrew Hiller, with MHVDSA

On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, more than 150 Hudson Valley residents rallied outside Congressman Pat Ryan’s Poughkeepsie office, “calling on him to support Rep. Cori Bush’s CEASEFIRE NOW resolution, pressure Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, and end U.S. funding of Israel’s war crimes,” according to a press release by the organizers. Led by Beacon resident and Beacon Hebrew Alliance member Dara Silverman, a delegation of Hudson Valley-based Jewish and Palestinian leaders met with Ryan’s staff and delivered a petition that had 523 signatures as of October 25th.

”We are filled with both sadness and anger. Sadness and anger that our beautiful country has come down on the side of genocide. Anger that our government pretends it is being done in the name of the Jewish people,” said Felice Gelman of Jewish Voice for Peace-Hudson Valley.

The group organized to reach Congressman Pat Ryan (representing New York’s 18th District) by marching to protest outside of his office, resulting in a meeting inside with Jewish and Palestinian representatives.

Congressman Ryan made his opinion known weeks prior, on X, formerly Twitter, when he reacted to the October 8th pro-Palestinian protest held in New York City the day after Hamas broke out of Gaza and attacked and killed 1,400 Israelis citizens, and took over 200 hostage. Congressman Ryan Tweeted on October 8: “Let’s be clear what happened yesterday: Hamas terrorists massacred hundreds of Israeli civilians, including women and children. They took dozens more hostage, including Holocaust survivors and American citizens. Jewish families around the world are still awaiting answers, wondering if their loved ones are alive. To know all this, and choose to hold a protest in New York City, home to the largest Jewish population in the United States, is blatant antisemitism.”

While for many in the world, this may have been an unexpected attack, there have been escalations on both sides occurring for decades, one most recent in May 2021 with the attempted eviction of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah. While murder of anyone is not justified, context is necessary in the occupation by Israel of Palestinians.

When the DailyFreeman reported that a Kingston family’s relatives were killed with children kidnapped in the October 7 Hamas attack, Congressman Pat Ryan Tweeted: “We are grieving alongside the entire Ulster County community for the Shnaider family. This is a devastating reminder that the atrocities committed by Hamas are being felt by communities not just in Israel, but across the United States. I’m receiving regular updates from the Defense Department on ongoing hostage recovery operations, and will not rest until all Americans get home safely.”

It has been 29 days since the 200+ Israeli hostages were taken by Hamas. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not secured their release. Instead, he, with the support of the United States, has bombed Palestinian civilian buildings, hospitals, ambulances, mosques, a church and other locations in search of Hamas. The Washington Post reports that as of November 2, at least 3,700 Palestinian children have been killed by Israeli air strikes, in the newspaper’s article titled: “Gaza becomes ‘a graveyard for children’ as Israel intensifies airstrikes” Today, some Israeli citizens protested at Netanyahu’s home, calling him a “murderer” and expressed frustration at not knowing where the Israeli hostages were or what condition they were in, as Gaza is being reduced to rubble.

Pro-Palestinian Supporters outside of Congressman Pat Ryan’s office in Poughkeepsie near Vasser College Campus.

Back to the local protest in Poughkeepsie at Congressman Pat Ryan’s office on October 25th, the organizers stated in a press release: “1,400 Israelis and 5,000 Palestinians are estimated to have been killed since October 7th—how many more is enough?,” said Andrew Hiller, whose grandparents survived the Holocaust, and who spoke on behalf of Mid-Hudson Valley DSA. “Of those killed in Gaza, 40% were children. This is not justice. Justice doesn’t mean vengeance, it means dignity and freedom for all, including Palestinians. MHVDSA condemns violence against civilians, whether by Hamas or Israeli forces, and we also firmly believe that Israel cannot bomb its way to peace. An unfathomable number of lives have already been lost—we need an immediate ceasefire, and ultimately an end to Israeli apartheid.”

In this video, hear the words of Palestinian leader Sereen Jamal, who has spoken at other pro-Palestinian rallies, like this one in Newburgh in 2021 that marched to then Rep. Sean Maloney’s office.

The organizer of the October 25th Hudson Valley protest continued: “Veterans For Peace is an international organization composed of veterans from every war and peacetime back to the second world war. We know the horror of war,” said Tarak Kauff, former national board member of Veterans for Peace. “We have sent delegations to the West Bank to see with our own eyes Israel’s occupation and apartheid. We condemn the genocide now happening on the innocent people in Gaza on children on women and families. There is no excuse for it. Absolutely no excuse.” Read what Tarak has written about Israel as an occupier, and its military the IDF

“The Zionist State of Israel has betrayed the very essence of everything good and decent about being Jewish. Instead of being kind, compassionate and empathetic to the oppressed and dedicated to truth, Israel has become a most vicious oppressor. I saw Palestine children brutalized. They are killed on almost a daily basis. Children! Many are languishing in Israel prisons for throwing rocks at occupying soldiers or for just being suspected of that. Israeli soldiers often break into Palestinian houses in the dead of night, terrorize the family and arrest children. And there is no such thing as a fair trial. If you are arrested, you are guilty. Palestinians are considered vermin.”

— Tarak Kauff, Jewish, and Former National Board Member of Veterans For Peace

“It is absurd that we need to call for something as basic as a ceasefire. This isn't about who's right and who's wrong, this is about protecting innocents from further death and injury,” said Talal Jabari, Palestinian journalist and documentary filmmaker. “We are asking our representative to sign onto the Ceasefire Now resolution and be on the right side of history.”

“The call for a ceasefire is not a fringe stance held by a loud minority. In fact, recent polling shows that across party lines, the majority of Americans support a ceasefire and a de-escalation of violence in Gaza; a view shared by an overwhelming majority of the United Nations Security Council. This widespread popularity is evident by the large turnout at today’s rally, by Palestinian and Jewish community members and others who stand for peace. Speakers of all backgrounds told personal stories, read poetry, and chanted “Ceasefire Now!”. When the group of representatives who met with Rep. Ryan’s staff finished the meeting, they shared that his office agreed to continue the conversation with the group. His office made no other commitments to ending this violence.”

As for other political leaders in the area, former Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro and current Congressman for the 19th District is staunchly supporting Israel and has made little acknowledgement for the loss of Palestinian lives, which as of today has passed 9,000 and consists of thousands of children. So far in his Instagrams, he refers only to Hamas, which is a dehumanizing tactic for Palestinians or Arabs and is Islamaphobic.

Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha called ‘to end Israeli occupation’ on Monday, while other Mid-Hudson Valley politicians stand behind Israel, as reported by the Daily Freeman.

In this video, Veekas Ashoka addresses the participants to update them on the meeting going on inside of Pat Ryan’s office with Jewish and Palestinian leaders.

In this video, Palestinian leader Raz Sadiq-Keyes (we are getting the confirmation of her name spelling) and Jewish leader Dara Silverman.

Teach-In And Vigil Stand With Palestine Event - Tuesday Night In Newburgh

Tuesday night in Newburgh there is an event organized by youth groups from the Mid Hudson Islamic Associations of Dutchess and Orange County, Palestinian Americans, and Next Step Hudson Valley.

“Stand With Palestine” Teach-In and Vigil. From 5-7pm. At 109 South William Street. Palestinian Education and Awareness, Political Action/Next Steps, Call ☎️ To Action, 🕯️ Candlelit Vigil.

3 Events Supporting Palestine In Poughkeepsie On Wednesday - Details Here

Three different sets of organizers have put together events in Poughkeepsie on Wednesday 10/25/2023 that support Palestine and a ceasefire. Those details are here:

Ceasefire Now Rally:
Wednesday: 3:45pm, 10/25/2023
From the organizers: “Demand that Pat Ryan sign Ceasefire Resolution”
Meeting at the corner of Raymond Ave & Collegeview Ave.
Details >

End The Genocide:
Wednesday: 3:45pm, 10/25/2023
Outdoor rally at the corner of Raymond Ave & Collegeview Ave, Poughkeepsie NY.
The event is fully outdoors and people are encouraged to bring signs. Both @mhvdsa @jewishvoiceforpeace were tagged by @celebrate.845 who posted it.
Details >

Vigil For The People Facing Genocide In Gaza
Wednesday, 6pm, 10/25/2023
Outdoor gathering, organized by New Paltz Students for Palestine.
From the organizers: “We at New Paltz Students of Palestine are horrified by the ongoing indiscriminate slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza, and have decided to hold a vigil to honor those whose lives have been stolen by IDF bombs. The vigil will start at 6 PM in Parker Quad, after which we will silently march to Old Main displaying banners commemorating the fallen. If you’re tired of hearing everyone around you refuse to acknowledge the atrocities unfolding before our eyes, please join us.”
Details and parking information is here.
Details >

Podcast Episode With Tina Bernstein :: A Jewish Voice Wanting To Be Heard Regarding Palestine And Israel

After A Little Beacon Blog reposted a “Jewish Voices For Peace” post on Instagram, a few of our Jewish friends in Beacon reached out to ALBB. They wanted to contribute their voices. They wanted to feel safe, so ALBB agreed to meetings with them on and off the record.

Tina Bernstein agreed to an audio interview right away. Tina is an outspoken advocate for local housing issues here in Beacon, and immigration. She spoke to us as an individual, not affiliated with any group she participates with for other causes. “I felt I had to say something,” said Tina, “because there needs to be an alternate view... It's very hard to speak out and it's very hard to take a stance against this.”

It was important to Tina to make a distinguishment about "some Jews" on this or any subject. That there are many beliefs within the Jewish community on pieces of life. During the interview, she stated: “I don't think that Jewish lives matter any more than Palestinian lives...I am very concerned that the Israeli government will have their acts reverberate for many years…The Israeli government, and I'm not talking about the people, but the Israeli government. [What they are doing] goes against everything I believe in. I cannot be secure if everyone is not secure."

In describing the Jewish community, Tina expressed: “It is a very hard time if you are secular Jew who goes against the majority opinion. It's not easy. But I felt it very important to speak out.”

As the interview concluded, Tina forced back tears. There is much more in Tina’s interview that is only 17 minutes. She shares her personal experience, as well as that of her family from Poland. Please listen to the interview in its entirety. Click on it in the top of this article. Comments that are antisemetic or Islamaphobic will not be approved.

ALBB Statement On Israel and Palestine As Of October 2023

This is Katie talking. On behalf of A Little Beacon Blog. I didn’t think ALBB needed to make a statement, but it seems like one is needed now that we entered with any coverage at all after we shared that a protest was scheduled. So here goes.

My favorite thing about Beacon is that I could even type and post this post. Because this community is so varied. I know we will make it through together. That is my favorite part about Beacon.

Firstly: if you are a new reader here, Welcome. A Little Beacon Blog is not your average blog. We do talk about sunshine ☀️ and rainbows 🌈 , but we also talk about discomfortable things. This especially started for us in 2020 with COVID and Black Lives Matter. Since those coverages, we have gotten into a few scrambles with people. Justified or not. So if you are here for food photos, you are going to get other things you weren’t expecting. Keep reading so you get comfortable.

Secondly: Hamas murdered people and taking hostages is a crime. The history of Hamas is not what one would want as their political party. PS: I am of no political party! Not that it matters but in case you wondered. Registered with none of them.

Thirdly: Life as a Palestinian is deprived and oppressed. With the cutting off of essential utilities of water, electricity, fuel, first aid trucks, over 2 million Palestinians are also hostages.

Fourthly: The Jewish community has such deep, deep trauma, that kicks in justified fear, that no words can bring them comfort if words are spoken in support of Palestine. I understand that. But I can’t not say the words. You might call me terrible words. I’d like to tell you those words aren’t true. But it doesn’t matter because we would get into an endless comment spat.

Oh btw: after I put up a prayer hands for Palestine in IG Stories - a 24 hour place that disappears - a random woman called me from a 917 number. She tracked down my number and wouldn’t listen to anything I said. Just what she wanted to tell me about terrorists and babies. Do you think that made me feel safe?

Fifthly: The best thing we can do is start talking about this. All of our fears. It will be ugly. But maybe, just maybe, speaking these things to each other might just might bring some healing. But you might say: “I don’t want to heal. I want to protect. My life is in danger. I have to hide my beautiful religion.” This is why we should talk about these things.

Hear all voices please. ♥️💕

World Keffiyeh Day Celebrated In Beacon By Ziatun & Others :: Turns Into Tragic Day As World Mourns Killed Palestinian-American Journalist

Palestinian merch for sale at Ziatun.

It’s World Keffiyeh Day, and in the little city town of Beacon, this is being greatly celebrated by the Palestinian restaurant, Ziatun on Main Street. Owner Kamel Jamal’s sister, Khitam (who used to go by Kate and reverted back to her Palestinian name last year after Palestine was particularly annihilated in the escalated conflict with its occupier Israel last May), contacted ALBB to spread the word that the keffiyeh scarf, which started as a farmer’s scarf for protection against the sun but was adopted as a resistance scarf to occupiers, was being celebrated today, May 11th.

You can buy keffiyeh scarves at Ziatun, or order online at Handmade Palestine, who still has a factory in Palestine. Many Palestinian businesses are destroyed or strangled by Israeli forces by way of cutting off water or electricity or limiting shipments, so supporting local business in Palestine matters.

Says Kamel about what the keffiyeh means to him: “Every day the keffiyah means something different. Today the keffiyeh means ‘unapologetically Palestinian’”

The Embassy for the State of Palestine - South Africa, commemorated World Keffiyeh Day with this statement: “Today is World Keffiyeh Day, a global movement to bring awareness and show solidarity with the Palestinian cause and struggle. The commemoration educates the world about the ongoing occupation of Palestine, by wearing a Keffiyeh. #FreePalestine #KeffiyehDay #worldkeffiyehday”

While there is an embassy and many official records recognizing Palestine, Kamel says that sometimes people walk into his restaurant, take a look around at his homages to his homeland of Palestine, and then tell him that Palestine does not exist. He shared this reality in passing the other day while sauntering down the sidewalk with ALBB after giving us a tour of the new building he just bought (!!!). “People come in and tell me that Palestine doesn’t exist. They ask why we show it on the walls.”

It’s a confusing statement to receive, as Kamel was born there and left at the age of 2 when his family was sponsored by a friend to come to America. Listen to his podcast here to learn all about it. But in online reviews for Ziatun, there was a person who left a bad review because they were so offended by the Palestinian decor. They stated that they preferred Israel only for that region. Israel is generally viewed as an occupier of Palestine, who encroaches on Palestinian land over the years.

While some people may prefer for Arab people to disappear, as we saw with the slice and dice treatment of Arab-owned Key Food Beacon in the series of mis-steps and entitlement they endured at the hands of a customer, legal system, local newspaper, possibly Beacon Police, and a complete dismissal by Beacon’s current City Administrator, Arabs are not going anywhere. Obviously. They would just prefer that if you were going to enjoy their authentic food, that you stick up for them a little bit.

Palestinian Journalist Murdered By Israeli Forces On World Keffiyah Day

Dedication to the iconic journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by World Keffiyeh Day on Twitter.

In an unexpected and tragic turn of events, Al Jazeera Arabic’s iconic journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh, was shot in the head today while covering the current escalation in the West Bank. Word has been spreading to Western media outlets, as outrage in social media swells. Especially after the New York Times ran the headline of her simply having “died.”

According to fellow reporters who were with her, as reported by Al Jazeera: “We were four journalists, we were all wearing vests, all wearing helmets,” Hanaysha said. “The [Israeli] occupation army did not stop firing even after she collapsed. I couldn’t even extend my arm to pull her because of the shots being fired. The army was adamant on shooting to kill.”

The New York Times that outraged many for its neutered headline.

During Ramadan as Muslims prayed at Al-Aqsa Masque in Palestine/Israel, journalists released videos of themselves being shot at as they tried reporting on Muslim people praying at that mosque being dragged away by Israeli forces. A source to find those videos is Muslim Daily on Instagram.

As reported by Al Jazeera, here is a background on Shireen:

“Abu Akleh, who was a dual Palestinian-American national, was one of Al Jazeera’s first field correspondents, joining the network in 1997.

“Grief and sorrow filled the Al Jazeera offices in downtown Ramallah as the news quickly spread and dozens of colleagues, fellow journalists, friends, and Palestinian figures poured in, including Palestinian politicians Hanan Ashrawi and Khalida Jarrar.

“Palestinian MP Khalida Jarrar said that Abu Akleh was the voice of Palestinians and was killed by ‘the monstrosity of Israeli colonialism and occupation’.

“Shireen was always my voice from the prison cells,” Jarrar told Al Jazeera, adding that a month into her last detention by Israel, Shireen was the first person she saw at her court hearings.”

Last year at this time, Al Jazeera’s Gaza building was blown up by Israel military.

The Resistance That Won't Go Away :: Palestinian Love Shines From Beacon & Beyond

Pick a day, any day, and Beacon local Kamel Jamal, owner of more than one restaurant in town (Ziatun, Beacon Bread, WTF, creator of Tito Santana Taqueria, and Végétalien, both he since sold), wears his heart on his sleeve for his home country of Palestine.

Every day for him is a day of love he shows for a free Palestine. From the food he plates, the restaurants he decorates, the merch he makes, most centering back to somehow to empower those still living in Palestine.

In this podcast, Kamel discusses how his parents left Palestine when he was a toddler with some of his family thanks to a family friend who sponsored them.

Co-hosts Brandon Lillard and Katie Hellmuth Martin sat down with Kamel on A Little Beacon Blog's sister podcast, "Wait, What Is That?" for an at times emotional interview about his view of how the people of Palestine are living now. The time was May 2021 during the escalation of protesting by residents in Palestine in the neighborhood Sheikh Jarrah. Their homes were scheduled to be demolished, and Muslim neighbors in the Hudson Valley as well as the world were sounding alarms.

In this podcast, Kamel describes his Palestine. He discusses how his parents left Palestine when he was a toddler with some of his family thanks to a family friend who sponsored them. He describes why he continues advocating from America for Palestine's liberation, so that people can live without fear of their homes and businesses being demolished by occupiers. He discusses the lack to basic rights, like clean water, receiving mail, and having to pass through armed checkpoints to get to a job or part of town.

In 2021, a protest march in Newburgh was organized with Next Step Hudson Valley where the Palestinian community came out, consisting of people young and old, with roots in Palestine, Pakistan, and other communities. Speeches were held on the lawn of Representative Sean Maloney's Newburgh's office.

Beaconites normally quiet about their cultural origins brought pages of prepared speeches, to express to an engaged audience about how their parents, siblings, cousins and/or friends felt about the global response to this little neighborhood protest in Palestine that spring. A Little Beacon Blog covered that march, which you can read about here and listen to some speeches.

Kamel Jamal, speaking at the Free Palestine protest march in Newburgh on the steps of Representative Sean Maloney’s office. Several other speakers participated.
Photo Credit: Katie Hellmuth Martin

Khitam Jamal Nakhleh’s Starbucks order, where her name is “FreeGaza,” which results in the barista shouting the demand to the room. Khitam is Kamel’s sister.
Photo Credit: Khitam Jamal Nakhleh

Since then, a lot has happened. Kamel's sister, who many know as Kate, champions the Free Palestine movement with every step she takes. Recently, she declared she was going by her birth name: Khitam Jamal Nakhleh. She is known to use subtle tactics like ordering a Starbucks under the name of "Free Gaza" so that the demand has to be called out to the room full of customers.

Every now and then, something pro-Palestinian will make the news in the US, like when Emma Watson (Hermione Granger from Harry Potter), and a UN Women's Goodwill Ambassador, voiced her support for Palestine. Or the feature story in Vanity Fair's February 2022 issue, "Generation Gaza" by veteran war correspondent Janine di Giovanni who revisited Gaza "and found resilience and hope among its 2 million Palestinian residents, two thirds of whom are under the age of 25," according to the lead-in for the article.

Also according to the February Vanity Fair feature: "Gaza's 20 and 30 somethings, it so happens, tend to be highly educated, multilingual - and jobless. 64% of the youth labor force is unemployed, largely due to the occupation. Nonetheless, year after year, they have proved indefatigable." Running a business there is virtually impossible, due to actions taken against business owners. But some continue to try, as this designer does, which was featured in Vogue.

In May 2021, neighbors came out to show their support of Palestine by creating a chalk art message on the sidewalk outside of Beacon Bread, owned by Kamel.

Circling back to the first line of this article - pick a day, any day - in the publishing world, an article usually needs to be published in a timely way. Like, back in May or June 2021 after we recorded this podcast episode and covered protest march. In Palestine, their inability to live free lives is every day, with different demolitions of family homes scheduled, like this one at the end of January 2022 or this one where the family had to self-demolish their own home.

But timing gets tricky. During the "Wait, What Is That?" episode, the silence of friends was discussed, acknowledging that talking openly about this topic can be difficult leading to unexpected responses. There is a moment where Kamel's emotions overcome him. You'll need to listen closely to the interview to hear where.

Peek Inside Ziatun

If you haven't been inside of Ziatun yet, here is a peek. Kamel admits this is one of his favorite places to be, and you can tell in the flavor of the food. The hummus is unlike any you have had, being extra smooth. There are plenty of warm soups to choose from, like the Addas soup. View the merch and buy a bag or two. Don't miss the watermelon t-shirt, designed to show resistance through food.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

March For Palestinian Freedom In Newburgh (Videos) - March Congregates At Rep. Sean Maloney District Office

In mid May in response to the Palestinian neighborhood, Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem, protesting to save their homes from being taken over by Israeli forces, the world started paying attention to the centuries long conflict between Palestine and Israel, which are essentially in the same place.

Local Beaconite and former Councilperson Ali T. Muhammad helped to organize a march with Next Step Hudson Valley and people in the Palestinian and Arab communities living in the Hudson Valley. Several people attended, marching down Broadway and side streets, ending at Rep. Sean Maloney’s district office.

Speeches were made on the steps of his office. Several are posted below for you to view and to hear. Beacon locals Lena Rizkalla and Kamel Jamal were some of the speakers. Kamel later recorded a podcast with ALBB’s sister podcast, “What, What Is That?” which you can listen to here.

The first of many speeches, on the steps of Rep. Sean Maloney’s Newburgh office. This video includes a speech given by Beacon business owner, Kamel Jamal, who is a Palestinian refugee (see minute 9, but don’t miss the other speakers). Kamel spoke with ALBB’s sister podcast, “Wait, What Is That?” for an hour long episode on his experience and thoughts on Palestinian liberation.

Local Beaconite, Lena Rizkalla, a first generation Palestinian, speaks about her Palestinian experience and connection.

This speaker noted how Palestinians helped fight the Nazis in World War II.

Local Beaconite, former Beacon Councilperson, and current Newburgh resident, Ali T. Muhammad, speaks about supporting each other.

Little friends encouraging each other to speak about human rights in Palestine.

A little boy makes simple demands on the steps of Rep. Sean Maloney’s Newburgh office.

A speaker encourages people to continue spreading the word about Palestine.