About Friends of Sabeel–DC Metro
Sabeel DC Metro began as a continuation of the planning group for the
Sabeel Conference: "Pursue Justice, Seek Peace -- Framing the
Discourse, Mobilizing for Action," held in Washington, DC, in 2009.
Given our strategic location in Washington, DC, a number of those who
had worked on the Conference felt that a local expression and
structure for Friends of Sabeel North America would be useful. After
several meetings working with the best structure for this local group,
we decided to begin with a Leadership Council composed of those
persons who had participated in this process and wished to take
leadership roles in the group. The process was open to anyone who
shared the mission of Sabeel DC Metro,
Our Mission: "Sabeel DC Metro is the Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA)
affiliate group in the Washington DC region. Its mission is to support and
participate in the work of FOSNA through programs of action and education
involving people in our region in working for justice, peace, and reconciliation
for the people of Palestine and Israel, in compliance with
international law and U.N. resolutions, and achieved through strictly
nonviolent means."
DC Metro Leadership Council formed with eight members in April, 2010, and
we had our first meeting to announce our formation to Metro area
individuals who had a connection to Sabeel ( through conference
attendance, trip participation, contributions) -- in May. Since our
founding last spring, under the guidance of our eight-member
Leadership Council, Sabeel DC Metro has been developing and
implementing ways actively and effectively to support Sabeel's mission
here in the DC area. Our activities so far include:
* a two-day workshop on the principles of Gandhian-Kingian
nonviolence, attended by two dozen DC activists (September, 2010).
* ten nonviolent demonstrations urging the boycott of Ahava
cosmetics which are manufactured in an illegal Israeli settlement on
the Palestinian West Bank, in violation of international law.
* education about the tragic reality of the 43-year military
occupation of the Palestinian territories by showing films, providing
speakers, and engaging in study and discussion groups. We have also
authored a study guide for Sabeel international director Naim Ateek's
latest book, "A Palestinian Christian Cry for Reconciliation."
* collaboration with other DC activist groups in divestment
demonstrations (TIAA Cref), DC Riders for Peace -- a campaign to place
ads in buses, and handing out materials at Metro stations calling for
an end to the occupation.
* a one-day conference with Richard Horsley, "Jesus, Justice,
Palestine-Israel: Challenging the Politics of Empire," to be held on
October 29, 2011.
Our Leadership Council is open to anyone interested in participating
in our mission and activities, and we invite all in the greater DC
area to contact us to explore how to become involved.
Current Leadership Council Members:
Susan Bell (VA representative) -- a retired psychotherapist (social
work), attended the Sabeel Conference in Washington, DC, 2006, and
found a home for advocacy work for justice and peace in I-P.
Beverlee Bolton -- an experienced and passionate activist over many years.
Peter Bolton -- currently active in the Episcopal Church and prison ministry.
Monica Burnett -- employed in teaching, writing, and editing in the
field of Early Christian Studies. "My Christian faith drives me to be
involved in the struggle for justice and peace, yet it was a Jewish
Israeli with lots of compassion who first taught me about the
struggles of the Palestinians."
Steve France -- active in supporting justice and peace in I-P since
2006. An active Episcopalian, on the board of Friends of Tent of
Nations North America, and serves on the advocacy committee of
the Washington Diocesan Committee for Companion Partnership with the
Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, and founded Never Again Includes
Palestinians vigils at the US Holocaust Museum.
Lee Porter -- an artist and musician, who enlivens demonstrations and
advocacy events with her artistic gifts, and has been a persuasive
activist for justice in Palestine, encouraging many in the area to
become involved.
Melinda Thompson -- a graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary, who has
made three trips to Israel-Palestine, she is active in the DC Riders
for Peace Campaign and DC Metro BDS Coalition.
Paul Verduin (MD representative) -- has participated in three
fact-finding trips to I-P, and attended seven Sabeel regional
conferences. He is active in Presbyterian Middle East advocacy groups
and DC Riders for Peace Campaign.
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