Wisconsin Network for Peace & Justice

Take Action from Interfaith Peace Working Group

Support for Resolution of Disapproval of Arms Sale to Israel
In August, the Biden Administration approved a series of arms sales to Israel totaling more than $20 billion. Senators Bernie Sanders (VT), Peter Welch (VT), Jeff Merkley (OR), and Brian Schatz (HI) have introduced Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (S.J.Res.112) that would block the sale of many of these offensive weapons, which have killed tens of thousands of civilians, including many children and women, in Gaza and Lebanon over the last year. The Senate will likely vote on these resolutions sometime after Congress reconvenes in November.

Christians are about to observe the Advent Season in preparation for the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. As a part of this preparation, the Interfaith Peace Working Group urges Christians and Christian communities to contact their senators and urge them to support S.J.Res.112.

Christianity is not the only faith tradition that values peace. Valuing peace is a characteristic of all the major faith traditions and of many people of conscience. We hope that people and communities of all faith traditions will be a part of this effort to persuade senators to support Senate Resolution 112.

To contact your senators about Senate Resolution 112, click on the link below.
https://action.cair.com/a/join-cair-supporting-sen-sanders-resolution-against-arms-sales-netanyahus-genocide-palestin

No More Arms Sales to Netanyahu’s Genocide of Palestinians and Lebanese Civilians
[email protected]

Join CAIR : Support Sanders’ Resolution Against Arms Sales to Netanyahu’s Genocide of Palestinians

So much is happening this week of Nov 18th in Wisconsin with our 85 WNPJ member groups! Check it out here.....

WNPJ Member Events Around the State for the Week of November 18th WNPJ Assembly Videos and Podcast + Peace Action WI Annual Meeting & Chili Dinner + “Collective Liberation” event + Transgender Day of Remembrance Interfaith Service + other statewide eventsThe WI Network for Peace and Justice is the umbrella non-profit organizationsupporting the work of 86 membe...

Action Alert from Veterans for Peace Milwaukee Chapter 102!
Veterans For Peace and other peace and human rights organizations will likely be targeted if this bill passes. Gwen Moore voted for this last week, but it failed because it didn't get a 2/3 vote. It is coming back and only needs a majority this time. Please contact her and ask her to oppose HR9495. Her contact info:

Office Information | U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore Below you can find information for my offices. You are welcome to phone or send a message to me through the U.S. Postal Service. Please note that postal mail is the slowest method for contacting me. All postal mail sent to my offices must be scanned for security purposes, which means it will take an...

Action Alert from Peace Action, national office:

Have you heard about the “nonprofit killer bill”? It’s being voted on in the House any day!

This bill is the first concrete test of whether and how democratic rights will be eroded in the Trump era – and this time Peace Action and our allies could be the ones under attack. It goes straight at the right to “petition the government for redress of grievances.”

In short, H.R. 9495 “Gives Trump Unilateral Power to Kill Nonprofits”.[1] The bill allows the secretary of the Treasury to designate any nonprofit as a “terrorist supporting organization”, with little due process, and revoke the nonprofit’s tax-exempt status – effectively shutting them down.

Please, write to your member of the House today. They’ll vote on this any day now.
https://secure.everyaction.com/fKsTjHNwN0iuruHlvB-0Pg2?emci=e1ac4e50-31a5-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&emdi=676cad27-3ba5-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&ceid=319796

I am particularly worried about Trump administration attacks on Palestinian-led groups and others in the pro-Palestinian movement. After all, President-elect Trump vowed to donors to “crush” the pro-Palestinian protest movement.[2] But this bill could have broad impacts -- on humanitarian organizations delivering aid, on media organizations, & on advocacy organizations like Peace Action.

This bill is part of a quasi-authoritarian campaign to suppress civil society and “left-wing nonprofits" as outlined in Project 2025.[3] Our friend, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) is leading the charge against the bill and he rightly ties this bill to Trump’s egregious cabinet nominations. He says: “In this mislabeled bill, House Republicans are hiding behind hostages. Their rush to reconsider this bill is solely to offer Trump more and more power, while Trump’s nominees for key national security posts this week indicate how he will be using it.”

Rep. Doggett mentions hostages because the bill also contains an innocuous provision to exempt Americans held hostage from IRS tax filing penalties. Because of that sensible idea many are voting for the bill without thinking through the implications for nonprofits of the rest of the bill. That’s where you and I come in. We need to remind Congress of this bill's dangers to first amendment rights.

I know some feel that “democracy is on the ballot” became a bit of a cliche. But our democratic rights ARE under attack. And that’s not just a partisan issue. 52 Democrats supported this legislation in the past. We need to change their minds. Please take action today.

Buckle up folks. We’re in for a ride. The vote on Senator Sanders' effort to block U.S. weapons transfers to Israel is coming up too. These are challenging times, with many lives on the line, but I am grateful to be fighting by your side.

Thank you for all you do for peace,

Jon Rainwater
Executive Director
Peace Action

[1] House GOP Moves to Ram Through Bill That Gives Trump Unilateral Power to Kill Nonprofits, Noah Hurowitz, The Intercept, November 15, 2024.

[2] Trump told donors he will crush pro-Palestinian protests, deport demonstrators, Josh Dawsey, Washington Post, May 27, 2024.

[3] Mandade for Leadership: The Conservative Promite, Heritage Foundation/Project 2025
[email protected]

MADISON Press Conference on Monday, Nov. 18th 4:15 pm at Tammy Baldwin's Senate office with Madison's World BEYOND War!

Stop Arming Israel!
Push Senators to sign on to the JRD

4:15 pm - In front of Tammy Baldwin's office, 30 W Mifflin St, Madison
(check here for day-of-event rain location - [email protected] or https://www.instagram.com/worldbeyondwar.uw/)


This week, the Senate is expected to vote on blocking weapons sales to Israel, through the Joint Resolutions of Disapproval (JRD), supported by Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and others. On Monday, Madison College and UW-Madison students with World BEYOND War will meet with Tammy Baldwin's staff to ask her to block weapons sales to Israel.
Can you attend a press conference to hear from the students after their meeting?

Details here https://www.sanders.senate.gov/press-releases/news-sanders-announces-vote-next-week-to-block-arms-sales-to-israel/
Last week, Senator Elizabeth Warren signed on to the JRD.
77% of Democrats and 62% of independents support an arms embargo against Israel, details here. https://theintercept.com/2024/09/10/polls-arms-embargo-israel-weapons-gaza/

Most Americans Want to Stop Arming Israel. Politicians Don’t Care. The number of Americans opposed to sending arms to Israel has grown, month after month, as the brutal war on Gaza grinds on.

Celebration of Adam Schesch! Sun. Nov. 17th 3:00 – 5:00 pm Madison Labor Temple (1602 S. Park St.)

To RSVP contact Tracy Suprise: [email protected] or 608-333-1919
Adam was a long-time WNPJ member and activist.
Event sent to WNPJ by Madison Infoshop [email protected]

Adam Schesch Obituary 2023 - Cress Funeral and Cremation Services View Adam Schesch's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

You're welcome to an upcoming WAVE Virtual Action Team meeting on November 20th at noon. This meeting will be a pivotal moment to reflect on recent election outcomes and strategize ways to make the most of Giving Tuesday and other year-end opportunities.
📷
What You Can Expect:
Election Recap: We’ll discuss how the results impact our state and highlight the path forward.
Fundraising for Change: Learn ways to amplify our reach and drive real change through Giving Tuesday and our year-end campaigns.
Collective Planning: We’ll brainstorm how each of us can help expand WAVE’s impact in Wisconsin and beyond.
Register here
https://secure.everyaction.com/EU2o4_W6HUuOZY2KXUjd1A2?contactdata=wJNjX3TENdCXeMwTUOeht4F665xs1elUPdMD74mN5o2bZq7FhOMKm25QlLHI6bQMe4EwWMn7ayx57sCMLzvLxwyWHDfYQbD%2f3hAcyrssvhEtHIah5P9nHwC8NzSC3CIJ&emci=ce3354e1-b2a2-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&emdi=329d785e-77a3-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&ceid=102458
Questions? [email protected]

MADISON Sat Nov 16 at 3pm All welcome to an intro to Madison DSA for new, prospective or returning members! Drop on by to learn about the organization, our current organizing, and how you can get involved today. Stick around afterwards at 4:30pm for some light refreshments and a social with other chapter members.
Note: This month's new member orientation is in-person only.
RSVP for 11/16 New Member Orientation
https://actionnetwork.org/events/dsa-101-and-new-member-orientation-in-person?link_id=3&can_id=39cdf03d665b050221f2305908b92f54&source=email-a-better-world-is-still-possible-democratic-socialists-are-fighting-to-build-it&email_referrer=email_2531809&email_subject=reminder-new-member-orientation-and-social-on-saturday-1116
[email protected]

Enbridge’s plan to build 40 miles of new oil pipeline in Northern Wisconsin represents a clear threat to the health and safety of Wisconsin communities. Together with our clients, Sierra Club Wisconsin, 350 Wisconsin and League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, we are prepared to take legal action to stop this dangerous and destructive pipeline. https://midwestadvocates.org/mea-weighs-legal-action-as-line-5-permits-are-issued/

Madison! Here's an opportunity to see this documentary - BAD RIVER for free in Madison this coming week!

MADISON Mon Nov. 18, 6 pm Screening of Bad River. At UW-Madison, Wisconsin Union Theater (800 Langdon St.) This is a public screening of the acclaimed documentary about the indigenous-led struggle against the Line 5 tarsands pipeline in northern Wisconsin, followed by a moderated Q&A with some of those featured in the film. Hosted by the Nelson Institute. Sent to WNPJ by Infoshop [email protected]

MADISON Tues Nov. 19, 6:00 – 8:00 pm Screening of Bad River. At Madison College, Rm. D1630 (1701 Wright St.) Free public screening of the acclaimed documentary about the indigenous-led struggle against the Line 5 tarsands pipeline in northern Wisconsin. Hosted by the Native American Student Association. Sent to WNPJ by Infoshop [email protected]

Events coming up with Madison-Rafah Sister City Project:
READ Palestine Week! November 29 through Dec 6th!

Collective Liberation with Palestinian and Israeli activists Osama Iliwat and Rotem Levin - Madison - 2024-11-19T19:00 All welcome to  Christ Presbyterian Church (944 E. Gorham St. – map) in Madison from 7:00-9:00 pm on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 for a conversation on Collective Liberation with Palesti...

Monday, Nov 18th - 6 pm
Webinar: The Palestine Movement Post-Election: We Keep Fighting
Event sent to WNPJ by Madison-Rafah Sister City Project
This call will provide an opportunity to reflect, strategize, and commit to the path ahead as we continue our efforts to end the U.S.-funded genocide in Gaza and strengthen the Palestinian movement. Hear from a range of speakers including Rep. Rashida Tlaib and help with a live fundraiser for Middle East Children's Alliance (MECA) to support critical on-the-ground support for Gaza. Program will also include clear action recommendations including how to engage in immediate advocacy and strategic organizing during these turbulent times.

REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION HERE
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMldeqvrTsiE9xSmIrOJ2s4je_FMCRbpYCK #/registration

Event announcment from Madison Madison-Rafah Sister City Project:
Friday, November 15:
Rami Khouri on WORT-fm Radio
89.9 FM or listen live online
12 noon - 1 pm

A Public Affair guest host Christa Bruhn interviews journalist and author Rami Khouri on the impact of Trump’s victory on U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East in particular, including how the situation on the ground could develop under a Trump presidency.

Rami Khouri is a Distinguished Public Policy Fellow at the American University of Beirut, a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Arab Center in Washington, DC, and a regular columnist for Al Jazeera Online. Khouri has reported and published on the Arab region and its global relations for more than five decades. His most recent book, co-authored with Helena Cobban, is Understanding Hamas: And Why That Matters (2024).

[email protected]

Watch the video here
https://youtu.be/hltdJSqXfDA?si=fO77n2_5mr7-Wate
Our 18th annual Armistice Day event at Milwaukee City Hall drew a crowd of 90, plus others on a Zoom webinar, to celebrate and promote peace.

Colonel Ann Wright, a career Army officer and US diplomat who resigned over the US invasion of Iraq, warned of the threat to peace posed by continued spread of US military bases, now numbering 900 around the world. She urged people to take action to confront elected officials, and to risk or invite arrest to see firsthand the need for reform of our justice system, which sends many women to jail for minor, non-criminal offenses.

Reggie Jackson, journalist, Navy veteran, race relations expert, speaker and activist, encouraged people to become serial harassers of members of Congress and other officials, continually writing them -- actual letters, not emails or online contacts -- to get their attention.

That was his "homework assignment" for the crowd. Ann Wright's was for people to get arrested in the cause of peace.

Chapter member Roger Quindel spoke of his experience in Vietnam which led him to become a Veteran For Peace.
Musicians David HB Drake and Richard Pinney opened the eveniing with an acoustic set of peaceful music, and musician-poet Harvey Taylor added spoken words and an original song later in the program.

The program began with our traditional 21 Flower Salute to remember all victims of war.

Opinion | UW shows incompetence, bias in protest investigation The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards has conducted dozens of investigations based on little evidence, with serious implications for students.

Holiday shopping? Consider Family Farm Defenders
Fair Trade Holiday Gift Boxes for 2024!
https://familyfarmers.org/?page_id=1936
Supporting a good cause never tasted so good! Family Farm Defenders is proud to once again offer many giftboxes you can send to your family and friends over the holiday season. We are excited to offer award-winning Cedar Grove Cheeses along with other delicious products, all of which are “fairly traded” and guarantee their small scale producers a living income. By choosing Family Farm Defenders Holiday Gift Boxes, you can help insure family farmers receive a parity price for their hard work.

[email protected]

Family Farm Defenders Action Alert!
The Call to Action:
On August 27, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Bioceres Crop Solutions’s HB4 drought-tolerant and glyphosate-tolerant wheat. As Jim Goodman and Anthony Pahnke recently wrote, USDA’s approval of HB4 totally ignored safety for farmers’ financial well-being as well as safety for our environment.

This blatant disregard for growers, eaters, and wildlife deserves a public response. Here are several ways to provide yours, but watch for future updates and options:

CALL USDA to speak with a customer service representative: (202) 720-2791.

EMAIL USDA: [email protected]

LIVE-CHAT with USDA: https://ask.usda.gov/s/contactsupport

CONTACT your US legislators: (202) 224-3121 / www.congress.gov/contact-us

SHARE https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/hb4-wheat or write your own op-edTo win food sovereignty and sustainability, we must have more publicly financed local and regional seed varieties - not more genetically engineered corporate commodities.

[email protected]

New GM Wheat Is a Phony Climate Solution That Threatens Farmers and Wildlife | Common Dreams This latest proposed tech solution to address our climate crisis stands to improve the financial situation of agribusiness corporations more than farmers, while also likely harming our environment instead of helping it.