The response to my video concerning British MP George Galloway being banned from entering Canada was so great (it even hit #1 as the most discussed video in News & Politics in Canada for a day) that I filmed another one to address some of the most frequent comments I received. These include why I spoke about being Jewish, whether or not I am anti-Israel, and Galloway's dealings with Hamas and Hezbollah.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Canada Let In the Wrong George!
Earlier this week, George W. Bush made his first live appearance post-White House, and came to Calgary to speak to an invitation-only, $400 a seat crowd. Hoards of protesters, including people from Edmonton, went there to show their dismay that someone whose administration was responsible for war crimes was even allowed into the country.
Just yesterday was an announcement that British M.P. George Galloway would be denied a visa to enter Canada on the basis that he is a security threat to the country, due to his dealings with Hamas and Hezbollah. Galloway is outspoken in his support of the Palestinian people, and has dealt with their leadership because that was his way of reaching the people, most recently during a convoy of British people who went to Gaza to present humanitarian aid.
Galloway has often been accused of being an anti-Semite, and now he is being called a security threat. This video is my response.
Just yesterday was an announcement that British M.P. George Galloway would be denied a visa to enter Canada on the basis that he is a security threat to the country, due to his dealings with Hamas and Hezbollah. Galloway is outspoken in his support of the Palestinian people, and has dealt with their leadership because that was his way of reaching the people, most recently during a convoy of British people who went to Gaza to present humanitarian aid.
Galloway has often been accused of being an anti-Semite, and now he is being called a security threat. This video is my response.
Friday, March 06, 2009
The Side of Peace
I was trying to write a personal essay about my feelings towards the Israel/Palestine crisis, and it ended up coming out as a poem.
The Side of Peace
I’ve marched in Gaza rallies
And sung for Arab crowds
Though some of my relations
Think I should not be allowed.
I’m asked why do I do it?
Or if I’m scared at the very least;
The only answer that I have,
Is I’m on the side of Peace.
I always say I’m Jewish,
It’s part of who I am.
So is speaking out
For human rights as best I can.
This conflict is immoral
I want it all to cease
And that is why I take a stand
On the side of Peace.
When innocent civilians
Are killed day after day
By military massacres
I have the right to say
Collective punishment is wrong
As the death tolls increase.
The only way to save lives
Is with the side of Peace.
Unlike so many others
I can’t support a nation
When it’s so horrific towards
Part of the population
Yes, the leaders are not innocent
But the children are, indeed
So are all the others who
Are on the side of Peace.
It’s easy to be silent
Or toe the party line
Complicity is for cowards
Who are part of the crime.
I will never be accused
Of groveling on my knees
I stand with my conscience
On the side of Peace.
© 2009 Paula E. Kirman
The Side of Peace
I’ve marched in Gaza rallies
And sung for Arab crowds
Though some of my relations
Think I should not be allowed.
I’m asked why do I do it?
Or if I’m scared at the very least;
The only answer that I have,
Is I’m on the side of Peace.
I always say I’m Jewish,
It’s part of who I am.
So is speaking out
For human rights as best I can.
This conflict is immoral
I want it all to cease
And that is why I take a stand
On the side of Peace.
When innocent civilians
Are killed day after day
By military massacres
I have the right to say
Collective punishment is wrong
As the death tolls increase.
The only way to save lives
Is with the side of Peace.
Unlike so many others
I can’t support a nation
When it’s so horrific towards
Part of the population
Yes, the leaders are not innocent
But the children are, indeed
So are all the others who
Are on the side of Peace.
It’s easy to be silent
Or toe the party line
Complicity is for cowards
Who are part of the crime.
I will never be accused
Of groveling on my knees
I stand with my conscience
On the side of Peace.
© 2009 Paula E. Kirman
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Conflict Collage
Conflict Collage
I made this collage when I was 14 to illustrate an essay I was writing, which used the conflicts in Northern Ireland and Israel/Palestine as case studies. The theme of the essay? "Walls." I am serious. Must have stuck with me. The separation wall in Israel had not even been built yet.
For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, I wrote a song called "Walls." I wrote this song in February of 2008 during one of Israel's previous sieges on Gaza. It is about being Jewish and starting to critically examine what is going on in Israel and Palestine. I had a choice to make, and I chose the side of peace. But not without a cost.
The song is the backdrop for a slideshow from various peace demonstrations that I have taken, as well as images of the Qalqilya Wall in Israel.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DlCd8BIFlo
Walls
Been going through my mind, lately a lot
Have many questions about what I’ve been taught
Nothing’s as clear as it used to seem
As I stand idly by while humanity screams
I can’t sit on the fence anymore
When I have to choose between peace and war
And object to oppression where it arises
No matter what else it is disguised as
Something has to be done
Don’t know where to begin
Walls are meant to frame houses
Not trap people in
I’ve been told I should be ashamed,
I answer, “don’t do this in my name.”
I will acknowledge we’re of the same tribe
But in this case, I must step aside
I can’t sit on the fence anymore
When I have to choose between peace and war
And object to oppression where it arises
No matter what else it is disguised as
Something has to be done
Don’t know where to begin
Walls are meant to frame houses
Not trap people in
I cry for the children, the women, the men
Who face the same hardships again and again
Generations spent under a regime
Where freedom exists only in a dream
I can’t sit on the fence anymore
When I have to choose between peace and war
And object to oppression where it arises
No matter what else it is disguised as
Something has to be done
Don’t know where to begin
Walls are meant to frame houses
Not trap people in
We share the same blood
So I can’t understand
Why we have to keep killing
Over a piece of land
(We’re the sons and the daughters of Abraham)
I can’t sit on the fence anymore
When I have to choose between peace and war
And object to oppression where it arises
No matter what else it is disguised as
Something has to be done
Don’t know where to begin
Walls are meant to frame houses
Not trap people in
Not trap people in
Not trap people in
And it’s time to begin
© 2008 Paula E. Kirman
I made this collage when I was 14 to illustrate an essay I was writing, which used the conflicts in Northern Ireland and Israel/Palestine as case studies. The theme of the essay? "Walls." I am serious. Must have stuck with me. The separation wall in Israel had not even been built yet.
For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about, I wrote a song called "Walls." I wrote this song in February of 2008 during one of Israel's previous sieges on Gaza. It is about being Jewish and starting to critically examine what is going on in Israel and Palestine. I had a choice to make, and I chose the side of peace. But not without a cost.
The song is the backdrop for a slideshow from various peace demonstrations that I have taken, as well as images of the Qalqilya Wall in Israel.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DlCd8BIFlo
Walls
Been going through my mind, lately a lot
Have many questions about what I’ve been taught
Nothing’s as clear as it used to seem
As I stand idly by while humanity screams
I can’t sit on the fence anymore
When I have to choose between peace and war
And object to oppression where it arises
No matter what else it is disguised as
Something has to be done
Don’t know where to begin
Walls are meant to frame houses
Not trap people in
I’ve been told I should be ashamed,
I answer, “don’t do this in my name.”
I will acknowledge we’re of the same tribe
But in this case, I must step aside
I can’t sit on the fence anymore
When I have to choose between peace and war
And object to oppression where it arises
No matter what else it is disguised as
Something has to be done
Don’t know where to begin
Walls are meant to frame houses
Not trap people in
I cry for the children, the women, the men
Who face the same hardships again and again
Generations spent under a regime
Where freedom exists only in a dream
I can’t sit on the fence anymore
When I have to choose between peace and war
And object to oppression where it arises
No matter what else it is disguised as
Something has to be done
Don’t know where to begin
Walls are meant to frame houses
Not trap people in
We share the same blood
So I can’t understand
Why we have to keep killing
Over a piece of land
(We’re the sons and the daughters of Abraham)
I can’t sit on the fence anymore
When I have to choose between peace and war
And object to oppression where it arises
No matter what else it is disguised as
Something has to be done
Don’t know where to begin
Walls are meant to frame houses
Not trap people in
Not trap people in
Not trap people in
And it’s time to begin
© 2008 Paula E. Kirman
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Monk Punks
Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting Shawn and Kate's home. Actually, it is more than just a home - it is a community. It is a community for the group of people who live there in a co-operative living arrangement, and it is also a community of faith.
Shawn and Kate are originally from Lethbridge but moved to Edmonton a few months ago. They came here to reach out to the anarchist, punk, activist, and artist communities. Originally, the faith community bore the name "Monk Punks" reflecting the lifestyle of many of the people involved, but has since changed to "Look to the Cross for Victory."
Currently meeting on Saturdays, the community is associated with the Victory denomination. There were around 14 people there, mostly people under 30 bearing various kinds of piercings, tattoos, funky hairstyles, and leather clothing. It was next-generation and authentic.
The time there began with brunch (vegetarian breakfast burritos!) that several of the young women prepared. After cleaning up, we gathered in the living room for music. A guitar was being passed around, and eventually it found its way to me. I played the first half of "I Only Ask of God."
After a brief Bible verse meditation, Kate, Shawn's wife, put together a handmade songbook (a hymn 'zine, one could say). She led music, and has a beautiful voice. Music was followed by a time of sharing. One of the community members talked about judging others. It was a very appropriate topic since many of us have been judged in various situations because of our appearance or points of view.
We had some more music and prayer, and then Shawn gave me the ground tour of the home. There is a guest room, because the place is always receiving guests whom they can serve as Jesus served. Another room is a kind of art and journalling retreat. The walls are filled with expressions of art and faith. This is a place where creativity is highly values - even the calendars are hand drawn.
As I said before, the fellowship was genuine - these are people who truly have a heart after G-d. And like me, they are people who often walk between two worlds where people may not always share either their faith or ideas concerning social justice.
Shawn and Kate are originally from Lethbridge but moved to Edmonton a few months ago. They came here to reach out to the anarchist, punk, activist, and artist communities. Originally, the faith community bore the name "Monk Punks" reflecting the lifestyle of many of the people involved, but has since changed to "Look to the Cross for Victory."
Currently meeting on Saturdays, the community is associated with the Victory denomination. There were around 14 people there, mostly people under 30 bearing various kinds of piercings, tattoos, funky hairstyles, and leather clothing. It was next-generation and authentic.
The time there began with brunch (vegetarian breakfast burritos!) that several of the young women prepared. After cleaning up, we gathered in the living room for music. A guitar was being passed around, and eventually it found its way to me. I played the first half of "I Only Ask of God."
After a brief Bible verse meditation, Kate, Shawn's wife, put together a handmade songbook (a hymn 'zine, one could say). She led music, and has a beautiful voice. Music was followed by a time of sharing. One of the community members talked about judging others. It was a very appropriate topic since many of us have been judged in various situations because of our appearance or points of view.
We had some more music and prayer, and then Shawn gave me the ground tour of the home. There is a guest room, because the place is always receiving guests whom they can serve as Jesus served. Another room is a kind of art and journalling retreat. The walls are filled with expressions of art and faith. This is a place where creativity is highly values - even the calendars are hand drawn.
As I said before, the fellowship was genuine - these are people who truly have a heart after G-d. And like me, they are people who often walk between two worlds where people may not always share either their faith or ideas concerning social justice.
Yoga Update
I have had three yoga sessions so far. I accidentally dropped in on a power yoga class for my first time out, but I survived. However, I did feel dizzy and disoriented afterwards. I also was quite sore the next day. The next two classes have been more moderately paced. I brought another yoga newbie friend with me. I'm not as sore after, am getting stronger and more flexible, and feel quite relaxed after. I am looking at yoga from a perspective of health, exercise, and relaxation rather than spirituality. There are some Eastern religious influences, but I can respect these and find ways to incorporate them into my own belief system. After all, we do have light and divinity within us, regardless of our religious beliefs - some would call that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Others would call it something else reflective of whatever traditions they follow. I'm focusing more and more on what we have in common as people than differences based on culture and religion. This is not to say I am watering down my own beliefs. On the contrary - exposing myself to different views and practises makes me think more about my own and constantly reexamine, refine, and reevaluate.
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