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Springhill Suites
Today: Open 24 Hours
Tomorrow: Open 24 Hours
3401 A St,
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 562-3247
Business Details
- Hours:
Mon - Sun Open 24 Hours
- More Info:
Property Location With a stay at SpringHill Suites Anchorage Midtown in Anchorage (Midtown Anchorage), you'll be minutes from Z.J. Loussac Library - Main Branch and close to Sullivan Arena. This hotel is within close proximity of Anchorage Football Stadium and David Green Park.
Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 101 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, as well as phones with voice mail.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness facility.
Dining A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily.
Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
- Extra Phones:
Fax: (907) 562-3250
TollFree: (800) 287-9400
TollFree: (877) 729-0197
- Payment method:
- amex, discover, master card, visa, cash
SpringHill Suites Anchorage Midtown
SpringHill Suites By Marriott
- Other Link:
- Categories:
- Lodging, Motels, Hotels


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History of al-Shabab recruiting in Minnesota
Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The deadly terror attack on a Nairobi mall has stirred concern about Westerners' involvement in the militant group that claimed responsibility. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said Tuesday that "initial reports had suggested that a British woman and two or three American citizens may have been involved in the attack," but that there hadn't been confirmation.
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- Easing sanctions no easy goal for Iran's president
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- Reunited Obama, Clinton talk up health-care law
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subset: commoncrawl


text: Virtually all of the ESPN experts are predicting a Bengals win, as is Peter King. Does that concern you, when so much is being made of a Bengals victory? Or is it a matter of knowing that these predictions are being made, considering that the Bengals were even more favored by experts to beat the Colts; which the Bengals did. What's your predictions for Sunday afternoon's game?


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The corporate office of PGEO Group Sdn. Bhd. is located at:
PLO338, Jalan Tembaga Dua, Kawasan Perindustrian Pasir Gudang, 81707 Pasir Gudang, Johor, Malaysia. Tel: 607-2688222 Fax: 607-2514970
The production facilities are strategically located in both West and East Malaysia:
1) WEST MALAYSIA PGEO Edible Oils Sdn. Bhd. Oils Division, Pasir Gudang, Johor Packaging Division, Pasir Gudang, Johor Lumut Division, Perak Prai Division, Penang PGEO Energy Sdn. Bhd. Lumut, Perak PGEO Bioproducts Sdn. Bhd. Pasir Gudang, Johor Volac Ingredients Sdn. Bhd. Pasir Gudang, Johor
Natural Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd. Pasir Gudang, Johor
PGEO Oil Mill Sdn. Bhd. Pasir Gudang, Johor
Wilmar Tank Terminals Sdn. Bhd. Pasir Gudang, Johor 2) EAST MALAYSIA Bintulu Edible Oils Sdn. Bhd., Sarawak Sandakan Edible Oils Sdn. Bhd., Sabah SEO Energy Sdn. Bhd. Sandakan, Sabah Associated Company : - Lahad Datu Edible Oils Sdn.Bhd., Sabah LDEO Energy Sdn. Bhd,. Lahad Datu, Sabah
Wilmar Edible Oils Sdn. Bhd., Prai, Penang
TSH-Wilmar Sdn. Bhd., Kumal, Sabah
PGEO Group is wholly owned by Wilmar International Limited, one of Asia's largest integrated agribusiness groups.
PGEO Group's main activity is the manufacturing of edible oils. Its activities are vertically integrated, beginning with the conversion of crude oils into refined oil products to the marketing of these oil products in bulk, steel drums and consumer packs for the local and international markets. It has one of the largest refining capacities in the country with eight refineries in Peninsular and East Malaysia. Annually, PGEO Group refines more than 4 million metric tonnes of edible oils and about 90% are exported overseas to China, India, Unites States, EU countries, Middle East, Pakistan, Japan, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand.
In addition, PGEO Group is also actively involved in crude palm oil futures trading, soyabean and palm kernel crushing, oleochemical manufacturing, steel drums manufacturing, manufacturing of calcium salt for animal feed and other downstream activities like the production of shortening and hydrogenated products, cocoa butter replacer and other specialty fats.
On top of that, PGEO Group has diversified into the renewable energy industry beginning with the operations of biomass steam generation plants to supply steam, electricity and chilled water to three of its factories. Subsequently, it marked its presence in the biodiesel industry with the commencing of a biodiesel plant in January 2007. In November 2013, it further diversified with the acquisition of a chemical bulking installation in Pasir Gudang.
PGEO Group's commitment towards excellence has striven itself to continuously improve and brings only the best service to its customers.


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Irving >
Primrose School of Valley Ranch577 Cimarron Trail, Irving, TX | Directions
M-F 6:30am-6:30pm, Sa-Su Closed
Neighborhoods: Valley Ranch Association, Valley Ranch
Good Teachers and my child is happy and wants to go to school.
I am very happy with the quality of education they provide my kid.
They are all very inviting and warm in greeting us every morning. It makes our day so much better thinking that our child is being cared for.
A SAFE, loving, clean environment where my little ones are taken care of and have fun while learning.
Love that there are a lot of great events and activities before and after school for our son.
All of the teachers and the staff bring fun and smiles to school everyday
The above review was posted as a service with authorization of Primrose of Valley Ranch, and the above comments and opinions expressed in the review are of those of a Primrose of Valley Ranch parent.
We are so excited for our son to be a part of Primrose Valley Ranch family. My family has a long history of education, I would tell the pride you take in your school. We appreciate it so much. My son will flourish - we are confident of that that!
I am happy with all the teachers and happy to have my daughter taken care by them. The teachers are really patient and extra caring. The ladies at the front desk are very warm and friendly and greets every kid when a nice comment despite having a busy time during the drop off and pick up hours.
The teachers are wonderful. I love how engaging my son's lead teacher is.
Editorial Review – Preschool, private kindergarten and after-school child care facility features their exclusive balanced learning approach to early education and development.
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tryingtolearn - 8:13 pm on May 31, 2012 (gmt 0)
Lorax, am I allowed to say the name of the website in case people want to look? or is there another place on webmasterworld.com where I can post the url for a site review? I was looking around but didn't see a place like that. Sorry if I missed it.


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Saved by the Bell Interactive RPG
Zack's cell phone is so big it takes up 3 slots in his inventory.
Filed Under
saved by the bell
original Dorkly Bits: Koopa Gets a Star
December 27, 2010Even minions get their fifteen seconds of stardom.
original Dorkly Bits: Link to the Past with a Portal Gun
July 11, 2011When life gives you the Triforce, make Triforce grenades.
Comments ( )


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Line breaks: Lan¦ca|shirePronunciation: /ˈlaŋkəʃə
- A mild white cheese with a crumbly texture.More example sentences
- Mr Procter said a cake with a cheddar base, a Lancashire cheese middle and Wensleydale and cranberry topping has proved the most popular so far.
- The cottage cheese can be replaced with goat's cheese, ricotta, feta, Lancashire or Wensleydale.
- Crumblies are best for toasting, especially Cheshire and Lancashire, as they melt into a mouth-watering, velvety mass under the grill.


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On the eve of Boise State's first-ever track and field meet at Dona Larsen Park, the Broncos have made a coaching change.
Boise State announced the dismissal of J.W. Hardy in a two-sentence release Thursday afternoon. Hardy also coached the coss country team.
"I want to make it be known that I wasn't fired; my contract won't be renewed," Hardy told the Statesman on Thursday night. "Boise State is choosing to move in another direction right now."
Hardy did not identify any specific reason for his removal, and Athletic Director Mark Coyle was not available for comment.
Assistant coach Jeff Petersmeyer takes over on an interim basis for Hardy, who was hired in August 2009. Hardy was the WAC men's cross country coach of the year in 2010 after winning the conference title, and also won the 2011 WAC men's indoor track and field title.
Hardy said he "took some time away" from the team last week, then met with athletic department officials Thursday when the decision was made. He declined to say what precipitated the time away from the program, deferring to Boise State.
"I enjoyed my time - I was hopeful we could have a new deal, but it didn't get worked out," Hardy said. "I want to move forward. I don't want to be a distraction."
He said he will be paid through the end of his four-year contract, which runs through June and pays a base salary of $85,000 annually.
"They want to get a head start on finding someone else. We'll have to agree to disagree,'' Hardy said.
With Boise State still on NCAA probation because of compliance issues, Hardy admitted that at times he may have committed minor infractions, but it was not why he was relieved of his duties, he said.
"Is that the reason, in my opinion? No,'' Hardy said. "I wasn't given much of a reason, but if it were related to compliance, with the situation Boise State is in, they wouldn't have relieved me of my duties and paid me through the end of my contract.''
Hardy, who has been active with religious work at Boise State, said he is unsure of his future, but said it might lie in ministry.
While he said he and Boise State "might have some different opinions," Hardy was unsure of any possible legal pursuits regarding Thursday's announcement.
"I'll pray on it. If I feel that at some point there's reason to pursue further action, then I will," he said. "If I pray on it and realize it isn't necessary, then that's what I'll do."
Hardy is the second head coach dismissed by Coyle, who was hired in January 2012. He opted not to renew women's soccer coach Steve Lucas' contract last November following the season's completion.
Dona Larsen Park's first collegiate meet is Friday and Saturday with Boise State, Northwest Nazarene, College of Idaho, Idaho State, Eastern Washington, Utah State, Utah Valley, Weber State and Westminster scheduled to compete. The event begins at 11 a.m. Friday (running events at 5:30 p.m.) and 10 a.m. Saturday (running events at 12:20 p.m.).


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New Miami quarterback David Garrard talks about his health, Matt Moore and on why he chose to sign with the Dolphins.
On how ready he is to get on the field and start playing:
"I feel great. I'm 100 percent ready to roll. I feel like I'm back to myself if not better. I'm excited to be back in the game and get back on the field."


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Fresh out of Lagrange, GA is female comic Janet Dollar. Known infamously for her joke about women needing a whistle the multifaceted comic was just featured on www.sandrarose.com . With her passionate and raw appeal she is relatable and down to earth.
She will be featuring at Uptown Comedy club this weekend starting on Thursday. Check her out in the video below. Follow her on Twitter as well.MzDollarComedy
I'd be lying if I said I didn't like Drake's music or think he was super talented. However, I do realize that he's a tad softer than Downy and probably was more suited for the Renaissance era. None the less, I loved the parody mostly cause Wayne and Baby were hilariously accurate. Drake's Newest album Nothing Was The Same is available now on iTunes. I wish I knew which stripper he was saving this week so I could interview her and ask her about his gifts and bedroom behavior.
Maybe it's Canadian men, perhaps they got that work. Someone let me know whats popppin in Toronto.
Well, I guess they were trying to spread a little relaxation… I wonder if that was a tax write off? I have so many questions as to why would anyone just give this away knowing good a damn well a thrift store can not benefit from this?
Apparently in Seattle, (does this city surprise you? It shouldn't) a dumb thrift shop worker found 2.5 pounds of weed in a donation bin. And yes, the rock head called the authorities and turned it in. Where of course the police came and disposed of it. I'm really trying to wrap my head around this considering weed is LEGAL is Washington. So why not sell it thrift shop worker? Where is Macklemore to guide when you need him?
Oh, but wait there's comedian Steve Berke with a remix!! Watch this parody of Thrift Shop called "potshot"
Many notable couples are said to have open relationships. Most commonly these days are Will and Jada Smith. I mean lets be real here they aren't the most traditional type of people. But, they do appear to be happy. In a society that heavily promotes sex, we then expect couples to remain monogamous. The term all men cheat is not a phrase that is uncommon. It's said that about 17% of divorces are because of infidelity. Now that number seems fairly low considering every time I turn to a talk show cheating is the prevalent topic. Every relationship I have been in there was cheating, on either my part or theirs, yet and still I go into every hopeful. So I guess my question is wouldn't an open relationship seem so much easier?
I can only speak for myself when I say I much rather go into a relationship knowing you could cheat when you want, than you not supposed to cheat and do it anyway. I feel like if a couple agreed they had the ability to do date as they please, they probably would get along much better. It definitely would alleviate the going through each other's phones or email. Can't say whether I am for or against this idea, I do know with the right people anything is possible.
Watch this clip as comedian Margaret Cho discuss her open relationship and other women..
By groupie I'm talking female, never forget that there are more male groupies lingering than females. I will never forget the day I was low key trampled at a Wayne concert by a group of thirsty men. But THIS my friends are for the females the ones with a plan, a purpose driven life. Those who plan to get the main prize not just a quick night of fun. Which, i must say I can respect a chick with a plan more than I can one who is just doing these guys for the hell of it.
Anywho watch the clip with comedians Janet Dollar, Karlous Miller and myself. Shot by Lonnie with Funarios a part of Two Girls And A Fork Comedy.
Say What? Cee-Lo Green the rapper, singer, actor, producer and current judge on The Voice is trying to add another accolade to his list. Dare we say stand -up comedian… That's right, the 39 year old has done something so many people aspire to do but just don't have the guts.
According to fellow comedian Yohance Collins Twitter, Ceelo performed at the Uptown Comedy club in Atlanta. Supposedly, he did pretty good. Makes sense though, he is pretty talented so I imagine he could do a lot.
Look, I have no choice but to laugh at all the hoopla being risen about this twerking epidemic. In the 1960′s there was a dance called the twist that raised as much attention. Now, there is a large difference between twisting and twerking but think about the amount of technology between the 60′s and now. You would be a fool to think this isn't as advanced. Should kids be doing this? No, but if parents would monitor there kids more, you could possibly catch them practicing for Players Club auditions.
Well a video elders react, get the reactions of some of them watching youtube clips of twerk videos. All this twerking and Ying Yang hasn't managed a comeback? Atleast give them their proper homage. Watch the video, laugh a little and pray your daughter isn't doing it for the Vine.
It has happened to all of us, well actually i'm pretty sure unless you are hideous this has never happened to a girl. A guy will be your friend and offer you some pipe. He may want to go back to just being your homie, but oh no he WILL give you the sausage. Typically,this happens with males there is always that one guy who doesn't understand you are JUST NOT that into him. But hey, you don't mind him changing a tire or taking out the trash.
If you have friend zoned a guy but he's paying your rent, you owe him a hand job atleast. Don't be cruel ladies, karma is nasty. Well, take a look at this video brought to you by the comedy style of Funarios KJ and Lonnie. Don't forget to subscribe and comment!!
The comedy of Lonnie and KJ strikes again as the Funarios team delivers another funny video Ghetto Genie. Lavar Walker is currently doing the The Plastic Cup Boys tour and MillerTime's Got Jokes. Can we say he's working.
If you didn't already know this is my passion… so stay tuned for more videos like these
Make sure you subscribe to Funarios and follow them on TWITTER


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Characters FanficRecs Funny Heartwarming InternationalVersions Main Quotes Series Trivia WhatAnIdiot YMMV main index Narrative
Page for the eclectic cast of The Amazing Race, with teams ranging from endearing and sweet to intense and cutthroat to simply batshit crazy.Warning: The contestants are listed according to how they placed in the race. Beware spoilers!
open/close all folders Hosts Phil Keoghan The host of the Amazing Race US series. His main role, aside from exposition, is checking in each team at the end of each leg, with the last team to arrive possibly being Eliminated From The Race. He is normally impartial to the racers, though every so often, he engages in Witty Banter with certain teams. Popularly regarded as eye candy by the fanbase.
Allan Wu Host of The Amazing Race Asia and China Rush.
Grant Bowler Host of The Amazing Race Australia. New Zealand born actor, probably best known for his roles on Australian drama Blue Heelers and the Syfy series Defiance. Formerly the host of the Australian version of The Mole.
Jon Montgomery Host of The Amazing Race Canada. He won the gold medal in the men's skeleton the the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010.
Pit Stop Greeters
Task Judges Several tasks have involved a "judge", either to check the racers' answers or to subjectively judge their performance; when correct, the racers will be given their next clue. These typically are locals (to the current location) and while most do their job in stride, others relish the moment...
Racers by Season United States
Asia China Rush Australia Canada


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Dec 29 2009
Delicious Cheddar Puffs
My mom made these puffs for a cocktail party she threw back in the seventies. Back when Danskin trousers and brown leather clogs ruled the day. I loved these then, when I grabbed a stash and ran up to my bedroom and ate them by myself to the sweet, mellow voice of Helen Reddy. And I still [...]
Keep Reading
Nov 02 2009
Mushrooms Stuffed with Brie
You want to make these. Oh, do you want to make these. I have a problem these days. I'm experiencing an unnatural obsession with stuffed mushrooms. I'm not kidding—I lie awake at night, not contemplating the meaning of life or the fate of the universe, but just how many [...]
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Oct 02 2009
Baba Ghanoush!
Baba Ghanoush. Don't tell the cowboys, but this is one of those things in my recipe repertoire that falls under the category It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This. It's true. I absolutely love this stuff. Even though the cowboys wouldn't touch it with a ten foot [...]
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Aug 13 2009
Fresh Corn and Avocado Salsa
I dropped by the Lodge yesterday afternoon and discovered, to both my horror and excitement, that our friend Dave from Indiana left us even more fresh corn than I originally thought. This basically means that I have fresh corn coming out of my ears and that I now have more corn than I ever [...]
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Aug 03 2009
Stuffed Mushrooms
Few things in life give me more joy than this. A mushroom cap stuffed with a glorious mixture and baked until golden brown and sizzling. I could pop 'em in my mouth every day till Kingdom Come and I'd never get tired of them. Which brings me to something I've discovered [...]
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Jun 26 2009
Hot Olive & Artichoke Dip
Get ready. Oh dear. This is a simple hot dip recipe you can change up and modify according to your heart's desire. Add mushrooms, leave out the olives, add shrimp or crab, omit the artichokes. It's impossible to mess up and it'll make you a happy, more contented [...]
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May 07 2009
Classic Hummus
I am positively in love with Hummus, a classic Middle Eastern puree of chickpeas and sesame paste, and for me it's one of those foods that never tastes as good as it does when you make it yourself. I've tried to buy prepared Hummus in the grocery store—there are varieties containing [...]
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Jan 30 2009
Mexican Layer Dip
It's the exact same Mexican Layer Dip I grew up eating in the eighties, with the exception of these modifications: 1. I don't crack open a can of refried beans and plop them, cold, right onto the platter. 2. I don't use that frozen guacamole stuff that stings the tongue [...]
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Jan 12 2009
Steak Bites
Today I'll show you how to make my gourmet Steak Bites, which are actually about as UN-gourmet as it gets. But they're fun to make, easy, and go a long way toward promoting peace and tranquility among the male species. They just love these simple suckers. I did NOT just call [...]
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Dec 31 2008
Black Eyed Pea Salsa
Did you know you absolutely HAVE to eat black eyed peas on New Year's Day or you'll be doomed to a whole year of not only bad luck and strife, but also pimples, bunions, and stray hairs growing out of your ear? It's true. So don't make the same mistake so many [...]
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Jun 13 2008
Cowboy Nachos
I love finding inventive ways to use leftovers, and since my brisket recipe makes so much dadgum meat, I'm always looking for ways to stretch it out and use every last morsel. These meaty, stick-to-your-ribs nachos are perfect for leftover brisket, and they're so much more [...]
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Apr 14 2008
Goat Cheese with Fresh Dill and Paprika
Mmmm. Yum. Groooan. Yum again. Mmmm. Yum. Okay, I had to get that out. Thank you for listening. Oh, how I've fallen in deep love with this criminally simple but exceedingly flavorful and fancy appetizer/hors d'oeuvre, introduced to me a few years ago by an unsuspecting caterer. [...]
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Mar 30 2008
Onion Strings
Please note: This is one of my all-time favorite recipes. Thank you for listening. But lawsy mercy, ladies and gentlemen. I know they don't look it, but these teeny tiny, thinly-sliced fried onions are so pleasantly flavorful and crisp, and such an utterly perfect accompaniment for [...]
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Mar 26 2008
Mystery Rolls
This is one of my mother's "Recipe Binder" recipes, and as soon as I read it I cracked up and howled. On a sheet of aged, yellowed paper, someone had typed: "Mystery Rolls: 1 can flaky biscuits. 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese. 1 stick butter. Cut biscuits into [...]
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Feb 11 2008
Roasted Garlic
I have no idea what that even means. Please, in the name of all that is sacred, just discard and disregard the title of this post. I had a crazy moment and I wanted to try to wax rhapsodic about the meal I'll be sharing with you over the next day or two, a meal that, it just so [...]
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Jan 30 2008
Superbowl Extravaganza!
If you're weeping and wailing and gnashing you teeth over what in tarnation to fix your Superbowl party guests, don't you worry your pretty (or handsome) little head about it for another second. Below, I've assembled some of my favorite party foods for you. They're [...]
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Jan 28 2008
Quesadilla Party
Hey—the Superbowl is coming up! And if you're looking for something to serve other than the standard fare (wings, wings, and wings) how 'bout whipping up all the fixin's for yummy quesadillas? Not that I would ever get away with not fixing wings on Superbowl Sunday. [...]
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Dec 18 2007
Chex Party Mix
I know what you're thinking: "Chex Party Mix? But I can just buy that in bags from the supermarket!" But the truth is, my turkeys, you really, really can't. No offense to Chex, but I grew up in the seventies and eighties—back when prep was all the rage and the [...]
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Dec 11 2007
Holiday Bacon Appetizers
Does anyone remember these lovely little numbers? Back in the early eighties, they were all the rage at suburban holiday get togethers. I know, because my parents had quite a few of those get togethers, and my mom served these all the time. And though she'd ordered me to stay [...]
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Sep 02 2007
It's football season. Do you know where your wings are? "Wings." When that one-syllable word is uttered in my household, I know what it means. It means fall is quickly approaching, the smell of cooler weather is in the air, and college football has arrived—which means [...]
Keep Reading


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Horse escapes from Noble Horse Theatre and runs up Wells Street Thursday, Dec. 19
Sure, the streets are used to being shared by cars and bikers, but runaway horses? Not so much.
A horse from the Noble Horse Theatre in Old Town escaped from the barn Thursday and began sprinting up Wells Street, the Sun-Times reports.
This wasn't the first time horses escaped from the theater: last year on the same day eight horses escaped after someone opened the gate.
Get the full story: suntimes.com


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It is snowy, but not cold.
This photo was shot on film. Taken by meryl with an Olympus XA2 loaded with Fujichrome 50 film in Yosemite West, California, United States. These tags describe this photo: yosemite, cross-processing, 雪, 優勝美地國家公園, 旅遊, 美國, sunny, snowy, travel, and green. Date: 2013-01-18. Time: Noon. This photo can also be found in the album snowy--OLYMPUS XA2.Please login to get more out of this site
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Egg 8 Cartoons
Artist description:
this one came out nice remember its a hunt to find the original artist [Link]
Created Apr 23, 2011. Unless noted Copyright 2011
Anniebee .
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I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW! (Jumps up and down excitedly) but not sharing to not ruin the hunt for others. (grins) These are SOOO much fun, Anniebee!
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Ozzy Osbourne through the years
Published On: Dec 01 2011 10:16:39 AM CST
Updated On: Dec 03 2013 01:00:00 AM CST
With Ozzy Osbourne turning 65 on Tuesday, let's take a look back at the rocker's career, from Black Sabbath to today.
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Church Leader Tells Palestinians and Israelis "eat together and listen to each other's stories"
by James M. Wall
(New Comments Posted Below)
An appalling shallowness has descended over Mainline Protestantism.
Episcopalians, United Methodists and Presbyterians are actually debating how they should deal with the Israeli Occupation
Martin Luther King, sitting in that Birmingham city jail, would most certainly inform these prelates that there is no debating evil. A brutal military occupation is not open to debate.
It is a disturbing spectacle. The collective ignorance displayed by many of the men and women—though, thank God, not all—who govern these denominations, boggles the mind.
The issue, my dear Christian friends, is justice, pure and simple. And yet, there they are, these robed religiosos, dripping with interfaith piety, proclaiming that the simple act of divestment of church funds is too harsh a tactic to use against Israel's settlement obsessed, right-wing government.
What do they teach in seminary these days? Have those Old Testament professors who lead their Israeli-sanctioned "study groups" to the Holy Land removed the prophets from their syllabi?
Here is the Episcopal News Service report on the current presiding Episcopal bishop explaining why she, and the church that elevated her to denominational leadership, oppose the simple, non-violent tactic of targeting divestment of church funds from US corporations that profit from Israel's military occupation:
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori urged Episcopalians to "invest in legitimate development in Palestine's West Bank and in Gaza" rather than focusing on divestment or boycotts of Israel, during a March 25 "Middle East Peacemakers" luncheon in Los Angeles.
"The Episcopal Church does not endorse divestment or boycott," the presiding bishop told more than 200 people gathered at the California Club in downtown Los Angeles. "It's not going to be helpful to endorse divestment or boycotts of Israel. It will only end in punishing Palestinians economically."
She also called for "a two-state solution with a dignified home for Palestinians and for Israelis" and for "deeper engagement, people of different traditions eating together, listening to each other's stories," she said, adding that the interreligious, multi-ethnic gathering hosted by Bishop J. Jon Bruno of the Diocese of Los Angeles was an example of what is possible.
Punishing Palestinians economically? That statement is an incredible display of ignorance of the political realities of a brutal military occupation.
Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori wants investment in Palestine, not divestment from Israel's occupation. Who proposed that approach?
Sounds very much like the warden of the world's largest outdoor prison inviting church members to come inside the prison and do their good works.
Cottage industries in cell block six?
Starting April 24, delegates to the United Methodist Church General Conference will debate the issue of using targeted divestment as a legislative tactic against injustice.
The United Methodist and the Presbyterian national churches have labored for many years to develop resolutions that focus tightly on US corporations that profit from the Occupation.
One of these corporations, Caterpillar, produces heavy equipment that Israel uses to build its apartheid wall, a wall that has nothing to do with security and everything to do with stealing even more Palestinian land.
Caterpillar also produces those monstrous bulldozers that tear down Palestinian homes, another "security" measure that is really designed to tighten the Occupation noose.
An Israeli soldier drove one of those American-built bulldozers over an American citizen, peace activist Rachel Corrie, on March 16, 2003, as she tried to stop an attack on a Palestinian home. In death, this young woman has become a symbol of non-violent courage to Palestinians.
Not so in the US, where neither action nor formal government protest was taken against the army that killed her.
And yet, here is an Episcopal bishop, standing before 200 of her fellow Episcopalians actually calling for Palestinians and Israelis to "eat together and listen to one another's stories".
This is blatant Israeli propaganda. These words were not uttered in the spirit of Amos; they sound more like an American politician scrambling for Israel Lobby money than they do of a Christian leader who must at some point in her career reflected upon, and perhaps even preached on, the call from Amos 5:4 to "let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream!" (NIV).
The saddest thing about this failure of a church leader to grasp the reality of injustice is that she offers palliative words that sound more like a Southern bishop of the 1950s begging the segregated and segregator to live together peacefully.
Bless you bishop, but there are people in Palestine on protest hunger strikes. Others are dying under the boot of a brutal occupying army. This is not a problem that will be addressed by our "eating together and talking to one another".
For an example of the pepper spray at work, see the Ammar Awad Reuters photo above of Israeli soldiers spraying a Palestinian protestor at Damascus Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem.
This attack on the protestor took place on Land Day, when Palestinians remember their land losses.
Richard Silverstein, who writes the Tikun Olam web site, posted this photo from the New York Times and adds:
The Times headline for the slideshow presentation of Land Day images that includes this one was: Protesters Scuffle With Forces.
I don't see protesters scuffling with Israeli forces. I see Israeli border police mauling unarmed Palestinian demonstrators. I see them pepper-spraying one at point-blank range.
That headline confirms once again that the New York Times is not just biased on this issue on behalf of Israel. It is simply an Israeli hometown paper. Its perspective is always that of the home team, that is, Israel.
Silverstein is Jewish, one of many Jews who knows the damage that the Occupation does to Israelis as well as to Palestinians. Fortunately, Silverstein is also a blogger with a large following.
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori knows better than to speak of the Palestinian issue in the language she used. One of my sources who follows this issue with diligence, wrote to say:
It was she who, perhaps three years ago, visited Gaza, was duly appalled, and vowed to press with all of her and her church's authority, to end the sadistic blockade and occupation of all of Palestine.
It mystifies me that she can ignore the precedent of, and successful use of BDS, in the closest parallel, South Africa. Schori has succumbed to expedience or the copout of "interfaith" wishy-washiness-cum-cowardice.
How can one have any hope for justice and a viable existence for the Palestinians in the face of such cavalier disregard for the well-known and often courageously expressed recitations of the "facts on the ground" created by the Zionist enterprise?.
Well stated, and true. Trips by church leaders, who finally see first -hand the ugliness of Occupation, are the best way to break through Israeli propaganda.
But, based on Bishop Schori's public display of hasbara (propaganda) in Los Angeles, the power of the Israel Lobby trumps the truth.
All is not lost. Another source, who attended the bishop's presentation, did not find the audience very receptive to her call for kum ba yah.
Two denominations will debate divestment resolutions over the next few months, first, the United Methodists and then, the Presbyterians.
The United Methodist supporters of targeted divestments are encouraged at the feedback they are hearing from the grassroots.
Blocking their way to the passage of a divestment resolution is the denomination's General Board of Pensions, which objects to non-financial types interfering in their decisions to maximize pension profits.
This body has determined over the years that it will not invest in corporations that profit from, for example, South African apartheid, and that old reliable United Methodist staple, alcohol.
Faced with requests that it extend its no-no list to include three companies supporting the Occupation, the General Board of Pensions has adopted the Episcopal mantra of "eating together and sharing stories".
Of course, the General Conference has the final say in this matter. Starting April 24, in their Tampa, Florida, meeting, the Methodists will have their chance to remember that its founding parent, John Wesley was not a "get along" guy; he was a justice guy.
This is the same denomination, by the way, that moved its 2012 meeting from Richmond, Virginia, to Tampa, Florida, because Richmond has a baseball team named, "The Braves", a no-no among United Methodists who have agreed not to patronize locations with sports teams the Methodists believe denigrate Native Americans.
Good for them. Now let us see what can be done about the denigration of Palestinians.
Filed under: Episcopal Church, Middle East, Middle East Politics, Presbyterian Church, Religion and politics, Religious Faith, United Methodist Church | 38 Comments
38 Responses to "Church Leader Tells Palestinians and Israelis "eat together and listen to each other's stories""
Thanks, Jim. Keep it up! We need these strong words. What good is a church that has lost its salt?
Hi Jim,
Sounds like you are being a bit too harsh (judgmental) with the good Bishop. There are the systemic justice issues that you and me and others are rightly confronting regularly. And we will continue to do so, believe me!
But there are the human, interpersonal, relational issues that also need to be encouraged. Unless Israelis and Palestinians make more efforts to sit together, eat together and share their stories together, systemic change likely will not happen. It's got to arise as much from the grassroots as from the politicians. In fact, politicians (the movers and shakers) are notorious for following which way the local winds are blowing. (Of course AIPAC types are buying their votes regularly, as can be seen in the shameful actions of the present US Congress).
We've got to change the culture. Minds and Hearts. One of the many problems with the Apartheid wall is that it is even more difficult for average citizens on either side of the wall to interact.
I remember a few years ago, a good "justice" friend was critical of my call for inter-tribal, interpersonal "sharing". As I thought about it, I think I got back to him with the same sentiments that I am sharing with your/our crowd.
The Bishop is on to something. She's not all wrong. Don't bash her too hard. Peace. . . .and justice. JRK
I agree, communicating is good. There isn't enough of it.
But to be clear, as an American Jew who lost family in Europe at the hands of Christians, I greatly appreciate how many Christians today feel they have to be careful in how they treat Jewish people and Israel.
That said, a problem in the Holocaust was that American Christian people didn't speak out against strongly enough against discrimination and mistreatment in Europe. As an American Jew, I want Christians to speak out strongly against discrimination and mistreatment wherever it occurs, whether it is directed toward or committed by Jewish people.
What we Jewish people have been doing to Christian and Muslim families in Palestine has been a terrible thing that violates our own principles. Many of us Jews see that we are only trying to achieve security, but while security is important for Jewish families, it is equally important for the Christians and Muslim families of Palestine to have security. Continuing to expel and kill as many Christians and Muslims as we have to in order to achieve security is neither a path toward justice nor a path toward peace.
Security can and will come when we end the discrimination. I hope our Christian brothers and sisters will speak out strongly to their Jewish friends that it is long past time to treat non-Jewish Palestinian families as equals, to knock down the wall, and to begin "deeper engagement, people of different traditions eating together, listening to each other's stories," and living together in peace. A two-state "separate but (un)equal" solution is NOT the way to achieve that goal.
Good stuff, Jim. We probably can't do much to help, given our problems with racism and selfish individualism. Who would listen to an American? Do our churches in any way represent a true witness to peace?
It's a sad story, Jim. History will bear this out. Church leaders, with rare exceptions, stand on the wrong side of justice movements. It's something about the institution. The Catholic theologian, Hans Kung, I think described the problem well: "The Church is the cross on which Christ was crucified." Whatever the issue–war, sexism, slavery, apartheid, military occupation–we can always count on the church for a leisurely march toward mediocrity.
Re: Steve Feldman's reply
Steve speaks this Quaker's mind. And I do speak out many times and in many ways. Thanks for your response, Steve.
Lorie Wood
Bishop Jefferts Schori's arguments looks very much like the ones advanced by Rabbi Arthur Waskow. See http://www.democracynow.org/2012/3/26/boycotting_israel_mustafa_barghouti_vs_rabbi
I agree with Mr. Wall up to a point, and yet . . . when I was in Jerusalem our tour group met with two women from the Parents Circle-Families Forum, which promotes understanding between bereaved Palestinians and Israelis. These good-hearted people gave me hope that through grassroots connections between those on both sides who are sick of IDF violence and repression things may actually begin to change.
I think we need to a) keep speaking up courageously; b) work to change structures of evil through nonviolent means including divestment; and c) eat together and tell our stories. "There is no way to peace — peace is the way."
Jim- thanks for your prophetic voice, please continue writing
Steve- thanks for your response- a friend of mine from Jerusalem said to me we need more Israeli Jews & American Jews to speak & write against the 44 Years of the Israeli military occupation over the lives of more than 4 million Palestinians in the the West bank, East Jerusalem & Gaza. as an American Palestinian Christian from Israel I feel the same way. we must speak & make a stand for Justice, peace & END to the occupation for the sake of the Israeli Jews & the Palestinian Arabs. Salaam & Shalom -
Very important piece Jim.. The cruelties that Israel is committing everyday, in Israel/Palestine, which include house demolitions in East Jerusalem based on religion, confiscation of non Jewish property to build settlements for Jews Only, even roads and buses for Jews Only, require more than mere platitudes from Christians, The ethnic cleansing of Palsetinians, and from their land in East Jerulaslem and the West Bank continue at a rapid rate. Their daily humiliation and oppression only seems to get worse.
As major Jewish organizations support israel no matter what outrages it commits, Christians as a group, remain locked in timidness, fearful of offending Jews. We do Israel and Jews no favor by protecting Israeli crimes.
Our Lord stood up to the money changers in the Temple, and he helped those who were scorned no matter how much the Pharasies objected. He was brave and bold, and appeasement of cruelty was not his way.
Fearless Christians are what the US, Israel, Palestine and the world needs these days. I hope the Bishop and many other church leaders will read this blog. Thank you Jim.
Jim, Thank you for the clear line you draw on those wavering between choosing Justice, and pandering to Caesar.
Would Bishop Schori, for example, have proposed that Jews of Eastern Europe share a bowl of Goulash with their oppressors?
Our problem with Goulash Zionists is not the fact that we cannot share a platter of Hummos together, even though they have been claiming the very invention of Hummos. Our problem is that immigrants, primarily from Goulash countries of Eastern Europe have usurped 78% of our lands in Palestine and dispossessed the majority of our people in 1948, then conquered the remaining 22% of Palestine in 1967 (East Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza). And now, they want ALL the land – without its native people, of course.
The ironic issue I see here is that some Christian leaders in the US who demanded for years that Palestinians eschew taking the same violent route American patriots took against the British Colonials, are now hesitating to take the humblest of non-violent methods to struggle against injustice.
As a Christian Palestinian, I am appalled at the hypocrisy of many Christian leaders for disowning the core of our religion – justice – and cowtowing to the power of BAAL -
I am puzzled and disturbed as to why I seemingly am unable to copy these emails from you. I have been copying ones to use for a long time. Please let me know what I must do to make a hard copy of this email.
Thanks Jim. I'm just returning from 10 days in the West Bank with Sabeel. I was in Jerusalem at Damascus Gate on Land Day, and saw dozens of moments like the one pictured. Sabeel staff person Omar Haramy and I went to the demonstration, and he was arrested for waving a Palestinian flag.
Frankly, that demonstration felt far more like the original "march into Jerusalem" of the Galilean dissident Jesus than did yesterday's pious Palm Sunday processions. May we all find the courage and grace to keep pressuring our churches to stand courageously for justice in Palestine. And at the same time, let us indeed "eat together and hear each other's stories," which is always and everywhere necessary (if not by itself sufficient). This Passover would be a good place to start. -
Bishop Katharine's statement reminds me of nothing so much as the temporizing mendacity of anti-BDS voices toward South African Apartheid in the 1980s. I remember those voices in DC and on campuses, who would never go so far as the right in calling the anti-apartheid movement communist-led, but spoke of gradual elimination of apartheid and protecting the safety and dignity of all sides. But here's the reality — they only increased the likelihood of a revolutionary bloodbath by their rejection of the nonviolent strategy of BDS, and it was in spite of them (not with their alliance) that the apartheid resistance movements overcame apartheid without violence. Opposition to nonviolent action strategies functions as support for violence — both the violence of the occupying oppressor, and violent resistance and retaliation by the occupied. You get two seeds of terrorism for the price of one empty platitude.
James Wall is making a strong and clear argument for BDS and I appreciate that. As an Ecumenical Accompanier in fall of 2011 the urgency of the human rights situation became clear to me. The Kairos conference in Bethlehem spoke clearly for BDS, and I think it's crucial to listen to the people on the ground. On the other hand, as EAs we also met with a Jewish group in Sderot, Other Voice. This group of Jewish residents of Sderot pleaded for a solution other than fighting between Israel and Palestine, particularly Gaza. They pleaded for Palestinians and Israelis to sit down and hear each others' stories. It is their opinion that it is only when we come to see each other as human beings like ourselves that we can we move away from demonization and its result, war. Likewise, Villages Group, a group of Israelis working very hard for Palestinian human rights, has been deeply impacted by what they have seen. The fact is that there can be friendships and that these can be extremely fruitful. I would say that Palestinian Christians have directly asked us to take a strong stand on BDS, but grassroots encounter, if only enough people would do it, would be a game changer. We need both.
Of course there are righteous people in israel who want to treat Palestinians with respect and compassion, but they are not a large group, and have no influence on the right wing, racist government in Israel that has implemented apartheid, oppresses ,imprisons and disregards the human rights of people who had the misfortune of not being born Jewish in Israel/Palestine.
Our government is the great enabler of these policies, and gives billions to the apartheid state of Israel. BDS is a peoples' movement. It worked in South Africa, perhaps it can work in Israel too, if Christians show some courage and determination, which, unfortunately, they have been lacking big time on this issue and issues of war and peace as well.
Excellent piece, Jim — strong, and with an anger burning appropriately. Yes, eating together and sharing stories is a very good thing. BUT — and this is a big and important BUT, in the current context, this "interfaith" activity represents, not just a distraction, not just an avoidance, but an actual barrier to the action that is required. And that action is nonviolent, direct action — resistance. And BDS is the best thing we have. Your reference to Martin Luther King Junior is right on target. His letter from the Birmingham jail was a response to just this kind of plea for "dialogue," sharing of stories, working through channels. We are beyond that. What we are seeing in positions like that of the Bishop — and she is not alone in this, show me a denomination where the position at the top is not the same — is (1) response to the mounting and very strong pressure from the Jewish establishment and (2) pressure from internal constituents in the church who fear the disruption in the relationship with the Jewish community (as defined by some Jews for all Jews). As awareness of Israel's folly grows, and the movement to put a stop to it mounts, we can expect this pressure to grow — to become more organized and more massively financed. On this Holy Week, we need to understand that the attacks on nonviolent actions like the divestment initiatives will increasingly take the form, not of vilifying or blaming the Palestinians, or of scare tactics about the threat to Israel, but attempts to define for Christians what their faith requires — what the Gospels in fact clearly present as the appropriate response to tyranny. This is a moment of truth for the church.
An honest engagement with the inconvenient reality. And timely too, as the Church observes "Spy Wednesday," reading the story of the betrayal of Jesus by none other than his "own familiar friend who broke bread" with him (Ps. 41). However, in light of this and given that the Presiding Bishop visited Gaza, speaking as a former Anglican Vicar of Gaza and founding priest of the parish there which no doubt she visited, I think you were rather muted.
So, speaking of breaking bread, "eating together, listening to each other's stories," who is going to set the table? Israel controls the food supply to Gaza, which they maintain below the minimum daily requirement.
In any event, they would have to tell heart-warming stories in the dark, because Israel has recently cut off fuel supplies to Gaza two days prior to the Bishop's comments. But they couldn't even do that with families worried about their children dying in hospital because the hospitals are running out of supplies due to that recently tightened blockade of Gaza by Israel. Indeed, despite Episcopalian generosity to their hospital there which she visited, the blockade prevents them from importing the necessary supplies.
The stories could be shared at a table in Tel Aviv, except that Israel won't give Gazans permits to leave what they dub "the world's largest prison."
The Presiding Bishop has seen with her own eyes. What did it profit that she, with the Gazan Church, were "eating together, listening to each other's stories?"
Better to have said nothing. Her dissembling seems a betrayal of Gaza, and of the ancient church community there which hosted her and their authentic witness to the Cross. That community fasts on Wednesdays in Lent in recollection of The Betrayal.
In our country, these days, one always expects our Congress to cave in to AIPAC–they have even written legislation for congress at times. But when Christian Leadership also caves in to political pressure, and turns it's back on the brutality and oppression (even of it's own Christian community), this is indeed a betrayal, and more important, a betrayal of what our founder lived for.
One must stand up to oppressors, no matter who they are. BDS, is the only hope, especially when the US has bowed to AIPAC's pressure and influence. BDS needs to be expanded, not weakened. Enough is enough.
I don't know how long people should continue talking about talking when Palestinians are being slaughtered and their homes and livelihoods stolen. Talking hasn't worked since 1948, and based on all the talking we've done since that time, it does not show any prospects of hope in the near future. To the contrary, while Israel's leaders are talking about peace negotiations, they've increased the rate of speed at which they're bulldozing Palestinians' homes and expanding Jewish settlements.
In my humble estimation, we have to keep working and hewing away at the pillars that support the Israeli government's crimes against humanity. Errant and dangerous Christian Zionist theology, biased and venal politicians and three billion plus in U.S. taxpayer money to Israel for military "aid" help prop up the barbaric military occupation of Palestine. And, any theology that uses Jesus' Name to marginalize a people group should be confronted with biblical truth.
I have hope for Palestine, not because people are talking about liberating her, but I am a descendant of American slaves. I am living proof of what God can do through people uniting and fighting for justice in the face of unjust leadership and laws. I call on all Christians to pray in earnest for Palestine and to do your part—-however God leads you—-to help liberate our Savior's birthplace and its people! After all, the homeland of the One who died to set the captives free is itself captive.
While on the matter of ecclesiastical responses to the un-Christlike environment being inflicted on Palestine by Israel I'm prompted to relate that several years ago I wrote to the American Catholic bishop who chaired the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Middle East Affairs pleading for an enlightened, robust effort on the part of American Catholicism in behalf of social justice in the Holy Land. I was emboldened to suggest several specific actions that the American Church might pursue as well as emphasizing that taking up the cause of justice for Palestine is a moral obligation for the local Church especially given the huge contribution that American Catholic tax money plays in funding this specific injustice. The bishop did graciously get back to me and somewhat apologetically (I thought) said that this issue was handled by the Vatican rather than by the American Church. So by this cursory explanation we have in great part the reason why my fellow U.S. Catholics are the quintessence of unconcern towards suffering Palestine.
I await with interest Jim's follow up commentary on the outcome of the Methodist and Presbyterian assemblies, while pessimistically expecting that for both of them it will be deja vu all over again.
Eugene Fitzpatrick
Jim, thank you for your post. I wrote to our Presiding Bishop last October about some of the issues she raised in Los Angeles last week. I was concerned at the time about her pastoral letter to the Church last October. I never received a reply from her. I am attaching the letter in case you would like to use it.
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
815 Second Avenue
New York City, NY 10017Dear Katharine,
Your pastoral letter this past week added very little to one of the most serious issues in the world today, the Israel-Palestine conflict. Your comments on negotiations were ponderous, to say the least, as though there are two equal parties to the problem instead of the reality of David and Goliath—Palestinians being the weaker party and Israel with its military might, enjoying unconditional support from the U.S. and all the money and weapons a superpower can give.
You do raise the issue of justice when you talked about our baptism vows, but it is absent in the rest of your letter. I might add that any reference to our baptism vows must also include the promotion and dignity of every human being, including and especially the oppressed who in this case are Palestinians living under military occupation.
I returned last week from a two-week Sabeel witness trip. In Bethlehem I had tears in my eyes as hundreds of Christians ages 8 to 80 marched into Manger Square playing bagpipes and drums as they celebrated the historic event at the United Nations, perhaps the only place where the international community of nations is willing to give them voice and hear their cry for help.
Please read the enclosed Kairos Palestine document, " . . . a prayerful call of Palestinian Christians to End the Occupation–"A moment of truth: a word of faith, hope and love from the heart of Palestinian suffering". Use your own judgment—not what others say about it. Have you read this?
You eventually mention in passing near the end of your letter that Palestinians are living under occupation. But this is the central issue, part of the larger issue, and it is a very dismissive approach to place it in a sub-paragraph. Those under occupation in Gaza and the West Bank can do nothing but wait on those who would determine an outcome, and they have been waiting for forty-four years.
Decades of negotiations have achieved nothing for the Palestinians, nothing for justice or peace. Negotiations have been put before the Palestinian people as a false hope while they watched helplessly on the sidelines as their land and homes continued to be confiscated or destroyed. Bad faith negotiating by those with power is a tactic for maintaining the status quo. I personally observed the first home confiscation in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah a few years ago. On my most recent trip I personally witnessed a total of seven more homes being confiscated. 20 more will be gone in the near future. I joined a protest march with Jewish citizens of Israel who are against the actions of their government on the continued confiscation of Palestinian land for the benefit of Jewish settlers.
I'm very surprised and disappointed that you are not able to understand that there is a much greater way to help solve the problem of peace in the Holy Land than merely giving money to the Church in Jerusalem. I'm sorry that your leadership is unable to help Bishop Dawani to be faithful in his public stance on the issues, so that he won't get into further trouble with those in charge of the occupation. Intimidation is a successful tactic used against the Church of Jerusalem in all areas of its life today under occupation.
I admire your intellect and have tried to be very supportive of you in your role as presiding bishop, but my advice to you is to move out of the role of one captured by the Israeli story and the wrong idea that Israel has shown an inclination to participate as an equal partner with the Palestinians in negotiating a just peace. It does not help Israelis to be authentic to their own faith or to human rights and justice by supporting the argument for negotiations as they are presently being put forward by the U.S. and its partners. We have been there and done that—over 44 years of talks and more talks. The Palestinians do not have power, military or economic, and have tried the numerous peace plans, summits and talks put before them. Now they are using their influence within the international community of United Nations to plea their just cause, a community increasingly suspicious of the historic power block of the United States and its "most important ally", Israel.
We are not helping Israel's future hopes for peace by allowing them to continue their military occupation. Please look back on your trip to Palestine and Israel and especially to the Gaza Strip, and remember what you saw and heard. I was so moved by your presence in Jerusalem and in the Gaza Strip and having my own opportunity to share with you. I thank you for that. In your concern for Palestinian Christians, remember that 85% of Bethlehem has been confiscated for settlements, the apartheid wall, military installations and Jewish-only by-pass roads since I made my first visit there in 1983. The state of Israel has been very good about using negotiations to delay justice, to gain more land, confiscate and destroy more Palestinian homes.
Finally, I ask you to consider a study and comparison of the recent speeches of President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the General Assembly of the United Nations and with a critical eye ask yourself which statement best upholds God's requirement to walk humbly and do justice.
May God bless you in your continuing learning.
Faithfully, The Rev. Canon. Richard K. Toll, D.Min., D.D.
Powerful letter, Canon Toll. It's a a shame she didn't even respond to it–but perhaps she couldn't because you gave her undeniable facts.
That even Christians, in our own churches won't even stand up to zionist pressure, to secure an end to apartheid, house demolitions and land theft of property belonging to non Jews in Israel/Palestine, is a travesty.
If thousands of pastors wrote similar letters, maybe the Bishop would see that she is on the wrong side of this profound human rights issue.
Just several comments: 1) this is a both-and situation, not either-or — both nonviolent action and sitting/eating; both targeted divestment, and targeted investment. How that works out depends on prudence i do not have, but it is crucial that those who want a just peace avoid absolutist thinking. 2) the major issue is how to inform US Christians, most of whom remain either ignorant or misguided — in our area, Sabeel Colorado makes wonderful efforts; as a Catholic prof at a Jesuit university, I'm happy to report that recent issues of the Jesuit national weekly, America, have featured important pro-justice articles. Clearly it is an uphill (and often seemingly useless) struggle, but it's the minds and hearts of US Christians that must be changed. 3) To that end, is there any way that you (Jim) or anyone else might be able to use the occasion of Holy Week, and this response to your article with it's focus on mainline Protestants, to get some national media attention?
I add my own thanks to Canon Richard Toll. That Presiding Bishop Schori didn't deign to respond to his great letter and now has made her very unhelpful comments in Los Angeles is deeply disturbing. If she has been co-opted by something along the lines of an interfaith discourse which has been infiltrated or at least subjected to the control which Zionists are avid to assert, PB Schori had better (i) engage in deep prayer to God and His Son and (ii) mingle with seasoned, more compassionate (and more passionate) earthly interlocutors.
I am also in full admiration of and concert with Canon Naim Ateek's just-issued letter of righteous indignation to PB Schori, the text of which i was privileged to receive. I'd imagine that it is available at Sabeel's website: http://www.sabeel.org .
Finally, Jim's typical excellence, and the numerous on-point and articulate comments above, make me so glad to be (with a nod to Canon Toll's above phrase!) on the right side of this profound human rights issue!
Thank you, Jim, for giving us the opportunity to comment and read what more people have admirably expressed. I cannot begin to tell you how much gratitude we Palestinian Christians and Muslims feel for the words and deeds of support of so many courageous American and Western Jews and Christians, alike, who dared side with justice and human dignity and the core of their respective religions.
The BDS program has all the elements to become the most peaceful way of combatting Israeli Apartheid and occupation. Its effect is more psychological and symbolic than anything else, but it can be very effective, indeed.
As we discuss the humblest of ways (BDS) to combat Medieval Israeli occupation and state terrorism, Palestinian Christians and Muslims wonder, as they ponder reluctant mainstream Christian support:
- What turns the majority of mainstream American Christians towards supporting Israeli occupation against the descendants of the original native Christians of the Holy Land? Is it treasure? Is it disinformation? Lack of interest? Fear, or smear?
- How come successive US and Russian governments allow hundreds of thousands of "Americans" and "Russians" to illegally settle on conquered lands that are considered illegally occupied lands, according to UN Resolutions, Geneva Convention, Russia, US, and Western countries?
-What happens to 6+ million Palestinian refugees? How can a cultured democratic humanitarian Western society discuss the "right" of Jews to "return" after 2,000 years, while they want to abolish the right of Palestinians to reclaim their lands, homes, farms in Israel 'Proper' only 64 years after their dispossession in the Catastrophe of 1948?
- Israel refuses to recognize Palestine, inspite of the fact that the Palestinian Authority recognized Israel and its right to exist?
- How can we tolerate Israeli colonial settlements – any settlements – and an Apartheid Wall that imprisons and strangulates Palestinians in the remaining mangled fragments of Palestine and that cunningly marks increasingly formalized expanding Israeli borders?
- Why are we not up in arms against Israel's development of over 300 nuclear bombs that are enough to destroy the entire Middle East and turn it into a gigantic Holocaust?
As a Christian Palestinian, I believe that Israel will not be, but has already been an existential threat to Palestine, since 1948. Israel does not "threaten" to, but has A-L-R-E-A-D-Y wiped Palestine off the map. I have come to the conclusion that Israel has thoroughly murdered and mutilated the two-state solution beyond repair because the Zionist state wants it ALL. And it certainly wants it WITHOUT Palestinians.
It seems to me that we should start working on a ONE-STATE solution because Israel wants it that way. Let us talk about the formation of the United States of the Holy Land and let us try to help build a bi-national state that can become a true democracy, once the Zionist Apartheid ideology is dismantled and replaced by democracy for all the natives of the Holy Land:Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze.
Thank you Jim, and like you I have never read as many responses to an article that you had posted. I must admit I was greatly disappointed because the Bishop had been in Jerusalem. I met her personally at Sabeel and she seemed such a compassionate person. It is unfortunate that the post sometimes exerts pressure on the person that holds it, but we expected much more from somebody who had been here and seen with her own eyes, and more so from a woman bishop whose election was great news to all of us as women and people of the faith. I think both Dick Toll and Rev. Ateek said it all. What else can I say but that the truth will set us all free, both Palestinians and Israelis. So I hope and pray that no church hiererchy will ever hesitate to expose the truth.
You can't have dialogue with people when, while they talk, they blow up your homes and confiscate more of your land to build apartheid settlements.
If Non Jews were treating Jews the way Israel treats non Jews, there would be no silence or ambiguity from any part of the the world, including the Christian churches. Apparently the anti gentile laws and policies of the Israel government are not worth struggling against with any kind of vigor. For the Episcapalian leadership, it's back to meaningless platitudes.
If we want media attention, then Christian leaders should go in front of the Israeli consulates or other prominate places with signs, maps and pictures, and protest, and even use civil disobedience as MLK would be doing. Then you will get attention. We can't be stifled by a heirarchy that is lacks courage and conviction.
Also, isn't it high time for Christians to "Lobby" US Jewish Groups the way our denominations are lobbied by them? Jewish Americans have influence over Israeli policies that non Jews do not. Israeli policies of apartheid, land confiscarions and house demolitions based on religion are unacceptable. The pressure should be on American Jews to help stop these policies, not pressure on Christians to be quiet about it.
Taking exception….Dear All:
Some on this list are aware of the recent criticisms of the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church by former CHRISTIAN CENTURY editor James M. Wall and Sabeel leader Naim Ateek. Others may not be. Mr. Wall and Rev. Ateek took Bishop Schori to task for having said that The Episcopal Church does not support Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) with regard to Israel, and for having suggested that Israelis and Palestinians ought to undertake "deeper engagement, people of different traditions eating together, listening to each other's stories." For Jim Wall, the Presiding Bishop uttered "Israeli propaganda."
A few observations seem in order. First, despite the tone of surprised outrage expressed by Mr. Wall and Rev. Ateek, their fight appears as one calculatedly engaged in, and with a particular agenda in mind. Unless they are more naïve and uninformed than I think, neither can have been much taken aback by Bishop Katharine's statements, which only formally stated what has been Episcopal Church policy for a very long time. I cannot know their motivation with certainty, but their strictures are consistent with contemporary pro-BDS agitation in relation to upcoming Methodist, Presbyterian and, in July, Episcopal national conventions. At the last-mentioned gathering, 9 Dioceses are prepared to support a resolution with BDS at its core. Is it unreasonable to conclude that the intent of Mr. Wall and Rev Ateek is to make the Presiding Bishop the issue rather than BDS, and to gain sympathy for the BDS movement at the Episcopal Convention? I think not.
Second, if all that Bishop Schori had to say about resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was to urge Israelis and Palestinians to have lunch, I too would have considerably more difficulty with her pronouncements than I do. The evidence however is other. Both in her March 25 speech and her October 2011 Pastoral on the Middle East, Bishop Schori calls for a just 2-State solution, and for the President to allot "significant diplomatic capital" to that end. Standing alone, her October statement that "a just and lasting peace can be achieved only by bilateral negotiations between the two parties themselves" seems inadequate. However, she goes on in the Pastoral to endorse parameters set by the Quartet for Middle East Peace for the resumption of negotiations and to call for a central American role in getting meaningful negotiations going again. The Bishop's positions are not as forward as I would like them to be, but neither do they leave the Palestinians to their fate. Her critics' problem seems to be not so much the paths she has chosen as that she refuses to take the one—of BDS—that they insist upon. Hers, supportive of a 2-State solution and vigorous American action in favor thereof, is the more realistic and achieveable.
In their communications, both Jim Wall and Rev. Ateek leave out significant elements which do not quite fit their arguments. Mr. Wall does give a link to the clarifying Episcopal News story, but you have to go there to get a sense of context. Bishop Schori was at a "Middle East Peacemakers" event conducted by the Los Angeles Diocese, and at which representatives of all three Abrahamic Faiths were present and eating together, as was the Bishop of Jerusalem, Suhail Dawani who, along with the Bishop of Los Angeles, expressed his agreement with what the Presiding Bishop had to say. The event was an apparently very successful fundraiser for the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and its many good works in education and health which benefit the Palestinian people. It was a logical setting for the Bishop to define the Church's positions, including on BDS, and to suggest that sitting and eating together, as the attendees were doing, was not a bad thing to do.
Ultimately, Jim Wall's diatribe and Rev. Ateek's critique are indicative of the chronic inability, and unwillingness, of too many in the pro-Palestinian camp to systematically pursue realistic ends and, in particular, to relate effectively to those charged with institutional or political responsibilities. One of the key premises of the BDS movement is that nothing can be hoped for from the political process, and from the United States Government in particular. That path, indeed a hard one on which to make progress, has been abandoned without having been extensively tried. The alternative path, of BDS, has some clear limitations which go, for the Convinced, largely ignored. Mr. Wall makes much of the South African precedent. However, Israel-Palestine with its two populations largely equal to each other is not South Africa, and it is far from clear that BDS in South Africa was that which brought down the apartheid regime. If change in the political atmosphere is what is needed for advancement of the Israel-Palestine situation, then BDS with its inherent polarizing tendencies is not helpful. It may affect Israeli behavior—usually in a less than useful way—but it has little relevance to changing US policy or to building sufficient mainstream political backing for such change. To the extent that it generates discussion, the discussion is most likely to be in the nature of a shouting match. Better to listen to each other's stories—and to build broad public support for the hard and realistic negotiations toward a 2-State peace both can live with—with US help. This I think the Presiding Bishop would agree with.
Like President Obama and most Members of Congress, Bishops Schori and Dawani and many other church leaders cannot go where the advocates of BDS would like them to, not least because the proposed path does not promise to be productive. This is the case for other reasons as well, both defensible and edifying, as well as ones less admirable. Those with authority, with the ability to get things done, more often than not have multiple, and often conflicting, pressures laid upon them. Those working to persuade those in power to play a more useful role are well advised to recognize the realities of the political setting, to understand the limits as well as the potential of what can realistically be expected.
Three simple rules ought to be kept in mind: One, don't ask officials to do things you know they can't. This includes support of BDS, cutoff of aid to Israel, or efforts to put Israel into the international dock. Two, ask for things they are already at least in theory committed to—preeminently the 2-State solution. Remind them of their promises, and build on what they have already said. Three, frame things, including things which make them uncomfortable, in ways that make it hard for them to say No. The name of the game is persuasion, not bludgeoning into submission, whether you are talking about officialdom or the broad public. This Jim Wall, Rev. Ateek and too many other pro-Palestinian advocates seem not adequately to understand. They also seem not to comprehend that neither the political process nor politicians, especially in the United States, can be bypassed if there is to be hope for a reasonable Israeli-Palestinian settlement. Such a settlement may not be attainable, but without the political actors, nothing can be done. BDS does not offer a credible alternative.
I have taken the pro-Palestinian camp much to task here. I will however add this to make those who call for a 2-State solution uncomfortable as well. It is not enough to defeat pro-BDS initiatives. At the various church conventions and in the general discourse there need to be positive and relatively aggressive resolutions and other efforts to push forward a just 2-State solution and effective American Government support thereof. Tough Love is called for, both toward officials tempted to avoidance and wavering, and toward Israeli and Palestinian negotiators inclined to procrastinate and otherwise put off agreement. This is politics and, as has been said, politics ain't pattycake.
Ed McCarthy -
Dear Ed:
BDS is not a policy primarily intended to change American foreign policy; it is a policy intended to let Israel know there is a cost (more in terms of international opinion than economics) to its continued violation of human rights, civil rights, international law. Like the boycott used in civil rights in this country, it is intended, at least at one level of implementation, to protest the confiscation of Palestinian land upon which the product was produced. Divestment is intended to encourage companies to change their policies or practices or to stop doing business with entities who threaten or inflict suffering on others. It is for that reason the U.S. currently forbids companies to do business with Iran.
I would want to clarify one misconception you apparently have: you say At the last-mentioned gathering, 9 Dioceses are prepared to support a resolution with BDS at its core. Is it unreasonable to conclude that the intent of Mr. Wall and Rev Ateek is to make the Presiding Bishop the issue rather than BDS, and to gain sympathy for the BDS movement at the Episcopal Convention? I think not.
The PIN resolution, passed by nine dioceses, does not have BDS at its core; it does not commend BDS as church policy (though PIN does endorse BDS); it commends that the church study Steadfast Hope and Kairos Palestine. It commends education in groups in which everyone is free to come to their own conclusion. I encourage you to read the resolution more carefully. I can tell you for certain Jim Wall did not even know of our General Convention this summer; I informed him only last night. I presume Fr. Ateek knows of our resolution, but Naim speaks with passion because he has endured the injustice for so many years and has found the reluctance of either US administrations or the church to say–and mean–"enough" to Israel. He comes by his passion most honestly.
As much as I have advocated for a two state solution, I am reluctantly persuaded by repeated and recent trips through the West Bank that it is no longer possible. It will not be possible to cobble together a viable, contiguous Palestinian state from the isolated bantustands Israel has allowed Palestinians to retain. And, as you know, Israel's construction on Palestinian land continues unabated. What would you recommend, Ed, that we do to convince Israel this policy of colonization will never bring them the peace and security they long for and deserve? I am really at a loss unless it is to convince them the cost of continuing these policies of confiscation, demolition, colonization is too high.
Whatever the means by which we get there, it is my resurrection hope that the Palestinian and the Israeli peoples achieve a just peace. And I am sure we are both sincere in our efforts to help that peace be realized.
Cotton Fite
Jim's piece was not a "diatribe" as you stated. It was a forceful and needed statement to make, because his piece is based on the awful truth of Christian ineffectualness, and he had to take the risk of being "undiolpmatic" in the face of Israel's overwhelming abuse of the Palestinian people, that gets worse all the time.
It takes courage to stand up to people in high places, whose positions have done virtually nothing to help the oppressed Palestinians.The "peace process" and "two state solution" have been destroyed by Israel's massive settlement and apartheid policies that have been going on for decades. To be timid towards this oppression, is to be ineffective, and supportive of the destruction of what's left of Palestine.
Jim, your post is to the point.
I am delivering a copy to the co-pastors of the largest Methodist church in town, two folks who have remained resolutely silent to my correspondence with them about Israel/Palestine and the UMC. I even went to a service to meet them in person and was told by the head pastor the he had not responded because I had not put a return address on the envelope but that he would call me to talk. He never did.
My father was an ordained Methodist who spent his career serving the church. I expect more from the clergy than silence. Perhaps it is too much to expect.
I'm 85 so I know a little of what happened in 1948.The churches had a lot to do with what happened then. They claim to KNOW their religion is the only true one when in fact they know nothing. Religion is a belief & can't be proven in a court of law. So many people that have a religion say the same thing.My sister & I have a different faith & once she told me that she KNEW she was right. I told her that she knew nothing as she BELIEVE'S shes right as I do with my Christian faith. Neither of us can prove it as religion is a belief and can't be proven.My Bible tells me to live the christian life to bring otheres to the Lord Jesus not do them harm as was done to the Palestine in 1948.
The palestines & isrealites lived together for over 2000 years & loved one another as they believe that the both have the prophet Abraham as father. which the Bible says is true.
They lived together in peace UNTIL the readical christians drove the palestines from thier homes because they KNEW their religion was the only true one. In reality the KNEW nothing as christianity & all religions is a beiief and cannot be proven.
Let the Palestines return to their rightful homes & then & only then will peace return to this land.Get the corrupt leaders of the Holy Land out & let the people of the Holy land decide what they want. Keep politics out. Gramma Ellen


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I booked a car at Las Vegas airport via Airportrentals.
The act of reservation itself was swift and easy.
Unfortunately when I showed up at Dollar Rent-a-car they did not find my reservation number. In fact mine started with IM.... while they always use IN....
But the reservation was actually there, they found it using my last name.
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Toronto Sun Thanks Blackhawks For Exacting Revenge On Bruins
Blackhawks Central
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(CBS) As the saying goes, payback is a…
Well, nevermind.
The Blackhawks' stunning, come-from-behind victory over the Bruins in Game 6 is eerily reminiscent to the comeback win the Bruins orchestrated over the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 of this year's Eastern Conference Semifinals.
And for that, the city of Toronto is thanking Chicago.
If you remember, the Maple Leafs held a 4-1 lead over the Bruins with one period standing between them and the Eastern Conference Finals. But the Bruins mounted an unbelievable comeback, scoring two goals in the final two minutes of regulation before winning in overtime.
After the Blackhawks took down the Bruins, the Toronto Sun's cover read "To: Chicago. THANKS! Love: Toronto," with a picture of Jonathan Toews hoisting the Stanley Cup.
There is another Chicago connection to this story: The Sun's editor, Michael Cooke, did a stint in Chicago as editor of the Chicago Sun-Times before heading to Toronto in 2009.


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InStyle on Pinterest: Your Most-Pinned Picture of the Week!
Jun 3, 2012 @ 9:00 amWhen we tracked down and posted Olivia Palermo's feminine Ann Taylor sleevless top on Pinterest, your overwhelming response made it this week's most pinned-picture. (The $98 piece is cute, isn't it?!) Visit our Pinterest page at pinterest.com/instylemag to see more items we love, and tell us your favorites by liking, sharing, and commenting on the latest news, fashion, and beauty tips. We can't wait to hear from you!
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Staff Report
Gainesville —
By CATHY MOUNCE
Register Staff Writer
The approximately 83 students who will be attending pre-k through eighth grade at Walnut Bend school this fall have a lot to be proud of as the tiny Cooke County school achieved "Met Standards" in the recent accountability report of the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Superintendent Matthew Davenport is excited about the progress his school has made at Walnut Bend and looks forward to improving on the scores during the next school year despite the somewhat confusing regulations and changing parameters imposed by TEA each year.
Davenport who has been on the job at Walnut Bend for the past 18 months, said that the Index 1 score of the 39 students taking the test during this past year was 75 percent and that the scores could have been higher if some of the students who took the test had not moved to another district.
He said, "We were not allowed to include the scores of the transferring students from Walnut Bend due to TEA regulations."
Davenport said that although TEA sets the criteria for the class curriculum, Pearson Education actually writes, distributes and grades the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test results.
According to an investigation by NBC 5 in April, Pearson is a London based education services company that has a five-year contract with the TEA that costs tax payers roughly $90 million per year.
Davenport said, "The main issue that I have with this testing and state standards is that it is a mile wide and one inch deep with too much coverage and not enough depth. Students are not given enough time to thoroughly learn something before teachers have to move on to the next mandated instruction. Kids are then having to sometimes relearn the same thing over and over again."
Davenport is a supporter of CSCOPE which is a web based curriculum management system developed by Texas teachers to benefit Texas students. It allows districts to customize content to better address the unique expectations of that district and is aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). It covers the required state standards approved by the Texas State Board of Education.
Davenport said that the Walnut Bend teachers and staff go above and beyond what they were hired to do. He said that more technical equipment and computers would be a great asset and could replace textbooks that are many years out of date and are not replaced timely.
At Walnut Bend with only a limited number of classrooms and with student count low in each class, two grades are sometimes combined into one classroom which allows one teacher to teach two grade levels at one time. For example fourth and fifth grade students can learn math and science together.
In addition to a regular teaching schedule, one teacher also drives a bus and other gaps are filled by others where needed. Everything is geared to making sure the students are taken care of and their needs are met. If a student needs a ride home, a teacher will make sure they get there.
Davenport has been pro-active in taking care of safety at the school. The plain glass has been changed out of the three exterior doors with metal grid reinforced glass. He has also installed a security entrance system at the front door to prohibit unauthorized entry.
"I would hope that we would never need such safety measures but it is my responsibility to take care of our students. I treat all of these kids as my own and I know them all by first name. How many superintendents can say that?"
Davenport, originally from Collinsville, received his bachelor's degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State university and his masters from Texas A&M at Commerce. He comes from a long line of educators and he is following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Beryl Mackey, who was superintendent in Sherman for several years.
His wife Rhea is a teacher at Sadler and Southmayd and his three children Abbie age 10, Jonah age 9 and Sarah age 6 all attend the Walnut Bend school.
Wearing many hats, Davenport not only is superintendent for Walnut Bend, he is the school principal, part-time coach, bus driver when needed, enthusiastic supporter and most recently gardener and lawn care expert.
Upon moving the lawn sprinkler around at the front of the school he said, "I like for the kids to see grass on the first day of school so we are watering to green things up a bit."
He has received welcome cards from students on his first day at the school 18 months ago and cards from students who no longer attend Walnut Bend thanking him for the extra time he and the Walnut Bend teachers spent with them.
"You don't go into teaching for the pay," he continued. "But when you receive letters like these it is rewarding to know that you have made a difference in the life of a child. I think that is truly what constitutes the heart of a teacher."


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County Government Offices to Remain Open for Columbus Day
Friday - 10/11/2013, 11:00am  ET
Arlington County offices will be open on Columbus Day (Monday).
County offices and libraries will be open for the federal holiday. ART buses and Metro will run on a holiday schedule. Courts will be closed.
Parking meters will be enforced. Arlington Public Schools and administrative offices will be open, but students will not have class.