São Paulo – During this and the next month, an activity cycle will mark the first anniversary of the Israeli attack on Gaza. The program opens next Wednesday (22nd) in São Paulo with a lecture about the conflict, featuring the Palestinian ambassador in Brasília, Ibrahim Alzeben, the political scientist and journalist Moara Crivelente, and Refaat Alareer, a Palestinian book editor.
The event is an initiative of Centro Brasileiro de Solidariedade e Luta pela Paz (Cebrapaz), which works to raise Brazilian’ awareness to international solidarity. The organization often partakes and sponsors actions involving Palestine, and has launched the cycle “Occupation and Resistance in Palestine – One Year of the Israeli Attack.”
The goal is to remind Brazilians that approximately a year ago, Gaza was the target of a massive shelling, which began on July 8th and continued for 51 days. During the conflict, according to data released by Cebrapaz, 2,200 Palestinians and 72 Israelis lost their lives. The activities will take place during the same period as the attack.
According to Crivelente, apart from next week’s lecture, there will be other debates and a film and photo exhibition. Details concerning other events should be announced over the next few days.
The Wednesday lecture will take place at the Vladimir Herzog Auditorium, of the São Paulo Journalists Union. The speakers will relate the events of last year’s attack and the current scenario in Palestine. Crivelente will act as mediator and speak on international law, and on how the Israeli media portrays violence against Palestinians, a subject which she studies.
Alareer who will not come to Brazil, will speak via Skype. He is a professor at the Islamic University of Gaza and has published two books of tales written by young students of his who survived the clashes in the region. He will also discuss these stories. According to the political scientist and debate mediator, Alareer also spoke on the matter last year, during the Week of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
Alongside the campaign, the Cebrapaz intends to launch a campaign for the end of Israeli impunity. Crivelente says the organization is pro-diplomacy and international support to the creation of a Palestinian state next to the Israeli state, rather than one single state, as some movements espouse. Cebrapaz also believes Israel must be held accountable for its actions.
Presently, Cebrapaz’s president Socorro Gomes presides over the World Council for Peace. The organization has existed for 65 years, was established a few years after World War 2, and comprises institutions from 100-plus countries.
Debate "Occupied Palestine: One year of the Israeli attack on Gaza"
July 22nd, 2015, 6 pm
Vladimir Herzog Auditorium, at the São Paulo Journalists Union
Rua Rego Freitas, 530 – República – São Paulo
Open to the public
Free admission
Website: www.cebrapaz.com.br
Email: cebrapaz.brasil@gmail.com
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
