DPJC.org

Annual Report 2017

The MEPC met monthly in 2017 and primarily focused on issues that were current in the Middle East and South Asia: Palestine/Israel; Turkey; Iran; Syria and Saudi Arabia/Yemen. We had monthly updates and guest speakers on these subjects, wrote letters and position statements and visited local politicians.

IRAN Discussed the changing US policy towards Iran under the new Republican administration. Discussed the US attempts to ‘de-certify Iran’s compliance with the term of the 2014, in spite of UNESCO determination the Iran is fully compliant. Wrote a Position Statement on the situation and posted on the DPJC website. Wrote letters to the editor at DMN onb the subject (unpublished).

Yemen (Saudi Arabia) The MEPC studied and discussed ‘The World’s Worst Humanitarian Crisis’ taking place in Yemen: the detestation brought on by the destruction of the water purification capacity and the resulting Choler; the blockade of needed medical supplies, food and other necessities. We examined the role of the US –in support of Saudi Arabia – logistical, re-fueling bombers and sale of weapons. We wrote an unpublished letter to the editor at DMN; visited congressman Vessey and Rep Johnson’s staff to urge support of SB81. Finally, we wondered why SA needs US support to in a battle with the poorest country in the region = (SA’s GDP is 25 times Yemen’s).

Palestine/Israel The now-ancient problem of treatment of the Palestinians – now apartheid by any analysis – was always before us. Dr. Samir spoke to us on his book, ODS: One Democratic State, in February. We discussed bringing Rabbi Lerner to Dallas (too costly). We are supporting the BDS (Boycott/Divest/Sanction) movement while watching the State of Texas pass legislation making it illegal!

Turkey, Syria, N. Korea We periodically discussed and updated our understanding of the issues these countries face and the US foreign policy that tends not to help.

2018 - Year Twenty
This year the MEPC plans to continue focus on Yemen, Iran and BDS-Israel. Members want to be more political: supporting HB81; calling on elected officials; working closely with FCNL; writing articles for newspapers – DMN Viewpoint and Letters. Finally, we will reach out to younger and more diverse individuals and groups and with the goal of successfully ‘passing the torch’.

The Arab / Palestinian Cultural Museum Fund Raiser

The Arab/Palestinian Cultural Community of Dallas has hundreds of cultural artifacts inherited from ancestors, but no place to put them permanently for people to see and appreciate. People of our community need a place to learn about the history and culture of Arabs and Palestinians regardless of their origin. We will need to erect a building in order to preserve these timeless artifacts. 100% of the money donated will go to constructing the building to create a home for these irreplaceable relics. Any donation helps! Whether it is $100 or $1,000, we are gracious that you took the time and effort to donate to our cause! Your donation makes you apart of this community regardless if you are Arab, Palestinian, or otherwise

Our goal is to raise $1,000,000 by 2018.The future of these artifacts is important to us because we want the new generation to learn about their roots. It is also educational for those who want to learn about Middle Eastern Culture.Thank you again for taking the time to read this. Thank you to those who donated; you are now a part of this community.You can donate here:https://www.gofundme.com/liftafalasteen