Vigiling for Peace in the Middle East

One man stood alone in the Old Port in Portland with a sign calling for an end to the U.S.-Israeli genocide of the Palestinians. William Burke came to the attention of passersby who were members of the Islamic Society of Portland. They learned that, although he had never met a Palestinian, Burke had been moved by the news of the slaughters of Palestinians during the current Intifada. They offered to be of support in his solitary effort by showing up with signs of their own to accompany his, and they told him about Peace Action Maine.

Burke showed up at the PAM office and spoke with Director Scott Miller and Community Coordinator Wells Staley Mays who agreed that an end to the aggression was essential to bringing peace to the Middle East. They provided him with the national Peace Action statement and agreed to show up with signs in support of peace in the Middle East and respect for the rights of the Palestinians.

For a number of Fridays Peace Action Maine, the Islamic Society of Maine, Pax Christi Maine and Veterans for Peace have co-sponsored well-attended vigils for peace in the Middle East and justice for Palestinians. Many American and Israeli Jewish groups are also involved in this effort.

Portland vigils are held at Tommy's Park, at the intersection of Middle and Exchange Streets in Portland. They will be continuing every Friday throughout the summer from 4-6 PM. The vigils provide an opportunity for many people to meet their Muslim neighbors and to learn about the situation in Israel-Palestine. Volunteers have been collecting signatures on petitions calling for United Nations protection of the Palestinians and opposing the move of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.

Peace Action volunteers have been inspired by our contact with the Muslims members of Portland's immigrant community. We have learned a lot about how Muslims in Portland feel about Palestinian Muslims. We hope more people will attend in the future.

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Back to Peace Talk Index, Summer, 2001