Who is Jeff Halper?

Why Should We Care?

A great social psychologist, Professor Keniston once said, "To criticize one's society openly requires a strong heart, especially when criticism is interpreted as pathology...No matter how eagerly the audience awaits or how prepared the set, only courage can take the performer to the stage."

   Jeff Halper is a Jew, and anthropologist and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. He has Israeli citizenship and Israeli privilege, but he spends more time in the Occupied Territories than the Israeli government likes.

   Behavior deemed to be odd by many, he wants to change a world that is willing to give him a very pleasant way of life and he acts accordingly. As a result Jeff Halper spends a lot of time getting arrested. You see, he has this habit of standing in front of Palestinian homes as they are about to be demolished. He refuses to move as the demolition crews move in on him. Halper and the members of ICAHD (Israeli Committee Against Home Demolition) know and say to anyone who will listen that there is something unjust and undemocratic at the heart of their privileges. Jeff has shown, time and time again, that he is  willing to tackle the solid core of concrete action that will allow a family not to become homeless. He has won a few times and he has lost many times, but he is always loyal to the cause that he believes in- human and equal rights for the Palestinians.

 I invite you to meet Jeff Halper on April 15th at NC State,7pm in Mann Hall, Room 218. This event is being sponsored by the Coalition for Peace with Justice, Israeli Committee Against Home Demolition, and the Muslim America Society (MAS). Such a union itself is enough to give rise to interest but Jeff Halper goes way beyond what might be considered interest or a "meeting of the minds."  What he has to say and the cause he brings to the forefront goes deep into the human heart; do not miss this opportunity. If you have another engagement, change it.
   This is where every person of conscience should be on April 15th. File your taxes early and then come and see what you've just spent them on.

To be continued...

Khalilah Sabra
Director
MAS-Freedom, NC
www.masfreedom-nc.org