Overwhelmingly positive response to sixth annual Jerusalem Women Speak tour
22 January 2004
Overwhelmingly positive response to sixth annual Jerusalem Women Speak tour
The sixth annual “Jerusalem Women Speak: Three Women, Three Voices, One Shared Vision” tour was a tremendous success. The response both during and after the October tour was superb. Rawan Damen, Judith Keshet, and Mai Nassar all did a wonderful job. We were particularly grateful to Rawan for agreeing to substitute for Zleikha Muhtaseb at the last moment after we were unable to get Zleikha out of the region.
The quotes below from those who attended provide some sense of just how powerful an impact the speakers had on their audiences.
- “Although our synagogue is very involved in the peace movement and our rabbi has a leadership position in Rabbis for Human Rights it was nonetheless a deeply moving experience to hear women living through the current situation describing their thoughts and experiences. I was particularly glad I brought my children.”
- “Very clear presentation. Helped me to unlearn many illusions!”
- “I hope these women can speak at many venues in this country. They are eloquent spokes[wo]men for the many problems delaying settlement of Mid-East turmoil.”
- “I think this program was excellent, the panelists were very well-spoken and well-chosen. I hope more programs like this happen.”
- “Thank you for the three women, brave, peace-seekers.”
- “The speakers were exceptionally good and interesting.”
- “Very inspiring! I like the humanistic, loving, hopeful approach. It’s very life-affirming.”
- “Outstanding!”
- “A brilliant and much-needed forum of voices we don’t hear from enough.”
- “They were incredibly wonderful.”
- “This format is well worth repeating! Anytime!”
- “Excellent presentations. Highly recommended for all audiences.”
- “Thank you for making this lecture possible-and keep on building bridges!”
- “Heartbreaking, informative, inspiring!”
- “Good to hear truth getting out.”
- “Excellent program-should be [brought] to colleges & universities.”
- “Thank you for reminding me of the real people behind the headlines.”
- “I had no idea the Palestinian Occupation was so terrible. I left the presentation convinced of its injustice. Thank you!”
- “The program was very interesting and a refreshing portrayal of the truth of real life experience amidst the sea of antagonism that fuels this conflict and that the media typically intensifies.”
- “The personal stories were very effective. It gives a face to the facts which we all hear.”
- “One of the best discussions of this issue I have heard.”
- “What a beautiful witness for peace! The women in this world bring hope!”
- “The best presentation on campus!”
- “Brave women-outstanding individuals creating hope.”
- “Very inspiring to know that capable persons such as these three are working together to calm the storms in that area.”
- “It was very moving to hear the three women. Thank you for this opportunity.”
- “Objective, well-balanced, very informative. I do want justice in the Holy Land.”
- “Very brave women!”
- “The ladies are very patient with those that do not agree with them.”
- “Well-informed and understandable, couldn’t help but feel for the women.”
- “In my thirty-six years in Cincinnati I have never seen ventilated such a large share of the truth by the three religious voices in one venue…”
- “Mai, Judith, and Rawan’s talks gave me hope, encouraging me to continue to stand up against the occupation.”
- “EXCELLENT program! I wish it were possible to take this program to every church & school in this country, because our media will not tell us the truth.”
- “Sooo informative. You each touched my heart and opened my eyes. Thank you.”
- “Anyone speaking for peace must be heard. I welcome their voice.”
- “Excellent. Thank you for enlightening us. I was thrilled and surprised at the wide support for the program.”
- “The three women were inspiring and impressive in their quiet conviction and courage. Please thank them for all of us who are encouraged by their example.”
- “The details of daily life are very intrusive & helpful for understanding the situation.”
- “The speakers were compelling to the point of provoking a change of opinion regarding policy in the Middle East.”
- “All the women were outstanding! The more people who can meet and hear them the better. Thank you for sharing your stories. I will try to share them with others.”
- “The presentations were outstanding-Rawan Damen was a superb substitute-her stories were very compelling-use of local U.S. examples to illustrate problems in travel, checkpoints, etc.”
- “I enjoyed hearing the Jewish peace activist point of view & the difference between that viewpoint & the politics of Israel.”
- “What courage for you to speak together.”
- “I have heard programs at National Cathedral, but this one was absolutely the best-personal stories & differing experiences bring the ‘true story.’”
- “Wonderful presentation, very informative about the injustices going on that this nation continues to ignore.”
- “Very informative. I did not previously understand the nature & extent of the oppression of Palestinians. I will write to the President about the presentation.”
- “These women are awesome! They had an array of stories and knowledge. Very sound & balanced views that can open the minds of the audience. Challenging.”
- “Very informative. I’m now more dedicated to keeping up with events and am considering what my role should be.”
- “Thank you! I learned a lot & my interest and understanding increased.”
- “I believe the hope groups like you bring is contagious.”
- “This was one of the best discussions & explorations & prescriptive talks I have experienced.”
- “Keep putting the human face on this political situation and never, never, never give up doing that! You are women of great love and courage.”
- “This was one of the best lectures of the conference. The information presented by Ms. Keshet was all new to me, and I was excited to hear it…”
- “I was very impressed with the compassion of the women for one another’s life in Palestine & Israel. This deep and caring attitude brings hope to all of us who are Abraham’s descendants.”
- “To listen to these women relate their living situations was stunning! Like nothing I’ve ever seen or read in the media.”
- “Excellent presentations and Q/A sessions.”
- “I was very impressed. I would like to know how to schedule this group in my area.”
- “Surely when stories such as these of pain & suffering are heard so many times all over the world, the world will have to listen. Keep speaking. Thank you for speaking”
