Weekly Vigil
Come join us and Indivisible San Mateo for weekly Saturday vigils is near Hillsdale Shopping Center, El Camino Real near 31st Avenue, San Mateo, 1 PM- 2:30 PM.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, February 22: A Video Reflecting on Recent and Possible U.S. Military Action
We have all watched in disbelief as Donald Trump gives an impression of U.S. military might – first in the form of airstrikes employed to kidnap Venezuela’s president and first lady, then while sending two aircraft carrier groups toward Iran to imply an impending war…which would follow up the bombings of Iran last June.
The former was a relatively quick operation but was followed by threats to other nations in the western hemisphere, including Greenland. The latter was a further threat, disingenuously made on behalf of Iranian protesters (would that he had a similar regard for protesters here in the U.S.), and of Israel.
What might we think about the wisdom and implications of both operations? And what might they both tell us about Trump’s foreign policy?
On Sunday, February 22, PASMC will share a 30-minute video on Zoom featuring political scientist and international relations scholar John Mearsheimer. On a recent episode of the podcast “Deep Dive” hosted by foreign policy analyst and former military officer Daniel Davis, Mearsheimer gives his thoughts on both a possible war on Iran and the results of the attack on Venezuela. The virtual meeting will take place at 7 PM on Zoom; the link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3289220486?omn=81038212485.
Both Mearsheimer and Davis offer informed opinions that are skeptical of the Trump administration’s approach to militarism. While the situation in Iran could change dramatically between now and the 22nd (and we encourage you to call both Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla as well as Rep. Kevin Mullin or Sam Liccardo to tell them Congress needs to exercise its atrophying war powers), the video offers a snapshot of things. We will discuss what is in the video, as well as where things stand on the 22nd. We might even have a new video to add to the program…watch this space for updates!
Monday, February 23: Action Hour to Stop a War with Iran
The latest report indicates a massive U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, with “a 90% chance” of war on Iran breaking out soon, according to one Trump advisor. Now is the critical moment to stop war with Iran.
Join the National Iranian American Council Monday, February 23rd at 11:30 AM for a virtual action hour, when we’ll mobilize together to demand Congress stop another unauthorized war before it starts.
Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie and Senators Rand Paul and Tim Kaine have introduced bipartisan war powers resolutions to block unauthorized war; they'll be up for a vote soon, and we need every lawmaker to support them.
NIAC Action is organizing this event, co-sponsored by Peace Action & MPower Action, to equip us with immediate action we can take to urge lawmakers to oppose war and stand with the American and Iranian people. NIAC will also be offering a brief “How to Advocate 101” training to empower us all to get face-to-face meetings with your lawmaker offices.
Sign up here to join volunteers nationwide in demanding organized solidarity, not bombs.
Only registered guests who have RSVP'd and follow NIAC’s Community Code of Conduct will be granted entry.
Sunday, March 22: “The Other” – A Film About Palestinians and Israelis Coming Together
In foreign policy history, we have seen how the people of countries in opposition to each other are capable of approaching their relationships quite differently from their governments. During the Cold War, the U.S. and the then-USSR were an example of how citizens can transcend hostile feelings between countries. Such a condition will never be unanimous, but anyone able to resolve to get along with folks from an “enemy state” can set a peaceful example during a time of conflict.
It may surprise some to know that this has also been the case with everyday Israelis and Palestinians, despite the human toll on both sides. But the award-winning 2024 documentary film “The Other” shows it is possible. A variety of sentiments and feelings are on display, including the elements of change and new understanding.
On Sunday, March 22 at 7 PM, PASMC will host a virtual screening of “The Other”. Watch this space for the Zoom link.
From the film’s web site:
Filmed pre and post October 7th from 2017-2024, The Other focuses on Israeli & Palestinian peace-builders, anti-occupation activists, artists, academics, ex-fighters, bereaved parents and many more living the reality on the ground. Whether in non-violent co-resistance, peace-building, or shared community, we witness those who have only known each other through hate, bloodshed, inequality, and war, transcend beyond narratives & belief systems. They teach us that unlearning deep-seated conditioning is possible and that we can liberate ourselves from generational trauma, hatred and fear—no matter how ingrained and legitimate those fears are.
The film runs about an hour and 40 minutes. We look forward to seeing you for a different look at relationships among people of Israel and Palestine.
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What we're about
We believe that conflict doesn't have to result in violence or war at home or abroad. All action begins at the local level and activism begins with education. Join us at one of our monthly Zoom events; view a topical film or listen to engaging activists, educators and social justice advocates working to reduce militarism at home and abroad. Lively Q & A follows.
