Top Ten Positive Actions YOU Can Take

by Charles Lenchner

Published October 05, 2008 @ 02:25PM PST

People want to know: what can I do? Well here goes:

1. Be curious about cultures different from your own.

The Western world has a profound impact on the Middle East, but much of what we know about the Middle East is sensationalized, false or misleading. Here are some fun, less obvious starting points: learn about Islam via Sufi orders that have Western adherents, attend cultural festivals in your area (find them here), read modern Arab literature and poetry, listen to some Algerian Rai beats.

2. Look beyond the headlines for deeper analysis of current events.

Many Middle Eastern countries have English language media. One of the most famous is Israel’s Haaretz and the Qatari Al-Jazeera. However, like all news media, they are often guilty of emphasizing the present at the expense of deeper understanding. Look at some often overlooked sources for deeper meanings: Middle East Research and Information Project, Middle East International , Journal of Palestine Studies, Bitter Lemons, Common Ground News – Middle East.

3. Support more money for peacemakers in the Middle East.

Congress allocates $billions to help Israel, Egypt, Jordan and other Middle Eastern countries to purchase weaponry. The U.S. exports billions more worth of weapons to the region, and spends many times that on its own. Why not invest to help the peacemakers? If only one percent of all military aid was converted into funds for peacemaking and dialogue efforts, we just might make a positive difference. A wonderful organization called ALLMEP has a good record of getting government money to help the right folks.

4. Ask for enforcement of the Arms Export Control Act.

US law mandates that weapons sold to foreign countries not be used to commit human rights violations. Israel is among the countries regularly accused of violating this act, because of the use of American cluster bombs in civilian areas in Lebanon, and helicopter gunships in assassinations and civilian deaths in the Occupied Territories. For political reasons, the State Dept. folks in charge of enforcing this law have been cautious; the Administration and Congress do not want to stop the flow of weaponry. But enforcing this law is good for America – and good for Israel. Friends don’t let friends kill civilians.

5. Invite speakers from the Middle East.

There are many peace organizations in Israel, Palestine, Iraq and elsewhere. Why not invite their representatives or US friends who have visited the region to speak? If you need help finding such speakers, consider contacting the local chapter of the American Friends Service Committee, the Jewish Alliance for Peace and Justice, or the American Task Force on Palestine.

6. Host a showing of an inspiring movie

Some amazing movies have been made in recent years that put peacemakers at the center of the story. Examples include Encounter Point , Iran Is Not the Problem, Inside Iraq – the Untold Story, and more. You can offer to host a screening here.

7. Write a letter to the newspaper supporting a balanced, tolerant viewpoint

8. Support environmental groups working on regional problems

While Arabs and Jews may have serious differences, there are a few things they can all agree on: the need to preserve fresh air, clean water, open spaces and the protection of natural resources. A number of groups are tackling environmental issues across national and ethnic boundaries: www.foeme.org, www.bustan.org.

9. Support groups in your own community that support peace

Check out organizations with a specific community focus. American Task Force on Palestine, J-Street, Jewish Voice for Peace, Christians for Middle East Peace, Muslim Peace Fellowship, Arab American Institute, Abraham’s Vision - these are all good options. See the great list compiled by the Foundation for Middle East Peace.

10. Tell your elected representative that addressing this issue is a priority for you

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