Festival of Peace update

Last week I sent out an e-mail update on our Festival of Peace, coming up in four weeks! Today is the last day to buy an ad in the festival journal, which is a great way to show your support for FOR and our award winners.

Here are some of the festival highlights...

• International delegates

  Four international leaders from the World Council of Churches are beginning their U.S. tour by participating in the Festival.

• Award winners

  Samina Faheem Sundas, executive director of American Muslim Voice (www.amuslimvoice.org), will receive FOR's 2007 Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Prize for her organization’s work to bridge gaps between communities and unite us all under the umbrella of our common humanity.

  Mel Duncan, executive director of Nonviolent Peaceforce (www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org), will receive FOR's 2007 Pfeffer Peace Prize on behalf of his organization's courageous efforts in conflict regions around the world.

  Local activists Phil and Fran Greenspan will also be honored with the Festival of Peace award.

• A weekend of events

  The weekend of activities will begin Thursday, Sept. 13 with a critical look at video’s influence on the war in Iraq. A screening of the film “When I Came Home” will be followed by a panel discussion of veterans and filmmakers. The film, which documents the challenges a returning veteran faces, will set the stage for the open-floor discussion. Starting at 7 p.m. at Riverspace, 119 Main Street, Nyack, N.Y., tickets are $10.

  A boat ride for freedom and justice aboard the luxury yacht, Zephyr, will carry on the festivities, Friday, Sept. 14. Departing from Tarrytown, the round-trip cruise to the George Washington Bridge will include music, food and drinks. The boat will sail from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. with boarding time at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 and $100 and can be purchased by contacting Anita Fee at anita@forusa.org or 845-358-4601.

  Third in the series of events, a bias awareness workshop “Reaching for Resolutions” will explore the meaning of bias. Facilitated by Creative Response to Conflict, the workshop will probe how cultural differences and power dynamics lead to bias and different ways to interrupt it. The event will be from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Fellowship of Reconciliation, 521 N. Broadway, Nyack, N.Y. The price is $100 with scholarships available. For more information contact Anissa New-Walker, anewwalker@crc-global.org or 845-353-1796.

  The weekend will culminate with the Festival of Peace, Sunday, Sept. 16. This year's Festival will be highlighted with awards ceremonies for three prestigious peace prizes and a visit by the World Council of Churches. The Festival will feature international dishes donated by over 20 area restaurants. A wide variety of musical artists and other activities will entertain the young and old.

For more information on the Festival of Peace, click here or contact Anita Fee at anita@forusa.org or 845-358-4601 ext. 32.

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