Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your phone calls, your E-mails and your concerns about the situation of the Tent of Nations. It is wonderful to see people like you who are committed to support the Tent of Nation’s struggle for justice.
Our latest news was about the legal actions we took in order to stop the demolishing orders for our renovations and structures. We brought this case to the Israeli Supreme Court and our appeal to freeze the demolishing orders was accepted. This freeze was also because of the pressure that came from all over the world. Your E-mails and responses made a big difference; thank you so much for your solidarity. The Supreme Court gave the Israeli authorities a time limit of 60 days, through the 3rd of August, to comment on our protest. The 60 days limit passed over, and we didn't hear yet anything from the Israeli Authorities.
The demolishing orders are now frozen. According to the law, the Israeli Authorities are not allowed to take actions and demolish our structures before the Supreme Court makes a decision about that. In order for the Supreme Court to decide, the Israeli Military Authority has to respond to our appeal against the demolishing orders. At the time the Military Authority responds to the Supreme Court, our Lawyer will receive a time limit to appeal against whatever the Israeli Military Authority is giving for reasons why to demolish our renovations and structures.
This process is going to take between one and two years before the Israeli Supreme Court will come to a decision. The whole process is going to cost us more than $15,000 for legal fees. We are going on and defending our rights legally, even if it is hard, long and costly. We hope and pray that, at the end, justice will prevail.
We would like to ask you to stay in touch with us and inform others about our case. I will let you know if and when actions may need to be taken from your side.
Please keep us in your daily prayers. Thank you so much for all your support and solidarity.
Blessings and Salaam,
Friends of Tent of Nations North America (FOTONNA) is a non-profit corporation. Our mission is to support the work of other nonprofit organizations in the United States and internationally devoted to the nonviolent resolution of conflict and peaceful coexistence between all faiths and nations. FOTONNA is managed on a volunteer basis by a core group of people in the United States and is governed by a Board of Directors. A growing group of supporters assist with a variety of tasks, including publicity, writing, event organizing, and community outreach. Churches and Interfaith NGOs form an important base of spiritual and financial support.
In pursuit of our mission, we work closely with other non-profits committed to the search for peace. Organizations we have supported in our inaugural year include the following:
TENT OF NATIONS
Daoud Nassar is a Palestinian farmer living and working in the fertile hill country south of Bethlehem. The Nassar's farm, in the family for four generations, is ringed by Jewish settlements and the encroaching Separation Wall. The family has been offered millions for the land, but they remain steadfast. "This land is our mother," says Daoud. "Our mother is not for sale." Under his leadership, the family has taken the case to establish the family's land rights to the Israeli Supreme Court. To demonstrate their commitment to peace and coexistence, the Nassar family has established "The Tent of Nations" providing arts, drama, and education to the children of the villages and refugee camps of the region. In addition, Daoud and his family have also established a Women's Educational Center offering classes in computer literacy, English, and leadership training. In recognition of the Nassar’s courage and groundbreaking work for peace, we have named our nonprofit “Friends of Tent of Nations” to underscore our commitment to building a bridge between our country and others like the Nassars working for world peace. Learn more about the Nassars atwww.tentofnations.org,
INTERFAITH PEACEBUILDERS
Interfaith Peace Builders (IFPB) is a nonprofit organization based in Washington DC that sends delegations of Americans to Israel and Palestine to connect with peace groups and to understand the facts of the conflict first hand. IFPB and FOTONNA enjoy a close relationship: the Nassar farm is a regular feature of the IFPB delegation to Israel-Palestine. In November 2008 FOTONNA co-sponsored an event the San Francisco Bay area with Interfaith Peace Builders featuring Daoud Nassar and several Palestinian and Israeli artists.www.interfaithpeacebuilders.org
COMBATANTS FOR PEACE
FOTONNA maintains close connections with faith communities here and in Israel-Palestine and often co-sponsors events in support of non-profits working for peace in conflict areas. In March 2009 we co-sponsored an event with Trinity Presbyterian Church in Arlington, VA. The event was a presentation by Combatants for Peace, an Israeli-Palestinian organization devoted to reconciliation and a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Combatants for Peace carries out its educational and fundraising work in the United States through the nonprofit Rebuilding Alliance. Learn more about Combatants for Peace atwww.rebuildingallliance.org
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
FOTONNA is committed to working with and supporting the work of other organizations committed to non-violence in the search for a solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. In early 2009 we co-sponsored an educational and fundraising event with Love Thy Neighbor,. LTN is a Washington DC-based nonprofit organization that provides educational resources and programs to train young people in non-violence as a way of resolving conflict.www.ltneighbor.com
JOIN US
To date, over 300 individuals and families have become members of FOTONNA. Use the contact form to become a member. Your information will not be shared with any organizations or individuals, nor will you be “spammed” with frequent emails! We will send out periodic newsletters and notices of special events such as events and program by partner nonprofits and organizations sponsored by FOTONNA. Use thecontact page to join and thedonation formto help us in our work.
