Kushboo was born into a poor family in Lucknow, India. Her mother died when she was two years old. Her father remarried but when her stepmother also died, Kushboo, as the eldest daughter, had to drop out of school in second grade to clean the house, cook, and look after her younger siblings. But she […]
To clear up the misperception that resettled refugees are a drain on our economy and us, here are some facts to clarify the contributions these newcomers, who come here legally, make to our society: 1. Once resettled, refugees not only contribute to their new communities economically, but also play an active role in civic engagement, participate […]
How are you handling the pandemic? At my house we’ve decided we’re on a land cruise. The cruise director outlines the plans for the day, and I comply. Here’s our typical day: walk the neighborhood, at least two miles, work on a 1000 piece puzzle while listening to a book, attend a zoom meeting or […]
There seems to be some confusion about these definitions, so I will provide them here: The word “migrant” is being used in place of “immigrant.” A migrant is a person who moves from one place to another within a country. My parents were migrants who came to California from Oklahoma and Texas in the early […]
I’m sharing with you an article by Maria Filippone. I’ve not been to Gaza, although I visited Jerusalem and other cities while I lived in Jordan. You’ve probably read about Gaza. If not, this will help you understand the fear, frustration, anger and despair of its residents. “Presidential candidates should stop trying to figure out […]
Were you aware of what happened this month? Israel’s recent destruction of crops in food-strapped Gaza has resulted in half a million dollars in damage. Over the weekend, Israeli forces poisoned crops in the besieged Gaza Strip by pumping large amounts of rainwater into its farm land. They turned on the rainwater collection dams along the border with the besieged […]
I urge you to read about Amina Hagi Elmi, who was one of 24 women recognized by the U.N. on World Humanity Day. Running for her life during the conflict in Somalia, she realized that not only she, but every woman and girl in the refugee camps, faced an indignity that could be eliminated. Today […]
The Holiday Season is upon us. What am I thankful for? Living long enough to see my children become who they wanted to be. Watching my granddaughter, mother of four, showing all of us what love, security and understanding can accomplish. Gratitude for good friends, a warm shelter and good health. Appreciation for everyone who […]
I just spent another weekend driving hours to a detention center for a one-hour visit with a detainee. I do this because the Prisons for Profit want every bed in the U.S. filled every night, and if the beds in one State are filled, detainees are flown to another State where they know no one […]
I just read about an organization you might find interesting. You can click on the names to learn more about the founders. Combatants for Peace is an Israeli-Palestinian non-governmental organization and an egalitarian, bi-national, grassroots movement committed to nonviolent action against the Israeli occupation and all forms of violence in Israel and the Palestinian […]