March 20, 2008

Starhawk Deported from Israel

Starhawk has been deported from Israel, where she was scheduled to
teach a permaculture course in Palestine.

Starhawk Deported From Israel

Author, activist, and Reclaiming co-founder Starhawk has been refused
entry and deported from Israel. Starhawk (born Miriam Simos, a
descendant of Russian Jewish immigrants), who was there to teach a
permaculture course in the northern West Bank, has long been critical
of Israel's policies concerning the Palestinian-controlled West Bank
and Gaza. A stance that very likely prompted the deportation order.

"Starhawk, author of many works celebrating the Goddess movement and
Earth-based, feminist spirituality arrived in Tel Aviv Wednesday, 12
March. She was here to help teach a permaculture course in the
northern West Bank as well as working with earth activists to develop
a project in the Bethlehem area. Dr. Joanne Taylor, a British
psychologist commented on the deportation "clearly the Israeli
authorities are paranoid even about letting people grow crops and
conserve rainwater on their own land." Declaring herself as 'a peace,
environmental, and global justice activist and trainer, a permaculture
designer and teacher, a Pagan and Witch', perhaps this earthy
combination was just too threatening for the powers that be."

The deportation order seems surprising since Starhawk is an outspoken
proponent of non-violent solutions, and while critical of the Israeli
government's policies towards Palestinians, has continually reiterated
her Jewish identity and "true love" for Israel. It should be
interesting to see what reasons the Israeli government ultimately
gives for this deportation, and if Starhawk's relationship with news
organizations like The Washington Post will result in mainstream media
coverage of this event.

http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2008/03/373456.shtml

Support the Israeli Peace Block working as part of an
Israeli-Palestinian grassroots solidarity movement: Gush Shalom:

http://gush-shalom.org/english/intro.html

= = = =
STILL FEELING LIKE THE MAINSTREAM U.S. CORPORATE MEDIA
IS GIVING A FULL HONEST PICTURE OF WHAT'S GOING ON?


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