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Run Across Palestine Ends, But Olive Farmers’ Struggle Continues

February 14, 2012 by Jacob Wheeler Israel, Palestine, War/Peace No Comments

Click on Photo to View Run Across Palestine's Conclusion

The Run Across Palestine — a five-day ultra-marathon across the West Bank — ended last week in Jenin. Here’s the final video in Aaron Dennis’ and Jacob Wheeler’s seven-part web series, “The People and the Olive”.

When the six U.S. runners arrived at Canaan Fair Trade headquarters on Feb. 8, they were greeted with open arms by Palestinians who want the world to know that the olive tree is a symbol of their resistance to the Israeli occupation.

Two-hundred-year-old Olive trees were dedicated to each runner. View the entire video series here. And to learn more, or to donate olive trees to Palestinian farmers, visit this website.

“3, 2, 1, to Jenin (Palestine) Yalla Run!”

February 12, 2012 by Jacob Wheeler Israel, Palestine, War/Peace No Comments

Click on Photo to View Video of the Run Across Palestine Arriving in Jenin

At last! The Run Across Palestine arrived Wednesday at Canaan Fair Trade headquarters near Jenin in the Palestinian West Bank following an ultra-marathon that covered over 100 miles in five days.

Six Michigan runners, Claire Everhart, Meryl Marsh, Randi Lyn, David Gardner, Timothy Young and Chris Treter — and media team including Aaron Dennis, Jacob Wheeler and Aubrey Parker and musician Joshua Davis — battled nagging injuries, mountainous terrain, fatigue, and hassling by the Israeli military on Day 1, but made it. A joyous celebration ensued Wednesday afternoon between the American runners and their Palestinian hosts.

But the struggles suffered by the Americans paled in comparison to the daily hardships endured by Palestinian olive farmers who continue to harvest the trees planted by the grandfathers and great-great grandfathers while living under occupation.
Their land and right to plant olive trees and build homes is often threatened by encroaching Israeli settlements. Thus, the Run Across Palestine was merely a vehicle by which to tell the story of Palestinian olive farmers.

The Palestinian oliver farmers stories … Continue Reading

DFL Caucus Goers Want Jobs and Personal Freedom

February 8, 2012 by Bill Sorem Economy/Jobs, LGBT Issues, Minnesota, Voter Suppression, War/Peace Comments Off

DFL SD 42 Caucus Goer

Click on photo to hear what DFL caucus goers are concerned and optimistic about

DFL caucus attendees in SD 42 (Eden Prairie and south half of Minnetonka) were focused on jobs, keeping the economy growing and saying no to the proposed and threatened state constitutional amendments limiting freedom, disenfranchising voters and attacking unions.

Most of the attention was on the so called Defense of Marriage Amendment that would constitutionally prohibit same sex marriages and the proposed Voter ID Amendment which would disenfranchise 200,000 Minnesota voters, Caucus turnout was less than 4 years ago, but the rooms were filled with enthusiasm.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak remembers what it was like four years ago. … Continue Reading

Ron Paul’s MN Support Crosses Political Boundaries

February 5, 2012 by Bill Sorem Economy/Jobs, Environment, Labor/Unions, Media, Minnesota, Ron Paul, War/Peace Comments Off

Sign outside Ron Paul Rally in Minnesota

Click photo to watch rally and hear why Ron Paul's Minnesota supporters are backing him for President.

Hundreds of enthusiastic Ron Paul supporters jammed the meeting room at the AutoMotoPlex in Chanhassan Minnesota on Saturday to show their support for his Presidential bid. Video of his entire speech available here.

There was standing room only in the room and the garage bay doors were opened to handle the overflow crowd that almost circled the building.

“He was Tea Party before Tea Party was cool.” said one of his supporters who introduced the Republican Congressman from Texas.

The crowds choice in the 2008 election ran the gamut. Lots of Republicans – one had cast his first vote for Reagan – but also a number of 2008 Obama voters, Ron Paul write-ins plus votes for Libertarian and Constitution parties. A few claimed to be undecided, but most were very clear on their 2012 choice: Ron Paul— even if they had to write him in.

Video and photos: Ron Paul’s Minnesota supporters say why they back him. … Continue Reading

Israeli Military Arrests Slows Run Across Palestine

February 5, 2012 by Jacob Wheeler Israel, Palestine, War/Peace Comments Off

Click on Photo for Video About Run Across Palestine

The Run Across Palestine had gone no more than 10 kilometers between At-Tuwani and Beit Omar, in the southern West Bank, when the Israeli military and border control stopped the run in its tracks.

Confusion over whether the runners had the right to walk on the side of the road culminated in the arrest of a Run Across Palestine supporter and two French activists. Police originally gave no reasons for the arrests. Later, Run Across Palestine supporter Nasser Abufarha was charged with organizing an illegal demonstration, a charge he says is “false” because there was no demonstration.

After a melodramatic two-hour delay, the runners continued to Beit Omar. Their spirits and drive to plant olive trees remain high. Read more about the military stopping the run here.

UpTake journalist Jacob Wheeler is teaming up with Michigan videographer Aaron Dennis to document the Run Across Palestine. See more here.

The People and the Olive: At the Starting Line

February 5, 2012 by Jacob Wheeler Israel, Palestine, War/Peace Comments Off

Click on Photo for Video About the Run Across Palestine's Arrival in At-Tawani

In the second installment of “The People and the Olive” series, the runners participating in the Run Across Palestine travel south from Jerusalem to the small hillside community of At-Tuwani in the Hebron Hills of the West Bank.

On the day before the run begins, the runners plant 500 olive saplings with the villagers, and forge a bond with their welcoming hosts.

Ready, set … Run Across Palestine

February 5, 2012 by Jacob Wheeler Israel, Palestine, War/Peace Comments Off

Click Photo to View Preview Video of Run Across Palestine

The Run Across Palestine — a project of Michigan-based On the Ground and the Palestine Fair Trade Association — began this weekend.

Between now and Feb. 8, half a dozen runners will traverse 129 miles (approximately a marathon every day) across the West Bank to raise awareness about the challenges facing Palestinian olive farmers. Along the way, they’ll interact with farmers, families, activists and curious onlookers.

Follow the Run Across Palestine through the daily web series, The People and the Olive, by UpTake journalist Jacob Wheeler and Michigan-based videographer Aaron Dennis, at http://runacrosspalestine.org/

Super Bowl Will Reach US Troops In Afghanistan

February 3, 2012 by Michael McIntee Afghanistan, War/Peace Comments Off

AFN worker installs satellite dish in Afghanistan so US troops can watch Super Bowl

Click on photo to watch story about Super Bowl viewing by US Troops in Afghanistan

When the Giants and the Patriots meet in the Super Bowl, US troops in Afghanistan will be able to watch the show thanks to some extra work by the Armed Forces Network.

Video by Staff Sgt. Shannon Ofiara

Palestinian Priest Lambasts Newt Gingrich’s “Invented People” Charge

February 2, 2012 by Jacob Wheeler 2012, Israel, Palestine, War/Peace Comments Off

Father Ibrahim Shomali

Click on photo to view video of Father Ibrahim Shomali Rebuking Gingrich

Bethlehem Catholic Priest Ibrahim Shomali said, “I am here, born here, and my ID says I am from Bethlehem” in response to U.S. presidential candidate Newt Gingrich’s claim in December that Palestinians are an “invented people”.

Shomali speaks for his congregation in opposition to Israel’s settlements and the Separation Wall in the West Bank.

He spoke to the Run Across Palestine’s media team Tuesday. Follow the upcoming Run Across Palestine at www.RunAcrossPalestine.org

Video by Aaron Dennis

Palestinian Farmers Struggle to Continue Harvesting Olives

February 2, 2012 by Jacob Wheeler Environment, Israel, Palestine, War/Peace Comments Off

Click on Photo to See Video Previewing Series on Palestinian Olive Farmers

Farmers in the Palestinian West Bank have harvested olives for generations. A full 45 percent of agricultural land in the territory is used to grow olives, employing 100,000 Palestinians. But that livelihood is in danger, as the Israeli military has uprooted olive trees to make room for new settlers, and those Israeli settlements have seized much of the Palestinian water supply.

“The olive tree plays a very important role as a symbol of our perseverance,” said Vivien Sansour from the Canaan Fair Trade network which supports Palestinian fair-trade olive farmers. “Planting an olive tree is a huge message of hope. When you plant an olive tree, you’re planting a vision for the future.”

The UpTake’s Jacob Wheeler and Michigan-based videographer Aaron Dennis will travel across the West Bank in early February to document the struggles of Palestinian olive farmers in conjunction with the Run Across Palestine — a philanthropic effort that will feature half a dozen Midwestern athletes running 129 miles in five days — virtually a marathon every day — across the West Bank to raise money for those farmers.

Wheeler and Dennis will post their videos and blog updates on The UpTake. Look for them this month.

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