Baltimore Activist Alert -- March 29 -- April 4, 2024

57] Peace vigil at the Pentagon – March 29

58] Silencing of Palestinian voices – March 29

59] Friday Power Lunch – March 29

60] Women in Black vigil – March 29

61] AFSC Action Hour for ceasefire – March 29

62] Good Friday Prayer Vigil – March 29

63] Legislative process – March 29

64] Vigil for a ceasefire – March 29

65] Power Half-hour for Gaza – March 29

66] Common Cause phone bank – March 29 & 31, April 2 & 4

67] Vote uncommitted – March 29 - 30

68] Fourth Branch Action discussion – March 29

69] Birdwatching Tour of Paterson Park – March 30

70] Medicare for All – March 30

71] Community Wealth Building Fund – March 30

72] Kites for Gaza – March 30

73] Birddog David Trone – March 30

74] Activist is selling her home

75] Medical supplies are needed in Ukraine

76] Read Dave Eberhardt’s book "For All the Saints- a Protest Primer"

77] Tell JHU president to renounce nuclear weapons contracts

78] Do you need a doctor?

79] Donate books, videos, DVDs and records

80] Do you need any book shelves?

81] Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil

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57] – The Dorothy Day Catholic Worker’s Art Laffin <artlaffin@hotmail.com> wants you to know about a Good Friday Commemoration Nonviolent Witness at the Pentagon on Fri., March 29 from 7 to 8 AM.  Meet in the designated protest area, southeast side of the Pentagon. If you are driving, there is parking on streets just south of the Pentagon, however it's often difficult to find spaces. If you are coming by metro, take Pentagon stop and take the south exit. After exiting the escalator walk right past the Visitor's Entrance toward south Parking lot. Vigil site is on the left behind the bicycle fences.

Good Friday is the day Christians commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Today, vast numbers of God's global family experience a modern form of crucifixion as they are crucified to a cross of war, militarism, racial hatred, discrimination and economic exploitation. In the crucified people of our world, we see the crucified face of Jesus.  The witness at the Pentagon, the center of war making on the planet, we remember the victims who have been and continue to be crucified and deemed expendable worldwide, and call for an immediate end to their crucifixion. We also pray and call for an end to the desecration of our sacred earth.  Contact the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker: 202-882-9649.

58] – There is a Friday Forum on March 29 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM -- The Silencing of Palestinian Voices. To get the Zoom link, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83986719821.  You can also call in at +1 669 900 6833* with a meeting ID of 839 8671 9821 and a PASSCODE of 455983. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), says it received 774 complaints between 7 October and 24 October – the largest wave of complaints it’s handled since Donald Trump announced his “Muslim ban” in 2015. This wave has targeted professional activists as well as ordinary people who have spoken in defense of Palestinians. It has reportedly escalated into death threats, assaults and visits from the FBI to Muslim individuals and mosques.

 Join the conversation with Hedab Tarifi, born in Gaza, Palestine and who has lived in Kuwait until after the first Gulf War, when she moved to Los Angeles. Hedab has been active in the Muslim and Interfaith communities in Southern California since 1994, working on building bridges and bringing people together.

59] – On Fri., March 29 at noon ET, join the Friday Power Lunch, a weekly show amplifying the voices of the Virginia Grassroots on politics, culture, and making change with the BADASS women of Network NOVA. RSVP at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYscumspzMoHtOe4-JRDrtezzQNNh9EhWEh#/registration

60] – Every Friday from noon to 1 PM, Baltimore Women in Black vigil for peace with men and women who live in Roland Park. WIB invites all to join, and any peace sign is welcome, such as "Defuse Nuclear War."  The vigil takes place outside Roland Park Place at 830 West 40th Street and Elm Street. Parking is free at RPP or at the Rotunda across the street. Contact Ann Vinup at annvinup@gmail.com.

61] – The American Friends Service Committee holds an Action Hour for a Cease-fire Now every Friday at noon ET. Join AFSC staff to hear updates from Gaza. Then, take action by contacting elected officials and call for an immediate cease-fire and humanitarian access to Gaza. Our elected officials need to keep hearing from us. RSVP at https://afsc.org/events/action-hour-cease-fire-now?ms=EMA24EI1103&emci=17faec34-887a-ee11-b004-00224832eb73&emdi=9695a439-f87c-ee11-b004-00224832eb73&ceid=764241

62] –Join Death Penalty Action and others for a Good Friday Prayer Vigil on March 29 starting at noon ET. People of all faiths and no faith are welcome to join with people all over the world this Good Friday to consider the meaning of the execution of Jesus Christ to our time, and specifically, to the shared work to abolish the death penalty. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VGEYPmlnR4-neuWsVYDwhQ?link_id=0&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-date-change-the-forecast-is-wednesday-night&email_referrer=email_2259790&email_subject=tonight-friday-new-execution-date#/registration

63] –Maryland LCV [info@mdlcv.org] is doing a Friday Digest on Fri., March 29 at noon ET. Get an in-depth update on the legislative priorities and discuss how you can help get these critical bills across the finish line before the session ends on April 8th. This webinar is an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the legislative process and understand the challenges and opportunities in advancing environmental protection and justice in Maryland. RSVP at  https://www.mdlcv.org/event/friday-digest-3-29-24?contactdata=hQfJ2rTmYha5c3E4wtvMOPNyyt%2fcMrvNukYeEmNYnzL+6D9uuY3hZ7IZLPT2pUgZxIxy8kVaUUPj9Dg7OodKJ%2fLZwWcif%2fmqEDgeX3f1+SC1fiIssb0MRoYpOR2CnWeOdhen28p7mq469TG8SyMWb3l0vI+sjH+mTapgCT6l+mk8FtFd9GVon8PoDV2q2l9PjsvRlGEHT+4QEtNT+0NQyzvEWxeBPGfE5E6ScM19eJ4GL46f0Y3oAxs%2f38wvjgRDceX+F12l2RMtZg8pU8jULw%3d%3d&emci=b7491062-72eb-ee11-aaf0-002248223794&emdi=5e468245-92eb-ee11-aaf0-002248223794&ceid=578562

64] – Join Baltimore Peace Action on Fri., March 29 (unless there is rain) at the corners of Pimlico Road and Northern Parkway (by the racetrack) as the group calls for a ceasefire and hand out leaflets.  The set-up is at 3 PM, and the demo will end at 4:45 PM ET. Banners and signs are available. The BPA gatherings are quiet and peaceful.  Contact Ronda Cooperstein [rondacooperstein@hotmail.com]. 

65] –Jewish Voice for Peace [info@jewishvoiceforpeace.org] is doing Power Half Hours for Gaza every day, Monday through Friday, at 3 PM ET. Sign up to take collective action toward a ceasefire alongside hundreds of other people like you. RSVP at https://jvp-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Un0Lupy1SFObVVXJaZO5UQ?_x_zm_rtaid=J9kaFJwuR9e7Mh6JBKOREg.1708646266475.2a692d3bfd22320e6c703079034c64f4&_x_zm_rhtaid=813#/registration  If the Zoom room is full, go to https://www.youtube.com/@JewishVoiceforPeace/streams.

  There are no words to describe the devastating pain of the last four months, in which the Israeli military has killed over 29,000 Palestinians in Gaza, including more than 11,500 children. The highest court in the world has named Israel’s actions as plausibly a genocide. And the U.S. government is actively supporting the Israeli military as it wreaks devastation on the over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza.

66] – Join a Common Cause virtual phone bank to work together to demand bold changes to our democracy to create a government that represents all of us, not big corporations or special interests.  Register for a shift to make calls and help strengthen the phone bank team to protect our democracy. Join a call on Fri., March 29 from 4 to 6 PM, Sun., March 31 from 6 to 8 PM, Tues., April 2 from 4 to 6 PM and Thurs., April 4 from 5 to 7 PM ET. These shifts will also always include training for first-timers before you make calls, so if this is your first time, no worries! These calls will continue through Sun., April 28 from 6 to 8 PM ET. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/dfadcoalition/event/376178/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

67] – The DSA National Electoral Commission [nec@dsacommittees.org] wants you to join a phone bank to tell Wisconsin Voters, Vote Uninstructed for a Ceasefire. The focus is now on Wisconsin. With the primary election approaching on April 2nd, your participation is more critical than ever. Let’s use our voices to stand against genocide and advocate for peace and justice.  ‍You will then receive an email from Listen to Wisconsin via ActionNetwork.org, which will include a Zoom link for your selected phone bank date and time. Don't worry if you're new to phone banking; each session begins with a training to ensure you're comfortable and confident using the dialer, following the script, and fully supported throughout your phone banking experience. These phone banks will continue through April 2.  Sign up for a phone bank on Fri., March 29 from 6:30 to 9 PM or on Sat., March 30 noon to 2:30 PM ET or 6:30 to 9 PM ET at https://www.listentowisconsin.com/volunteer?link_id=0&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-urgent-was-primary-is-tomorrow-phonebank-voters-tonight-to-vote-uncommitted-2&email_referrer=email_2256779&email_subject=urgent-join-a-phonebank-to-tell-wisconsin-voters-vote-uninstructed-for-a-ceasefire

68] – On Fri., March 29 from 7:30 to 9 PM ET, the Democratic National Committee will have a Fourth Branch Action discussion.  These Friday events will continue through December 27. Fourth Branch Action is a national grassroots group organizing for action, supporting the Biden/Harris administration, and working through civic, electoral, and legislative action to achieve progressive goals. The group accomplishes this through advocacy, oversight, holding elected officials accountable to perform their jobs on behalf of their constituents; community engagement, civic education, and other events.   Everyone is welcome to join in. Come and enjoy a friendly conversation among like-minded folks, get acquainted with others from across the country, and build a community to restore the soul of our nation.  After you register for this event, you will receive an automated email with the Zoom meeting details: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/373917/?followup_modal_context=nonexclusive_newsletter_most_popular_virtual

69] – Audubon Mid-Atlantic [audubonconnect@audubon.org] is hosting on Sat., March 30 from 8 to 9:30 AM ET a Birdwatching Tour of Patterson Park at the fountain, closest to E. Lombard St. and S. Patterson Park Ave. RSVP at https://md.audubon.org/events/birdwatching-tour-patterson-park.  Over 200 bird species have visited Patterson Park, an important migratory stopover in Baltimore City! Audubon and Baltimore Bird Club experts will lead a search of avian friends! No experience necessary. Email at baltimore@audubon.org;

70] – The Northern Virginia Democratic Socialists of America [novabranch@mdcdsa.org] want you to join volunteers from the DSA NoVA Branch Medicare For All Working Group and M4A coalition partners to gather petition signatures and hand out flyers at Met Park, 510 14th St. S., Arlington 22202 on Sat., March 30 from 10 To 11:30 AM ET. Build support for the Medicare for All Resolution Campaign and invite interested Arlingtonians to attend the upcoming kickoff event and film screening. RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/m4a-arlington-330-petition-gathering-flyer-handout?clear_id=true&link_id=1&can_id=4b9d4061aec5469758759317ac0f5285&source=email-nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events-149&email_referrer=email_2254951&email_subject=nova-branch-dsa-upcoming-actions-and-events

71] – There is a WuFu Canvass on Sat., March 30 from 10 AM to 2 PM EDT.  Meet at 1630 Filbert St., Baltimore 21226. Join the South Baltimore Community Land Trust and members of the WUFU Coalition to collect signatures for a ballot initiative that will create a people powered Community Wealth Building Fund! Reach out to Loraine Arikat at loraine.arikat@1199.org.  Visit www.wufubaltimore.com RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/progressivemaryland/event/614373/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

72] –Join AFSC on Sat., March 30 from 10 AM to 2 PM ET to honor the tradition of flying kites in Gaza and the powerful poem from the late Palestinian Professor of literature in Gaza, Refaat Alareer.  AFSC will host a Kites for Gaza event at the Blossom Kite Festival in Washington, D.C.  at 17th St. & Constitution Ave. SE (near the Washington Monument). Kite flying in Gaza has been a tradition for children and a symbol of hope and resilience for decades. In 2011, more than 12,000 children in Gaza flew kites on the beach, setting a new world record for the most kites flown simultaneously. Devastatingly, more children have been killed in the first five months of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza than the number who flew kites in 2011. 

Many around the world have connected with the poem “If I Must Die” by Professor Alareer, where he writes about a white kite with a long tail. At the end of the poem, he writes, “If I must die / let it bring hope / let it be a tale.” AFSC will fly 44 white kites, representing Professor Alareer’s age when he was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza.  RSVP at https://afsc.org/kites-gaza?emci=00e260be-f7e6-ee11-aaf0-002248223794&emdi=3ae18411-9ce7-ee11-aaf0-002248223794&ceid=764241

 It's also significant that the National Cherry Blossom Festival  is an annual celebration of the spring blooming of thousands of cherry trees in D.C., a 1912 gift from then Mayor of Tokyo, Yukio Ozaki. The Kites for Gaza event recognizes and honors the solidarity that the people of Japan have shown for Palestinians in Gaza over the past five months. Many cities have released cease-fire resolutions and community members in Hiroshima have held candlelight vigils every night.  

73] – Get over to a Meet and Greet with Councilmember Krystal Oriadha on Sat., March 30 from 4 to 6 PM ET at 5000 Lydianna Lane, Suitland-Silver Hill, MD 20746. The meet and greet will be with Congressperson David Trone, candidate for the U.S. Senate. This is an opportunity to hear his vision for Maryland and the nation, and for you to engage and empower positive change. RSVP at https://www.mobilize.us/davidtrone/event/611201/?followup_modal_context=organization_newsletter_custom_recommendations

74] – A home in Baltimore is for sale on a dead-end street in the Lauraville neighborhood, with three bedrooms, and one bath. The yard backs into a field and then a forest. There is a serene and quiet setting with an abundance of wildlife. The owner will be asking a reasonable amount for the property but it will not be overpriced. Contact her by text only at 443 500 6733. On the text, leave your name and phone number, and she will get back to anyone that reaches out. 

75] -- If you are able to donate any kind of surplus medical supplies for field hospitals in eastern Ukraine, please email Brendan.walls@seaseton.org or call 410-721-5770 x231.  There is a colleague whose father is a medic on the front line. One container is shipped every month to the Donbass region. Donations can be picked up in Baltimore and Columbia every Thursday, and on other days in Annapolis and Crofton.

76] – David Eberhardt was a member of the Baltimore Four with Father Philip Berrigan, Tom Lewis and Rev. James Mengel.  The group poured blood on draft files on October 27, 1967.  They would be convicted and sentenced to prison.

He has written a book "For All the Saints- a Protest Primer"- documenting the Baltimore Four action and many others up to and including the most recent Plowshares action – Kings Bay Plowshares 7.  Dave printed new copies of For All the Saints, a Protest Primer- 250+ pp w photos-therefore #'s 351-400 making it o so collectable with two Berrigan book reviews added. The books are signed, and the price remains $25. Will send free if need be- he is not in it for the money! If you want one, send him a check, or contact Dave Eberhardt, 4 Hadley Square North, Baltimore, MD 21218 by email at 1941mireille@gmail.com. 

77] -- This is A PLEA TO CONVINCE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY TO OBEY INTERNATIONAL LAW. The world reached a historic milestone on January 22, 2021: The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons [TPNW] entered into force and become binding international law -- https://www.icanw.org/the_treaty.

Prevent Nuclear War/Maryland has called attention to the growing danger of nuclear war and the outrageous $1.7 trillion dollars we are spending to upgrade the nuclear arsenal. On July 18, 2017, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, a U.S. Navy - affiliated research center received a seven-year, $92 million contract to continue its systems engineering and research-and-development services for the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center. Help convince JHU to renounce nuclear weapons contracts. Contact the president, Ron Daniels, to urge him to reject all nuclear weapons contracts: Office of the President, 242 Garland Hall, The Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Maryland 21218.  Call his office at (410) 516-8068 or email president@jhu.edu.

78] – Yousef Zarbalian [yzarbali@gmail.com] started his own medical practice in December before the pandemic hit. It is called East-West Medicine and Rheumatology, and its website is EastWestMD.com.  Yousef is licensed in Maryland and Virginia. He is doing primary care as well as rheumatologic care (focusing on joint problems and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and sjogren's).  He is offering telemedicine visits, and he has very reasonable rates for uninsured individuals.  He makes use of herbs (which can be sent directly to patients from the herbal dispensary) as well as prescribing medications to their local pharmacy if needed.  

79] -- If you would like to get rid of books, videos, DVDs, records, tarps and table cloths, contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

80] -- Can you use any book shelves? Contact Max at 410-323-1607 or mobuszewski2001 at comcast.net.

81] – A Peace Park Antinuclear Vigil takes place every day in Lafayette Park, 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, 24 hours a day, since June 3, 1981. Go to http://prop1.org; call 202-682-4282.

Donations can be sent to Max Obuszewski, Baltimore Nonviolence Center, and 431 Notre Dame Lane, Apt. 206, Baltimore, MD 21212.  Ph: 410-323-1607; Email: mobuszewski2001 [at] comcast.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.

“One is called to live nonviolently, even if the change one works for seems impossible. It may or may not be possible to turn the US around through nonviolent revolution. But one thing favors such an attempt: the total inability of violence to change anything for the better" - Daniel Berrigan