Category Archives: Past Events

Past MN Break the Bonds Campaign events

Past Events

REGISTER NOW! The Day on the Hill is almost here!

Our 2nd Annual Day on the Hill is fast approaching! Download the full schedule of workshops and speaker bios and see below for a few FAQs (when you click on this link for the schedule, you will be redirected to another page and need to click on “full schedule” (below header in small black letters) once again). We are so inspired by who will be participating and the content they will add to this event. We are also thrilled to announce that Hedy Epstein, a Holocaust survivor who is world-renowned for her social justice work, will be speaking at our Rally at the State Capitol at 12 noon!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where should I park?

Christ Lutheran Church, 105 University Ave, St. Paul, asks that we NOT park in their parking lot but free street parking is available on the surrounding streets. If you are only attending the Rally or cannot find street parking, public metered parking is available in Lot Q, north of the Capitolat Cedar Street and Sherburne. Click here to get directions: http://bit.ly/HdKJTg

Can I take public transportation to the Day on the Hill?

Within the Twin Cities, certainly. Bus routes 16, 50, 94, 3, 62, 67, and 262 all have stops very near to the Church and the Capitol. Visit http://www.metrotransit.org to map out the best route for you.

Can I attend only part of the Day’s events?

Yes. Although we hope you can join us the whole day, please come for whichever part(s) of the day works in your schedule.

Is there a Registration fee for the Day on the Hill?

No, the event is free but donations are always appreciated. Click here if you would like to donate using Paypal now.

 

 

MN BBC vs. SBI Lawsuit, Past Events

Join us for our first court hearing on March 5th!

On March 5th at 2:30 pm

pack the Ramsey County Courthouse to

tell Judge Marrinan “No Material Support for Oppression”!

In an attempt to dodge our arguments that Minnesota’s investments in Israel Bonds violate state and international law, the State Board of Investment (SBI) filed a motion to dismiss our complaint based on an alleged lack of jurisdiction and failure to state a claim. This motion will be heard on March 5, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. at the Ramsey County Courthouse (Click here http://bit.ly/Aa8f3A for directions). We need to pack the courtroom so that Judge Marrinan can see the level of support we have in stoppingMinnesota from continuing to fund apartheid!

At the hearing, the judge will listen to the SBI’s Motion to Dismiss in favor of dismissing the case from the Minnesota Attorney General’s (AG) Office which is representing the SBI. Lawyers representing the Plaintiff (MN BBC and all of the co-plaintiffs) who are asking the court to order the SBI to divest from Israel Bonds will also present our Opposition to the SBI’s Motion to Dismiss. In addition, the judge will listen to the Plaintiff’s lawyers argue a “Summary Judgment Motion” regarding why she can and should rule in our favor immediately on Count One of our Complaint. Count One states that Minnesota’s investments in Israel Bonds are illegal under current Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 11A and Chapter 356A. The AG’s Office will then provide their counter-arguments to our Summary Judgment Motion (SBI’s Response to Summary Judgment Motion Part 1 and Part 2. The audience can of course be present in the courtroom during the duration of the whole hearing, but please note that proper court decorum is in order. This is not a rally.

Once the arguments are completed the court will decide whether to permit the case to go forward (i.e. not side with the SBI that the case ought to be dismissed), and the judge has ninety days to issue a ruling. If she chooses to also rule on our Summary Judgment Motion, which she does not have to, she could decide Israel Bonds are in fact an illegal investment and demand that the state divest immediately! However, given that the case involves a public official making a decision regarding Israel/Palestine, it is highly likely that the case will ultimately be decided in the appellate court. Throughout this process we invite you join us in recalling this wise observation from Nelson Mandela:“It always seems impossible – until it’s done.”

Note: All of the linked legal documents can be read before the hearing to give you a greater understanding of the oral arguments that will be presented in the courtroom, if you are so inclined.

SBI’s Motion to Dismiss

Opposition to the SBI’s Motion to Dismiss

SBI’s response to MN BBC’s Opposition to its Motion to Dismiss

Summary Judgment Motion

SBI’s Response to Summary Judgement Motion Part 1 and Part 2

MN BBC’s Response to SBI’s Opposition to our Summary Judgment Motion

Photo Credit: http://www.aztlan.net/intapart.htm

Past Events

Act! Bring an Israel Bonds Divestment Resolution to Your Precinct Caucus February 7, 2012

Thank you for your willingness to bring an Israel Bonds Divestment Resolution to your precinct caucus!

Background:

Precinct caucuses are meetings organized by Minnesota’s political parties to begin the process of selecting candidates for the 2012 election and policy positions to shape the party platform. Caucuses are held in locations across Minnesota, are open to the public, and participation is encouraged.

In 2010, 41 MN BBC supporters brought this same resolution to their precinct causes and it passed in 34 of those caucuses. We are hoping to double, if not triple, our success this year!

What you need to know:

All precinct caucuses will be held onFebruary 7, 2012 at 7 p.m.

You can find your precinct caucus location (based on which party’s caucus you would like to attend) here: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=886

Click Israel Bonds Divestment Resolution to download the MN BBC-endorsed Resolution language.

At Democratic and Republican Caucuses, and possibly at others, you must hand write the resolution you are bringing on a form that will be provided at your caucus location. If the resolution is simply printed out and turned in, it will not be considered, even if it was passed. So we recommend arriving early to fill out the form and to ask any questions you might have in order to feel totally prepared!

Finally, when you submit a “Divest from Israel” resolution at a precinct caucus, you are probably going to encounter some opposition and questions, in addition to support of course. Stay calm. Answer the questions as you feel comfortable, but try not to get “trapped” by questions that are totally biased and unhelpful. For example, if someone says “This resolution is anti-semitic”, you can simply say “This resolution is in support of human rights for all people” rather than digressing into any number of arguments you might be inclined to make. Browse our Campaign Resources for more FAQ as you prepare: http://mn.breakthebonds.org/?p=339

If you are able to get the resolution passed at the precinct level, please let MN BBC know by sending a short email to mn@breakthebonds.org!

Still have questions!? Feel free to call or e-mail Bill McGrath: 507.645.7660 or billmcgrath52@gmail.com.

Additional Advice:

It’s a wise move for MN BBC supporters to volunteer during the precinct caucus and to become delegates to the next higher level, a convention that usually happens about a month later. At that second convention, there will be a long list of resolutions that were previously approved at the precinct level. The convention will not have time to debate all of these resolutions. But you may be able to request that the “Divest from Israel” resolution be brought to the floor for debate. If so, a few words from you through the microphone is apt to help the resolution pass. Delegates (including you) will probably be able to vote on paper as to which of the many resolutions should be passed.

Finally, it would be great to have some MN BBC people on the Resolution Committee. This is a group that will look at resolutions that have been passed. The committee tries to whittle down the number of resolutions, by combining some of them that are related. For instance, there may be one that says “Divest from Israel” and another resolution that says “Restrict U.S. aid to Israel.” The Resolution Committee might try to combine those two into one. Then you could wind up with something that merely says “The U.S. should examine its economic ties with Israel.” That is not what MN BBC had in mind!

Thank you again for participating in this important action! Questions can be directed to Bill McGrath: 507.645.7660 or billmcgrath52@gmail.com.

Photo: housingrights.org

 

 

 

Past Events

Rally at the MN State Capitol December 12 at Noon!

Photo: Home demolished in Al-Walaja, West Bank, Palestine. In the background, the settlement of Gilo. Al-Walaja has lost about 70% of the lands it originally owned before 1948. (Active Stills)

On December 12, 2011 at 12 noon, we need YOU

to RALLY with us at the Minnesota State Capitol in the Rotunda.

 

Together, we will raise our voices to tell the MN State Board of Investment:

Stop funding Israeli occupation and apartheid: Divest from Israel Bonds NOW!

Speakers will include co-plaintiffs from the MN BBC lawsuit against the SBI.

 

Following the Rally, help us pack the room at the SBI’s Meeting

at 1:00 pm in Room 123 of the State Capitol Building

to show the Board Members how many Minnesotans support divestment!

 

Note: Signs on sticks are not permitted in the capitol building.

For Directions and Information on Parking visit: http://bit.ly/rO2w1w

So invite your family and friends and we’ll see you there!

Additional Information: Last Tuesday, November 29, 2011, MN BBC served a lawsuit on the Minnesota State Board of Investment (SBI) seeking an order from the court directing the SBI to immediately divest from Israel Bonds and to refrain from purchasing more. This Rally is an opportunity to show the SBI that there is strong public support for them to do the right thing and divest, which is why your presence is so important! For more information about the lawsuit, or to learn how you can support MN BBC, visit mn.breakthebonds.org or e-mail or call us anytime at mn@breakthebonds.org or 616.745.6810. Thank you.

 



MN BBC vs. SBI Lawsuit, Past Events

Take Action: Tell the Members of the MN State Board of Investment to Stop Investing in Israeli Apartheid!

You do not need to be a Minnesota resident to

participate in this action!

On November 29, 2011, the MN Break the Bonds Campaign (MN BBC) is serving a lawsuit on the Minnesota State Board of Investment (SBI), seeking an order from the court directing the SBI to immediately divest from Israel Bonds and to refrain from purchasing more.

Minnesota’s investments in Israel Bonds help fund Israel’s illegal settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as the imposition of a system of apartheid. Furthermore, we believe these investments are illegal according to state and international law.

Join us to demand that the four members of the SBI–Governor Dayton, Secretary of State Ritchie, Attorney General Swanson, and State Auditor Otto–realign Minnesota with state and international law by divesting from Israel Bonds!

Don’t wait–this important action will only take you 30 seconds. Click here to send one e-mail to all four board members to show your support for divestment from Israel Bonds today!

Thank you so much for your participation.

Past Events

A Night of Photography, Stories, Music, & Food!

MN BBC in conjunction with Up Against the Wall! Photo Exhibit presents:

“Visible and Invisible: How Walls & Borders Affect Everyday Life in Palestine/Israel”

Monday August 22nd 6:30-9:00 pm

@ Vine Arts, 2637 27th Ave S. & Matthews Park, 2313 28th Ave S.

6:30 pm: Storytelling, Music, & Photo Exhibit at Vine Arts about How Walls & Borders Affect Everyday Life in Palestine/Israel.

8:00 pm: Come over to Matthews Park, multi-purpose room (1.5 blocks from Vine Arts) and enjoy some of the traditional foods of an Iftar Meal (dates, hummus, lamb, & more)! This is a meal eaten after sunset by Muslims who are fasting during the month of Ramadan.

For the exhibit’s entire month of events: http://upagainstthewall2011.wordpress.com/

If you’re interested in volunteering or have questions e-mail or call elisabeth geschiere at geseli86@gmail.com or 616.745.6810

Photo: Flo Razowsky

Articles, Past Events

MN BBC Day on the Hill Attracts Minnesotans From All Over the State!

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by Sylvia Schwartz, April 4, 2011

The Minnesota Break the Bonds Campaign successfully hosted its first Day on the Hill on Wednesday, March 30th. A huge thank you to everyone who came, and to all who volunteered to help make the day possible! Over 110 people from 25 different senate districts in Minnesota attended the Day’s events, including from as far away as Harmony and Brainerd, which are respectively located 125 and 140 miles away from the Cities. These committed participants represented a variety of religions, professions, and ages, all gathering to speak with their state legislators about getting Minnesota to divest from Israel.


The day started with an opportunity for legislators to meet informally with MN BBC members and enjoy a light breakfast. Especially because of the “Great Postcard Distraction of 2011,” during which a couple of legislators falsely accused MN BBC of fabricating the amount of support there is around the state for divesting, this was an important opportunity for face-to-face discussions.

The morning training sessions, held at Christ Lutheran Church,were intended to give participants background information to answer typical concerns that might be brought up about Israel/Palestine and divestment. Many attendees commented that the energy and solidarity of the day’s organizers and attendees alike was remarkable.

Ayah Helmy presented “Palestine 101,” a very brief history of the events which shaped Israel and Palestine in the 20thcentury. Susanne Waldorf and Sriram Ananth presented “BDS 101 and MN Break the Bonds,” a description of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions as a strategy, the call from Palestinian civil society for BDS, and how MN BBC fits into this strategy. Celia Kutz and Jessica Rosenberg, members of the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network of the Twin Cities (IJAN-TC) described the differences between Zionism and Jewishness and why it is important to distinguish between the two. Finally, Farheen Hakeem spoke about details members would need when meeting with their legislators, including what to expect in the meetings, what should be asked, and what time appointments were scheduled. 

At noon MN BBC held a rally inthe Capitol Rotunda. One attendee remarked that this was the most exciting portion of the day for her, because it gave visibility to Israel’s international law violations in a public meeting space.The rally speakers included Flo Razowsky from theMN BBC Core Team, Amina Maamarie from American Muslims for Palestine, Fr. David Smith from the University of St. Thomas, Sanna Towns from St. Paul Public Schools, and Sylvia Schwarz and Karen Redleaf from the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network.

Although the majority of those in the audience were MN BBC supporters, there were hecklers*, asking “What about Hamas?” This along with the Jewish Community Relation Council’s (JCRC) opinion piece that day which appeared in the Star Tribune claiming divestment from Israel as immoral divert attention away from Israel’s human rights abuses and international law violations and are destined to fail as strategies used by pro-Israel factions. Too much informationabout Israel’s atrocitiesis being disseminated to the American public for those tactics to be successful any more.

Throughout the afternoon, Day on the Hill participants met with their state senator and representative and delivered packets on MN BBC. Meetings were usually about 15 minutes, and, though no legislator offered to sponsor a bill, they were all made aware of the growing support for the campaign. Overall, the day was a huge success and a great move forward in accomplishing the four goals of MN BBC:

  1. To educate Minnesotans about the situation in Israel/Palestine and our complicity in human rights abuses

  2. To follow the Palestinian civil society call for Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions against Israel until Israel complies with international law

  3. To get Minnesota to divest from the Israel bonds that it holds

  4. To act as a model for the 21 other states and the District of Columbia that might want to start a similar divestment campaign.

If you did not complete a Feedback Form, please click here to download a copy of it! You can fill it out electronically, and e-mail it back to us at mn@breakthebonds.org. We highly value your input, so please take 5-10 minutes and fill the Feedback Form out today. Thank you!

*Our original report stated the hecklers mentioned were JCRC staff. JCRC maintains their staff were not the hecklers, so that statement has been corrected.

Past Events

Help Defend MN BBC Against False Accusations: Take Action Today!

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Like many Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaigns around the world, MN BBC is now under attack for taking a stand against Israeli injustices. However, these empty accusations and hostilities only demonstrate how effective our work is. People are certainly talking! Please keep reading to find out more and what you can do.

Since 2009, the MN Break the Bonds Campaign (MN BBC) has collected nearly 2,000 postcards filled out by constituents from all over the state of Minnesota, with the intention of passing on the postcards to those supporters’ correct legislators.

These cards state:

“We the people of Minnesota have the moral obligation to make sound investments that do not oppress others. Minnesota’s investment in Israel supports Israel’s apartheid system which has caused thousands of civilian deaths, including children and widespread human rights violations. This system defies rulings by the International Court of Justice, more than 65 UN Resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention. As our representative, please help us break economic ties with Israel’s apartheid system.”

During this 2011 legislative session, MN BBC has been delivering these postcards to the appropriate legislators.

The postcards were designed to send to both state senators and state representatives.  If a MN Break the Bonds member submitted contact information on only one card, another card was prepared for them by MN BBC volunteers so that both of their state office holders would be able to be contacted equally.

Now, some state legislators are using these hand-duplicated postcards to call into question the integrity of MN Break the Bonds and to try to discredit our organization. In addition, MN Break the Bonds has been accused of fabricating names and addresses on the postcards that legislators are receiving. MN Break the Bonds categorically denies these outrageous allegations and stands behind each and every postcard. These attacks are designed to distract from the real concern that MN BBC has raised, which is the fact that Minnesota’s investments in Israel perpetuate human rights abuses.

We call on all our members, as well as current and future postcard senders, to join us in letting our legislators know we are serious, to not allow these false allegations to continue, that we must concentrate on the real issues at hand and that we will continue to not stand by while our money is used to perpetuate apartheid.

Actions you can take:

  • Please take a moment to send this very important email to both your state representative and senator: http://bit.ly/hQMwGm. Share this link and ask your friends to send a message too!
  • If you do not live in Minnesota, please sign our online petition: http://bit.ly/h2feCa

Lastly, Check out the update here about MN BBC’s meeting with the MN State Board of Investments (SBI): http://mn.breakthebonds.org/?p=1325

Stay in Touch and Help Spread the Word. MN BBC is under attack and things are heating up. The time is now to continue building together to challenge our state’s support (via our money) of Israel’s Apartheid.

Thank you!

Photo: elev8.com

Past Events

The MN BBC Day on the Hill is tomorrow! Details Here

The MN BBC Day on the Hill & First-ever Grassroots Advocacy Training

March 30, 2011, 9 am – 4 pm

Click here for a street view map of Christ Lutheran Church and the Capitol!

To register, e-mail rsvp@breakthebonds.org or call 612.354.2960 and provide us with your name, address and/or district, and a way to contact you.

More Information:

9 AM -12 PM Grassroots Advocacy Training @ Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill (105 University Ave. Saint Paul, MN)

12 PM -1 PM Rally @ The State Capitol in the Rotunda — Will include speakers from the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN), the Committee to Stop FBI Repression, the American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), and more!

1 PM Lunch @ Christ Lutheran Church – FREE IF YOU REGISTER!

1 PM -4 PM Meetings with your state legislators @ The Capitol — We set these up; you simply show up!

So REGISTER TODAY by e-mailing rsvp@breakthebonds.org or calling 612.354.2960 with your name, address and/or district, and a way to contact you! It is extremely important that we know how many people to expect, both for food and to know what districts we do or don’t have constituents from.

Help us publicize! Put up posters about the event anywhere and everywhere: MNBTB_Rally_033011_8x11

Invite your friends on facebook! http://on.fb.me/g3Zevm
Follow MN BBC on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/eZlKEk

Volunteer! E-mail mn@breakthebonds.org to express interest. There are many tasks to be done in the next few weeks, and on the actual day of the event, so please tell us about any time, talents, or treasure you have to give!

Donate! to help cover the costs of the event. Find the Paypal link on our website by scrolling half-way down the home page: http://mn.breakthebonds.org.

If you have questions, please also contact rsvp@breakthebonds.org or 612.354.2960. If no one answers the phone, please leave a message and we will return your call.

Your participation is invaluable.
We hope to see you soon!

Past Events

On March 13: Live folk-rock-soul music from the 1960’s!

“Put a Little Love in Your Heart”

Live folk-rock-soul music from the 1960’s!

Sunday, March 13, 2 – 6 p.m.

Oak Center General Store

67011 HWY 63
Lake City, MN 55041

Proceeds go to MN Break the Bonds, a campaign to get our state government to divest from Israel.

Late afternoon: Social dinner, primarily mid-eastern.
Bring some food to add, if you choose.
Evening: Belly dancing!

Admission at the door is $5 to $15, whatever you feel you can donate.

More info: (507) 645-7660