MORGAN FREEMAN PROBABLY DOESN'T KNOW--HELP HIM OUT

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Help Stop Icon Morgan Freeman from Legitimizing Occupation and Apartheid!  Dear Nick, We need your help! On Monday, May 6, Morgan Freeman is set to receive the "Key of Knowledge Award" from the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University (CFHU) for “work in combating segregation and prejudice, and promoting knowledge and education throughout the world.” Unfortunately, CFHU works to undermine these values.  Ask Morgan Freeman to decline this award from CFHU and stand with Palestinians struggling for freedom, justice, and equality! CFHU is devoted to supporting Hebrew University, an institution that practices racial profiling and has part of its campus built on land stolen from Palestinian families following Israel’s illegal occupation (and later annexation) of East Jerusalem, in clear violation of international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention. Hebrew University in itself is in violation of the same Geneva Conventions. Far from “combating segregation and prejudice, and promoting knowledge and education,” the policies of Israel and the complicity of Hebrew University have resulted in the forced closure of Palestinian universities for years on end; the systematic, ongoing denial of Palestinian children’s access to schools; and an elaborate system of privilege and segregation reminiscent of Apartheid South Africa and Jim Crow, including more than 50 laws that discriminate against Palestinian citizens of Israel.  Sign this letter today to Morgan Freeman asking him not to glorify Israeli apartheid!  Your message will be delivered directly to Freeman, so make sure your voice is heard by adding your name! Nelson Mandela, whom Freeman portrayed in the movie Invictus, has stated: “The UN took a strong stand against apartheid; and over the years, an international consensus was built, which helped to bring an end to this iniquitous system. But we know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” While directing the movie Bhopa! in 1993, Freemanpointed out: “These days, unless you've got your head in the sand, you’ve got to be aware of the situation in South Africa.”  Tell Morgan Freeman, please don’t keep your head in the sand when it comes now to Palestinians living under Israeli apartheid!  Just like in the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, artists are taking a stand against Israel’s crimes and supporting the Palestinian call for international solidarity through boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) campaigns. Also, just a few months ago, Stevie Wonder cancelled his appearance for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces in Los Angeles following outcry from people like you and public figures around the world. Public ceremonies courting moral figures like Freeman and Wonder are increasingly common and publicized cynically to whitewash Israel’s policies and to present a false image of progressive values and dedication to human rights.  Please urge Freeman to build on, rather than tarnish, his legacy by standing on the right side of history and declining an award from CFHU today!  Thank you for taking action!                                                 Anna Baltzer                       Ramah Kudaimi National Organizer                Membership and Outreach Coordinator  P.S. -- If you are authorized to do so, pleaseendorse the same letter to Freeman on behalf of your organization to show the breadth of support.

Nick, please take these actions:  1. Send a letter to Morgan Freeman asking him not to glorify those supporting abuses of Palestinian human rights. 2. Share with your friends on Facebook and tweet to your followers on Twitter.   3. Save the date for our 12th Annual National Organizers' Conference September 20-22 at George Mason University in Arlington, VA. Support Our BDS Work Today We can mobilize grassroot support for boycott and divestment campaigns only with grassroots support from people like you. Help us by making a tax-deductibledonation, or by joining our Olive Branch Club to make a recurring tax-deductible donation. --Anna  Support Palestinian farming families.   Shop our fair-trade store. Follow Us:  Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  Blog  Vimeo

Back to Top The US Campaign aims to change U.S. policies that sustain Israel's 45-year occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, and that deny equal rights for all. ABOUT | TAKE ACTION | GET INVOLVED | STORE | DONATE | RESOURCES | MEDIA |UNSUBSCRIBE | FORWARD TO A FRIEND US CAMPAIGN TO END THE ISRAELI OCCUPATION | PO BOX 21539 | WASHINGTON, DC 20009 202-332-0994 | USCAMPAIGN@ENDTHEOCCUPATION.ORG | WWW.ENDTHEOCCUPATION.ORG