2012.10.25: Upcoming Social Justice Events

From: Letwin, Michael
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 3:54 PM
To: 1199 Members; ALAA MEMBERS
Subject: Upcoming Social Justice Events

Tonight, Thurs., Oct. 25, 5-7 p.m.
Center for Constitutional Rights Press Conference & Rally to Support “The Holy Land 5” Prisoner’s Appeal
For over 5 years, 5 Palestinian Americans, known as “The Holy Land 5” have languished in Federal Prison. Victims to the ever-growing over-reach of counter-terrorism programs, the five were prosecuted under vague material support claims for their public philanthropic and charitable work to support children in Gaza each are serving between 15 and 65 years in Federal Prison. Ghassan Elashi is currently held in a secretive Federal Prison Program called the Communications Management Unit at USP Marion, IL.
Location: 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan
Background: http://electronicintifada.net/content/let-us-not-be-brought-down-last-legal-recourse-holy-land-five/11805

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/480681535286018/

Fri., Oct. 26, 4 p.m.
Enemies of the State: Solidarity for Bradley Manning, Julian Assange, 14 Anonymous activists, and All Political Prisoners
It is important that everyone realize that the persecution of Manning, Anonymous, Assange, and wikileaks marks a dangerous time for our constitutional rights. We must speak out now, or else we may not have another chance.
Location: Bryant Park, Manhattan
Background & RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/445608622147199/

Sat., Oct. 27, 5-9 p.m.
Justice For Reynaldo Cuevas
We are going to have Candlelight Vigil and march to the 42nd precinct to demand for justice.
Location: Betty Plaza, East 169th Street & Franklin Ave., Bronx

Background: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/10/reynaldo-cuevas-death-mother-of-slain-bodega-worker-faints-at-press-conference_n_1870253.html
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/502029956483260/

Sun., Oct. 28, 4-8 p.m.
Families & Communities Victimized by Police Brutality & Terrorism from the West Coast to the East Coast
Please join us on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at the Riverside Church in NYC, where The Campaign to End the New Jim Crow will host a panel of family members who have lost loved ones to police brutality, including families from the West Coast and the East. They will be joined by activists who facilitate a discussion about ways we can take action within our community to confront police terrorism and hold them accountable when they brutalize and murder citizens of the community.
Location: The Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive, Manhattan
Background & RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/368722873209314/

Thurs., Nov. 1, 8 p.m.
Testify! A Benefit Concert for the National Lawyers Guild-NYC
A diverse group of performers will rise up in support of the NLG-NYC’s work defending robust political dissent in New York City.
Location: The Riverside Church, 490 Riverside Drive, Manhattan
Background & RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/390800597659258/

Sat., Nov. 3, 2 p.m.
The Campaign to End the New Jim Crow will co-sponsor “BROKEN ON ALL SIDES” NYC Screening along with The National Lawyers Guild
Broken On All Sides: Race, Mass Incarceration & New Visions for Criminal Justice in the U.S. is an hour-long independent documentary that explores the intersection of race and poverty within the criminal justice system.
Location: Anthology Film Archives
32 Second Avenue (@2nd Street), Manhattan
Background & RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/247226372066385/

Sat., Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
NYC Marxism Conference: A World in Crisis A World in Struggle
Millions of people have come to the understanding that capitalism isn’t working. And millions of people around the world — from mine workers in South Africa to students in Quebec to teachers in Chicago to family members of victims of police violence — are coming to a day-long conference to discuss the history and politics that can help guide our fight for a different world.
Location: Columbia University Lerner’s Hall, Manhattan

Details: http://www.nycsocialist.org/
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/453413368044122/

 

2012.10.23: RE: STRIKE of ’82

From:    Letwin, Michael

Sent:   Tuesday, October 23, 2012 12:45 PM

To:     Helfman, Lester; ALAA MEMBERS

Subject:        RE: STRIKE of ’82

 

“The 1982 strike, during ten cold winter weeks, served to fully reestablish the strength that ALAAhad lost in the unsuccessful 1974 strike and the 1975 fiscal crisis — all in the face of great resistance and retaliation from management, the city elite, Edward I. Koch (by then the mayor), and the courts.”

Full text: https://alaa2325.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/history-of-the-association-of-legal-aid-attorneys-uaw-local-2325/

_____________________________________________

From:    Helfman, Lester

Sent:   Monday, October 22, 2012 5:03 PM

To:     ALAA MEMBERS

Subject:        STRIKE of ’82

 

Today is the 30th anniversary of the beginning of the 1982 ALAA strike.

Take a moment to reflect on it.

 

Les

 

2012.10.23: RE: STRIKE of ’82

From:  Letwin, Michael
Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2012 12:45 PM
To: ALAA MEMBERS
Subject: RE: STRIKE of ’82

“The 1982 strike, during ten cold winter weeks, served to fully reestablish the strength that ALAA had lost in the unsuccessful 1974 strike and the 1975 fiscal crisis — all in the face of great resistance and retaliation from management, the city elite, Edward I. Koch (by then the mayor), and the courts.”

Full text: https://alaa2325.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/history-of-the-association-of-legal-aid-attorneys-uaw-local-2325/

2012.10.22: Change.org’s Petition on Behalf of Our Client Ehud Halevi

From: Arafa, Noha
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2012 1:41 PM
To: ALAA MEMBERS
Subject: Change.org’s Petition on Behalf of Our Client Ehud Halevi

 

NY District Attorney: Drop charges against Ehud Halevi, who was beaten by police while sleeping in his synagogue   Sign Rabbi Feglin’s Petition   Noha – On October 8, 21-year-old Ehud Halevi was sleeping in a youth center run by the New York synagogue where he’s a member. Ehud is homeless, so his Rabbi — who runs programs for at-risk youth like Ehud — had told him back in September he could sleep there. In a video that’s now gone viral on the internet, two New York police officers are shown waking Ehud in the early morning. Even though Ehud explains to them that he has permission to sleep at the center, they try to arrest him. Then, the officers beat Ehud for almost 5 minutes straight — even after Ehud can be seen lying down. And despite the NYPD’s beating, it’s Ehud who’s being charged with assault, and he faces 5 years in prison. Rabbi Moishe Feiglin feels terrible. This happened at his synagogue’s center and to one of his congregants — and he just wants Ehud’s nightmare to end. Rabbi Feiglin started a petition on Change.org calling for the Brooklyn District Attorney to drop all charges against Ehud. So far, the NYPD officer who was most involved in Ehud’s beating has only been minimally disciplined — his gun has been taken away and he’s been placed on desk duty — but the other officer hasn’t been disciplined at all. Rabbi Feiglin says this is unacceptable. Ehud was eventually arrested and charged with trespassing and assaulting an officer, even though the video shows he didn’t fight back.  In the past several months, several tapes of NYPD officers engaged in disproportional and violent exchanges have drawn heat to the department. With pressure rising, Rabbi Feiglin thinks that the support of thousands of people behind Ehud now can get the charges against him dropped. Click here to sign Rabbi Feiglin’s petition calling on the Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes to drop charges against homeless youth Ehud Halevi, who wasbeaten by police. Thanks for being a change-maker, – Emilia and the Change.org team

 

2012.10.10: RE: “The Central Park Five” What we said during, before, and after

From: Letwin, Michael
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 10:49 AM
To: CRIMINAL PRACTICE ALL
Subject: RE: “The Central Park Five”

What we said during, before, and after:

N.Y. Justice: Not Color-Blind (NY Times, September 29, 1989)
“The prosecution and the courts are not alone in displaying ingrained racism. Much of the media described the Central Park assault as a ‘wilding,’ and the black defendants as a ‘wolf pack’ and ‘animals.’ Donald Trump, the police and not a few politicians howled for restoration of the death penalty.”
https://alaa2325.wordpress.com/1989/09/ 

Institutionalized Racism In the Criminal Justice System (City Sun, August 17, 1988)
“The entire relationship between the criminal justice system and the minority communities is based on institutionalized racism of the most profound sort.”
http://michaelletwin.wordpress.com/1988/08/17/1988-08-17-institutionalized-racism-in-the-criminal-justice-system-city-sun/

An Open Letter on the Goetz Trial (City Sun, June 15-21, 1987)
“As public defenders, we represent clients who overwhelmingly are young Black and Latino men. From this perspective, we express our outrage with the Goetz decision and with the atmosphere of pervasive racism that permeated the entire case from the time of the Goetz arrest until now.”
http://michaelletwin.wordpress.com/1987/06/15/1987-06-15-an-open-letter-on-the-goetz-trial-city-sun/

More: https://alaa2325.wordpress.com/2012/08/17/digest-of-alaa-related-statements-on-social-justice-issues-1986-2010-2/

2012.10.09: FYI: Weds. Rally at BK Crimi. Ct. to support Dennis Flores

From: Letwin, Michael
Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 11:51 AM
To: 1199 Members; ALAA MEMBERS
Subject: FYI: Weds. Rally at BK Crimi. Ct. to support Dennis Flores

Please join Sunset Park Tenant Strikers, Occupy Sunset Park & Supporters toDemand that all Charges Against Activist Dennis Flores be Dismissed!!

WHAT: Press conference and rally to support Dennis Flores

WHEN: Wednesday, October 10th, 2012 at 9:00 am

WHERE: Brooklyn Criminal Court, 120 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn, Courtroom AP4

On Wednesday, October 10th, 2012 at 9:00 am at the Brooklyn Criminal
Court, Sunset Park Rent Strikers, members of Occupy Sunset Park, and
other supporters will rally and demand the immediate dismissal of all
charges against Sunset Park activist Dennis Flores.

Sunset Park Rent Strikers, OSP, and supporters will rally and plan to
fill up courtroom and demand that the Brooklyn D.A’s office dismiss
all charges against OSP activist Dennis Flores. Flores came to the
aide of tenant Francisca Ixtilico who was assaulted by building super,
Israel Espinoza, who sent her to the hospital with cerebral bleeding.
Officers from the 72nd precinct arrested both OSP organizer, Dennis
Flores and super, Israel Espinoza, and charged them with 3rd degree
assault, a misdemeanor for fighting each other, and the super was also
charged for assault on tenant striker, Francisca.

Espinoza walked away from the 72nd precinct with just a desk
appearance ticket before police had even begun their investigation of
Francisca’s assault, and before they had contacted hospital officials
to learn of the extent of her injuries. Police officers were more
focused on arresting long-time organizer Dennis Flores, who had come
to the defense of Francisca by taking Espinoza off of her. Fransisca
spent a week in the hospital with cerebral bleeding.

Sunset Park tenants on 46th Street have been on strike for several
months. They have complained to numerous elected officials, government
agencies and others about the inhumane living conditions. Frustrated
with the lack of support from these officials and agencies they turned
to OSP, and others to fix and eventually take ownership of the three
buildings.

Background:
For years residents at three adjacent buildings in Sunset Park,
Brooklyn (545, 553, and 557 on 46th St) have been living in fear of
fires and electrical blackouts. Despite numerous complaints made to
city agencies and politicians’ offices, documented housing violations
(including unsafe electrical wiring, a broken boiler, and
disease-triggering agents like mold, cockroaches, rats, and bed bugs)
continue to threaten the lives of dozens of residents.

While many of these violations have persisted for years, the situation
became more dire in recent months as the buildings underwent
foreclosure. The buildings’ owner, Orazio Petito, has refused to do
necessary repairs and continues to insist that tenants pay their rent.
In the meantime, a cheap plastic fan is being used to keep the
basement’s electrical box from overheating and catching fire.

In apartments that include a pregnant woman with two children,
disabled tenants, and individuals with chronic conditions, residents
went without heat and hot water during the winter months. Today, they
face the threat of more blackouts and fear an electrical fire if they
use much-needed air conditioning. For many residents, waiting weeks
for a court order poses an intolerable risk to their lives. “Do we
have to wait for a tragedy before we see action?” asked tenant leader
Sara Lopez.

On July 5th, the affected tenants and various community members and
allies, including members of Occupy Sunset Park and Occupy Wall
Street, held a rally to stress the urgency of the repairs. The rally
was immediately followed by a march to Felix Ortiz’s office. Felix
Ortiz, a New York State assemblyman elected by Sunset Park residents,
personally promised Sara and other tenants that he would work to
resolve their unsafe housing dilemma.

2012.10.05: Reminder: Russell Tribunal on Palestine – New York Session this weekend

From: Herschel, Lucy
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2012 12:33 PM
To: ALAA MEMBERS; 1199 Members
Subject: Reminder: Russell Tribunal on Palestine – New York Session this weekend

Can also be live streamed at Free Speech TV and at the Russell Tribunal on Palestine.

******************************

Sat.-Sun., October 6-7: Russell Tribunal on Palestine – New York Session

Great Hall at Cooper Union located at 7 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003
The Russell Tribunal on Palestine (RToP) is an International People’s Tribunal created by a large group of citizens involved in the promotion of peace and justice in the Middle East. These past years, following, inter alia: the international community’s failure to implement the International Court of Justice’s 2004 Advisory Opinion on the construction of a wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory ; the lack of implementation of the resolution ES-10/15 confirming the ICJ Opinion, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 July 2004 ; and the Israeli offensive on Gaza in December 2008 – January 2009, committees have been created in different countries to promote and sustain a citizen’s initiative in support of the rights of the Palestinian people, with public international law as a legal frame of reference.

Video: Alice Walker, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and others tell you why you should support this historical initiative http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/sessions/future-sessions/videos/nys-trailer

–>List your organization as an endorser
http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/endorsement-submission

–>RSVP and Repost
https://www.facebook.com/russelltribunal?ref=ts

–>Register
Please note that registration is now full, but the sponsors will attempt to admit all those who seek to participate.

–>Details
http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/

–>Also: Kickoff Event, Fri., October 5
https://www.facebook.com/events/114260088726052/
________________________________________
Tues., October 9: Beyond 1967: Respecting the Palestinian Right to Return

Speakers: Lamis Deek & Miko Peled

John Jay College – Black Box Theater
524 West 59th Street, between 10th and 11th Aves, NYC

“The essence of our struggle is the right of the return for the refugees (+70% of the Palestinian people). They demand their right to return to their homes and they do have the right to do so. If you think that it is not possible then you are really not in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.”
–Maath Musleh, Palestinian youth activist, blogger and journalist based in Jerusalem

Sponsored by: John Jay College Students for Justice in Palestine

Endorsers (list in formation):
Al-Awda NY | The Palestine Right to Return Coalition
National Lawyers Guild – New York City Chapter
Ad Hoc Committee to Defend the Egyptian Revolution (NYC)
American Muslims for Palestine – NY
Labor for Palestine
New York City Labor Against the War (NYCLAW)
Jews for Palestinian Right of Return
International Action Center
International Socialist Organization
Middle East Crisis Committee (CT)
Advocates for Peace and Social Justice
JPLO – Jewish People’s Liberation Organization
Delaware Valley Veterans for America
US Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel
United Progressives
Friends of Palestine, Hudson Valley
BAYAN-USA Northeast

–>List your organization as an endorser
http://bit.ly/EndorseReturn

–>RSVP and Repost
https://www.facebook.com/events/118754224941174/

–>Register
(IMPORTANT: John Jay requires a list of attendees for security purposes. If you are attending this event, please go to this link to add your name (and make sure you bring ID), otherwise you may not get in)
http://bit.ly/ReturnSignUp

–>Details
https://www.facebook.com/events/118754224941174/

2012.10.02: Two Palestinian Rights Events This Week

From: Letwin, Michael

Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2012 12:41 PM

To: 1199 Members; ALAA MEMBERS

Subject: Two Palestinian Rights Events This Week

———–

Endorsed by the NLG-NYC Chapter, and many other organizations.

1. Oct. 6-7: Russell Tribunal on Palestine – New York Session

2. Oct. 9: Beyond 1967: Respecting the Palestinian Right to Return

Details below

Sat.-Sun., October 6-7: Russell Tribunal on Palestine – New York Session

Great Hall at Cooper Union located at 7 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003

The RToP is an International People’s Tribunal created in response to the international community’s inaction regarding Israel’s recognized violations of international law.

Video: Alice Walker, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and others tell you why you should support this historical initiative http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/sessions/future-sessions/videos/nys-trailer

–>List your organization as an endorser

http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/endorsement-submission

–>RSVP and Repost

https://www.facebook.com/russelltribunal?ref=ts

–>Register

Please note that registration is now full, but the sponsors will attempt to admit all those who seek to participate.

–>Details

http://www.russelltribunalonpalestine.com/en/

–>Also: Kickoff Event, Fri., October 5

https://www.facebook.com/events/114260088726052/

——————————————————————————–

Tues., October 9: Beyond 1967: Respecting the Palestinian Right to Return

Speakers: Lamis Deek & Miko Peled

John Jay College – Black Box Theater

524 West 59th Street, between 10th and 11th Aves, NYC

“The essence of our struggle is the right of the return for the refugees (+70% of the Palestinian people). They demand their right to return to their homes and they do have the right to do so. If you think that it is not possible then you are really not in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.”

–Maath Musleh, Palestinian youth activist, blogger and journalist based in Jerusalem

Sponsored by: John Jay College Students for Justice in Palestine

Endorsers (list in formation):

Al-Awda NY | The Palestine Right to Return Coalition

National Lawyers Guild – New York City Chapter

Ad Hoc Committee to Defend the Egyptian Revolution (NYC)

American Muslims for Palestine – NY

Labor for Palestine

New York City Labor Against the War (NYCLAW)

Jews for Palestinian Right of Return

International Action Center

International Socialist Organization

Middle East Crisis Committee (CT)

Advocates for Peace and Social Justice

JPLO – Jewish People’s Liberation Organization

Delaware Valley Veterans for America

US Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel

United Progressives

Friends of Palestine, Hudson Valley

BAYAN-USA Northeast

–>List your organization as an endorser

http://bit.ly/EndorseReturn

–>RSVP and Repost

https://www.facebook.com/events/118754224941174/

–>Register

(IMPORTANT: John Jay requires a list of attendees for security purposes. If you are attending this event, please go to this link to add your name (and make sure you bring ID), otherwise you may not get in)

http://bit.ly/ReturnSignUp

–>Details

https://www.facebook.com/events/118754224941174/