Social Action Opportunities Email #97
August 28, 2019
Kehilla affiliated events marked with *
"Mazel Tov, Trump.
You’ve Revived the Jewish Left."
‘Only one political party is quite literally inciting white nationalists to shoot up our synagogues.’
By Michelle Goldberg,
New York Times Opinion Columnist
Published Aug. 24, 2019

Leadership Opportunity
The American Jewish community is multiracial — between 10-20% of the American Jewish community identify as Jews of Color — but only a few Jews of Color lead in Jewish mainstream organizations.

Selah Cohort 16 will be a healing space where Jewish leaders of color can build deep, interdependent relationships to advance and support each other’s leadership, inside and outside the Jewish community.
Selah Leadership Program

Focus on Jews of Color

Applications are open through September 22

Applications are now being accepted for the next cohort of Selah. For the third time, this cohort will be focused on training self-identified Jewish Leaders of Color, which could include Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews.
Must-See Tikkun Olam Movies/TV
Our Boys
Starts on HBO this week. Mini-series dramatization of the investigations into the murders in the summer of 2014 of 3 Jewish teens and the torture pay-back murder of a Palestinian boy.
Joint Israeli and Palestinian production that examines the reality of the occupation through a macro and micro-cosmic view. 
Tel Aviv on Fire
Playing now at local theaters. This was shown at the Jewish Film Festival and now in commercial release. Also an Israeli/Palestinian co-production this time looking at the occupation through (yes) comedy that reveals the vast power-disparity between Jews and Palestinians whether of Israeli citizenship or under the West Bank occupation.
The Last Black Man in
San Francisco
Playing now at local theaters. This is a must-see drama with touches of comedy about the reality of gentrification and the diminishment of black community in the Bay Area. 
Upcoming Kehilla Events
 The action will begin with a short march from Mosswood Park (3612 Webster Street in Oakland) to a rally at the intersection of Broadway and W. MacArthur ending with a Faith Leader Prayer & Political Ally Program.
  Then the union is providing a Labor Day picnic and a “social justice junction program” in Mosswood Park.
Labor Day Action & Lunch with SEIU-UHW at Kaiser Oakland
*Monday, September 2nd • 9:00 am
Kehilla’s Economic Justice Committee has endorsed this action. What is it about? “85,000 Kaiser workers are gearing up for the biggest strike California has seen in 20 years,” writes Terry Sandoval the Regional Political Organizer for Service Employees International Union - United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW). The union’s experience is that Kaiser, a non-profit organization that pays no taxes, is more and more acting like a corporate health industry maximizing profits while cutting back on workers’ benefits. Recently, after a worker and community outcry, Kaiser relented on firing the hospitals gardening staff and outsourcing this work to companies with fewer worker protections and benefits. Kaiser had $3 billion of profit in the first quarter of 2019 alone and sits on $35 billion in reserve. 
  Recent negotiations between the union and Kaiser management have broken down. Issues don’t only involve better pay, keeping benefits, and not outsourcing but also issues of balancing tech and innovation with compassionate care for patients.
You can volunteer for the Tiny House Builds on :
  • Saturday September 7
  • Sunday September 8

We're also looking for help and donations of lunch supplies for the volunteer team.
* Kehilla + Youth Spirit Artworks
*East Bay Chesed (Mitzvah) Day for Bay Area Jewish Congregations

Here is an additional opportunity to do work with the Tiny House Village to build tiny houses for unhoused youth in Oakland. Kehilla will work with many other partners to help build a dozen Tiny Houses through early September.

The Tiny House project is a chance to give back to our community, while learning the construction skills necessary to build a Tiny Home from the foundation up. it's also an amazing opportunity to connect with our youth leaders as they learn important workplace and leadership skills!


Add'l information contact: Alex Madonik alexmadonik@sonic.net
Sunday, September 8th • 2:30 - 4:30 pm
* Swing Left Voter Engagement Project

Kehilla member Renee Enteen writes “Let’s work together to register NEW voters in important states.  Vote Forward and the Voter Participation Center are working to register NEW voters.
It’s easy. We call it writing letters, but most of the letter is already written and printed. We each add a personal statement, why we think voting is important. Then we hand address the envelope and sign our first name and put a return address provided in their state.”
  If it is your first time doing this, come at 2:30 pm for a short, small training.  
Let them know if you are coming by emailing to Renee so they can print 20 letters for you. Bring STAMPS if you are up for that.
  The SwingLeft 2020 Team has gotten about 10,000 letters written in the past few months, and it may have gotten over 500 people registered. 
  We will be doing this once a month at Kehilla, 2nd Sunday: Oct. 13th, Nov. 10th, Dec. 8th
  Also EVERY Tues. at Renee’s house near Fruitvale 10:30 am – 12:30 pm.
  Let her know if you can come to Kehilla or to her home. If those dates don’t work, but you want to participate, let Renee know. 
There are other ways to do this; Renee can send you links.
Where: on 2nd Sundays at Kehilla, enter on second floor on Fairview.
Oakland Faith Trio
Friday, September 13th • 8:30 - 11:30 am
* Alameda County Community Food Bank Volunteer with the Oakland Faith Trio:
Bag fresh produce or sort cans for distribution to the hungry of Alameda County. Enjoy the chance to meet members of other faiths and congregations. The volunteer work is easy but does require standing for about an hour at a time. The food bank is very well organized and clean, and volunteering there is a pleasure.
Please contact Lea Delson or (510) 528-6725 by Friday, 9/6 to sign up, or get more information. Photos of past volunteer activity
Location : 7900 Edgewater Dr, Oakland

Saturday, November 9th • 6:30 pm
* Annual Harvest Dinner
Since 2005 we have been gathering to celebrate the harvest and the fall season with Jews, Muslims and Christians. This year we will gather for a giant potluck meal, inspiring words from spiritual leaders, and fellowship and friendship with members of other congregations. Bring a potluck dish to share (vegetarian, eggs, dairy and fish OK, no alcohol). 
Location: the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California, 1433 Madison Street, Oakland
Friday, September 13th • 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
* Monthly Vigil at SF ICE Headquarters
This is the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity's monthly vigil to support immigrant communities who are threatened with detention and deportation by ICE. Please join us to witness the oppression that takes place in this awful building and demand humane treatment of immigrants and detainees.
Location: 630 Sansome Street, San Francisco
Visit by Honduran leader and human rights defender,
Padre Melo
The Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity is excited to welcome Father Ismail Moreno (Padre Melo) to the Bay Area. His visit will be an opportunity to hear about the work of activists on the ground in Honduras and to raise funds to support the work.
Save these dates, and invite a friend to join us.
  • Palo Alto Area: Monday, September 16, 7:00PM
First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, 1985 Louis Road, Palo Alto
  • Sacramento Area: Tuesday, September 17, 7:00PM
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 2620 Capitol Avenue, Sacramento 
  • East Bay: Wednesday. September 18, 6:30PM
St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Avenue, Berkeley
Sunday, September 15 • 10:00am - noon
Monthly group is part of our community’s larger project of addressing racism and de-centering whiteness within and beyond our congregation.
FACILITATORS: Rabbi Shifrah Tobacman and Chaplain Laura Fitch
It is an outgrowth of Kehilla’s affinity group for those who identify as white or as benefitting from white privilege. This will be a safe space in which to engage in the emotional and spiritual journey of healing and repairing the soul around these critical issues. You do not have to participate in the larger affinity group in order to attend these sessions, and you are welcome to come to as many or as few sessions as will facilitate your healing journey.

As a framework we will use the three-fold path from the Ba’al Shem Tov’s teaching on healing and being present to grief and trauma. The three-fold path includes:
1. Hachna-ah: Full Immersion / Presence. We’ll sit fully and mindfully with our difficult experiences and feelings and be held by each other in a loving if also challenging way as we do.
2. Havdalah: Differentiation. We’ll find ways to distinguish between our past and present, our trauma and present day realities. We’ll ask ourselves: What keeps us silent or complicit in the face of racism? What keeps us safe? What are our fears, real or imagined, around racism and white privilege? What opportunities emerge as we honestly examine our experience? How can we let go of what keeps us from being fully present to racism, connect better with those who are targets of racism, and engage with other white people who may be acting out in oppressive ways?
3. Ha-Mitookah: The Sweetening. We’ll lean into gratitude and hopefulness for the ways our lives are enhanced and our spirits uplifted through an honest reckoning, and by the potential for more genuine and meaningful relationships with ourselves and others.

NOTE: Pre-registration is not required, but RSVP’s are strongly encouraged to give facilitators a sense of how many people to expect.
To RSVP email Laura at lafitch@gmail.com
Location : Kehilla's Back Classroom – Main Floor
11:00 AM - RALLY at 24th & Mission Street in SF
12:00 Noon - March to SF City Hall
1:00 PM - Rally at SF City Hall
3:00 PM - Protest at ICE
Deliver demands to Congresswoman Pelosi and to Senator Feinstein
6:00 PM - Celebration & Protest at 24th & Mission Street
Monday, September 16 • 
11:00am - 8:00pm
Join us for a DAY OF ACTION to protest the encaging of our children, migrant family, and friends. We are in crises with what is occurring at the border, and at detention centers housing young children and adults in inhumane conditions!
Location: César Chávez Memorial Solar Calendar on the Berkeley Marina. Take University
Avenue toward the Marina; turn right toward the DoubleTree Hotel, and past the hotel turn left on Spinnaker Way and take it toward the end. Follow signs that will be up directing you to the calendar which is on the highest hill in the park toward the center of the park.
Monday, September 23 •  6:00-7:15pm
*   [Global Climate Strike!] Fall Equinox Celebration of the Sun and Earth in Alignment
Join Rabbi David and 1000 Grandmothers for this Climate Strike celebration for all who want a moment to stop and remember what it is we are working for: a healthy planet with a balanced environment for all its inhabitants. The moment of the equinox helps us to align with the idea of balance as this is the moment when night and day are completely equal for all places on the planet. The High Holy Days historically take place during this time of balance the Tishrey/Libra month symbolized by the scales of justice.
Thursday, September 26 •  4:00-6:00pm
* Feed the Homeless ( GRIP )
On the 4th Thursday of each month from 4:00 - 6:30 PM some members of Kehilla and a Berkeley Church feed the folks living in the GRIP, Greater Richmond Interfaith Program shelter at 23 St in Richmond. We need a few more folks, you don't need to make it every month. We need a few who can shop and/ especially cook on site for about 50-60 people. We take turns doing different parts of the meal. We will help you. If you are interested, please call:
Gabriella Heinsheimer at 510-220-6668 or KAM McCallum-Gesher at 510-235-6668.
Every Thursday: * Food of God
hot lunch program for
people experiencing homelessness
Kehilla’s neighbor, Plymouth United Church of Christ, the Jazz and Justice church, does important social justice work, including a Thursday hot lunch program.
Kehilla supports the program by storing food & supplies. Volunteers cook at Plymouth, transport & serve food at 1:00pm, clean-up & other tasks. The feeding site is in a public park @ 21st & San Pablo across from the Oakland Greyhound Bus station.
The program needs volunteers & it would be wonderful if more Kehilla members joined! 
Biggest gaps are cooking on the 4th Thursday of the month, food transport & clean-up on any Thursday.
Interested? Please contact: Kehilla member Richard Speiglman , who would be happy to schmooze about Plymouth and FOG. He’s at: (510) 654-4026 (landline).
Mary Lou Watson, a Plymouth congregant: (510) 388-0504 (cell). 
Upcoming Community Events
Location: International House Auditorium,
2299 Piedmont Ave, Berkeley
Friday, August 30 • 8:30am - 6:30pm
This day-long symposium will kick off a year of events at UC Berkeley to mark the 400 year anniversary of the beginning of slavery in North America. The events are being co-organized by the Haas Institute, the African American studies and history departments, the African American Student Development Center, and the Black Staff & Faculty Organization.

The symposium will include a keynote speech by Haas Institute Director and African American studies professor john a. powell, plus several panels and performances.
Premiere Film Showing: What Happened to
Dujuan Armstrong?
The #AuditAhern Coalition and the Ella Baker Partnership Team at First Unitarian Church of Oakland invite you to a film screening, " What Happened to Dujuan Armstrong? "
This powerful documentary follows Barbara Doss’ search to discover the details of her 23-year-old son’s 2018 death in Santa Rita Jail. After the film, there will be a panel with the filmmaker Lucas Guilkey and members of the Audit Ahern Coalition. Learn about what is happening in the local county jail and what you can do to change it.
Friday, August 30 • 7:30 - 9:30pm

Donations will be accepted on a sliding scale, all are welcome. Proceeds benefit the Audit Ahern Coalition and the family of Dujuan Armstrong.

Location : First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St. Oakland
Saturday, August 31• 11:00am - 4:00pm
Join Legal Services for Prisoners with Children and their grassroots organizing project, All of Us or None , at a block party for friends, neighbors, and comrades. Come enjoy delicious BBQ, games for kids, raffle prizes, live music, and quality time with friends and neighbors.

You'll also learn about LSPC's critical work - organizing communities impacted by the criminal justice system and advocating on behalf of incarcerated people and their families.

Location : The Freedom & Movement Center, 4400 Market St. Oakland
Food will also be served and funds will be raised for the Freedom for Immigrants Bail Fund.
Location : ICE, 630 Sansome St. SF
Saturday, August 31• noon - 1:00pm
After 30 days of daily protests outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building to close the camps , come out for this culminating protest featuring local speakers and artists including Emma's Revolution, Diana Gameros, Betsy Rose and Bonnie Lockhart, and the La Peña Chorus (with Lichi Fuentes). 
Wednesday, September 11 • 7:00 - 8:30pm
To End Toxic Coal Dust Pollution
Toxic dust from coal and petroleum coke is polluting our neighborhoods. Richmond residents living and working along the rail line and near the Levin-Richmond Terminal see this dust outside on our cars and window sills. What we don't see are the microscopic harmful substances going deep into our lungs. They're in the air we breathe, in our homes and where we work and play. 

No Coal in Richmond is working with other environmental groups to end coal and petcoke operations at the Levin-Richmond Terminal. They need help with their campaign. They need canvassers, people who can train canvassers, folks who can help create materials for presentations and folks who can assist with outreach to faith groups.
Community meetings (with potluck dinner) are held every 2nd Wed.
For more info, or to offer help, check their website or email action@sunflower-alliance.org,
Location: Bobby Bowens Community Center at 2540 MacDonald Ave., Richmond.
Wednesday, September 11 • 6:45 - 9:00pm
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) writes: “Want to get involved with SURJ Bay Area? Come learn about our current work and activities. SURJ moves white people to act for justice, with passion and accountability, as part of a multi-racial majority. You will hear about SURJ's pathways for entering the work, including committee work, upcoming workshops, and events. We'll answer your questions and share how you can get involved in the movement for racial justice. Register today!”
Location: Movement Strategy Center, 436 14th St, Suite 500, Oakland
Thursday, September 12 • 9:00 - 11:00am
Join Rabbi David at East Bay Housing Organizations as it holds its Interfaith Communities United for Affordable Housing Annual Interfaith Breakfast.
The theme this year is The Journey Home
$30 EBHO members, $45 non-members.
No one turned away due to lack of funds, please contact Vanessa Riles
Location: First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison Street, Oakland
Sunday, September 15 • 10:00am - 1:00pm
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) writes: “What skills, tools and approaches are useful in encouraging white people to sustain balanced engagement with anti-racism/racial justice education and work? How can we cultivate resilience (as opposed to white fragility) in ourselves, our communities, and our movements? This SURJ workshop will explore these questions and explore the role of the body, community, spirituality, intellectual knowledge and other themes that you bring from your experience. Sliding Scale: $15-$85. No one turned away for lack of funds.
This popular workshop tends to fill quickly so pre-registration is required.” 
Location: Sierra Club, 2101 Webster St. Suite 1300, Oakland
STUDY & ACTION: 6-WEEK SERIES:

Are you looking for a learning community to challenge racism? Do you want to learn more so that you can become a resource for your community? Would you like to find out how to take action locally and be accountable?

​SURJ Bay Area Study & Action is a community of learners committed to examining the histories of white supremacy and resistance movements, and building our abilities to effectively take action in support of Black and people of color-led organizations fighting for racial justice.

We are also responding to Black peoples' longstanding call for white people, in large numbers, to talk, study and take action with each other so we can confront white supremacy in our workplaces, schools, with our families and throughout our lives.

Learning in community makes our movements strong. We train up, so we can show up!
​
East Bay Location -- Provided after registration
Week of Action
September 20 - 27
Global Climate Strike! is an international action for saving the planet initiated by youth leaders from around the world. The main activities will be from Sept. 20 (the day of the strike internationally) until September 27. HOWEVER there are several gatherings and trainings before and during that time. All activities in our calendar connected to the local action will be labeled with a bracketed note that it is a “Global Climate Strike!” action. Our list of these comes from www.climatejusticesf.org which changes and lengthens everyday.
So go there for updates.

Monday, 9/23, Rabbi David and the 1000 Grandmothers will gather at 6pm in the Berkeley Marina for the Equinox sunset as an action associated with the week of protest. See the announcement there.

If you would like to be involved in the 1000 Grandmothers actions around this week of international climate protest please reply to: info@1000Grandmothers.net
9/1 , 12pm: Non-Violent Direct Action Training. Omni Commons, 4799 Shattuck Ave, Oakland

9/7 , 10am-2pm: Non-Violent Direct Action Training, First Congregational Church, 1985 Louis Rd, Palo Alto.

9/7 , 11am-3pm: Non-Violent Direct Action Training. California Institute for Integral Studies. Room 218. 1453 Mission St, SF
Event RSVP.

9/8 : “Know Your Rights” training w/ Civil Liberties Defense Center.
RSVP only. Event RSVP.

9/15 , 11am-3pm: Non-Violent Direct Action Training.Omni Commons, 4799 Shattuck Ave, Oakland, CA. Event RSVP.

9/20 , 10am: San Francisco Youth And Allies Climate Strike. Event RSVP.

9/21 , 11am-3pm: Non-Violent Direct Action Training. California Institute for Integral Studies. Room 421. 1453 Mission St, SF Event RSVP.

9/22 , 11am-3pm: Non-Violent Direct Action Training. Greenpeace Warehouse, 955 7th St, Oakland, CA. Event RSVP.
This year's honorees include NIF’s inspired leader and CEO Daniel Sokatch for his decade of leadership (and counting)!
NIF is excited to recognize dedicated CJNV activist and NIF supporter Laura Saunders as this year’s New Generations honoree.
Last but not least, with great pleasure NIF presents legendary social justice leader, Ruth Messinger , as this year’s keynote speaker.
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Four Seasons Hotel — San Francisco
Saturday, October 5 • 11:00am - 1:00pm
Showing Up for Racial Justice writes: “You believe in making a difference, but when it comes to racial justice, are your actions aligned with your beliefs? The work begins with looking in the mirror. Without intentional learning and reflection, white people may uphold beliefs and systems that perpetuate injustice. Join SURJ for an intimate and interactive workshop in which we will unpack how whiteness has shaped our lives and discuss how white people who care can take action for racial justice.” Sliding Scale $15-$65.
No one turned away for lack of funds.
Space is limited so pre-registration is required. Learn more and get tickets.
Location: Movement Strategy Center • 436 14th Street Suite 500, Oakland
The political home of pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans

Join thousands of pro-Israel, pro-peace leaders and advocates and make your voice heard in Washington, DC.

Save 20% off registration with code: PodSave
Bend the Arc’s National Conference
MAY 3–5, 2020
Rooted in justice. Rising up in solidarity.
LEARN. GROW. TAKE ACTION.
Pursuing Justice 2020, Bend the Arc’s national conference, will bring together progressive activists and organizers who root their work in Jewish values for three days of learning, connection, and solidarity in Washington DC.
Take More Action!
We will never achieve racial justice in America if this country does not examine the impact of slavery and its legacy – and make strides toward achieving reparatory justice.

Now, we have the power to make reparations for slavery real with H.R. 40, a bill that would set up a commission to examine the institution of slavery and its impact and make recommendations for reparations to Congress.
* Want to join an affinity group? We would love to have you!
The Belonging & Allyship Project is a big and long term initiative to address white supremacy and racial justice internally within Kehilla, at all levels of our organization and community.
* Donate Supplies to
Help People Experiencing Homelessness
Please help Tayla Husbands-Hankin support our homeless population by donating tents, blankets, tarps & socks!
A large box is located by the sanctuary door at Kehilla.
Please fill it with listed items only. Tayla will pick up the items periodically and deliver them to people who need them.
Get Alerts on Large-Scale ICE Raids if they Happen
Also other Important Emergency Actions
Bay Resistance writes: “A coalition of local groups is calling on folks to be prepared to resist ICE and defend our communities.
“If large-scale raids do happen, we'll hold an emergency action in San Francisco. Sign up at Bay Resistance to receive text alerts and visit this Facebook event page where details will be posted.
Reading Partners Volunteer to Fight Illiteracy
Rebekah Espino-Drobner of Reading Partners writes to us to encourage Kehilla volunteers: “Did you know only 31% of 4th graders in California read at grade-level? That number drops to 18% when looking at the state’s under-resourced 4th graders. Want to do something about it? Sign up to be a volunteer tutor with Reading Partners! Reading Partners is a local literacy nonprofit that works directly within under-resourced elementary schools, and empowers community volunteers to work one-on-one with students who struggle with reading. No prior experience is required, as they provide volunteers with all of the materials needed to implement effective lessons under the supervision and guidance of a full-time Site Coordinator.
Kehilla SAO Calendar is Online
Our Kehilla Social Action Opportunities Calendar enables you to quickly see what is happening on any day without having to find your last email from me.

Next Social Action Opportunities Deadline: Sunday, September 8th
If you know something that I should know:
In the subject line write: “ For SAO Email. ”
Social action items that come to our attention in the interim will go in our regular weekly emails. Please DON’T send us PDF’s of flyers; rather send me text that I can use.
DO send me links to the relevant websites and the email addresses or phone numbers of people who can answer questions or take an RSVP.

Your Feedback Wanted: We need more clicks. How can we improve? email Rabbi David
Online Action Opportunities
& Petitions to Sign by Subject Matter
Immigration, Food Insecurity &
Experiencing Homelessness
BUSES ARE NO PLACE FOR BORDER PATROL
Throughout the country, people rely on Greyhound to get to work, visit family, or to simply travel freely. But Greyhound has been letting Border Patrol board its buses to question and arrest passengers without a warrant or any suspicion of wrongdoing. The company is throwing its loyal customers under the bus.
CUT DHS'S MASSIVE BUDGET

While Trump is trying to rally his base, Congress needs to listen to us. Send a message to your representatives:

Do not use our taxpayer money to fund a wall or Trump's detention and deportation force.
The SPLC is deeply concerned with one specific step the Trump administration has taken – one that would prevent an estimated 3 million people from receiving supplemental assistance for their food budgets.
A new calculation proposed by the administration would make the federal poverty line rise more slowly each year, pushing many low-income people over it. This would eventually reduce the number of families eligible for assistance programs – including school lunches – despite the fact that they would still be experiencing poverty.
The only way to stop the Trump administration from redefining poverty is to speak out. We encourage people to tell their personal stories of needing food assistance and to urge federal policymakers to reject this plan.

You can make a difference on this issue, as the public comment period is still open for these changes until September 2019 .
Tell Presidential Candidates:
Urge 2020 candidates to repeal Section 1325 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) a provision that criminalizes mothers, fathers, children and others who migrate to the US.
It's wrong. It's rooted in white nationalism. And it must be repealed! 
76% We've reached 115,341 of our goal of 150,000.

78% We've reached 78,705 of our goal of 100,000.
We cannot be silent.


Open letter from American Jews:

As Jews, we’ve seen this before. These policies echo the worst of Jewish history and the worst of American history. And we will not be silent now.

Members of Congress, whose side are you on? Publicly condemn Trump's racist attacks on immigrants and do everything you can to stop them.
86% We've reached 64,848 of our goal of 75,000.
Trump administration’s illegal database is in violation of the
First Amendment
The Trump administration has been tracking journalists, activists, and lawyers reporting on or working with migrants on our Southern border. Border officials have created a database of dossiers and have monitored social media accounts, placed alerts on passports, and targeted individuals for additional screenings and other forms of intimidation at the border.
The administration is creating a constitutional crisis by targeting individuals based on their lawfully protected speech and advocacy.
Bend the Arc is part of the Defund Hate coalition:
  • No funding for a racist monument to white nationalism.
  • No funding for the agencies that separate families.
  • No funding for the agencies that put children in cages. 
  • No funding for the agencies that terrorize and kill immigrants.
Middle East Peace | Israel/Palestine
Save the Date:
Sept 19 Post-Elections Briefing
In just a few weeks, Israelis will vote in parliamentary elections for the second time this year.

We don’t yet know what will happen, but after the polls close and the results are tallied, NIF has got you covered with news and analysis from on the ground in Israel.
We will hear directly from experts and activists who will break down what the results mean for Israel’s democracy.

B’Tselem launches Conquer and Divide :
a special interactive project in collaboration with UK-based research agency Forensic Architecture.

The future of all 14 million people who live between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea cannot possibly be founded on Israeli dominance, and separation and oppression of Palestinians; it cannot be based on one people shattering the lives, communities and lands of another. 
THE SHATTERING OF PALESTINIAN SPACE BY ISRAEL
Viewers can scroll through maps covering 52 years of Israeli policy, showing how military orders, various declarations and planning measures have served in concert to establish ever more Israeli settlements and infrastructure, promoting Israeli interests at the expense of Palestinians’ rights.
The maps throw into stark relief the current situation of Palestinian communities, which have been intentionally cut off from one another and exist as islands in a vast sea of Israeli control.
The maps also demonstrate how dividing Palestinians from one another facilitates the implementation of ever greater Israeli control and tyranny. 
TELL OUR SENATORS TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST WEST BANK ANNEXATION
NEW YORK TIMES: Ambassador Friedman says Israel has right to annex parts of the West Bank

The Trump administration is opening the door to permanent occupation and conflict. New anti-annexation legislation gives the Senate a chance to push back.
Condemn the killing of unarmed Gaza protesters and demand an independent investigation into the massacre.
Avner Gvaryahu, Breaking the Silence 's executive director is interviewed on BBC HARDtalk with Stephen Sackur. 
Subject: Israeli soldiers who are now refusing to cooperate with the Occupation and their experiences as enforcers against the occupied Palestinians.




Buy 1
Give 1



This inflatable solar light is self contained with a built-in solar panel, battery, and an array of LED lights that can light up a room for 6-7 hours. During the day the light is charged outdoors, even during cloud cover.

The Bedouin in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are the least among us here in the Holy Land. They live in shantytowns with dirt roads, no electricity or water and are totally neglected and abused by the government. 

Your purchase will light up the lives of a whole family. Buy one for yourself, and the Green Olive Collective will donate another one to a Palestinian Bedouin family in the Judean Desert - Jordan Valley - or the South Hebron Hills.

All Politics is Local:
LGBTQ, Nationalism, Free Trade, Voting Rights
On this 54th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, we are calling for it to be restored to its full strength. 

With your signature, the SPLC will send you a complimentary Voting Rights bumper sticker. Will you sign your name to help us restore voting rights for all? 
The House will soon vote on the Equality Act, so we must contact our representatives now.

Today, LGBTQ people still lack explicit and comprehensive nondiscrimination protections. And the harsh reality is that discrimination and harassment remains a persistent problem in key areas of everyday life – especially for transgender people.

But the Equality Act would explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It would be the first law to ensure LGBTQ people are covered by consistent, explicit, and nationwide nondiscrimination protections in employment, housing, access to public spaces and services, and other critical areas of daily life.
As long as USC Hillel abides by Hillel International’s Standards of Partnership, it will continue to exclude LGBTQ Jewish students. Tell Hillel International to renounce the Standards and support all LGBTQ Jewish students today.
Democratic Party Passes Iran Deal Resolution
Trump's violation of the Iran deal has alienated allies and increased the risk of another disastrous war in the Middle East.
In a few weeks, emergency funding for Puerto Rico’s Nutritional Assistance Program (NAP) will run dry. This will cause over 1.3 million people on the island to lose some or all these benefits.

It would be unconscionable for Congress to deny life-saving nutrition benefits from Americans who have been repeatedly hit by disasters.
Sign Now: Join #TimeDone
to Remove Obstacles &
Build Pathways to Success.
Misguided laws place hurdle after hurdle in front of 70 million people in the U.S. and 8 million Californians living with a past conviction or record. These hurdles limit access to jobs, housing, education and more. When we can’t find work or homes, it undermines the stability of families and communities and does nothing to make us safer.
80% We've reached 80,061 of our goal of 100,000.

83% We've reached 41,724 of our goal of 50,000.

83% We've reached 29,143 of our goal of 35,000.
Gun Violence : Gun Control
80% We've reached 201,470 of our goal of 250,000.

82% We've reached 165,900 of our goal of 200,000.
Environmental Protection
Three California Bills on the Environment

Want to take a few short minutes to help push environmentally conscious state action?

Three bills are now before the California legislature and you can help by simply using this convenient online toolkit for September Action.
Tell Richmond To End Toxic Coal Dust Pollution
Toxic dust from coal and petroleum coke is polluting our neighborhoods. Richmond residents living and working along the rail line and near the Levin-Richmond Terminal see this dust outside on our cars and window sills. What we don't see are the microscopic harmful substances going deep into our lungs. They're in the air we breathe, in our homes and where we work and play. 

To make Richmond a healthier place to live, we need to end the export of coal and petcoke. Sign the letter to the Richmond City Council to halt coal exports here! 
The UN Secretary-General will convene a Climate Summit in September 2019 to bring climate action to the top of the international agenda.

The Summit will focus on the heart of the problem – the sectors that create the most emissions and the areas where building resilience could make the biggest difference – as well as provide leaders and partners the opportunity to demonstrate real climate action and showcase their ambition.
Tell your member of Congress to protect our air, water, public lands and climate. Budget cuts like these have real impacts on real people in your communities! 
71% We've reached 14,241 of our goal of 20,000.
Circulated to the delegates of the UN Paris Agreement in light of recent science reports that there are only 12 years left to mitigate climate disaster.

Tell the Trump administration: Protect our public lands!
83% We've reached 103,821 of our goal of 125,000.
What's next at the EPA? We must urge EPA Director, Andrew Wheeler, to stand up for science-based policy, and hold him accountable for protecting the EPA.
72% We've reached 108,567 of our goal of 150,000.
  1. Take the Paris Pledge: As a household, commit to reducing carbon pollution by 50% by 2030 and to be carbon neutral by 2050.
  2. We have the technology and resources to transition to 100% clean energy by 2050. Write to your Senators and Reps to ask them to support the 100 by '50 Bill today!
  3. Save the Clean Car Standards: The Clean Car Standards will improve our air quality and save thousands of lives.
Consumer Protection
CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION RE SEN. WARREN IN PAST SAO EMAIL
In past Social Action Opportunities email, we provided a link to support a crack down on credit reporting companies. This has been a big issue with Senator Elizabeth Warren who is a candidate for president and the link said “Stand with Warren.” Our intention was not to endorse Warren’s candidacy but only to provide the link for those who wished to join the list of those supporting the effort to pass legislation fining credit reporting companies for their failures to protect privacy.
Kehilla does not and has never endorsed any candidate for any elected office.
VIDEO ARCHIVE
“Many Stories, Shared Liberation” Kehilla’s May 11th Gala featured the inspired teaching of Alicia Garza, a founder of Black Lives Matter and Black Futures Lab.
  • As our movements for liberation grow, how do we strengthen our connections and move in solidarity inside and across communities?
  • How do we resist the forces that try to fracture us?
  • How do we reach out with love and curiosity and build trust?
  • What are the intersections within and between in the dismantling white supremacy and anti-semitism?
When We Fight We Win:
Building Community Power to Dismantle the Prison System
On Thursday, May 2, SURJ Bay Area hosted a panel discussion focused on strategies formerly incarcerated-led and -staffed organizations use to shift policy at the state and local levels. Moderated by former Black Panther leader and activist Ericka Huggins, the panel featured Legal Services for Prisoners with Children/All of Us or None Senior Organizer Sandra Johnson, Initiate Justice Policy Director Eric Henderson, and CURB Statewide Co-Cordinators Ivette Alé and Amber Rose Howard.
All proceeds from this event went to LSPC/AOUON, Initiate Justice, and CURB, with specific focus on supporting Quest for Democracy Day.