Action

We’re asking that you become a messenger of hope in the New Year by pledging your support for victims. Add 2 things to your list of New Year resolutions:

1. At least once a week until the genocide stops, call your legislator and explain that if he/she votes for legislation that aims to end the genocide, he/she has your vote. Go here to find your legislator. Email us if you want us to work with you on talking points.
2. Every time you read the paper, look for coverage on Darfur in the “World” and “Africa” sections. If you find an article, write to the editor about it. If you don’t find an article, write to the editor to ask why Darfur is not mentioned in their paper. Email us if you want help on writing a letter to the editor. Here’s the contact information of a few prominent papers:

   - LA Times: letters@latimes.com
   - NY Times: letters@nytimes.com
   - Wall Street Journal: letters@wsj.com
   - Washington Post: letters@washpost.com
   - Washington Times: letters@washingtontimes.com
   - International Papers: http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=3487&l=1

May 2007 Bring Peace To Darfur (Day 12 from Stacey)

Hello to Everyone,

I am very tired tonight with the effects of the ride and the day. We still have to edit Day 12, so I am going to try to be brief with my writing. Today was overwhelming on so many levels. First, seeing Nourasham and Gabriel reunited was wonderful! It really showed how his being here last year touched her and stayed with her. The children are beyond cute and each one so full of life! All of the neighborhood children around Nourasham’s had this sense of generosity and sweetness. I’d take a picture of one and the next child would quietly ask me to take a picture of her friend. What spirit in such circumstances.There was a little girl, also named Nourasham, who approached me with a giant smile as soon as we arrived at camp. She turned up at Gabriel’s old friend Nourasham’s house and what a light this child is. She stood next to me almost the whole time and would stroke my face or hair or touch my shoulder. She was in constant gentle, loving contact the whole time. Her smile could melt the hardest of hearts. It was such a calm morning of reunion and catching up for Gabriel and Nourasham. Her children were very excited to see Gabriel and thrilled to show off their new baby sister. They had a toy that someone had sent to the camp and it obviously brought them much joy and laughter. The youngest boy, Mohamed, loved to make the ” meow” sound of the cat that was part of the toy just like my own little brother used to love making the animal sounds. So much family time and young life!

We next went to find the ” new arrivals” we’d met yesterday. We all gathered in a large meeting tent outside the camp to watch From America With Love. There were MANY more people than the original twelve from yesterday. So many new, frightened and eager faces. It struck me that the beginning of any new endeavor is the most difficult because the fear of the unknown often plays a large part. Add to that natural early trepidation, brutalization, hunger and exhaustion and you have some high anxiety. It seems to be human nature to adapt to our circumstances. We make the best of where we find ourselves and get busy getting used to living differently. We learn to laugh again, even in the most trying situations. Yet the beginning…… so much wondering and lack of certainty. I believe that, is why yesterday and today moved me so deeply. It was inspiring to see how the messages we’ve collected of people who care so deeply effected this group of as yet unregistered refugees. I felt like they were the perfect group because they were in one of the most difficult parts of this process forced upon them by a genocidal regime I saw glimmers of hope and the recognition of solidarity as they watched and listened to Ali interpret. When the video was finished one man spoke directly to the people of America. He thanked them for working towards their safety and I felt his words and his heart to my core. I felt proud of all the people who have worked so hard to protect people they’ve never met. I felt proud to be part of a group of people dedicated to stopping this genocide that is growing every day. I felt proud to be a human being in an often inhumane world. I tried to hold my feelings inside but the effort proved useless. I knew my tears would do little good and may even make matters worse by subtly suggesting their plight was hopeless. I turned away to gather myself. Then I remembered the countless people who told me they could not possibly leave a message to the people of Darfur because they would cry too much. I remembered my response, ” I think they’d be touched deeply to know you cared so much.” So, with that I turned back to shake hands and say good bye. I just let the tears flow because they were the truth and they were mostly coming from the flicker of hope in humanity I’d witnessed in those leaving and receiving the messages. One woman just let the tears flow right back at me. Without ever speaking a single word we’d bridged the language, cultural and experience gap. We found what united us as human beings. We just stood and held hands and cried. I’d like to believe that she was crying as much because she too had seen a flicker of hope for humanity, as because of what she’d survived so far.

In Solidarity and Peace,
Stacey

Stacey’s replies to comments

Mimi, Yes, it is getting close to day 14 and we can hardly believe it! We were so happy to see the healthy babies too. So much hope! XOXO, Stace

Thank you, Marilyn, for continuing to spread the word. The babies made our day and lifted our spirits! Peace, Stacey

Marissa, Thanks for talking to people about Darfur and hope your sister’s travels were safe and smooth. Thanks for the light and the prayers! Peace & Blessings, stacey

Gayle, wishing you safe travels and so grateful that you’ve followed along. Happy New to You and may 2007 bring peace to Darfur, Stacey

Connie, I agree that war is not the answer and that political and economic sanctions can make a difference. “Humanity before Politics” is the key, I agree and we cannot only deal with brutality against civilians where political and economic interest exist. We must protect ALL innocent civilians. Connie. Paz, stace

Hi Auriel and Ginny, Thank you both for watching and supporting the people of Darfur! YOUR involvement is so important! Happy New Year, Stacey

Teresa, I hope the legacy we leave as a country to our children is one we can be proud of. It is a sad state of affairs when economic and political interests are our ONLY concern on the world stage. I, too heard Ford’s comment today on a tv in an NGO gathering room. The best parts of America have so much more to do with our love of humanity than our love of power. Unfortunately, that love is often distorted and exploited when presented to ” we, the people” by our elected officials and media. Critical thinking , diverse media and education seem, to me, to be the answer. We’ll be careful here , thanks for the concern! Peace in Darfur, Action in America, Stace

Hi Phyllis H.! It is true that Bashir has backtracked many times and we will not believe anything or lessen the pressure until we see UN Peacekeeping boots on the Ground. Over and Over again the people here have told us that the AU cannot help them. They are undermandated, understaffed, underequipped, undereverything.! The hybrid force sounds good but confusing and frankly, just not enough. Everyone effected by this genocide that we’ve spoken to are begging for an International UN Peacekeeping Force and now. The book you wrote about and the woman sound amazing! It sounds like a beautiful mix of releasing the pain and moving forward powerfully. HAPPY NEW YEAR to you!!!! May we see Peace for Darfur in 2007, stacey

Thamar, As Gabriel’s current coworker I can say that yes, he is courageous and has not given up! Thanks for the prayers and the angels. Blessings, stacey

Renee, Nicole broke my heart wide open today with her suitcase full of food and one change of clothes! The children will lead the way for all of us. Her words are a testament to you and your nourishment of her life! Many Blessings, Stace

Thanks, Christina! Glad you are watching and Happy New Year to you too. Wishing safety for ALL in 2007, Stacey

Ronzeldala, wow! You are truly taking action, organizing and changing the world! So very inspiring!!!!!! The women do still go to gather the wood though even with the solar cookers. They have been here for years now and are starting to build fences, storage sheds and small covered cooking areas to feel more at home, all of which require wood. It is traditional for the women to do the gathering and difficult to change an entire cultural way so many are still at risk. What you have done is amazing , I just wanted to share that info with you if you did not already know. Keep up the great work and thank you for your well wishes. I’ll pass on your message of love and peace to the people we meet. Blessings, Stacey

Hi Mama, sorry haven;t called. It is difficult to get the phone to work! We’ll be careful, don’t worry and so glad you are putting flyers everywhere! Can you remind Shannon and Brandy? Happy New Year, Mama. I’ll be with you in my heart at midnight. Told Rene to call you and tell you he heard from me today. I love you and thanks for being such a support and so brave! From rallies to building Camp Darfur tents to the UN, you’ve been a champion for the people of Darfur, Salaam and Love to you Dad and Chris Always, Charlie ( Love to all those other siblings too!!!)

Hi Sandy, thanks for the news. Yes, I had heard. I pray for the day when ALL civilians are safe and protected in their own homes and countries regardless of who they are, where they live or what political/economic interest the world has in their country. I look forward to the day when proven nonviolent conflict resolution techniques are implemented in areas of conflict and when we think profoundly about and act towards the future we’ll leave our children. An International UN Peacekeeping Force immediately and strong sanctions on this nonisolationist govt would do the job of protecting the civilians in Darfur, no “invasion” needed. I ‘m glad you are watching and love you, stacey

Ciao Mariano & Martin! What beautiful words…. Yes, as artists we must dedicate our work to humanity and you ALL certainly do that in King Ludwig. The truth will always set us free and I am seeing so much truth here. Spread the word in Europe about Darfur as we need the EU involved. I love you all and am with you in spirit as those of you who are leaving the show journey forward. Live bravely, defend the world with your art and “speak your mind, even if your voice shakes!”. I love you both, Stacey PS Hello to everyone in the cast!!!!

Markus C., I am good. Tired and a bit drained but inspired by the work and hope of a brighter/safer future for the people of Darfur. Many Blessings, Stacey

Mimi. Dear Mimi Schiff, That child felt soooo good in my arms! Yes, it is all universal and all love. Thanks for your kind words, prayers and continued encouragement. Peace and Love, Stacey

Hi,Phyllis! Thanks for the response. It is so important that we do not trade human lives for intelligence and find other ways to stay informed and secure. We cannot pay lip service to the idea of ” never again” and then go on with business as usual. Thanks again for all your dedicated work for Darfur. Peace and Blessings, stacey

Day 12 from Gabriel

Man, that road is bumpy! Another three hours roundtrip on the road today, and I’ve been shaken as much as anyone can be.

I was able to see Nourasham and family today, and what a beautiful family they are. The new member of the family, an aready walking 10 month old girl, Hajra, is as pretty as her older sister, Hadia. The boys welcomed me with smiles and many words I could not understand, but they made me happy. Nourasham is adapting to life without her husband, who was killed only two months after I met Nourasham and the family. It has not been easy for her, but she is strong. She has no other family in this camp, but she has made good friends with neighbors, and they support and help each other. It was so nice to spend time with her and the other children that joined. There is a strong sense of community around Nourasham.

On the bumpy ride back, I thought a lot about the future of Nourasham’s children. What kept coming to my mind, and I really did not want to think about that, was that I was back to visit them after one year, and there are no good news for them. All I can do is promise that many of us will keep working so hard to help them, but my heart sinks at the thought of me having to come back a year from now, to find Nourasham and her children there, waiting for me to sit with them on a mat and share a moment, with still no hope of a full future.

After visiting Nourasham, we went back to see the families that have recently arrived to the outskirts of this camp. It is such a deeply depressing sight, the families living under no shelter, with the few things they were able to grab, as they fled their land being destroyed. They are not yet refugees, not officially anyway, so they do not get to settle inside of the camp, and they do not get the tent or the ration cards. How bad must they feel that they do not raise just yet to the status of refugee, as if it was something to aspire to. I have said earlier that living as a refugee is a less than complete life. Well, these new arrivals almost do not exist.

They are, though, complete persons! They are no different than any one of us. I tried to shake everyone’s hand, after we showed them From Amercia with Love, and I looked at their eyes, as I was doing this. It is a strange feeling, looking in to the eyes of someone. There must be some evolutionary aspect to that gut level connection, at looking eye to eye.

I am again pretty tired from last night of editing, today of traveling, and now I have to get back to editing. The days continue to flye by. They are so much packed with so much experience.

I wish you all a Happy New Year! Mi familia, I miss you a lot and would really love a hug right about now.

Paz, Gabriel

Gabriel’s replies to comments

Hola Mimi: Como estas, mi chiquita? I also liked seeing the healthy little babies, and I loved holding one of them, even though she cried because she wanted mommy. Yes, we are getting close to Day 14, and I can’t wait to get home to see you and Gabo. Thanks for writing, mi Mimi hermosa. Un beso. papi

Hello Marilyn: Thank you for sharing with others what you are seeing on our videos. It was a nice emotional break to spend time with the beautiful, healthy babies. The next day was not as easy on us, but we are OK, and we get to go home soon. Thank you, Marilyn, for staying with us throughout this journey.

Hello Marissa: Thanks for your note and positive thoughts. We will stay safe. I’m sorry we missed your sister, but I know we’ll get to work together soon.

Hello Gayle from Oz! Happy New Year! I wish you well on your travels. Thank you so much for your energy. It was great to spend time with Ashis, our common friend. We will stay in touch. Many hugs.

Hey Connie: You are so right. We just cannot count on our leaders for doing what is right, just because it is right. Other interests usually take precedence over basic human rights. The change has to come from the bottom up. I truly believe in grassroots activism, person to person, family to family, as a force to bring about change. We have to make the decision to lead our leaders. We have to make sure to elect those that take at heart: Humanity before Politics.

Hello Auriel and Ginny! Thank you so much for writing. I have been sharing, over and over again with the people I meet, that there is this amazing group of young people, members of the HRW Student Task Force, that are teaching adults what Responsibility to Protect is all about.

Hi Tere: Thanks. Yes, we will be extra safe in these last few days of our trip. It is very sad, that the fact that a genocide is currently taking place is not enough to push the world to act. I have to repeat what I said to Connie, we have to do a better job of picking leaders, and we have to stay involved after we pick them.

Hello Mimi Schiff: Yes, this trip has been all about contrasts. I hope so much that the situation changes soon. How much longer can they maintain hope? The world loses part of its soul, when it allows part of its beauty to be destroyed.

Hi Phyllis: Thanks for the information. The LA Times is right to report that Al Bashir has backtracked on promises and agreements before. The Government of Sudan is a master at playing the international community. Until we see an effective and robust international peacekeeping force with the right mandate on the ground in Darfur, we cannot accept words, spoken or written, as a sign of progress. We’ve been going through four years of broken promises and agreements. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for what you do with the STF at Venice High!

Hey, Thamar! So nice to hear from you! I very much enjoyed working with you, visiting abused children and their families in California. I’m doing some of the same stuff out here, kinda. Thank you for your kind words, and I look forward to hearing from you again.

Hello Renee: Please say hi to your beautiful daughter Nicole. I am smiling happy here, thinking of her with her suitcase full of food, arriving at the N’djamena airport :) Yep, the babies here do love their “chichi,” just like children all over the world. The mothers here are just amazing! The women are the power that keeps these camps going. Hugs.

Hello Christina, from Pali High! Happy New Year to you too! We feel so supported by all of you, and we’re sharing this support with the people we meet. Thanks, and I’ll see you at Pali soon.

Hello Ron Z: Thanks for doing so much. Please pass on hugs to all that are working with you at the Temple Israel’s (Long Beach, CA) Darfur Task Force, the Social Concerns Committee of the South Coast Interfaith Council, and the ABC Federation of Teachers’ Human Rights Committee. You are right. The US has done a lot to send aid to the displaced people of Darfur, but so much more has to be done. Genocide cannot be continued to be confronted with food and aid alone. Thanks for being an upstander!

Hi Stacey’s Mom: Stacey has been more than courageous. She is your daughter :) Thank you for delivering flyers all over the place and for continuing to spread the word. Happy New Year!

Hello Sandy: Thank you for your company and posts. There is hope, and I only wish that this hope materializes in to a world that is more about united and what makes all of us the same.

Hey Mariano and Martin: Stacey has told me a lot about her days teaching in Germany. Thanks for keeping an eye out for Stacey, as she travels with me.

Hi Markus: Stacey is OK. She, like I, is going through some heavy ups and downs, as we visit people that have been through so, so much. But she is sharing all of her with the people she meets, and is very much appreciated.

Hey Phillys: Thanks for the responses to Day 10′s challenge. #2 hit it right on the nail. On the one hand, the US call what is happening in Darfur a genocide. On the other hand, the US looks the other way, as it “massages” Bashir for intelligence. We have to say, genocide is not negotiable, and we will not trade lives for intelligence.