The January Free Press Second Saturday Salon was held on January 13 over Zoom.

Listen to the recording here.

Mark Stansbery of the Free Press Board, talked about the salon theme, ending militarism and building community. He introduced the first speaker, Rosan Eldadah. Rose relayed the tragic story of how she lost six family members, including small children, in Gaza during horrendous attacks by the IDF on civilians. Rose herself was harassed by the IDF prior to the current war and her family members detained and tortured.

The next speaker was Shayna Solomon, representing Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP). She spoke about the work of JVP and their events in Columbus. Both Rose and Shayna emphasized the Israeli oppression and violence of Palestinians that had been going on long before the current situation and the importance of assuring that whatever changes may happen, the horror cannot continue past this war.

Rose is trying desperately to get her family out of Gaza. They have a Gofundme fundraiser now that will help with financial support. Here is the Instagram where she shares daily updates: thepalestinianbarbie

Connie Hammond spoke about her activities with JVP and how Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced Res 502B(c) that will invoke a process whereby Congress can demand an investigation from the United States State Department into human rights abuses from nations that receive our taxpayer-funded security aid.

Next was Troy Anthony Harris, who gave us a theatrical presentation of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from the Birmingham Jail. It was riveting and the sentiments could easily be related to the current Israel-Palestine situation. You may contact Troy here.

A demonstration is scheduled at the Columbus Convention Center on Monday, January 15 from 9:30-10:30am during the MLK Breakfast – a somber, silent vigil with signage about a ceasefire and peace in Gaza. The Martin Luther King Arts Center will be open all day with MLK events and the MLK march kicks off at 4pm at the Lincoln Theater on Long Street.

Thanks to Steve Caruso for being our engineer.

To write for the Free Press, contact colsfreepress@gmail.com.

See you next month on Zoom Saturday, February 10.