Madison Rafah Journal

For the first time there is going to be a session on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict at Fighting Bob Fest, the annual Chautauqua in Baraboo featuring progressive speakers, networking opportunities, and entertainment. The Fest carries on the tradition of Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette by providing a forum for progressive ideas on issues facing Wisconsin and the nation.

The Madison-Rafah Sister City Project is a co-sponsor of the Israeli/Palestinian workshop. We are preparing an educational and resource packet for all attendees, and will also have an information booth in the exhibition hall.

Israel/Palestine: A Progressive View

Robert La Follette opposed colonialism and U.S. imperialism and believed in the right of self-determination for all peoples. He wanted a U.S. foreign policy that met the highest ideals of America. The ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian land and Israel’s continued oppression of the Palestinians have increased anti-American sentiment in the Mideast and around the world. This session will assess the current situation on the ground between Israel and Palestine, examine U.S. policy, present a seldom-heard Palestinian perspective, and explore ways to arrive at a peaceful solution.

Moderator: Matthew Rothschild of The Progressive magazine.

Panelists: Cathy Sultan of Eau Claire, who has written three books on Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon; Sol Thea Kelley-Jones, a Madison activist who has done human rights work on the West Bank and who has written and directed a play on the Israel-Palestine border and the U.S.-Mexican border; George Shalabi of Sauk City, a Palestinian born in Haifa before the state of Israel was founded.