Over the past five years there has been a massive rise in the use of armed unmanned drones, often controlled from thousands of miles away, to launch deadly airstrikes.  While supporters of drones say they are a ‘precise’ and ‘pinpoint’ accurate weapons, in Pakistan, Gaza , Afghanistan and Yemen, hundreds, perhaps thousands of innocent civilians have been  killed.

Some argue that drones are no different from other weapons but the reality is that drones are making the option of resorting to war much easier, and although the drone wars era has just started, already there have been drones strikes by US, UK and Israeli forces in at least ten countries.

Drones are a real risk to international peace and security and eroding the laws of war.  Come and learn more about drones, how they are being used and what is planned for the future.  Together we can Ground the Drones!

Chris Cole is a researcher and activist.  He is co-author of Convenient Killing: Armed Drones and the Playstation Mentality, secretary of the UK Drones Campaign Network and maintains the respected Drone Wars UK website

Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS.

7pm, Thursday 17th October 2013

Supported by CND, Manchester PSC, Manchester StopTheWar,Drones Campaign Network

 Flyer

https://gmfriendsofpalestine.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Ground-The-Drones-poster-17th-October-2013.pdf

SADDLEWORTH PALESTINE WOMEN’S SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Sunday 13th October 11:00-14:00

We are raising money to support the Sheffield Palestinian
Women’s Scholarship Fund which is currently helping 20
Palestinian women in Gaza access higher education. Women’s
education in Gaza is under serious threat and this fund
supports young Palestinian women in a very positive way.

Our fundraiser Brunch includes:
❉ A buffet breakfast in lovely surroundings and good
company.
❉ 12.30pm ‘PALESTINIAN VOICES’
A presentation by Kathy who has recently returned from
a fact finding trip and would like to share her experiences
with you.
❉ Stall of Palestinian Goods (Chance for some early Christmas
shopping!)
Donations Welcome.

For more information please contact:
Saddleworth.pwsf@gmail.com

Palestine_Womens_Scholarship_Brunch_Flyer

Talk by Paul Kelemen

When in March this year Ed Miliband declared that he ‘has huge respect for what Israel does’, he followed  a long line of Labour party leaders. But why has the Labour party  been such a staunch supporter of Israel?

And what has been the position of the other political forces within the British Left?

These are the main questions that Paul Kelemen examines in his book The British Left and Zionism, History of a Divorce (Manchester University Press, 2012) and  on which he will be speaking.

Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS.

7pm, Thursday 19th September 2013

Copies of the book will be on sale at the meeting.

For more information contact Linda on 07985 624968

Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS.

7pm, Thursday 22^nd August 2013

Palestine: The Tipping Point

 by Tanya Mikaiel.

Tanya Mikaiel has recently returned from her first visit to Palestine. She reflects that: “the situation for Palestinians is getting worse. However, many believe this is the beginning of the end for the Israeli occupation of Palestine:  ‘The tipping point’.

With increased awareness and effective activism, is the end of Israel’s apartheid regime becoming more and more of a reality?

Spending 2 weeks in Palestine has given me a greater insight into the everyday lives of the Palestinians.  It was an eye-opening experience, and one I would like to share with you.”

Leaflet for Talk

For more information contact Linda on 07985 624968

FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE MANCHESTER 7PM

THURSDAY JUNE 20TH 7pm – NORMA TURNER – REPORT OF HER RECENT VISIT TO GAZA

FRIDAY JULY 5TH 7pm – BOOK LAUNCH BY RICH WILES author of a book

‘Generation Palestine: Voices from the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement’ edited by Rich Wiles.

THURSDAY JULY 18TH – 7pm FILM – BUDRUS (A timely testimony to the power of peaceful resistance)

THURSDAY AUGUST 15TH – 7pm Report from  Branch members on the recent visit to Palestine. S

SEPTEMBER 19TH 7pm PAUL KELEMEN, about his recently published book ‘THE BRITISH LEFT AND ZIONISM – A HISTORY OF A DIVORCE’

OCTOBER – TO BE ANNOUNCED

NOVEMBER 21st – 7pm MUSHEIR AL FARRA (Sheffield eePSC) to present his film ‘ AND STILL THEY DANCE’ re situation in his native Gaza following ‘Operation Cast Lead’.

For more details contact Linda – Chair 07985624968