The Paradise Center for Tolerance and Nonviolence (PCTN) is sponsoring a program offered by Wendy Hartley, Paradise resident from 1984 to 2006.   "Stories from Palestine: Inspiration Rises as a Phoenix from the Ashes" will be presented on Sunday, November 16, 3:30 - 5:30 pm, at the Community Room of the Paradise Branch Library. The program includes both a dramatic reading and a new documentary film, "Jerusalem: the East Side Story," by acclaimed film maker Mohammed Alatar.

As a member of the Interfaith Peace-Builders delegation to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories May 25 - June 7, 2008, Wendy had the opportunity to see and experience life in the Middle East as it is, not as it is typically depicted by American media. She spent a day and a night in a Palestinian refugee camp; listened to Palestinian survivors of the Nakba (the Catastrophe) tell their stories of being forced from their homes and villages in 1948 as militant Zionists violently invaded their lands; heard the determined voices of Jewish Israeli mothers who are daring to raise the issue of demilitarizing Israel, and met with many more people involved in peaceful activism.

Meeting with Palestinian and Israeli peacemakers, ordinary citizens who are trying valiantly and non-violently to achieve peace with justice in this region torn by war for 60 years, has inspired Wendy to write some of their stories. Rather than giving a lecture about the situation, she gives a dramatic reading of her personal essays, transporting the listener to share the drama, pathos and inspiration that radiate from dedicated heroes of nonviolence.

The film, "Jerusalem: the East Side Story," directed by Mohammed Alatar, is a fast paced 57 minute documentary placing contemporary East Jerusalem in the context of its centuries old history of struggle and strife. In addition to historical footage of this part of the Holy Land, there are interviews with Palestinian and Israeli leaders, human rights activists, and political analysts.

The film is not for the faint of heart. "I did not make this film so that people would like it, because there is nothing to like in military occupation; but rather I hope and pray that people will wake up to today's bitter reality in the historic city of Jerusalem and do what it takes to bring peace to this troubled city," says Mr. Alatar.

Refreshments and discussion will follow the showing of the film.

Attendees of this program are asked to bring open minds, open ears and open hearts.  There is no charge for admission, but donations to support the Paradise Center for Tolerance and Nonviolence and the Interfaith Peace-Builders will be gratefully accepted.

For more information contact PCTN at 530-877-1856.