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Sonoma Valley Sun Articles
 Palestine/IsraelCome to the Water in Sonoma once again 8-26-10The year is 1995 and I stand here beside a well, sucking up information like the proverbial sponge. Who knew so many fascinating details could be elicited from Scriptures when one is exposed to the cultural traditions and requirements of ancien... read more… Who was on those boats in the Mediterranean Sea? 6-17-10When you see pictures of folks on those boats approaching the port of Gaza two weeks ago, can you see yourself among the throngs? Embarking on any such mission, activists thoughtfully consider the risks. People committed to standing up for just... read more… The definition of a “settlement” 4-08-10Greatly encouraged by the feedback in response to the “just joan” column of March 25, I offer today some additional preliminary information. In that column, I pondered the feasibility of keeping my commitment to provide readers with refle... read more… To see is to believe. To experience is to understand. 3-25-10Feedback from my March 11 column The audacity of the Haitian populace (read at http://3hmm.com/thesun/?p=16225) has been profound and profoundly one-sided. Not a single person has told me they are angry with me for bringing truths about this little n... read more… They REFUSE to hate each other 2-25-10“It is such an important time to gain a better understanding of what is required to create peace in the Middle East,” says Lorin Peters, the Bay Area teacher previously featured in this column who travels to the Holy Land annually for pea... read more… A time for Truth, a time for action 2-11-10Have you sometimes felt confused, overwhelmed or mystified by all the reports of trouble in the “Holy Land?” Have you ever wondered if some personal contact with people having alternative viewpoints might offer clarity and understanding? ... read more… A Christmas past – just one year ago 12-24-09It’s totally not too late! Whether you’re reading this on Christmas Eve or later, please focus for a moment on this question: Who in your acquaintance is negotiating this holiday season from a new vantage point because of a major change i... read more… Peacemaking through a poignant exchange 10-02-09Loren Peters is one of my heroes. After meeting the Bishop O’Dowd High School (Oakland) teacher, I applied and was accepted to be a member of the Christian Peacemaker Teams two-week delegation in Israel/Palestine.When invited by local peace and... read more… Called to hear the prophetic voice 10-31-08One of the most inspiring talks I’d ever heard was presented at a synagogue in Santa Rosa. I was so moved that I requested, received and kept the script for that speech, delivered 14 years ago in 1994. My hope is for equal inspiration for you a... read more… Let’s roll up our sleeves, Sonoma – there’s work to do 10-23-08Saturday, Oct. 18 was a day of courage, respect, openness, heartbreak, compassion and passion at the United Methodist Church of Sonoma. “Understanding the Roots of the Conflict in Israel/Palestine” brought together six speakers and ove... read more… Holding one another with honor, respect and dignity 10-16-08I believe in the goodness of humanity. Throughout whatever number of years I have left on this planet, I hope to continuously honor the goodness within and the inestimable value of every human being of every stripe. And I detest the domination sys... read more… just 'cause 5-19-08The Sun editorial written by The Sun's publisher and published on 6-19-2008: Joan Huguenard takes us out of our personal comfort zone. And that can be a good thing. That’s the case with the periodic topic for “just joan”: ... read more… “Let’s love each other and work together” 5-08-08Whatever it is that you regard as ‘your people,’ God created every single one of us. On this day, can we stop saying how horrible some group is? Instead, let’s love each other and work together.” These words closed the Marc... read more… Peace and Justice in the Holy Land 5-01-08Today there are more Palestinians living in San Francisco than in the city of Ramallah on the West Bank.” This is just one of many amazing facts revealed at an educational forum in Santa Rosa a few weeks ago. Agnes Girard‘s book cl... read more… Can’t go see for yourself? Come here instead. 3-13-08As I have said – so many times – and as former president Jimmy Carter so eloquently contends, if you really want to know what’s happening in Israel/Palestine, go there yourself and have a look. Since that may not be practical for... read more… A Biblical journey of massive proportions 2-07-08It’s easy for me to imagine how it was for him on Jan. 9, 2008. It was his first-ever visit to the region and I am not surprised that this born-again Christian had tears in his eyes as he walked on Holy Ground in Palestine and Israel. I, too... read more… The way it was for my co-workers in Jerusalem 8-31-06The Biblical Resources Study Center in Jerusalem was created by Dr. Jim Fleming, archaeologist and extraordinary Biblical scholar. My work there in 1997 was one of the most rewarding experiences of my lifetime. It was my great privilege to guide tour... read more… Snapshots of the Holy Land 8-24-06Ever since my pursuit a quarter of a century ago of a theology degree, I have held in profound appreciation and respect the religion of Jesus Christ, a faithful and dedicated Jew. Ever since my brief residency of one year in Jesus’ homeland, I... read more… As long as it’s ‘over there,’ who cares? 8-03-06First of all, let me make clear I do not condone the attacks of Hezbollah on Israeli cities. My readers are aware, I believe, that I vehemently oppose violence of every kind. I do get a little confused, however, over reports on military actions in th... read more… So much ‘attention’ to a little strip of land 7-27-06Suppose you ran an effective drug rehabilitation program. What more could you accomplish if someone gave your program a million dollars a day for a year? Suppose you ran a job training program aimed at marginal populations whose life experience ha... read more… Returning Iraq-era vets help each other regroup 2-16-06It’s for Iraq-era veterans. Do you know any? If you do, please tell them about Vets4Vets. This simple, nonpartisan, invaluable group was designed to facilitate re-entry into the civilian world. Returning veterans have stories to tell, wheth... read more… Time to come together and talk about peace 1-05-06“If we who paid the highest price possible can talk to each other, then anyone can.” The speaker is an Israeli, Roni Hershenzon, one more on my list of extraordinary peacemakers. Roni’s world was shattered when his son Amir, an I... read more… Ten Extraordinary Peacemakers 12-22-05This was a tough assignment, to choose just ten. But here they are, in random order. Hearing him speak in San Rafael, I felt honored to be in his presence. Here was a doctor who treats AIDS patients back to robust health! In Haiti! In the land of ... read more… Wake up! The holidays are coming 11-17-05Today’s column is a challenge. Most of us have a sense that the celebration of Christmas has been co-opted by the merchandizing world. And yet, year after year we continue in the traditions, gritting our teeth, determined to make this one the &... read more… |
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