Update on NZ support for Peacemakers

This update has four sections, with information on:

- how you can add a personal message to the NZ Support for Peacemakers web page, something you can do wherever you are;

- Free the Hostages Vigil, 12 noon, Wednesday in Dunedin;

- Candlelit Picnic of Solidarity, 7-30pm, Wednesday in Auckland;

- Meeting about Christian Peacemakers' work in Hebron, on Saturday in Dunedin, with Christina Gibb who has recently returned from three months in Hebron. Christina is available to come and speak to any interested group about this, for more information see the listing below.

* NZ Support for Peacemakers web page update *

Personal messages of support - there is a new section for personal messages of support for the abducted Peacemakers at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/harmeet.htm The page is focused on support here in Aotearoa New Zealand for the release of Harmeet Sooden and his fellow Peacemakers James Loney, Norman Kember, and Tom Fox. While all four remain in great danger, it appears from the news that came in last night that Norman and Tom may be in a particularly precarious position at this time, so it would be great if your message could refer to them all. Of course, if one or more of the Peacemakers is personally known to you, please feel free to focus on them if you wish.

If you would like to add a message of support to the page, please either follow the link at http://www.converge.org.nz/pma/harmeet.htm or send a message to Peace Movement Aotearoa email pma@xtra.co.nz - please type 'Support for Peacemakers' in the subject line, and include your name, and town or city, with your message.

The web page is currently being updated at least once a day with links to new statements and media coverage, including overseas statements of support; and there is a link to the international on-line petition calling for the release of the Peacemakers.

* Free the Hostages Vigil, in Dunedin *

~ 12 noon on Wednesday 7 December - speakers include: Rev Greg Hughson, University of Otago Chaplain; Dr Najib Lafraie, Political Studies Department, University of Otago; and Christina Gibb, Christian Peacemaker Team member, who knows US Quaker hostage Tom Fox. At Peace Pole outside Otago Museum (Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum, if too wet outside). Please bring a candle. The organisers can be contacted c/o email pma@xtra.co.nz

* Candlelit Picnic of Solidarity, in Auckland *

~ 7-30pm to 9-30pm on Wednesday 7 December - Auckland University Students for Justice in Palestine are organising a Candlelit Picnic of Solidarity for fellow student Harmeet Singh Sooden and his colleagues; all Aucklanders are invited to bring a picnic and their families for a relaxing evening of reflection and conversation, candles will be lit for the hostages. At Tahake Reserve, Mt Eden (north side). Organised by Auckland University Students for Justice in Palestine, contact email studentsforjusticeinpalestine@gmail.com For more information see the press release at http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0512/S00052.htm

* 'With the Christian Peacemaking Team in Hebron', in Dunedin *

~ 7-30pm on Saturday 10 December - Christina Gibb, who has recently returned from three months in Hebron, will be talking and showing slides about her time there. Please spread the word, and come with your friends, optional donation to Christian Peacemakers Team welcomed. At the Quaker Meeting House, 15 Park Street.

Christina is available for media work and to come and speak to any interested group about this, she can be contacted c/o email pma@xtra.co.nz

The four Iraq hostages are also with Christian Peacemakers Team, which has two teams in Palestine and one in Baghdad. You can show your support for them by signing the online petition, writing a statement of support or joining in world-wide prayer - details of these are on the web site athttp://www.cpt.org

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