Reflections on the Shapiro and Lance Event
by Ari Packer

     Last night Mark Launce (a co-founder of SUSTAIN) and Adam Shapiro (of the International Solidarity movement) spoke to a packed room of 110 to 130 people.  The speeches were both interesting, informative, and just straight-up made you want to go out and fight for Palestine.
     Mark Launce, in his speech started out by giving a brief summary of the history of Israel, ending by making parallels to the to liberation struggle of Palestinians to the liberation struggle of oppressed people all over the globe.  Launce’s summary of the history of Israel helped inform the uniformed about the reality of what happened during the 54 years of Israel’s history. The conclusion of his speech I think helped provide a greater understanding to the oppression of Palestinians in the context of oppression world wide.
     After Launce’s speech a member of Free Palestine Now and the Muslim Student Association recited a moving poem on Palestine. This, to me, seemed like a nice change that helped keep the audience’s energy up.
     Next Shapiro spoke of the new International Solidarity Movement, which is now starting to catch the attention of the mainstream media.  He spoke of his time in Palestine; acting in solidarity as human shield for Palestinians. Shapiro described the ISM as an entirely Palestinian led movement that seeks to act as one part of the movement for Palestinian liberation by using the power of foreigners in Palestine. I found it interesting to hear about his experiences there and this new movement.
     After the speeches we heard from questions from the audience.  The question part really added to the over all event.  Audience members were able to ask questions about Palestine to someone who just recently got back from there a few months ago.  In other words, Shapiro was able to tie in his recent first-hand experience in his answers to the questions.  For example, he portrayed to the audience his experience of seeing entire rows of homes that were destroyed by Israeli bulldozers. 
     After the closing of the event, audience members got to talk to the two speakers one on one.  I look forward to future successful Palestinian Solidarity events right hear at VCU.