For years, a local non-profit organization has been mobilizing to stem the escalation of violence and bring their vision of peace to the world. New Jersey Peace Action (NJPA)was founded in 1957 with a mission to: abolish nuclear war, promote a more peaceful economy, end weapons’ trafficking, encourage non-military solutions to international conflicts and promote conflict resolution at all levels.
These goals, though lofty, resonate today more than ever.
The NJPA invites the public to their 57th annual dinner, on April 27.
This year, world renowned activist Sharon Dolev, Israeli citizen, and founder and director of the Israeli Disarmament Movement (IDM), will receive the Dorothy Eldridge Peacemaker award, named after one of NJPA’s founders.
Dolev will speak about “Cooling the Hot Spot: A Nuclear Weapons Free Middle East.” and also be a participant in PrepCom, a series of meetings and strategy sessions at the United Nations. PrepCom is comprised of world-wide members of Nongovernmental Organizations, who plan their strategy for the 2015 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Review Conference, hosted at the United Nations in late April and early May 2015.
Executive Director of New Jersey Peace Action Madelyn Hoffman said she is thrilled Dolev will be on hand to accept their prestigious award and speak.
“Sharon is headed to New York City and the United Nations for participation in this year’s PrepCom,” noted Hoffman. “This program and this gathering at the United Nations couldn’t be more timely as the world continues to focus on easing tensions in the Middle East through diplomacy and negotiations, not war. The diplomatic agreement with Iran is one example of how diplomacy can work to address international concerns about nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction.”
The Israeli Disarmament Movement advocates a Nuclear Weapons Ban, the establishment of a Weapons of Mass Destruction Free Zone in the Middle East and supports the Arab Peace Initiative.
Dolev has worked as a disarmament campaigner and as the Director of Greenpeace in Israel. As part of her work with the Israeli Disarmament Movement, Sharon represents ICAN, Green Cross, and other international disarmament organizations in Israel. Since December 2012, Sharon has been the presenter of a new radio show called According to Foreign Sources in All for Peace radio station.
Also being honored at the awards dinner is the Teaneck Peace Vigil, who will receive the Peace Action People of the Year award for their many years of regular participation in a weekly peace vigil held in front of the National Guard Armory in Teaneck, New Jersey.
José Santiago, former long-time News Director of WBAI, will also be honored at the event. He will receive the Sylvia & Oscar Ackelsberg Peace Award for all of his efforts to publicize the work of grass roots activists in New York and New Jersey over more than two decades, including much of the work of NJPA.
The Annual Dinner will be held at the Regency House, 140 Route 23, North Pompton Plains, New Jersey. Reservations are required. Please visit http:/www.njpeaceaction.org or call 973 259 1126. Dinner tickets: $75.
