Christmas Gifts from Bethlehem at Holy Cross

WORCESTER, Mass. – Christian Palestinian artisan and peace activist George Rishmawi will visit the College of the Holy Cross on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. He will be selling artwork created by his family and speaking about life in the Middle East. Both events are open to the public.

Rishmawi is one of the founders of the International Solidarity Movement, a Palestinian-led movement of Palestinian and International activists working to raise awareness of the struggle for Palestinian freedom and an end to Israeli occupation. He is also a coordinator and activist with the Palestinian Centre for Rapprochement between People (PCR), an organization established in his hometown of Beit Sahour (near Bethlehem) in 1998. PCR is a non-profit, community-based organization that is dedicated to initiating dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis working for peace and justice.

Rishmawi will be selling hand-carved olive wood ornaments and figurines made by his family from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m in the Hogan Campus Center. He is the coordinator of a month long ISM Olive Harvest Campaign, in which internationals will provide accompaniment for Palenstians harvesting their olive crop. The campaign aims to minimize attacks by Israeli settlers and military on the farmers.

Following the sales, at 4 p.m., Rishmawi will be speaking about peace and reconciliation in the Middle East. His lecture, which is free, will take place in the Rehm Library.