Please join us online
ICUJP Friday Forum
January 17th, 7:30-9:30 am Pacific
"You Can't Handle the Truth!" Court Rejects Effort to Silence Ethnic Studies Curriculum Accused of Being "Antisemitic"
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Event Description:
As Israel's war in Gaza and the West Bank rages on, the free speech battles here in the United States continue with Congress, state legislatures and college administrators trying to silence pro-Palestinian protests by conflating criticism of Israel with the odious epithet of "antisemitism." But last November, there was some hopeful news when a federal court rejected attempts by Jewish parents and teachers to remove an ethnic studies curriculum from the Los Angeles Unified School District that they mislabeled “antisemitic” and “anti-Zionist."
On November 30, 2024, U.S. District Judge Fernando M. Olguin wrote that a system of education “which discovers truth out of a multitude of tongues” must allow teachers and their students “to explore difficult and conflicting ideas.” He added that “we must be careful not to curb intellectual freedom by imposing dogmatic restrictions that chill teachers from adopting the pedagogical methods they believe are most effective.”
Defendants in the lawsuit included the Liberated Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum Consortium; Theresa Montaño, the Consortium’s secretary; and Guadalupe Carrasco, its co-founder. They were represented by Mark Kleiman, Esq.
Join the conversation with our speaker:
Mark Kleiman is a former activist and organizer and a long-time civil rights and human rights attorney. With extensive experience in whistleblower protection, he has brought cases that exposed massive fraud against public programs and has forced drug companies, nursing home chains, and defense contractors to repay hundreds of millions of dollars. Since 2019 he devoted thousands of hours to defending activists, scholars, and students who have been attacked for their defense of Palestinian human rights.
Learn More/Here's how YOU can help:
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7:30 - 7:35 Log in and socialize
7:35 - 7:45 Welcome and introductions
7:45 - 7:50 Reflection (5 min. maximum)
7:50 - 9:15 Program and Q&A
9:15 - 9:20 Announcements
9:20 - 9:30 Closing circle and prayer
Start your morning with us!
Facilitator: Steve Rohde
Reflector: Phil Way
Here's how to join the online meeting:
To join by video conference, you'll need to download the Zoom app on your computer or mobile device. Click on the link to join the meeting and then enter the Meeting ID number and passcode. You'll be able to see slides and video, as well as speakers and other attendees.
If you prefer to join by phone, you'll be prompted to enter the Meeting ID number and passcode. You won't be able to see the visuals or attendees, but you can view them on the meeting video recording afterward.
If you're new to Zoom and would like to use the video option, we recommend you download the app well ahead of time.
ICUJP Friday Forum 01/17/25
Time: 07:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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*Meeting controls for call-in attendees:
To mute/unmute yourself: *6
To raise hand: *9
(To find a dial-in number closer to you, go here.)
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Please note: Our Friday Forums and other events are open to the public. By attending, you consent to having your voice and likeness recorded, photographed, posted on ICUJP's website and social media, and included in ICUJP materials and publications for noncommercial purposes. If you don't want to be photographed or recorded, please let the facilitator know.
Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace recognizes the Gabrieliño Tongva as the past, present, and future caretakers of the land, water, and cultural resources in the unceded territory of Los Angeles.
Resources For Those Affected by the Southern California Fires
We are sending our support and prayers to everyone who has been impacted by these apocalyptic fires, and we will be sending out information on the new date for our annual Guantanamo protest as soon as possible.
We are sharing a list of resources compiled by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.
We are also sharing links for assistance and resources available from our partner organizations and houses of worship:
All Saints Church, Pasadena
Holman United Methodist Church
Union Station Homeless Services
EMERGENCY SHELTERS, IMMEDIATE SUPPORT, & HOUSING
211 LA is partnering with Airbnb to offer free temporary shelter for people displaced from their homes by fire. Start by filling out this form: https://care.211cs.org/public-survey/86c5adf88e2a29c103df24ba5f48cd3f6cf9a9171207a15954dbb8b9649429f0
Red Cross Los Angeles: Find a Shelter
The local hotel association is maintaining a list of hotels in and around L.A. with available space, including whether and what kind of discounts they're offering to fire victims and evacuees https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1o3k8WKk06GsCmPfQYXUyV0NILEt_8jSTzHTk7eIQ4os/edit?pli=1&gid=0#gid=0Mariners Village Apartment Homes (Marina del Rey) is offering temporary housing for those affected. For more details or to inquire about availability, please contact us at (310) 821-4916.
Alisal Ranch in Solvang is offering discounted rates to locals affected by mandatory evacuation orders. Household pets are also welcome. Those in need can call the front desk to make a reservation at 800-425-4725. https://www.alisalranch.com/
Coachella Valley Hotels: Several properties in the Coachella Valley area are offering discounted rates to fire evacuees, including Infusion Beach Club in Palm Springs, Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage and Holiday Inn Express Palm Desert.
Santa Monica Hotels: Among the Santa Monica hotels offering special rates for evacuated area residents are Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Gateway Hotel, Hilton Santa Monica, The Pierside Santa Monica, Regent Santa Monica Beach, Sandbourne Santa Monica, Shore Hotel, Shutters on the Beach, Viceroy Santa Monica and more. https://www.alisalranch.com/ (Note: As conditions surrounding the Palisades Fire evolve, some areas of Santa Monica may be included in evacuation orders. It's recommended to check the latest evacuation notices before booking hotels in this area.)Address: 700 Jackson St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Odyssey Games in Pasadena is offering their shop to evacuees to charge cell phones, use the restroom, and grab a snack.
Address: 1795 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
Octavia's Bookshelf has mounted a "mutual aid pitstop" with food and supplies.
Address: 1353 N. Hill Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104
https://www.octaviasbookshelf.com/
Baby2Baby: Distributes essential items like diapers, clothing, and basic necessities to children affected by the wildfires
https://donate.baby2baby.org/give/648067/#!/donation/checkout
Transportation-
Uber and Lyft are offering free rides to shelters and evacuation sites:
- Lyft: Two free rides up to $25 each. Use code: CAFIRERELIEF25.
- Uber: Two free rides up to $40 each. Use code: WILDFIRE25.
- Metro: Metro fares are free all day today.
Communication
- AT&T is offering people in fire-affected areas unlimited talk, text and data through Feb. 6 (if you don’t already have an unlimited plan). https://about.att.com/pages/disaster-recovery/california-fires#:~:text=To%20help%20our%20wireless%20customers,data%2C%20voice%20and%20text%20charges.
- T-Mobile is also offering unlimited talk, text and data to customers in cities affected by the fires through Feb. 15. https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/t-mobile-stands-prepared-as-wildfires-impact-southern-california
DONATIONS
California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund: The California Fire Foundation works with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide ongoing, mid- and long-term support to California communities affected by natural disasters like wildfires. The organization, which provides direct support to victims, is beginning to support those impacted by the Palisades Fire.
https://www.cafirefoundation.org/what-we-do/for-communities/disaster-relief
World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit global food relief organization founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, is already on the ground in Southern California to aid first responders and evacuees.
California Community Foundation: The California Community Foundation has been working to strengthen Los Angeles County since 1915. The organization's Wildfire Recovery Fund targets the most underserved and hard-to-reach communities in the region, with the goal of helping provide long-term recovery relief.
https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/
CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation: CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation provides financial aid to firefighters and their families in case of injury or loss of life. The organization also helps support burn victims and their families, along with research focused on firefighter health and safety.
https://calfire.foundation/donations/
California Fire Foundation: The California Fire Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides critical support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they serve. Your tax-deductible donation will help them provide aid to victims of wildfires or other natural disasters through their Wildfire & Disaster Relief programs.
https://cpf.salsalabs.org/disasterrelief/index.html
Dream Center: This L.A.-based charitable organization is offering emergency shelter to those evacuated in the Palisades and Eaton Canyon Fires.
Dream Center donation for fires website: https://dcf.dreamcenter.org/relief
Friends in Deed: Donate to Friends in Deed, a nonprofit providing services for the homeless, as it opens its Bad Weather Shelter amid the fires.
Friends in Deed donation website: https://friendsindeedpas.org/donate-to-friends-in-deed/
Direct Relief: Donate to Direct Relief’s California Fire Relief, which provides N-95 masks, medicine, and resources to health-care agencies and first responders in areas affected by wildfires.
https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/california-wildfires/
The California Community Fund has a recovery fund dedicated to helping victims of wildfires. You can donate here.
https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/
American Red Cross: Donate to the Wildfire Relief Fund at the American Red Cross. If you’re located in the Los Angeles area and can offer temporary foster care to dogs displaced by the wildfires, sign up at the Canine Rescue Club. Los Angeles Emergency Management Department
FOOD
World Central Kitchen: Provides meals to first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
https://wck.org/relief/california-fires-jan25
Restaurants Across LA County: There is a list of restaurants across LA County offering shelter, food, and support for first responders and evacuees. This includes SPA 6’s South LA Cafe, which is currently keeping three of its five locations (including Jefferson and Kaiser) open to provide shelter to evacuees and anyone in need. At their Western location (1700 Browning Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90062), they are offering free groceries, water, and masks from 12 to 4 p.m.
Sweet Greens will provide meals to first responders, victims, and displaced residents. DM them through social media or call directly.
https://www.instagram.com/sweetgreen/
Culver City Phone number: 310-660-7471
Other Locations: https://www.sweetgreen.com/locations
Calico Fish House : The chef at Calico Fish House in Sunset Beach in Orange County is offering to feed evacuees and let them camp out in the restaurant’s parking lot.
Address: 16600 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Phone: (562) 357-4012
https://calico-restaurant.com/
RESOURCES FOR REBUILDING AND RECOVERY
The Salvation Army provides grants to those displaced by fires and financial assistance for the immediate and long-term needs of fire victims. It also operates shelters and provides emergency housing for those fleeing fires. Contact them at https://socal.salvationarmy.org/southern-california/
California Department of Insurance: Guidance on claims for fire damage. View Resources
Rebuilding Together Greater Los Angeles: Volunteer-based repair and rebuilding services. Support or Apply
HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE
Teladoc Health is offering free, 24/7 virtual medical care to Southern California residents, first responders and others impacted by the raging fires burning in Los Angeles. Individuals displaced by fires or those who are unable to access traditional medical care can consult licensed healthcare professionals for non-emergency illnesses by calling 855-225-5032. Services include treatment for conditions such as respiratory infections, allergies, sinus problems and cold or flu symptoms, company officials said. Additionally, Teladoc Health is providing assistance with prescription refills for non-narcotic medications.
https://www.teladochealth.com/info/disaster-hotline
MENTAL HEALTH AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support.
California Hope: Offers crisis counseling for disaster survivors. Call (833) 317-HOPE or visit CalHope.org
The Wellness Center at LAC+USC: Free emotional support resources. Learn More
ANIMAL EVACUATION CENTERS
River Way Ranch Camp
For those of you who have been affected, please know we are offering accommodations and meals at no cost to families who have been displaced by the fires. Additionally, for those with horses or larger animals requiring temporary boarding, we may be able to provide space as well. You may contact us directly – Ashley Oken at (800) 821-2801 to arrange accommodations.
https://www.riverwayranchcamp.com/
Los Angeles Equestrian Center
480 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506
https://thelaec.com/
Pierce College Equestrian Center
7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills
strong>818-710-3308
Rose Bowl Stadium
1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103
626-577-3100
https://www.rosebowlstadium.com/
Agoura Animal Care Center
29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/
Pasadena Humane Society
361 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
626-792-7151
https://pasadenahumane.org/
Support ICUJP in 2025 - 23 Years of Working For Justice and Peace
Since September 11th, 2001 Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace has been meeting, in person and online, to deliver the simple but powerful message: religious communities must stop blessing war and violence. We have had great partners on this path - in the video below you can hear from friends and partners like Father Gregory Boyle of Homeboy Industries, Rabbi Cat Zavis of Beyt Tikkun, Ani Zonneveld of Muslims for Progressive Values, and Dr. Arik Greenberg of the Institute for Religious Tolerance, Peace and Justice.
Interfaith Communities United for Justice & Peace - 23 Years of confronting "The Enemies Within"
In the spirit of interconnectedness we have also stood side-by-side with many organizations and individuals that have worked to lift up the unhoused among us, and you will meet a few of them in the video below, including:
- Rev. Mike Kinman
- Erica Tamblyn, Safe Haven Bridge to Housing Program at All Saints Episcopal Church, Pasadena
- Chris Untiet, Faith Relations Director of Habitat For Humanity - Los Angeles
- Anthony Manousos, Co-Founder of Making Housing and Community Happen.
Housing Is A Human Right...For Everyone
We have endured and spead our message through very trying times - five Presidents, four California Governors, and numerous crises and issues that would shake the resolve of even the most devout and dedicated of activists. But through it all, we go forward in our mission to be the voice for "the least of these", and our determination to create the change we want to see in the world, no matter how vocal and effective the opposition can seem.
For 23 years we have worked for justice and peace, and we don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Please consider helping ICUJP in its mission.
ICUJP operates as a largely volunteer organization with a small part-time paid staff. We have survived for over twenty years through the generosity of individuals and organizations like you. We are honored to be with you in the struggle for Justice and Peace.
Follow the link below, and please make a one-time or monthly donation.
For checks, please mail to the address below.
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