RJI LogoThe Research Journalism Initiative
 
The Research Journalism Initiative is dedicated to changing the way students learn about socio-economic, religious and geopolitical conflict by providing students a direct link to regions of conflict abroad. RJI volunteers living in the West Bank work with Palestinians to produce eduactional films, radio programs and photographic exhibitions. This material is translated to English and incorporated into curriculum in high school classrooms across the United States. RJI then facilitates live videoconferences between Palestinian and American students to encourage dialogue and critical thinking by bringing new perspectives directly into American classrooms.

Resources for Teachers
National Tour & Upcoming Events

International human rights activist Mark Turner has recently returned from a nine-month stay in Balata Refugee Camp in the northern West Bank city of Nablus. During his stay, Mark volunteered with medical relief crews during two major Israeli military invasions and documented scores of other military operations in and around Nablus and its refugee camps. Mark’s films helped to bring international attention to the continued, illegal use of human shields by the Israeli military in the West Bank, including an incident in which soldiers kidnapped an eleven-year-old girl and forced her to lead them into neighboring homes. Turner is currently touring the United States, presenting his experiences and analysis of the developing situation in Occupied Palestine.For more information about Mark and the Research Journalism Initiative, or to invite Mark to speak in your area, please contact:

Mark Turner, RJI International Director
tel: (720) 989-5371
Mark.Turner[@]ResearchJournalismInitiative.net

2008 Tour Dates:

March 16th - 26th - Wheels of Justice National Tour

 

*This is a closed event is for students only.
Did you know?
You can support RJI by requesting your local library purchase a copy of the ripples cross DVD.

It's fast, free and easy to do. Proceeds will go directly to the Research Journalism Initiative and help us accomplish our goal of establishing the Nablus Open Media Center. You can do it personally at a local branch or just log on your library's website. Every bit of help makes a big difference!

Ripples Cross is a documentary film highlighting the experiences of international human rights activists in Palestine. Littleton, Colorado resident Mark Turner (24) documents his travels in the West Bank. Mark’s own video footage highlights in startling detail the realities and consequences of military occupation.

Mark and the other activists highlight what life is like under military closures and curfews in the West Bank. The activists share their experience of occupation including: the Palestinian olive harvest; demonstrations against the forced closures of civilian areas that result in soldiers violently evicting activists from closed military zones; daily struggles against the military imposed curfew within the West Bank City of Nablus; Mark Turner and another international activist are shot by the Israeli military; while recovering from gunshot wounds, Israeli elite commandos raid the hospital where Mark and Josh are staying; activists staying inside a Palestinian home slated for demolition by the Israeli military are forced out at gunpoint when soldiers arrive to demolish the house; and activists reunite in London for a benefit concert to assist Palestinian families who have lost homes in Israeli operations.

www.ripplescross.com
Feature
Israeli Occupation Forces demolished the home of Abed Zaqqout in al-Shiekh Younis area of Balata Refugee Camp. Soldiers were also documented using two youths as human shields during the incursion.
Feature
Israeli Special Forces dressed as Palestinians abduct several men from a coffee shop in Balata Refugee Camp. Approximately 10 military vehicles surrounded the area and exchanged gunfire with resistance fighters from the camp.
Current Projects in Progress...
This film will explore the life of Manal Ghanim, a Palestinian woman from Tulkarem recently released after serving 50 months and giving birth within an Israeli prison.
This film will tell the story of the destruction of Nablus residents’ lives through the destruction of its architecture. Engineer Naseer Arafat will narrate a journey through the ruins of Nablus’ ancient homes and historic buildings.
A visual interpretation of the poem, Memorial, by Mahmoud Darwish. Using archived audio, Mahmoud Darwish will provide narration and analysis as the film interprets the poem visually.
The receipt of an identity card is a benchmark moment for Palestinian youth. It is a sign of both growing up and becoming an adult, but also the beginning of new difficulties with Israeli Occupation soldiers.(Radio)