PRESS ADVISORY

For Immediate release: October 11, 2008

“WEEK OF NONVIOLENCE” IN IRAQ

WHAT:  The Week of Nonviolence in Iraq.   LaOnf (Arabic for “No Violence”) is a coalition of Iraqi civil groups and individuals who are taking part in actions across the country to ensure that the upcoming provincial elections are free of violence and that the voting is open to all Iraqis regardless of sectarian, ethnic or political affiliation or gender.

WHEN:  October 11-16        (English info available from October 14 see below)

WHERE: In all 18 governates (provinces) of Iraq

BACKGROUND:  LaOnf was founded in 2006 by a small group of Iraqis to see if it was possible to bring peace to Iraq from within the turmoil of war, and restore a functioning civil society. The movement has burgeoned quickly and now comprises over 100 organizations. Membership is open to those of all religious, ethnic and political beliefs and to women, who are mandated a percentage of leadership roles.  The three basic goals of the coalition are the eradication of violence, the removal of all foreign troops and an end to government corruption.

CONTACT: Valerie Lucznikowska
             212-777-7997
             Cell: 917-757-7031

DAILY INFORMATION AVAILABLE FROM OCTOBER 14: Because of limited electricity in Iraq and few translation resources, we will have information on daily activities available in English beginning Tuesday, October 14, on the website of September 11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, www.peacefultomorrows.org  Click “LaOnf Newsroom” tab under “Newsroom”

About Peaceful Tomorrows: Non-profit September 11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows’ members are families of victims of the 9/11 attacks who have channeled the force of their grief into actions for peace and justice. Peaceful Tomorrows is assisting LaOnf to broadcast their work to the people of the US.

QUOTE: "Please, spread the message: there is not only violence in Iraq, there is something more; people are building peace and seeking real change. . . Today LaOnf exists within the polarized and dangerous political environment of Iraq where if you speak about resistance you are accused of supporting terrorists and advocating violence; but if you speak about nonviolence you are accused of supporting the occupation. LaOnf seeks to create a third way with its message that nonviolence is a tool to resist occupation, terrorism and corruption."   Ismael Dawood, co-founder of LaOnf.