1.    Introduction

At the last International Committee meeting of the World Social Forum (WSF), held in Montreal in October 2009, Palestinian members of Alternatives International suggested holding a World thematic Forum on Education in Palestine, in 2010. This suggestion was particularly motivated by the need to express strong solidarity with the besieged Palestinians of the Gaza Strip. The proposition was adopted unanimously and enthusiastically. The World Social Forum (WSF) was established a decade ago in order to provide the global social movement with a framework for political exchange and active cooperation in search of sustainable and alternative development models to neo-liberalism. The WSF grew rapidly prompting hundreds of continental, national, regional and local forums. The expansion of the WSF process triggered the development of thematic forums covering various themes among those, international cooperation, water, climate change and education.

One hundred years after March 8th was proclaimed International Women’s Day, the day remains a symbol for women all over the world, of all different nationalities, ethnicities, religions and ages. United through their struggles for a dignified life without violence or discrimination, millions of women around the world have seen their lives change for the better. Others continue to hope that March 8th will bring them peace and security, access to education, health services, and a recognition of their rights.

The New Yotk Times. By STEVEN ERLANGER and SOUAD MEKHENNET
Published: August 26, 2009

CASABLANCA, Morocco — Morocco has long been viewed as a rare liberalizing, modernizing Islamic state, open to the West and a potential bridge to a calmer Middle East that can live in peace with Israel.

Ahmed Gueddou, a laborer, at his hovel in Sidi Moumen. About 700 families there have been shipped to Casablanca’s outskirts.

"breaking the silence"     Date: 05-08-2009

Ten human rights and social change organizations in Israel have publicly declared support for the organization "Breaking the Silence" (Shovrim Shtika). In a letter to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense and the Foreign Minister, the organizations protested the Israeli government's attack on the group, which reached its peak when the government attempted to prevent the group from receiving funding.