Recommended for libraries with holdings in peace studies, social activism and Quaker thought

Noted American economist Jeffrey Sachs, appearing recently on the ABC, made an appeal for developed countries to address world hunger and the poor access of millions of people to adequate education and health services. He pointed out that most of these problems could be solved by diverting only one year of the USA's military budget to foreign aid projects. He characterised Australia's shrinking foreign aid budget as "mean", saying that, as a wealthy country, we have an obligation to do more, and that doing so would be in our economic interest by helping limit the number of economic refugees.

This new book by long-time social activist Dawn Joyce invites us to consider a new set of priorities that will reduce world tension and deescalate the current arms race. Going well beyond the waving of placards and token demonstrations, her essays and poetry focus our attention on what we must do to make the world a safer place now, and for future generations.

Sample:

Micha the map maker

Two young Israeli peace activists are visiting the Quaker Meeting House at Kelvin Grove. It always gives me hope when young people enter into the social justice network and give their time and talents to making the world a kinder place.

While the Zionist government of Israel is busy building “facts on the ground”, people like Misha are producing maps. Interestingly, the “facts on the maps” bear little resemblance to the Zionist position of terra nullius; a concept readily recognisable to us in Australia. Indeed the official tourist map depicts East Jerusalem in blocks of green and grey: there are no streets shown; the Arab population just does not exist. 

Only a hundred or so years ago, under the Ottoman Empire, Jerusalem was a truly international city where Jews, Muslims and Christians walked the streets and followed their respective cultures. Today the Zionists want this ancient city as their capital, but history dictates that it belongs to all the inheritors of the Abrahamic tradition. 

The militaristic culture of Zionist Israel suffuses the government, where many politicians have held military rank. Thus they look to military-type solutions. Sahar, the young peace activist accompanying Micha, is based in Ramallah. This old village is now a northern suburb of the greatly expanded city of Jerusalem. Quakers have been in Ramallah for more than 150 years and there has been a Quaker Meeting House for more than 100 years. Sahar claims an ancestry that goes back to David. I am amazed and grateful that she feels confident enough in her own skin to dedicate herself to lessening the violence. As she travels the world, she opens conversations offering alternative stories that contrast with the dominant narrative. 

It is our task to stand steadfastly alongside those Jewish people who find the courage to speak out beyond tribal loyalties.

Available in print and eBook versions.

Reviews:

Dawn Joyce's reflections give pause for thought: how do we respond to our colonial history and to militarism, rampant around the world?

Dawn shows us a life that values effective nonviolence. Clearly a determined and creative spirit, she supports others' struggles with compassion and insight. It is a privilege to have shared just a tiny bit of this inspiring story.

Jo Vallentine, fellow Quaker peace activist

An original "Quaker Granny for Peace", Dawn Joyce tells us how she has faced personal challenges and vulnerabilities in sage reflections on her inner life, family, work and activism. 

Her central message is about how to take care of self in the service of others and how never to give up in the eternal challenge of building a peaceful and harmonious world.

Professor Kevin Clements, National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Otago