Local concert to benefit groups doing solidarity work in Afghanistan

This Thursday there is a Beatles Tribute show at Billy’s Lounge in Eastown. The show will benefit two organizations doing solidarity work in Afghanistan.

One of those organizations is RAWA – the Revolutionary Association of Women in Afghanistan. RAWA has been fighting for the rights of women and against foreign occupation of their country ever since the 1979 occupation begun under the former Soviet Union.

RAWA has consistently opposed military occupation, whether under the Russians or the current US/NATO occupation, which is now 9 years and counting. RAWA has also been a strong critic of the Islamic fundamentalists that make part of the Karzai government, the Warlords and the Taliban.

RAWA does amazing work both inside and outside of Afghanistan to not only bring attention to the plight of women, but to provide resources and training for women to be leaders in their communities. RAWA focuses primarily on education and health care work.

The other organization which will benefit from funds raised at the show is the Grand Rapids-based group Healing Children of Conflict (HCC). HCC was formed a year ago around the idea of providing medical treatment to children who have been seriously wounded by US military attacks in Iraq or Afghanistan and Palestinian children wounded by Israeli attacks, which are funded by the US.

HCC also does work to educate people in the West Michigan area about US policy in each of those countries in order to prevent children from being killed or wounded in the future.

The show this Thursday, September 30^th is at Billy’s Lounge in Eastown, 1437 Wealthy. $5 will get you in the door and music starts at 8:30pm.

The concert is just one of several events around the 9^th anniversary of the US occupation of Afghanistan. For more information on other activities, go to Grand Rapids for Justice and Peace in Afghanistan.