For Immediate Release: Aug. 27, 2015
Media Contact: Medea Benjamin, CODEPINK, medea.benjamin@gmail.com, 415-235-6517; Elham Khatami, NIAC Action, elham@niacaction.org
In Support of Iran Deal, CODEPINK, NIAC Action, & Jewish Voice for Peace DC Host Picnic for Peace Outside White House
Where: Outside the White House in Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C.
When: Sunday, Aug. 30 from 4pm-6pm
Visuals: 100+ people wearing all white with tablecloth-style picnics in front of the White House, large signs that read “Peace with Iran” and “Support the Iran nuclear deal”
Washington, DC –– With Congress’s September vote on the Iran deal fast approaching, CODEPINK, the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) for Action, and Jewish Voice for Peace DC Metro Chapter have teamed up to host a Picnic for Peace in support of the Iran deal on Sunday, Aug. 30 from 4pm-6pm outside the White House in Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C.
Members from different sectors of the D.C. community will come together to share a meal, foster friendships, and show Congress and the wider region that peace between strangers is possible.
"Coming together to break bread and build a community for peace is a reflection of what we'd like our elected officials to do," said CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin. "We hope that when Congress returns from recess, they'll choose peace with Iran instead of taking us down the path to war."
More than 100 guests are expected at the Picnic for Peace event, which will feature a potluck dinner in the traditional Iranian style, with round white table cloths on the ground to accompany 10 people each.
“In Iranian culture, food is often the first step towards friendship. Meals bring us together and allow us to embrace our shared values and set aside our differences,” said NIAC Action outreach director Elham Khatami. “We hope that this symbolic gesture will remind Congress of the human element behind this deal and of the innocent lives that will be affected if votes are cast against the agreement.”
Local members of the community and local event organizers will be available for comment at the event and by request.
##
