tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56940033317294286112024-03-13T10:20:37.734-05:00Relentless Writer 4 TruthA look into the life of a Muslim freelance writer in America and her musings on a variety of issues.L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-42564616580736553512009-03-15T01:02:00.001-05:002009-03-15T01:04:52.460-05:00Zionists Kidnapped 7600 Palestinian Children21 February 2009<br /><br />Palestinian researcher, specializing in detainees' affairs, Awni Farawna, stated that the Zionist gangs have kidnapped a total of 7600 Palestinian children, males and females, since the year 2000; 246 children are still behind bars, International Middle East Media Center reported.<br /> <br />At least 200 of the kidnapped children were detained under administrative detention, without charges or trial. Some of the children were as young as 12 years old.<br /> <br />One detainee is now 13 months old as he was born behind bars. His mother, Fatima Al Zoq, was kidnapped while pregnant, and gave birth in prison while she was handcuffed and her legs were tied to the hospital bed.<br /> <br />Farawna stated that Israel's targeting of children is a policy that targets childhood and a healthy growth, and expressed concern over the fate of the detained children as they are subjected to different sorts of violations, including torture and isolation, which affects their growth, physical and psychological conditions, in addition to affecting their education.<br /> <br />Hundreds of children were cut off schools due to being imprisoned; hundreds of detainees were kidnapped when they were children and grew up behind bars. Many of them have spent more years behind bars than with their families.<br /> <br />Several detained children were sexually abused and violated by interrogators and soldiers, while a number of Israeli prisoners, held for criminal violations, also attacked them.<br /> <br />Farawna stated that international law and treaties regarding children forbid barring children from their freedom, forbid torturing and violating them.<br /> <br />Many children were arrested more than one time before they reached the age of 18; others were kidnapped as children, and grew up to be young men and women while they were in prison.<br /> <br />Several children who grew up in prison and were released later on are having difficulties in coping with the outside world; some became violent and tend to seek vengeance.<br /> <br />Farawna demanded international human rights groups to intervene and put pressure on Israel in order to oblige Israel to comply with international law and the fourth Geneva Convention.L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-2394694849281296422009-03-14T15:34:00.001-05:002009-03-14T15:37:04.496-05:00Poem: HandsHANDS<br /><br />by L.Hashim-AlBayaa<br /><br />small hands <br />smudged by hazelnut-filled chocolates<br />impatiently reach toward the neck of Sittu’s thobe<br /><br />a leathery henna-stained hand emerges <br />with unhurried precision<br />tissue -- all but dissolved in salty wetness is unfolded <br /><br />revealed <br />a shekel moist with old woman’s musk<br /><br />a silent exchange ensues<br />one calloused hand (were there three fingers or four?)<br />claims its prize<br />while the other (this one has five) pours<br /><br />dark liquid<br />its dizzying sweetness shocking the nose<br />flows into a glass no longer clear after three hours of customers<br /><br />a moment long awaited <br />the kharoob feels syrupy and thick on the tongue<br />the day’s heat having leeched out the possibility of refreshing coolness<br />(that’s okay when life is not known to be refreshing)<br /><br />(yes, it is four fingers!)<br /><br />the four-fingered hand retrieves the glass<br />now not only cloudy, but decorated by chocolate finger prints<br />(a few more customers’ hands will rub them off)<br /><br />Sittu smiles <br />her slow hand reaches down the neck of her thobe to pull out a hard caramel <br /><br />small hands <br />in their never-ending search for sweetness<br />struggle to release the wrapper welded to the caramel by Sittu’s heat<br />¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬-------------------<br /><br />trembling leathery hands wipe tears <br />flowing down a face creviced by memories of small hands <br />now hidden from sight beneath a white shroud.L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-84249073209641400802009-01-21T22:15:00.001-06:002009-01-21T22:15:42.592-06:00"Worse Than an Earthquake"Worse Than an Earthquake<br />by Kathy Kelly<br />January 21, 2009<br /><br />Rafah--Traffic on Sea Street, a major thoroughfare alongside Gaza's<br />coastline, includes horses, donkeys pulling carts, cyclists,<br />pedestrians, trucks and cars, mostly older models. Overhead, in stark<br />contrast to the street below, Israel's ultra modern unmanned<br />surveillance planes criss-cross the skies. F16s and helicopters can<br />also be heard. Remnants of their deliveries, the casings of missiles,<br />bombs and shells used during the past three weeks of Israeli attacks,<br />are scattered on the ground.<br /><br />Workers have cleared most of the roads. Now, they are removing<br />massive piles of wreckage and debris, much as people do following an<br />earthquake.<br /><br />"Yet, all the world helps after an earthquake," said a doctor at the<br />Shifaa hospital in Gaza. "We feel very frustrated," he continued.<br />"The West, Europe and the U.S., watched this killing go on for 22<br />days, as though they were watching a movie, watching the killing of<br />women and children without doing anything to stop it. I was expecting<br />to die at any moment. I held my babies and expected to die. There<br />was no safe place in Gaza."<br /><br />He and his colleagues are visibly exhausted, following weeks of work<br />in the Intensive Care and Emergency Room departments at a hospital<br />that received many more patients than they could help. "Patients died<br />on the floor of the operating room because we had only six operating<br />rooms," said Dr. Saeed Abuhassan, M.D, an ICU doctor who grew up in<br />Chicago. "And really we don't know enough about the kinds of weapons<br />that have been used against Gaza."<br /><br />In 15 years of practice, Dr. Abuhassan says he never saw burns like<br />those he saw here. The burns, blackish in color, reached deep into<br />the muscles and bones. Even after treatment was begun, the blackish<br />color returned.<br /><br />Two of the patients were sent to Egypt because they were in such<br />critical condition. They died in Egypt. But when autopsies were done,<br />reports showed that the cause of death was poisoning from elements of<br />white phosphorous that had entered their systems, causing cardiac<br />arrests.<br /><br />In Gaza City, The Burn Unit's harried director, a plastic surgeon and<br />an expert in treating burns, told us that after encountering cases<br />they'd never seen before, doctors at the center performed a biopsy on<br />a patient they believed may have suffered chemical burns and sent the<br />sample to a lab in Egypt. The results showed elements of white<br />phosphorous in the tissue.<br /><br />The doctor was interrupted by a phone call from a farmer who wanted to<br />know whether it was safe to eat the oranges he was collecting from<br />groves that had been uprooted and bombed during the Israeli invasion.<br />The caller said the oranges had an offensive odor and that when the<br />workers picked them up their hands became itchy.<br /><br />Audrey Stewart had just spent the morning with Gazan farmers in Tufaa,<br />a village near the border between Gaza and Israel. Israeli soldiers<br />had first evacuated people, then dynamited the houses, then used<br />bulldozers to clear the land, uprooting the orange tree groves. Many<br />people, including children, were picking through the rubble, salvaging<br />belongings and trying to collect oranges. At one point, people began<br />shouting at Audrey, warning her that she was standing next to an<br />unexploded rocket.<br /><br />The doctor put his head in his hands, after listening to Audrey's<br />report. "I told them to wash everything very carefully. But these are<br />new situations. Really, I don't know how to respond," he said.<br /><br />Yet he spoke passionately about what he knew regarding families that<br />had been burned or crushed to death when their homes were bombed.<br />"Were their babies a danger to anyone?" he asked us.<br /><br />"They are lying to us about democracy and Western values," he<br />continued, his voice shaking. "If we were sheep and goats, they would<br />be more willing to help us."<br /><br />Dr. Saeed Abuhassan was bidding farewell to the doctors he'd worked<br />with in Gaza. He was returning to his work in the United Arab<br />Emirates. But before leaving, he paused to give us a word of advice.<br />"You know, the most important thing you can tell people in your<br />country is that U.S. people paid for many of the weapons used to kill<br />people in Gaza," said Dr. Saeed Abuhassan. "And this, also, is why<br />it's worse than an earthquake."<br />----------<br /><br />Kathy Kelly (kathy@vcnv.org) is a co-coordinator of Voices for<br />Creative Nonviolence (www.vcnv.org) She and Audrey Stewart have been<br />in Gaza for the past six days.L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-35402742533404061132009-01-20T18:00:00.002-06:002009-01-20T19:31:41.800-06:00Open Letter to Pres. Obama from Former Malaysian PMDr. Mahathir bin Mohamad writes an open letter to Barack Hussein Obama<br />1st January 2009<br /> <br />Dear Mr. President,<br /><br />I did not vote for you in the Presidential Election because I am Malaysian.<br /><br />But I consider myself one of your constituents because what you do or say will affect me and my country as well.<br /><br />I welcome your promise for change. Certainly your country, the United States of America needs a lot of changes.<br /><br />That is because America and Americans have become the most hated people in the world. Even Europeans dislike your arrogance. Yet you were once admired and liked because you freed a lot of countries from conquest and subjugation.<br /><br />It is the custom on New Year's day for people to make resolutions. You must have listed your good resolutions already. But may I politely suggest that you also resolve to do the following in pursuit of Change.<br /><br />1) Stop killing people. The United States is too fond of killing people in order to achieve its objectives. You call it war, but today's wars are not about professional soldiers fighting and killing each other. It is about killing people, ordinary innocent people by the hundreds of thousands. Whole countries will be devastated.<br /><br />War is primitive, the cavemen's way of dealing with a problem. Stop your arms build up and your planning for future wars.<br /><br />2) Stop indiscriminate support of Israeli killers with your money and your weapons. The planes and the bombs killing the people of Gaza are from you.<br /><br />3) Stop applying sanctions against countries which cannot do the same against you.<br /><br />In Iraq your sanctions killed 500,000 children through depriving them of medicine and food. Others were born deformed.<br /><br />What have you achieved with this cruelty? Nothing except the hatred of the victims and right-thinking people.<br /><br />4) Stop your scientists and researchers from inventing new and more diabolical weapons to kill more people more efficiently.<br /><br />5) Stop your arms manufacturers from producing them. Stop your sales of arms to the world. It is blood money that you earn. It is un-Christian.<br /><br />6) Stop trying to democratize all the countries of the world. Democracy may work for the United States but it does not always work for other countries.<br /><br />Don't kill people because they are not democratic. Your crusade to democratize countries has killed more people than the authoritarian Governments which you overthrew. And you have not succeeded anyway.<br /><br />7) Stop the casinos which you call financial institutions. Stop hedge funds, derivatives and currency trading. Stop banks from lending non-existent money by the billions.<br /><br />Regulate and supervise your banks. Jail the miscreants who made profits from abusing the system.<br /><br />8) Sign the Kyoto Protocol and other international agreements.<br /><br />9) Show respect for the United Nations.<br /><br />I have many other resolutions for change which I think you should consider and undertake.<br /><br />But I think you have enough on your plate for this 2009th year of the Christian Era.<br /><br />If you can do only a few of what I suggest, you will be remembered by the world as a great leader. Then the United States will again be the most admired nation. Your embassies will be able to take down the high fences and razor-wire coils that surround them.<br /><br />May I wish you a Happy New Year and a great Presidency.<br /><br />Yours Sincerely,<br />Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad<br />(Former Prime Minister of Malaysia)L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-16937489013248057202009-01-19T01:02:00.000-06:002009-01-19T01:05:04.886-06:00Poem: For MahaFor Maha 19 January 2009<br /><br />You, from Gaza should have known better<br />As your homes were destroyed and you cried<br />Before doing something no better<br />As you destroyed a home and you lied<br /><br />You are no better than they are<br />As a once happy family’s no more<br />A destroyed family’s the same world over<br />But this one, YOU breached the door<br /><br />Deer El-Balah sent a cunning girl<br />To steal my family away<br />From the string she pulled just one pearl<br />And the whole thing was rendered astray<br /><br />They say what goes around comes around<br />And I fear for you for that day<br />When what you did to me comes to town<br />And you feel your life slipping away<br /><br />You said my opinion mattered<br />If I objected then you’d go away<br />Instead you left my life shattered<br />As you rushed to your wedding day<br /><br />Let this poem always remind you<br />Of the cunning lies you two told<br />May the damage you did always haunt you<br />As the two of you grow to be old.L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-1824310117039640962009-01-11T14:42:00.003-06:002009-01-11T15:00:12.315-06:00Poem: The ThornThe Thorn (by L. Hashim 10 Jan. 2009)<br /><br />I have a thorn in my hand - that cannot be pulled out<br />no matter which way I turn - there is nothing but doubt<br /><br />ache without pain - deaf, dumb and blind<br />cannot get away - cannot leave it behind<br /><br />all lies exposed - the bare ugly truth<br />the thorn in my hand - is really a tooth<br /><br />bit by the creature - that feeds off my soul<br />where once was a heart - now exists just a hole<br /><br /><br />© 2009 Lamyaa HashimL Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-78896141790090609612009-01-10T21:59:00.005-06:002009-01-11T14:59:46.490-06:00Poem: The News (El-Khabr)The News<br />by L. Hashim<br /><br />I should have known by the sudden onslaught of love letters and poems<br />they were not a manifestation of love<br />rather a sad attempt at redemption for an undeclared assault<br /><br />an assault that neither did I see coming nor knew when it had hit<br />the aim could not have been more direct<br />in one blow destroying the infrastructure of my life<br /><br />the timing could not have been more perfect, my love<br />as I watched Gaza burn in agony<br />my past obliterated by mortar rounds<br /><br />you brought your own rounds of mortar and finished the attack<br />upon my very soul they fell<br />do I know where Gaza ends and I begin?<br /><br />Oh cruelest of cruel – is it you or them – or are you the same?<br />do I know how I feel or how to feel?<br />my eyes and heart are empty now<br /><br />do you know your part in this scheme or are you truly so dense?<br />there is no difference between heart and home<br />Gaza and I are the same<br /><br /><br />© 2009 Lamyaa HashimL Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-46940961788494837432009-01-08T12:45:00.002-06:002009-01-08T12:50:35.574-06:00Israel Attacks UN Gaza ConvoyI am not surprised at all of the isreali's below action. I myself was witness to isreali soldiers throwing a grenade inside the UN compound in 1994 - which they hunted me down for witnessing - UN officials were finally able to pull me into their side of the compound after a physical struggle during which israeli soldiers stronghandled me to try to get my camera and recorder. I ended up getting shot at too. I was told at the time that the UNRWA had an agreement that they were not even allowed to report such incidents (or they could not stay in that region at all) - the price to pay in order to try to help who can be helped. Still believe CNN? <br /><br />ADC Press Release:<br />Israel Attacks UN Gaza Convoy<br /> <br />ADC Repeats Calls for Investigations into Israel's Continued Violations of the Laws of War<br />Washington, DC | January 8, 2009 | www.adc.org | The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) today called on the United States Government; including members of Congress, and the international community; including the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to investigate an Israeli military attack earlier today on a United Nations relief convoy resulting in the death of one UN relief worker and the injury of two others. The attack took place as the convoy traveled to the Erez border crossing to pick-up humanitarian supplies that were to have been allowed into Gaza during a three-hour ceasefire. UN sources have indicated that the attack by Israeli ground forces took place despite the convoy's coordination of its movement with Israel. It is a violation of international humanitarian law and the laws of war, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, to target or attack civilian aid workers or emergency medical personnel engaged in the evacuation and treatment of victims. Further, the Associated Press is now reporting that the United Nations on Thursday said it was halting aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, citing the danger its staff was under from the Israel Defense Forces.<br /> <br />Israel's overwhelming attacks on Gaza, now in their 12th day, have far killed 707 people, including 219 children, 89 women, and 12 paramedics whose ambulances were targeted as they attempted to reach the injured. The Israeli attacks have also injured over 3,100 people, 46% of whom are women and children, many being maimed for life. Israel has also destroyed 12 Mosques and targeted two UN-operated schools, including an attack three days ago which 40 civilians who were seeking shelter from the Israeli onslaught in the school. Since the Israeli attacks began, rocket fire from Gaza has killed 6 Israelis including one soldier. The Israeli army said four of its soldiers had been killed in two separate friendly-fire incidents on Tuesday, when errant Israeli tank shells hit their positions and 60 Israelis have been injured by rocket attacks launched from Gaza into southern Israel. <br /> <br />###<br />NOTE TO EDITORS: The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), which is non sectarian and non partisan, is the largest Arab-American civil rights organization in the United States. It was founded in 1980, by former Senator James Abourezk to protect the civil rights of people of Arab descent in the United States and to promote the cultural heritage of the Arabs. ADC has 38 chapters nationwide, including chapters in every major city in the country, and members in all 50 states. <br />______________________________________________________________<br />American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee | www.adc.org<br />1732 Wisconsin Ave., NW | Washington, DC 20007<br />Tel: 202-244-2990 | Fax: 202-244-7968 | laila@adc.orgL Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-17566062957861156862009-01-06T21:30:00.002-06:002009-01-06T21:41:00.253-06:00Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Boycott israel NOW!!!The following site contains a pretty comprehensive list of companies and products heavily invested in the israeli market:<br /><br /> http://www.boycottisraeligoods.org/modules5533.php<br /><br />They are listed alphabetically. In case you question the facts, click on the company name for details of the trail of evidence (how they are in invested). Below I am also posting a link to products shown by brandmark for easy recognition from another site:<br /><br />http://www.inminds.com/logos/timberland.gif.<br /><br />Boycotting is an effective, peaceful means of dismantling the infrastructure of an oppressive nation. There is only so long that you can hold up protest signs before you realize that all you are doing is aching your muscles. Hit them in the pocket!L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-87228092877143882812009-01-05T23:29:00.001-06:002009-01-05T23:29:52.715-06:00Call to Action!!!A concerted effort is under way requesting that members of Congress issue statements supporting Israel's right to "defend its citizens against terrorism" by continuing its military action in Gaza. It is likely that legislation in this vein will emerge shortly after Congress convenes on January 6.<br /><br />Please immediately call your House member and Senators and urge them to oppose this resolution and issue a statement condemning the disproportionate Israeli actions against the citizens of Gaza. Get one new person every day to make these calls. If they have already called, ask them to call again.<br /><br />For DC Offices, the free number is 1-800-828-0498.<br />Sen. McConnell's Louisville office: 582-6304<br />Sen. Bunning's Louisville office: 582.5341<br />Rep. Yarmuth's Louisville office: 582-5129<br /><br />Talking points:<br /><br />Demand from the President, your Representative, and Senators<br /><br /> * an unconditional, immediate cease-fire;<br /> * full humanitarian access to Gaza and a lifting of Israel’s siege;<br /> * and accountability for Israel’s misuse of U.S. weapons to kill Palestinian civilians. (On 1/3 the U.S. blocked a UN Resolution for an immediate cease fire)<br /><br />Gaza: On-Line Crisis Resource Center & Action Plans<br /><br />As of this writing, over 540 Palestinians - at least 30% unarmed civilians - have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza. Of the many injured, over 1000 are children. Protests demanding an end to the attacks are ongoing, as are efforts to educate the public about the reasons for Israel's assault and the underlying nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The following are places to find up-to-date, accessible information and analyses, as well as suggestions about how you can raise your voice:<br /><br />The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) has developed on online Gaza Crisis Resource Center at http://www.adc.org . This new tool, designed to serve as a primary source of information, incorporates several resources on the Gaza attacks including:<br /><br /> *A factual timeline of the events leading up to the Israeli attacks.<br /> *Reliable articles on the situation in Gaza.<br /> *A list of UN responses and statements on the tragedy.<br /> *A list of credible media sources.<br /> *A continuously updated resource on the numbers of killed and injured.<br /> *An instructive link on contacting the media about the tragedy in Gaza.<br /> *An instructive link on contacting elected representatives including President-elect Obama.<br /> *A list of protests, rallies, and vigils taking place nationwide.<br /><br />The U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation has published a new downloadable fact sheet, "Israel is Killing Palestinians in Gaza w/U.S. Weapons" as part of its emergency campaign, "Take Action: End Israel's Attack on Gaza." For the fact sheet and full information, go to:<br /><br />http://www.endtheoccupation.org/article.php?id=1775<br /><br />OTHER LOUISVILLE ACTIONS:<br /><br /> * Ongoing vigil for peace in the Middle East. Friday, January 9, 12:00 noon. Corner of 6th and Broadway. Leafletting, updates and congressional office visits.<br /> * Ad Hoc Coalition to End the Siege of Gaza. Organizing meeting Monday January 12. 7:00 p.m. Central Presbyterian Church, 4th and Kentucky. Many projects and efforts are underway from media work to planning cultural events. Every voice is needed now.<br /><br /><br /><br />*****************************************<br />Talk to Obama (ACTION REQUIRED)<br /><br />Talk to Obama:<br />Share your concerns about Gaza, Palestine and Israel.<br />Go on line to: http://change.gov/page/s/contact<br />Click on "Agenda" at the top of the page.<br />Check your concerns in their list.<br />THEN use the box at the bottom to state your special concern and request.<br />OR call the Transition Team directly at 202-540-3000<br /><br />*****************************************<br />National Day of Emergency Mass Action for Gaza: Saturday, January 10 (ACTION REQUESTED)<br />Subject: Jan. 10 March on Washington for Gaza: Momentum Builds, New Sponsors, Endorse & Organize Transportation<br /><br />Momentum Grows for the<br />LET GAZA LIVE<br />National March on Washington<br />Saturday, January 10<br />Assemble at the White House (north side) at 1:00 PM<br />http://answer.pephost.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ANS_homepage<br /><br />A doctor in Gaza's main hospital reported that children make up 30 percent of the casualties, among the dead and wounded, in the second day of the ground invasion. The time to act is now! Local marches have taken place all over the country. Now is the time to bring the outrage of the people right to the steps of the White House.<br /><br />-- <br /> This list is maintained by the Louisville Committee for<br />Peace in the Middle East. If you want to remain on this<br />list and continue to be informed about our activities<br />and issues, you don’t need to reply. If you want to be<br />removed for whatever reason, just reply to this note with<br />the word “unsubscribe” in the subject or content. Or, send<br />a note directly to mideastpeace@mailforce.net Others can sign<br />up for the list at http://www.louisvillepeace.org/lcpme.htmlL Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-23536616519198091932009-01-04T10:49:00.007-06:002009-01-04T19:17:02.835-06:00Gaza: You, From Now On, Are Not YourselfI felt it pertinent at this time to re-post an enlightening and sobering poem by the notable Palestinian National Poet, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mahmoud Darwish</span> (1941 - August 2008) - may he rest in peace. This poem originally appeared in Al-Ayyam, June 17th, 2007.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You, From Now On... Are Not Yourself</span></span><br /><br /><span style=""> </span>Did we have to fall from a tremendous height so as to see our blood on our hands…to realize that we are no angels…as we thought? <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>Did we also have to expose our flaws before the world so that our truth would no longer stay virgin?</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>How much we lied when we said: we are the exception!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>To believe oneself is worse than to lie to the other!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>To be friendly with those who hate us and harsh on those who love us — that is the lowness of the arrogant and the arrogance of the low!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <ul><li><span style=""> </span>O past: Do not change us whenever we stepped away from you!</li><li><span style=""> </span>O future: do not ask us: who are you?<span style=""> </span>and what do you want from me? Because we too, do not know.</li><li><span style=""> </span>O present! Bear with us a little because we are nothing but insufferable passersby.</li></ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>The identity is: what we bequeath and not what we inherit. What we invent and not what we remember. The identity is the corruption of the mirror that we must break whenever we liked the image!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>He masked himself and pulled up his courage and killed his mother…because she was the easiest of prey…and because a female soldier stopped him and exposed her bosoms to him saying: Does your mother have ones like these?</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>Had it not been for shame and darkness, I would have visited Gaza without knowing the way to the home of the new Abu Sufian or the name of the new prophet!<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>Had Muhammad not been the last of the prophets, every gang would have had a prophet and every apostle had a militia!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>June astonished us in its fortieth anniversary: if we do not find someone to defeat us again, we defeat ourselves with out hands so as not to forget!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>No matter how long you look in my eyes, you will not find my gaze there. It was kidnapped by a scandal!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>My heart is not mine and not for anyone. It became independent of me without turning into a stone.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>Does the one chanting on the body of his victim-brother: “Allahu Akbar” know that he is an infidel since he sees God in his image: smaller than any perfectly created human.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>The prisoner who seeks to inherit the prison hid the smile of victory from the camera, but he could not succeed in curbing the happiness that cascaded from his eyes.<br /><span style=""> </span>Perhaps because the fast-paced script was stronger than the actor.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>What is our need for Narcissus so long as we are Palestinians.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>As long as we do not know the difference between the mosque and the university because they are derived from the same linguistic root, what is our need for a state so long as it and the day are facing one fate?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>A large sign on the door of a nightclub: we welcome the Palestinians returning from the battle. Entry is free!<span style=""> </span>And our wine does not intoxicate!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>I cannot defend my right to work; a shoe shiner on the pavement.<br /><span style=""> </span>Because my customers have the right to consider me a shoe thief – a university professor told me!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>“The stranger and I are against my cousin. My cousin and I are against my brother…and my sheikh and I are against myself.” This is the first lesson in the new national education in the dungeons of darkness.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>Who enters paradise first? The one who died by the bullets of the enemy or the one who died by the bullets of the brother?</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>Some theologians say: Many an enemy of yours that your mother gave birth to!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>The fundamentalists do not exasperate me because they are believers in their special way. <span style="font-weight: bold;">But, their secular supporters do and their atheist supporters, too, who only believe in one religion: their images on television!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>He asked me: does a hungry guard defend a house whose owner traveled to spend his summer vacation at the French or the Italian Riviera…no difference?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>I said: he does not defend!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">He asked me: do I + I = two?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>I said: you and you are less than one!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""> </span>I am not ashamed of my identity because it is still in the process of being written. But I am ashamed of parts of the Prolegomenon of Ibn Khaldoun.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>You, from now on, are not yourself!</span></p>L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-20306433779194509402009-01-03T19:32:00.000-06:002009-01-03T19:33:02.167-06:00Gaza Update (from 2 Jan 2009)<span style="font-size:180%;"><b>PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY<br /><br /></b></span><b><i>"...Hamas has repeatedly proposed long-term truces with Israel and offered to negotiate a permanent truce. During the last cease-fire, established through Egyptian intermediaries in July, Hamas upheld the truce although Israel refused to ease the blockade. It was Israel that, on Nov. 4, initiated an armed attack that violated the truce and killed six Palestinians. <u>It was only then that Hamas resumed firing rockets at Israel.</u>" -- </i>Richard Falk, the U.N. special rapporteur for human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory and former Princeton University law professor.<br /><br /><i>Israel bears special responsibility as the occupying power exerting effective control over the Gaza Strip. -- </i>Physicians for Human Rights-Israel<br /><br /><i>"Privilege and power, especially military power, is a dangerous narcotic. Violence destroys those who bear the brunt of its force, but also those who try to use it to become gods. Over 350 Palestinians have been killed, many of them civilians, and over 1,000 have been wounded since the air attacks began on Saturday. Ehud Barak, Israel's defense minister, said Israel is engaged in a "war to the bitter end" against Hamas in Gaza. A war? Israel uses sophisticated attack jets and naval vessels to bomb densely crowded refugee camps and slums, to attack a population that has no air force, no air defense, no navy, no heavy weapons, no artillery units, no mechanized armor, no command and control, no army, and calls it a war. It is not a war. It is murder." -- </i>Chris Hedges, who covered the Mideast for The New York Times for seven years.<br /><br /><i>"The use of terror and hunger to break a hostile population is one of the oldest forms of warfare. I watched the Bosnian Serbs employ the same tactic in Sarajevo. Those who orchestrate such sieges do not grasp the terrible rage born of long humiliation, indiscriminate violence and abuse. A father or a mother whose child dies because of a lack of vaccines or proper medical care does not forget. A boy whose ill grandmother dies while detained at an Israel checkpoint does not forget. A family that loses a child in an airstrike does not forget. All who endure humiliation, abuse and the murder of family members do not forget. This rage becomes a virus within those who, eventually, stumble out into the daylight. Is it any wonder that 71 percent of children interviewed at a school in Gaza recently said they wanted to be a "martyr"? The Israelis in Gaza, like the American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, are foolishly breeding the next generation of militants and Islamic radicals. Jihadists, enraged by the injustices done by Israel and the United States, seek to carry out reciprocal acts of savagery, even at the cost of their own lives. The violence unleashed on Palestinian children will, one day, be the violence unleashed on Israeli children. This is the tragedy of Gaza. This is the tragedy of Israel." -- </i>Chris Hedges<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><i><br /></i></span><i>"It is macabre," Falk said of the blockade. "I don't know of anything that exactly fits this situation. People have been referring to the Warsaw ghetto as the nearest analog in modern times." "There is no structure of an occupation that endured for decades and involved this kind of oppressive circumstances," "The magnitude, the deliberateness, the violations of international humanitarian law, the impact on the health, lives and survival and the overall conditions warrant the characterization of a crime against humanity. This occupation is the direct intention by the Israeli military and civilian authorities. They are responsible and should be held accountable." -- </i>Richard Falk<br /><br /><i>"...what Israel is doing to the 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza "a crime against humanity." Falk, who is Jewish, has condemned the collective punishment of the Palestinians in Gaza as "a flagrant and massive violation of international humanitarian law as laid down in Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention." He has asked for "the International Criminal Court to investigate the situation, and determine whether the Israeli civilian leaders and military commanders responsible for the Gaza siege should be indicted and prosecuted for violations of international criminal law." -- </i>Richard Falk<br /><br /></b>*****************************************************<br />For background information, see Item 6. For essential actions, see Items 1-5.<br /><br />Please act today!<br /><br />Peace,<br /> Bill<br /><br />*****************************************************<br /><b>1) Guardian: Eyewitness: 'The injured were lying there asking God to let them die'<br />2) Report from Physicians for Human Rights-Israel<br />3) Support Shifa Hospital in Gaza<br />4) End Israel's Attacks on Gaza: Updated Emergency Action Alert<br />5) Eyad al Sarraj: An Earthquake On Top of Your Head"<br />6) Party to Murder<br /></b>*****************************************************<br /><b>1) Guardian: Eyewitness: 'The injured were lying there asking God to let them die'<br /><br /></b>Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:54:52 +0200<br />From: Sam BAHOUR <sbahour@palnet.com><br />Subject: Guardian: Eyewitness: 'The injured were lying there asking God to let them die'<br /><br /><span style="color:#7f0000;">The Guardian</span><br />Eyewitness <br /><br /><b>'The injured were lying there asking God to let them die'</b><br /><br />Fikr Shaltoot<br />The Guardian, Monday 29 December 2008<br /><i>Fikr Shaltoot is a programme coordinator for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a British non-governmental organisation that provides medical supplies in Gaza <br /><br /></i>Being a health worker, I had to check the needs of Shifa hospital and the other hospitals in Gaza. The situation in Shifa is really bad. There were corpses in corridors covered with blankets. The mortuary couldn't cope with the number of bodies. Two bodies were left on stretchers, one wrapped in a blanket. They leave them until families can recognise them. <br /><br />There were mothers, fathers looking for children, looking for relatives. Everyone was confused and seeking support. Mothers were crying, people were asking about relatives, the medical team was confused. <br /><br />Some people were just lying there, some were screaming, some were very, very angry. There were a lot of injured arriving, ambulances coming in and out. The injured were coming by private cars and they were being left wherever. You could see blood here and there. <br /><br />There is talk [the Israeli air strikes] were targeting the police and security forces but in Shifa hospital, I saw many, many civilians, some dead, some injured, some were children, some were women, some were elderly people. <br /><br />There are people without their legs in very severe pain. The doctors and nurses were trying to give them painkillers and to keep them alive. Patients are lying there knowing they've lost their legs. Some were asking God if they could die. They were in a terrible psychological state. <br /><br />The doctors and nurses were trying to do their best. They discharged all the patients from the chronic diseases ward and from the oncology ward to make way for the injured. They were using whatever they could. <br /><br />There's no gauze so they are using cotton, which sticks to the wounds. They can't sterilise clothes for the operating theatre. They're using wrong sized syringes. They're working 24 hours. They're referring cases from one hospital to the next. One hospital was running out of anaesthesia. They're also drawing blood and there's no alcohol. This is a disaster.<br /><br /><span style="color:#0000ff;"><u><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/29/israel-gaza-attack-shifa-hospital/print">http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/29/israel-gaza-attack-shifa-hospital/print</a> </u><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/dec/29/israel-gaza-attack-shifa-hospital/print"><br /></a></span>***************************************************** <br /><b>2) Report from Physicians for Human Rights-Israel<br /><br /></b>Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:31:20 +0200<br />From: ranyaron@phr.org.il<br /><br /><b>Physicians for Human Rights-Israel<br /><i>Wounded and in A Catch-22<br /></i><br /><i>Update: December 30, 2008<br /></i>Research:</b>Salah Haj Yehyeh, Reut Katz: Hadas Ziv: Ran Yaron <br /><br /><b>Contextual Information</b>:<br />Hamam Nasman, spokesperson for the Palestinian Ministry of Health, and incharge of coordinating all incoming information from Gaza hospitals spoke to us from Shifaa Hospital in Gaza: Bombing continued into the night, targeting government buildings and homes. Residents received warnings to leave their homes immediately, 5-10 minutes later the homes were bombarded.<br /><b>Medical Assistance</b>: Aid dispatches from Saudia Arabia, Qatar, and Libya entered Gaza through Rafah and Kerem Shalom Crossing late last night. The dispatches are extremely important but cannot provide adequate response to an entire medical system already on the verge of collapse due to ongoing closures especially in the face of the complex needs of the critically injured persons.<br /><b>Inability to admit patients:</b> Dr. Khalil Nahleh, from the Emergency Room in Gaza informed us that the situation in Emergency rooms is very bad considering they have no empty beds. All ten beds in the emergency room are occupied by people with severe injuries. The hospital took another 15 beds from other departments and has been utilizing them for emergency cases. All 25 beds are currently in use. Yesterday, for example, 4 critically injured people were brought in and there were no beds. After some of the patients left for Egypt however, these patients were admitted.<br />The hospital itself is in a state of emergency. Lightly injured or sick persons are no longer admitted. Urgent cases are accepted on a life-saving basis or for surgery. If possible, they are referred to other hospitals.<br />There are currently 9 patients in intensive care: including 6 children and two women on ventilators. The hospital has approached the Peres Center for Peace regarding the transfer of the children to Israeli hospitals. At this time they are still awaiting further coordination.<br /><b>Government Hospitals:</b> According to Mr. Nasman, out of 13 public hospitals only ten are able to admit wounded persons. So far, 362 people have been killed, 15% of them are women and children. 1, 700 people have been injured.<br /><b>Irrregurlar supply of Electricity, Generators and Gasoline:</b> Gaza hospitals are currently receiving 6-8 hours of electricity per day. This has resulted in power outages in Gaza hospitals and poses a grave danger to the lives of critically wounded individuals who are completely dependant on ventilators and other electrical equipment. Generators have been in use for extremely long periods of time, and require repairs, oil and additional spare parts which are not available. <br /><br /><b><br />Transfer of wounded persons through Rafah Crossing</b>:<br />A Saudi plane has been positioned on the Egyptian side of Rafah Crossing to shuttle wounded victims to medical centers. Gaza’s medical centers are still awaiting necessary permission from Egyptian authorities and have so far not been able to transfer patients. Dr. Hassan Halaf, the Deputy Minister of Health and the Executive Director of Shifaa Hospital notified us that yesterday afternoon, Monday December 29<sup>th</sup>, several ambulances with 27 wounded persons, 8 in critical condition and in need of emergency support left Rafah in the direction of El Arish. El Arish Hospital is not properly equipped to treat critical injuries and it is unclear if the patients will be referred to other advanced centers. For this reason, Dr. Halaf indicated that they are currently not referring critically injured patients to El Arish because it is unclear whether they will indeed reach the appropriate centers. <br /><br /><b>Coordination of Patients and wounded through Erez Crossing:<br /></b>PHR Israel initiated a call to the Israeli Ministry of Health regarding the transfer of wounded persons to Israel for medical care, the medical administration director has informed us that Israel was indeed ready to accept patients from Gaza and even prepared space for them. Apparently – he claimed - the Palestinian Civil Affairs Committee has decided against submitting requests on behalf of wounded persons to the Israeli District Coordination Office (DCO).<br /><br />Upon receiving this information PHR-Israel contacted the Palestinian Civil Affairs Office in Gaza, (under the direction of the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah) and was informed by its representative that it has indeed decided not to refer wounded persons to Israel, only to Egypt. With regards to sick patients, he stated that he would put in a request with Israeli authorities only regarding life saving cases. Since the beginning of attacks, no permit requests have been submitted to Israeli authorities.<br /><br />The Public Appeals Officer of the Israeli District Coordination Office (DCO) has now agreed to take on urgent cases and if they receive security clearance and administrative authorization, they will allow the transfer of sick patients and the wounded through the Erez Crossing. The Israeli Ministry of Health stated that in light of the impending crisis and due to the fact that the Israeli Health System is also on high alert, all security and technical coordination will indeed be done within the DCO office, though the decision of where to refer patients will be taken within the Ministry of Health.<br /><br />On Monday, December 29<sup>th</sup>, an ambulance carrying a young Gazan man 16 years old, wounded in the air attacks, reached Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv. Only one person succeeded in gaining entry into Israel, despite information from COGAT the that 11 patients were granted authorization to leave the Strip. The youth was injured at the UNRWA school and it was found that he was permitted to exit only after UNRWA agreed to shoulder the costs of his medical care. PHR-Israel has learned, after a thorough inquiry into the matter that wounded persons are not referred to Israeli hospitals due to the decision by the Palestinian Referrals Office in Ramallah that they will not cover the cost of hospitalization in Israel for many reasons, primarily because it regards Israel as responsible for the direct wounds inflicted on the individuals.<br /><br /><b>PHR Israel's opinion:<br /></b>Physicians for Human Rights-Israel is adamant that patients and those wounded in the attacks should not become the victim of financial or bureaucratic arrangements. Furthermore, patients should not become an instrument to the conflict. <b>All those with special interests such as Hamas, Fatah Israel or Egypt should leave them aside, and do their utmost to ensure that patients and wounded persons reach immediate and adequate care. Israel bears special responsibility as the occupying power exerting effective control over the Gaza Strip.<br /></b><br />A humanitarian crisis of this stature is not the appropriate time for the stubbornness of bureaucratic processes. <b>The sick and wounded can wait no longer!<br /></b><br /><b>The high numbers of injuries, compounded with an already devastated medical system necessitates that Israel show responsibility and do all it can to ensure treatment to ailing individuals. </b>If Israel deems itself unable to cope with the crisis it should seek international aid.<br /><br />Note: we would like to note the difficulties in acquiring information and that things on the ground are constantly changing. We have worked diligently to compare information and explanations received from both Israeli and Palestinian sources. We shall keep you updated.<br /><br />For more information please contact: Hadas Ziv <a rel="nofollow" ymailto="mailto:hadas@phr.org.il" target="_blank" href="http://us.mc6.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=hadas@phr.org.il">hadas@phr.org.il</a> + 972-54-6623232 or Ran Yaron ranyaron@phr.org.il<br />***************************************************** <br /><b>3) Support Shifa Hospital in Gaza<br /><br />Please support Rabia's request. 100% of your donation will go toward direct relief. Nothing will be withheld.<br /><br /></b> <blockquote class="cite" cite="http://fastmail.fm/mail/" type="cite">Date: Tue, 30 Dec 2008 02:08:31 -0500<br />From: Farouq Shafie <fshafie@comcast.net><br />Subject: Fw: Support Shifa Hospital in Gaza<br /><br />Dear Friends,<br /><br />Genocide is being committed in Gaza by the Israeli military in violation of international law, not to mention all sense of decency and proportion. We at the Palestine Aid Society (PAS) have been inundated with calls for action by fellow Americans of all faiths and ethnicities. We feel the pain and the hurt as we watch, with horror, the terrorized children, the dismembered bodies, the wounded crying in pain, the frustrated aid workers, all on our television screens. We also hear in disgust the support for this Israeli-conducted genocide by some of our representatives in Washington DC. At the time of this writing the number of dead has exceeded 345 and the wounded more than 1650, most of them unarmed civilians. And it seems that Israel is intent on carrying this orgy of violence for days to come, proclaiming that the people of Gaza are not Israel's enemies, but that their democratically-elected government is! The need in Gaza for immediate relief is immense. The Shifa Hospital is the major medical facility in Gaza receiving and caring for the majority of the victims and it has been inundated, especially after months of an inhumane and punitive siege that has left it short of medicine and other medical supplies. As a small gesture of solidarity with the people of Gaza and in order to help alleviate a bit of their suffering, PAS is calling on all people of good will in our community to donate what they can to a fund for Shifa Hospital. Your tax-deductible donations (100% of all monies contributed) will be transmitted by PAS to the International Red Cross with instructions to deliver them to Shifa Hospital. Please make your checks payable to PAS, earmarked to Shifa Hospital, and send it to:<br /><br />Palestine Aid Society of America<br />P.O.Box 130572<br />Ann Arbor, Michigan 48113<br />Tax # 38-2381-291.<br /><br />Peace,<br /><br />Rabia Shafie<br />Palestine Aid Society<br />(734) 668-6430</blockquote><br />****************************************************<br /><b>4) End Israel's Attacks on Gaza: Updated Emergency Action Alert<br /><br /></b>Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:45:53 -0500 (EST)<br />From: US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation<br /> <uscampaign@mail.democracyinaction.org><br />Subject: End Israel's Attacks on Gaza: Updated Emergency Action Alert<br /><br />December 31, 2008<br /><br />Israel has killed at least 375 Palestinians through four days of brutal attacks on the occupied Gaza Strip with U.S. weapons in violation of U.S. law. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has threatened that this is merely "the first stage."<br /><br />Israel's attacks come on top of a brutal siege of the Gaza Strip, which has created a humanitarian catastrophe of dire proportions for Gaza's 1.5 million Palestinian residents by restricting the provision of food, fuel, medicine, electricity, and other necessities of life.<br /><br /><b>Make no mistake about it-Israel's war and siege on the Gaza Strip would not be possible without the jets, helicopters, ships, missiles, and fuel provided by the United States.</b><br /><br />From 2001-2006, the United States transferred to Israel more than $200 million worth of spare parts to fly its fleet of F16's and more than $100 million worth of helicopter spare parts for its fleet of Apaches. In July 2008, the United States gave Israel 186 million gallons of JP-8 aviation jet fuel and signed a contract to transfer an addition $1.9 billion worth of littoral combat ships to the Israeli navy. Last year, the United States signed a $1.3 billion contract with Raytheon to transfer to Israel thousands of TOW, Hellfire, and "bunker buster" missiles.<br /><br /><b>TAKE ACTION NOW<br /><br /></b>1. <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=yKkhqi8gAQ0kecczZNb%2FDXs41Fi5HZyV"><b>Take to the streets and make your opposition public.</b></a><b> </b>Thousands of people have already taken to the streets in New York, Washington, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dearborn, MI and dozens of other cities to protest Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip. We're maintaining a comprehensive listing of all protests-<b>more than 100 in at least 30 states and 65 cities</b> so far-on our website and updating it continuously. <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=0fqZUQYLGjqGc0UdibIDkXs41Fi5HZyV">Join a protest near you</a> or organize one and send us the details.<br /><br />If you know of a protest not listed on our site, send us all the logistical details and contact information by <a rel="nofollow" ymailto="mailto:congress@endtheoccupation.org" target="_blank" href="http://us.mc6.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=congress@endtheoccupation.org">clicking here</a>.<br /><br /><b>We must keep up the protests until there is a cease-fire and a lifting of the siege of Gaza. We're calling on everyone to continue to organize protests in your community.<br /><hr /> </b>2. <b>Educate and organize people in your community. </b>Tonight millions of people will gather in public places around the country to celebrate New Year's Eve.<br /><br /><b>We are encouraging everyone to attend public events tonight in their communities to pass out information on Israel's atrocities in Gaza and to collect signatures to end U.S. military aid to Israel. </b>Download a flyer by <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=9sU7CJDf1HzBd9so4XZ5mXs41Fi5HZyV">clicking here</a> and a petition by <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=LdIwsxiM8LlhAK3oR5Eb%2B3s41Fi5HZyV">clicking here</a> and make copies.<br /><br />Also, sign up as a volunteer organizer to challenge military aid to Israel by <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=kPb7LJPzXh61FbSkHls3kHI%2BEkUACkGK">clicking here</a> and we'll send you an organizing packet with fact sheets, petitions, and the postcards below.<br /><br /><hr /> <div align="center"><br /></div>3. <b>Contact your elected representatives and set up emergency meetings with your Members of Congress before January 6. </b>Demand from the President, your Representative, and Senators an unconditional, immediate cease-fire; full humanitarian access to Gaza and a lifting of Israel's siege; and accountability for Israel's misuse of U.S. weapons to kill Palestinian civilians. Send your letter today by <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=L76cbeeR0jIgcRd%2BRqwaFHs41Fi5HZyV">clicking here</a>.<br /><br />Congress is scheduled to go back into session on Jan. 6. Until then, many Members of Congress are in their home districts. <b>Assemble a delegation of concerned constituents and request an immediate meeting with them. </b>For contact information, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=Qr%2FyJBCgkPw2hkCd5XJnaXs41Fi5HZyV">click here</a>. For tips on how to arrange a meeting, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=YSlSfU1X6hAhfKuVS%2BiaEHs41Fi5HZyV">click here</a>.<br /><br />In these meetings, ask your Members of Congress to send a public letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and make a public statement with the political demands above. To download a sample letter to give to your Members of Congress, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=NT%2FtESfmM74fTUHRhDSzH3I%2BEkUACkGK">click here</a>.<br /><br />Also give them a copy of our open-letter to President Elect-Obama signed by more than 250 organizations entitled "<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=YSlSfU1X6hBr1HJ4WFVnKXs41Fi5HZyV"> <b>We Need a Change in Israel/Palestine Policy</b></a><b>" to show them that there is growing and widespread opposition to our country's policy of support for Israel's human rights abuses of Palestinians. Download a PDF copy of the letter by <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=aZFwmT1mI1YVoE2hCP7jeHs41Fi5HZyV">clicking here</a>.<br /><br />If you can take the lead in arranging an emergency meeting with your Members of Congress, please fill out this brief form by <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=dXSIFJqqShgWX0r5%2BMTpBXs41Fi5HZyV">clicking here</a>.<br /><br /></b><hr /> <b>4. <b>Get the message out to the media. </b>Call in to talk radio programs and write letters to the editors. To download talking points for the media, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=cbxBtjoulHC1U6GoZ6GyHHs41Fi5HZyV">click here</a>. To find contact information for your local media, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=Iwsck6eXq7MaJjZFYhm713s41Fi5HZyV">click here</a>.<br /><br /></b><hr /> <b>5. <b>Step Up the Pressure on the New Administration and Congress. </b>Sign our open letter to President Elect-Obama by <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=BJZGK75CuSy%2FV5Zi0jccLXs41Fi5HZyV">clicking here</a>. This open letter will be published as a full-page ad on Inauguration Day. Add your individual and organizational endorsements to it today by <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=q99aAJuZEdcIJiRUrHkFTHs41Fi5HZyV">clicking here</a>.<br /><br />Then spread the word by copying and pasting the flash graphic below into your email signature, blog, social networking site, or webpage and join our <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=qkSXQ9jxvZD7LW%2Btlb2JOHs41Fi5HZyV">Facebook group</a> and forward it to all your friends.<br /><br />Join us in Washington, DC on January 20 for Inauguration Day to say "<b>Yes We Can…End U.S. Military Aid to Israel!</b>" Sign up to help us pass out information and collect signatures by <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=TmqElzzsw7NOQLTWIhZ3iXs41Fi5HZyV">clicking here</a>.<br /><br />And join us again in Washington, DC for a <b>Grassroots Advocacy Training and Lobby Day</b> on February 1-2 with Interfaith Peace-Builders. Gain the skills you need to change U.S. policy toward Palestine/Israel to support human rights, international law, and equality, and express your concerns directly to your Members of Congress. Space is filling up fast. For more information and to register, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=b19ru3g9YRYYvyFH0YAODHs41Fi5HZyV">click here</a>.<br /><br /></b><hr /> <b>6. <b>Donate more money to us and give less of your taxes to Israel's war machine. </b>Make a tax-deductible contribution today to the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation by <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=ygO%2FvnFmANmgajYEX0z5jHs41Fi5HZyV">clicking here</a>. Owe less in taxes for 2008 by making your contribution before midnight (we'll gladly accept your donation in the New Year too) to make sure that less of your money goes to fund Israel's war crimes against Palestinians. Make the most generous contribution you can right now by <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=4s3BNRUi7y4maBcbd%2F66bns41Fi5HZyV">clicking here</a>.<br /><br />****************************************************<br /><b>5) Eyad al Sarraj: An Earthquake On Top of Your Head"<br /><br /></b>By Dr. EYAD AL SERRAJ<br />December 26, 2008<br /><span style="color:#820000;">The Bombing of Gaza<br /></span>"An Earthquake On Top of Your Head"<br /><br />By Dr. EYAD AL SERRAJ<br /><br /><span style="color:#820000;">T</span>he bombing went on for about 10 minutes. It was like an earthquake on top of your head. The windows were shaking and squeaking. My 10-year-old was terrified, he was jumping from one place to another trying to hide. I held him tight to my chest and tried to give him some security and reassure him. My 12-year-old was panicking and began laughing hysterically, it's not normal. I held her hand and calmed her and told her she would be safe. My wife was panicking. She was running around the apartment looking for somewhere to hide. We live on the ground floor so we headed to the basement.<br /><br />Not very far from our home is the headquarters of the police and there was a massive bomb. The chief of police was killed. Two streets away there was another bomb and more people were killed. The office of the president is about one kilometre from our house and it was also bombed.<br /><br />We went downstairs to the basement and tried to hide ourselves from the shelling. The child of one of our relatives, who lives in our building, finally came home from school. We hadn't been able to find her. All the phone connections were jammed. She came home and she was in a very serious state of shock. She was pale and trembling and she was describing dead bodies in the streets. On her way home she passed Hamas people in uniform and they were dead.<br /><br />I had been very apprehensive when I woke up this morning. I had some bread, some cheese and a glass of tea. Like all the people in Gaza I felt that something was going on and something very serious. When Israel allowed the delivery of food and fuel [when it ended the blockade of Gaza yesterday] I said to myself and my friends that Israel is really planning a massive strike. They don't want to be blamed for starving the people.<br />I was sitting in the living room with my family trying to figure out what to do today for lunch, it's our main meal. What to cook and how to cook, whether we have enough to eat. There was no rice so I wanted to have lentil soup and my wife said "No, there's no lentils in the market." I said "What else can we do?" She said "I bought some cans of food." We were discussing this when suddenly the whole thing erupted. Suddenly there was a big explosion.<br /><br />Right now I feel very anxious about what's going to happen. I'm worried about how many more people are going to die.<br /><br />Dr Eyad Al Serraj is a practicing psychologist in Gaza City.<br /><br /><i>This article first appeared at<span style="color:#0000ff;"> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.counterpunch.org/">www.Counterpunch.org<br /></a></span></i>****************************************************<br /><b>6) Party to Murder<br /><br /></b>Published on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 by TruthDig.com<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"> </span><b>Party to Murder<br /></b>by TruthDig.com<br />by Chris Hedges<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span><i>TruthDig.com editor's note: In light of the recent fighting in Gaza, Truthdig asked Chris Hedges, who covered the Mideast for The New York Times for seven years, to update a previous column [1] on Gaza.</i><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>Can anyone who is following the Israeli air attacks on Gaza-the buildings blown to rubble, the children killed on their way to school, the long rows of mutilated corpses, the wailing mothers and wives, the crowds of terrified Palestinians not knowing where to flee, the hospitals so overburdened and out of supplies they cannot treat the wounded, and our studied, callous indifference to this widespread human suffering-wonder why we are hated?<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>Our self-righteous celebration of ourselves and our supposed virtue is as false as that of Israel. We have become monsters, militarized bullies, heartless and savage. We are a party to human slaughter, a flagrant war crime, and do nothing. We forget that the innocents who suffer and die in Gaza are a reflection of ourselves, of how we might have been should fate and time and geography have made the circumstances of our birth different. We forget that we are all absurd and vulnerable creatures. We all have the capacity to fear and hate and love. "Expose thyself to what wretches feel," King Lear said, entering the mud and straw hovel of Poor Tom, "and show the heavens more just."<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>Privilege and power, especially military power, is a dangerous narcotic. Violence destroys those who bear the brunt of its force, but also those who try to use it to become gods. Over 350 Palestinians have been killed [2], many of them civilians, and over 1,000 have been wounded since the air attacks began on Saturday. Ehud Barak, Israel's defense minister, said Israel is engaged in a "war to the bitter end" against Hamas in Gaza. A war? Israel uses sophisticated attack jets and naval vessels to bomb densely crowded refugee camps and slums, to attack a population that has no air force, no air defense, no navy, no heavy weapons, no artillery units, no mechanized armor, no command and control, no army, and calls it a war. It is not a war. It is murder.<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>The U.N. special rapporteur [3] for human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, former Princeton University law professor Richard Falk, has labeled what Israel is doing to the 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza "a crime against humanity." Falk, who is Jewish, has condemned the collective punishment of the Palestinians in Gaza as "a flagrant and massive violation of international humanitarian law as laid down in Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention." He has asked for "the International Criminal Court to investigate the situation, and determine whether the Israeli civilian leaders and military commanders responsible for the Gaza siege should be indicted and prosecuted for violations of international criminal law."<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>Falk's unflinching honesty has enraged Israel. He was banned from entering the country on Dec. 14 during his attempt to visit Gaza and the West Bank.<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>"After being denied entry I was put in a holding room with about 20 others experiencing entry problems," he said. "At this point I was treated not as a U.N. representative, but as some sort of security threat, subjected to an inch-by-inch body search, and the most meticulous luggage inspection I have ever witnessed. I was separated from my two U.N. companions, who were allowed to enter Israel. At this point I was taken to the airport detention facility a mile or so away, required to put all my bags and cell phone in a room, taken to a locked, tiny room that had five other detainees, smelled of urine and filth, and was an unwelcome invitation to claustrophobia. I spent the next 15 hours so confined, which amounted to a cram course on the miseries of prison life, including dirty sheets, inedible food, and either lights that were too bright or darkness controlled from the guard office."<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>The foreign press has been, like Falk, barred by Israel from entering Gaza to report on the destruction.<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>Israel's stated aim of halting homemade rockets fired from Gaza into Israel remains unfulfilled. Gaza militants have fired more than 100 rockets and mortars into Israel, killing four [4] people and wounding nearly two dozen more, since Israel unleashed its air assault. Israel has threatened to launch a ground assault and has called up 6,500 army reservists. It has massed tanks on the Gaza border and declared the area a closed military zone.<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>The rocket attacks by Hamas are, as Falk points out, also criminal violations of international law. But as Falk notes, "... such Palestinian behavior does not legalize Israel's imposition of a collective punishment of a life- and health-threatening character on the people of Gaza, and should not distract the U.N. or international society from discharging their fundamental moral and legal duty to render protection to the Palestinian people."<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>"It is an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe that each day poses the entire 1.5 million Gazans to an unspeakable ordeal, to a struggle to survive in terms of their health," Falk has said of the ongoing Israeli blockade of Gaza. "This is an increasingly precarious condition. A recent study reports that 46 percent of all Gazan children suffer from acute anemia. There are reports that the sonic booms associated with Israeli overflights have caused widespread deafness, especially among children. Gazan children need thousands of hearing aids. Malnutrition is extremely high in a number of different dimensions and affects 75 percent of Gazans. There are widespread mental disorders, especially among young people without the will to live. Over 50 percent of Gazan children under the age of 12 have been found to have no will to live."<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>Before the air assaults, Gaza spent 12 hours a day without power, which can be a death sentence to the severely ill in hospitals. Most of Gaza is now without power. There are few drugs and little medicine, including no cancer or cystic fibrosis medication. Hospitals have generators but often lack fuel. Medical equipment, including one of Gaza's three CT scanners, has been destroyed by power surges and fluctuations. Medical staff cannot control the temperature of incubators for newborns. And Israel has revoked most exit visas, meaning some of those who need specialized care, including cancer patients and those in need of kidney dialysis, have died. Of the 230 Gazans estimated to have died last year because they were denied proper medical care, several spent their final hours at Israeli crossing points where they were refused entry into Israel. The statistics gathered on children-half of Gaza's population is under the age of 17-are increasingly grim. About 45 percent of children in Gaza have iron deficiency from a lack of fruit and vegetables, and 18 percent have stunted growth. <br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>"It is macabre," Falk said of the blockade. "I don't know of anything that exactly fits this situation. People have been referring to the Warsaw ghetto as the nearest analog in modern times."<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>"There is no structure of an occupation that endured for decades and involved this kind of oppressive circumstances," the rapporteur added. "The magnitude, the deliberateness, the violations of international humanitarian law, the impact on the health, lives and survival and the overall conditions warrant the characterization of a crime against humanity. This occupation is the direct intention by the Israeli military and civilian authorities. They are responsible and should be held accountable."<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>The point of the Israeli attack, ostensibly, is to break Hamas, the radical Islamic group that was elected to power in 2007. But Hamas has repeatedly proposed long-term truces with Israel and offered to negotiate a permanent truce. During the last cease-fire, established through Egyptian intermediaries in July, Hamas upheld the truce although Israel refused to ease the blockade. It was Israel that, on Nov. 4, initiated an armed attack [5] that violated the truce and killed six Palestinians. It was only then that Hamas resumed firing rockets at Israel. <br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>"This is a crime of survival," Falk said of the rocket attacks by Palestinians. "Israel has put the Gazans in a set of circumstances where they either have to accept whatever is imposed on them or resist in any way available to them. That is a horrible dilemma to impose upon a people. This does not alleviate the Palestinians, and Gazans in particular, for accountability for doing these acts involving rocket fire, but it also imposes some responsibility on Israel for creating these circumstances."<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>Israel seeks to break the will of the Palestinians to resist. The Israeli government has demonstrated little interest in diplomacy or a peaceful solution. The rapid expansion of Jewish settlements on the West Bank is an effort to thwart the possibility of a two-state solution by gobbling up vast tracts of Palestinian real estate. Israel also appears to want to thrust the impoverished Gaza Strip onto Egypt. Dozens of tunnels had been the principal means for food and goods, connecting Gaza to Egypt. Israel had permitted the tunnels to operate, most likely as part of an effort to further cut Gaza off from Israel. This ended, however, on Sunday when Israeli fighter jets bombed over 40 tunnels along Gaza's border with Egypt. The Israeli military said that the tunnels, on the Gaza side of the border, were used for smuggling weapons, explosives and fugitives. Egypt has sealed its border and refused to let distraught Palestinians enter its territory.<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>"Israel, all along, has not been prepared to enter into diplomatic process that gives the Palestinians a viable state," Falk said. "They [the Israelis] feel time is on their side. They feel they can create enough facts on the ground so people will come to the conclusion a viable state cannot emerge."<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>The use of terror and hunger to break a hostile population is one of the oldest forms of warfare. I watched the Bosnian Serbs employ the same tactic in Sarajevo. Those who orchestrate such sieges do not grasp the terrible rage born of long humiliation, indiscriminate violence and abuse. A father or a mother whose child dies because of a lack of vaccines or proper medical care does not forget. A boy whose ill grandmother dies while detained at an Israel checkpoint does not forget. A family that loses a child in an airstrike does not forget. All who endure humiliation, abuse and the murder of family members do not forget. This rage becomes a virus within those who, eventually, stumble out into the daylight. Is it any wonder that 71 percent of children interviewed at a school in Gaza recently said they wanted to be a "martyr"?<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>The Israelis in Gaza, like the American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, are foolishly breeding the next generation of militants and Islamic radicals. Jihadists, enraged by the injustices done by Israel and the United States, seek to carry out reciprocal acts of savagery, even at the cost of their own lives. The violence unleashed on Palestinian children will, one day, be the violence unleashed on Israeli children. This is the tragedy of Gaza. This is the tragedy of Israel.<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>© 2008 TruthDig.com<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span><i>Chris Hedges writes a regular column for Truthdig.com [6]. Hedges graduated from Harvard Divinity School and was for nearly two decades a foreign correspondent for The New York Times. He is the author of "American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America. [7]"<br /></i><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span>Article printed from <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.commondreams.org/">www.CommonDreams.org</a> <br />URL to article: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.commondreams.org/view/2008/12/30-11">http://www.commondreams.org/view/2008/12/30-11 </a>The link has all the hyperlinks.<br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times;"><br /></span> </b> <b> </b> <pre>--<br /> This list is maintained by the Louisville Committee for<br />Peace in the Middle East. If you want to remain on this<br />list and continue to be informed about our activities<br />and issues, you don’t need to reply. If you want to be<br />removed for whatever reason, just reply to this note with<br />the word “unsubscribe” in the subject or content. Or, send<br />a note directly to mideastpeace@mailforce.net Others can sign<br />up for the list at http://www.louisvillepeace.org/lcpme.html <br /></pre>L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-42265629132490604062008-12-30T10:43:00.004-06:002008-12-30T10:47:59.275-06:00Israeli Navy Attacks The Dignity on a Mission of MercyI have been, and still am, travelling without internet access (except for a brief 1/2 hour today) or I would certainly have been posting news of Gaza during this time. Inshallah, regular postings will resume upon my return.....<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">For more information, please contact:<br />(Gaza) Ewa Jasiewicz, +972 598 700 497 / freelance@mailworks.org<br /><br />(Cyprus) Lubna Masarwa +357 99 081 767 / lubnna@gmail.com<br /><br />(U.S.) Greta Berlin, +1 310 422 7242 / iristulip@gmail.com<br /></span><br />(Larnaca, Cyprus, 10:00 am) On Tuesday, December 30, at 5 a.m., several Israeli gunboats intercepted the Dignity as she was heading on a mission of mercy to Gaza. One gunboat rammed into the boat on the port bow side, heavily damaging her. The reports from the passengers and journalists on board is that she is taking on water and appears to have engine problems. When attacked, the Dignity was clearly in international waters, 90 miles off the coast of Gaza.<br /><br />The gunboats also fired their machine guns into the water in an attempt to stop the mercy ship from getting to Gaza.<br /><br />As the boat limps toward Lebanon, passengers have been in contact with the Lebanese government who have said the captain has permission to dock and are willing lend assistance if needed. Cyprus sea rescue has also been in touch, and has offered assistance as well. The Dignity clearly flies the flag of Gibraltar, is piloted by an English captain and has a passenger manifest that includes Representative Cynthia McKinney from the U.S. The attack was filmed by the journalists, and the crew and passengers will report on Israel's crime at sea once they arrive in Lebanon.<br /><br />On board the boat are doctors traveling to this impoverished slice of the Mediterranean to provide badly-needed relief at the hospitals there. The crew and passengers were also hoping to take wounded out for treatment, since the hospitals are not coping. In addition, the Dignity was carrying 3 tons of medical supplies at the request of the doctors in Gaza.<br /><br />The three physicans on board who were sailing to Gaza are: Dr. Halpin (UK), an experienced orthopaedic surgeon, medical professor, and ship's captain. He has organized humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza on several occasions with the Dove and Dolphin. He is traveling to Gaza to volunteer in hospitals and clinics. Dr. Mohamed Issa (Germany), a pediatric surgeon from Germany is traveling to Gaza to volunteer in hospitals and clinics. Dr. Elena Theoharous (Cyprus), MP Dr. Theoharous is a surgeon and a Member of the Cypriot Parliament. She is traveling to Gaza to assess the ongoing conflict, assist with humanitarian relief efforts, and volunteer in hospitals.<br /><br />Yet Israel thumbs its nose in the face of maritime law by attacking a human rights boat in international waters and has put all of these human rights observers at risk. At no time was the Dignity ever close to Israeli waters. They clearly identified themselves and the Israeli attack was willful and criminal.<br /><br />The Dignity is still in international waters, 40 miles off Haifa. Everybody on board is safe at the moment as the boat slowly makes its way to safety in Lebanon.<br /><br />#######L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-82897046872971402042008-12-15T00:46:00.005-06:002009-01-04T11:34:26.300-06:00Lessons from Palestine: You, From Now On, Are Not Yourself!This poem has been moved to the January 4th, 2009 post.L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-41593697531906560992008-11-29T02:09:00.003-06:002008-11-29T02:23:35.423-06:00Why isn't Rahm Emmanuel in Guantanamo?Many of you know that President Elect Barack Obama appointed zionist Rahm Emmanuel as his Chief of Staff. Maybe even some of you know that his father was a member of a known zionist terrorist organization (Irgun).<br /><br />I want you to now just think about the fact that during the first Gulf War, Rahm Emmanuel, an American citizen, chose to volunteer for a foreign army (israeli army) rather than enlist in the military of his citizenship. Now please explain to me how it is not a conflict of interest for him to be appointed any post in the United States Government.<br /><br />What is the <span style="font-weight: bold;">take-home message</span> here?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">One person acts on his beliefs, joins the army of another country and gets thrown into Guantanamo, while another acts on his beliefs, joins the army of another country and ends up as the US Chief of Staff!!!</span>L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-59157606625055864052008-11-06T20:51:00.004-06:002008-11-06T21:21:48.827-06:00Obama Setting a Dangerous Tone with EmanuelNot even 48 hours has passed since Barack Obama was chosen as President Elect and he has already made some dangerous moves regarding his choice for Chief of Staff, Rahm Emmanuel - son of an Irgun member (an Israeli terrorist group). Here is the Wiki version (but you can Google him and see loads of biographies on him (note that Emmanuel himself served as a volunteer in the ISRAELI defense forces during the first Gulf War despite being an American citizen - NOT in the American military - it looks like he has picked his side):<br /><br /><h2><span class="mw-headline">Personal life</span></h2> <p>Rahm Emanuel (<span dir="ltr"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_language" title="Hebrew language">Hebrew</a>: <span lang="he">רם עמנואל</span></span>) was born in Chicago, Illinois.<sup class="noprint Template-Fact"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources" style="white-space: nowrap;">[<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed">citation needed</a></i>]</span></sup> His first name, Rahm, means "high" or "lofty" in Hebrew<sup id="cite_ref-Kuttler_7-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-Kuttler-7" title=""><span>[</span>8<span>]</span></a></sup>, while his last name, Emanuel, means "God is with us." His father, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem" title="Jerusalem">Jerusalem</a>-born <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_M._Emanuel" title="Benjamin M. Emanuel">Benjamin M. Emanuel</a>, is a pediatrician and former member of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irgun" title="Irgun">Irgun</a><sup id="cite_ref-NYT_Bumiller_199706015_8-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-NYT_Bumiller_199706015-8" title=""><span>[</span>9<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-Haa_20081106_9-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-Haa_20081106-9" title=""><span>[</span>10<span>]</span></a></sup> (Irgun Zeva'i Le'ummi), a military Nationalist group treated as a terrorist organization during British rule. His mother, Martha Smulevitz, worked as an X-ray technician and was the daughter of a local <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_union" title="Labor union" class="mw-redirect">union</a> organizer.<sup id="cite_ref-RS_1-1" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-RS-1" title=""><span>[</span>2<span>]</span></a></sup> She became a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_rights" title="Civil rights">civil rights</a> activist; she was also once the owner of a Chicago-area <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_and_roll" title="Rock and roll">rock and roll</a> club.<sup id="cite_ref-NYT_Bumiller_199706015_8-1" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-NYT_Bumiller_199706015-8" title=""><span>[</span>9<span>]</span></a></sup> The two met in Chicago in the 1950s.<sup id="cite_ref-washpost_10-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-washpost-10" title=""><span>[</span>11<span>]</span></a></sup> Emanuel's older brother, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel_J._Emanuel" title="Ezekiel J. Emanuel">Ezekiel</a>, is an oncologist and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioethicist" title="Bioethicist" class="mw-redirect">bioethicist</a>, and his brother <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ari_Emanuel" title="Ari Emanuel">Ari</a> is a talent agent in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles" title="Los Angeles">Los Angeles</a> who inspired <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Piven" title="Jeremy Piven">Jeremy Piven</a>'s character <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ari_Gold_%28Entourage%29" title="Ari Gold (Entourage)">Ari Gold</a> on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HBO" title="HBO">HBO</a> series <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entourage_%28television_series%29" title="Entourage (television series)" class="mw-redirect">Entourage</a></i>.<sup id="cite_ref-RS_1-2" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-RS-1" title=""><span>[</span>2<span>]</span></a></sup> Emanuel himself is the inspiration for the character <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josh_Lyman" title="Josh Lyman">Josh Lyman</a> on <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_West_Wing" title="The West Wing">The West Wing</a></i>.<sup id="cite_ref-RS_1-3" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-RS-1" title=""><span>[</span>2<span>]</span></a></sup> He also has a younger sister named Shoshanna, 14 years his junior.<sup id="cite_ref-RS_1-4" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-RS-1" title=""><span>[</span>2<span>]</span></a></sup></p> <p>When his family lived in Chicago, he attended <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Zell_Anshe_Emet_Day_School" title="Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School">Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School</a>, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_day_school" title="Jewish day school">Jewish day school</a>. After his family moved to Wilmette, he attended public school: Romona School, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilmette_Junior_High_School" title="Wilmette Junior High School">Wilmette Junior High School</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Trier_High_School" title="New Trier High School">New Trier West High School</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-washpost_10-1" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-washpost-10" title=""><span>[</span>11<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-11" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-11" title=""><span>[</span>12<span>]</span></a></sup> He graduated from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Lawrence_College" title="Sarah Lawrence College">Sarah Lawrence College</a> in 1981, and went on to receive a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master%27s_degree" title="Master's degree">master's degree</a> in Speech and Communication from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwestern_University" title="Northwestern University">Northwestern University</a> in 1985. While still an undergraduate, he joined the congressional campaign of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Robinson_%28Ohio_politician%29" title="David Robinson (Ohio politician)">David Robinson</a> of Chicago.<sup class="noprint Template-Fact"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources since November 2008" style="white-space: nowrap;">[<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed">citation needed</a></i>]</span></sup></p> <p>His father, still practicing near Chicago, emigrated to the United States from Israel. Emanuel volunteered as a civilian volunteer in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Defense_Forces" title="Israel Defense Forces">Israel Defense Forces</a> during the 1991 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War" title="Gulf War">Gulf War</a>, serving in one of Israel's northern bases, rust-proofing brakes.<sup id="cite_ref-Azoulay_12-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-Azoulay-12" title=""><span>[</span>13<span>]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-NR1997_13-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-NR1997-13" title=""><span>[</span>14<span>]</span></a></sup></p> <p>Emanuel's wife Amy Rule, a graduate of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wharton_School_of_the_University_of_Pennsylvania" title="Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania">Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania</a> converted to Modern Orthodox Judaism shortly before her wedding.<sup id="cite_ref-Azoulay_12-1" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-Azoulay-12" title=""><span>[</span>13<span>]</span></a></sup> They are members of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anshe_Shalom" title="Anshe Shalom">Anshe Shalom</a>, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Orthodox" title="Modern Orthodox" class="mw-redirect">modern Orthodox</a> congregation in Chicago.<sup id="cite_ref-newest_14-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-newest-14" title=""><span>[</span>15<span>]</span></a></sup> They have three children, son Zacharias and daughters Ilana and Leah.</p> <p>Emanuel is a long time close friend of fellow Chicagoan <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Axelrod_%28political_consultant%29" title="David Axelrod (political consultant)">David Axelrod</a>, Chief Strategist for the 2008 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama" title="Barack Obama">Barack Obama</a> presidential campaign. Axelrod signed the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketubah" title="Ketubah">ketubah</a> at Emanuel's wedding, an honor that goes to a best friend.<sup id="cite_ref-Newsweek_Smalley_20080414_15-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-Newsweek_Smalley_20080414-15" title=""><span>[</span>16<span>]</span></a></sup></p> <p>Rabbi Asher Lopatin of Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel Congregation, is quoted as saying: "It's a very involved Jewish family"; "Amy was one of the teachers for a class for children during the High Holidays two years ago."<sup id="cite_ref-newest_14-1" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-newest-14" title=""><span>[</span>15<span>]</span></a></sup> Emanuel has said of his Judaism: "I am proud of my heritage and treasure the values it has taught me."<sup id="cite_ref-newest_14-2" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-newest-14" title=""><span>[</span>15<span>]</span></a></sup> Emanuel's family lives on the North Side of Chicago, in the North Center neighborhood.<sup id="cite_ref-Kuttler_7-1" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-Kuttler-7" title=""><span>[</span>8<span>]</span></a></sup></p> <p>Emanuel trains for and participates in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triathlons" title="Triathlons" class="mw-redirect">triathlons</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-Oct._Fortune_16-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rahm_Emanuel#cite_note-Oct._Fortune-16" title=""><span>[</span>17<span>]</span></a></sup></p><p><br /></p>L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-16151219739380159972008-11-01T17:42:00.002-05:002008-11-01T20:14:58.920-05:00Another Trip to Gaza<span style=";font-family:Tahoma;font-size:85%;" >----- Forwarded Message ----<br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">From:</span></b> Irish <<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_0">iristulip@gmail.com</span>><br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">To:</span></b> gazafriends <<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_1">gazafriends@lists.riseup.net</span>><br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sent:</span></b> Tuesday, October 28, 2008 11:15:06 PM<br /><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Subject:</span></b> We've done it again<br /></span><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman,serif;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">For Immediate Release</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">October 29, 2008 </span></span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:times new roman,serif;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">For More Information, Please Contact:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Greta Berlin (Cyprus) <span isdynflag="1" info="Call +35799081767;0;+35799081767;1;" onmouseup="SkypeSetCallButtonPressed(this, 0,0,0)" onmousedown="SkypeSetCallButtonPressed(this, 1,0,0)" onmouseover="SkypeSetCallButton(this, 1,0,0);skype_active=SkypeCheckCallButton(this);" onmouseout="SkypeSetCallButton(this, 0,0,0);HideSkypeMenu();" context="+357 99 081 767" fax="0" rtl="false" class="skype_tb_injection" id="__skype_highlight_id"><span title="Skype actions" onmouseout="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 0);" onmouseover="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 1);" class="skype_tb_injection_left" id="__skype_highlight_id_left"><span style="background-image: url(chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_normal_l.gif);" class="skype_tb_injection_left_img" id="__skype_highlight_id_left_adge"><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_transparent_l.gif" style="height: 11px; 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width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" />+357 99 081 767</span><span style="background-image: url(chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_normal_r.gif);" class="skype_tb_injection_left_img" id="__skype_highlight_id_right_adge"><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_transparent_r.gif" style="height: 11px; width: 19px;" class="skype_tb_img_adge" height="11" /></span></span></span> / <a rel="nofollow" ymailto="mailto:iristulip@gmail.com" target="_blank" href="http://b6.mail.yahoo.com/ym/muslimahwritersalliance.com/Compose?To=iristulip@gmail.com">iristulip@gmail.com</a> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Osama Qashoo (Cyprus) <span isdynflag="1" info="Call +447833381660;1;+447833381660;1;" onmouseup="SkypeSetCallButtonPressed(this, 0,0,0)" onmousedown="SkypeSetCallButtonPressed(this, 1,0,0)" onmouseover="SkypeSetCallButton(this, 1,0,0);skype_active=SkypeCheckCallButton(this);" onmouseout="SkypeSetCallButton(this, 0,0,0);HideSkypeMenu();" context="+44 (0)78 3338 1660" fax="0" rtl="false" class="skype_tb_injection" id="__skype_highlight_id"><span title="Skype actions" onmouseout="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 0);" onmouseover="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 1);" class="skype_tb_injection_left" id="__skype_highlight_id_left"><span style="background-image: url(chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_normal_l.gif);" class="skype_tb_injection_left_img" id="__skype_highlight_id_left_adge"><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_transparent_l.gif" style="height: 11px; 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height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /></span></span><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><span title="Call this phone number in United Kingdom with Skype: +447833381660" onmouseout="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 0)" onmouseover="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 1)" class="skype_tb_injection_right" id="__skype_highlight_id_right"><span class="skype_tb_innerText" id="__skype_highlight_id_innerText"><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" />+44 (0)78 3338 1660</span><span style="background-image: url(chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_normal_r.gif);" class="skype_tb_injection_left_img" id="__skype_highlight_id_right_adge"><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_transparent_r.gif" style="height: 11px; width: 19px;" class="skype_tb_img_adge" height="11" /></span></span></span> / <a rel="nofollow" ymailto="mailto:osamaqashoo@gmail.com" target="_blank" href="http://b6.mail.yahoo.com/ym/muslimahwritersalliance.com/Compose?To=osamaqashoo@gmail.com"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_2">osamaqashoo@gmail.com</span></a> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Angela Godfrey Goldstein (<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_3">Jerusalem</span>) <span isdynflag="1" info="Call +972547366393;2;+972547366393;1;" onmouseup="SkypeSetCallButtonPressed(this, 0,0,0)" onmousedown="SkypeSetCallButtonPressed(this, 1,0,0)" onmouseover="SkypeSetCallButton(this, 1,0,0);skype_active=SkypeCheckCallButton(this);" onmouseout="SkypeSetCallButton(this, 0,0,0);HideSkypeMenu();" context="+972 (0)54 736 6393" fax="0" rtl="false" class="skype_tb_injection" id="__skype_highlight_id"><span title="Skype actions" onmouseout="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 0);" onmouseover="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 1);" class="skype_tb_injection_left" id="__skype_highlight_id_left"><span style="background-image: url(chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_normal_l.gif);" class="skype_tb_injection_left_img" id="__skype_highlight_id_left_adge"><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_transparent_l.gif" style="height: 11px; 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height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /></span></span><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><span title="Call this phone number in Israel with Skype: +972547366393" onmouseout="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 0)" onmouseover="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 1)" class="skype_tb_injection_right" id="__skype_highlight_id_right"><span class="skype_tb_innerText" id="__skype_highlight_id_innerText"><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" />+972 (0)54 736 6393</span><span style="background-image: url(chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_normal_r.gif);" class="skype_tb_injection_left_img" id="__skype_highlight_id_right_adge"><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_transparent_r.gif" style="height: 11px; width: 19px;" class="skype_tb_img_adge" height="11" /></span></span></span> / <a rel="nofollow" ymailto="mailto:angela@icahd.org" target="_blank" href="http://b6.mail.yahoo.com/ym/muslimahwritersalliance.com/Compose?To=angela@icahd.org"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_4">angela@icahd.org</span></a> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br />LARNACA - The Free <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_5">Gaza</span> Movement is delighted to announce that their third boat, the SS Dignity carrying 27 crew and passengers arrived in Gaza at 8:10 Gaza time, in spite of Israeli threats to stop them. In the pouring rain, the boat pulled into port amid cheers from the people of Gaza and tears from the passengers.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br />David Schermerhorn, one of the crew members called an hour before the boat entered the waters of Gaza and said, "There is a rainbow stretching across the Mediterranean from where we are right now."</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br />Yesterday, The Israel Navy said they would stop the stop our vessel once it reached <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1032271.html"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_6">Israel's territorial waters</span></a>. Apparently to save face, they said they would harm our boat, arrest us and tow us IF we entered Israeli waters. </span></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman,serif;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> The problem for <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_7">Israel</span> is that the SS Dignity had no intention of getting anywhere near those waters. </span></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman,serif;font-size:130%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">One of the organizers, <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_8">Huwaida Arraf</span> cheered, "Once again we've been able to defy an unjust and illegal policy while the rest of the world is too intimidated to do anything. Our small boat is a huge cry to the international community to follow in our footsteps and open a lifeline to the people of Gaza."</span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br /><br />For the second time, the Free Gaza Movement has demonstrated that the might of the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_9">Israeli navy</span> is no match for a small boat of <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_10">human rights activists</span> determined to call to the attention of the world the occupation of the people of Gaza.<br /><br />Dr. <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_11">Mustafa Barghouti</span>, member of the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_12">Palestinian Legislative Council</span> added, "Despite the injustice against the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_13">Palestinian people</span>, we believe in justice and will keep on trying to break Israel's siege. The occupation has divided the Palestinians, but our <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_14">nonviolent resistance</span> has united us."<br /><br />Osama Qashoo, one of the organizers of the Free Gaza Movement, overjoyed for the second time in three months, "We are all capable of leading a nonviolent and effective movement to end the Israeli Apartheid and expose the injustice that has been meted out to the Palestinians. We in the FG movement have provided the new dictionary, it's up to the Palestinians and the Israelis and the Internationals to add the words."<br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">-- </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Greta Berlin</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Media Team</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Free Gaza Movement</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span isdynflag="1" info="Call +35799081767;3;+35799081767;1;" onmouseup="SkypeSetCallButtonPressed(this, 0,0,0)" onmousedown="SkypeSetCallButtonPressed(this, 1,0,0)" onmouseover="SkypeSetCallButton(this, 1,0,0);skype_active=SkypeCheckCallButton(this);" onmouseout="SkypeSetCallButton(this, 0,0,0);HideSkypeMenu();" context="357 99 08 17 67" reallyisdynflag="1" fax="0" rtl="false" class="skype_tb_injection" id="__skype_highlight_id"><span title="Skype actions" onmouseout="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 0);" onmouseover="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 1);" class="skype_tb_injection_left" id="__skype_highlight_id_left"><span style="background-image: url(chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_normal_l.gif);" class="skype_tb_injection_left_img" id="__skype_highlight_id_left_adge"><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_transparent_l.gif" style="height: 11px; width: 7px;" class="skype_tb_img_adge" height="11" /></span><span class="skype_tb_injection_left_img" id="__skype_highlight_id_left_img"><img style="width: 16px;" src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/famfamfam/cy.gif" title="" class="skype_tb_img_flag" name="skype_tb_img_f3" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/arrow.gif" title="" class="skype_tb_img_arrow" name="skype_tb_img_a3" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /></span></span><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><span title="Call this phone number in Cyprus with Skype: +35799081767" onmouseout="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 0)" onmouseover="SkypeSetCallButtonPart(this, 1)" class="skype_tb_injection_right" id="__skype_highlight_id_right"><span class="skype_tb_innerText" id="__skype_highlight_id_innerText"><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" /><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; height: 1px; width: 1px;" class="skype_tb_img_space" height="1" width="1" />357...</span><span style="background-image: url(chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_normal_r.gif);" class="skype_tb_injection_left_img" id="__skype_highlight_id_right_adge"><img src="chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_transparent_r.gif" style="height: 11px; width: 19px;" class="skype_tb_img_adge" height="11" /></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.freegaza.org/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_15">www.freegaza.org</span></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.anis-online.de/office/events/FreeGazaSong.htm"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_16">www.anis-online.de/office/events/FreeGazaSong.htm</span></a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29205195@N02/"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1225579290_17">www.flickr.com/photos/29205195@N02/</span></a> </span></span>L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-89313650261994515372008-10-20T16:50:00.003-05:002008-10-20T17:19:17.367-05:00The Joys of Having a Wood StoveAs mentioned in the last post, we had our first freeze two nights ago. In my household, that means shifting to our winter kitchen arrangement - to accommodate heating and cooking with our wood cook stove. <br /><br />In the summer, I use my wood stove as a counter-top and its reservoir as a spice and condiment rack, which works great when company arrives for our cook-outs over our outdoor fire ring. However, when cold weather comes around, the table cloth is taken off of it, and everything else on it has to find a home elsewhere in new cabinets or in the dry sink in the outdoor kitchen. <br /><br />Due to my neglect to check the weather forecasts last week, what I normally do for "winterizing" over several days, had to be done within one hour - in addition to bringing in a large load of wood, moving a bakers rack and cabinets around, etc. Then there was the fun of building the first fire - (my son took the liberty of doing that). <br /><br />You would think, that after all of that, we would be fed up with having only a wood stove for winter heat and cooking; but quite to the contrary, once the fire was going and the reservoir filled, a sense of comfort enveloped the house, subhanallah. There is nothing comparable to the sound of a crackling fire and the type of heat that a wood-stove puts out. No electric or gas stove can compare to the ambiance of a wood stove.<br /><br />On the practical side, we don't have to worry about the ups and downs of rising fuel costs that jack up electricity bills and gas or propane bills. If the electricity goes out, we know we have heat and a stove and oven to cook with (we probably would not notice, unless we tried to get on the internet.) <br /><br />As long as we keep the reservoir filled, we also have a constant source of hot water on demand, as well as humidity in the house rather than the dryness and static that electric and gas heaters produce.<br /><br />Some people may think our way of living is "backward", but I challenge that. If any major blackout, or energy crisis or technological breakdown were to occur, everyone will be knocking at the doors of homesteaders like us. Our homemade candles and lanterns are always handy - as well as our homemade soaps, homespun yarn for weaving or knitting for just about anything needed. <br /><br />All of this is by the grace of Allah (God) of course. He is the one who brought our harvest to fruition, allowing us to preserve enough for use til next season and who sustains our animals as well.<br /><br />I usually save some things in the freezer, like the blackberries picked in June, so that I can make them into jam over the wood stove and save electricity. Also, having a nice smooth metal top (about 36 inches wide), I can make specialty breads directly on top of the stove (the tortillas and Bosnian Pita bread come out great, as well as several Indian breads).<br /><br />My wood stove is my favorite part of Autumn and Winter. Now it is time for me to enjoy its coziness while I sit down and finish removing leaves from the Malukhia!L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-68309343622977370982008-10-20T02:03:00.005-05:002008-10-20T16:47:49.987-05:00Lost in a Pile of Malukhia Leaves!While most of my garden had already been harvested, I had left a couple stragglers out there to "milk their worth", like some late tomatoes that had not yet ripened, sections of basil that I wanted to go to seed for next year's planting, and most importantly: malukhia! I had left about a 20 x 20 foot section of malukhia.<br /><br />Last night we had our first freeze (that snuck up on me). That meant that today my son and I had to scurry to get all of it harvested onto a large bedsheet in a huge pile that is now sitting on my living room awaiting processing. It is now 2:14 am and it doesn't look like I have made a dent in the "de-leafing"process. (I dry some and cut some to freeze "green").<br /><br />If you are not familiar with Malukhia, a native of Egypt (in my dialect, pronounced "imlukhia"), it is a plant that is actually related to the mint family and it is a mallow (also known under the name of "Jew's Mallow or by the common name of "Leaf Okra").<br /><br />When cooked, it is slimey like Okra, but it is the leaves that are cooked (like spinach). As a matter of fact, spinach or other greens are sometimes mixed with it to vary the flavor or cut down on sliminess. (I happen to like the sliminess!) When left to mature, it actually develops long, skinny, okra-like growths at the crown.<br /><br />Malukhia is also a relative to the marsh mallow. Yes, there is an actual plant called a Marsh Mallow. You guessed it! It grows in marshy areas. There is a lot of it growing wild in my area along the creeks, lakes and rivers. Initially the roots of these plants were harvested and boiled and sweetened to form the original "Marshmallow" that is used to put in S'mores and hot cocoa. Of course, synthetic nation that we are, they began to be produced for large market leaving out the most important element - THE MARSHMALLOW! (I opt to dig the real thing out and cook it the original way).<br /><br /> The leaves have a similar taste and consistency (Marsh Mallow and Malukhia). Cress and either mallow makes a nice taste combination.<br /><br />Recent studies say it helps remove cholesterol from the body. Move over Crestor!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How do I Prepare Malukhia at MY House?</span><br /><br />First, I get my pressure cooker ready, put some olive oil in it, saute onions, then brown some lamb or goat meat (you could use chicken). After it is brown, I cover it with sufficient water and add salt and pepper. Then I let the pressure cooker do its job for a sufficient amount of time (depending on how much meat) to let the meat fall off the bone.<br /><br />In another pot, I melt some butter (or ghee) and saute the minced malukhia before adding broth from the meat in the pressure cooker, to a consistency that I like (sometimes I might add turnip greens, or spinach or swiss chard also minced, with it). Once it comes to a boil again, I turn it down to simmer for no more than 20 minutes. (note that this is the way for green [fresh or frozen] malukhia, as dried only needs about 5 minutes).<br /><br />During that time, I take a heaping tablespoon of whole coriander seeds and crush with mortar and pestle (you could use a coffee grinder, but its not as good) and set aside. Then I crush about 8 cloves of garlic over some salt in the mortar and pestle. In a skillet I add a tablespoon of olive oil then saute the garlic for at least 3 minutes while stirring to prevent burning. To that mixture I then add the crushed coriander seeds and stir constantly for about 30 seconds to a minute (don't burn it!). Then I quickly pour about 1/4 cup of lemon juice into that skillet, stir it and add it immediately to the malukhia mixture.<br /><br />I serve it with lemon wedges and a side of rice (I personally like to put the rice in a bowl and ladle the malukhia over it and squeeze some lemon over it). I sometimes just eat it with pita bread, tortilla or just a spoon as a soup.<br /><br />Enjoy!L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-17047045897430001492008-10-11T17:47:00.006-05:002008-10-11T18:32:32.147-05:00Sacred Months - Hajj is coming!November 30th, 2008 (depending on Lunar crescent sightings) will be the beginning of the month of Dhul Hijja - the month in which Hajj is performed, inshallah. Given this date, Hajj rites start on December the 8th and Eid-Al-Adha on December 9th 2008. The time between the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Hajj is two months that seem to fly by without notice.<br /><br />Those of you who plan on performing Haj this year, should definitely begin brushing up on your knowledge of Hajj rites from now in order to best utilize your precious time there.<br /><br />Preparation should be physical, mental, and spiritual.<br /><br />Physical: Start walking! If you are out of shape, know that you will have to do a lot of walking - even if just for making tawaf and sai - the expanse of Sa'i is more than you would expect.<br /><br />Mental: You will need to know the rites - when to be where, how to do this or that. Do not assume that those around you know more than you, nor make the mistake that it is okay to do what the majority is doing. You are responsible for your own actions and no one else's. There are a lot of false practices out there.<br /><br />Spiritual: Make sure you are right with God before you go. Do you owe anyone money? Have you offended anyone and need to set it right? Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged, make tawba. Increase your salawat. Practice shutting the world out during your 'ibada. Let go of any prejudices.<br /><br />I'll be posting more about Hajj and Eid-Al-Adha both here and via articles on www.Suite101.com from now though the Eid inshallah - so stay tuned. You will notice that there are Hajj related videos now on this site to give you more information.<br /><br />If you are not Muslim, it's a great opportunity to learn more about your Muslim neighbors and what we're up to. :-)L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-30858750565380992182008-10-08T14:19:00.003-05:002008-10-08T14:31:23.307-05:00Swap-BotIf I have been missing since the Eid was finished, it is because I have discovered www.Swap-Bot.com. If you like trading of any sort, chances are you can find it there. As for me, I enjoy doing crafts of all sorts and trading with others who do as well, in order to learn new techniques or just to enjoy getting a surprise.<br /><br />Yes, I did see the Veep Debates - big snooze. Yes, I am aware there is a financial crisis (but hasn't the rest of America known all of this for quite a long time, despite denials by current administration and its mouthpieces?).<br /><br />Swap-bot provided more useful entertainment than either VP candidate or the talking heads regarding Wall Street.<br /><br />I can at least wear a crocheted scarf, or use some new fiber for spinning into yarn. Whereas, it doesn't look like neither VP candidate nor W. nor Wall Street can do anything useful for me or any average person at this time!L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-27563431744362338552008-09-30T06:56:00.010-05:002008-09-30T08:08:31.925-05:00Eid al FitrAccording to the proper Islamic traditions, Eid Al-Fitr is on Tuesday, Sept 30th. Islam requires only that one or two trustful sources have reported the naked-eye sighting of the new moon anywhere in the world for the rest of the Muslims (no matter where they are) to break their fast.<br /><br />A lot of fitna has been produced by so-called modern "fiqh councils". However "la ta3t elMakhlooq fi ma3siyat al Khaliq" (there is no following the one who has been created (man) in the disobedience of the Creator) - AND "Whosoever obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah (God)".<br /><br />A Fatwa (or religious verdict) cannot be made to change a matter for which precedent has already been set by Allah and his Messenger. In this matter, precedent has been set, so it is upon the servants of God to obey and encourage their leaders to fall in line with what is Islamically correct.<br /><br />Verily we are living in times of fitna and in need of reform. Let's take example from Imam Hasan al-Basri who humbly and effectively began the reformation of Islam to bring it back to the teachings of the Qur'an after the two fitnas. (for more on that, please see my article on suite101.com on Islamic Reformation and Hasan al-Basri).<br /><br />Just because a "ruling" may come from Saudi Arabia or an American or European "Fiqh Council", does not mean it is correct. I encourage everyone to be responsible for obtaining proper knowledge and to keep their leaders in check armed with that knowledge. When a person lets knowledge disappear, they are lost.L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-63704428840421545582008-09-23T00:28:00.004-05:002008-09-23T00:39:15.342-05:00Laylat El-QadrLaylat el-Qadr (the Night of Power) is estimated to occur during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Many speculate that it is the 27th night, others say it is any odd night. I think it is best to say that Allah alone knows best.<br /><br />Having said that, I just had to share somthing. While I was praying Taraweeh alone tonight, the ground trembled beneath my feet. When I would finish each 2 rakats, it would stop. Let me make it more clear: Whenever I was reading Qur'an out loud or making du'a aloud, the ground shook, subhanAllah - when I would stop, nothing. I literally thought that I was going to fall through the floor.<br /><br />I just wanted to share that and see if anyone else had a similar experience tonight, as we are in the last ten nights of Ramadan. You can ridicule me all you want, but that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!<br /><br />One more thing... during the second week of Ramadan, I happened to be making more du'a than usual while facing the heavens, and a shooting star shot down exactly where I was looking. It really sent happy shivers down my spine. There is barely over a week of Ramadan left, everyone. Let's try to get the most out of it!<br /><br />Salam!L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-34367975789456344262008-09-09T22:21:00.002-05:002008-09-09T22:29:12.741-05:00Ramadan is Zooming ByIt is hard to believe that the last time I posted was 9 days ago (the first day of Ramadan)! Ramadan is about 1/3 over. It may be hard for those who do not fast to understand that Ramadan feels like a guest coming to visit you - the kind of guest who's company you enjoy - and when that guest leaves you miss it.<br /><br />With Taraweeh prayers at night, and fasting in the day it has been hard to keep blogging. I just want to say to those out there who are observing this month of Ramadan to remember that a lot of it is about learning to control one's self and one's desires. Keep this in mind, when remembering that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said that if one intentionally breaks his fast for one day during Ramadan without an excuse, even if he spent the rest of his life fasting it will not make up for that day.<br /><br />Peace out folks!L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5694003331729428611.post-12921670022088116502008-09-01T23:18:00.005-05:002008-09-01T23:37:56.216-05:00First Iftar (Fast-Breaking) of RamadanAll of you will be greatly relieved that I did not spend my first Iftar eating a Hot Pocket alone. I was invited to break fast with a very lovely family and my son who had just arrived back from the conference.<br /><br />Here is a "shout out" to that family: "Jazakum Allahu khairan" (May God reward you with Good). You know who you are. What a wonderful Indian meal - MMMmmmmmm!<br /><br />I still have my name on that Hot Pocket though - this time for Suhur (the meal before beginning the fasting day).<br /><br />Here is my question though - I was told that they didn't see my blog yet (only because I wondered if they had seen Brother Ali's video "Ramadan Reruns" on it) and all I got was shrugged shoulders - yet when we were leaving, the sister gave me a container of dates saying, "You said you didn't have any dates". All fine and dandy - God bless her.<br /><br />This is where it gets interesting folks... I didn't mention anything about having or not having dates - but it IS written in my blog below. How embarrassing! Do you think I got a pity invite?<br /><br />Well, everyone, here is how to do it - if you want to get invited somewhere for Iftar announce that you are planning on staying home alone and eating a Hot Pocket!L Hashim-Albayaahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05282483352895225504noreply@blogger.com0