MWA Commends Jewish NY U.S. Senate Candidate, Jonathan Tasini on Support of Gaza

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In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"The November 2 mid-term elections include senate races in seven key states, New York is one of them, and for the 1.5 million citizens of Gaza, the support of candidates like Tasini cannot come soon enough," stated MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz.

PR Log (Press Release) Mar 26, 2010 – WASHINGTON, D.C. (MWA) – Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA), in continuation of its ongoing campaign to bring awareness to the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, commends Jewish U.S. Senate candidate Jonathan Tasini (D-NY), for lending his voice to the criticism of Israel's building of new settlements in East Jerusalem and the ongoing embargo on Gaza. (VIDEO)

"At a time when news agencies are reporting that nearly 300 members of Congress have signed a letter addressed to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declaring reaffirmation of their commitment to 'the unbreakable bond that exists between [U.S.] and the State of Israel', every voice counts," stated MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz.

"In working toward educating American citizens about the urgency of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and in stressing to President Obama the dire need for immediate relief in the embattled region, Tasini further supports the 54 U.S. Representatives who delivered a list of embargo-breaking relief efforts to President Obama on January 21—just 19 days after nearly 1,400 Gaza Freedom March delegates, representing 43 countries, attempted to enter Gaza—converging on Cairo, Egypt, bringing widespread international media attention to the tenuous conditions under which the Palestinian people have endured, particularly this past year after the December 2008 Israeli-led bombings and massacre that left more than 1,300 dead," Schwartz added.

In a release published on the candidate's website, Tasini echoed the Obama administration's criticism of Israel's recent decision to approve the construction of 1,600 new homes in East Jerusalem, stating:

"The decision by the Israeli government is counter-productive, done in bad-faith and sends a signal that the Israeli government is not serious about reaching a comprehensive peace agreement in the Middle East—which must result in the creation of an independent, viable Palestinian state for any peace agreement to be long-lasting.

"But, our government must go further. I am calling on the Administration to recognize the humanitarian crisis that is taking place every day in Gaza as a result of the Israeli blockade and demand that the blockade be halted immediately. Gaza is home to 1.5 million people who are being denied regular access to food, electricity, and medical supplies because of the blockade.

"The blockade violates international law because it imposes collective punishment on a civilian population as retaliation for the actions of armed groups which are illegally firing rockets at Israeli civilians. Violence against civilians cannot be tolerated—by either side. As well, the blockade will only serve to make long-term reconciliation more difficult because it further embitters a civilian population, which has already suffered decades of poverty and economic hardship because of the lack of a peace agreement and military conflict.

"I speak out not just as a candidate for public office. I speak as a Jew. I speak out as the son of a father who was born in Palestine, and who fought in the Jewish underground. I speak as someone who has had family members killed in the decades-long conflict, and who has lived in Israel and witnessed violence first-hand. And I speak as someone who has many family members still living there—and, therefore, I will not rest nor be silent, as a candidate and as a U.S. Senator, until our government is clearly an unstinting supporter of a two-state solution and is willing to speak up when international law is violated."

Schwartz added, "The November 2, 2010 midterm senate races are crucial, with seven states holding the potential to affect a shift in the filibuster-proof majority that the Obama administration has held for the past year. New York is one of those states. If we're going to continue to talk about 'change'—let me add that change in U.S. foreign policy that provides funding to Israel for crimes against humanity, cannot come soon enough for the Palestinian people—and there is no better time for US citizens to register to vote."

Please take a moment to let U.S. Senate candidate Jonathan Tasini know that you appreciate his support; Gaza can't wait. (Contact Tasini here)

"In December 2009 I had the opportunity to see with my own eyes the conditions under which citizens of Gaza currently live; they deserve every glimmer of hope we can provide - and more," Schwartz stated.

Tasini is also a union member and supporter of the Employee Free Choice Act. Learn more here: http://jonathantasini.com/content/democracy-work

RELATED
Register to Vote!

MWA Rejects Ideological Exclusion as US Delays Visa of Palestinian Journalist, Mohammed Omer

MWA Joins Jewish Voice for peace in Cal for End to Settlement Construction and Blockade of Gaza

MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz to Congressmen Ellison and Baird: 'You Are Not Alone!'

Rep. Brian Baird's OpenCongress Blog Gives Nod to Activist, Aishah Schwartz

International Activist, Aishah Schwartz Commends Action of 54 U.S. Congressmen Supporting End to Embargo of Gaza

Letter of 54-Reps to President Obama

Arabic Media Covering Gaza Freedom March Delegate, Aishah Schwartz

Initial Report on Four-Day Gaza Siege Breaking Visit of International Activist, Aishah Schwartz

MWA Director Among 86 Gaza Delegates to Enter Gaza

More on the Gaza Freedom March Journey Here


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Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based collaboration of Muslim women writers working together to counter negative and inaccurate perceptions regarding members of the Muslim community and the Islamic faith.
--------------------------

Muslimah Writers Alliance
1808 Eye St., N.W., Suite 147
Washington, DC 20006
Fax & Voicemail: 1-866-211-2082
CLICK HERE to Contact or Support MWA 
MWA Press Room

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CAIRO, EGYPT: IslamOnline Strike - Day 11

See Also: Muslimah Writers Alliance Joins International Federation of Journalists Supporting IslamOnline Strikers

Palestinian Journalist, Mohammed Omer Reports on Occupied Gaza

Muslimah Writers Alliance Rejects Ideological Exclusion as U.S. Delays Visa of Palestinian Journalist, Mohammed Omer

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MARCH 24 AND UPDATED ON THE 25TH

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ideological exclusion violates Americans' First Amendment right to hear constitutionally protected speech by denying foreign scholars, artists, politicians and others entry to the U.S.

PR Log (Press Release) WASHINGTON, D.C. (MWA) – Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) in continuation of a campaign launched by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to eradicate ideological exclusion, urges your support of award-winning Palestinian journalist, Mohammed Omer. Omer, scheduled to appear in the U.S. as the April 5 leg of his Newberry Library event, "Reflections on Life and War in Gaza", hosted by Haymarket Books, was set to take him through Chicago, Houston and Santa Fe. However, an extended hold placed on his visa application at U.S. consulate offices in The Netherlands has effectively canceled the planned speaking engagements.

It appears that Omer, also a correspondent for the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs (WRMEA), reportedly residing in The Netherlands subsequent to being brutalized by Israeli soldiers in June of 2008 as he attempted to re-enter Gaza after receiving the Martha Gellhorn Prize in Journalism in London, is perhaps the latest victim of ideological exclusion on the part of the U.S. government.

In further exacerbation of the post-9/11 Islamophobic climate that the Muslim community finds itself in today, the United States government has adopted the practice of denying visas to foreign nationals whose political views the government apparently disfavors. Once used to bar suspected Communists from entering the country, the practice of "ideological exclusion" was resurrected by the USA Patriot Act. Ideological exclusion violates Americans' First Amendment right to hear constitutionally protected speech by denying foreign scholars, artists, politicians and others entry to the U.S.

Foreign nationals recently denied visas include Fulbright scholar Marixa Lasso, Oxford's Tariq Ramadan; respected South African scholar and vocal Iraq War critic Dr. Adam Habib; Iraqi doctor Riyadh Lafta, who disputed the official Iraqi civilian death numbers in the respected British medical journal, "The Lancet", and more.

The ACLU was instrumental in resolving the visa delay issues of prominent scholars, Habib and Ramadan, as announced in January 2010 when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton chose to "exercise her exemption authority" for the pair's benefit, thus lifting the ban on their entry into the United States.

In agency reports on Clinton's announcement, State Department spokesman Darby Holiday was quoted saying, "Both the President and the Secretary of State have made it clear that the U.S. government is pursuing  a new relationship with Muslim communities based on mutual interest and mutual respect."

Ramadan added, "The decision brings to an end a dark period in American politics that saw security considerations invoked to block critical debate through a policy of exclusion and baseless allegation."

"Clinton's decision may have benefited Professors Habib and Ramadan, however, it does not seem to apply to Palestinian journalist Mohammed Omer, or the issue of injustice regarding Palestine in general, particularly in relation to the ongoing U.S. government supported, illegal, Israeli embargo on Gaza," stated MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz, who visited the region in December 2009.

"I am more than happy to hear that the Obama administration continues to express intentions toward the pursuit of mutual interests and respect, however, where it concerns the issue of Palestine, regardless of what administration 'officials' express, we have yet to hear directly from our President. Mr. President, with all due respect, while we have seen you on YouTube and even Fox News in support of the 'change' your purport our nation needs, your silence on Gaza is nothing short of betrayal."

"On the subject of Palestine, I have heard time and again, 'if only Americans knew'. What threat do journalists like Mohammed Omer, who have lived and breathed the reality of life inside the prison walls of Gaza hold, that should exclude them from being free to deliver the truth to those otherwise unaware?" Schwartz added, "What is it that the U.S. administration doesn't want its citizens to fully understand? It's liability for facilitating the travesty of injustice hurled upon the citizens of Gaza in December 2009 when more than 1,400 people were mercilessly slaughtered with U.S. tax payer funded Israeli bombs?"

The January decision on behalf of Habib and Ramadan brought initial hope that the practice of ideological exclusion would soon draw to an end, however, the unexplained decision of the U.S. consulate in The Netherlands denying an entry visa to Mohammed Omer indicates we must continue to urge the Obama administration to transition from words to a comprehensive move through actions.

Here's how you can help!

Contact President Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and U.S. Ambassador to The Netherlands, Fay Hartog Levin by telephone, fax or email and urge them show us that they are willing to facilitate the professed pursuit of a new relationship with Muslim communities on the basis of mutual interest and respect, and that they are willing to renounce the subjugation and erosion of the First Amendment rights of American citizens to hear constitutionally protected speech by facilitating the entry visa of Mohammed Omer with all due haste.

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Telephone: (202)
Fax: (202) 456-2461
Email: http://www.emailthepresident.com
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

The Honorable Hillary Clinton
Secretary of State
ATTN: Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills
United States Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
Fax: (202) 647-2283
    
Ambassador Fay Hartog Levin
U.S. Embassy in The Hague
Lange Voorhout 102
2514 EJ
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 70 310-2209
Fax: +31 70 361-4688
Email: ConsularAmster@state.gov

Schwartz concluded, "When I returned from Gaza on January 2, after seeing first-hand the devastating conditions under which the Palestinian people continue to suffer, I vowed to pursue justice on their behalf by supporting the right of the Palestinian people to a peaceful co-existence and an end to the inhumane embargo on Gaza that continues to support an unfathomable humanitarian crisis. I am asking you to join me in the ongoing campaign."

"Reflections on Life and War in Gaza" is sponsored by Haymarket Books in cooperation with: American Friends Service Committee-Chicago, Committee for a Just Peace in Palestine and Israel, Episcopal Diocese of Chicago-Peace and Justice Committee, the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, International Socialist Organization, International Solidarity Movement-Chicago, Islamic Medical Association of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Jewish Voice for Peace, Middle East Task Force of Chicago Presbytery, National Lawyers Guild-Loyola, Neighbors For Peace, Students for Justice in Palestine-DePaul and UIC chapters, and Ta'anit Tzedek—Jewish Fast for Gaza.

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Additional background on the case of Mohammed Omer available here.

Support Mohammed Omer via Facebook here. 

Read articles written by Mohammed Omer for WRMEA here.

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Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based collaboration of Muslim women writers working together to counter negative and inaccurate perceptions regarding members of the Muslim community and the Islamic faith.
--------------------------

Muslimah Writers Alliance
1808 Eye St., N.W., Suite 147
Washington, DC 20006
Fax & Voicemail: 1-866-211-2082
To Contact or Support MWA Visit
MWA Press Room

MWA Joins Jewish Voice for Peace in Call for End to Settlement Construction and Blockade on Gaza

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"As one of the returning 86 delegates who recently entered Gaza, I can attest to the need for peace in the region, and the urgency for lifting of the illegal blockade on Gaza. Simply put, Gaza can't wait," stated MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MWA) March 23, 2010 – Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) joins Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP) in demanding that Israel freeze illegal settlement expansion in light of last night's comments by Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu in defending settlement expansion in Jerusalem by insisting on the historic right of Jews to build anywhere in the city, including the eastern section. Today Minister Netanyahu will meet with U.S. President Obama to reiterate his position.

But Netanyahu is wrong, and Secretary of State Clinton and President Obama, who have called for a settlement freeze as the first step towards a true peace, are right. East Jerusalem was illegally annexed in 1967. The 1,600 Jewish-only housing units the government has approved for construction are illegal according to international law.

AIPAC's annual policy conference will continue throughout this week (March 22-26), and thousands of members will be lobbying members of Congress, telling them that the Obama administration is too hard on Israel. Why? Because the US dares to insist on a settlement freeze.

Now is the time to demand full accountability, ask the US to withhold its aid to Israel until Israel agrees to abide by international law including ending settlement construction and lifting the blockade on Gaza. Only through accountability will we achieve a lasting peace.

Send a letter to President Obama telling him that you support the administration's demands for an end to settlement construction in both the West Bank and East Jerusalem— but don't stop there! Ask him to withhold U.S. aid to Israel until it agrees to abide by international law, including lifting of the blockade on Gaza.

Sending your letter to the President could not be easier with JVP's online platform — or you can fax your letter to (202) 456-2461.

Alternatively, and respectfully, you can also voice your concerns by calling (202) 451-1111.

There's more! Now is the time to let Congress know that AIPAC doesn't speak for YOU—use JVP's online form to find your representative here.

Say 'NO' to Israeli settlements and unconditional aid—the primary barriers to peace!

MWA echoes JVP in its message to you!

Don't settle down, don't calm down, don't quiet down just because some people think it's OK to take Palestinian land at will. Settlements are wrong. They're illegal, they're immoral, and they enable thousands of Jews to live on land that doesn't belong to them. Settlements come at the price of Palestinian lives and livelihoods, Israeli security, and American lives, as General Petraeus stated last week. Settlements are incompatible with a just peace, and they're made possible by U.S. support.

Let President Obama and Congress know that AIPAC doesn't speak for us, and that the time is over for unconditional aid to support settlement expansion and human rights violations. It is integral to achieving lasting peace.

"As one of the returning 86 delegates who entered Gaza (Dec. 30, 2009-Jan. 2, 2010), I can attest to the fact the need for peace in the region and an end to the blockade on Gaza cannot be facilitated fast enough. Gaza can't wait," stated MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz.

Join the more than 3,000 fans of Jewish Voice for Peace on Facebook.

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Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based collaboration of Muslim women writers working together to counter negative and inaccurate perceptions regarding members of the Muslim community and the Islamic faith.
--------------------------

Muslimah Writers Alliance
1808 Eye St., N.W., Suite 147
Washington, DC 20006
Fax & Voicemail: 1-866-211-2082

Jewish Senate Candidate Jonathan Tasini Joins Call for End the Blockade of Gaza

Jonathan, also an author, spent many years in Israel, and much of his family still lives there. Its from those personal experiences that he concludes that a strong two-state solution is the only way out of the crisis Israel and Palestine find themselves in. To that end, Prime Minister Netanyahu must stop the construction in East Jerusalem, and most importantly, end the blockade of the Gaza Strip. Click here to sign Amnesty International's petition to lift the blockade: http://tinyurl.com/y9qtery To learn more about Jonathan's progressive campaign for U.S. Senate, click here: http://www.jonathantasini.com/ To subscribe to his Youtube channel click here: http://www.youtube.com/user/TasiniForSenate

Muslimah Writers Alliance Supports Earth Hour 2010 - Lights Out 1hr. March 27 - 8:30 PM Local Time in YOUR City!

Earth Hour 2010 is set to be the best yet, but it all depends on you getting involved and spreading the message that you are committed to the future.

The Earth Hour site can be found here http://bit.ly/9otBlq and were also on Twitter (http://bit.ly/aI4qly) and on Facebook (http://bit.ly/dk2uyi) - join our social networks to ensure you are to date with all the amazing things we have planned for this years event.

Earth Hour 2010 will occur on 27th March, at 8:30 local time, all around the world. Don't forget, we need to spread the message and this video so tweet it, blog it, share it - help spread the word and show what can be done!

Earth Hour works best when we all get involved - if you'd like more information on how to run your own event please visit this link and well reply to you: http://bit.ly/cYVrNt

Earth Hour 2010 Show what can be done!

MWA Joins International Federation of Journalists Supporting IslamOnline Strikers in Cairo, Egypt

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

In the face of imminent termination hundreds of IOL journalists, editors and support staff resigned in solidarity on Monday.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MWA) March 19, 2010 – Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) joins the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), representing 600,000 journalists in 125 countries, in backing hundreds of Egyptian journalists and staffers of IslamOnline.net (IOL) striking in Egypt since Monday, in the wake of news that Qatar-based management planned to take control of the website's servers and shut down the Cairo-based offices.

In the face of imminent termination, mass resignations were submitted and Monday's strike commenced in a bid to secure severance packages for displaced workers. Egypt Daily News reports negotiations to secure six months' salary plus one month for every year of employment, and a full year's salary for those earning less than LE 1,000 monthly are ongoing.

"Sources inside the situation requesting to remain anonymous have stated that there is much more to the situation than what the media is currently aware of, and are encouraging their counterparts to remain patient and prayerful as the negotiation process culminates into what is hopefully a satisfactory outcome for the parties involved," stated MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz.

Founded in 1997, over the past 10-years IslamOnline.net prevailed in providing independent reporting free from political and religious interference. IOL's signature moderate tone and diversity in news, commentary and analysis gained worldwide recognition, evidenced by the 120,000 daily hits the website received as visitors passed through Arabic and English content.

IFJ General Secretary Aidan White, in a March 17, 2010 release posted online stated, "The website has set standards of independence that are a model for professionalism in Arab journalism, its closure would deal a serious blow to the cause of independent media."

Dilshad Ali, IslamOnline U.S. correspondent, editor, and former Faiths Editor at Beliefnet.com stated, "On the line right now are the jobs and rights of more than 330 editors and journalists, and 475 reporters and editors with contracts. The importance of solid, helpful, and diverse Muslim news and issues coverage has never been more important than right now. Having worked and freelanced for IslamOnline for nearly ten years, I've seen the site grow into an important voice of truth, opinion, and guidance in the Middle East and beyond; its continuance is vital for a vibrant and diverse global media."

"As an 8-year revert to Islam, I have personally visited IOL's website countless times, finding it to be a welcoming calm in the cyber-storm of misinformation lending itself to Islamophobic rhetoric and counterproductive mainstream media reports targeting Muslims as a danger to society," stated Schwartz.

Schwartz added, "In January 2010, after nearly five years as a writer for MAS Freedom in Washington, D.C., I resigned as a matter of principle myself, so I can relate to what the strikers are going through in the face of certain financial loss. But it is from that voice of experience that I can say to each striker holding their ground in the lobby of IOL's Cairo offices—standing up for one another's rights, and for what you believe in—is a basic principle of the Islamic faith. My hat is off to each and every one of you; and as you well know, after every hardship comes ease."

Several MWA members have also freelanced for IOL. "It is in solidarity that we stand in support of the IOL's striking staff. Their courage is an inspiration to all of us," Schwartz concluded.

To contact MWA please use the online contact form located at http://biz.prlog.org/mwa-net/contact.html.

------------------------
Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based collaboration of Muslim women writers working together to counter negative and inaccurate perceptions regarding members of the Muslim community and the Islamic faith.
--------------------------

Muslimah Writers Alliance
1808 Eye St., N.W., Suite 147
Washington, DC 20006
Fax & Voicemail: 1-866-211-2082

The IslamOnline Strike as Covered by Al-Jazeera (English)

What you're getting here is only a glimpse of the story; and even insiders repeatedly professing that the media does not have all the facts are not offering the whole story. So I've been doing my own research...stay tuned to learn more! 

MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz Quoted in Support of Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board Nominations

President Urged to Nominate Appointees to Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 9, 2010) – On March 1, 2010 a coalition of 25 civil liberty advocacy groups, think tanks and other nonprofit organizations sent a letter to President Obama [1] requesting the nomination of appointees to the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB).

According to the letter, the PCLOB “is one of the few safeguards adopted to protect Americans from improper intrusions into our privacy and civil liberties” from national security laws. With all five seats on the board vacant since late 2008, the letter is calling for the President to “appoint individuals immediately.” Excessive government intrusion into nonprofit programs is affected, in procedures such as USAID's proposed Partner Vetting System [2].

As one of the 9/11 Commission report’s recommendations [3], the PCLOB was designed as one of the ways of “reconciling security with liberty, since the success of one helps protect the other.” The report called for the creation of the PCLOB to “oversee adherence to the guidelines [the 9/11 Commission] recommends and the commitment the government makes to defend our civil liberties.”

Joining the call for nominations, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) sent a letter to the White House on March 8 [4].

"Having a fully functional Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board is a key step in protecting the privacy and civil liberties of all Americans,” Leahy wrote.  “Given the many pressing privacy and civil liberties issues facing our Nation, including timely issues related to counterterrorism and cybersecurity policies, this vital Board has remained vacant for far too long.”

Representing one of the signatory groups, Aishah Schwartz, Director of the Muslimah Writers Alliance, said in a press release [5], “With the foiled 2009 "Christmas Day" bombing, the President and Congress have called for sweeping policy and legal changes – including the expansion of watch lists and more intrusive searches at airports – adding to the urgency and absolute necessity of filling the PCLOB's empty seats."

The letter was signed by American Association of Law Libraries, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, American Civil Liberties Union, American Library Association, Arab American Institute, Association of Research Libraries, Bill of Rights Defense Committee, Center for Democracy & Technology, Center for National Security Studies, Council on American-Islamic Relations, The Constitution Project, Defending Dissent Foundation, DownsizeDC.org, Inc., Electronic Frontier Foundation, Electronic Privacy Information Center, Federation of American Scientists, Government Accountability Project, Liberty Coalition, Muslim Advocates, Muslim Public Affairs Council, Muslim Writers Alliance, OMB Watch, Privacy Lives, Rutherford Institute, and the U.S. Bill of Rights Foundation.

A project of OMB Watch | Charity and Security Network  |  1400 16th Street NW Suite 210 |  Washington, DC 20036

MARCH 1, 2010 COALITION LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA
MARCH 2, 2010 RELEASE FROM MWA

MWA Member Rania Marwan of Cairo, Egypt Publishes First Book

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Inspirational Children's Story 'Laila and Pesto the Fly' Available for Purchase Online

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MWA) March 15, 2010 – Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) director, Aishah Schwartz, is pleased to announce the publication of book written by member Rania Marwan of Cairo, Egypt, "Laila and Pesto the Fly", illustrated by Fatima Asheala Moore, and published through Creative Education and Publishing (CEP), of Falls Church, Virginia.

"Laila and Pesto the Fly" is the story of a young Muslim girl's interest in an unexpected topic that opens the door to an surprising lesson. When the idea to do something she had never thought of before flashes into her mind, Laila finds a new friend flying in to save the day!"

Not only is this an inspirational children's story, but Rania's story is equally as inspirational! She is truly an asset to not only the Muslim community but to the organization as well," stated Ms. Schwartz.

Ms. Marwan, 32, an MWA member since July 2009, received her masters degree in Public Administration from Cairo's American University in 2005. After receiving her degree, Ms. Marwan worked as an assistant lecturer at the German University of Cairo teaching Human Resource Management, Leadership and Motivation, Staffing and Development, Introduction to Management and more. She more recently left that position to begin her Ph.D. studies in Islamic Ethics.

"Teaching is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life, but as a Muslim, having the opportunity to write an inspirational story for children is like a dream come true," Ms. Marwan stated.

In a message posted to her fellow MWA members, Ms. Marwan wrote, "I have been a silent member, quietly enjoying the feeling of being part of a group with such supportive and caring members. Please allow me to crowd your mailbox and thank you for always being there for each other! If someone would have told me two years ago that I would be a writer, I would never have believed it; I would have even laughed at the joke! I thank Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala for using me, and allowing me to write, in my very humble attempt to show the beauty of Islam."

Ms. Marwan added, "I want to thank Fatima Asheala Moore for providing the captivating illustrations that bring Laila and Pesto's story to life. And I would also like to offer a special thank-you to my sister in Islam and guide, fellow MWA member Isahah Jeanette Grant."

"Laila and Pesto the Fly" can be purchased both in the U.S. and internationally for $6.00, online via PayPal at CEP's website. The direct link is: http://www.creativeeducationandpublishing.com/laila.html

Creative Education and Publishing (CEP) is a proud a contributor to building strong American Muslim community that takes pride in its culture and heritage while contributing to enriching the American society.  Striving to infuse creativity through a wide variety of interactive competitions and publications, utilizing stories, posters, activity books, educational cards and games, designed to make learning fun, CEP publications provide faith and identity strengthening educational support designed to help Muslim children integrate into and contribute to American society.

To learn more visit CEP online http://www.creativeeducationandpublishing.com/index.html

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Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based collaboration of Muslim women writers working together to counter negative and inaccurate perceptions regarding members of the Muslim community and the Islamic faith.

--------------------------

Muslimah Writers Alliance

1808 Eye St., N.W., Suite 147

Washington, DC 20006

TO VIEW OR DOWNLOAD IN PDF WITH ACTIVE LINKS CLICK HERE.

(Version includes photo of author and cover of book.)

PR VERSION WITH ACTIVE LINKS HERE.

TO PURCHASE 'LAILA AND PESTO THE FLY' ONLINE CLICK HERE.

TO CONTACT MWA OR THE AUTHOR, RANIA MARWAN, CLICK HERE.

In Memory of Activist for Palestine, Rachel Corrie (April 10, 1979-March 16, 2003)

Al-hamdulillah, dear Rachel…I did meet them.

VIDEO: Gaza – What You Didn't Know

VIDEO: Follow-Up to Announcement of Congressional Support on Behalf of Gaza

International Activist, Aishah Schwartz Commends Action of 54 U.S. Congressmen in Supporting Lifting Embargo on Gaza

Rep. Brian Baird's OpenCongress Blog Gives Nod to Gaza Support of Activist, Aishah Schwartz

Arabic Media Covering Gaza Freedom March Delegate, Aishah Schwartz

MWA Director Among 86 Delegates Standing in Solidarity with Palestinian's of Gaza

MWA Director to Join Gaza Freedom March (2nd Item)

"Sometimes our efforts are deemed as small or even 'insignificant', but what those with closed minds cannot or refuse to see is that, in the grand scheme of things, those collective efforts manifest inspiration in others with the potential of creating a wave of effort that ultimately, insha'Allah, cannot be ignored." ~Aishah Schwartz

UPDATED: Response from the White House - Join Muslimah Writers Alliance in Asking President Obama to Support 'NO GAZA STUDENT LEFT BEHIND'

UPDATE: It only took 9 months...but I finally received a letter back from the White House (click on image to view full size): 

CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE

ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE OF THIS BLOG POST: June 16, 2010

FULL LETTER AT CONGRESS.ORG HERE

Sign the 'No Gaza Student Left Behind' Petition

ALTERNATE LINK

http://tinyurl.com/sign-gaza-student-petition

Muslimah Writers Alliance Launches

'No Gaza Student Left Behind'  Campaign

Press Release

Abbreviated version of letter included in Petition and Press Release - this version works in the emailthepresident online email platform.

Muslimah Writers Alliance Launches 'No Gaza Student Left Behind' Campaign Press Release - http://prlog.org/10738126

June 15, 2010

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
Fax: 202-456-2461
Email: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
Email: http://www.emailthepresident.com

Re: Supporting Students in Gaza Seeking Exit Visas in Pursuit of Higher Education

Dear President Obama,

The ongoing saga of Gaza scholarship-holding and international university-enrolled students waiting and losing hope of being able to secure exit visas that would allow them to fulfill their educational aspirations, is yet another heartless byproduct of the illegal siege and embargo on Gaza.

In a spring 2008 report, Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Unit Director, Khalil Shaheen, indicated that nearly 700 students had been unable to pass through either Egyptian or Israeli borders to secure exit visas needed to pursue the dream of a brighter future through educational opportunities offered abroad.

Now, as a result of the tragic events of May 31, 2010 when the humanitarian mission of the Freedom Flotilla from Turkey was deterred by Israeli gunfire, resulting in 9 fatalities, including one American, we have begun, at long last, to see an ease on the restrictions imposed by the Israeli blockade of Gaza, to include Egypt's opening of the Rafah border crossing to those with special needs, etc.

We call on you Mr. President to intervene on behalf of the students of Gaza, now, while the opportunity is ripe for inclusion of this issue on the current agenda of negotiations where lifting of the embargo on Gaza is concerned.

Students holding legitimate scholarship and university enrollment documentation have a right to guaranteed passage through open border crossings from both Israel and Egypt to secure exit visas to their future; and the future of Palestine.

While the list of options for lifting the embargo on Gaza continues to be ironed out, and humanitarian relief efforts between borders broadens, we hope you will embrace the opportunity to renew the faith placed in you by Muslims world-wide when you were elected as President of the United States.

The students of Gaza need your support. Can they count on you to intervene on their behalf in guaranteeing their right to free passage between Israeli and Egyptian borders to secure the exit visas needed to fulfill their aspirations for a brighter future?

Sincerely,

YOUR SIGNATURE

In Honor of International Womens Day - from The White House

The President and the First Lady speak about the achievements of women around the world at a reception marking International Womens Day. March 8, 2010.

MUSLIMS PRAYING IN PUBLIC 'THREATENING'?

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Muslimah Writers Alliance Director, Aishah Schwartz, addresses post-9/11 Islamophobic climate of misunderstanding and labeling actions of Muslims as 'suspicious' and 'weird' fueling rise in unwarranted investigative procedures

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MWA) March 8, 2010 – American citizen and Director of Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA), Aishah Schwartz, has often been asked, "Why do you live abroad?" One response to this question can be attributed to the fact that she has always lived near water; thus, living in proximity of the crystal clear, blue and green marbled shore of Egypt's Red Sea holds a natural appeal. But one of the primary reasons Ms. Schwartz has lived in Egypt since 2007, stems from how her life was transformed after becoming Muslim nearly eight years ago in April of 2002.

Embracing a New Identity

As a Caucasian American, Ms. Schwartz spent the first 41-years of her life as a member of the 'majority'. When she decided to embrace Islam as her religion and became Muslim, Ms. Schwartz suddenly found herself not only a new Muslim, but entering previously unchartered territory as a member of a ultra-minority; Caucasian, American, professional, female, Muslim-wearing-a-head-scarf, working in the litigation department of an internationally renowned downtown Washington, D.C. law firm. That was a lot to digest, even for her, let alone her friends, family and co-workers!

Testing the Waters of Corporate Diversity

However, Ms. Schwartz describes herself as greatly blessed in her transition, particularly where it related to work, as it happened that her employer had been recognized for its corporate diversity policy.

After adapting from working in the small town law firms of South Carolina to life in the 'big city', a year-and-a-half into her new post, and just three months after becoming Muslim, Ms. Schwartz decided to adopt wearing the traditional Muslim head scarf, coupled with a change in wardrobe meticulously chosen to fully cover her body, while maintaining a level corporate professionalism.

It was with a natural degree of apprehension and mixed confidence that she entered the law firm that monumental 'first' day sporting a newfound sense of 'style'.

Gazing at her reflection in the mirrored walls of an office elevator, Ms. Schwartz wrote in a November 2005 blog post, "My cheeks were flushed and my heart was racing as I contemplated what would happen once the doors opened and I stepped out."

To her great relief, the law firm's reputation for corporate diversity turned out to be well-earned. Her friends and colleagues embraced her life-change with warmth and acceptance—and scores of questions!

Braving Post-9/11 Islamophobia

That is not to say, however, that Ms. Schwartz never experienced any of the post-9/11 Islamophobic backlash widely politicized in mainstream media, and more recently brought to light in the case of seven Muslim men detained in Henderson, Nevada; their 'offense'? Stopping to answer the call to prayer in a shopping center parking lot—an act deemed by onlookers as 'weird' and 'suspicious'.

An instance that Ms. Schwartz recalls having personally affected her occurred while crossing a busy downtown D.C. street one afternoon. A passerby, observing the conservativeness of her outfit and the scarf covering her head, paused to glare in irrefutable disdain, asking, "Where'd you get that costume?"

Another instance, occurring one morning as she commuted to work, transpired as the bus Ms. Schwartz was riding approached her stop. Standing, in the aisle of the bus as she anticipated stepping off, a man sitting opposite another proclaimed, "They're everywhere...whaddya gonna do?"

But one of the most disappointing reactions affecting Ms. Schwartz occurred in the Spring of 2007. On re-entering the United States through New York after a trip to Morocco, the U.S. immigration and customs officer, on returning her entry-stamped passport offered, instead of the compulsory "welcome home", a disapproving glance and sarcastically stated, "good luck".

Toward a Better Understanding

Ms. Schwartz's experiences, in addition to those of the seven 'threatening' men praying in a Nevada parking lot, and the more recently reported instance of a Muslim woman attempting to board a Manchester, UK flight to Islamabad and was denied a boarding pass because she refused to go through the airport's x-ray vision full body scanner, are just a few examples of what the American Muslim community—and Muslims worldwide— are facing in this, the post-9/11, war on terror, media-spun climate of Islamophobia.

MWA Supports International Niqab Day, March 8, 2010

A NOTE FROM INTERNATIONAL NIQAB DAY ORGANIZER, MARIAN VARGAS: Many many people don't understand yet why we (women) wear hijab, niqab. In many so-called democratic countries we find a persecution against hijab and niqab. But do they really know why women chose to wear it?

Have we asked ourselves why people are supporting politicians standing against a woman's right to choose, politicians who haven't even spent 5 minutes sitting with a covered woman to ask her why she chooses to cover? Many covering women are not only well educated, but also firm in their personal conviction that, from a personal perspective, they have made the choice that is right for THEM; regardless of the false implications purported by mainstream media.

The idea behind International Niqab Day is to wear Niqab for ONE, to stand in solidarity with Muslim Women who have chosen to wear niqab and to stand up for protection of their basic civil rights.

Vargas stated, "I lived in Egypt, Qatar and have been in Dubai and no one in those countries forces women to cover. I see many women with short clothes as they are from different religions and they are respect for [their personal choice]. You can find women in bikini in the pools and the beaches, so why we are [Muslim women] facing problems for wanting cover? What makes it ok for [one group] to be free to choose what they want to wear and [while another group is] not free [to choose]?

"As long as we don't unite this [form of discrimination] will continue. Non-Muslims that really believe in freedom and are tired of discrimination please [stand in solidarity] with us, and be part of the movement to learn and understand one another's differences, so we can co-exist in a peaceful environment."

*Alternatively, men (or women) can wear a black ribbon to support.

Read the Niqab story of Muslimah Writers Alliance Director, Aishah Schwartz  here.

Gaza marks 1000th day of Israeli siege - Arab News

By HISHAM ABU TAHA | ARAB NEWS

Published: Mar 7, 2010 10:51 PM Updated: Mar 7, 2010 10:51 PM

GAZA CITY: As the crippling blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip enters its 1000th day, the head of the committee against the siege called for protests across the world against the cordon on Sunday.

"The siege harmed the people, as well as the environment, health, economy and social life. It constitutes a serious attempt to suffocate the people and destroy their will,” said Jamal Al-Khodari at Gaza City.

Al-Khodari announced that 500 Gazans have died as a result of the blockade, with one person dying every two days. Most of them are patients who were not able to receive appropriate medical treatment.

He pointed out that one million Gaza residents live on humanitarian aid from Arab or foreign countries and the United Nations.

"The Palestinian economy has been completely destroyed, as the number of unemployed reached more than 140,000, which amounts to 80 percent of Gaza's workforce," said Al-Khodari. (continued here)

MWA Joins Coalition Urging Appointments To Post 9/11 Privacy And Civil Liberties Oversight Board

Mechanism designed to protect American's from invasive privacy and civil liberties intrusions stagnated by empty Board seats.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR Log (Press Release) – WASHINGTON, D.C. (MWA) March 2, 2010 – In follow-up to an effort initiated by the Center for Democracy & Technology in November 2009, resurrected by the Defending Dissent Foundation in a letter addressed to President Barak Obama dated March 1, 2010, Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) joins the American Civil Liberties Union, Arab American Institute, Muslim Advocates and a host of coalition partners, in urging President Barack Obama to end the protracted delay in nominating appointees to the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB).

The PCLOB, created by Congress in 2004 based on 9/11 Commission recommendations, serves to ensure that concerns with respect to privacy and civil liberties are appropriately considered in the implementation of all laws, regulations and executive branch policies related to protecting the nation against acts of terrorism.

In an effort to allow the PCLOB to better serve the nation's citizens, Congress restructured the Board in 2007 providing it with independence and subpoena powers; a move yet to realize any of its full potential as the Board languishes due to a lack of nominations to fill empty seats. Thus, the revamped Board does not yet exist.

"The coalition's earlier request of November 2009 to President Obama, subsequent recommendations outlined in our March 1, 2010 letter, and comments made by National Intelligence Director, Admiral Dennis Blair to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on January 20, 2010, and testimony offered to the same committee on January 26, 2010 by the Chair and Vice-Chair of the 9/11 Commission, Governor Thomas Keane and Congressman Lee Hamilton, seem to have fallen on deaf ears, as we enter yet another month of stagnation in the process of insuring that the privacy and civil liberties of our nation's citizens are fully protected," stated MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz.

Schwartz added, "The PCLOB holds the potential of being one of the few safeguards U.S. citizens have shielding them against improper intrusions into privacy and civil liberties. With the foiled 2009 "Christmas Day" bombing, the President and Congress have called for sweeping policy and legal changes – including the expansion of watch lists and more intrusive searches at airports – adding to the urgency and absolute necessity of filling the PCLOB's empty seats."

In addition to MWA, organizations supporting this initiative include: American Association of Law Libraries, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, American Library Association, Association of Research Libraries, Bill of Rights Defense Committee, Center for Democracy & Technology, Center for National Security Studies, Council on American-Islamic Relations, The Constitution Project, Defending Dissent Foundation, DownsizeDC.org, Inc., Electronic Frontier Foundation, Electronic Privacy Information Center, Federation of American Scientists, Government Accountability Project, Liberty Coalition, Muslim Public Affairs Council, OMB Watch, Privacy Lives, Rutherford Institute, and the U.S. Bill of Rights Foundation.

Call the White House switchboard today at (202) 456-1414, send a fax (202) 456-2461, or make your voice heard through the online contact form found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact, and urge President Obama to bring an end to the ongoing delay in appointing members to the PCLOB; your privacy and civil liberties are at stake.

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Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based collaboration of Muslim women writers working together to counter negative and inaccurate perceptions regarding members of the Muslim community and the Islamic faith.
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Muslimah Writers Alliance
1808 Eye St., N.W., Suite 147
Washington, DC 20006
Fax & Voicemail: 1-866-211-2082


RELATED:

Letter to President Obama Urging Nominations to the PCLOB (March 1, 2010)

Letter to President Obama Urging Nominations to the PCLOB (Nov. 11, 2009)

The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board: In Need of Attention