Showing posts with label Muslimah Writers Alliance;MWA; Aishah Schwartz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Muslimah Writers Alliance;MWA; Aishah Schwartz. Show all posts
November 12, 2014
November 18, 2012
U.S. Activist Aishah Schwartz Addresses Open Letter to Obama on Gaza
 |
| Aishah Schwartz in Gaza 7-10 Nov. 2012. |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) - Nov 18, 2012 - Dear Mr. President: I call on you to exert diplomatic pressure on Israel to bring about an immediate cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and to initiate an investigation of Israel's misuse of U.S. weapons against Palestinians in this and previous attacks.
I have supported you primarily because I believe you have a heart; that it is your heart that got you where you are today and it is your heart that will continue to guide you in making the right decision in support of ending the siege and bombing of Gaza.
You encountered many an obstacle on your way to the Presidency, so I am counting on you to deliver where Gaza is concerned. From your heart -- you know the difference between right and wrong -- and I am counting on you to know the difference between allegiance to the flag of the United States of America vs. allegiance to the Israeli flag.
We are all proven wrong from time-to-time, please don't let me be wrong this time - Gaza can't wait.
Sincerely,
Aishah Schwartz
You can send YOUR letter at the "End the Occupation" website.
RELATED:
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| Ministry of Police receiving Egyptian medical convoy delegation. |
The Bombing of Gaza 2012
GAZA Martyr's List
Aishah Schwartz Activist-Writer on Facebook
July 30, 2011
Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) Celebrates Ramadan!
Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) members share their Ramadan experiences, journals, recipes, pictures, poetry and more! May the peace and blessings of Ramadan be upon you and your family, insha'Allah.
Join the MWA Ramadan celebration!
Visit us at http://mwa-ramadan.blogspot.com
Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. Contact author for all other rights, which are reserved.
February 05, 2011
Inside Egypt: Day 12, an update from American Activist, Aishah Schwartz
Each day from January 25, I have awakened with a mixed sense of anticipation and fear; never knowing for sure what might have transpired from the last time I tuned-in to watch the news; which has caught me by both surprise and horror time and again.
PRLog (MWA-Net) – Feb 05, 2011 – I was contacted today by the U.S. desk of PressTV for a telephone interview, which is what prompted me to sit down to my laptop's keyboard for only the second time since the Egyptian Revolution began 12-days ago on Jan. 25. Many people are aware that I live in Egypt. Although not in Cairo, I have been monitoring the status of activities in Tahrir Square and elsewhere, via Al-Jazeera English, PressTV, BBCW, Facebook and Twitter.
That said, in monitoring PressTV's coverage of protests surrounding the Egyptian revolution, I noted that the Iranians have been turning out by the tens-of-thousands in staunch disapproval of both the Egyptian President and the U.S. government; which made me somewhat wary of agreeing to their interview request. I have been the subject of several Arabic language news articles, and more recently a video documentary, from which I have learned that, when translated to Arabic, my words do not always come out as intended, which can lead to being misquoted or misunderstood. So, I decided to do what Aishah does best; write!
I am very much aware of the frustration that some nations have with U.S. government foreign policy, as I have also in my capacity as an activist, voiced concerns about it in campaigns and efforts aimed at garnering support for an end to the embargo on Gaza.
However, regarding the current situation in Egypt, as a Muslim American living by choice in the country, one might also be able to appreciate the situation in which I find myself; that is to say, walking a fine line as a foreign national endeavoring to lend an empathetic ear to the Egyptian people that I have come to love, and the community in which I have made myself a part of since 2007.
I love Egypt and the Egyptian people. I choose to live in Egypt for the opportunity it affords me to live peaceably as a Muslim woman. At the same time, I am also very much aware of my status as a guest. These sentiments having also been expressed to the Egyptian President in an interview published by the Cairo-based government sponsored magazine, October Weekly, following my December 2009 visit to Gaza.
Each day from Jan. 25 through today, the 12th day of the protests, I have awakened with a mixed sense of anticipation and fear; never knowing for sure what might have transpired from the last time I tuned-in to watch the news or logged onto the internet; which has caught me by both surprise and horror time and again.
On Jan. 25 and again on the 28th, I watched as millions of protesters filled Tahrir Square in Cairo and marched along the Corniche in Alexandria. The energy and spirit of the Egyptian people rushed through my veins, similar to the way it did when I marched alongside the Palestinian people to the Erez border in Gaza on December 31, 2009 - water breaching the rims of my eyes numerous times throughout the day.
When thugs took to the streets on February 2, attacking protesters, not only in Cairo and Alexandria, but across the country, I was horrified and dismayed; grief-stricken for the lost lives, the wounded, and the repercussions that would echo world-wide as the images of men on camels and horses hit the airwaves and internet; knowing they would become the butt of late-night talk show jokes made in ignorance.
Scarcely sleeping or eating, in empathy with the protesters, all I could do was pray and continue to offer updates through the internet; when it was finally turned back on after days of exile at the command of the Egyptian government in its quest to deter communication between protesters.
It has been a relief to be able to pour my pent-up energy out onto the keyboard of my laptop. The nearly 6,000 friends I have on Facebook were eagerly waiting to hear from me, expressing concern for my safety and offering prayers for the safety of the Egyptian people. Facebook has become an extension of our families; joining friends and those of like-minds in a spirit of solidarity that I don't think any other venue may ever match.
Then came Feb. 4, day 11 of the protests declared as 'Departure Day'.
Given the horrifying events surrounding the Feb. 2 attacks perpetrated against the protesters resulting in deaths and scores of injured, there was no way to predict how many would turn out for the demonstration.
As I reached hesitantly for the TV's remote control on the morning of Feb. 4, tears instantaneously filled my eyes as images of the day's protests filled the TV screen. All I could do was stand there thinking silently to myself, "'They came', 'They came', 'They came', 'Subhan'Allah, they came'".
And they filled the streets of Alexandria, Mansoura, Qena, Al-Arish, Suez, and more. Al-Wafd journalist, Ramy El Minshawy, reported that more than 30,000 protesters demonstrated in Tanta. "Aishah, I think the last chapter of the novel is being written and, insha'Allah, we will see our dreams come true," he added.
I remained glued to the TV, laptop screen and telephone the remainder of the day, energized by the scenes. The protesters, men, women, children, young and old, regardless of religious affiliation, education or societal status, were chanting and even singing; sounds that never seemed to diminish throughout the long hours of the afternoon and into the night as they continued in defiance of government stipulated curfews.
Although the day ended without producing the result protesters hoped for, it cannot be described as anything less than one of the most astonishing days in the history of the Egyptian people.
While observing that progressively stronger comments continue to emerge from U.S. government officials, I have also noted that U.S. activists and others in the international community, continue to express frustration that there has been no outright call from the U.S. government stipulating withdrawal of the reported 1.5 billion U.S. tax-payer dollars provided in financial aid to the Egyptian government each year - largely attributed to its military forces - as a source of leverage in more adamantly pressing the Egyptian President to step-up to the global call for transition that needs to occur "now", as, to their credit, specifically stated in the words of President Obama, and reiterated by Secretary of State Clinton, U.S. Press Secretary Gibbs and Sens. Kerry (D-Mass.) and McCain (R-Ariz.)
Despite world-wide denouncement of acts of violence or suppression against protesters and journalists, the situation on the ground in Egypt continues to shift from peaceful to frightening, as reports from protesters have sporadically indicated that more and more pressure is being put on them to withdraw from Cairo's Tahrir Square.
From Twitter Feb. 4: "#JELive: Reuters reports 'heavy gunfire' but sources tell Al Jazeera that the shots were fired by military into the air to clear the area." This was acknowledged by a contact on the ground in Cairo with friends in the Square; an alarming turn of events in light of repeated TV coverage showing newly appointed Egyptian Vice-President Omar Sulieman declaring that the protesters would be allowed to continue peacefully.
Additionally, Vice President Suliman has called on family members of protesting youth to urge their children to stay home; a call that has, indeed, according to Dr. Hatem Aly, on the scene in Tahrir Square, been embraced on the part of parents, but ignored by the ever-increasing number of undeterred youth.
Despite lurking dangers, Aly also shared his jubilance in finding on arrival to Tahrir Square the afternoon of Feb. 5 that it was swelling with the voices of 30,000+ protesters. "We will not leave until he leaves," echoed Aly.
Suffice it to say, a sense of unease remains on all fronts here in Egypt. Although the Egyptian military continues to appear to offer protection in the Tahrir Square area, pro-government demonstrators, 'thugs' and escaped prisoners lurk in nearby neighborhoods, posing a threat to protesters attempting to return to their homes; forcing communities to continue self-policing efforts for security purposes.
No one can be quite sure in which moment things might turn from bad to worse, as it appears outwardly that the Egyptian President will continue to defy the global outcry for him to step down; a defiance that seems to be equally matched by the spirit of the Egyptian people.
# # #
Aishah Schwartz, a Muslim American, is founder and director of the 2006 established Washington, D.C.-based Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) and a retired 17-year litigation legal assistant. She is also a published freelance non-fiction writer/journalist and internationally renowned human rights activist with a focus on the rights of Muslim women and the plight of the Palestinian people affected by the Israeli imposed illegal embargo on Gaza.
RELATED:
Egyptian or American: A lesson in understanding the difference and why Egyptians are protesting
American Activist, Aishah Schwartz on Tunisia's Revolution
Aishah Schwartz, The Gaza Chronicles
Aishah Schwartz/MWA Documentary on YouTube
 |
| Click on image to view full size. |
That said, in monitoring PressTV's coverage of protests surrounding the Egyptian revolution, I noted that the Iranians have been turning out by the tens-of-thousands in staunch disapproval of both the Egyptian President and the U.S. government; which made me somewhat wary of agreeing to their interview request. I have been the subject of several Arabic language news articles, and more recently a video documentary, from which I have learned that, when translated to Arabic, my words do not always come out as intended, which can lead to being misquoted or misunderstood. So, I decided to do what Aishah does best; write!
I am very much aware of the frustration that some nations have with U.S. government foreign policy, as I have also in my capacity as an activist, voiced concerns about it in campaigns and efforts aimed at garnering support for an end to the embargo on Gaza.
However, regarding the current situation in Egypt, as a Muslim American living by choice in the country, one might also be able to appreciate the situation in which I find myself; that is to say, walking a fine line as a foreign national endeavoring to lend an empathetic ear to the Egyptian people that I have come to love, and the community in which I have made myself a part of since 2007.
I love Egypt and the Egyptian people. I choose to live in Egypt for the opportunity it affords me to live peaceably as a Muslim woman. At the same time, I am also very much aware of my status as a guest. These sentiments having also been expressed to the Egyptian President in an interview published by the Cairo-based government sponsored magazine, October Weekly, following my December 2009 visit to Gaza.
 |
| Click on image to view full size. |
On Jan. 25 and again on the 28th, I watched as millions of protesters filled Tahrir Square in Cairo and marched along the Corniche in Alexandria. The energy and spirit of the Egyptian people rushed through my veins, similar to the way it did when I marched alongside the Palestinian people to the Erez border in Gaza on December 31, 2009 - water breaching the rims of my eyes numerous times throughout the day.
When thugs took to the streets on February 2, attacking protesters, not only in Cairo and Alexandria, but across the country, I was horrified and dismayed; grief-stricken for the lost lives, the wounded, and the repercussions that would echo world-wide as the images of men on camels and horses hit the airwaves and internet; knowing they would become the butt of late-night talk show jokes made in ignorance.
Scarcely sleeping or eating, in empathy with the protesters, all I could do was pray and continue to offer updates through the internet; when it was finally turned back on after days of exile at the command of the Egyptian government in its quest to deter communication between protesters.
It has been a relief to be able to pour my pent-up energy out onto the keyboard of my laptop. The nearly 6,000 friends I have on Facebook were eagerly waiting to hear from me, expressing concern for my safety and offering prayers for the safety of the Egyptian people. Facebook has become an extension of our families; joining friends and those of like-minds in a spirit of solidarity that I don't think any other venue may ever match.
Then came Feb. 4, day 11 of the protests declared as 'Departure Day'.
 |
| Click on image to view full size. |
As I reached hesitantly for the TV's remote control on the morning of Feb. 4, tears instantaneously filled my eyes as images of the day's protests filled the TV screen. All I could do was stand there thinking silently to myself, "'They came', 'They came', 'They came', 'Subhan'Allah, they came'".
 |
| Ramy El Minshawy, journalist. |
I remained glued to the TV, laptop screen and telephone the remainder of the day, energized by the scenes. The protesters, men, women, children, young and old, regardless of religious affiliation, education or societal status, were chanting and even singing; sounds that never seemed to diminish throughout the long hours of the afternoon and into the night as they continued in defiance of government stipulated curfews.
Although the day ended without producing the result protesters hoped for, it cannot be described as anything less than one of the most astonishing days in the history of the Egyptian people.
While observing that progressively stronger comments continue to emerge from U.S. government officials, I have also noted that U.S. activists and others in the international community, continue to express frustration that there has been no outright call from the U.S. government stipulating withdrawal of the reported 1.5 billion U.S. tax-payer dollars provided in financial aid to the Egyptian government each year - largely attributed to its military forces - as a source of leverage in more adamantly pressing the Egyptian President to step-up to the global call for transition that needs to occur "now", as, to their credit, specifically stated in the words of President Obama, and reiterated by Secretary of State Clinton, U.S. Press Secretary Gibbs and Sens. Kerry (D-Mass.) and McCain (R-Ariz.)
 |
| Click on image to view full size. |
From Twitter Feb. 4: "#JELive: Reuters reports 'heavy gunfire' but sources tell Al Jazeera that the shots were fired by military into the air to clear the area." This was acknowledged by a contact on the ground in Cairo with friends in the Square; an alarming turn of events in light of repeated TV coverage showing newly appointed Egyptian Vice-President Omar Sulieman declaring that the protesters would be allowed to continue peacefully.
Additionally, Vice President Suliman has called on family members of protesting youth to urge their children to stay home; a call that has, indeed, according to Dr. Hatem Aly, on the scene in Tahrir Square, been embraced on the part of parents, but ignored by the ever-increasing number of undeterred youth.
 |
| Dr. Hatem A. Aly, on the ground in Tahrir Square, Cairo. |
Suffice it to say, a sense of unease remains on all fronts here in Egypt. Although the Egyptian military continues to appear to offer protection in the Tahrir Square area, pro-government demonstrators, 'thugs' and escaped prisoners lurk in nearby neighborhoods, posing a threat to protesters attempting to return to their homes; forcing communities to continue self-policing efforts for security purposes.
No one can be quite sure in which moment things might turn from bad to worse, as it appears outwardly that the Egyptian President will continue to defy the global outcry for him to step down; a defiance that seems to be equally matched by the spirit of the Egyptian people.
# # #
Aishah Schwartz, a Muslim American, is founder and director of the 2006 established Washington, D.C.-based Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) and a retired 17-year litigation legal assistant. She is also a published freelance non-fiction writer/journalist and internationally renowned human rights activist with a focus on the rights of Muslim women and the plight of the Palestinian people affected by the Israeli imposed illegal embargo on Gaza.
RELATED:
Egyptian or American: A lesson in understanding the difference and why Egyptians are protesting
American Activist, Aishah Schwartz on Tunisia's Revolution
Aishah Schwartz, The Gaza Chronicles
Aishah Schwartz/MWA Documentary on YouTube
January 27, 2011
Egyptian or American: A lesson in understanding the difference and why Egyptians are protesting
Muslim American Activist, Aishah Schwartz offers a glimpse from the inside to her fellow country men and women on the Egyptian revolution.
PRLog (MWA-Net) – Jan 27, 2011 – I had the opportunity to read something earlier today that left me more than a little disturbed. It was a Facebook comment written by a U.S.-based American expressing dissatisfaction with the customer service he was receiving from a sales person who happened to be Egyptian. The comment went like this: "OMG these fools in egypt get on my nerves... can we get some customer service in america please." Ouch! Can we let our prejudice and lack of understanding and compassion show just a little bit please?
Suffice it to say, being an American who happens to live in Egypt - and also happens to be an activist - I could not let the comment stand without correction.
So I replied, "Did you know that if you visited the home of an Egyptian, the hospitality that would be shown to you would extend to the point of your being offered the last morsel of food in their home; even if they were poor? It's true."
To which I added, "Did you also know that just one of the reasons why Egyptian 'fools' are protesting nationwide for the third straight day in a row with their lives right now, is because the minimum wage pays them only the equivalent of $200 U.S. dollars per month. Can you imagine living on that? I live in Egypt, and let me tell you, the rent alone that I pay for an extremely modest apartment is the equivalent of that base monthly salary, IF an Egyptian is fortunate enough to even have a job! If the average Egyptian lived in THAT kind of "luxury" - imagine that they would give you the last crumb of food from their kitchen for the mere sake of hospitality. From what do you think they would use to pay for their next meal after you left their home? The difference being that, Egyptians would not even think about it; they would only care if you left their home happy."
Not to mention the fact that the majority of Egyptians also happen to be Muslim; like me. And not coincidentally, Muslims are also instructed in the fine art of hospitality as being part of their faith tradition.
Which prompts me to further educate Americans just a tad more about why the Egyptians are currently embroiled in protests across their country.
Those participating in the uprising made the following specific demands:
There are Egyptians, like the hospitable sales person in this story, who migrate to the United States in their quest to live the "American Dream", but for those Egyptians who remain behind in their home country, they can only dream of a day when they can invest their energy trying to reach their potential in science, the arts, sports, and culture, rather than not trying to fight oppression and simply survive. Egyptians know what they are capable of, they just want a chance to prove it, once again, to themselves and to the world.
My guess is they won't rest until they see that day.
# # #
Aishah Schwartz, an American Muslim revert to Islam since April 2002, is founder and director of the 2006 established Washington, D.C.-based Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) and a retired 17-year litigation legal assistant. She is also a published freelance non-fiction writer/journalist and internationally renowned human rights activist with a focus on the rights of Muslim women and the plight of the Palestinian people affected by the Israeli imposed illegal embargo on Gaza. Full biography here.
RELATED:
American Activist, Aishah Schwartz on Tunisia's Revolution
Aishah Schwartz on Gaza
Aishah Schwartz/MWA Dcumentary
 |
| Click on image to view full size. |
PRLog (MWA-Net) – Jan 27, 2011 – I had the opportunity to read something earlier today that left me more than a little disturbed. It was a Facebook comment written by a U.S.-based American expressing dissatisfaction with the customer service he was receiving from a sales person who happened to be Egyptian. The comment went like this: "OMG these fools in egypt get on my nerves... can we get some customer service in america please." Ouch! Can we let our prejudice and lack of understanding and compassion show just a little bit please?
Suffice it to say, being an American who happens to live in Egypt - and also happens to be an activist - I could not let the comment stand without correction.
So I replied, "Did you know that if you visited the home of an Egyptian, the hospitality that would be shown to you would extend to the point of your being offered the last morsel of food in their home; even if they were poor? It's true."
To which I added, "Did you also know that just one of the reasons why Egyptian 'fools' are protesting nationwide for the third straight day in a row with their lives right now, is because the minimum wage pays them only the equivalent of $200 U.S. dollars per month. Can you imagine living on that? I live in Egypt, and let me tell you, the rent alone that I pay for an extremely modest apartment is the equivalent of that base monthly salary, IF an Egyptian is fortunate enough to even have a job! If the average Egyptian lived in THAT kind of "luxury" - imagine that they would give you the last crumb of food from their kitchen for the mere sake of hospitality. From what do you think they would use to pay for their next meal after you left their home? The difference being that, Egyptians would not even think about it; they would only care if you left their home happy."
Not to mention the fact that the majority of Egyptians also happen to be Muslim; like me. And not coincidentally, Muslims are also instructed in the fine art of hospitality as being part of their faith tradition.
Which prompts me to further educate Americans just a tad more about why the Egyptians are currently embroiled in protests across their country.
Those participating in the uprising made the following specific demands:
- An increase of minimum wages in Egypt to 1200LE (US $200);
- An end to the special emergency laws;
- An end to police brutality and the resignation of the minister of interior;
- A two term presidency (never elected by the people, the current President has been in power for over 30 years);
- Free and transparent elections; and,
- A government that represents the people, respects its citizenry and acts as a caretaker, not usurper, of Egyptian civil rights.
There are Egyptians, like the hospitable sales person in this story, who migrate to the United States in their quest to live the "American Dream", but for those Egyptians who remain behind in their home country, they can only dream of a day when they can invest their energy trying to reach their potential in science, the arts, sports, and culture, rather than not trying to fight oppression and simply survive. Egyptians know what they are capable of, they just want a chance to prove it, once again, to themselves and to the world.
My guess is they won't rest until they see that day.
# # #
Aishah Schwartz, an American Muslim revert to Islam since April 2002, is founder and director of the 2006 established Washington, D.C.-based Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) and a retired 17-year litigation legal assistant. She is also a published freelance non-fiction writer/journalist and internationally renowned human rights activist with a focus on the rights of Muslim women and the plight of the Palestinian people affected by the Israeli imposed illegal embargo on Gaza. Full biography here.
RELATED:
American Activist, Aishah Schwartz on Tunisia's Revolution
Aishah Schwartz on Gaza
Aishah Schwartz/MWA Dcumentary
January 02, 2011
December 13, 2010
Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) Documentary on Al-Jazeera Dec. 15, 2010, with Aishah Schwartz and Rania Marwan
Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) Documentary on Al-Jazeera Dec. 15, 2010
زمام المبادرة - عائشة شوارتز / Lead the Way - Aishah Schwartz
Broadcast Times: 17:17 Makkah, Egypt 16:17, GMT 14:17, EST 9:17
EASY SHARE URL: http://tinyurl.com/mwa-documentary
SCHEDULING: http://www.aljazeera.net/channel/livestreaming?timetablenum=15
RELATED: Muslimah Writers Alliance Member Rania Marwan of Cairo, Egypt Publishes First Book http://www.prlog.org/10575669
NOTICE: Profile page of Aishah Schwartz has exceeded default limit of 5,000 - Please join the Public Figure page (Aishah Schwartz, Activist-Writer) by clicking "Like" here.
زمام المبادرة - عائشة شوارتز / Lead the Way - Aishah Schwartz
Broadcast Times: 17:17 Makkah, Egypt 16:17, GMT 14:17, EST 9:17
EASY SHARE URL: http://tinyurl.com/mwa-documentary
SCHEDULING: http://www.aljazeera.net/channel/livestreaming?timetablenum=15
RELATED: Muslimah Writers Alliance Member Rania Marwan of Cairo, Egypt Publishes First Book http://www.prlog.org/10575669
 |
| CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE |
NOTICE: Profile page of Aishah Schwartz has exceeded default limit of 5,000 - Please join the Public Figure page (Aishah Schwartz, Activist-Writer) by clicking "Like" here.
September 12, 2010
Muslimah Writers Alliance Credited for Pro-Active Efforts in Response to Park51 Related Islamophobia
PRLog – Sep 12, 2010 – WASHINGTON, D.C. (MWA-Net) – On September 11, 2010, Sheila Musaji, Founding Editor of The American Muslim (TAM), published an eye-opening follow-up to an extensive list of articles written by American Muslims and Arabs that is well worth the time to absorb, as she attempts to unravel the inauspicious background and 'leadership' of the Cordoba Initiative/Park51 project, which appears now to point in the direction of all things related to money.
In her opening comments Musaji stated, "For all of us in the American Muslim community who have spent a lot of time defending Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf and Daisy Khan, and defending this Cordoba House project because we believed that they were the primary leaders of the project, and because they were under attack unfairly by Islamophobes – it may be that we were misled, or that we at least didn’t understand the structure of this project. What Imam Feisal or the Cordoba Initiative stand for may be irrelevant to the core issues involved.
"Since this project was announced, the American Muslim community has experienced not only an alarming increase in anti-Muslim rhetoric, but has also seen this rhetoric lead to actual acts of intimidation and even violence."
The Islamophobic backlash being a key factor that Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) Director Aishah Schwartz has focused on since mid-August in an article titled, "Park51: Here is the Fruit of Your Labor", wherein she addressed the rise in hate-filled rhetoric and bigotry threatening not only the Muslim community at-large, but also its potential for adversely affecting the Muslim student population recently starting a new school year.
Opening comments aside, the background and 'leadership' of the Cordoba Initiative/Park51 project unravels as Musaji details with the resourcefulness Schwartz has long admired her for, information that she states had, unfortunately, been previously overlooked as the race to defend the project steamrolled worldwide.
As the tangled web of leadership and lack of transparency is revealed throughout Musaji's extensive article titled, "Cordoba House – Yes!: Park51 – No way?", she credits several individuals and organizations with attempting to respond in a pro-active way to the controversy and Islamophobic media frenzy.
Schwartz's MWA issued request for federal action against Islamophobia was listed, in addition to the efforts of Michael Wolfe and Alex Kronemer's website 'Ground Zero Dialogue' - My Faith My Voice: American Muslim voices PSA's released as a grassroots effort; a CAIR PSA campaign produced a series of separate PSA's; a Majlis Ash-Shura of Metropolitan New York, a coalition of 55 New York City American Muslim organization leaders, issued a statement on combating ethnic and religious intolerance and defending the continued building of mosques in America; a Coalition of African American Muslims (CAAM) held a press conference in Washington, D.C.; ISNA called an emergency meeting of top interfaith leaders to address anti-Muslim fear and intolerance; and CAIR, ISNA, MPAC, etc. issued advisories and community response tips and safety guides.
With questions surrounding leadership and direction for Park51, which remain at the heart of the debate, Musaji acknowledged that the Muslim and Arab communities are now left to deal with the problems unnecessarily raised by the ensuing controversy, stating that the project is, indeed, the catalyst for the subsequent turmoil; dealing with rampant Islamophobia while defending citizen rights.
Musaji added, "The fact that the leadership and vision for the project may not be what we were led to believe only adds one more complication to our situation. Even if this project turns out to be a purely business venture on the part of the actual project leadership, the core issues that the project has raised go well beyond this one project, or the individuals directly involved – that of the legal, civil, and constitutional rights of all Muslims in the United States."
As Musaji suggested, and Schwartz has been asking from the onset, "what would be best for the common good?"
"This will take the wisdom of Solomon to solve," Musaji concludes.
RELATED:
Cordoba House – Yes!: Park51 – No way? By Sheila Musaji
Muslimah Writers Alliance Director Commends U.S. Officials for Speaking Out Against Quran Burning - Sep. 9, 2010 (Supporting national leadership and reminding community of 9/11 Freedom Coalition Rally in Washington, D.C.)
9/11 Freedom Coalition Launches Petition Calling on President to Enforce Religious Land Use Act - Sep. 2, 2010 (MWA'S participation in proactive coalition with Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV), Responsible for Equality and Liberty [R.E.A.L.] and United for Pluralism Rallying in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 11)
Muslimah Writers Alliance Director Requests Federal Action Against Islamophobia - Sep. 1, 2010 (Item referred to in Musaji's report)
Muslimah Writers Alliance Announces 'The Non-Islamophobic Muslim News' on Facebook - Aug. 29, 2010 (Pro-Active Facebook platform designed to be a one-stop resource for NON-Islamophobic Muslim News)
Park51: Law Passed 10 Years Ago Trumps Religious Freedom Debate - Aug. 25, 2010 (Highlighting the fact that the debate was never really a debate as the project was protected from its onset by the Religious Land Use Act of 2000)
# # #
Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based collaboration of Muslim women writers and advocates working together to counter negative and inaccurate perceptions regarding members of the Muslim community and the Islamic faith.
--- end --- Visit Press Room
September 09, 2010
Muslimah Writers Alliance Director Commends U.S. Officials for Speaking Out Against Quran Burning
PRLog (Sep 09, 2010) – WASHINGTON, D.C. (MWA-NET) – Muslimah Writers Alliance Director, Aishah Schwartz, commends U.S. President Barack Obama for "standing up for that which is right and abhorring that which is inherently wrong," on receiving the news that Gainesville, Florida Pastor Terry Jones had called off the previously scheduled September 11 event organized to burn copies of the Qu'ran.
Earlier today on ABC's "Good Morning America" Obama, speaking both to an audience of millions and to Jones in particular, said that: "I hope he listens to those better angels and understands that this is a destructive act that he's engaging in."
The President further asserted that Saturday's planned protest on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terror attacks was a dangerous "stunt" that could imperil U.S. troops abroad and incite suicide bombers on American soil.
Obama, framing his remarks "as commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the United States," further stated "I just want him to understand that this stunt that he is talking about pulling could greatly endanger our young men and women in uniform who are in Iraq, who are in Afghanistan."
September 02, 2010
911 Freedom Coalition Launches Petition Calling on President to Enforce Religious Land Use Act
PRLog – Sep 02, 2010 – WASHINGTON, D.C. (MWA-Net) - In response to recent events triggering a wave of hate-filled rhetoric, bigotry and acts of violence against Muslim Americans across the nation, as well as consistent efforts by others seeking to block the legal rights of Muslim Americans to exercise their right of religious freedom in building houses of worship, a group of human rights and Muslim activists, The 911 Freedom Coalition, has launched an online petition addressed to President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder requesting that they defend the United States Constitution by acting to enforce the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), a federal law to prevent discriminatory practices against houses of worship.
The Defend Freedom of Religion online petition is located here.
The signed petition will be delivered to the White House and U.S. Department of Justice in conjunction with a Rally for Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Worship, and Freedom of Conscience to be held on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Freedom Plaza, Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. between 13th and 14th Streets NW in Washington, D.C. from 2:00PM-3:00PM.
Petition and Rally organizers include, Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV), United for Pluralism, Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.), and Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA).
September 01, 2010
Muslimah Writers Alliance Director Requests Federal Action Against Islamophobia
September 1, 2010
VIA FACSIMILE (202) 456-2461
Via Email
United States President Barack Obama
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Hon. Eric H. Holder
United States Attorney General
United States Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20530-0001
Email: AskDOJ@usdoj.gov
RE: Request for Federal Action in Support of Federal Law on Freedom of Religion
PRLog – Sep 01, 2010 (MWA-Net) Mr. President, I heard you loud and clear when you supported the right of Park51 organizers to pursue their project in the downtown Manhattan area known as 'Ground Zero' - or hallowed ground - but I also heard the secondary message you spoke of regarding the wisdom of Park51 organizers in their choice of location for the project. Additionally, I wrote extensively in support of your comments http://pressroom.prlog.org/mwa-net.
Sadly, however, as a result of the Park51 controversy, a media and political frenzy fueling a whirlwind of Islamophobic and hate-filled rhetoric targeting Muslim community members and the Islamic faith, has engulfed the nation, provoking me to call upon both you and Attorney General Holder, to uphold and enforce federal law regarding freedom of religion and freedom of worship based on not only the U.S. Constitution, but also the Republican backed 2000 lesser-known law, U.S. Code Title 42, Chapter 21C, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA).
I trust, of course, that you are both well aware of the Park51 triggered backlash against Muslim community members, their projects and plans, as an alarming increase in reports from across the nation indicate a rise in local governing agencies attempting to excessively scrutinize said plans, by invoking alleged zoning ordinance stipulations that the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act was designed to shield against.
From coast-to-coast a series of protests have risen against those who seek to freely worship in Islamic mosques, including the states of California, Tennessee, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Kentucky, Florida, Connecticut, and throughout New York. More on backlash at http://realhumanrights.wordpress.com.
The Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act states that, "No government shall impose or implement a land use regulation in a manner that imposes a substantial burden on the religious exercise of a person, including a religious assembly or institution," unless it meets very strict conditions.
Nor may any government inflict a regulation that discriminates "on the basis of religion or religious denomination." Thus, it is clearly designed to protect individuals and houses of worship from discriminatory and unduly burdensome zoning regulations, and protects the religious exercise of all Americans.
It is, therefore, the responsibility of the U.S. Federal Government and the Department of Justice to enforce this law.
Muslimah Writers Alliance Announces 'The Non-Islamophobic Muslim News' on Facebook
PRLog – Aug. 29, 2010 (MWA-Net) The recent controversial decision of Park51 organizers to construct an Islamic center/mosque in the area of downtown Manhattan, otherwise known as 'Ground Zero', NY (or 'hallowed ground'), highlights a spike in the increase of Islamophobic, hate-filled rhetoric spewed out daily from certain media outlets, bloggers and even politicians. It is evident, now more than ever, that a need exists for an immediate influx of 'good' Muslim news.
In an effort to bridge the gap in resources available to the public for learning more about the positive contributions members of the Muslim community are making not only in the United States, but worldwide, Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) announces a new Facebook campaign, 'The NON-Islamophobic Muslim News' (NIMNews).
Similar to the concept behind MWA's Muslim Women Making History project, which focuses on the achievements of Muslim women, NIMNews aims to showcase worldwide Muslim community member news, stories, and events, in an effort to provide the general public, and the media, with easy access to 'NON-Islamophobic Muslim News'.
As recently reported Facebook now has over 500 million subscribers. What better free Muslim community news resource and advertising/promotional venue could there be?
Now it is up to you, the Muslim community member. Are you tired of the Muslim-bashing propoganda and Islamophobic outpouring of hate-filled rhetoric reported daily? This is your chance to be a part of the wave of change.
The nation and in fact, the world, has been waiting for President Obama to make all the changes; but the Muslim community has to own its share of responsibility for how the world perceives Muslims and the Islamic faith.
It's time to clean up our own back-yards, step-up-to-the-plate, and be participants in the change we want to see in the world.
Join MWA in sharing your Muslim community news, events, stories, photos and discussions. Visit NIMNews with just one click.
RELATED
MWA Muslim Women Making History
PARK51: Law Passed Ten Years Ago Trumps Religious Freedom Debate
NIMNews Short-Cut Link: http://tinyurl.com/nimnews
Also published at The American Muslim (TAM) Aug. 30, 2010
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Established in 2006, MWA is an internationally-based collaboration of Muslim women writers and advocates working together to counter negative and inaccurate perceptions regarding members of the Muslim community and the Islamic faith.
Visit Press Room: http://pressroom.prlog.org/mwa-net
August 06, 2010
MWA Director Aishah Schwartz Recognized by Dr. Ibrahim B. Syed, President Islamic Research Foundation International
CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SIZE
July 03, 2010
THE GAZA CHRONICLES: Muslimah Writers Alliance and Aishah Schwartz on Gaza
Join Muslilmah Writers Alliance in Asking President Obama to Support 'No Gaza Student Left Behind'
Sign the Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) 'No Gaza Student Left Behind' Petition Today!
GAZA STUDENTS: Border Crossing Media Double-Talk?
MWA Launches 'No Gaza Student Left Behind' Campaign
MWA Welcomes Return of Freedom Flotilla and GFM '09 Delegate David Segarra
Muslimah Writers Alliance Joins D.C. Mobilization Responding to Israeli Attack on Gaza Flotilla
MWA Joins Jewish Voice For Peace in Condemnation of Israeli Attack on Gaza Freedom Flotilla
MWA Joins International Advocates Calling for Safe Passage of Gaza Flotilla Cargo and Crew
Visa Secured: MWA Welcomes U.S. Visit of Palestinian Journalist, Mohammed Omer
MWA Commends Jewish NY U.S. Senate Candidate, Jonathan Tasini on Support of Gaza
MWA Rejects Ideological Exclusion as U.S. Delays Visa of Palestinian Journalist, Mohammed Omer
Rep. Brian Baird's OpenCongress Blog Gives Nod to Gaza Support from International Activist, Aishah Schwartz
MWA Commends Action of 54 U.S. Congressmen in Supporting End of Siege and Embargo on Gaza
GAZA UPDATE: MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz Echoes Baroness jennifer Tonge, "What are we doing to these people?"
VIDEO: Aishah Schwartz and Gaza Freedom Delegates in Gaza. Dec. 30, 2009 - Jan. 2, 2010.
http://gallery.me.com/angela7dreaming#100047
ARABIC Media Covering Gaza Freedom March Delegate, Aishah Schwartz
Initial report on Four-Day Gaza Siege Breaking Visit of International Activist, Aishah Schwartz
Aishah's Journey Continues...GAZA: Never Forget
MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz Among 100 Chosen to Join Gaza Freedom Solidarity March Departing from Cairo Dec. 29
MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz to Join Gaza Freedom March TODAY!
MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz and Gaza Freedom March Delegates Meet with Cairo's AlWafd Editor-in-Chief, Said Abd El Khalek
Gaza Freedom March Update: Activities in Cairo, Dec. 27, 2009
(Photos taken by Aishah Schwartz)
Egyptian Security Forces Detain Gaza Freedom
Gaza Freedom March Update from Cairo, Egypt and Delegate, Aishah Schwartz
Support the Gaza Freedom March - Send YOUR Letter Today, Insha'Allah!
April 08, 2010
MWA IN THE NEWS: U.S. Muslims Back Jewish Candidate's Gaza Stance
Launched in 2005, Ma'an News Agency (MNA) publishes news around the clock in Arabic and English, and is among the most browsed websites in the Palestinian territories, with over 3 million visits per month. Considered the main source of independent news from Palestine, MNA has become the first choice for online information for many Palestinians, and is also attracting a growing international readership and interest from prominent international news organizations and agencies.
Bethlehem - Ma'an (April 6, 2010) – The Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) has commended a Jewish-American Senate candidate for his stance against Israel's building of new settlements in East Jerusalem and its ongoing embargo on Gaza.
Jonathan Tasini (D-NY) is vying for the Senate spot up for grabs in the US state of New York's midterm election on 2 November. He must first defeat the incumbent senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, in the Democratic primary.
In continuation of its ongoing campaign to bring awareness to the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, MWA director Aishah Schwartz said that "for the 1.5 million citizens of Gaza, the support of candidates like Tasini cannot come soon enough."
"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 [the US] and the State of Israel,' every voice counts," Schwartz added.
"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," Schwartz said late last month.
The candidate fought then Senator Hillary Clinton in the 2006 Democratic primary. Clinton won an overwhelming majority and her re-election bid. Gillibrand replaced Clinton when she was named Obama's secretary of state shortly after his inauguration last January.
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 on his campaign Web site that "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," he added.
"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."
According to Schwartz, "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."
Schwartz added: "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."
Source: http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=274266
EASY SHARE LINK: http://tinyurl.com/mwa-on-gaza
MWA Original Press Release http://www.prlog.org/10596453
Bethlehem - Ma'an (April 6, 2010) – The Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA) has commended a Jewish-American Senate candidate for his stance against Israel's building of new settlements in East Jerusalem and its ongoing embargo on Gaza.
Jonathan Tasini (D-NY) is vying for the Senate spot up for grabs in the US state of New York's midterm election on 2 November. He must first defeat the incumbent senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, in the Democratic primary.
In continuation of its ongoing campaign to bring awareness to the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, MWA director Aishah Schwartz said that "for the 1.5 million citizens of Gaza, the support of candidates like Tasini cannot come soon enough."
"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 [the US] and the State of Israel,' every voice counts," Schwartz added.
"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," Schwartz said late last month.
The candidate fought then Senator Hillary Clinton in the 2006 Democratic primary. Clinton won an overwhelming majority and her re-election bid. Gillibrand replaced Clinton when she was named Obama's secretary of state shortly after his inauguration last January.
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 on his campaign Web site that "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," he added.
"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."
According to Schwartz, "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."
Schwartz added: "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."
Source: http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=274266
EASY SHARE LINK: http://tinyurl.com/mwa-on-gaza
MWA Original Press Release http://www.prlog.org/10596453
April 05, 2010
VISA SECURED! MWA Welcomes U.S. Visit of Palestinian Journalist, Mohammed Omer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
International Campaign to Assist in Resolution of Visa Delay Resounding Success
WASHINGTON, D.C. (MWA) April 5, 2010 – In the wake of a successful international campaign to assist in resolving a previously unexplained delay in issuance of a visa for his three-city tour of the United States in promotion of the Newberry Library event, "Reflections on Life and War in Gaza", hosted by Haymarket Books, award-winning Palestinian journalist, Mohammed Omer's visit began today in Chicago.
An email communication received March 26 from the office of the Consular in Amsterdam, just seven days after the March 19, 2010 letter writing campaign began, confirmed that Omer's visa was "was ready for issuance".
MWA joined in the letter writing campaign, launched by Haymarket after what appeared to be an unusually extended delay in issuance of the journalist's visa. MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz reiterated a call for reaffirmation of the Obama administration's pursuit of a new relationship with Muslim communities based on mutual interest and respect, in line with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) campaign to eradicate ideological exclusion—the practice of denying visas to foreign nationals whose political views the government may appear to disfavor.
In a March 29 update distributed by Haymarket, Omer offered, "The support has been essential, and it proves that public pressure is effective. I am immensely grateful and can't wait to thank all of you in person. I have always regarded the United States as the champion of freedom of the press. This is where I hope to practice this right."
MWA Director, Aishah Schwartz attempted numerous times to solicit additional feedback from the journalist, however, ironically, after receiving the U.S. visa granting him the hoped for right to practice the freedom of the press he sought, he was unable to provide additional comment.
"Reflections on Life and War in Gaza" will be hosted in the U.S. cities of Chicago, Houston and Santa Fe.
Omer's admittance into the United States is the most recent in a series demonstrating an apparent reversal in the USA Patriot Act resurrection of 'ideological exclusion'; the practice of denying visas to foreign nationals whose political views the government apparently disfavors. 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 receiving visas after being initially denied include Oxford's Tariq Ramadan and African scholar and vocal Iraq War critic Dr. Adam Habib.
The ACLU was instrumental in resolving the visa delay issues of 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."
"On the subject of Palestine, I have heard time and again, 'if only Americans knew…'. U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison, following up on the humanitarian crisis that continues to ravage the region, spoke with Palestinian students in Gaza City on April 3 and will brief the U.S. Congress on the situation when he returns. I applaud Congressman Ellison, among 54 U.S. Representatives taking a position of solidarity on January 21, 2010 when they delivered a letter to President Obama advocating for implementation of a variety of immediate relief efforts," Schwartz stated.
The Congressmen stipulated, among other things, movement of people, especially students, the ill, aid workers, journalists, and those with family concerns into and out of Gaza; access to clean water, including water infrastructure materials, access to plentiful and varied food and agricultural materials; access to medicine and health care products and suppliers; access to sanitation supplies, including sanitation infrastructure materials; access to construction materials for repairs and rebuilding; access to fuel; access to spare parts; prompt passage into and out of Gaza for commercial and agricultural goods; and publication and review of the list of items prohibited to the people of Gaza.
Recent news reports indicate slight moves forward in addressing a few of the stipulations brought forward by the Congressmen and supported by MWA in a statement released January 26, 2010.
Palestinian Health officials reported on April 4 that the necessary travel documentation for conjoined twins and their family to travel from Gaza to Saudi Arabia where doctors will separate the week-old infants. Also, on March 30 it was reported that for the first time in two years, Israel announced a decision to allow thirty truckloads of clothing and shoes into the region over a three-day period. Many of those items, however, are damaged after sitting in storage for so long. Reports in early March also indicated that the Karem Abu Salem crossing was opened briefly to allow entry of 84-94 trucks carrying aid and goods for commercial and agricultural sectors, including limited quantities of cooking gas and industrial diesel to run the Gaza power plant.
"Those efforts, while enjoying mainstream media coverage, are a mere drop-in-the-bucket in relation to the actual needs of the Palestinian people," stated Schwartz, who visited the region in December 2009.
She added, "I look forward to hearing Congressman Ellison's upcoming report in the hope that it will encourage additional support among Representatives not yet fully comprehending the extent of the ongoing humanitarian crisis."
RELATED:
MWA Rejects Ideological Exclusion as US Delays Visa of Palestinian Journalist
MWA Commends Action of 54 U.S. Congressmen Supporting End to Embargo on Gaza
MWA Joins Jewish Voice for Peace in Call for End to Settlement Construction and Blockade of Gaza
Mohammed Omer Campaign Letter to President Obama
MWA Commends Jewish NY U.S. Senate Candidate, Jonathan Tasini on Support of Gaza
MWA Director Arabic Media on Gaza
MWA Director Among 86 Breaking Siege on Gaza
MWA Director, Gaza—Never Forget
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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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