Showing posts with label Palestine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Palestine. Show all posts
August 05, 2014
November 22, 2012
WAR ON GAZA WOUNDED: Seeking Identity of this #Gaza Daughter
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| If you can identify this child please leave a comment. |
November 19, 2012
Lies the Media Keeps Repeating About Gaza
http://www.thejerusalemfund.org/ht/redisplay/1/printerfriendly/1
From time to time, the Palestine Center distributes articles it believes will enhance understanding of the Palestinian political reality. The following article by Omar Baddar was published by Huffington Post on 19 November 2012.
"Lies the Media Keeps Repeating About Gaza"
By Omar Baddar
As Israel continues to pound Gaza, the Palestinian death toll of the latest round of violence has crossed the 100 mark. Thus far, the American media has given Israeli officials and spokespersons a free pass to shape the narrative of this conflict with falsehoods. Here are the top 5 lies the media doesn't challenge about the crisis in Gaza:
November 18, 2012
U.S. Activist Aishah Schwartz Addresses Open Letter to Obama on Gaza
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| 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
January 05, 2012
Aishah Schwartz's Challenge to the Women of Gaza!
This is an internal awareness campaign that does not require international intervention.
The women of Gaza can fix this simply by uniting.
The women of Gaza can fix this simply by uniting.
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Click on image to view full size.  |
May 13, 2011
American Activist, Aishah Schwartz Joins Pre-Nakba Celebrations in Cairo and Rafah
Before heading to the Rafah border, American Activist, Aishah Schwartz attended Friday morning prayers at Cairo's Masjid Al-Noor, where worshipers waved Palestinian flags in setting the tone for May 15 Nakba Day celebrations.
Photo Album of Friday Prayers at Masjid Al-Noor, Cairo
CAIRO, EGYPT (May 13, 2011) - Gearing up for Palestinian Nakba Day celebrations set to begin Sunday, this Friday morning's fajr prayer attendance at Cairo's Masjid Al-Noor soared to thousands. The overflowing crowd spilled down the steps of the masjid's entrance and filled the Egyptian military secured street-front.
At the conclusion of their prayers worshipers massed outside Masjid Al-Noor waving Palestinian flags and chanting boisterously in support of their Palestinian counterparts.
The May 15 commemoration events for the Nakba (translated as 'Catastrophe') Memorial Day mark the occasion during which more than 700,000 Palestinians - estimated today to number 4.7 million with their descendants - were pushed into exile or driven out of their homes in 1948. Additionally, Israeli forces destroyed more than 400 villages in their wake.
Refugees in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria were also to mark the anniversary from Friday onwards.
Also in advance of May 15 Nakba celebrations, American Activist, Aishah Schwartz joined team members of the Egyptian-International Coalition for Ending the Blockade and Rebuilding Gaza, led by Organizer and Public Affairs Director Ahmed Elassy, of Cairo.
The group, in follow-up of a commitment announced on April 17 by Egyptian Foreign Ministry officials to facilitate delivery of goods and supplies Elassy requested be delivered to the Palestinians in Gaza, has arrived to the Rafah border in anticipation of fulfilling its mission.
On April 29 Foreign Minister Al-Araby announcement Egypt's intention to permanently open the Rafah border, stating that Egypt would take, "important steps to help ease the blockade on Gaza in the few days to come."
"It is my earnest hope and prayer that on Sunday, May 15, Mr. Elassy, his organization and team members, lead their siege breaking cargo of building supplies and goods through the border at Rafah and onward into Gaza," stated Schwartz.
She added, "On a personal level, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a witness to history, God willing, and among the few allowed to pass into Rafah during a time when the Egyptian military has turned away thousands attempting to reach the border."
Further signaling Egypt's intention to move forward with pro-Palestinian changes in foreign policy, The Unity Agreement, signaling the conclusion of intra-Palestinian political hostilities between Fatah and Hamas, was signed in Cairo on May 4.
Serving as a catalyst for The Unity Agreement was the Gaza Youth Breaks Out (GYBO) March 15 revolution. Palestinian youth, reportedly more than 65% of the territory's population, called for unity demonstrations that were widely publicized and supported by global solidarity movements. Among GYBO's demands was a call for immediate unity and reconciliation among Palestinian political factions, as well as free and fair elections.
According to The Unity Agreement signed in Cairo on May 4, the Legislative, Presidential, and Palestinian National Council elections will be conducted within one year from the date of signing.
RELATED:
Photo Album of Friday Prayers at Masjid Al-Noor, Cairo
Egypt gets ready for Palestinian Nakba Day - Army steps up security around Sinai peninsula as Egyptian activists plan march towards Gaza border on Nakba Day
Pre-Nakba Day protests in Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel - These protests have the potential to reveal an unexpected Palestinian strength, and could help build linkages between Palestinians and the citizens in neighboring countries.
Marking The Nakba Day On May 15, Egyptians Plan To March To Gaza
French lawyer reveals himself as 'Palestine papers' source - Ziyad Clot, a lawyer of Palestinian descent involved in 2008 Annapolis negotiations between Israel and PA, says in Guardian op-ed that 'Israel's attack on Gaza and the disastrous 'peace talks' compelled me to leak what I knew.'
Photo Album of Friday Prayers at Masjid Al-Noor, Cairo
At the conclusion of their prayers worshipers massed outside Masjid Al-Noor waving Palestinian flags and chanting boisterously in support of their Palestinian counterparts.
The May 15 commemoration events for the Nakba (translated as 'Catastrophe') Memorial Day mark the occasion during which more than 700,000 Palestinians - estimated today to number 4.7 million with their descendants - were pushed into exile or driven out of their homes in 1948. Additionally, Israeli forces destroyed more than 400 villages in their wake.
Refugees in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria were also to mark the anniversary from Friday onwards.
Also in advance of May 15 Nakba celebrations, American Activist, Aishah Schwartz joined team members of the Egyptian-International Coalition for Ending the Blockade and Rebuilding Gaza, led by Organizer and Public Affairs Director Ahmed Elassy, of Cairo.
The group, in follow-up of a commitment announced on April 17 by Egyptian Foreign Ministry officials to facilitate delivery of goods and supplies Elassy requested be delivered to the Palestinians in Gaza, has arrived to the Rafah border in anticipation of fulfilling its mission.
On April 29 Foreign Minister Al-Araby announcement Egypt's intention to permanently open the Rafah border, stating that Egypt would take, "important steps to help ease the blockade on Gaza in the few days to come."
"It is my earnest hope and prayer that on Sunday, May 15, Mr. Elassy, his organization and team members, lead their siege breaking cargo of building supplies and goods through the border at Rafah and onward into Gaza," stated Schwartz.
She added, "On a personal level, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a witness to history, God willing, and among the few allowed to pass into Rafah during a time when the Egyptian military has turned away thousands attempting to reach the border."
Further signaling Egypt's intention to move forward with pro-Palestinian changes in foreign policy, The Unity Agreement, signaling the conclusion of intra-Palestinian political hostilities between Fatah and Hamas, was signed in Cairo on May 4.
Serving as a catalyst for The Unity Agreement was the Gaza Youth Breaks Out (GYBO) March 15 revolution. Palestinian youth, reportedly more than 65% of the territory's population, called for unity demonstrations that were widely publicized and supported by global solidarity movements. Among GYBO's demands was a call for immediate unity and reconciliation among Palestinian political factions, as well as free and fair elections.
According to The Unity Agreement signed in Cairo on May 4, the Legislative, Presidential, and Palestinian National Council elections will be conducted within one year from the date of signing.
RELATED:
Photo Album of Friday Prayers at Masjid Al-Noor, Cairo
Egypt gets ready for Palestinian Nakba Day - Army steps up security around Sinai peninsula as Egyptian activists plan march towards Gaza border on Nakba Day
Pre-Nakba Day protests in Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel - These protests have the potential to reveal an unexpected Palestinian strength, and could help build linkages between Palestinians and the citizens in neighboring countries.
Marking The Nakba Day On May 15, Egyptians Plan To March To Gaza
French lawyer reveals himself as 'Palestine papers' source - Ziyad Clot, a lawyer of Palestinian descent involved in 2008 Annapolis negotiations between Israel and PA, says in Guardian op-ed that 'Israel's attack on Gaza and the disastrous 'peace talks' compelled me to leak what I knew.'
April 11, 2011
AISHAH SCHWARTZ: Support the Facebook Campaign for a No-Fly Zone Over Palestine!
SUPPORT THE FACEBOOK CAMPAIGN FOR A NO-FLY ZONE OVER PALESTINE!
To learn more visit: http://tinyurl.com/NoFlyPalestine
Direct link for sharing this image file
Help Free All Palestinian Women Political Prisoners
http://aishahsjourney.blogspot.com/2011/03/march-is-womens-history-month-help-free.html
The Gaza Chronicles
The Gaza Chronicles
http://aishahsjourney.blogspot.com/2010/07/gaza-chronicles-muslimah-writers.html
Gaza Freedom March Album
Gaza Freedom March Album
http://pressroom.prlog.org/mwa-net
New friends! Please join me on the 2nd page; this profile has reached the FB mandated 5,000 friend limit.
New friends! Please join me on the 2nd page; this profile has reached the FB mandated 5,000 friend limit.
"Like" here: http://www.facebook.com/aishahschwartz.activist See you there, insha'Allah! ♥
Copyright © 2011 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.
March 10, 2011
March is Women's History Month - Help Free All Palestinian Women Political Prisoners
Sign the petition
http://tinyurl.com/free-all-women
Repost image file from here.
Repost image file from here.
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| Sigh the petition at http://tinyurl.com/free-all-women |
Currently, there are 35 Palestinian women detainees in the Israeli prisons Damon and HaSharon: among them 3 administrative detainees, 8 await trial, 23 sentenced of whom 5 are serving life sentences. Palestinian female detainees, like their brothers in detention, suffer from the brutality of the Israeli Prison Authority.
They are punished for the slightest thing with isolation, are beaten, harassed, tied up for hours under hot sun or under rain, deprived of sleep, their rooms raided at night, continuously denied family visits and calls back home, and letters are sent and brought only once every 3 months.
Water is very dirty and food is inedible, thus the detainees are forced to buy their food and water from the prison canteen for very high prices. Some political prisoners are also locked up with Israeli criminals who abuse them. Their cells are over-crowded, damp, lack hygiene and are infested with insects.
The detainees are also denied appropriate and much needed medical treatment and most medications are expired; 13 detainees are in need of medical treatment.
Amal Faiz Jum’a from Askar refugee camp suffers from womb cancer while Raja’ Al-Ghoul from Jenin refugee camp suffers from heart and blood pressure diseases and both don’t get the need treatment.
Female detainees are only allowed to see a general doctor and no specialists, and some were forced to give birth while hand and leg cuffed such as Mirvat Taha and Manal Ghanim.
Currently, there are at least 6 Palestinian mothers in detention. Others have their husbands or their brothers in Israeli detention as well, but are not allowed to visit them. Abir Odeh for example has 3 brothers in Israeli detention and Fatin Al-Shafi’ Al-Sa’di has a brother in jail.
Palestinian female prisoners currently in Israeli detention:
1 Amna Jawad Ali Muna, detained since 19.01.2001 (life sentence)
2 Abeer Isa Atef Amro, detained since 22.02.2001
3 Iman Mohammad Hasan Ghazzawi, detained since 03.08.2001, mother of 2 (13 yrs)
4 Ahlam Aref Shihadeh At-Tamimi, detained since 14.09.2001 (13 life sentence and 20 yrs)
5 Ibtisam Abdel-Hafith Faiz Issawi, detained since 04.11.2001, mother of 6 (15 yrs)
6 Lina Ahmad Saleh Jarbuni, detained since 18.04.2002
7 Sana’ Mohammad Husein Shehadeh, detained since 24.05.2002 (3 times life sentences)
8 Qahira Said As-Sa’di, detained since 30.05.2002, mother of 4 (3 times life sentence and 30 yrs)
9 Ireena Buli Shuk Sarhan, detained since 22.05.2002, mother of 2 (life sentence)
10 Du’a’ Ziad Jamil Al-Jayyousi, detained since 07.06.2002 (3 times life sentence and 30 years)
11 Warda Abbas Abdel-Fattah Baqrawi, 16.10.2002
12 Latifa Mohammad Mahmoud Abu Dira’, detained since 08.12.2003, mother of 7 (25 yrs)
13 Amal Fayez Jum’a, detained since 09.05.2004
14 Reema Riyad Hasan Abu Arrazaq Daraghmeh, detained since 28.07.2004
15 Mariam Salem Suleiman Tarabeen, detained since 24.01.2005
16 Wafa’ Samir Al-Bis, detained since 20.06.2005 (12 yrs, is in isolation)
17 Futna Mustafa Khalil Abu Al-Aish, detained since 21.07.2006
18 Wurud Maher Qasim, detained since 04.10.2006
19 Rawda Ibrahim Younis Habib, detained since 20.05.2007
20 Nada Ata Saleh Derbas, detained since 05.05.2007
21 Fatin Bassam Shafi’ Al-Saadi, detained since 20.05.2008
22 Sanabil Nabigh Yousif Brik, detained since 22.09.2008
23 Khadija Habash, detained since 22.01.2009
24 Raja’ Al-Ghoul, detained since 30.03.2009 (administrative detention)
25 Randa Shehateet, detained since 06.01.2009
26 Aisha Mohammad Abayat, detained since 13.08.2009
27Abir Mohammad Hasan Odeh, detained since 09.07.2009
28 Nisreen Abu Zeinah, detained since 18.08.2009
29 Ghufran Zamil, detained since 29.08.2009
30 Suad Ahmad Abdel-Ra’ouf Nazzal, detained since 22.08.2009
31 Hana Yahya Saber Shalabi, detained since 14.09.2009 (administrative detention)
32 Sumoud Yaser Hasan Karajeh, detained since 15.10.2009
33 Nili Zahi As’ad Sa’id, detained since 11.11.2009
34 Muntaha Khlaid Rashid Al-Tawil, detained since 08.02.1010, mother of 4 (administrative detention)
35 Alia Abdel Majid Al-Natsheh
In addition to Palestinian female detainees in Israeli jails, the Zionist entity imprisons the bodies of 7 Palestinian female martyrs:
1 Dalal Said Mohammad Al-Mughrabi, killed on 11.3.1978
2 Darin Abu Eisheh, from Jenin, killed on 17.02.2002
3 Zeinab Isa Abu Aalim, from Askar refugee camp, Nablus, killed on 22.04.2004
4 Hanadi Tayseer Abdel Malik, from Jenin, killed on 04.10.2003
5 Wafa' Ali Khalil Idris, from Al-'Am’ari refugee camp, Ramallah, killed 21.1.2002
6 Ayat Mohammad Lutif Al-Akhras, from Dheisheh refugee camp, Bethlehem, killed on 29.03.2002
7 Hiba Azim Daraghmeh, from Toubas, killed on 19.05.2003
Sources:
www.palestinebehindbars.org
www.waed.ps
www.dci-pal.org
http://addameer.info
Footnotes
[1] http://www.dcipal.org/english/camp/freedomnow/display.cfm?DocId=803&CategoryId=16
© http://avoicefrompalestine.wordpress.com
http://www.countercurrents.org/alhelsi170410.htm
March 01, 2011
The Palestinian Protest Organized and Supported for Palestinians by Palestinians - March 15
Feb 24, 2011 (EGYPT) – The U.K.'s Guardian published an article in February demonstrative of the true voice of Gaza youth, calling for a 'United for Palestinian Freedom' March on 15 March, 2011 (English)-(Arabic). "Gaza Youth Breaks Out!" (GYBO), led by a core group of individuals who remain anonymous for security purposes, is a grassroots non-aligned movement, in regular contact with students in the West Bank and with connections to Palestinians and pro-Palestinian groups in Europe and South America as well as the Middle East.
GYBO first made headlines last year when they published an impassioned manifesto, endorsed by over 20,000 Gaza youth, expressing frustration with life and politics born of Hamas's violent crackdowns on 'western decadence', the destruction wreaked by Israel's attacks and the political games played by Fatah and the UN.
Manifesto 2.0, now available at http://gazaybo.wordpress.com, attempts to clear the air regarding objections to what some deemed as 'harsh' language in the original.
As stated in the updated manifesto, "We were harsh, true. We were angry, and still are. The order in which the 'parties' were cited was not intended and we are conscious that it brought much confusion in people's minds. However, to those reproaching us – because we denounced the corruption of our political leaders – of insulting the thousands who voted for Hamas in 2006 [including youth], of insulting the memories of the martyrs of the Resistance groups affiliated to the different Palestinian factions who shed their blood for us in many occasions, starting with Operation Cast Lead, we want to reply, 'don’t insult the Palestinian people's right to criticize its politicians.'
"Cast Lead wasn't a war; Cast Lead was a massacre, a slaughter, anything but a war. And during that massacre, we, the people of Gaza, paid from our blood too. Every single Palestinian sacrificed something, someone; it affected us all, from the youngest to the oldest, not only the Resistance. Bombs didn't make much difference. We never intended to reject the Resistance, and we're going to repeat it again; we will NEVER reject those who fight for us, for our Palestine, and it was NOT the case in our previous manifesto.
Manifesto 2.0 goes on to state, "Yes we voted for Hamas government. We all did. We were tired of Fatah's government corruption, [we] wanted a change and hoped Hamas would be that change. That [is] PRECISELY [what] gives us the right to shout our anger at them, because they are responsible [for] us, responsible of our well-being, our security. Fatah in the West Bank arrests Hamas affiliates, Hamas in Gaza arrests Fatah affiliates, while everywhere in Palestine you can find family members from different factions living united. Yes we denounce our politicians – [note those] words; POLITICIANS – because their mutual hatred divided them, even during the commemoration of the first anniversary of [the] Cast Lead massacre, while a crowd of Palestinians from all factions stood united by martyrdom, grief, and love for Palestine."
In conclusion, the updated manifesto adds, "We want three things. We want to be free. We want to be able to live a normal life. We want peace. Is that too much to ask? We are a peace movement of young people in Gaza and supporters elsewhere that will not rest until the truth about Gaza and Palestine is known by everybody in this whole world and in such a degree that no more silent consent or loud indifference will be accepted. And if we fail, other groups will take our place, until our voice can't be ignored anymore."
Details of the March 15 event, published and coordinated in English and Arabic language Facebook pages titled, "End the Division" or "Palestinians United", indicate that it is already supported by nearly 10,000; another coordinating page, primarily in Arabic, titled, "Palestinian", supported by 66,694, is also promoting the event. GYBO is further striving to unify nine other groups or Facebook pages in Gaza calling for action in the coming weeks.
Demonstrations have been organized to begin at 11:30 AM on Tuesday, March 15 and are stated to 'continue until the achievement of all goals'.
Gathering places, to date, include: Gaza - the Unknown Soldier Square; Ramallah - Manara Square; Tulkarm - Roundabout Gamal Abdel Nasser; Jenin - complex of garages near the old Cinema Jenin; Hebron - in front of the governor's office; Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity Square Nablus: Martyrs Square; Jordan and Lebanon: to be announced.
GYBO March 15 demonstration organizers are also calling for solidarity events world-wide in front of Palestinian embassies in coordination with the Palestinian communities abroad.
As stated on GYBO's 'End the Division' Facebook page, "On behalf of the Palestinian Arab people, on the blood of the martyrs, widows and bereaved, orphans and thousands of prisoners in Israeli jails and all our people in the Palestinian Diaspora, we call on all the Palestinian factions to unite under the banner of Palestine, in order to reform the political system in Palestine, based on the interests and aspirations of the Palestinian people in the homeland and the Diaspora."
With the resignation of Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, it has been described as the hope of Egyptian youth that, Gaza will feel the effects of their new-found freedom because the siege of Gaza will end and the kinship between the people of Egypt and Palestine will be restored.
Although a complete overhaul of Rafah border restrictions remains to be achieved, an easement was seen in the period from June 2007 until 25 January when the border closed again for three weeks during the Egyptian Revolution. This past week the Egyptian Armed Forces began what many envision as the beginning of a series in border crossing improvements when Palestinians stranded in Egypt during the revolution were allowed to return. Subsequently, on 22 February, the border opened for two-way traffic and fees waived for those unable to pay.
Currently the Egyptian Armed Forces is receiving thousands of expatriates and refugees of the Libyan revolution. Al-Jazeera reports that there are an estimated one million Egyptians currently residing and working in Libya. Virtually every tourism bus in Egypt is lined up waiting to receive evacuees at the Salum border who have traveled through days of horror as the volatile crisis in Libya continues to escalate.
Additionally, news agencies reported earlier on Thursday, that smugglers shot and killed an Egyptian policeman at the Rafah border and Israeli Defense Forces struck against a number of alleged terrorists driving a vehicle in the city of Rafah. According to Palestinian sources area residents reported hearing four separate explosions leaving one dead and three injured; four residents - two adults and two children - were treated for shock.
Suffice it to say, patience and continued support of the efforts of the Egyptian Armed Forces to establish stability and the security of not only Egyptians, but Palestinians and Libyans as well, is crucial in this time.
RELATED
American Activist, Aishah Schwartz "Now is not the Time for an International March on Rafah" - Also published at The American Muslim (TAM)
Young Palestinians Call for Protests on 15 March
Gaza Youth Breaks Out (GYBO)
GYBO Campaign 'End the Division' - (English) - (Arabic)
Gazan Youth Issue Manifesto to Vent Anger with All Sides in the Conflict
Aishah Schwartz: The Gaza Chronicles
# # #
Aishah Schwartz serves as Executive Director of the Washington, D.C.-based Muslimah Writers Alliance (MWA), founded in 2006. She is also a published freelance non-fiction writer/citizen-journalist and internationally renowned human rights activist. Full biography here.
--- end --- Visit Press Room
January 10, 2011
In Memory of Mr. Saied Abd El Khalek - "Knight of the Word" - Editor-in-Chief, AlWafd News Journal - Cairo, Egypt and Champion for the Palestinian Cause
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| Click on image to view full size. |
High Resolution Download Here
PDF Download Here
ALSO AT FACEBOOK
Operation Cast Lead
(Dec. 27, 2008)
Gaza Freedom March Delegates Meeting at Al-Wafd
(Dec. 27, 2009)
Funeral of Saied Abd El Khalek
(Dec. 27, 2010)
ADDITIONAL ARABIC ARTICLES ON AISHAH'S JOURNEY TO GAZA
AlWafd Article 1
AlWafd Article 2
AlWafd Article 3
English Post-Gaza Initial Report
Operation Cast Lead
(Dec. 27, 2008)
Gaza Freedom March Delegates Meeting at Al-Wafd
(Dec. 27, 2009)
Funeral of Saied Abd El Khalek
(Dec. 27, 2010)
ADDITIONAL ARABIC ARTICLES ON AISHAH'S JOURNEY TO GAZA
AlWafd Article 1
AlWafd Article 2
AlWafd Article 3
English Post-Gaza Initial Report
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!
June 19, 2010
JUNE 19 OCTOBER WEEKLY: American Activist Aishah Schwartz
American Activist Aishah Schwartz
ON FACEBOOK (w/Photo)
ONLINE (ARABIC)
CORRECTIONS: Congressmen 54 not 65, Delegates 86 not 68, Arrived Egypt 2007 not 2008.
ADDITIONAL ARABIC ARTICLES ON AISHAH'S JOURNEY TO GAZA
AlWafd Article 1, AlWafd Article 2, AlWafd Article 3
ENGLISH Post-Gaza Initial Report
SIGN THE 'NO GAZA STUDENT LEFT BEHIND' ONLINE PETITION
April 08, 2010
AMERICAN CITIZEN ALERT! How Much Military Aid to Israel Do YOU Provide?
Between 2009-2018, the United States is scheduled to give Israel--the largest recipient of U.S. aid--$30 billion in military aid. Through its illegal 42-year military occupation of the Palestinian West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, Israel misuses U.S. weapons in violation of U.S. law to kill and injure Palestinian civilians, destroy Palestinian civilian infrastructure, blockade the Gaza Strip, and build illegal settlements in West Bank and East Jerusalem.
How much of this total will your community provide? Is this a good use of your tax dollars? What else could your taxes be used for in your community? Find out on the interactive map found here.
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
-------------------------
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
URL FOR ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE
March 26, 2010
MWA Commends Jewish NY U.S. Senate Candidate, Jonathan Tasini on Support of Gaza
EASY SHARE SHORTCUT LINK FOR TWITTER, FACEBOOK, SMS, TEXT, AND MORE.
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:
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
-------------------------
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
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
-------------------------
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
March 25, 2010
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.
EASY SHARE ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK, SMS, INSTANT MESSAGE, ETC. LINK http://www.prlog.org/10594402
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.
-------------------------
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
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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."
"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.
EASY SHARE ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK, SMS, INSTANT MESSAGE, ETC. LINK http://www.prlog.org/10594402
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.
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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
March 15, 2010
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
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
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