Arab American Media Service launches News Wire
July 30, 2004
Chicago -- Arab American Media Services, a coalition of Arab and Muslim journalists based in the United States and the Middle East, has launched a "News Wire" service to make news and feature articles and press releases on Arab and Muslim topics available to the mainstream American news media.
The service is free and Internet-based at http://AAMS.blogspot.com.
Journalists from the Middle East and in the United States will post original news and feature articles that are either originally written in Arabic and that have not been published in major news media. Organizations in the United States and the Middle East are encouraged to post their press releases that address Arab and or Muslim related issues or events. Postings will be identified as "News," "Feature" or "Press Releases."
"There is a lot of talent in the Middle East but most of the work is produced in Arabic and accessible to the American media," said Ray Hanania, coordinator and founder of the National Arab American Journalist Association, one of the sponsoring organizations.
"We are working with a team of Palestinian journalists who work for major newspapers in the Occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, and also with Arab and Muslim American journalists who work in the United States. We want to take this huge untapped talent and make it available to the mainstream American media and to the American public."
Hanania said the idea was developed during a live video conference call he organized through the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem May 25, 2004 with 18 Palestinian journalists and editors. They expressed interest in having their work made available to the American media.
"We found that the Palestinian journalists, for example, we breaking news stories and writing compelling feature stories in Arabic that were rarely being reprinted in English or in the Western media," Hanania said.
Hanania said AAMS-News Wire is including news releases to also help broaden mainstream American media contacts in the Arab and Muslim community here and abroad.
Two prominent Middle East journalists have joined the effort. They include Mohamed Najib, who writes news and features for Janes, the Jerusalem Post and Op-Eds for publications in the U.S. including the Chicago Tribune, and Daoud Kuttab, an Op-Ed writer who is also the director of the Institute of Modern Media in Jerusalem.
"We are looking for original news and feature stories that are written in Arabic that the writers will translate into English," Hanania said.
"Currently, we are only focused on News, features and press releases and not on commentaries or Op-Eds by Arabs and Muslims which are easily attained and abundant but still under utilized by American newspapers."
The service is free. News and features posted on the web can be reprinted or broadcast, etc., with full attribution to the writers. Press releases can serve as a resource for follow-up contact and should be under 500 words.
CONTACT INFO:
Ray Hanania
312-933-9855
rayhanania@aol.com
END
Friday, July 30, 2004
NEWS -- Christian Magazine in Palestine-Jordan Launches 7-30-04
PROFILE: Al Maghtas Magazine
New Magazine For Christian Arabs in Jordan and Palestine
By Daoud Kuttab
(Arab American Media Services -- News Wire)
For the first time in decades Christian Arabs in Jordan and Palestine have their own magazine. The first edition of the 40 page glossy color magazine Al Maghtas (the baptismal) was produced in Amman this week featuring interviews, articles, and even some controversy.
According to Reverand John Noor, the secretary of the bishops of Jordan, there are between 10-15 million Christian Arabs living in the Middle East. Most of the region’s Christian Arabs in Egypt (7-12 million) and Sudan, 600,000 live in Iraq, 165,000 in Jordan, 900,000 in Syria, 1.3 million in Lebanon, 50,000 in Palestine and 130,000 in Israel. Noor whose two page article deals with emigration estimates that four million more live in the diaspora.
Unlike most available Christian magazines, Al Maghtas is neither denominational nor theological. It deals with socio economic conditions concentrating on Christian Arabs on both banks of the Jordan. Christian Arabs refuse to be called a minority, they consider themselves part of the Arab world and partners with their Muslim brethren in the good and bad that face the Arab nation. Philip Madanat the editor of the magazine says that the strength of Al Maghtas is in its exclusivity for the Christian community and its avoidance of theology.
Among the feature stories in the magazine was an interview with one of the leading Jordanian businessmen, and philanthrop Elia Nuqol the CEO of the Fine tissue company. In another article Widad Kawar the internationally known collector of Palestinian and Jordanian dresses and folklore is featured with a long profile.
Controversy is not absent in the newest magazine of Christian Arabs. An investigation into the internal struggles between three Christian Churches over the right to the keys to the Nativity Church is presented from all points of view.
(Daoud Kuttab is a freelance journalist based in Jerusalem, Palestine, and director of the Institute of Modern Media, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem.)
END
New Magazine For Christian Arabs in Jordan and Palestine
By Daoud Kuttab
(Arab American Media Services -- News Wire)
For the first time in decades Christian Arabs in Jordan and Palestine have their own magazine. The first edition of the 40 page glossy color magazine Al Maghtas (the baptismal) was produced in Amman this week featuring interviews, articles, and even some controversy.
According to Reverand John Noor, the secretary of the bishops of Jordan, there are between 10-15 million Christian Arabs living in the Middle East. Most of the region’s Christian Arabs in Egypt (7-12 million) and Sudan, 600,000 live in Iraq, 165,000 in Jordan, 900,000 in Syria, 1.3 million in Lebanon, 50,000 in Palestine and 130,000 in Israel. Noor whose two page article deals with emigration estimates that four million more live in the diaspora.
Unlike most available Christian magazines, Al Maghtas is neither denominational nor theological. It deals with socio economic conditions concentrating on Christian Arabs on both banks of the Jordan. Christian Arabs refuse to be called a minority, they consider themselves part of the Arab world and partners with their Muslim brethren in the good and bad that face the Arab nation. Philip Madanat the editor of the magazine says that the strength of Al Maghtas is in its exclusivity for the Christian community and its avoidance of theology.
Among the feature stories in the magazine was an interview with one of the leading Jordanian businessmen, and philanthrop Elia Nuqol the CEO of the Fine tissue company. In another article Widad Kawar the internationally known collector of Palestinian and Jordanian dresses and folklore is featured with a long profile.
Controversy is not absent in the newest magazine of Christian Arabs. An investigation into the internal struggles between three Christian Churches over the right to the keys to the Nativity Church is presented from all points of view.
(Daoud Kuttab is a freelance journalist based in Jerusalem, Palestine, and director of the Institute of Modern Media, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem.)
END
Thursday, July 29, 2004
PR RELEASE -- Non-Violent Protest of Wall at Israeli Consulate in Chicago, Friday 7-28-04
MEDIA ALERT
When: Wed. July 28th, 2004
What: Meeting with Public Affairs Director of Israeli Consulate
Why: To offer prayers for peace and present locks of shaven hair from the nonviolent witness of Friday, 23rd.
Summary of nonviolent witness on Friday July 23rd: To dramatize theeffects of the Israeli Wall, ten peacemakers shaved their heads tosymbolize the destructiveness that Palestinians refer to as "shaving theland." Participants attempted to deliver the shaved hair to the IsraeliConsulate as an act of solidarity with Israeli and Palestinianpeacemakers, but were denied. The head-shaving took place in front of asymbolic wall that transformed into a bridge to affirm that "In reality,the Holy Land doesn’t need walls, but bridges" (Pope John Paul II).
Wed. July 28th: Seven members of the Christian Peacemaker Teams will meetwith the Director of Public Affairs for the Israeli Consulate. The teamhas prepared prayers for peace and will present the director with locks ofhair from the head shaving. This meeting will focus on the spiritualhealth of all the people in the region as it is the sense of CPT thatactions of the Israeli government, (especially the wall) are creating theseeds of violence growing in all the areas of occupied Palestine.
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is a faith-based organization thatsupports violence reduction efforts around the world. CPT has roots in theMennonite Church, the Church of the Brethren, and the Religious Society ofFriends, and includes members from Protestant and Catholic traditions.
Christian Peacemaker Teams
P.O. Box 6508
Chicago, IL 60680
Tel. 773-277-0253
Fax 773-277-0291
email: peacemakers@cpt.org
END
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2004
Contact: Kryss Chupp, Gene Stoltzfus, 773-277-0253
July 28, 2004
Contact: Kryss Chupp, Gene Stoltzfus, 773-277-0253
When: Wed. July 28th, 2004
What: Meeting with Public Affairs Director of Israeli Consulate
Why: To offer prayers for peace and present locks of shaven hair from the nonviolent witness of Friday, 23rd.
Summary of nonviolent witness on Friday July 23rd: To dramatize theeffects of the Israeli Wall, ten peacemakers shaved their heads tosymbolize the destructiveness that Palestinians refer to as "shaving theland." Participants attempted to deliver the shaved hair to the IsraeliConsulate as an act of solidarity with Israeli and Palestinianpeacemakers, but were denied. The head-shaving took place in front of asymbolic wall that transformed into a bridge to affirm that "In reality,the Holy Land doesn’t need walls, but bridges" (Pope John Paul II).
Wed. July 28th: Seven members of the Christian Peacemaker Teams will meetwith the Director of Public Affairs for the Israeli Consulate. The teamhas prepared prayers for peace and will present the director with locks ofhair from the head shaving. This meeting will focus on the spiritualhealth of all the people in the region as it is the sense of CPT thatactions of the Israeli government, (especially the wall) are creating theseeds of violence growing in all the areas of occupied Palestine.
Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) is a faith-based organization thatsupports violence reduction efforts around the world. CPT has roots in theMennonite Church, the Church of the Brethren, and the Religious Society ofFriends, and includes members from Protestant and Catholic traditions.
Christian Peacemaker Teams
P.O. Box 6508
Chicago, IL 60680
Tel. 773-277-0253
Fax 773-277-0291
email: peacemakers@cpt.org
END
PR RELEASE -- New Documentary on anti-Mosque battle in Chicago
NEW DOCUMENTARY EXPLORES ANTI-ARAB HATE IN CHICAGO SUBURBS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 29, 2004
CHICAGO -- Eyes of the Beholder (Fahrenheit 60462) is a new documentary by award-winning journalist Ray Hanania that explores the rise of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab animosity in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago.
The 90 minute documentary which puts viewers front-and-center in the recent Orland Park mosque battle, explores the history of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim hatred in School District 230, Stagg High school, voter opposition to Arab and Muslim candidates in five separate school board elections in the 1990s, incidents of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim discrimination against businesses, and the May 2000 vote to block a similar drive to build a mosque in Palos Heights.
During the June 21, 2004 Orland Park village board hearings on the planned mosque there, protesters cited Sept. 11th, fear of terrorism, defamed the Bridgeview Mosque, criticized Bridgeview Mosque Imam Sheik Jamal Said, member Mohamad Salah and several Muslim organizations, and accused the Bridgeview mosque of creating security problems for the Southwest suburbs.
The documentary explores the true history of the Bridgeview mosque, noting that anti-Israeli activism is not the same as events related to the "War on Terrorism" nor are Palestinian critics of Israel supporters of al-Qaeda, the organization responsible for Set. 11th.
The documentary has been submitted to the Sundance Film Festival set for January 2005, but is being screened for Muslim and Arab audiences.
As Writer, producer and director, Hanania said screening previews can be arranged by contacting him at 312-933-9855.
More information on the documentary is available at www.hanania.com
About the producer: Ray Hanania is an award-winning Chicago based journalist and author of several books, and thehost of the Cable TV Program "30 Minutes" which is broadcast in Chicago on CAN TV, Comcast Cable TV and also on Bridges TV nationwide. Hanania is also a stand-up comedian performing nationally. His columns analyzing Middle East issues are distributed by Creators Syndicate.
END
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 29, 2004
CHICAGO -- Eyes of the Beholder (Fahrenheit 60462) is a new documentary by award-winning journalist Ray Hanania that explores the rise of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab animosity in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago.
The 90 minute documentary which puts viewers front-and-center in the recent Orland Park mosque battle, explores the history of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim hatred in School District 230, Stagg High school, voter opposition to Arab and Muslim candidates in five separate school board elections in the 1990s, incidents of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim discrimination against businesses, and the May 2000 vote to block a similar drive to build a mosque in Palos Heights.
During the June 21, 2004 Orland Park village board hearings on the planned mosque there, protesters cited Sept. 11th, fear of terrorism, defamed the Bridgeview Mosque, criticized Bridgeview Mosque Imam Sheik Jamal Said, member Mohamad Salah and several Muslim organizations, and accused the Bridgeview mosque of creating security problems for the Southwest suburbs.
The documentary explores the true history of the Bridgeview mosque, noting that anti-Israeli activism is not the same as events related to the "War on Terrorism" nor are Palestinian critics of Israel supporters of al-Qaeda, the organization responsible for Set. 11th.
The documentary has been submitted to the Sundance Film Festival set for January 2005, but is being screened for Muslim and Arab audiences.
As Writer, producer and director, Hanania said screening previews can be arranged by contacting him at 312-933-9855.
More information on the documentary is available at www.hanania.com
About the producer: Ray Hanania is an award-winning Chicago based journalist and author of several books, and thehost of the Cable TV Program "30 Minutes" which is broadcast in Chicago on CAN TV, Comcast Cable TV and also on Bridges TV nationwide. Hanania is also a stand-up comedian performing nationally. His columns analyzing Middle East issues are distributed by Creators Syndicate.
END
PR RELEASE: New Book by Aladdin Elaasar on impact of 9-11, 7-29-04
SILENT VICTIMS NEW BOOK
How 9/11 has  negatively impacted the lives of millions of people in the United States: Asians, Africans, Hispanic, Arabs, Muslims, citizens and non-citizens, and immigrants
Just released: "Silent Victims: The Plight of Arab  & Muslim Americans in Post 9/11 America"
By Aladdin Elaasar
Published by AuthorHouse.com
Toll Free: 888-280-7715, 888-519-5121
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=24704
This book is the first and only book so far which tackled the aftermath of 9/11 and how it impacted the lives of millions of people in the US negatively. It tells the untold story to the average reader about the plight of millions of people in the US and even in the West who have been suffering silently after 9/11. The book is an attempt to educate the nation on these issues, as an effort to heal and reconcile our communities. More than eight hundred of the victims of the terrorist attacks on 9/11 happened to be Arab and Muslim Americans. Arab, Muslim and Mid Eastern communities in the United States have been the collateral damage of 9/11.
9/11 has negatively impacted the lives of millions of people in the United State; (Asians, Africans, Hispanic, Arabs, Muslims, citizens and non-citizens, immigrants: both legal and illegal). There are about 3 million Arab-Americans in the United States and about 7 million Muslim Americans. 9/11 has negatively impacted the lives of millions of people in the US in terms of the hefty price they have been paying daily manifested in discrimination at schools, at the work place, and even senseless and brutal hate crimes.
"Silent Victims" is the first book to meticulously report on these events through the collaboration of many expert efforts of researchers at legal, law enforcement agencies and human rights organizations. The book is the first source to give the average reader a detailed account of these events. It also tells the stories of brave men and women who contributed to the rescue efforts from these communities.
Very few books have tried to answer the questions of: Who are the Arabs? Who are the Muslims? Who are the Arab Americans? The Stereotypes around Arabs, and how did they evolve? Arab and Muslims in the United States, where do they live and how many are them? Do Arabs have a shared religion? When did Arab people come to the United States? Are Arabs a minority group? Are Arab-Americans more closely tied to their country of origin, or to America? Arab Contributions to Civilization, if there is any? Are Arab Americans active in U.S. politics? Have Arab Americans won major political offices? Who are some prominent Arab-American politicians? Nevertheless, no books that deal with the plight of Arab and Muslim Americans after9/11 have been published yet.
"Silent Victims: The Plight of Arab & Muslim Americans in post 9/11 America", answers the many questions that a great number of people are trying to find answers for. The increasing public's curiosity about the Arabs, Muslims and the Arab and Muslim Americans in the United States has been unprecedented. The book also explains the phenomenon of stereotypes stigmatizing Arabs and Muslims, and how it has affected their lives, a phenomenon that demonized and dehumanized almost two billion people in this world.
In addition to the three million Arab Americans and seven million Muslim Americans, and many other communities in the United States that have been negatively affected by the backlash of 9/11, the tragic events have created an unprecedented curiosity to learn about Arabs and Muslims in general. Arab and Muslim American, and people of Middle Eastern ancestry will relate to the stories told in the book. The general American public will find it worth reading to learn for the first time that many of their favorite stars, like Paula Abdul, Selma Hayek, and Casey Casem, and, are Arabs and Americans, as well.
The book is also a detailed guide of Who's Who in the Arab and the Muslim communities in politics, medicine, entertainment industry, space discovery, and almost every endeavor of American live. The book is a useful tool for students in schools and colleges around the United States who would like to get a first hand account of who are the Arabs and Muslims,and for cross-cultural presentations in corporate environments and to government officials involved in the debate over minority issues and legislations related to 9/11 and the Middle East. Members of other ethnic communities in America and immigrant communities around the world, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Western Europe will find the Arab and Muslim experience in the United States, somehow similar to theirs.
Readers in the Arab and Muslims worlds, as they have felt the heat reflected on them in terms of US foreign policies, general populations in these countries will find the book interesting to learn about the experience of people with common roots from that area, and their plight after 9/11 in their endeavor to achieve the American dream.
About the Author:
Aladdin Elaasar is a journalist, educator, poet, short-story writer, public speaker, cross-cultural and media consultant whose writings have been published in several newspapers in the USA and overseas, in both English and Arabic. He has contributed articles for on-line portals on the Middle East like; Estart.com, Planetarabia.com. He had produced several programs and documentaries and taught media studies, translation and creative writing. He has also been a frequent guest as a commentator on Middle Eastern affairs on several local American TV and Radio networks.
END
How 9/11 has  negatively impacted the lives of millions of people in the United States: Asians, Africans, Hispanic, Arabs, Muslims, citizens and non-citizens, and immigrants
Just released: "Silent Victims: The Plight of Arab  & Muslim Americans in Post 9/11 America"
By Aladdin Elaasar
Published by AuthorHouse.com
Toll Free: 888-280-7715, 888-519-5121
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=24704
This book is the first and only book so far which tackled the aftermath of 9/11 and how it impacted the lives of millions of people in the US negatively. It tells the untold story to the average reader about the plight of millions of people in the US and even in the West who have been suffering silently after 9/11. The book is an attempt to educate the nation on these issues, as an effort to heal and reconcile our communities. More than eight hundred of the victims of the terrorist attacks on 9/11 happened to be Arab and Muslim Americans. Arab, Muslim and Mid Eastern communities in the United States have been the collateral damage of 9/11.
9/11 has negatively impacted the lives of millions of people in the United State; (Asians, Africans, Hispanic, Arabs, Muslims, citizens and non-citizens, immigrants: both legal and illegal). There are about 3 million Arab-Americans in the United States and about 7 million Muslim Americans. 9/11 has negatively impacted the lives of millions of people in the US in terms of the hefty price they have been paying daily manifested in discrimination at schools, at the work place, and even senseless and brutal hate crimes.
"Silent Victims" is the first book to meticulously report on these events through the collaboration of many expert efforts of researchers at legal, law enforcement agencies and human rights organizations. The book is the first source to give the average reader a detailed account of these events. It also tells the stories of brave men and women who contributed to the rescue efforts from these communities.
Very few books have tried to answer the questions of: Who are the Arabs? Who are the Muslims? Who are the Arab Americans? The Stereotypes around Arabs, and how did they evolve? Arab and Muslims in the United States, where do they live and how many are them? Do Arabs have a shared religion? When did Arab people come to the United States? Are Arabs a minority group? Are Arab-Americans more closely tied to their country of origin, or to America? Arab Contributions to Civilization, if there is any? Are Arab Americans active in U.S. politics? Have Arab Americans won major political offices? Who are some prominent Arab-American politicians? Nevertheless, no books that deal with the plight of Arab and Muslim Americans after9/11 have been published yet.
"Silent Victims: The Plight of Arab & Muslim Americans in post 9/11 America", answers the many questions that a great number of people are trying to find answers for. The increasing public's curiosity about the Arabs, Muslims and the Arab and Muslim Americans in the United States has been unprecedented. The book also explains the phenomenon of stereotypes stigmatizing Arabs and Muslims, and how it has affected their lives, a phenomenon that demonized and dehumanized almost two billion people in this world.
In addition to the three million Arab Americans and seven million Muslim Americans, and many other communities in the United States that have been negatively affected by the backlash of 9/11, the tragic events have created an unprecedented curiosity to learn about Arabs and Muslims in general. Arab and Muslim American, and people of Middle Eastern ancestry will relate to the stories told in the book. The general American public will find it worth reading to learn for the first time that many of their favorite stars, like Paula Abdul, Selma Hayek, and Casey Casem, and, are Arabs and Americans, as well.
The book is also a detailed guide of Who's Who in the Arab and the Muslim communities in politics, medicine, entertainment industry, space discovery, and almost every endeavor of American live. The book is a useful tool for students in schools and colleges around the United States who would like to get a first hand account of who are the Arabs and Muslims,and for cross-cultural presentations in corporate environments and to government officials involved in the debate over minority issues and legislations related to 9/11 and the Middle East. Members of other ethnic communities in America and immigrant communities around the world, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Western Europe will find the Arab and Muslim experience in the United States, somehow similar to theirs.
Readers in the Arab and Muslims worlds, as they have felt the heat reflected on them in terms of US foreign policies, general populations in these countries will find the book interesting to learn about the experience of people with common roots from that area, and their plight after 9/11 in their endeavor to achieve the American dream.
About the Author:
Aladdin Elaasar is a journalist, educator, poet, short-story writer, public speaker, cross-cultural and media consultant whose writings have been published in several newspapers in the USA and overseas, in both English and Arabic. He has contributed articles for on-line portals on the Middle East like; Estart.com, Planetarabia.com. He had produced several programs and documentaries and taught media studies, translation and creative writing. He has also been a frequent guest as a commentator on Middle Eastern affairs on several local American TV and Radio networks.
END
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Welcome to Arab American Media Services NEWS WIRE
AAMS-NEWS WIRE is a free journalism service that distributes news and features about the Arab and Muslim American community. We accept Feature Stories and press releases from the authors and organizations/individuals issuing the release (not second-hand). They will be posted here for others to use or reprint.
The articles can be reprinted on the condition that they be reprinted in full and that they include full attribution to the writers and a link to this web page for future reference. There is no charge for reprinting the articles.
Press releases can be edited or used in any manner desired.
The purpose is to provide professionally written news and features articles about the Arab American community that will help Americans better understand the Arab and Muslim American community. We feel that the news media does not include enough news an dfeatures about Arab and Muslim Americans, and that the Arab and Muslim American media does not provide enough reprintable materials in English.
We encourage writers, reporters and authors to send us your feature and news articles to be posted and shared with the public. AAMS-News Wire is not responsible for the content of any news or feature articles or press releases and responsibilities remain with the writers, authors and organizations alone.
We encourage Arab and American newspapers and news media to use this resource to broaden information about the Arab American community.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Thanks
Ray Hanania
www.hanania.com
The articles can be reprinted on the condition that they be reprinted in full and that they include full attribution to the writers and a link to this web page for future reference. There is no charge for reprinting the articles.
Press releases can be edited or used in any manner desired.
The purpose is to provide professionally written news and features articles about the Arab American community that will help Americans better understand the Arab and Muslim American community. We feel that the news media does not include enough news an dfeatures about Arab and Muslim Americans, and that the Arab and Muslim American media does not provide enough reprintable materials in English.
We encourage writers, reporters and authors to send us your feature and news articles to be posted and shared with the public. AAMS-News Wire is not responsible for the content of any news or feature articles or press releases and responsibilities remain with the writers, authors and organizations alone.
We encourage Arab and American newspapers and news media to use this resource to broaden information about the Arab American community.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Thanks
Ray Hanania
www.hanania.com
Monday, July 26, 2004
PR RELEASE: CAIR Denounces anti-Islamic comments by Jackie Mason, 7-26-04
JACKIE MASON CALLS ISLAM A ‘MURDEROUS ORGANIZATION’
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/26/04) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is calling on the nation's largest radio network to apologize foranti-Islam remarks by talk show host and comedian Jackie Mason, who recently called “the whole Muslim religion” a “murderous organization” that teaches “hate, terrorism and murder.”
The Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group said Mason,who is also known for his right-wing and pro-Israel political commentaries, made the remarks as guest host on a recent broadcast of the Jim BohannonShow, syndicated nationally by Westwood One.
SEE:
The Jim Bohannon Show, http://www.westwoodone.com/talk_bohannon.htm
Jackie Mason’s Home Page, http://www.jackiemason.com/
During the broadcast, New York lawyer Raoul Felder, who is a frequent co-author of Mason’s commentaries, attacked the character of Islam’sProphet Muhammad.
He also said: “This (Islam) is a religion of hate, thisis a religion of murder.”
Mason responded by amplifying Felder’s bigotry. He said: “This is amazing information that almost nobody is aware of...everyone thinks that it’s a legitimate religion that preaches love and brotherhood…the truth of the matter is (that terrorists) are reflecting the religion and following the religion…they are following the orders of thereligion directly from the Quran…in plain English, the whole Muslim religion is preaching and teaching hate, terrorism and murder, and nobody knows it, and its about time they found out about it…The Quran…is 50 versions of hate, venom, hostility, and murder…dedicated to terrorism…I don’t know how we can call it a religion in the traditional sense. Itshould be called a murderous organization that’s out to kill people.”
In a letter to Westwood One, CAIR demanded a public apology to the Muslim community and an opportunity to refute Mason’s Islamophobic smears. The letter stated: “It is this type of hate-filled propaganda that was used bythe Nazis as justification for their persecution of the Jewish community inGermany.”
(CAIR also filed a complaint with the FCC.)
Earlier this year, CAIR announced a campaign designed to counter anti-Islamic hate on talk radio. The campaign, called “Hate Hurts America,”is based on the premise that the increasing attacks on Islam by talk showhosts harm the United States by creating a downward spiral of interfaith mistrust and hostility.
As part of that campaign, Muslims were given step-by-step instructions on how to monitor local and syndicated radio programs, report anti-Muslim hate, file FCC complaints, and contact advertisers to register theirconcerns.
SEE: http://www.cair-net.org/hatehurtsamerica/ Reports of anti-Muslim Hate may be filed at: http://www.cair-net.org/hatehurtsamerica/hatewatch.aspCAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 28 regionaloffices and chapters nationwide and in Canada.
- END -
CONTACT: Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: cair@cair-net.org; Rabiah Ahmed, 202-488-8787 or 202-439-1441, E-Mail: rahmed@cair-net.org
NOTE: CAIR offers an e-mail list designed to be a journalist's window to the American Muslim community.
Subscribers to the list, called ISLAM-INFONET, receive news releases and other materials dealing withAmerican Muslim positions on issues of importance to our society.
To SUBSCRIBE to ISLAM-INFONET, go to: http://cair.biglist.com/islam-infonet
CAIR
Council on American-Islamic Relations
453 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
Tel: 202-488-8787, 202-744-7726
Fax: 202-488-0833
E-mail: cair@cair-net.org
URL: http://www.cair-net.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAIR urges radio network to apologize, offer Muslim viewpoint
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/26/04) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is calling on the nation's largest radio network to apologize foranti-Islam remarks by talk show host and comedian Jackie Mason, who recently called “the whole Muslim religion” a “murderous organization” that teaches “hate, terrorism and murder.”
The Washington-based Islamic civil rights and advocacy group said Mason,who is also known for his right-wing and pro-Israel political commentaries, made the remarks as guest host on a recent broadcast of the Jim BohannonShow, syndicated nationally by Westwood One.
SEE:
The Jim Bohannon Show, http://www.westwoodone.com/talk_bohannon.htm
Jackie Mason’s Home Page, http://www.jackiemason.com/
During the broadcast, New York lawyer Raoul Felder, who is a frequent co-author of Mason’s commentaries, attacked the character of Islam’sProphet Muhammad.
He also said: “This (Islam) is a religion of hate, thisis a religion of murder.”
Mason responded by amplifying Felder’s bigotry. He said: “This is amazing information that almost nobody is aware of...everyone thinks that it’s a legitimate religion that preaches love and brotherhood…the truth of the matter is (that terrorists) are reflecting the religion and following the religion…they are following the orders of thereligion directly from the Quran…in plain English, the whole Muslim religion is preaching and teaching hate, terrorism and murder, and nobody knows it, and its about time they found out about it…The Quran…is 50 versions of hate, venom, hostility, and murder…dedicated to terrorism…I don’t know how we can call it a religion in the traditional sense. Itshould be called a murderous organization that’s out to kill people.”
In a letter to Westwood One, CAIR demanded a public apology to the Muslim community and an opportunity to refute Mason’s Islamophobic smears. The letter stated: “It is this type of hate-filled propaganda that was used bythe Nazis as justification for their persecution of the Jewish community inGermany.”
(CAIR also filed a complaint with the FCC.)
Earlier this year, CAIR announced a campaign designed to counter anti-Islamic hate on talk radio. The campaign, called “Hate Hurts America,”is based on the premise that the increasing attacks on Islam by talk showhosts harm the United States by creating a downward spiral of interfaith mistrust and hostility.
As part of that campaign, Muslims were given step-by-step instructions on how to monitor local and syndicated radio programs, report anti-Muslim hate, file FCC complaints, and contact advertisers to register theirconcerns.
SEE: http://www.cair-net.org/hatehurtsamerica/ Reports of anti-Muslim Hate may be filed at: http://www.cair-net.org/hatehurtsamerica/hatewatch.aspCAIR, America’s largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 28 regionaloffices and chapters nationwide and in Canada.
- END -
CONTACT: Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: cair@cair-net.org; Rabiah Ahmed, 202-488-8787 or 202-439-1441, E-Mail: rahmed@cair-net.org
NOTE: CAIR offers an e-mail list designed to be a journalist's window to the American Muslim community.
Subscribers to the list, called ISLAM-INFONET, receive news releases and other materials dealing withAmerican Muslim positions on issues of importance to our society.
To SUBSCRIBE to ISLAM-INFONET, go to: http://cair.biglist.com/islam-infonet
CAIR
Council on American-Islamic Relations
453 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
Tel: 202-488-8787, 202-744-7726
Fax: 202-488-0833
E-mail: cair@cair-net.org
URL: http://www.cair-net.org
Thursday, July 15, 2004
PR RELEASE: New York Arab-American Comedy Festival, 7-15-04
NEW YORK ARAB-AMERICAN COMEDY FESTIVAL
July 15, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RLEASE
(New York) -- The New York Arab-American Comedy Festival is seeking submissions from Arab-American artists for its 2nd annual Festival, which will take place in New York City from October 10 -13, 2004. The Festival will be divided into three parts: comedic theater, stand up comedy and comedic films.
The details for the submissions are as follows:
· Comedic theater: We are seeking comedic theater pieces not to exceed 30 minutes in length. The works can be one acts or excerpts from a longer work. The pieces do not have to be Arab themed. Please included with your submission:
· Contact information and short bio
· Script, with character breakdown
· One paragraph blurb about the play
· Optional, video tape of the play if it has already been staged
· Stand up comedy: Please submit a VHS or DVD of 8 – 10 minutes of your act, plus a Headshot and short Bio. The comedy does not have to be Arab themed.
· Comedic Films: We are seeking any length, from shorts to features, of comedic films that have been made by Arab-Americans. You can submit the film on VHS or DVD. The films do not have to be Arab themed. Please include contact information, short bio and a one paragraph blurb about the film.
All submissions must be RECEIVED (NOT POSTMARKED) by August 15, 2004. Due to time constraints, any submissions received after the deadline will not be considered for this year’s Festival. Submissions should be sent to the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival and addressed to the attention of the Festival’s General manger Elias EL-Hage at 317 West 95th Street, Suite HG, New York, NY 10025. If you would like your submission returned, please include a self-addressed stamped return envelope.
We will be informing artists about the Festival’s selection by September 1, 2004. If you have any questions, please contact Dean Obeidallah at DObeidallah@aol.com or Maysoon Zayid at zeitoonah@yahoo.com. In addition, you can check our website periodically for updates at www.arabcomedy.org.
We look forward to your submissions!
About last year’s Festival:
Last year was an overwhelming success, with the entire Festival playing to standing room only crowds. The Festival showcased a diverse group of Arab-American comedic plays, stand up comics and short comedic films, with the participation of over 40 Arab-American artists.
The Festival received positive media coverage in numerous national and local publications including “The Village Voice,” the nationally syndicated radio program “Democracy Now,” and in various international and national Arab-American publications. In addition, representatives from various casting agencies and television networks attended the Festival in search of fresh and new talent, including NBC, CBS, and Comedy Central.
Many of the participants of last year’s Festival have already benefited form the increased visibly they received. The plays “Browntown” and “Live with Pascal and Chantal” had their world premiers at the Festival and were recently selected to be a part of this summer’s prestigious New York International Fringe Festival. Actor Omar Metwally, who appeared in our theater night, was recently nominated for a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway play “Sixteen Wounded;” actor Piter Fattouche will be co-starring in the new upcoming TNT mini-series “The Grid;” and comic Helen Maalik will be seen regularly this summer in the new Oxygen Network television program “Nice Package.” In addition, since January, Festival co-founders Maysoon Zayid and Dean Obeidallah have been co-hosting a new radio show in NYC on WBAI radio 99.5FM that focuses on Arab-American artists.
END
July 15, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RLEASE
(New York) -- The New York Arab-American Comedy Festival is seeking submissions from Arab-American artists for its 2nd annual Festival, which will take place in New York City from October 10 -13, 2004. The Festival will be divided into three parts: comedic theater, stand up comedy and comedic films.
The details for the submissions are as follows:
· Comedic theater: We are seeking comedic theater pieces not to exceed 30 minutes in length. The works can be one acts or excerpts from a longer work. The pieces do not have to be Arab themed. Please included with your submission:
· Contact information and short bio
· Script, with character breakdown
· One paragraph blurb about the play
· Optional, video tape of the play if it has already been staged
· Stand up comedy: Please submit a VHS or DVD of 8 – 10 minutes of your act, plus a Headshot and short Bio. The comedy does not have to be Arab themed.
· Comedic Films: We are seeking any length, from shorts to features, of comedic films that have been made by Arab-Americans. You can submit the film on VHS or DVD. The films do not have to be Arab themed. Please include contact information, short bio and a one paragraph blurb about the film.
All submissions must be RECEIVED (NOT POSTMARKED) by August 15, 2004. Due to time constraints, any submissions received after the deadline will not be considered for this year’s Festival. Submissions should be sent to the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival and addressed to the attention of the Festival’s General manger Elias EL-Hage at 317 West 95th Street, Suite HG, New York, NY 10025. If you would like your submission returned, please include a self-addressed stamped return envelope.
We will be informing artists about the Festival’s selection by September 1, 2004. If you have any questions, please contact Dean Obeidallah at DObeidallah@aol.com or Maysoon Zayid at zeitoonah@yahoo.com. In addition, you can check our website periodically for updates at www.arabcomedy.org.
We look forward to your submissions!
About last year’s Festival:
Last year was an overwhelming success, with the entire Festival playing to standing room only crowds. The Festival showcased a diverse group of Arab-American comedic plays, stand up comics and short comedic films, with the participation of over 40 Arab-American artists.
The Festival received positive media coverage in numerous national and local publications including “The Village Voice,” the nationally syndicated radio program “Democracy Now,” and in various international and national Arab-American publications. In addition, representatives from various casting agencies and television networks attended the Festival in search of fresh and new talent, including NBC, CBS, and Comedy Central.
Many of the participants of last year’s Festival have already benefited form the increased visibly they received. The plays “Browntown” and “Live with Pascal and Chantal” had their world premiers at the Festival and were recently selected to be a part of this summer’s prestigious New York International Fringe Festival. Actor Omar Metwally, who appeared in our theater night, was recently nominated for a Tony Award for his role in the Broadway play “Sixteen Wounded;” actor Piter Fattouche will be co-starring in the new upcoming TNT mini-series “The Grid;” and comic Helen Maalik will be seen regularly this summer in the new Oxygen Network television program “Nice Package.” In addition, since January, Festival co-founders Maysoon Zayid and Dean Obeidallah have been co-hosting a new radio show in NYC on WBAI radio 99.5FM that focuses on Arab-American artists.
END
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
PR RELEASE: Daughter of slain an-Najah University professor details murder, 7-06-04
Daughter of slain professor Khaled Salah details killing
For Immediate Release
(An-Najah University, Nablus, Palestine) -- On 6 July 2004 Professor Khaled Salah of An-Najah National University, along with son Muhammad, were killed by an Israeli attack unit. The Salah home was later demolished by six helicopter rockets.
A press conference by the wife and daughter of Prof.Khaled Salah
"If I am Palestinian they will kill me...If I am American they will kill me… should I be Jewish to be safe?"
"My name is Diana Khaled Salah, I am 23 years, the only daughter of Khaled Salah. He was more like a friend than a father. Last night, about one o’ clock I heard a bomb explosion. I saw Israeli soldiers come into the house. My father rushed into my room. I told him, Dad, it is full of soldiers downstairs."
"Are you kidding?" he said.
"No," I answered.
'He went to look in the kitchen. He rushed back and took me from my bedroom into another room. "Our house is open, all rooms have windows and the windows were all open. The only room with three walls is the reception room (the living room). We all huddled there, Dad, Mum, Muhammad, Ali and I. We were all in one corner of the room for three hours. Three long hours. We could hear the shooting and bombing, they were using all kinds of weapons: tanks, rockets, helicopters and M-16s. Fire was crossing our house.
"We were so afraid but Dad said an Arabic expression: Let it be the money and not children. It means better to loose money better than souls. I was crying but he tried to cheer me up saying: I didn’t know that you are such a coward. Up until that moment we were all OK."
(At this point Mrs. Salah interrupts saying, He knew no fear. He was a believer man. My husband used to read holy Quran and praying. Her voice is more composed than her daughter's.).
Diana continues…"Minutes later, shooting stopped. It was so quiet. It is over! We thought. But then the IOF (Israeli Occupation Forces) started shouting over loudspeakers: Open the doors! All people out of the building! Dad went to open the door but he couldn’t move it. The lock of the door was damaged from the bombing so the door could not be moved. He went to his bedroom window, held his hands and called in English to the soldiers: We can’t open the door. The door is damaged. I am a peaceful man. We all are peaceful people. I have children. My daughter has an American citizenship. I have an American green card, I have no weapons. Only my children are here. Come and open the door. I can't open it. Then in Arabic he shouted: Help... help… somebody come and open the door.
"Suddenly we heard shooting and my Dad’s voice stopped. Mum ran in to find my Dad lying on the floor. She called to him, Khaled.. Khaled…what happened? She came back crying and told us, they killed your dad.
"At that same moment my little brother Ali and I were still in that corner. But my other brother, Muhammad, was on the floor. My Mum asked me, what’s wrong with Muhammad?
"I said I don’t know. I can see him there…I thought maybe he was kidding. We called to him. He didn’t answer. Then we saw blood coming out of his mouth. But we could feel him breathing. Mum cried for help and tried to open the door but they started to shoot.
"I shouted, Mum don’t open! Please... Please … I have no dad now… I don’t want to lose you too. I don't want to be alone.
"When mum called to the soldiers for help they mocked and told her to shut up. We then called the neighbors. We thought maybe someone can open the door. One of our neighbors, a 17 year old boy, came and tried to open the door. The soldiers threatened him but he continued pull at the door. Mum was pushing from inside and the boy was pulling from the outside. Finally the door opened. We begged the Israeli soldiers to let us pull out my dad and brother’s bodies, but they refused and threatened to kill us too.
At this point the mother adds:
"We were shocked when we came out of the flat and saw the huge number of soldiers. Almost every two meters there was a sniper. We are not in a war."
Finally Diana ends her testimony saying: "If I am Palestinian they will kill me...If I am an American they will kill me… should I be Jewish to be safe?"
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Public Relations DepartmentDate:12/7/2004
For Immediate Release
On 6 July 2004 Professor Khaled Salah of An-Najah National University, along with son Muhammad, were killed by an Israeli attack unit. The Salah home was later demolished by six helicopter rockets.
A press conference by the wife and daughter of Prof.Khaled Salah
"If I am Palestinian they will kill me...If I am American they will kill me… should I be Jewish to be safe?"
"My name is Diana Khaled Salah, I am 23 years, the only daughter of Khaled Salah. He was more like a friend than a father. Last night, about one o’ clock I heard a bomb explosion. I saw Israeli soldiers come into the house. My father rushed into my room. I told him, Dad, it is full of soldiers downstairs."
"Are you kidding?" he said.
"No," I answered.
'He went to look in the kitchen. He rushed back and took me from my bedroom into another room. "Our house is open, all rooms have windows and the windows were all open. The only room with three walls is the reception room (the living room). We all huddled there, Dad, Mum, Muhammad, Ali and I. We were all in one corner of the room for three hours. Three long hours. We could hear the shooting and bombing, they were using all kinds of weapons: tanks, rockets, helicopters and M-16s. Fire was crossing our house.
"We were so afraid but Dad said an Arabic expression: Let it be the money and not children. It means better to loose money better than souls. I was crying but he tried to cheer me up saying: I didn’t know that you are such a coward. Up until that moment we were all OK."
(At this point Mrs. Salah interrupts saying, He knew no fear. He was a believer man. My husband used to read holy Quran and praying. Her voice is more composed than her daughter's.).
Diana continues…"Minutes later, shooting stopped. It was so quiet. It is over! We thought. But then the IOF (Israeli Occupation Forces) started shouting over loudspeakers: Open the doors! All people out of the building! Dad went to open the door but he couldn’t move it. The lock of the door was damaged from the bombing so the door could not be moved. He went to his bedroom window, held his hands and called in English to the soldiers: We can’t open the door. The door is damaged. I am a peaceful man. We all are peaceful people. I have children. My daughter has an American citizenship. I have an American green card, I have no weapons. Only my children are here. Come and open the door. I can't open it. Then in Arabic he shouted: Help... help… somebody come and open the door.
"Suddenly we heard shooting and my Dad’s voice stopped. Mum ran in to find my Dad lying on the floor. She called to him, Khaled.. Khaled…what happened? She came back crying and told us, they killed your dad.
"At that same moment my little brother Ali and I were still in that corner. But my other brother, Muhammad, was on the floor. My Mum asked me, what’s wrong with Muhammad?
"I said I don’t know. I can see him there…I thought maybe he was kidding. We called to him. He didn’t answer. Then we saw blood coming out of his mouth. But we could feel him breathing. Mum cried for help and tried to open the door but they started to shoot.
"I shouted, Mum don’t open! Please... Please … I have no dad now… I don’t want to lose you too. I don't want to be alone.
"When mum called to the soldiers for help they mocked and told her to shut up. We then called the neighbors. We thought maybe someone can open the door. One of our neighbors, a 17 year old boy, came and tried to open the door. The soldiers threatened him but he continued pull at the door. Mum was pushing from inside and the boy was pulling from the outside. Finally the door opened. We begged the Israeli soldiers to let us pull out my dad and brother’s bodies, but they refused and threatened to kill us too.
At this point the mother adds:
"We were shocked when we came out of the flat and saw the huge number of soldiers. Almost every two meters there was a sniper. We are not in a war."
Finally Diana ends her testimony saying: "If I am Palestinian they will kill me...If I am an American they will kill me… should I be Jewish to be safe?"
Public Relations DepartmentAn-Najah National University
For Immediate Release
(An-Najah University, Nablus, Palestine) -- On 6 July 2004 Professor Khaled Salah of An-Najah National University, along with son Muhammad, were killed by an Israeli attack unit. The Salah home was later demolished by six helicopter rockets.
A press conference by the wife and daughter of Prof.Khaled Salah
"If I am Palestinian they will kill me...If I am American they will kill me… should I be Jewish to be safe?"
"My name is Diana Khaled Salah, I am 23 years, the only daughter of Khaled Salah. He was more like a friend than a father. Last night, about one o’ clock I heard a bomb explosion. I saw Israeli soldiers come into the house. My father rushed into my room. I told him, Dad, it is full of soldiers downstairs."
"Are you kidding?" he said.
"No," I answered.
'He went to look in the kitchen. He rushed back and took me from my bedroom into another room. "Our house is open, all rooms have windows and the windows were all open. The only room with three walls is the reception room (the living room). We all huddled there, Dad, Mum, Muhammad, Ali and I. We were all in one corner of the room for three hours. Three long hours. We could hear the shooting and bombing, they were using all kinds of weapons: tanks, rockets, helicopters and M-16s. Fire was crossing our house.
"We were so afraid but Dad said an Arabic expression: Let it be the money and not children. It means better to loose money better than souls. I was crying but he tried to cheer me up saying: I didn’t know that you are such a coward. Up until that moment we were all OK."
(At this point Mrs. Salah interrupts saying, He knew no fear. He was a believer man. My husband used to read holy Quran and praying. Her voice is more composed than her daughter's.).
Diana continues…"Minutes later, shooting stopped. It was so quiet. It is over! We thought. But then the IOF (Israeli Occupation Forces) started shouting over loudspeakers: Open the doors! All people out of the building! Dad went to open the door but he couldn’t move it. The lock of the door was damaged from the bombing so the door could not be moved. He went to his bedroom window, held his hands and called in English to the soldiers: We can’t open the door. The door is damaged. I am a peaceful man. We all are peaceful people. I have children. My daughter has an American citizenship. I have an American green card, I have no weapons. Only my children are here. Come and open the door. I can't open it. Then in Arabic he shouted: Help... help… somebody come and open the door.
"Suddenly we heard shooting and my Dad’s voice stopped. Mum ran in to find my Dad lying on the floor. She called to him, Khaled.. Khaled…what happened? She came back crying and told us, they killed your dad.
"At that same moment my little brother Ali and I were still in that corner. But my other brother, Muhammad, was on the floor. My Mum asked me, what’s wrong with Muhammad?
"I said I don’t know. I can see him there…I thought maybe he was kidding. We called to him. He didn’t answer. Then we saw blood coming out of his mouth. But we could feel him breathing. Mum cried for help and tried to open the door but they started to shoot.
"I shouted, Mum don’t open! Please... Please … I have no dad now… I don’t want to lose you too. I don't want to be alone.
"When mum called to the soldiers for help they mocked and told her to shut up. We then called the neighbors. We thought maybe someone can open the door. One of our neighbors, a 17 year old boy, came and tried to open the door. The soldiers threatened him but he continued pull at the door. Mum was pushing from inside and the boy was pulling from the outside. Finally the door opened. We begged the Israeli soldiers to let us pull out my dad and brother’s bodies, but they refused and threatened to kill us too.
At this point the mother adds:
"We were shocked when we came out of the flat and saw the huge number of soldiers. Almost every two meters there was a sniper. We are not in a war."
Finally Diana ends her testimony saying: "If I am Palestinian they will kill me...If I am an American they will kill me… should I be Jewish to be safe?"
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Public Relations DepartmentDate:12/7/2004
For Immediate Release
On 6 July 2004 Professor Khaled Salah of An-Najah National University, along with son Muhammad, were killed by an Israeli attack unit. The Salah home was later demolished by six helicopter rockets.
A press conference by the wife and daughter of Prof.Khaled Salah
"If I am Palestinian they will kill me...If I am American they will kill me… should I be Jewish to be safe?"
"My name is Diana Khaled Salah, I am 23 years, the only daughter of Khaled Salah. He was more like a friend than a father. Last night, about one o’ clock I heard a bomb explosion. I saw Israeli soldiers come into the house. My father rushed into my room. I told him, Dad, it is full of soldiers downstairs."
"Are you kidding?" he said.
"No," I answered.
'He went to look in the kitchen. He rushed back and took me from my bedroom into another room. "Our house is open, all rooms have windows and the windows were all open. The only room with three walls is the reception room (the living room). We all huddled there, Dad, Mum, Muhammad, Ali and I. We were all in one corner of the room for three hours. Three long hours. We could hear the shooting and bombing, they were using all kinds of weapons: tanks, rockets, helicopters and M-16s. Fire was crossing our house.
"We were so afraid but Dad said an Arabic expression: Let it be the money and not children. It means better to loose money better than souls. I was crying but he tried to cheer me up saying: I didn’t know that you are such a coward. Up until that moment we were all OK."
(At this point Mrs. Salah interrupts saying, He knew no fear. He was a believer man. My husband used to read holy Quran and praying. Her voice is more composed than her daughter's.).
Diana continues…"Minutes later, shooting stopped. It was so quiet. It is over! We thought. But then the IOF (Israeli Occupation Forces) started shouting over loudspeakers: Open the doors! All people out of the building! Dad went to open the door but he couldn’t move it. The lock of the door was damaged from the bombing so the door could not be moved. He went to his bedroom window, held his hands and called in English to the soldiers: We can’t open the door. The door is damaged. I am a peaceful man. We all are peaceful people. I have children. My daughter has an American citizenship. I have an American green card, I have no weapons. Only my children are here. Come and open the door. I can't open it. Then in Arabic he shouted: Help... help… somebody come and open the door.
"Suddenly we heard shooting and my Dad’s voice stopped. Mum ran in to find my Dad lying on the floor. She called to him, Khaled.. Khaled…what happened? She came back crying and told us, they killed your dad.
"At that same moment my little brother Ali and I were still in that corner. But my other brother, Muhammad, was on the floor. My Mum asked me, what’s wrong with Muhammad?
"I said I don’t know. I can see him there…I thought maybe he was kidding. We called to him. He didn’t answer. Then we saw blood coming out of his mouth. But we could feel him breathing. Mum cried for help and tried to open the door but they started to shoot.
"I shouted, Mum don’t open! Please... Please … I have no dad now… I don’t want to lose you too. I don't want to be alone.
"When mum called to the soldiers for help they mocked and told her to shut up. We then called the neighbors. We thought maybe someone can open the door. One of our neighbors, a 17 year old boy, came and tried to open the door. The soldiers threatened him but he continued pull at the door. Mum was pushing from inside and the boy was pulling from the outside. Finally the door opened. We begged the Israeli soldiers to let us pull out my dad and brother’s bodies, but they refused and threatened to kill us too.
At this point the mother adds:
"We were shocked when we came out of the flat and saw the huge number of soldiers. Almost every two meters there was a sniper. We are not in a war."
Finally Diana ends her testimony saying: "If I am Palestinian they will kill me...If I am an American they will kill me… should I be Jewish to be safe?"
Public Relations DepartmentAn-Najah National University
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