Mediterranean Cooking Classes at Central Market Texas Cooking School
NEWS ... Contact: Sandra Parksraimedia@gmail.com
Locations August 2006
For Immediate Release
Anissa Helou (www.anissahelou.com), Guest Instructor As a child inBeirut, Anissa Heloulonged for the enticing foods like grilled lamb sandwiches sold by thestreet vendors, but her parents told her girls from good familiesdidn't eat street foods. So these foods became the "forbidden fruit"for Anissa and have remained the focus of her travels as a food writerand author of such cookbooks as Café Morocco and Lebanese Cuisine. Aresident of London and an extensive world traveler who speaks fluentFrench and Arabic, Anissa has carefully translated and tested theserecipes for the American home kitchen: Hommus; Vegetable Fritters;Meat Bread; Feta Cheese Salad; Marinated Meat & Chicken Kebabs Servedwith Assorted Salads & Dips; and Moroccan Shortbread Served with MintTea. $65 (price includes one copy of the paperback book)Born in France to Algerian parents, Chef Zadi ( www.chefzadi.com ) hascombined his passion for both cuisines throughout his career. Hecompleted culinary school in Paris and has worked in France, the U,K.,Seoul and Los Angeles. Currently he is a culinary instructor at theprestigious California School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon BleuProgram. He will delight your taste buds with Orange & Onion Salad with MixedGreens & ShallotVinaigrette; Salata Meshwiya (grilled vegetable salad); ShrimpBrochettes with Chermoula; Chicken Brochettes with Preserved LemonSauce: Algerian Flat Bread;Merguez Sausage; and Harissa. $65www.centralmarket.comLocations and dates
AUSTINNorth Lamar at 40th St.512-458-3068Sat., Aug. 5, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorSat., Aug. 26, 6:30 – 9 pmThe Algerian TableFarid Zadi, Guest ChefDALLASLovers Lane @ Greenville214-361-5754Wed., Aug. 2, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorThu., Aug. 24, 6:30 – 9 pmTHE ALGERIAN TABLEFarid Zadi, Guest ChefFORT WORTHInterstate 30 and Hulen817-377-9005Tue., Aug. 1, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorWed., Aug. 23, 6:30 – 9 pmThe Algerian TableFarid Zadi, Guest ChefHOUSTONWestheimer at Weslayan713-993-9860Thu., Aug. 3, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorTue. Aug. 22, 6:30 – 9 pmTHE ALGERIAN TABLEFarid Zadi, Guest ChefSAN ANTONIOBroadway at Patterson210-368-8617Fri., Aug. 4, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorFri., Aug. 25, 6:30 – 9 pmTHE ALGERIAN TABLEFarid Zadi, Guest Chef
END
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
CAMP Michigan raises awarness of Muslims in Michigan with new video
CAMP-Michigan presents : An Islamic Documentary on the Big Screen!
Help Raise Awareness about Muslim History!
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Mohammed Qureshi, CAMP MI 248.930.6774
ma_q@yahoo.com
June 29 2006
(Canton, MI) – CAMP (Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals) International's Michigan chapter will host an event presenting an Islamic Documentary on the Big Screen at the eMagine Theatres in Canton, Michigan on July 22nd 2006 at 11am.
The particular documentary to be shown will be decided upon by attendees of the event, who can register their vote at CAMP Michigan's website (www.campnet.net/detroit-mi). The documentaries in the running are :
Three Faiths, One God (runtime 116minutes)
Directed by Gerald Krell, the documentary aims to show the similarities between the three major faiths (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) by comparing and contrasting the history of the faiths.
Muhammad, Legacy of a Prophet (runtime 120minutes)
The San Francisco Chronicle's Jonathan Curiel has said of this documentary by Omar Al Qattan and Michael Schwarz, "Riveting, informative and inspiring, ‘Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet’ should almost be required watching for non-Muslims."
Death of a Prophet: The Last Days of Malcolm X (runtime 60minutes)
Directed by Woodie King Jr, and narrated by Morgan Freeman, this documentary tells of the last 24hrs of the great and controversial figure that was Malcolm X.
The event shall begin at 11am, and will be hosted by the Youth & Diversity Coordinator if the Muslim Unity Center of West Bloomfield, Imam Achmat Salie, and will be followed by a lunch at local eatery Panera Bread, where a discussion group will take place.
The aim of the event is to raise awareness about Islam, and allow for fruitfull discussion to take place. CAMP Michigan and its affiliate groups are encouraging muslims from all backgrounds and ethnicities, as well as non-muslims to participate in the event.
Sponsors and supporters include: University Bank of Ann Arbor, The Arab American Professional Network, The Forum and Link magazine, The Pakistani Association of America, The Voice of Pakistan Radio Show and Bridges TV
For more information about CAMP-MI, please contact Mohammed Qureshi at ma_q@yahoo.com or visit our website at http://www.campnet.net/.
####
CAMP Michigan started in February 2003 and launched as the first chapter of CAMP outside of Chicago since the organization was first established in 1994.
Some members of the CAMP Michigan Leadership Team include: President Mohammed Qureshi, Vice President Aasma Aziz, Treasurer Asher Husain, and Secretary Naghmana Siddiqi.
Says president Mohammed Qureshi, “CAMP is a great way for young Muslim professionals to meet one another and network to grow their personal circle, as well as to participate in professional development and community service. When it was mandated that CAMP International would put together events across all its chapters for Katrina Relief, we saw this as the opportunity to help people in a tangible and immediate way.”
Founded in 1994, CAMP has grown to become the premiere networking organization for Muslims from many diverse backgrounds across North America. CAMP strives to provide exciting, social networking as well as community events to foster personal and professional growth for its members. For more information about CAMP, please visit our website at: http://www.campnet.net/
Help Raise Awareness about Muslim History!
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Mohammed Qureshi, CAMP MI 248.930.6774
ma_q@yahoo.com
June 29 2006
(Canton, MI) – CAMP (Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals) International's Michigan chapter will host an event presenting an Islamic Documentary on the Big Screen at the eMagine Theatres in Canton, Michigan on July 22nd 2006 at 11am.
The particular documentary to be shown will be decided upon by attendees of the event, who can register their vote at CAMP Michigan's website (www.campnet.net/detroit-mi). The documentaries in the running are :
Three Faiths, One God (runtime 116minutes)
Directed by Gerald Krell, the documentary aims to show the similarities between the three major faiths (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) by comparing and contrasting the history of the faiths.
Muhammad, Legacy of a Prophet (runtime 120minutes)
The San Francisco Chronicle's Jonathan Curiel has said of this documentary by Omar Al Qattan and Michael Schwarz, "Riveting, informative and inspiring, ‘Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet’ should almost be required watching for non-Muslims."
Death of a Prophet: The Last Days of Malcolm X (runtime 60minutes)
Directed by Woodie King Jr, and narrated by Morgan Freeman, this documentary tells of the last 24hrs of the great and controversial figure that was Malcolm X.
The event shall begin at 11am, and will be hosted by the Youth & Diversity Coordinator if the Muslim Unity Center of West Bloomfield, Imam Achmat Salie, and will be followed by a lunch at local eatery Panera Bread, where a discussion group will take place.
The aim of the event is to raise awareness about Islam, and allow for fruitfull discussion to take place. CAMP Michigan and its affiliate groups are encouraging muslims from all backgrounds and ethnicities, as well as non-muslims to participate in the event.
Sponsors and supporters include: University Bank of Ann Arbor, The Arab American Professional Network, The Forum and Link magazine, The Pakistani Association of America, The Voice of Pakistan Radio Show and Bridges TV
For more information about CAMP-MI, please contact Mohammed Qureshi at ma_q@yahoo.com or visit our website at http://www.campnet.net/.
####
CAMP Michigan started in February 2003 and launched as the first chapter of CAMP outside of Chicago since the organization was first established in 1994.
Some members of the CAMP Michigan Leadership Team include: President Mohammed Qureshi, Vice President Aasma Aziz, Treasurer Asher Husain, and Secretary Naghmana Siddiqi.
Says president Mohammed Qureshi, “CAMP is a great way for young Muslim professionals to meet one another and network to grow their personal circle, as well as to participate in professional development and community service. When it was mandated that CAMP International would put together events across all its chapters for Katrina Relief, we saw this as the opportunity to help people in a tangible and immediate way.”
Founded in 1994, CAMP has grown to become the premiere networking organization for Muslims from many diverse backgrounds across North America. CAMP strives to provide exciting, social networking as well as community events to foster personal and professional growth for its members. For more information about CAMP, please visit our website at: http://www.campnet.net/
Saudi Grand Mufti condemns terrorist acts/Saudi News Releases
Saudi Grand Mufti condemns terrorist acts/Saudi News Releases
June 27, 2006
TERRORISM
The Kingdom’s Grand Mufti Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-AsShaikh, who also chairs the Senior Commission of ulema (religious scholars), condemned criminal acts perpetrated by militants in remarks this week. He called on Saudi citizens to report any suspicious activity to the security forces, and warned them not to hide militants. The Grand Mufti described Al-Qaeda as enemies of Islam, the nation, and its economy, and urged all Muslims to unite and combat all crimes. He also praised security forces for their efforts.
Saudi authorities arrested 27 militants last month
The Interior Ministry announced June 24 that from May 9 through May 23 Saudi security forces arrested 27 suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists in raids throughout the Kingdom. The suspected militants included two Somalis and one Ethiopian who were involved in suspicious activities in Riyadh, Makkah the Eastern Province and the northern region.
In addition, security forces arrested one Iraqi and three Saudis following a raid on their hideout in Hafr Al-Baten. All three were wanted by security forces. Authorities also seized weapons and documents at the militants’ hideout. Nine Saudi suspected militants were arrested as well.
Six Al-Qaeda militants killed in early-morning raid in Riyadh
Saudi security forces killed six Al-Qaeda militants, all Saudis, and arrested one militant in a raid in Riyadh June 23, the Ministry of Interior confirmed. One security member was killed and seven others injured in the operation.
The militants were killed after they initiated a gunfight with security forces while driving a stolen car to a safehouse in the Al-Nakheel neighborhood. In the safehouse, security forces confiscated weapons, cash, forged documents, computers, telecommunications equipment, forged vehicle registrations, equipment for forging and a studio for filming.
Information obtained during the raid also resulted in the arrests of two additional suspected militants with direct links to the group.
SAUDI ARABIA-US
Fourteen Guantanamo detainees returned to the Kingdom
Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz announced that 14 detainees at the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay were returned to the Kingdom June 25. The detainees include 13 Saudi citizens and one Turkistani whose parents reside in the Kingdom.
Prince Nayef said that the detainees would be dealt with according to the Kingdom’s justice system. He also expressed his appreciation to US authorities for their cooperation, and said that efforts remain ongoing to repatriate the remaining Saudi detainees at Guantanamo in the near future.
FOREIGN AID
Kingdom allocates $1 billion to fight poverty in Africa
Saudi Arabia has allocated $1 billion to a fund to alleviate poverty in Africa. The fund was established within the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) at the 3rd Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Makkah in December 2005.
The Kingdom made the announcement during the 33rd session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Baku, Azerbaijan June 19-21, 2006.
June 27, 2006
TERRORISM
The Kingdom’s Grand Mufti Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-AsShaikh, who also chairs the Senior Commission of ulema (religious scholars), condemned criminal acts perpetrated by militants in remarks this week. He called on Saudi citizens to report any suspicious activity to the security forces, and warned them not to hide militants. The Grand Mufti described Al-Qaeda as enemies of Islam, the nation, and its economy, and urged all Muslims to unite and combat all crimes. He also praised security forces for their efforts.
Saudi authorities arrested 27 militants last month
The Interior Ministry announced June 24 that from May 9 through May 23 Saudi security forces arrested 27 suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists in raids throughout the Kingdom. The suspected militants included two Somalis and one Ethiopian who were involved in suspicious activities in Riyadh, Makkah the Eastern Province and the northern region.
In addition, security forces arrested one Iraqi and three Saudis following a raid on their hideout in Hafr Al-Baten. All three were wanted by security forces. Authorities also seized weapons and documents at the militants’ hideout. Nine Saudi suspected militants were arrested as well.
Six Al-Qaeda militants killed in early-morning raid in Riyadh
Saudi security forces killed six Al-Qaeda militants, all Saudis, and arrested one militant in a raid in Riyadh June 23, the Ministry of Interior confirmed. One security member was killed and seven others injured in the operation.
The militants were killed after they initiated a gunfight with security forces while driving a stolen car to a safehouse in the Al-Nakheel neighborhood. In the safehouse, security forces confiscated weapons, cash, forged documents, computers, telecommunications equipment, forged vehicle registrations, equipment for forging and a studio for filming.
Information obtained during the raid also resulted in the arrests of two additional suspected militants with direct links to the group.
SAUDI ARABIA-US
Fourteen Guantanamo detainees returned to the Kingdom
Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz announced that 14 detainees at the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay were returned to the Kingdom June 25. The detainees include 13 Saudi citizens and one Turkistani whose parents reside in the Kingdom.
Prince Nayef said that the detainees would be dealt with according to the Kingdom’s justice system. He also expressed his appreciation to US authorities for their cooperation, and said that efforts remain ongoing to repatriate the remaining Saudi detainees at Guantanamo in the near future.
FOREIGN AID
Kingdom allocates $1 billion to fight poverty in Africa
Saudi Arabia has allocated $1 billion to a fund to alleviate poverty in Africa. The fund was established within the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) at the 3rd Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Makkah in December 2005.
The Kingdom made the announcement during the 33rd session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Baku, Azerbaijan June 19-21, 2006.
New Internet TV shows sees viewership increases in first five weeks
New Arab Internet Show challenges one-sided American media coverage of Arab World issues
PRESS RELEASE
(Chicago/June 29) -- A new weekly online Internet discussion program is now available for public viewing. The program, entitled CounterPoint, features two veteran Arab American journalists discussing the news headlines each week and offering an alternative to the usually one-sided discussion featured in mainstream American TV.
Co-Hosts Ray Hanania and Ali Alarabi are veteran Arab American journalists and syndicated columnists.
The show format has the two co-hosts discuss and debate issues, such as the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, fundamentals of Palestinian politics, challenges facing the Arab American and Muslim American communities, the repressive media response to the release of the report on AIPAC's control of the US Congress and more.
At the end of each show, they also feature new and recent books published by Arab and Muslim Americans.
All of the shows are available online and can be viewed at any time using a high speed DSL or broadband connection. The shows are filmed in high quality digital format using a SONY VX 2100 Camera. Show information is located at www.ArabAmericanTVOnline.com.
Five shows have been posted since the show's launch May 25, 2006. Other links to online documentaries and cable TV programs are also available.
"The Internet is giving Arab Americans the power to sidestep the bias in the American news media. The question is are we smart enough to take that opportunity or do we continue to allow the mainstream American news media to define us in distorted and inaccurate stereotypes," said Hanania.
Hanania, a co-founder of the National Arab American Journalists Association, said the show will be featured at the national convention of the Society of Professional Journalists in Chicago August 24 - 26 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
"We are going to protest anti-Arab bias in the mainstream American media at the convention in a big way," Hanania promised. "The journalism abuses against the Arab and Muslim American community and the Arab World are outrageous and must be challenged."
For more information visit
www.ArabAmericanTVOnline.com
or contact Ray Hanania at 312-933-9855
# # #
PRESS RELEASE
(Chicago/June 29) -- A new weekly online Internet discussion program is now available for public viewing. The program, entitled CounterPoint, features two veteran Arab American journalists discussing the news headlines each week and offering an alternative to the usually one-sided discussion featured in mainstream American TV.
Co-Hosts Ray Hanania and Ali Alarabi are veteran Arab American journalists and syndicated columnists.
The show format has the two co-hosts discuss and debate issues, such as the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, fundamentals of Palestinian politics, challenges facing the Arab American and Muslim American communities, the repressive media response to the release of the report on AIPAC's control of the US Congress and more.
At the end of each show, they also feature new and recent books published by Arab and Muslim Americans.
All of the shows are available online and can be viewed at any time using a high speed DSL or broadband connection. The shows are filmed in high quality digital format using a SONY VX 2100 Camera. Show information is located at www.ArabAmericanTVOnline.com.
Five shows have been posted since the show's launch May 25, 2006. Other links to online documentaries and cable TV programs are also available.
"The Internet is giving Arab Americans the power to sidestep the bias in the American news media. The question is are we smart enough to take that opportunity or do we continue to allow the mainstream American news media to define us in distorted and inaccurate stereotypes," said Hanania.
Hanania, a co-founder of the National Arab American Journalists Association, said the show will be featured at the national convention of the Society of Professional Journalists in Chicago August 24 - 26 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
"We are going to protest anti-Arab bias in the mainstream American media at the convention in a big way," Hanania promised. "The journalism abuses against the Arab and Muslim American community and the Arab World are outrageous and must be challenged."
For more information visit
www.ArabAmericanTVOnline.com
or contact Ray Hanania at 312-933-9855
# # #
Friday, June 23, 2006
Muslims Come Together for Annual Conference in July
'Our Youth, Our Family, Our Future'
DALLAS, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), the largest and oldest non-profit Islamic organization in the U.S., announces its 4th annual regional conference in Dallas, TX on June 30-July 2, 2006. There will be a press conference on Friday, June 30 at 1:00 in the 2nd floor board room of the Westin Galleria Hotel.
This year's conference will focus on the needs of Muslim youth living in America, personal improvement and how American Muslims can get more involved in their communities. The program also includes special sessions in Spanish for Latino Muslims.
"American Muslims want to be a part of the American patchwork. This conference highlights ways they can get involved, meet neighbors, and strive towards the American dream," says Conference Chair, Azhar Azeez.
WHAT: 2006 Dallas Regional ISNA Conference Press Conference
WHEN: June 30, 2006 at 1:00 pm
WHERE: The Westin Galleria Hotel 2nd floor Board Room, 13340 Dallas
Parkway, Dallas TX
EVENT DATES: From Friday June 30th to Sunday July 2nd 2006
THEME: Our Youth Our Family Our Future
CONTACT: Mr. Azhar Azeez, Conference Chair and member of ISNA
Executive council 214-769-0922,
Email: azhar_azeez2@hotmail.com;
Ms. Saffia Meek, Conference Media
Chair 972-841-5067, Email: kmeek68@msn.com.Media are invited to attend the press conference and the Islamic conference event.ISNA is an association of Muslim organizations and individuals that provides a common platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational, social and outreach programs and fostering good relations with other religious communities, and civic and service organizations.
To view the conference program, visit
http://www.isna.net/uploads/media/ISNA-MSA- MYNA_South_Central_Regional_Conference
_2006_FINAL_PROGRAM_V3.pdf
Source: ISNA CONTACT: Mr. Azhar Azeez, Conference Chair and member of ISNA Executivecouncil, +1-214-769-0922, azhar_azeez2@hotmail.com, or Ms. Saffia Meek,Conference Media Chair, +1-972-841-5067, kmeek68@msn.com
Web site: http://www.isna.net/
'Our Youth, Our Family, Our Future'
DALLAS, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), the largest and oldest non-profit Islamic organization in the U.S., announces its 4th annual regional conference in Dallas, TX on June 30-July 2, 2006. There will be a press conference on Friday, June 30 at 1:00 in the 2nd floor board room of the Westin Galleria Hotel.
This year's conference will focus on the needs of Muslim youth living in America, personal improvement and how American Muslims can get more involved in their communities. The program also includes special sessions in Spanish for Latino Muslims.
"American Muslims want to be a part of the American patchwork. This conference highlights ways they can get involved, meet neighbors, and strive towards the American dream," says Conference Chair, Azhar Azeez.
WHAT: 2006 Dallas Regional ISNA Conference Press Conference
WHEN: June 30, 2006 at 1:00 pm
WHERE: The Westin Galleria Hotel 2nd floor Board Room, 13340 Dallas
Parkway, Dallas TX
EVENT DATES: From Friday June 30th to Sunday July 2nd 2006
THEME: Our Youth Our Family Our Future
CONTACT: Mr. Azhar Azeez, Conference Chair and member of ISNA
Executive council 214-769-0922,
Email: azhar_azeez2@hotmail.com;
Ms. Saffia Meek, Conference Media
Chair 972-841-5067, Email: kmeek68@msn.com.Media are invited to attend the press conference and the Islamic conference event.ISNA is an association of Muslim organizations and individuals that provides a common platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational, social and outreach programs and fostering good relations with other religious communities, and civic and service organizations.
To view the conference program, visit
http://www.isna.net/uploads/media/ISNA-MSA- MYNA_South_Central_Regional_Conference
_2006_FINAL_PROGRAM_V3.pdf
Source: ISNA CONTACT: Mr. Azhar Azeez, Conference Chair and member of ISNA Executivecouncil, +1-214-769-0922, azhar_azeez2@hotmail.com, or Ms. Saffia Meek,Conference Media Chair, +1-972-841-5067, kmeek68@msn.com
Web site: http://www.isna.net/
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Palestinian and Israeli launch peace effort at Pink Floyd Concert
Global Peace Project Launches at Pink Floyd Concert in Israel
Humanitarian Initiative Announced at Joint Israel/Arab Rock Concert
NEVE SHALOM, Israel, June 22/PRNewswire/ -- A global peace project called JAMOP (www.jamop.com) - Just A Minute ofPeace, will be launched by Israel's David Broza and Palestinian Ebrahim Eidat a Pink Floyd concert taking place in Israel this evening, June 22, 2006.
The sold-out concert is featuring legendary musician Roger Waters. The event will take place at Neve Shalom, an area where 25 Jewish and 25Arab families have lived in peaceful coexistence since 1976. The artists willask the audience to hold out cell phones and lighters and sing together forone minute for the official launch of JAMOP.
JAMOP is a Canadian non-profit humanitarian organization and peaceinitiative asking the whole world to join together on 07/07/07 to celebrate aminute of peace. Noble peace prize winner Jose Ramos Horta drafted the JAMOP declaration,and 17 noble laureates have joined including the Dalai Lama, and archbishopDesmond Tutu, in addition to over 75 performers who have agreed to perform atthis global event.
JAMOP is a grassroots movement that plans to hold thirty concertssimultaneously and link them together to celebrate a minute of peace. Overthe course of this year every president and noble laureate will be asked tosign this declaration as a symbolic gesture of good faith and to demonstratetheir genuine desire to live in peace.
About JAMOP Founded by David Tenenbaum in 1997, Just a Minute of Peace (JAMOP) is a simultaneous, worldwide, humanitarian/entertainment event of unprecedented magnitude. Its mission is to initiate the global voice for peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance peace and human rights, and to promoteresponsible economic and social development. JAMOP is focused on mobilizingcitizens of the world to represent their collective desire for peace, humanrights, environmental reform, and sustainability.
About David Tenenbaum
David Tenenbaum is the founding President and CEO of JAMOP and DoveProductions Ltd. As a professional in the area of high-endresidential/property management and real estate for more than 12 years, Mr.Tenenbaum has also been a key player in the organization of severalnon-profit and profit-making music and arts-driven events throughout theworld. His work with various high-profile artists and charities led him toestablish JAMOP in 1997 and subsequently, its affiliate, Dove ProductionsLtd., an organization dedicated to staging large-scale, predominantlymusic-oriented benefits.
Contact: David Tenenbaum +1-416-277-1771 doveproductions@rogers.comSource: Just a Minute of Peace (JAMOP)David Tenenbaum, +1-416-277-1771, doveproductions@rogers.com
Humanitarian Initiative Announced at Joint Israel/Arab Rock Concert
NEVE SHALOM, Israel, June 22/PRNewswire/ -- A global peace project called JAMOP (www.jamop.com) - Just A Minute ofPeace, will be launched by Israel's David Broza and Palestinian Ebrahim Eidat a Pink Floyd concert taking place in Israel this evening, June 22, 2006.
The sold-out concert is featuring legendary musician Roger Waters. The event will take place at Neve Shalom, an area where 25 Jewish and 25Arab families have lived in peaceful coexistence since 1976. The artists willask the audience to hold out cell phones and lighters and sing together forone minute for the official launch of JAMOP.
JAMOP is a Canadian non-profit humanitarian organization and peaceinitiative asking the whole world to join together on 07/07/07 to celebrate aminute of peace. Noble peace prize winner Jose Ramos Horta drafted the JAMOP declaration,and 17 noble laureates have joined including the Dalai Lama, and archbishopDesmond Tutu, in addition to over 75 performers who have agreed to perform atthis global event.
JAMOP is a grassroots movement that plans to hold thirty concertssimultaneously and link them together to celebrate a minute of peace. Overthe course of this year every president and noble laureate will be asked tosign this declaration as a symbolic gesture of good faith and to demonstratetheir genuine desire to live in peace.
About JAMOP Founded by David Tenenbaum in 1997, Just a Minute of Peace (JAMOP) is a simultaneous, worldwide, humanitarian/entertainment event of unprecedented magnitude. Its mission is to initiate the global voice for peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance peace and human rights, and to promoteresponsible economic and social development. JAMOP is focused on mobilizingcitizens of the world to represent their collective desire for peace, humanrights, environmental reform, and sustainability.
About David Tenenbaum
David Tenenbaum is the founding President and CEO of JAMOP and DoveProductions Ltd. As a professional in the area of high-endresidential/property management and real estate for more than 12 years, Mr.Tenenbaum has also been a key player in the organization of severalnon-profit and profit-making music and arts-driven events throughout theworld. His work with various high-profile artists and charities led him toestablish JAMOP in 1997 and subsequently, its affiliate, Dove ProductionsLtd., an organization dedicated to staging large-scale, predominantlymusic-oriented benefits.
Contact: David Tenenbaum +1-416-277-1771 doveproductions@rogers.comSource: Just a Minute of Peace (JAMOP)David Tenenbaum, +1-416-277-1771, doveproductions@rogers.com
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Speech by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. at ADC Convention
Speech delivered by Saudi Ambassador to the U.S
Prince Turki Al-Faisal
“My Observations as an Arab in America”
At the Arab-American Anti-discrimination Committee
26TH annual convention
Washington, DC on June 17, 2006
Ladies and Gentlemen: Thank you. Senator Abourezk, thank you for the kind introduction. I appreciate being invited to speak here today. I would also like to thank Ms. Oakar. Under Ms. Oakar’s leadership, the ADC has worked hard to protect the rights of Arabs in the United States. This is a mission I support. Through both national and local programs, the ADC helps all Arab Americans have better opportunities to make positive contributions to public life. This is needed not just among Arab Americans, but also in the Arab world, in order to promote a balanced US policy in the Middle East region.
Outreach, education and dialogue are critical to my own mission of helping to build greater understanding between Saudi Arabia and the US. This is especially important during this time when the Arab world is in the spotlight of American and global attention. So I thank you for all your efforts.
While I was invited today as the Saudi ambassador to the United States, I would like to speak to you foremost as an Arab. I am here to convey what I have experienced during my time in your great country. I am here to celebrate the beautiful mosaic that is the Arab world. And I am here to share with you some of my thoughts on the place of the Arab in today’s American society.
Part of my work as ambassador during the last several months has been to go out and talk with the American people. I have had the honor of being invited to visit many of your major cities and smaller towns. At each stop, from New York City to Seattle to Phoenix to Nashville, and to Manhattan – in Kansas, I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality with which I have been received.
Since America is, as they say, a melting pot, I have spoken with Americans of all faiths. I have had conversations with Americans who are of African and Asian and European descent. And I have also been meeting with Americans of Arab descent.
I have made a certain point to visit some of the Arab American communities in the US and I have talked with their leaders. I have been to their homes. I have listened to their issues and concerns. And throughout all my travels, I have come to some conclusions about what I have witnessed.
America is truly a melting pot of different nationalities, ethnicities, religions and ideas. It is an open system in which each and everyone can thrive and excel. The only limits I have seen are those of one’s imagination. It is a nation of great innovation and productivity, grounded in faith and fairness and justice. And while it may stray from its principles from time to time, it always returns to its proper balance.
I see that Arabs have an important place in this great American society. We only have to look at how Arabs for more than a century have built thriving communities all across the country. We can look to Michigan – particularly to Dearborn – where Arab Americans have been integral in the growth of the automotive industry.
I also see that Arab Americans have made valuable contributions in other fields. And America appreciates it. For example, if it were not for Danny Thomas and the American-Lebanese-Syrian associated charities, there would not be a St. Jude’s children’s research hospital. This center has changed the lives of millions through medical discoveries that treat cancer and other diseases.
For many Americans, Arab-Americans are invisible, recalled only when words like “terrorism” or “anti-American sentiments” arise. However, people of Arab descent have been contributing to US culture since the 1870s in fields as diverse as literature, science, politics, medicine, and commerce—witness surgeon Michael Debakey, former Oregon Governor Victor Atiyeh, author Khalil Gibran and consumer advocate Ralph Nader.
There is also Dr. Ahmed Zewail, who in 1998 won the King Faisal Prize and in 1999 won the Nobel Prize for chemistry. The director of the jet propulsion laboratory is an Arab, Charles el-Achi. We can even see here at this conference alone, there are some great examples of Arabs who have paved a path for others, like Omar Sharif and Helen Thomas. The contributions Arab Americans have made are extensive.
I also see that individuals in the Arab American community have worked hard to improve their lot. They’ve struggled—as all immigrants have in this country—to secure a place for their family, faith, and heritage. Since the turn of the last century, Arabs, as individuals, came to the US, found opportunity, and sent back for their family to be schooled or employed. This is the classic American story and many Arab-Americans have successfully shared in this dream.
But though I see all of these accomplishments and all of this good, I also see something else that gives me pause. I see that Arab Americans—as a group—are holding themselves back.
When I go out and speak with Arabs in the US, I sense great frustration—frustration that they are not being heard. The voice of the Arab American community in the US is either being drowned out or not expressed loudly enough. And the needs and the rights of Arabs in America need to be emphasized to a greater extent—in both legislation and in the media.
I also sense anger—anger that the progress Arab Americans have made throughout the years has been upended by terrorists and deviants who have no values in common with us. The accomplishments of all the Arab Americans were so quickly washed over by the tidal wave of misinformation that followed September 11. Fear and suspicion suddenly replaced appreciation and respect.
And I sense defensiveness—defensiveness because the beliefs, culture, and heritage of Arab Americans are under attack because they are misunderstood. Again, because of terrorism, the already largely misunderstood Arab culture in the US was dealt a hand of prejudice.
I feel that this complex assortment of emotion—frustration, anger, and defensiveness—has been stifling Arab Americans as a group. In many ways these issues are being internalized, hindering a common and united message. They are not being dealt with constructively enough. Instead of coming together and honestly expressing how all Arab Americans are being treated, the community, as a whole, has been quietly coping.
I don’t need to explain to any of you that the need for establishing bridges of understanding between Arabs and Americans is more critical than ever. The need actually extends far beyond the shores of this country. It is as necessary to the Arab Americans living here, as it is to the Arabs in the Middle East. We, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, carry a scar that weighs heavily on our shoulders; the scar of the horrible crime committed on September 11, 2001, in which 15 of our nationals participated. We must not allow the criminals who committed that crime to succeed in driving a wedge between Saudi Arabia—or for that matter the Arab world—and the United States.
So if, as the title of this conference suggests, the Arab American community is to build for the future, then we really need to take a good look at what the plan is for building new bridges, enduring bridges—bridges that will span inevitable misunderstanding and unite two peoples—Arabs and Americans—who truly share so much in common.
Ladies and gentlemen: America will return to its proper balance, I have no doubt about that. You just need to be active and patient at the same time; active by speaking out and getting involved; and patient by recognizing that it may take some time for your actions to translate into tangible results.
Based on my experience and what I have heard from Arabs throughout the US, there are areas where, when planning for the future, the Arab American community can help itself. If Arabs are going to secure the understanding they deserve and the respect they desire in this country, then two clear objectives need to be achieved.
First, Arabs need to find their voice in the discourse of American politics. Arabs need to get out there and get involved more. Right now Arab Americans are underrepresented relative to their numbers, their economic status, and their achievements. As an ethnic group with clear importance to American society, too few are heeding the call to action. There are over three million highly successful Americans of Arab descent in the US today, but only five Arab American members of Congress.
I know Arab Americans want a voice in this country. You’ve told me so. I have heard it from coast to coast. If Arabs want a greater voice, they must stand up. They must stand up and get involved.
There are signs of progress. In terms of political culture, Arab Americans are on the cusp of breaking through. Although proportionally there is slender representation, there are now more Arab American officials than at any other time in American history—from former presidential Cabinet members to senators to governors.
As citizens, Arab Americans are coalescing too, in such places as Michigan, Minnesota, California, and even Florida. I think the message here is clear: If you are a part of this political system, you should work to find how your voice can be heard.
The other objective that needs to be achieved is that Arab American groups in the US have to come together more. They need to coordinate their resources and capabilities to a greater extent. The Arab world is a diverse world. But it does not have to be a diffuse world. Arabs may be from different backgrounds, have different faiths, but they are all Arab in this country. The issues that affect one affect all: the visa issues, the employment issues, the discrimination issues.
These weigh heavily on all Arabs, regardless of faith and original heritage.
Organizations supporting the Arab-American cause need to act together. They need to work together. They need to reach out to one another, if they truly want to serve this community. The goal for each organization is ultimately the same, and they need to recognize this. In doing so, they should also open up their dialogue and listen to each other.
These are practical and concrete steps that will help bring together a group of Americans —Arab Americans—who desire openly that they want more solidarity. They want to be treated with the rights and courtesy extended to every other person who comes to this great nation. That is why I have great confidence. Despite the hardships and difficulty—Arab Americans want to get out there and make a difference.
They want to face down the overwhelmingly negative perceptions that were spread about Arabs after September 11. They want to tell the whole story—beyond the sensationalism of mass media. They want to move past what is politically motivated and to address the facts. And, they want to address the issues, not just the emotions.
Let me share with you what else gives me confidence. I know Americans today possess a greater interest in Arab affairs than ever before. The focus of America’s attention is on the Middle East. Perhaps for the first time, there is widespread interest among Americans to look into the issues, to find out who stands for what in the Arab world. There is an opportunity here, and as the Arab proverb tells us: “Dawn does not come twice to awaken a man.”
It has also become apparent that as Americans and Arabs interact more and learn more about each other, that we are realizing that we have more in common with each other. Despite the cultural differences, we all share a basic belief in faith and family, and a desire for peace and opportunity. Though common, these principles underscore a great deal about how we can connect on many issues.
This opportunity is one that I have been trying to take advantage of. As I mentioned, I have been out talking with Americans, listening to their questions and concerns. I have been sharing my story, and my country’s story. And while I am only one person, my activity is actually a part of a larger effort by Saudi Arabia to engage Americans. We have adopted a strategy that is focused more on people-to-people contact. The Kingdom is encouraging more delegations of officials, and business leaders, and women to come to the United States to share their views but also to learn. We are also encouraging more Americans to come to the Kingdom and learn about us and our culture.
We have revitalized a scholarship program to send our students to colleges throughout the
world. Most of our students will be coming to the United States. They will not only be receiving a world-class education, they will be forming the next generation of friendships and bonds between Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and the United States. They will be representing their culture and their heritage. They, ladies and gentlemen, will be the true ambassadors.
And so as you leave this conference, I implore each of you to continue on in your own right—as ambassadors from the Arab world. Every Arab American has a great story to tell about how they got here, or how their parents or grandparents or great grandparents first came to the United States. And they should be proud of and share these stories.
Whether you are from Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, or any other part of the Arab world, you should be proud of your Arab heritage and legacy—which truly does extend here to the United States. You should be proud of the contributions Arabs have made to the advancement of humanity over the centuries, and to the greatness of American culture and life.
And you should be proud of yourselves, for you are the only ones who can bridge the gap between the two great societies. It is not always easy, but it will always be rewarding. And it can’t be done without you.
Speak with your friends and family. Get involved in the political process. Build on the strong foundation that exists and the momentum that is carrying forth. And through this we will be able to build those bridges between America and the Arab world.
Ladies and gentlemen: Ashkurukum shukran jazeelan – thank you all very much – and barak Allah feekum – and God bless you all.
This material is distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.
Prince Turki Al-Faisal
“My Observations as an Arab in America”
At the Arab-American Anti-discrimination Committee
26TH annual convention
Washington, DC on June 17, 2006
Ladies and Gentlemen: Thank you. Senator Abourezk, thank you for the kind introduction. I appreciate being invited to speak here today. I would also like to thank Ms. Oakar. Under Ms. Oakar’s leadership, the ADC has worked hard to protect the rights of Arabs in the United States. This is a mission I support. Through both national and local programs, the ADC helps all Arab Americans have better opportunities to make positive contributions to public life. This is needed not just among Arab Americans, but also in the Arab world, in order to promote a balanced US policy in the Middle East region.
Outreach, education and dialogue are critical to my own mission of helping to build greater understanding between Saudi Arabia and the US. This is especially important during this time when the Arab world is in the spotlight of American and global attention. So I thank you for all your efforts.
While I was invited today as the Saudi ambassador to the United States, I would like to speak to you foremost as an Arab. I am here to convey what I have experienced during my time in your great country. I am here to celebrate the beautiful mosaic that is the Arab world. And I am here to share with you some of my thoughts on the place of the Arab in today’s American society.
Part of my work as ambassador during the last several months has been to go out and talk with the American people. I have had the honor of being invited to visit many of your major cities and smaller towns. At each stop, from New York City to Seattle to Phoenix to Nashville, and to Manhattan – in Kansas, I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality with which I have been received.
Since America is, as they say, a melting pot, I have spoken with Americans of all faiths. I have had conversations with Americans who are of African and Asian and European descent. And I have also been meeting with Americans of Arab descent.
I have made a certain point to visit some of the Arab American communities in the US and I have talked with their leaders. I have been to their homes. I have listened to their issues and concerns. And throughout all my travels, I have come to some conclusions about what I have witnessed.
America is truly a melting pot of different nationalities, ethnicities, religions and ideas. It is an open system in which each and everyone can thrive and excel. The only limits I have seen are those of one’s imagination. It is a nation of great innovation and productivity, grounded in faith and fairness and justice. And while it may stray from its principles from time to time, it always returns to its proper balance.
I see that Arabs have an important place in this great American society. We only have to look at how Arabs for more than a century have built thriving communities all across the country. We can look to Michigan – particularly to Dearborn – where Arab Americans have been integral in the growth of the automotive industry.
I also see that Arab Americans have made valuable contributions in other fields. And America appreciates it. For example, if it were not for Danny Thomas and the American-Lebanese-Syrian associated charities, there would not be a St. Jude’s children’s research hospital. This center has changed the lives of millions through medical discoveries that treat cancer and other diseases.
For many Americans, Arab-Americans are invisible, recalled only when words like “terrorism” or “anti-American sentiments” arise. However, people of Arab descent have been contributing to US culture since the 1870s in fields as diverse as literature, science, politics, medicine, and commerce—witness surgeon Michael Debakey, former Oregon Governor Victor Atiyeh, author Khalil Gibran and consumer advocate Ralph Nader.
There is also Dr. Ahmed Zewail, who in 1998 won the King Faisal Prize and in 1999 won the Nobel Prize for chemistry. The director of the jet propulsion laboratory is an Arab, Charles el-Achi. We can even see here at this conference alone, there are some great examples of Arabs who have paved a path for others, like Omar Sharif and Helen Thomas. The contributions Arab Americans have made are extensive.
I also see that individuals in the Arab American community have worked hard to improve their lot. They’ve struggled—as all immigrants have in this country—to secure a place for their family, faith, and heritage. Since the turn of the last century, Arabs, as individuals, came to the US, found opportunity, and sent back for their family to be schooled or employed. This is the classic American story and many Arab-Americans have successfully shared in this dream.
But though I see all of these accomplishments and all of this good, I also see something else that gives me pause. I see that Arab Americans—as a group—are holding themselves back.
When I go out and speak with Arabs in the US, I sense great frustration—frustration that they are not being heard. The voice of the Arab American community in the US is either being drowned out or not expressed loudly enough. And the needs and the rights of Arabs in America need to be emphasized to a greater extent—in both legislation and in the media.
I also sense anger—anger that the progress Arab Americans have made throughout the years has been upended by terrorists and deviants who have no values in common with us. The accomplishments of all the Arab Americans were so quickly washed over by the tidal wave of misinformation that followed September 11. Fear and suspicion suddenly replaced appreciation and respect.
And I sense defensiveness—defensiveness because the beliefs, culture, and heritage of Arab Americans are under attack because they are misunderstood. Again, because of terrorism, the already largely misunderstood Arab culture in the US was dealt a hand of prejudice.
I feel that this complex assortment of emotion—frustration, anger, and defensiveness—has been stifling Arab Americans as a group. In many ways these issues are being internalized, hindering a common and united message. They are not being dealt with constructively enough. Instead of coming together and honestly expressing how all Arab Americans are being treated, the community, as a whole, has been quietly coping.
I don’t need to explain to any of you that the need for establishing bridges of understanding between Arabs and Americans is more critical than ever. The need actually extends far beyond the shores of this country. It is as necessary to the Arab Americans living here, as it is to the Arabs in the Middle East. We, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, carry a scar that weighs heavily on our shoulders; the scar of the horrible crime committed on September 11, 2001, in which 15 of our nationals participated. We must not allow the criminals who committed that crime to succeed in driving a wedge between Saudi Arabia—or for that matter the Arab world—and the United States.
So if, as the title of this conference suggests, the Arab American community is to build for the future, then we really need to take a good look at what the plan is for building new bridges, enduring bridges—bridges that will span inevitable misunderstanding and unite two peoples—Arabs and Americans—who truly share so much in common.
Ladies and gentlemen: America will return to its proper balance, I have no doubt about that. You just need to be active and patient at the same time; active by speaking out and getting involved; and patient by recognizing that it may take some time for your actions to translate into tangible results.
Based on my experience and what I have heard from Arabs throughout the US, there are areas where, when planning for the future, the Arab American community can help itself. If Arabs are going to secure the understanding they deserve and the respect they desire in this country, then two clear objectives need to be achieved.
First, Arabs need to find their voice in the discourse of American politics. Arabs need to get out there and get involved more. Right now Arab Americans are underrepresented relative to their numbers, their economic status, and their achievements. As an ethnic group with clear importance to American society, too few are heeding the call to action. There are over three million highly successful Americans of Arab descent in the US today, but only five Arab American members of Congress.
I know Arab Americans want a voice in this country. You’ve told me so. I have heard it from coast to coast. If Arabs want a greater voice, they must stand up. They must stand up and get involved.
There are signs of progress. In terms of political culture, Arab Americans are on the cusp of breaking through. Although proportionally there is slender representation, there are now more Arab American officials than at any other time in American history—from former presidential Cabinet members to senators to governors.
As citizens, Arab Americans are coalescing too, in such places as Michigan, Minnesota, California, and even Florida. I think the message here is clear: If you are a part of this political system, you should work to find how your voice can be heard.
The other objective that needs to be achieved is that Arab American groups in the US have to come together more. They need to coordinate their resources and capabilities to a greater extent. The Arab world is a diverse world. But it does not have to be a diffuse world. Arabs may be from different backgrounds, have different faiths, but they are all Arab in this country. The issues that affect one affect all: the visa issues, the employment issues, the discrimination issues.
These weigh heavily on all Arabs, regardless of faith and original heritage.
Organizations supporting the Arab-American cause need to act together. They need to work together. They need to reach out to one another, if they truly want to serve this community. The goal for each organization is ultimately the same, and they need to recognize this. In doing so, they should also open up their dialogue and listen to each other.
These are practical and concrete steps that will help bring together a group of Americans —Arab Americans—who desire openly that they want more solidarity. They want to be treated with the rights and courtesy extended to every other person who comes to this great nation. That is why I have great confidence. Despite the hardships and difficulty—Arab Americans want to get out there and make a difference.
They want to face down the overwhelmingly negative perceptions that were spread about Arabs after September 11. They want to tell the whole story—beyond the sensationalism of mass media. They want to move past what is politically motivated and to address the facts. And, they want to address the issues, not just the emotions.
Let me share with you what else gives me confidence. I know Americans today possess a greater interest in Arab affairs than ever before. The focus of America’s attention is on the Middle East. Perhaps for the first time, there is widespread interest among Americans to look into the issues, to find out who stands for what in the Arab world. There is an opportunity here, and as the Arab proverb tells us: “Dawn does not come twice to awaken a man.”
It has also become apparent that as Americans and Arabs interact more and learn more about each other, that we are realizing that we have more in common with each other. Despite the cultural differences, we all share a basic belief in faith and family, and a desire for peace and opportunity. Though common, these principles underscore a great deal about how we can connect on many issues.
This opportunity is one that I have been trying to take advantage of. As I mentioned, I have been out talking with Americans, listening to their questions and concerns. I have been sharing my story, and my country’s story. And while I am only one person, my activity is actually a part of a larger effort by Saudi Arabia to engage Americans. We have adopted a strategy that is focused more on people-to-people contact. The Kingdom is encouraging more delegations of officials, and business leaders, and women to come to the United States to share their views but also to learn. We are also encouraging more Americans to come to the Kingdom and learn about us and our culture.
We have revitalized a scholarship program to send our students to colleges throughout the
world. Most of our students will be coming to the United States. They will not only be receiving a world-class education, they will be forming the next generation of friendships and bonds between Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and the United States. They will be representing their culture and their heritage. They, ladies and gentlemen, will be the true ambassadors.
And so as you leave this conference, I implore each of you to continue on in your own right—as ambassadors from the Arab world. Every Arab American has a great story to tell about how they got here, or how their parents or grandparents or great grandparents first came to the United States. And they should be proud of and share these stories.
Whether you are from Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, or any other part of the Arab world, you should be proud of your Arab heritage and legacy—which truly does extend here to the United States. You should be proud of the contributions Arabs have made to the advancement of humanity over the centuries, and to the greatness of American culture and life.
And you should be proud of yourselves, for you are the only ones who can bridge the gap between the two great societies. It is not always easy, but it will always be rewarding. And it can’t be done without you.
Speak with your friends and family. Get involved in the political process. Build on the strong foundation that exists and the momentum that is carrying forth. And through this we will be able to build those bridges between America and the Arab world.
Ladies and gentlemen: Ashkurukum shukran jazeelan – thank you all very much – and barak Allah feekum – and God bless you all.
This material is distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.
White House Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to be held July 25
White House Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
8:00am - 5:00pm
ANNOUNCEMENT
6/19/2006
Hilton Austin
500 East 4th Street
Austin, TX 78701
On Tuesday, July 25, 2006, the White House and the Departments of Justice, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Health & Human Services, Housing & Urban Development, Education, and Homeland Security, the Agency for International Development, and the Small Business Administration will host a conference in Austin to help social service organizations learn more about President Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiative. These conferences are geared towards faith-based and community organizations that have no history of applying for government grants, as well as those that have applied, but have not yet been successful.
The conference is free, but pre-registration is required. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visit www.fbci.gov to register online. Please register by Wednesday, July 19th. If you must cancel your registration, please send an email to fbci@dtihq.com so we may accommodate as many people as possible.
The conference is part of a series of regional events that are being held around the country. The conferences provide participants with a general overview of the Faith-Based and Community Initiative, information about the government grants process and available funding opportunities, and an overview of the legal responsibilities that come with the receipt of Federal funds. The events also offer grant writing tutorials for select Federal grant programs.
For more information, please call 202-456-6708, send an email to fbci@dtihq.com , or visit www.fbci.gov .
We very much hope that you will be able to join us in Austin!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
8:00am - 5:00pm
ANNOUNCEMENT
6/19/2006
Hilton Austin
500 East 4th Street
Austin, TX 78701
On Tuesday, July 25, 2006, the White House and the Departments of Justice, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Health & Human Services, Housing & Urban Development, Education, and Homeland Security, the Agency for International Development, and the Small Business Administration will host a conference in Austin to help social service organizations learn more about President Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiative. These conferences are geared towards faith-based and community organizations that have no history of applying for government grants, as well as those that have applied, but have not yet been successful.
The conference is free, but pre-registration is required. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visit www.fbci.gov to register online. Please register by Wednesday, July 19th. If you must cancel your registration, please send an email to fbci@dtihq.com so we may accommodate as many people as possible.
The conference is part of a series of regional events that are being held around the country. The conferences provide participants with a general overview of the Faith-Based and Community Initiative, information about the government grants process and available funding opportunities, and an overview of the legal responsibilities that come with the receipt of Federal funds. The events also offer grant writing tutorials for select Federal grant programs.
For more information, please call 202-456-6708, send an email to fbci@dtihq.com , or visit www.fbci.gov .
We very much hope that you will be able to join us in Austin!
Friday, June 16, 2006
Congress misled on Palestinian Christians
Congress misled about real threat to PalestinianChristians
Press release 15 June 2006
In response to Texas congressman Michael McCaul’s resolution on the plight of Palestinian Christians, Open Bethlehem’s chief executive Leila Sansour, a Christian from Bethlehem, has sent a letter to congress expressing her community’s shock at the gross misrepresentation of the real threat facing Christians of the Holy Land and has urged congress to pay heed to the real threat to the oldest Christian community in the world.
The letter dated 13 June states: “We are disappointedby the latest resolution drafted by congressman McCauland congressman Crowley purporting to act on our behalf. The resolution seriously misrepresents the situation facing Christians in the Holy Land”.
The ill-conceived resolution accuses the Palestinian Authority of discrimination towards their own Christian community and blames it for the current wave of emigration of the Christians from the region. The resolution was drafted without any consultation with churches or Christian organizations in the Holy Land. The resolution ignores the numerous calls from churches in Jerusalem and Bethlehem - and the overwhelming body of reports from international human rights organizations - that warn of the devastating effect of the Israeli system of closure, collective punishment and the construction of the wall.
In theHoly City of Bethlehem, the wall forcefully expropriates most of Bethlehem’s valuable land and historic landmarks, depriving many Christian familiesof their homes, barring access to family and jobs in Jerusalem and all the lands that are on the other side of the wall. By perpetuating the misconception that it is theirMuslim neighbors and the Palestinian Authority who arecreating this crisis, rather than policies imposed by the Israeli government, congressman McCaul is further entrenching the problems facing the Christian community rather than helping to address them.
The Open Bethlehem campaign was created to address thestate of emergency in Bethlehem with full support from the Patriarchs of the churches in Jerusalem and all Bethlehem Civil institutions. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI received the first Open Bethlehem passport, lending his support to the campaign alongside international figures such as ArchbishopDesmond Tutu and President Jimmy Carter.
Open Bethlehem is encouraged by the interest shown bychurches and church leaders across the US and the workof rep.
Henry Hyde who has sought to bring congress’sattention to the plight of Christians in Palestine. In a letter to the White House last Friday, Rep. Hyde stated that the Wall and expanding settlements are, “irreversibly damaging the dwindling Christian community." The report says that "the Bethlehem area is home toover 20 Israeli settlements and there are plans to build more. The settlements and the barrier completely encircle the Christian triangle of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour (Shepherd’s Field)."
In addition to causing housing and land shortages, "this construction physically obstructs the Bethlehemcommunity from its spiritual, cultural and economic lifeline in Jerusalem."
Since 2000, approx. 3,000 Christians from Bethlehemhave emigrated. The UN states that: “This economic emigration will have a long-term impact on the multi-cultural character that has defined the city of Bethlehem for centuries.”
Leila Sansour says: “Palestinian Christians could verysoon become unsustainable as a community. Their erosion will mean an end to sacred Christian traditions that go back to the time of Jesus, and an end to the presence of Christianity in the Holy Land.
At this critical time it is imperative that Christiansaround the world act and speak responsibly about thisissue. It is imperative that those who want to see anopen, democratic and peaceful Middle East engagehonestly with our plight.” Church leaders from across the Christiandenominations have criticised the resolution. In theletter to US congress Open Bethlehem has urged theformation of a fact finding mission from congress thatwould help representatives become closely informedabout the situation. EndsFull text of the letter and resolution attached.
Contacts:
Leila Sansour mobile: +44 781 493 7743 London Office
Charlotte Carson: + 44 20 7222 8443
Bethlehem Office
Carol Dabdoub: + 972 5454 39 841
www.openbethlehem.org
Notes for editors:
• Open Bethlehem is a Bethlehem city initiative topreserve the historic character of our Holy citywithin an open, democratic and multi-faith MiddleEast.
• Open Bethlehem was launched on 9 November 2005,declaring Bethlehem an open city and announcing theissue of a Bethlehem passport, given to His HolinessPope Benedict.
• Open Bethlehem hosts tours, delegations, eventspromoters and investors on the basis that Bethlehem isa city of openness and diversity, with a centuries-oldtradition of welcoming travellers, refugees andpilgrims from across the world.
Press release 15 June 2006
In response to Texas congressman Michael McCaul’s resolution on the plight of Palestinian Christians, Open Bethlehem’s chief executive Leila Sansour, a Christian from Bethlehem, has sent a letter to congress expressing her community’s shock at the gross misrepresentation of the real threat facing Christians of the Holy Land and has urged congress to pay heed to the real threat to the oldest Christian community in the world.
The letter dated 13 June states: “We are disappointedby the latest resolution drafted by congressman McCauland congressman Crowley purporting to act on our behalf. The resolution seriously misrepresents the situation facing Christians in the Holy Land”.
The ill-conceived resolution accuses the Palestinian Authority of discrimination towards their own Christian community and blames it for the current wave of emigration of the Christians from the region. The resolution was drafted without any consultation with churches or Christian organizations in the Holy Land. The resolution ignores the numerous calls from churches in Jerusalem and Bethlehem - and the overwhelming body of reports from international human rights organizations - that warn of the devastating effect of the Israeli system of closure, collective punishment and the construction of the wall.
In theHoly City of Bethlehem, the wall forcefully expropriates most of Bethlehem’s valuable land and historic landmarks, depriving many Christian familiesof their homes, barring access to family and jobs in Jerusalem and all the lands that are on the other side of the wall. By perpetuating the misconception that it is theirMuslim neighbors and the Palestinian Authority who arecreating this crisis, rather than policies imposed by the Israeli government, congressman McCaul is further entrenching the problems facing the Christian community rather than helping to address them.
The Open Bethlehem campaign was created to address thestate of emergency in Bethlehem with full support from the Patriarchs of the churches in Jerusalem and all Bethlehem Civil institutions. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI received the first Open Bethlehem passport, lending his support to the campaign alongside international figures such as ArchbishopDesmond Tutu and President Jimmy Carter.
Open Bethlehem is encouraged by the interest shown bychurches and church leaders across the US and the workof rep.
Henry Hyde who has sought to bring congress’sattention to the plight of Christians in Palestine. In a letter to the White House last Friday, Rep. Hyde stated that the Wall and expanding settlements are, “irreversibly damaging the dwindling Christian community." The report says that "the Bethlehem area is home toover 20 Israeli settlements and there are plans to build more. The settlements and the barrier completely encircle the Christian triangle of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour (Shepherd’s Field)."
In addition to causing housing and land shortages, "this construction physically obstructs the Bethlehemcommunity from its spiritual, cultural and economic lifeline in Jerusalem."
Since 2000, approx. 3,000 Christians from Bethlehemhave emigrated. The UN states that: “This economic emigration will have a long-term impact on the multi-cultural character that has defined the city of Bethlehem for centuries.”
Leila Sansour says: “Palestinian Christians could verysoon become unsustainable as a community. Their erosion will mean an end to sacred Christian traditions that go back to the time of Jesus, and an end to the presence of Christianity in the Holy Land.
At this critical time it is imperative that Christiansaround the world act and speak responsibly about thisissue. It is imperative that those who want to see anopen, democratic and peaceful Middle East engagehonestly with our plight.” Church leaders from across the Christiandenominations have criticised the resolution. In theletter to US congress Open Bethlehem has urged theformation of a fact finding mission from congress thatwould help representatives become closely informedabout the situation. EndsFull text of the letter and resolution attached.
Contacts:
Leila Sansour mobile: +44 781 493 7743 London Office
Charlotte Carson: + 44 20 7222 8443
Bethlehem Office
Carol Dabdoub: + 972 5454 39 841
www.openbethlehem.org
Notes for editors:
• Open Bethlehem is a Bethlehem city initiative topreserve the historic character of our Holy citywithin an open, democratic and multi-faith MiddleEast.
• Open Bethlehem was launched on 9 November 2005,declaring Bethlehem an open city and announcing theissue of a Bethlehem passport, given to His HolinessPope Benedict.
• Open Bethlehem hosts tours, delegations, eventspromoters and investors on the basis that Bethlehem isa city of openness and diversity, with a centuries-oldtradition of welcoming travellers, refugees andpilgrims from across the world.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Palestinian American Federation urges protest of anti-Palestinian bill in Congress
Protest anti-Palestinian bill in Congress
The Palestinian American Federation
Please send to all on your list. To join the Federation click here
Act now to stop the lies in Congress regarding Palestinian Christians. They must not succeed in dividing our people
Congressmen Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Joseph Crowley (D-NY) are soliciting cosponsors for a bill addressing "the systematic destruction" of the Palestinian Christian community by the Palestinian Authority (PA).
WE must act now to stop the false accusation against the PA involvement in the "desecration of Christian holy sites and the forced submission to "Islamic law" and arbitrary imprisonment of Palestinian Christians."
Twisting the truth: The truth is, it is the Israelis, not the PA, that is destroying Christian Churches and confiscating Christian land.
"Dale Crowley Jr., used his WFAX broadcast to tell Christians in the Washington area of how the Israelis have oppressed Christian Palestinians, uprooting them from their homes, vandalized Christian churches in the Holy Land, and otherwise made life difficult for Christian Palestinians and other Christian Arabs in the Middle East. "He was fired after 20 years with the radio station.
Even Robert Novak’s who is a supporter of Israel, in his May column: “Plea for Palestinian Christians.” In it he outlines a recent letter (and staff report) sent to the White House by Rep. Henry Hyde- who is also a supporter of Israel-, who has been raising awareness of the situation of the Christians in the Holy Land over the past couple of years. As the article lays out, Hyde raises concerns about the settlements and the separation barrier, particularly in the “Christian Triangle” area of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. Novak also cites Hyde’s concerns about Israeli settler actions in Jerusalem that, “‘undermine[s]’ the stability of Jerusalem as a future shared capital of Israel and Palestine, which is described as ‘vital’ to US interests in a two-state solution.”
In a letter to the White House Hyde wrote: “I cannot be blind when Israeli actions seem to go beyond the realm of legitimate security concerns and have negative consequences on communities and lands under their occupation.”
Prominent Christians in Gaza told me their friends and relatives, denied access to and from the enclave, want to emigrate. Sami El-Youssef, financial vice president of Bethlehem University, said he believes there is a conscious Israeli policy of getting rid of the Christian minority, whose discomfiture is more politically embarrassing for Israel than Muslim distress.
" I could not find a Catholic layman or prelate who complained of anti-Christian bias by Muslims." Robert Novak
We urge everyone to speak out, especially our Christian brothers to stand up and make our voice heard loud and clear.
Below is the link for the House of Representatives. Send your congressman a message, call his Washington Office and his State Office.
United States House of Representatives, 109th Congress, 2nd Session: Homepage
To join the Federation click here
The Palestinian American Federation
Please send to all on your list. To join the Federation click here
Act now to stop the lies in Congress regarding Palestinian Christians. They must not succeed in dividing our people
Congressmen Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Joseph Crowley (D-NY) are soliciting cosponsors for a bill addressing "the systematic destruction" of the Palestinian Christian community by the Palestinian Authority (PA).
WE must act now to stop the false accusation against the PA involvement in the "desecration of Christian holy sites and the forced submission to "Islamic law" and arbitrary imprisonment of Palestinian Christians."
Twisting the truth: The truth is, it is the Israelis, not the PA, that is destroying Christian Churches and confiscating Christian land.
"Dale Crowley Jr., used his WFAX broadcast to tell Christians in the Washington area of how the Israelis have oppressed Christian Palestinians, uprooting them from their homes, vandalized Christian churches in the Holy Land, and otherwise made life difficult for Christian Palestinians and other Christian Arabs in the Middle East. "He was fired after 20 years with the radio station.
Even Robert Novak’s who is a supporter of Israel, in his May column: “Plea for Palestinian Christians.” In it he outlines a recent letter (and staff report) sent to the White House by Rep. Henry Hyde- who is also a supporter of Israel-, who has been raising awareness of the situation of the Christians in the Holy Land over the past couple of years. As the article lays out, Hyde raises concerns about the settlements and the separation barrier, particularly in the “Christian Triangle” area of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. Novak also cites Hyde’s concerns about Israeli settler actions in Jerusalem that, “‘undermine[s]’ the stability of Jerusalem as a future shared capital of Israel and Palestine, which is described as ‘vital’ to US interests in a two-state solution.”
In a letter to the White House Hyde wrote: “I cannot be blind when Israeli actions seem to go beyond the realm of legitimate security concerns and have negative consequences on communities and lands under their occupation.”
Prominent Christians in Gaza told me their friends and relatives, denied access to and from the enclave, want to emigrate. Sami El-Youssef, financial vice president of Bethlehem University, said he believes there is a conscious Israeli policy of getting rid of the Christian minority, whose discomfiture is more politically embarrassing for Israel than Muslim distress.
" I could not find a Catholic layman or prelate who complained of anti-Christian bias by Muslims." Robert Novak
We urge everyone to speak out, especially our Christian brothers to stand up and make our voice heard loud and clear.
Below is the link for the House of Representatives. Send your congressman a message, call his Washington Office and his State Office.
United States House of Representatives, 109th Congress, 2nd Session: Homepage
To join the Federation click here
Prince Turki Al-Faisal stresses close Saudi-US ties in Louisville
June 13, 2006 SAUDI ARABIA-US
In June 7 remarks to the World Affairs Council of Kentucky in Louisville, Saudi Ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal Prince Turki noted that Saudi Arabia has undergone tremendous economic, social and political development, and cited programs to improve education, municipal elections and $650 billion in investment opportunities as examples. He also encouraged American companies to take advantage of those investment opportunities in the Kingdom.
Prince Turki stressed the strength of the Saudi-US relationship, and highlighted similarities between the two peoples. “We’re plainspoken and straightforward, and we both believe in the importance of faith and family,” he said.
Interior Ministry confirms deaths of two Guantanamo detainees
On June 11, the Ministry of Interior said that Saudi authorities have been notified of the deaths of two Saudi citizens at the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay. They have been identified as Manie bin Shaman bin Turki Al-Habardi Al-Otaibi and Yasser Talal Abdullah Yahya Al-Zahrani. A spokesman said that official procedures are underway to repatriate the bodies of the two men.
New campaign to fight breast cancer in the Middle East
First Lady Laura Bush announced a major women’s health campaign in the Middle East – the US-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research – in remarks at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation 2006 Mission Conference in Arlington, Virginia June 13.
Organized by the State Department’s Office of Public Diplomacy and the Middle East Partnership Initiative, the partnership consists of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Partners will develop awareness and increase research, training and community outreach efforts.
Princess Nouf bint Fahd, the wife of the Saudi Ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal, welcomed the campaign, and noted that such initiatives enhance ties between the Kingdom and the US.
EDUCATION
Ministry of Education to offer religious tolerance training for teachers
The Ministry of Education has announced that it will provide special training programs to promote religious tolerance for male and female Islamic Studies teachers, Asharq Al-Awsat reported June 8. One of the Ministry’s main priorities is increasing awareness and religious tolerance among teachers, Saad Al-Mady, the Ministry’s director general of training, told the newspaper. Some of the training programs will be available on the Internet.
OIL
Saudi Aramco releases key oil, gas figures for 2005
Saudi Aramco disclosed key energy figures for 2005. Recoverable crude oil and condensate reserves are estimated at 259.8 billion barrels. In 2005, average crude oil production per day was 9.1 million barrels. Annual crude oil production was 3.3 billion barrels. Gas reserves are estimated at 239.5 trillion standard cubic feet. Average gas production per day in 2005 was 7.87 billion standard cubic feet. Annual gas production was 2.87 trillion standard cubic feet.
FOREIGN POLICY
Cabinet condemns Israeli shelling of Gaza beach
At its weekly meeting June 12, the Cabinet condemned Israel’s shelling of the Beit-Lahia beach in Gaza, in which innocent Palestinians were killed or injured. Such actions undermine the peace process and are opposed to basic human values, the Cabinet said.
INDUSTRY
King Abdullah launches megaprojects at Jubail II
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz launched several petrochemical and infrastructure megaprojects at the Jubail Industrial City II on June 11. The projects include new facilities at the King Fahd Industrial Port, the Saudi International Petrochemical Company’s Butanediol plant in addition to a number of projects that belong to the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu as well as private companies.
This material is distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.
June 13, 2006 SAUDI ARABIA-US
In June 7 remarks to the World Affairs Council of Kentucky in Louisville, Saudi Ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal Prince Turki noted that Saudi Arabia has undergone tremendous economic, social and political development, and cited programs to improve education, municipal elections and $650 billion in investment opportunities as examples. He also encouraged American companies to take advantage of those investment opportunities in the Kingdom.
Prince Turki stressed the strength of the Saudi-US relationship, and highlighted similarities between the two peoples. “We’re plainspoken and straightforward, and we both believe in the importance of faith and family,” he said.
Interior Ministry confirms deaths of two Guantanamo detainees
On June 11, the Ministry of Interior said that Saudi authorities have been notified of the deaths of two Saudi citizens at the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay. They have been identified as Manie bin Shaman bin Turki Al-Habardi Al-Otaibi and Yasser Talal Abdullah Yahya Al-Zahrani. A spokesman said that official procedures are underway to repatriate the bodies of the two men.
New campaign to fight breast cancer in the Middle East
First Lady Laura Bush announced a major women’s health campaign in the Middle East – the US-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research – in remarks at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation 2006 Mission Conference in Arlington, Virginia June 13.
Organized by the State Department’s Office of Public Diplomacy and the Middle East Partnership Initiative, the partnership consists of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Partners will develop awareness and increase research, training and community outreach efforts.
Princess Nouf bint Fahd, the wife of the Saudi Ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal, welcomed the campaign, and noted that such initiatives enhance ties between the Kingdom and the US.
EDUCATION
Ministry of Education to offer religious tolerance training for teachers
The Ministry of Education has announced that it will provide special training programs to promote religious tolerance for male and female Islamic Studies teachers, Asharq Al-Awsat reported June 8. One of the Ministry’s main priorities is increasing awareness and religious tolerance among teachers, Saad Al-Mady, the Ministry’s director general of training, told the newspaper. Some of the training programs will be available on the Internet.
OIL
Saudi Aramco releases key oil, gas figures for 2005
Saudi Aramco disclosed key energy figures for 2005. Recoverable crude oil and condensate reserves are estimated at 259.8 billion barrels. In 2005, average crude oil production per day was 9.1 million barrels. Annual crude oil production was 3.3 billion barrels. Gas reserves are estimated at 239.5 trillion standard cubic feet. Average gas production per day in 2005 was 7.87 billion standard cubic feet. Annual gas production was 2.87 trillion standard cubic feet.
FOREIGN POLICY
Cabinet condemns Israeli shelling of Gaza beach
At its weekly meeting June 12, the Cabinet condemned Israel’s shelling of the Beit-Lahia beach in Gaza, in which innocent Palestinians were killed or injured. Such actions undermine the peace process and are opposed to basic human values, the Cabinet said.
INDUSTRY
King Abdullah launches megaprojects at Jubail II
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz launched several petrochemical and infrastructure megaprojects at the Jubail Industrial City II on June 11. The projects include new facilities at the King Fahd Industrial Port, the Saudi International Petrochemical Company’s Butanediol plant in addition to a number of projects that belong to the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu as well as private companies.
This material is distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.
Moroccan conference to be held in Washington D.C. June 24
Moroccan conference scheduled in Washington DC June 24
Fellow Moroccan Americans,
The latest American census report indicates that the number of Moroccans residing in the United States exceeds 100,000.
In order to wield a persuasive voice that can influence policies affecting our lives, both in the US and in Morocco, we must fully exploit our growing presence to empower our community socially, economically, and politically.
With that vision in mind, a group of dedicated Moroccan American volunteers took the initiative to create a framework through which our combined ideas and collective experiences would be employed toward the most pressing issues facing us, including our territorial integrity.
Accordingly, we have the pleasure of inviting you to join this process, which we believe holds great promises for our community and for our beloved country of origin. We strongly encourage you to take part in this historic effort, at its inception, by attending our upcoming seminar. We ask you to add your voice to those of us who have already committed to attend. Please come prepared to share your thoughts and suggestions in the seminar.
Let us create an environment that allows Moroccan Americans to want to think and talk with each other, and to effectively plan and execute future strategies in a collective way.
Please join us in this momentous event to realize our common vision. A detailed program of the event will be sent shortly.
When: Saturday, June 24, 2006 from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM
Where: Radisson Hotel, Old Town Alexandria
901 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Telephone: (703) 683 6000
Fellow Moroccan Americans,
The latest American census report indicates that the number of Moroccans residing in the United States exceeds 100,000.
In order to wield a persuasive voice that can influence policies affecting our lives, both in the US and in Morocco, we must fully exploit our growing presence to empower our community socially, economically, and politically.
With that vision in mind, a group of dedicated Moroccan American volunteers took the initiative to create a framework through which our combined ideas and collective experiences would be employed toward the most pressing issues facing us, including our territorial integrity.
Accordingly, we have the pleasure of inviting you to join this process, which we believe holds great promises for our community and for our beloved country of origin. We strongly encourage you to take part in this historic effort, at its inception, by attending our upcoming seminar. We ask you to add your voice to those of us who have already committed to attend. Please come prepared to share your thoughts and suggestions in the seminar.
Let us create an environment that allows Moroccan Americans to want to think and talk with each other, and to effectively plan and execute future strategies in a collective way.
Please join us in this momentous event to realize our common vision. A detailed program of the event will be sent shortly.
When: Saturday, June 24, 2006 from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM
Where: Radisson Hotel, Old Town Alexandria
901 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Telephone: (703) 683 6000
Palestinian billionaire creating American jobs while President Bush outsources
PALESTINIAN BILLIONAIRE CREATING JOBS IN AMERICA
WHILE THE PREZ IS OK WITH SHIPPING JOBS OVERSEAS
HUDSON BOOKS
244 Madison Ave. #254, New York, NY 10016
Contact: David Schwartz Ph: 201-236-9990
E-mail: ArborBooksSchwartz@yahoo.com
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
(NEW YORK, NY) -- Outsourcing American jobs overseas has had unwavering support by the Bush Administration, US Chamber of Commerce, and major business think tanks. Then why is a foreign billionaire dead set on creating jobs right here in America for Americans? Samih Darwazah, a Palestinian-born, self-made business tycoon, can't figure why American companies are laying off millions of workers and shipping their jobs out of the US.
It's especially puzzling because Darwazah's own company, Hikma Pharmaceutical, loves building in America and hiring American workers. Hikma has already built and is expanding one plant in Eatontown, New Jersey, and is planning a second one in the US. "America has the world’s best educated and disciplined work force," said Darwazah. "Americans may cost more to hire, but their productivity is far better. It’s a huge mistake to weaken the American work force. America could pay dearly for this in the long term." Forrester Research projects that 3 million more high-paying white-collar jobs will be sent overseas in less than a decade. Off-shoring (the term for outsourcing jobs overseas), once limited to manufacturing jobs, has now spread to all of America’s workforce. The Economic Policy Institute warns of "the very real risks off-shoring poses to [America's] living standards." This particular trend of globalization worries Darwazah, especially since it might weaken America and her position in the world. That may seem odd to some people who see any Arab or Palestinian as an enemy. But for Samih, it's not odd at all. It's downright personal. In fact, Darwazah himself is a prime example of America’s foreign-policy gone right. American aid led to his education in Jordan and his becoming a Fulbright Scholar. Samih and his family then came to America (legally), where he worked as a pharmaceutical rep. Eventually, he parlayed those US-provided opportunities into mega-success. Now he believes because America invested in his future that he should be investing in America’s.
"There may come a time in the near future that no job in America will be safe from this pernicious practice of off-shoring and that’s a shame," said Darwazah. "America is the world leader and a weak America makes for an unstable, dangerous world." American business schools, such as Harvard and Columbia, are now paying close attention to Darwazah and even study his business model. His book, "Building a Global Success," has been endorsed by the Deans of both schools. Hikma, listed on the London Stock Exhchange (HIK), has grown 35 percent a year, with annual sales over a billion dollars in 60 countries. Samih Darwazah, is the founder and chairman of Hikma Group, a billion-dollar multinational pharmaceutical company. He was a Fulbright Scholar and former Energy Minister in the Jordanian government under King Hussein. "Building a Global Success" is his first book.
-- 30 --
("Building a Global Success: The Story of Samih Darwazah and the Rise of Hikma" by Samih Darwazah ISBN: 0-9749860-9-7/Trade Paper -- $17.95ISBN: 0-9762502-2-5/Cloth -- $27.95218 pages; Illustrated; Hudson Books)
NOTE:
While American companies are outsourcing jobs overseas, Samih Darwazah, palestinian-born CEO of Hikma Pharmaceutical is bringing jobs back to America. His story is a combination of an Arab billionaire success story and American Foreign policy that actually worked in the middle east.
Darwazah benefitted from American education grants in the middle east, and later on served in the Jordanian government under King Hussein.
He now runs a multi-billion dollar global pharma company that has one plant already in the US, in New Jersey and is planning to open up a second one in the Maryland region.
END
WHILE THE PREZ IS OK WITH SHIPPING JOBS OVERSEAS
HUDSON BOOKS
244 Madison Ave. #254, New York, NY 10016
Contact: David Schwartz Ph: 201-236-9990
E-mail: ArborBooksSchwartz@yahoo.com
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
(NEW YORK, NY) -- Outsourcing American jobs overseas has had unwavering support by the Bush Administration, US Chamber of Commerce, and major business think tanks. Then why is a foreign billionaire dead set on creating jobs right here in America for Americans? Samih Darwazah, a Palestinian-born, self-made business tycoon, can't figure why American companies are laying off millions of workers and shipping their jobs out of the US.
It's especially puzzling because Darwazah's own company, Hikma Pharmaceutical, loves building in America and hiring American workers. Hikma has already built and is expanding one plant in Eatontown, New Jersey, and is planning a second one in the US. "America has the world’s best educated and disciplined work force," said Darwazah. "Americans may cost more to hire, but their productivity is far better. It’s a huge mistake to weaken the American work force. America could pay dearly for this in the long term." Forrester Research projects that 3 million more high-paying white-collar jobs will be sent overseas in less than a decade. Off-shoring (the term for outsourcing jobs overseas), once limited to manufacturing jobs, has now spread to all of America’s workforce. The Economic Policy Institute warns of "the very real risks off-shoring poses to [America's] living standards." This particular trend of globalization worries Darwazah, especially since it might weaken America and her position in the world. That may seem odd to some people who see any Arab or Palestinian as an enemy. But for Samih, it's not odd at all. It's downright personal. In fact, Darwazah himself is a prime example of America’s foreign-policy gone right. American aid led to his education in Jordan and his becoming a Fulbright Scholar. Samih and his family then came to America (legally), where he worked as a pharmaceutical rep. Eventually, he parlayed those US-provided opportunities into mega-success. Now he believes because America invested in his future that he should be investing in America’s.
"There may come a time in the near future that no job in America will be safe from this pernicious practice of off-shoring and that’s a shame," said Darwazah. "America is the world leader and a weak America makes for an unstable, dangerous world." American business schools, such as Harvard and Columbia, are now paying close attention to Darwazah and even study his business model. His book, "Building a Global Success," has been endorsed by the Deans of both schools. Hikma, listed on the London Stock Exhchange (HIK), has grown 35 percent a year, with annual sales over a billion dollars in 60 countries. Samih Darwazah, is the founder and chairman of Hikma Group, a billion-dollar multinational pharmaceutical company. He was a Fulbright Scholar and former Energy Minister in the Jordanian government under King Hussein. "Building a Global Success" is his first book.
-- 30 --
("Building a Global Success: The Story of Samih Darwazah and the Rise of Hikma" by Samih Darwazah ISBN: 0-9749860-9-7/Trade Paper -- $17.95ISBN: 0-9762502-2-5/Cloth -- $27.95218 pages; Illustrated; Hudson Books)
NOTE:
While American companies are outsourcing jobs overseas, Samih Darwazah, palestinian-born CEO of Hikma Pharmaceutical is bringing jobs back to America. His story is a combination of an Arab billionaire success story and American Foreign policy that actually worked in the middle east.
Darwazah benefitted from American education grants in the middle east, and later on served in the Jordanian government under King Hussein.
He now runs a multi-billion dollar global pharma company that has one plant already in the US, in New Jersey and is planning to open up a second one in the Maryland region.
END
Bridges TV offered as regular programming on Adephia Cable TV
Bridges TV Goes Mainstream on Adelphia Cable
The Network Is No Longer a Premium Service on Adelphia Cable
BUFFALO, N.Y., June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridges TV announced today the addition of its network to Adelphia Digital Basic Cable service on channel 260. The network was formerly a premium service for $14.95 per month. Bridges TV is a 24x7 English language network focused on bridging the gap between Western and Muslim worlds.
Dr. Khalid Qazi, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) in Western New York, stated, "By expanding Bridges TV to basic cable, Adelphia has shown genuine openness and outreach towards American Muslims giving them a voice in the mainstream media." Dr. Qazi added, "This is an excellent example of a partnership between the local community and the local cable. The best way for the community to appreciate Adelphia is for them to consider Adelphia as their preferred provider."
Bridges TV is now available on Adelphia's Digital Cable service in the City of Buffalo and surrounding suburbs of Western New York at no extra charge.
The expansion of Bridges TV to basic cable (digital) allows Adelphia Cable customers exclusive 24/7 access to news stories, current affairs and unique programming in English focused on bridging the gap between Western and Muslim worlds. Last month, the FBI & Muslim Town Hall on Bridges TV received significant media attention and viewership. The U.S. State Department plans similar television town halls on Bridges TV."The content on Bridges TV is unique with no duplication on the dial," said Nancy Sanders, the News Director of the network and a 20-year veteran of an ABC News affiliate.
Sanders added, "Americans can now get a completely unique perspective on issues from Danish Cartoons to Dubai Ports." After the uproar over the Danish cartoons about Prophet Muhammad, Bridges TV is airing the award winning film "Muhammad, Legacy of the Prophet" on Tuesday, June 20th at 8pm ET / 9pm PT. The film, produced by Michael Wolfe and Alex Kronemer, delivered record Nielsen ratings last year for PBS.
Bridges TV got started in 2005, after 10,000 people contributed $100 each to start a network that would give American Muslims a voice in the mainstream media. However, the network got launched as a subscription-based premium service. This limited the ability of the network to build bridges, as mainstream Americans were unlikely to watch a "Muslim" pay channel. "Today Adelphia has made the dream a reality," said Fayyaz Hussain, President of the Pakistan American Association in WNY.
Mr. Hussain added, "Our organization now plans a community-wide initiative to bring new Digital Cable and High- Speed Internet customers to Adelphia."
Last month MPAC awarded its prestigious annual Media Award to Mo Hassan, CEO of Bridges TV, for helping 8 million American Muslims gain a voice in the mainstream media. "When you give a disenfranchised people a voice, it creates a win-win for everyone," said Hassan.
About Bridges
TV Bridges TV is a 24/7 English language network available in nearly one million cable and satellite television households nationwide. The first of its kind, Bridges TV gives 300 million Americans an opportunity to engage in a dialog with 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide. For more information about Bridges TV, call 716-961-3109 or visit
http://www.bridgestv.com
About Adelphia CommunicationsAs one of the nation's leading cable companies, Adelphia serves more than 5.3 million residential customers nationwide, including over 300,000 customers throughout the Buffalo Niagara region. In addition to cable entertainment, Adelphia offers Digital Cable, High Definition TV (HDTV), Digital Video Recorder (DVR), High-Speed Internet (HSI) and OnDemand services.
Contact Information:Mo S. Hassan, CEO of Bridges TV, Tel: 716-308-6593; EM: mohassan@bridgestv.comEarl Wells, E-3 Communications, Tel: 716-854-8182This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.
Source: Bridges TV CONTACT: Mo S. Hassan, CEO of Bridges TV, +1-716-308-6593,mohassan@bridgestv.com, or Earl Wells of E-3 Communications, +1-716-854-8182Web site: http://www.bridgestv.com/
The Network Is No Longer a Premium Service on Adelphia Cable
BUFFALO, N.Y., June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridges TV announced today the addition of its network to Adelphia Digital Basic Cable service on channel 260. The network was formerly a premium service for $14.95 per month. Bridges TV is a 24x7 English language network focused on bridging the gap between Western and Muslim worlds.
Dr. Khalid Qazi, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) in Western New York, stated, "By expanding Bridges TV to basic cable, Adelphia has shown genuine openness and outreach towards American Muslims giving them a voice in the mainstream media." Dr. Qazi added, "This is an excellent example of a partnership between the local community and the local cable. The best way for the community to appreciate Adelphia is for them to consider Adelphia as their preferred provider."
Bridges TV is now available on Adelphia's Digital Cable service in the City of Buffalo and surrounding suburbs of Western New York at no extra charge.
The expansion of Bridges TV to basic cable (digital) allows Adelphia Cable customers exclusive 24/7 access to news stories, current affairs and unique programming in English focused on bridging the gap between Western and Muslim worlds. Last month, the FBI & Muslim Town Hall on Bridges TV received significant media attention and viewership. The U.S. State Department plans similar television town halls on Bridges TV."The content on Bridges TV is unique with no duplication on the dial," said Nancy Sanders, the News Director of the network and a 20-year veteran of an ABC News affiliate.
Sanders added, "Americans can now get a completely unique perspective on issues from Danish Cartoons to Dubai Ports." After the uproar over the Danish cartoons about Prophet Muhammad, Bridges TV is airing the award winning film "Muhammad, Legacy of the Prophet" on Tuesday, June 20th at 8pm ET / 9pm PT. The film, produced by Michael Wolfe and Alex Kronemer, delivered record Nielsen ratings last year for PBS.
Bridges TV got started in 2005, after 10,000 people contributed $100 each to start a network that would give American Muslims a voice in the mainstream media. However, the network got launched as a subscription-based premium service. This limited the ability of the network to build bridges, as mainstream Americans were unlikely to watch a "Muslim" pay channel. "Today Adelphia has made the dream a reality," said Fayyaz Hussain, President of the Pakistan American Association in WNY.
Mr. Hussain added, "Our organization now plans a community-wide initiative to bring new Digital Cable and High- Speed Internet customers to Adelphia."
Last month MPAC awarded its prestigious annual Media Award to Mo Hassan, CEO of Bridges TV, for helping 8 million American Muslims gain a voice in the mainstream media. "When you give a disenfranchised people a voice, it creates a win-win for everyone," said Hassan.
About Bridges
TV Bridges TV is a 24/7 English language network available in nearly one million cable and satellite television households nationwide. The first of its kind, Bridges TV gives 300 million Americans an opportunity to engage in a dialog with 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide. For more information about Bridges TV, call 716-961-3109 or visit
http://www.bridgestv.com
About Adelphia CommunicationsAs one of the nation's leading cable companies, Adelphia serves more than 5.3 million residential customers nationwide, including over 300,000 customers throughout the Buffalo Niagara region. In addition to cable entertainment, Adelphia offers Digital Cable, High Definition TV (HDTV), Digital Video Recorder (DVR), High-Speed Internet (HSI) and OnDemand services.
Contact Information:Mo S. Hassan, CEO of Bridges TV, Tel: 716-308-6593; EM: mohassan@bridgestv.comEarl Wells, E-3 Communications, Tel: 716-854-8182This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.
Source: Bridges TV CONTACT: Mo S. Hassan, CEO of Bridges TV, +1-716-308-6593,mohassan@bridgestv.com, or Earl Wells of E-3 Communications, +1-716-854-8182Web site: http://www.bridgestv.com/
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Israel denies role in Gaza beach massacre -- despite evidence
In typical Israeli military and government style to deny responsibility for anything negative, israel again claimed it was not responsible for the murder of civilians on a Gaza Beach earlier in the week.
Remarkably, no other weapon could have caused the damage or killed so many people at one time.
Onesided news reports quickly promoted Israel's denials, although many of the same news media in the United States rarely report in detail on Israel's alleged war crimes and violations of the Fourth Geneva Conventions.
One report:
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel on Tuesday denied responsibility for an explosion on a Gaza beach last week that killed seven Palestinian civilians and led militant group Hamas to call off a 16-month truce.
Defence Minister Amir Peretz told reporters the explosion was not caused by the Israeli Defence Forces but did not provide an explanation for what might have caused the blast, which killed several members of the same family.
Major General Meir Califi, who headed the army's investigation into Friday's incident, said Israel's shelling of Gaza had stopped by the time the beach explosion occurred.
"The chances that artillery fire hit that area at that time are nil," Califi told a news conference.
Hamas, which heads the Palestinian Authority after winning elections earlier this year, has blamed Israel for the explosion, which came on a day of heavy shelling of Gaza.
Israel frequently fires artillery rounds into the coastal strip in response to Palestinian rockets fired at Israel.
There has been a surge in violence between Israel and the Palestinians since the beach explosion, the immediate aftermath of which was caught on film and showed an 8-year-old girl desperately searching for her dead father.
An investigator from international rights group Human Rights Watch told reporters in Gaza earlier that evidence pointed to Israel having fired the shell, but he had to leave the door open to the possibility that the explosion was caused by something else.
END
Remarkably, no other weapon could have caused the damage or killed so many people at one time.
Onesided news reports quickly promoted Israel's denials, although many of the same news media in the United States rarely report in detail on Israel's alleged war crimes and violations of the Fourth Geneva Conventions.
One report:
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel on Tuesday denied responsibility for an explosion on a Gaza beach last week that killed seven Palestinian civilians and led militant group Hamas to call off a 16-month truce.
Defence Minister Amir Peretz told reporters the explosion was not caused by the Israeli Defence Forces but did not provide an explanation for what might have caused the blast, which killed several members of the same family.
Major General Meir Califi, who headed the army's investigation into Friday's incident, said Israel's shelling of Gaza had stopped by the time the beach explosion occurred.
"The chances that artillery fire hit that area at that time are nil," Califi told a news conference.
Hamas, which heads the Palestinian Authority after winning elections earlier this year, has blamed Israel for the explosion, which came on a day of heavy shelling of Gaza.
Israel frequently fires artillery rounds into the coastal strip in response to Palestinian rockets fired at Israel.
There has been a surge in violence between Israel and the Palestinians since the beach explosion, the immediate aftermath of which was caught on film and showed an 8-year-old girl desperately searching for her dead father.
An investigator from international rights group Human Rights Watch told reporters in Gaza earlier that evidence pointed to Israel having fired the shell, but he had to leave the door open to the possibility that the explosion was caused by something else.
END
Palestinians condemn new round of violence by Israel
11 Palestinians, Including a Man, His Two Children and Two paramedics, Killed and 30 Others Wounded in an IOF Air Strike on a Civilian Car inGaza
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
PRESS RELEASE
Ref: 51/2006
Date: 13 June 2006
Time: 13:00 GMT
11 Palestinians, Including a Man, His Two Children and Two paramedics, Killed and 30 Others Wounded in an IOF Air Strike on a Civilian Car inGaza
On Tuesday noon, 13 June 2006, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF)committed a new extra-judicial execution in Gaza City, which killed 11Palestinians, including 9 civilian bystanders. A man, his twochildren and two paramedics were among the victims. The targetedperson in this attack was a member of the Islamic Jihad. Investigations conducted by PCHR indicate that IOF aircrafts launched amissile at dozens of civilians, including paramedics, who gathered neara civilian car shortly after IOF aircrafts attacked it, targeting amember of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad. Thus, the number of extra-judicial executions committed by IOF in thepast 4 days has mounted to 6, which have killed 18 Palestinians andhave wounded at least 40 others. This latest attack and other similarattacks have come as an implementation of a series of decisions takenby the Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz to escalate extra-judicialexecutions against Palestinian militants to stop launching locally maderockets at Israeli towns. Peretz has been also considering intensifyingmilitary operations in the Gaza Strip, whose victims are often unarmedcivilians.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 11:45on Tuesday, 13 June 2006, an IOF aircraft launched one missile at acivilian vehicle (Voks Wagen) that was traveling near Martyr Mohammedal-Durra Hospital in al-Tuffah neighborhood in the northeast of GazaCity. Two members of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of theIslamic Jihad, were traveling in the car. The missile directly hit thecar, killing the two members of the al-Quds Brigades: Hammoudaal-Wadiya; and Shawqi al-Saiqali. Palestinian civilians living in thearea gathered around the car and two paramedics from the nearbyhospital came to provide first medical aid.
Immediately, IOF aircraftslaunched another missile at the car, killing 10 civilians, including aman, his two children and the two paramedics:
1. Hussam Hamad, a paramedic;
2. ‘Adnan Daoud Taleb, 35;
3. Ashraf Farouq al-Mughrabi;
4. Hisham Ashraf al-Mughrabi, 7;
5. Maher Ashraf al-Mughrabi;
6. ‘Ali al-‘Omari;
7. Ibrahim al-Da’lees;
8. Rafeeq al-Mubayed; and
9. Mousa Nasrallah.
In addition, at least 30 other civilians, including a number ofchildren, were wounded; the wounds of 12 of them have been described bymedical sources as serious. PCHR strongly condemns this latest attack. PCHR is gravely concernedover the Israeli escalation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). PCHR asserts that such crimes serve to escalate tension in theregion and threaten the lives of Palestinians.
PCHR calls upon the international community to immediately intervene to stop such crimes,and reiterates its calls for the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to meet their obligations to ensure protection for Palestinian civilians in the OPT.
-End-
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
PRESS RELEASE
Ref: 51/2006
Date: 13 June 2006
Time: 13:00 GMT
11 Palestinians, Including a Man, His Two Children and Two paramedics, Killed and 30 Others Wounded in an IOF Air Strike on a Civilian Car inGaza
On Tuesday noon, 13 June 2006, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF)committed a new extra-judicial execution in Gaza City, which killed 11Palestinians, including 9 civilian bystanders. A man, his twochildren and two paramedics were among the victims. The targetedperson in this attack was a member of the Islamic Jihad. Investigations conducted by PCHR indicate that IOF aircrafts launched amissile at dozens of civilians, including paramedics, who gathered neara civilian car shortly after IOF aircrafts attacked it, targeting amember of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad. Thus, the number of extra-judicial executions committed by IOF in thepast 4 days has mounted to 6, which have killed 18 Palestinians andhave wounded at least 40 others. This latest attack and other similarattacks have come as an implementation of a series of decisions takenby the Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz to escalate extra-judicialexecutions against Palestinian militants to stop launching locally maderockets at Israeli towns. Peretz has been also considering intensifyingmilitary operations in the Gaza Strip, whose victims are often unarmedcivilians.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 11:45on Tuesday, 13 June 2006, an IOF aircraft launched one missile at acivilian vehicle (Voks Wagen) that was traveling near Martyr Mohammedal-Durra Hospital in al-Tuffah neighborhood in the northeast of GazaCity. Two members of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of theIslamic Jihad, were traveling in the car. The missile directly hit thecar, killing the two members of the al-Quds Brigades: Hammoudaal-Wadiya; and Shawqi al-Saiqali. Palestinian civilians living in thearea gathered around the car and two paramedics from the nearbyhospital came to provide first medical aid.
Immediately, IOF aircraftslaunched another missile at the car, killing 10 civilians, including aman, his two children and the two paramedics:
1. Hussam Hamad, a paramedic;
2. ‘Adnan Daoud Taleb, 35;
3. Ashraf Farouq al-Mughrabi;
4. Hisham Ashraf al-Mughrabi, 7;
5. Maher Ashraf al-Mughrabi;
6. ‘Ali al-‘Omari;
7. Ibrahim al-Da’lees;
8. Rafeeq al-Mubayed; and
9. Mousa Nasrallah.
In addition, at least 30 other civilians, including a number ofchildren, were wounded; the wounds of 12 of them have been described bymedical sources as serious. PCHR strongly condemns this latest attack. PCHR is gravely concernedover the Israeli escalation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). PCHR asserts that such crimes serve to escalate tension in theregion and threaten the lives of Palestinians.
PCHR calls upon the international community to immediately intervene to stop such crimes,and reiterates its calls for the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to meet their obligations to ensure protection for Palestinian civilians in the OPT.
-End-
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Searching for Peace in the Middle East film now available
New film "Searching for Peace in the Middle East
The Foundation for Middle East Peace is proud to introduce Searching for Peace in the Middle East, a film by Landrum Bolling
This 30 minute DVD is a compelling portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by a veteran educator, Middle East expert, and peacemaker. Through the voices of Israelis and Palestinians, it reveals their hopes and fears and explores the issues that divide them. It also describes a common yearning for peace, pointing the way toward a resolution of this tragic conflict that would meet the deepest needs of both societies.
"... Searching for Peace in the Middle East is a superb presentation of the intricate relations betweenIsraelis and Palestinians, presented dramatically by people from both sides. Their combined proposals, clearly presented, comprise the only pathway to peace, with justice, in the Holy Land."
FormerPresident Jimmy Carter
The film features these Israelis and Palestinians:Hanan Ashrawi, Palestinian legislator; Rami Elhanan,Bereaved Parents Circle; Daniel Taubman, Israelidiplomat; Prof. Naomi Chazan, Hebrew University;Jonathan Kuttab, Palestinian lawyer; Gershon Baskin,Co-Director, IPCRI; Arik Ascherman, Rabbis for HumanRights; Gary Cooperberg, settler, Kiryat Arba; ColonelBenzi Gruber, IDF, retired, settler, Efrat; JadIsaac, environmentalist; Mahmoud Zahar, PalestinianForeign Minister.
Send for a free copy of Searching for Peace in theMiddle East. Email info@fmep.org, call (202)835-3650,or write to us at FMEP, 1761 N Street NW, Washington,D.C. 20036. Include your name, mailing and emailaddress. The DVD includes a study guide. You may also view Searching for Peace online. 1761 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
END
The Foundation for Middle East Peace is proud to introduce Searching for Peace in the Middle East, a film by Landrum Bolling
This 30 minute DVD is a compelling portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by a veteran educator, Middle East expert, and peacemaker. Through the voices of Israelis and Palestinians, it reveals their hopes and fears and explores the issues that divide them. It also describes a common yearning for peace, pointing the way toward a resolution of this tragic conflict that would meet the deepest needs of both societies.
"... Searching for Peace in the Middle East is a superb presentation of the intricate relations betweenIsraelis and Palestinians, presented dramatically by people from both sides. Their combined proposals, clearly presented, comprise the only pathway to peace, with justice, in the Holy Land."
FormerPresident Jimmy Carter
The film features these Israelis and Palestinians:Hanan Ashrawi, Palestinian legislator; Rami Elhanan,Bereaved Parents Circle; Daniel Taubman, Israelidiplomat; Prof. Naomi Chazan, Hebrew University;Jonathan Kuttab, Palestinian lawyer; Gershon Baskin,Co-Director, IPCRI; Arik Ascherman, Rabbis for HumanRights; Gary Cooperberg, settler, Kiryat Arba; ColonelBenzi Gruber, IDF, retired, settler, Efrat; JadIsaac, environmentalist; Mahmoud Zahar, PalestinianForeign Minister.
Send for a free copy of Searching for Peace in theMiddle East. Email info@fmep.org, call (202)835-3650,or write to us at FMEP, 1761 N Street NW, Washington,D.C. 20036. Include your name, mailing and emailaddress. The DVD includes a study guide. You may also view Searching for Peace online. 1761 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
END
DAIR Condemns Israeli massacre of Palestinian civilians
The PLO condemns the Israeli Occupation Crimes and demands International protection to the Palestinian Civilians
On Friday, June 9th 2006, another Israeli massacre was committed against the Palestinian civilians in Gaza strip; 7 of the 10 victims are members of the same family, among those are 4 children and a 5-month-old toddler. The Israeli tanks shelled the shore where the family was resorting at Beit-Lahia's beach in the weekend.
During the past 24 hours, 17 martyrs died as a result of Israeli extra-judicial assassinations in Gaza Strip; in the past six years the number of martyrs escalated to 4100 Palestinian, 800 children are among those.
The above crime is just an episode in the series of the ongoing Israeli massacres against the Palestinians to impose the Israeli Prime minister's, Ehud Olmert, unilateral solutions; the economic siege against the Palestinians is as harmful as the military war.
The Department of Arab and International Relations /PLO condemns the targeting of the Palestinian civilians and denounce the American Official stand, which contradicts with all international resolutions and laws; many other states shyly denounced the Israeli crimes.
The Israeli state terror should be stopped, and that can only be done if and when:
- The International society acts according to its human responsibilities and provide protection for the Palestinian people.
- The UN Security Council issues a clear statement to denounce the Israeli massacre.
- Similar stands are expected from the side of all friends and solidarity movements from all over the world
The Department of Arab and International Relations
PLO
Ramallah –Palestine
June 10th 2006
END
On Friday, June 9th 2006, another Israeli massacre was committed against the Palestinian civilians in Gaza strip; 7 of the 10 victims are members of the same family, among those are 4 children and a 5-month-old toddler. The Israeli tanks shelled the shore where the family was resorting at Beit-Lahia's beach in the weekend.
During the past 24 hours, 17 martyrs died as a result of Israeli extra-judicial assassinations in Gaza Strip; in the past six years the number of martyrs escalated to 4100 Palestinian, 800 children are among those.
The above crime is just an episode in the series of the ongoing Israeli massacres against the Palestinians to impose the Israeli Prime minister's, Ehud Olmert, unilateral solutions; the economic siege against the Palestinians is as harmful as the military war.
The Department of Arab and International Relations /PLO condemns the targeting of the Palestinian civilians and denounce the American Official stand, which contradicts with all international resolutions and laws; many other states shyly denounced the Israeli crimes.
The Israeli state terror should be stopped, and that can only be done if and when:
- The International society acts according to its human responsibilities and provide protection for the Palestinian people.
- The UN Security Council issues a clear statement to denounce the Israeli massacre.
- Similar stands are expected from the side of all friends and solidarity movements from all over the world
The Department of Arab and International Relations
PLO
Ramallah –Palestine
June 10th 2006
END
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Palestinians-Israelis at Haifa University study impact of Wall -- highlight tensions in Israel between Jewish and non-Jewish citizens
At Haifa University: Study day on separation walls between Arabs and Jews in Israel
'Separation Walls between Arabs and Jews in Israel' was the conference held on Sunday, June 4 at Haifa University, organised by the Arab Association for Human Rights (HRA) and the Jewish-Arab Centre for Middle Eastern studies at Haifa University.
The study day dealt with the political, legal and psychological aspects of the separation walls between Arab and Jewish communities in three mixed cities and neighbourhoods in Israel and their impacts on all aspects of an Arab citizen's life.
The study day was opened with words from Professor Arye Rattner, Dean of Social Sciences at Haifa University and from the Chairman of the HRA, Adv. Salim Wakeem.
Adv. Wakeem spoke about the HRA's activities and emphasised the importance of cooperation between NGOs and academia. Dan Bavly, Chairman of the Board at the Jewish-Arab Centre, Dr. Rassem Khamaisi, a lecturer from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Haifa University, Hermann Bünz, Director of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in Israel, all offered welcoming remarks. Finally, Dr. Faisal Azaiza spoke, emphasising the importance of open public discussion on such issues, and its particular relevance to academia.
The first session of the conference was 'Walls and their Legal and Psychological Ramifications', and also involved the participants analysing the walls in geographical and political contexts. Discussion brought forth how the phenomenon of wall construction between Arab and Jewish towns is on the rise, and how through local Jewish planning institutions, walls are constructed without Arab representation in the decision-making process.
The HRA's Director, Mohammad Zeidan, reviewed the separation walls in three areas in Israel – Lid, Ramleh, and between Jisr al-Zarqa and Qesariya, which were addressed in the Behind the Walls report published in December 2005, while also elaborating on the violations of human rights and the rights of the citizen. He said, "The Jewish majority sees the minority as a threat and as an unwelcome people. The danger here is that in some cases the building of the walls was a government initiative – in making the decision and funding the construction. This, if not stopped, will be governmental policy in dealing with the Palestinian minority in the country". Zeidan also added that the walls' construction would increase the feeling of discrimination based on ethnicity and will impose separation on the ground. He stressed that building walls does not solve problems but only accentuate them.
Dr Yusuf Jabareen, from the Faculty of Law at the universities of Haifa and Tel Aviv, analysed the recent court decision on separation wall construction within Israel. He said, "The walls separate between Jews and Arabs and are therefore racial walls. They are forced by the strong side on the weak one. This leads to the violation of the rights of the minority. And there is a clear message in this – 'We don't want you; we here, you there'."
Mouna Karkabi, from the Department of Psychology at Haifa University, said there was a lot of psychological damage on Arab citizens as a result of the wall's construction, effecting crucial decisions in an Arab citizen's life – his educational and career choices, as well his place of residence.
The second session, chaired by Dr Deborah Shmueli from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Haifa University, was 'Separation Walls from Theory to Reality: Environmental Aspects'. Professor Nurit Kliot, also from the same department, Dr Tobi Fenster, from the Department of Geography at Tel Aviv University, and Dr. Rassem Khamaisi all participated in this session. Dr. Khamaisi reviewed the impacts of the separation walls in the public sphere from the technical and planning aspects.
The final session was the 'Round Table: Separation or Cooperation in the Shadow of the Walls' headed by Hussein Abu Hussein, Board Member of the HRA. Sheikh Murad 'Ammash, head of the Jisr al-Zarqa municipality, testified to the negative effects on his community and that of neighbouring Qesariya as a result of the earth embankment, and how it would affect the neighbourhood's future economical development and construction. MK 'Abbas Zakour offered his personal perspective on the current status of relations between Arabs and Jews in the country, with special focus on his home town, the mixed city of 'Akka. He reiterated that the idea of building separation walls would only increase the discrimination and tension between Arabs and Jews. Dr. Edy Kaufman, from the Centre for International Development and Conflict Management, University of Maryland, spoke about similar situations of separation in the world and called to oppose or struggle against the idea of separation on national background.
The comments made by Professor Arnon Sofer, from the Geography Department at Haifa University, whose take on the Arab minority in Israel is well known, made for a lively discussion throughout the conference. The participation of the speakers and the public made for a particularly engaging study day that helped introduce the issue of separation walls to academia and helped foster new ideas on the same.
For further information, please contact us directly:
Mohammad Zeidan, Director
Arab Association for Human Rights (HRA)
PO Box 215, Nazareth 16101, Israel
Telephone: +972 (0)4 6561923
Fax: +972 (0)4 6564934
Email: mzeidan@arabhra.org; hra1@arabhra.org
'Separation Walls between Arabs and Jews in Israel' was the conference held on Sunday, June 4 at Haifa University, organised by the Arab Association for Human Rights (HRA) and the Jewish-Arab Centre for Middle Eastern studies at Haifa University.
The study day dealt with the political, legal and psychological aspects of the separation walls between Arab and Jewish communities in three mixed cities and neighbourhoods in Israel and their impacts on all aspects of an Arab citizen's life.
The study day was opened with words from Professor Arye Rattner, Dean of Social Sciences at Haifa University and from the Chairman of the HRA, Adv. Salim Wakeem.
Adv. Wakeem spoke about the HRA's activities and emphasised the importance of cooperation between NGOs and academia. Dan Bavly, Chairman of the Board at the Jewish-Arab Centre, Dr. Rassem Khamaisi, a lecturer from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Haifa University, Hermann Bünz, Director of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in Israel, all offered welcoming remarks. Finally, Dr. Faisal Azaiza spoke, emphasising the importance of open public discussion on such issues, and its particular relevance to academia.
The first session of the conference was 'Walls and their Legal and Psychological Ramifications', and also involved the participants analysing the walls in geographical and political contexts. Discussion brought forth how the phenomenon of wall construction between Arab and Jewish towns is on the rise, and how through local Jewish planning institutions, walls are constructed without Arab representation in the decision-making process.
The HRA's Director, Mohammad Zeidan, reviewed the separation walls in three areas in Israel – Lid, Ramleh, and between Jisr al-Zarqa and Qesariya, which were addressed in the Behind the Walls report published in December 2005, while also elaborating on the violations of human rights and the rights of the citizen. He said, "The Jewish majority sees the minority as a threat and as an unwelcome people. The danger here is that in some cases the building of the walls was a government initiative – in making the decision and funding the construction. This, if not stopped, will be governmental policy in dealing with the Palestinian minority in the country". Zeidan also added that the walls' construction would increase the feeling of discrimination based on ethnicity and will impose separation on the ground. He stressed that building walls does not solve problems but only accentuate them.
Dr Yusuf Jabareen, from the Faculty of Law at the universities of Haifa and Tel Aviv, analysed the recent court decision on separation wall construction within Israel. He said, "The walls separate between Jews and Arabs and are therefore racial walls. They are forced by the strong side on the weak one. This leads to the violation of the rights of the minority. And there is a clear message in this – 'We don't want you; we here, you there'."
Mouna Karkabi, from the Department of Psychology at Haifa University, said there was a lot of psychological damage on Arab citizens as a result of the wall's construction, effecting crucial decisions in an Arab citizen's life – his educational and career choices, as well his place of residence.
The second session, chaired by Dr Deborah Shmueli from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Haifa University, was 'Separation Walls from Theory to Reality: Environmental Aspects'. Professor Nurit Kliot, also from the same department, Dr Tobi Fenster, from the Department of Geography at Tel Aviv University, and Dr. Rassem Khamaisi all participated in this session. Dr. Khamaisi reviewed the impacts of the separation walls in the public sphere from the technical and planning aspects.
The final session was the 'Round Table: Separation or Cooperation in the Shadow of the Walls' headed by Hussein Abu Hussein, Board Member of the HRA. Sheikh Murad 'Ammash, head of the Jisr al-Zarqa municipality, testified to the negative effects on his community and that of neighbouring Qesariya as a result of the earth embankment, and how it would affect the neighbourhood's future economical development and construction. MK 'Abbas Zakour offered his personal perspective on the current status of relations between Arabs and Jews in the country, with special focus on his home town, the mixed city of 'Akka. He reiterated that the idea of building separation walls would only increase the discrimination and tension between Arabs and Jews. Dr. Edy Kaufman, from the Centre for International Development and Conflict Management, University of Maryland, spoke about similar situations of separation in the world and called to oppose or struggle against the idea of separation on national background.
The comments made by Professor Arnon Sofer, from the Geography Department at Haifa University, whose take on the Arab minority in Israel is well known, made for a lively discussion throughout the conference. The participation of the speakers and the public made for a particularly engaging study day that helped introduce the issue of separation walls to academia and helped foster new ideas on the same.
For further information, please contact us directly:
Mohammad Zeidan, Director
Arab Association for Human Rights (HRA)
PO Box 215, Nazareth 16101, Israel
Telephone: +972 (0)4 6561923
Fax: +972 (0)4 6564934
Email: mzeidan@arabhra.org; hra1@arabhra.org
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Israeli violations of Palestinian Rights continues, DAIR Report
Israeli violations of Palestinian Rights, May 2006
Report of the Palestine Liberation Organization
Report of the Department of Arab and International Relations (DAIR)
The Palestinian National Dialogue
On the 25th May, the Palestinian National dialogue launched its sessions in Gaza and Ramallah at the same time, with the intention to reach a formula that might help the Palestinian people to find a way out of the current catastrophic situation. The dialogue that included all Palestinian political identities is hoped to save the Palestinian people and their national project that are now facing the most vicious Israeli imposed unilateral on ground steps.
The national reconciliation paper proposed by leaders of the major Palestinian groups in the Israeli jails forms the bases for the ongoing dialogue as it initiates a comprehensive political vision that acceptable by most parties.
In his speech before the meeting, President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed that the meeting had to conclude their sessions and consultations within ten days - according to his words, "time is running very fast and we don't have the luxury of going on talking indefinitely". He warned that the Israeli side is investing every minute to impose their unilateral plans – that would destroy all hopes to establish an independent viable Palestinian state within the 1967 territories.
A genuine applicable national dialogue would no doubt lead to national unity and to the establishment of a strong protective shield to the Palestinians and their national project in the foundation of their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. This sacred goal required high standard of responsibility from the different parties involved, and a true well from their part to put the general and national concerns on top of the specific and individual interests of each of them, and most of all it need a firm stand against those who would take their differences and disputes out to the streets.
The dialogue must come to an agreement between the parties as soon as possible. Points of agreement should take into consideration the highest Palestinian national interests and aspirations in freedom and independence.
The clock works against us, and we demand a prompt
clear and specific dialogue away from sophistications, complexities and superiorities.
-Summary of the Israeli violations against Palestinian Human rights (May 2006)
-By the time that the Palestinians are almost facing a starvation due to the Israeli and the International society siege imposed on them; the IOF expanded its military invasions to the Occupied Palestinian territories and committed more war crimes.
-During May 2006, the IOF continued its incursions against the Palestinian areas:
*44 Palestinians, including 2 children, 12 of the victims were extra-judicially executed by IOF;
*134 Palestinian civilians, 5 members of the International Solidarity movement(ISM) and 5 journalists were injured by IOF;
*229 Palestinian civilians were arrested by IOF;
*10 Palestinian houses were evacuated and transformed by IOF into military sites.
*1 house was demolished by IOF;
*55 olive & fig trees were uprooted;
*7 dunums were expropriated to construct the Apartheid Segregation Wall;
-During the period between 29/9/2000 and 31/5/2006, the IOF killed 4087 Palestinians; 792 of the martyrs were children, 273 were women, 348 were members of the Palestinian National Forces, 415 were assassinated in cold blood, 138 of the martyrs were ill and passed away on Israeli Military checkpoints, 58 were killed by Jewish settlers, 6 were foreign volunteers from the ISM, 9 of the martyrs were journalists and 220 are athletes.
-During the same period, 36,060 Palestinians were injured, 7500 were children and young men who were left with permanent disabilities. 40,000 Palestinians were detained Palestinians, 9400 are still in the Israeli jails. Total number of the affected Palestinian houses is 65,443; 7,682 of which were demolished leaving thousands of the Palestinian citizens with no shelter.
-Agricultural Substance is the main resource of living for the Palestinians; but the Israeli measurements affected it severely; by uprooting, burning and sweeping away more than a million tree. Since 29/3/2003, the IOF have expropriated more than 295,542 dunums; to construct new settlements, expand the old ones and build the Apartheid Segregation Wall.
-The IOF enhanced its policy of closures and checkpoints preventing the Palestinian workers from the movement between the Palestinian areas and the access to their jobs; due to this the unemployment Palestinians number increased to 272,000 and poverty is estimated to be extended to 72% of the Palestinian society.
**
1- Assassination in Cold Blood:
1/5/2006: The IOF killed the 41-years old female Palestinian civilian 'Itaf Azzalat, , in the city of Tulkarem and wounded her two daughters (Ahlam & Ansam Yossef).
4/5/2006: The IOF killed Mohammed Abu Mouhsen, 40-years old, from the city of Tubas; Abu Mouhsen was driving his taxi in the area of Wadi Al-Bathan checkpoint, along Nablus- Tubas main road.
5/5/2006: The Israeli army killed Mohammed Mustafa al Qutub in the city of
Nablus.
5/5/2006: The IOF extra-judicially killed 5 Palestinian civilians in an air raid to Rafah: Jum’ah Dughmush, Mahmoud Dughmush, Hamadeh Dughmush, Saeb Dughmush and Khaled Deeb Wakid.
7/5/2006: An Israeli tank shell hit the area where Hassan Al-Shafi'ee, 55-years old, and Mosa Sawarkeh, 60-years old, were planting the land; the both Palestinian were instantly killed.
12/5/2006: The IOF killed Raed Tubeileh, 28-years old, from the city of Nablus; Tubeileh was seriously wounded and evacuated by an ambulance but the IOF prevented the ambulance from continuing its way towards the hospital till the injured man died.
15/5/2006: During a raid into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin, the IOF killed : Elias Khairi Mohammed al-Ashqar, 26-year-old, Mo’tassem ‘Ali Baheej Ja’ar, 25-year-old, Tha’er Subhi Sadiq Hanaisha, 23-year-old, and his 21-year-old brother Mujahed and Jihad Kameel, 21-year-old. Ali Jabareen, 22-year-old, was shot dead, while he was on duty guarding the headquarters of the Palestinian General Intelligence Services,by the IOF inside the city of Jenin.
17/5/2006: During an IOF raid to the city of Nablus, the IOF killed Othman Sadakah, 26-year-old, and Mustafa Abdul Ghani, 22-year-old.
17/5/2006: The 73-year-old man, Mushref Al-Mubaslat, died of a heart attack in the city of Nablus; Al-Mubaslat was unable to reach the hospital because of the severe restrictions on movement the IOF is being imposing in the city.
20/5/2006: An IOF aircraft launched its missiles at a civilian car that was traveling in the city of Gaza. The Palestinian civilian Mohammed Al-Dahdouh ,25-year-old, who had been traveling in the car was instantly killed; another civilian car was hit causing the death of the grandmother Na'iemeh Amin, 50-year-old, the daughter Hanan Amin, 25-year-old,and her grandson Mohannad Amin, 5-year-old.
21/5/2006: The IOF killed Aysheh Abu Emsallam, 48-year-old, in Balata refugee camp /Nablus; Abu Emsallah was shot dead while looking outside of her house window.
23/5/2006: The IOF soldiers at Al-Sheikh Sa'ed checkpoint /Occupied Jerusalem beat to death the 51-year-old man Ahmed Mohesein from Abu Deis.
24/5/2006: The IOF invaded of Ramallah the killing 3 civilians and 1 Palestinian security officer: Aysar Jameel Abu ‘Arrah, a Palestinian National Security officer, Meelad ‘Atallah Abu Al- ‘Arayes, 20-year-old, Khaled Ja’far Yassin, 22-year-old, and Ghaleb Rabah; another 57 Palestinian civilians were injured.
24/5/2006: The Palestinian farmer Omer Abu Radeh, 43-year-old, was killed by an Israeli tank shell while working in his farm in Jabalia Refugee Camp /Gaza.
25/5/2006: Ala' Hujeir, 20-year-old, died of sustained wound; the IOF wounded Hujeir in April 2006.
25/5/2006: An Israeli tank shell hit Al-Kasim family house in Beit Lahia /Gaza; Mustafa Kasim, 19-year-old, Mohammed Kasim, 18-year-old, and Arafeh Sarandeh, 15-year-old, were instantly killed. Another 7 members of the family were injured.
30/5/2006: The IOF killed Mohammed Matar, 20-year-old, Yousef Al-Ma'zeh, 24-year-old, Abdul Rahman Abu Shanab, 27-year-old, and Sabri Abu Iqleeq, 23-year-old, in Al-Shati' Refugee Camp /Gaza Strip.
30/5/2006: The IOF opened its fire during an invasion to the town of Qabatieh /Jenin; Tareq Zakarneh, 24-year-old, was instantly killed.
30/5/2006: The IOF extra-judicially killed Osamah Al-Namari, 29-year-old, from the town of Anabta /Tulkarem.
30/5/2006: Hani Al-Saqqa, 24-year-old, was killed during an IOF invasion to Balata Refugee Camp /Nablus.
**
2-The Apartheid Segregation Wall (ASW)
1/5/2006: Tens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists participated in replanting 200 dunums, the IOA intend to confiscate, in the village of Om Salmoneh /Bethlehem.
4/5/2006: The IOF issued a military order to confiscate 7 dunums of land belonging to the town of Al-Samou' /Hebron to construct a military post.
7/5/2006: The IOF bulldozers uprooted 55 olive and fig trees, which were planted 50 years ago in the village of Rameen /Tulkarem.
7/5/2006: The Israeli Peace Block said: "The ASW is separating between members of the same family; students and teachers and their schools. It is the reason behind closing 3 of the Arab schools; besides transforming the neighborhood of Al-Ram into a big jail that used to be a vital place".
9/5/2006: The settlers of "Ariel" settlement /Nablus freed tens of wild pigs in the area between the city of Salfeet and the village of Iskaka in the West Bank; an attempt to ruin the agricultural crops and expose the Palestinians over there to danger. Another group of the pigs was released in May 16th.
10/5/2006: The settlers of "Rot Yashai" settling post inside the city of Hebron expropriated a dunum of land in Tal Al-Rameedeh area inside the old city of Hebron; the land belong to the Palestinian family "Abu Haikal".
11/5/2006: The IOF swept away 20 dunums from a farm planted with almond and olive trees in the town of Al-Kararah /Khan Younis.
12/5/2006: The IOF wounded Adeeba Suleiman Husni, 60-year-old, by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head; while chasing the demonstrators who were protesting to the construction of the Wall in Bal'ien village.
12/5/2006: About 500 Palestinian civilians and 60 international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Wall. IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. Nine demonstrators and a journalist were wounded; Jamal al-‘Aarouri, 40-year-old, a photographer from the local daily al-Ayyam, was wounded by a rubber coated metal bullet to the hand.
13/5/2006: About 1500 Palestinian civilian and international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration near the entrance of Dahiat al-Barid area, north of the occupied Jerusalem, in protest to the construction of the Wall in the area. IOF fired dozens of tear gas canisters at the demonstrators, violently beat a number of them and arrested a number of them.
13/5/2006: SFS burned a fire in Al Qanouni stone quarry near Huwwara checkpoint and burnt a number of barracks therein.
.
17/5/2006: The Israeli newspaper "Ha'aretz" affirmed that the IOF had finished the construction of 336 km of the ASW, 42% of the West Bank; ASW length is about 790 km and extends through the Palestinian Lands.
27/5/2006: SFS burnt 4 trucks belonging to Palestinian citizens from the town of Howara /Nablus; an IOF curfew was imposed on the town.
**
3- Israeli Checkpoints and Barriers:
1/5/2006: The Israeli army had assaulted and beaten Su’ad ‘Ilayyan Al-Madani, 65-year-old, in Al-Karantina neighborhood /Hebron, detained her, and prevented an ambulance from transporting the injured woman to hospital.
2/5/2005: The IOF soldiers positioned at the checkpoints in the Jordan valley are imposing a new regulation that allows certain people from the west bank only to enter the area – the regulation in known by "the ID and place of the original registration", which denies the access of Palestinian civilians and employees from the West Bank to the Jordan Valley.
2/5/2006: The IOF soldiers beat the 12-year-old disable boy Mohammed Karariyeh, in a flying checkpoint on the road between Jenin and Qalqilyeh
2/5/2006: The IOF soldiers detained tens of the Palestinian civilian cars in 'Arabeh valley on Jenin-Nablus road /Jenin; the Palestinians were forced to leave their cars and take off their clothes in order to be searched by the IOF soldiers.
2/5/2006: The IOF continued to close Al-Hamra checkpoint set up on the Jericho-Nablus road, denying civilian access, except for farmers holding Jericho-issued IDs; claiming that it is a military closed area.
8/5/2006: The IOF tightened its siege around the district of Salfit, set up 4 flying checkpoint on the entrances of the Palestinian villages Jam'een, Bidia and Brokeen; denying civilian access.
8/5/2006: The IOF set up a sudden flying checkpoint on the northern entrance of Tubas city /Jenin, stopped and searched the Palestinians civilian cars and detained the Palestinian civilians for many hours.
10/5/2006: The IOF soldiers detained a bus transforming 20 Palestinian children on their way to the kindergarten in the village of Al-Bathan for more than 4 hours.
15/5/2006: The IOF soldiers closed Za'tara checkpoint /Nablus and denied civilian access to the road to Ramallah city.
12/5/2006: The 42-year-old Palestinian Omar Al-Malhi passes away due to a heart attack on Shu'fat's Camp checkpoint /Occupied Jerusalem; the IOF soldiers prevented the ambulance from evacuating Al-Malhi to a hospital in the occupied Jerusalem.
**
4- Arrests and Jails
1/5/2005:Family of the female Palestinian prisoner Itaf E'layan blead to legal institutions International and Local human rights organizations to enforce pressure on the Israeli Government in order to release their daughter Itaf with her 19-month-old baby; Itaf has been detained as an administrative prisoner and the IOF renewed the sentence lately.
2/5/2006: The IOF arrested the 45-year-old Palestinian female Rakiyah Lubadah from the city of Nablus for the fourth time, in an attempt to practice pressure on her wanted son to the IOF in order to handle himself; an Israeli policy that is used always with the mothers of the wanted Palestinians to the IOF.
10/5/2006: The Negev jail administration forced 36 Palestinian prisoners to be searched naked in a humiliated way, claiming that the prisoners obtain prohibited materials.
10/5/2006: More 9000 Palestinian male and female prisoners in the Israeli Jails started a food strike, to protest on the isolation policy the IO jails Authorities are using with many Palestinian prisoners.
16/5/2006: The IOF arrested 760 Palestinian workers inside Israel, claiming that the Palestinians didn't obtain the required permissions to be and work in Israel.
**
5- House Demolition:
3/5/2006: The IOF issued two military orders to demolish a house belonging to Issa Al-Jabareen from the town of Sa'eer /Hebron and an agricultural kiosk belonging to Isma'il Al-Rajabi in Jabal Johar /Hebron.
9/5/2006: The IOA raided the town of Beit Hanina and demolished a 2- storey house belonging to two brothers from Al-Ja'bari family, claiming that it was built without the required license.
10/5/2006: The IOA handed a warning to demolish the house belonging to the Palestinian civilian Ratib Badawi, under the claim that the house was built without an Israeli building permission.
24/5/2006: The IOF bulldozers demolished a 150 meter square building belonging to Abdullah Abbas, a land wall and an under construction kiosk belonging to Mohammed Muheisen from the village of Al-Funduq /Qalqilyeh.
25/5/2006: The IOF demolished a garage for fixing cars and selling cars' parts belonging to Habis and Ayman Al-Alameh in the town of Beit Ommar /Hebron.
**
6- Violations against Education and Health Institutions
2/5/2006: The IOF invaded Beit Sahoor medical centre and the Deer Al-Roum Al-Catholic medical centre in the town of Beit Sahoor /Bethlehem; they ruined some of centers property.
2/5/2006: The IOF bulldozers demolished a part of Howwara Secondary school wall /Nablus, continued to close the dust road in front of the school to put more pressure on the students.
12/5/2006: The IOF soldiers positioned at ‘Atara checkpoint detained for two hours a civilian vehicle transporting Nour ad Din Taleb ‘Arar, an ill 2-month-old child, to Ramallah Public Hospital for medical treatment.
13/5/2006: SFS attacked the Palestinian students in Al-Shuhada' street and Wadi Al-Haseen neighborhood using spoiled eggs and empty glass bottles in the city of Hebron.
13/5/2006: The IOF raided the village of Sur Bahir as well as raided the offices of the Cultural Forum during the launching of a book fair entitled “Supporting Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him”. The IOF also confiscated computers, cassettes, and books from the book fair.
13/5/2006: The IOF raided the village of ‘Anata /Occupied Jerusalem, raided the village’s Girls School, and fired tear gas grenades, injuring 1 female student after a tear gas grenade hit her in the head. The female student was transported to hospital for medical treatment.
27/5/2006: The IOF opened fire towards a Palestinian ambulance transporting to hospital a pregnant female civilian, Najah Al-Sadiq, who was in labour. The Israeli army also forced the ambulance to stop and the Al-Sadeq to step out the ambulance.
**
7-Religious Violations:
7/5/2006: The IOF closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the Old city of Hebron, prevented the access of the Palestinian worshippers to the Mosque under the claim that the area around the Mosque in a closed military area.
14/5/2006: The IOF prevented Palestinian civilians under 30 years of age from accessing and performing prayers at the Ibrahimi Mosque in the old city of Hebron.
23/5/2006: The IOF invaded Anata Mosque / Occupied Jerusalem, detained and searched the worshippers.
**
8- Press:-
1/5/2006: The IOF soldiers beat the Palestinian journalists Hazem Badir and Abdul Hafeeth Al-Hashlamoon in the city of Hebron.
13/5/2006: The IOF soldiers on Eretz Checkpoint searched a female member of the ISM "Kareen Winger" from Switzerland, naked under the excuse of security reasons.
15/5/2006: The IOF injured the camera man of Associated Press Sameer Abu Al-Rub with a pullet in the back; Abu Al-Rub was covering an IOF invasion to the town of Qabatiyah /Jenin.
16/5/2006: The IOF detained the camera man of the Palestinian press agency "Wafa" Ahman Mizhir while doing his job in the city of Bethlehem.
30/5/2006: The journalist Yahia Al-Madhoun in Al-Shabab radio and the cameraman Mahmoud Al-Mabayed of Ramattan agency for news, were injured during covering the news in Gaza Strip.
**
9- After 58 years from the Palestinian Nakba, The refugee problem is still there
The 15th of May was a special day for the Palestinians in and outside Palestine, they commemorate the catastrophic 1948 war that scattered their lives and forced millions of them to live as refugees all over the region; memorials were held in order for the Palestinian generations "not to forget".
The1948 Palestinian catastrophe coincided with the ending of the British mandate on Palestine and the establishment of the state of Israel on the Palestinian soil. The Israeli state came to light accordingly with the UN resolution no. 181 that divided Palestine into two states- Israel and Palestine; the part of resolution regarding Israel was implemented immediately while the part on the Palestinian state is yet to be realized.
The Palestinian catastrophe is a black mark in the world's modern history; the majority of the Palestinians were expelled from their homeland- leaving their properties behind to scatter as refugees all over the region and to suffer all sorts of abuses and discriminations. Three quarters of Palestine was abducted at that time; 531 Palestinian towns and villages were destroyed and removed from the map, and 85% of the population were driven away and were never allowed back to their homeland.
Number of the Palestinian refugees who were to leave Palestine in 1948 was estimated to about 750,000 persons, and in 1967 another 350,000 Palestinians were made refugees as a result of the Israeli "six days war" launched at the rest of Palestine that came to be known as the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza strip.
Statistics show that 5.1 million Palestinians are now living outside Palestine; 4.2 millions of them are distributed over 10 UNRWA camps in Syria and Jordan, 12 camps in Lebanon, 8 camps in Gaza strip and another 19 camps in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Several Palestinian, Arab and International rational initiatives were launched during the six past decades to maintain the "right of all" in a dignified life in the area, but none of those initiatives had been interpreted on the ground.
However, the Israeli consecutive governments went on with its war against the Palestinians- without listening or reacting to any of the calls of the International community.
The Palestinians In the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, while commemorating the 1948 Nakba, are still suffering the worst human, political, and social conditions ever been imposed on them.
The figures that appear in this bulletin regarding the Palestinian martyrs, imprisoned, and injured are real although they might sound devastating; the massive abduction and sweeping of the Palestinian houses and fertile lands is another issue that can't be isolated from the Israeli vicious and violent ongoing policy to enlarge the Jewish settlements and to erect the separation wall on the Palestinian soil- regardless of the cost on the Palestinian people and on peace and security in the region.
Editor: Abdul Rasool Tom
Translator: Suha Al-Khatib
END
Report of the Palestine Liberation Organization
Report of the Department of Arab and International Relations (DAIR)
The Palestinian National Dialogue
On the 25th May, the Palestinian National dialogue launched its sessions in Gaza and Ramallah at the same time, with the intention to reach a formula that might help the Palestinian people to find a way out of the current catastrophic situation. The dialogue that included all Palestinian political identities is hoped to save the Palestinian people and their national project that are now facing the most vicious Israeli imposed unilateral on ground steps.
The national reconciliation paper proposed by leaders of the major Palestinian groups in the Israeli jails forms the bases for the ongoing dialogue as it initiates a comprehensive political vision that acceptable by most parties.
In his speech before the meeting, President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed that the meeting had to conclude their sessions and consultations within ten days - according to his words, "time is running very fast and we don't have the luxury of going on talking indefinitely". He warned that the Israeli side is investing every minute to impose their unilateral plans – that would destroy all hopes to establish an independent viable Palestinian state within the 1967 territories.
A genuine applicable national dialogue would no doubt lead to national unity and to the establishment of a strong protective shield to the Palestinians and their national project in the foundation of their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. This sacred goal required high standard of responsibility from the different parties involved, and a true well from their part to put the general and national concerns on top of the specific and individual interests of each of them, and most of all it need a firm stand against those who would take their differences and disputes out to the streets.
The dialogue must come to an agreement between the parties as soon as possible. Points of agreement should take into consideration the highest Palestinian national interests and aspirations in freedom and independence.
The clock works against us, and we demand a prompt
clear and specific dialogue away from sophistications, complexities and superiorities.
-Summary of the Israeli violations against Palestinian Human rights (May 2006)
-By the time that the Palestinians are almost facing a starvation due to the Israeli and the International society siege imposed on them; the IOF expanded its military invasions to the Occupied Palestinian territories and committed more war crimes.
-During May 2006, the IOF continued its incursions against the Palestinian areas:
*44 Palestinians, including 2 children, 12 of the victims were extra-judicially executed by IOF;
*134 Palestinian civilians, 5 members of the International Solidarity movement(ISM) and 5 journalists were injured by IOF;
*229 Palestinian civilians were arrested by IOF;
*10 Palestinian houses were evacuated and transformed by IOF into military sites.
*1 house was demolished by IOF;
*55 olive & fig trees were uprooted;
*7 dunums were expropriated to construct the Apartheid Segregation Wall;
-During the period between 29/9/2000 and 31/5/2006, the IOF killed 4087 Palestinians; 792 of the martyrs were children, 273 were women, 348 were members of the Palestinian National Forces, 415 were assassinated in cold blood, 138 of the martyrs were ill and passed away on Israeli Military checkpoints, 58 were killed by Jewish settlers, 6 were foreign volunteers from the ISM, 9 of the martyrs were journalists and 220 are athletes.
-During the same period, 36,060 Palestinians were injured, 7500 were children and young men who were left with permanent disabilities. 40,000 Palestinians were detained Palestinians, 9400 are still in the Israeli jails. Total number of the affected Palestinian houses is 65,443; 7,682 of which were demolished leaving thousands of the Palestinian citizens with no shelter.
-Agricultural Substance is the main resource of living for the Palestinians; but the Israeli measurements affected it severely; by uprooting, burning and sweeping away more than a million tree. Since 29/3/2003, the IOF have expropriated more than 295,542 dunums; to construct new settlements, expand the old ones and build the Apartheid Segregation Wall.
-The IOF enhanced its policy of closures and checkpoints preventing the Palestinian workers from the movement between the Palestinian areas and the access to their jobs; due to this the unemployment Palestinians number increased to 272,000 and poverty is estimated to be extended to 72% of the Palestinian society.
**
1- Assassination in Cold Blood:
1/5/2006: The IOF killed the 41-years old female Palestinian civilian 'Itaf Azzalat, , in the city of Tulkarem and wounded her two daughters (Ahlam & Ansam Yossef).
4/5/2006: The IOF killed Mohammed Abu Mouhsen, 40-years old, from the city of Tubas; Abu Mouhsen was driving his taxi in the area of Wadi Al-Bathan checkpoint, along Nablus- Tubas main road.
5/5/2006: The Israeli army killed Mohammed Mustafa al Qutub in the city of
Nablus.
5/5/2006: The IOF extra-judicially killed 5 Palestinian civilians in an air raid to Rafah: Jum’ah Dughmush, Mahmoud Dughmush, Hamadeh Dughmush, Saeb Dughmush and Khaled Deeb Wakid.
7/5/2006: An Israeli tank shell hit the area where Hassan Al-Shafi'ee, 55-years old, and Mosa Sawarkeh, 60-years old, were planting the land; the both Palestinian were instantly killed.
12/5/2006: The IOF killed Raed Tubeileh, 28-years old, from the city of Nablus; Tubeileh was seriously wounded and evacuated by an ambulance but the IOF prevented the ambulance from continuing its way towards the hospital till the injured man died.
15/5/2006: During a raid into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin, the IOF killed : Elias Khairi Mohammed al-Ashqar, 26-year-old, Mo’tassem ‘Ali Baheej Ja’ar, 25-year-old, Tha’er Subhi Sadiq Hanaisha, 23-year-old, and his 21-year-old brother Mujahed and Jihad Kameel, 21-year-old. Ali Jabareen, 22-year-old, was shot dead, while he was on duty guarding the headquarters of the Palestinian General Intelligence Services,by the IOF inside the city of Jenin.
17/5/2006: During an IOF raid to the city of Nablus, the IOF killed Othman Sadakah, 26-year-old, and Mustafa Abdul Ghani, 22-year-old.
17/5/2006: The 73-year-old man, Mushref Al-Mubaslat, died of a heart attack in the city of Nablus; Al-Mubaslat was unable to reach the hospital because of the severe restrictions on movement the IOF is being imposing in the city.
20/5/2006: An IOF aircraft launched its missiles at a civilian car that was traveling in the city of Gaza. The Palestinian civilian Mohammed Al-Dahdouh ,25-year-old, who had been traveling in the car was instantly killed; another civilian car was hit causing the death of the grandmother Na'iemeh Amin, 50-year-old, the daughter Hanan Amin, 25-year-old,and her grandson Mohannad Amin, 5-year-old.
21/5/2006: The IOF killed Aysheh Abu Emsallam, 48-year-old, in Balata refugee camp /Nablus; Abu Emsallah was shot dead while looking outside of her house window.
23/5/2006: The IOF soldiers at Al-Sheikh Sa'ed checkpoint /Occupied Jerusalem beat to death the 51-year-old man Ahmed Mohesein from Abu Deis.
24/5/2006: The IOF invaded of Ramallah the killing 3 civilians and 1 Palestinian security officer: Aysar Jameel Abu ‘Arrah, a Palestinian National Security officer, Meelad ‘Atallah Abu Al- ‘Arayes, 20-year-old, Khaled Ja’far Yassin, 22-year-old, and Ghaleb Rabah; another 57 Palestinian civilians were injured.
24/5/2006: The Palestinian farmer Omer Abu Radeh, 43-year-old, was killed by an Israeli tank shell while working in his farm in Jabalia Refugee Camp /Gaza.
25/5/2006: Ala' Hujeir, 20-year-old, died of sustained wound; the IOF wounded Hujeir in April 2006.
25/5/2006: An Israeli tank shell hit Al-Kasim family house in Beit Lahia /Gaza; Mustafa Kasim, 19-year-old, Mohammed Kasim, 18-year-old, and Arafeh Sarandeh, 15-year-old, were instantly killed. Another 7 members of the family were injured.
30/5/2006: The IOF killed Mohammed Matar, 20-year-old, Yousef Al-Ma'zeh, 24-year-old, Abdul Rahman Abu Shanab, 27-year-old, and Sabri Abu Iqleeq, 23-year-old, in Al-Shati' Refugee Camp /Gaza Strip.
30/5/2006: The IOF opened its fire during an invasion to the town of Qabatieh /Jenin; Tareq Zakarneh, 24-year-old, was instantly killed.
30/5/2006: The IOF extra-judicially killed Osamah Al-Namari, 29-year-old, from the town of Anabta /Tulkarem.
30/5/2006: Hani Al-Saqqa, 24-year-old, was killed during an IOF invasion to Balata Refugee Camp /Nablus.
**
2-The Apartheid Segregation Wall (ASW)
1/5/2006: Tens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists participated in replanting 200 dunums, the IOA intend to confiscate, in the village of Om Salmoneh /Bethlehem.
4/5/2006: The IOF issued a military order to confiscate 7 dunums of land belonging to the town of Al-Samou' /Hebron to construct a military post.
7/5/2006: The IOF bulldozers uprooted 55 olive and fig trees, which were planted 50 years ago in the village of Rameen /Tulkarem.
7/5/2006: The Israeli Peace Block said: "The ASW is separating between members of the same family; students and teachers and their schools. It is the reason behind closing 3 of the Arab schools; besides transforming the neighborhood of Al-Ram into a big jail that used to be a vital place".
9/5/2006: The settlers of "Ariel" settlement /Nablus freed tens of wild pigs in the area between the city of Salfeet and the village of Iskaka in the West Bank; an attempt to ruin the agricultural crops and expose the Palestinians over there to danger. Another group of the pigs was released in May 16th.
10/5/2006: The settlers of "Rot Yashai" settling post inside the city of Hebron expropriated a dunum of land in Tal Al-Rameedeh area inside the old city of Hebron; the land belong to the Palestinian family "Abu Haikal".
11/5/2006: The IOF swept away 20 dunums from a farm planted with almond and olive trees in the town of Al-Kararah /Khan Younis.
12/5/2006: The IOF wounded Adeeba Suleiman Husni, 60-year-old, by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head; while chasing the demonstrators who were protesting to the construction of the Wall in Bal'ien village.
12/5/2006: About 500 Palestinian civilians and 60 international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Wall. IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. Nine demonstrators and a journalist were wounded; Jamal al-‘Aarouri, 40-year-old, a photographer from the local daily al-Ayyam, was wounded by a rubber coated metal bullet to the hand.
13/5/2006: About 1500 Palestinian civilian and international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration near the entrance of Dahiat al-Barid area, north of the occupied Jerusalem, in protest to the construction of the Wall in the area. IOF fired dozens of tear gas canisters at the demonstrators, violently beat a number of them and arrested a number of them.
13/5/2006: SFS burned a fire in Al Qanouni stone quarry near Huwwara checkpoint and burnt a number of barracks therein.
.
17/5/2006: The Israeli newspaper "Ha'aretz" affirmed that the IOF had finished the construction of 336 km of the ASW, 42% of the West Bank; ASW length is about 790 km and extends through the Palestinian Lands.
27/5/2006: SFS burnt 4 trucks belonging to Palestinian citizens from the town of Howara /Nablus; an IOF curfew was imposed on the town.
**
3- Israeli Checkpoints and Barriers:
1/5/2006: The Israeli army had assaulted and beaten Su’ad ‘Ilayyan Al-Madani, 65-year-old, in Al-Karantina neighborhood /Hebron, detained her, and prevented an ambulance from transporting the injured woman to hospital.
2/5/2005: The IOF soldiers positioned at the checkpoints in the Jordan valley are imposing a new regulation that allows certain people from the west bank only to enter the area – the regulation in known by "the ID and place of the original registration", which denies the access of Palestinian civilians and employees from the West Bank to the Jordan Valley.
2/5/2006: The IOF soldiers beat the 12-year-old disable boy Mohammed Karariyeh, in a flying checkpoint on the road between Jenin and Qalqilyeh
2/5/2006: The IOF soldiers detained tens of the Palestinian civilian cars in 'Arabeh valley on Jenin-Nablus road /Jenin; the Palestinians were forced to leave their cars and take off their clothes in order to be searched by the IOF soldiers.
2/5/2006: The IOF continued to close Al-Hamra checkpoint set up on the Jericho-Nablus road, denying civilian access, except for farmers holding Jericho-issued IDs; claiming that it is a military closed area.
8/5/2006: The IOF tightened its siege around the district of Salfit, set up 4 flying checkpoint on the entrances of the Palestinian villages Jam'een, Bidia and Brokeen; denying civilian access.
8/5/2006: The IOF set up a sudden flying checkpoint on the northern entrance of Tubas city /Jenin, stopped and searched the Palestinians civilian cars and detained the Palestinian civilians for many hours.
10/5/2006: The IOF soldiers detained a bus transforming 20 Palestinian children on their way to the kindergarten in the village of Al-Bathan for more than 4 hours.
15/5/2006: The IOF soldiers closed Za'tara checkpoint /Nablus and denied civilian access to the road to Ramallah city.
12/5/2006: The 42-year-old Palestinian Omar Al-Malhi passes away due to a heart attack on Shu'fat's Camp checkpoint /Occupied Jerusalem; the IOF soldiers prevented the ambulance from evacuating Al-Malhi to a hospital in the occupied Jerusalem.
**
4- Arrests and Jails
1/5/2005:Family of the female Palestinian prisoner Itaf E'layan blead to legal institutions International and Local human rights organizations to enforce pressure on the Israeli Government in order to release their daughter Itaf with her 19-month-old baby; Itaf has been detained as an administrative prisoner and the IOF renewed the sentence lately.
2/5/2006: The IOF arrested the 45-year-old Palestinian female Rakiyah Lubadah from the city of Nablus for the fourth time, in an attempt to practice pressure on her wanted son to the IOF in order to handle himself; an Israeli policy that is used always with the mothers of the wanted Palestinians to the IOF.
10/5/2006: The Negev jail administration forced 36 Palestinian prisoners to be searched naked in a humiliated way, claiming that the prisoners obtain prohibited materials.
10/5/2006: More 9000 Palestinian male and female prisoners in the Israeli Jails started a food strike, to protest on the isolation policy the IO jails Authorities are using with many Palestinian prisoners.
16/5/2006: The IOF arrested 760 Palestinian workers inside Israel, claiming that the Palestinians didn't obtain the required permissions to be and work in Israel.
**
5- House Demolition:
3/5/2006: The IOF issued two military orders to demolish a house belonging to Issa Al-Jabareen from the town of Sa'eer /Hebron and an agricultural kiosk belonging to Isma'il Al-Rajabi in Jabal Johar /Hebron.
9/5/2006: The IOA raided the town of Beit Hanina and demolished a 2- storey house belonging to two brothers from Al-Ja'bari family, claiming that it was built without the required license.
10/5/2006: The IOA handed a warning to demolish the house belonging to the Palestinian civilian Ratib Badawi, under the claim that the house was built without an Israeli building permission.
24/5/2006: The IOF bulldozers demolished a 150 meter square building belonging to Abdullah Abbas, a land wall and an under construction kiosk belonging to Mohammed Muheisen from the village of Al-Funduq /Qalqilyeh.
25/5/2006: The IOF demolished a garage for fixing cars and selling cars' parts belonging to Habis and Ayman Al-Alameh in the town of Beit Ommar /Hebron.
**
6- Violations against Education and Health Institutions
2/5/2006: The IOF invaded Beit Sahoor medical centre and the Deer Al-Roum Al-Catholic medical centre in the town of Beit Sahoor /Bethlehem; they ruined some of centers property.
2/5/2006: The IOF bulldozers demolished a part of Howwara Secondary school wall /Nablus, continued to close the dust road in front of the school to put more pressure on the students.
12/5/2006: The IOF soldiers positioned at ‘Atara checkpoint detained for two hours a civilian vehicle transporting Nour ad Din Taleb ‘Arar, an ill 2-month-old child, to Ramallah Public Hospital for medical treatment.
13/5/2006: SFS attacked the Palestinian students in Al-Shuhada' street and Wadi Al-Haseen neighborhood using spoiled eggs and empty glass bottles in the city of Hebron.
13/5/2006: The IOF raided the village of Sur Bahir as well as raided the offices of the Cultural Forum during the launching of a book fair entitled “Supporting Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him”. The IOF also confiscated computers, cassettes, and books from the book fair.
13/5/2006: The IOF raided the village of ‘Anata /Occupied Jerusalem, raided the village’s Girls School, and fired tear gas grenades, injuring 1 female student after a tear gas grenade hit her in the head. The female student was transported to hospital for medical treatment.
27/5/2006: The IOF opened fire towards a Palestinian ambulance transporting to hospital a pregnant female civilian, Najah Al-Sadiq, who was in labour. The Israeli army also forced the ambulance to stop and the Al-Sadeq to step out the ambulance.
**
7-Religious Violations:
7/5/2006: The IOF closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the Old city of Hebron, prevented the access of the Palestinian worshippers to the Mosque under the claim that the area around the Mosque in a closed military area.
14/5/2006: The IOF prevented Palestinian civilians under 30 years of age from accessing and performing prayers at the Ibrahimi Mosque in the old city of Hebron.
23/5/2006: The IOF invaded Anata Mosque / Occupied Jerusalem, detained and searched the worshippers.
**
8- Press:-
1/5/2006: The IOF soldiers beat the Palestinian journalists Hazem Badir and Abdul Hafeeth Al-Hashlamoon in the city of Hebron.
13/5/2006: The IOF soldiers on Eretz Checkpoint searched a female member of the ISM "Kareen Winger" from Switzerland, naked under the excuse of security reasons.
15/5/2006: The IOF injured the camera man of Associated Press Sameer Abu Al-Rub with a pullet in the back; Abu Al-Rub was covering an IOF invasion to the town of Qabatiyah /Jenin.
16/5/2006: The IOF detained the camera man of the Palestinian press agency "Wafa" Ahman Mizhir while doing his job in the city of Bethlehem.
30/5/2006: The journalist Yahia Al-Madhoun in Al-Shabab radio and the cameraman Mahmoud Al-Mabayed of Ramattan agency for news, were injured during covering the news in Gaza Strip.
**
9- After 58 years from the Palestinian Nakba, The refugee problem is still there
The 15th of May was a special day for the Palestinians in and outside Palestine, they commemorate the catastrophic 1948 war that scattered their lives and forced millions of them to live as refugees all over the region; memorials were held in order for the Palestinian generations "not to forget".
The1948 Palestinian catastrophe coincided with the ending of the British mandate on Palestine and the establishment of the state of Israel on the Palestinian soil. The Israeli state came to light accordingly with the UN resolution no. 181 that divided Palestine into two states- Israel and Palestine; the part of resolution regarding Israel was implemented immediately while the part on the Palestinian state is yet to be realized.
The Palestinian catastrophe is a black mark in the world's modern history; the majority of the Palestinians were expelled from their homeland- leaving their properties behind to scatter as refugees all over the region and to suffer all sorts of abuses and discriminations. Three quarters of Palestine was abducted at that time; 531 Palestinian towns and villages were destroyed and removed from the map, and 85% of the population were driven away and were never allowed back to their homeland.
Number of the Palestinian refugees who were to leave Palestine in 1948 was estimated to about 750,000 persons, and in 1967 another 350,000 Palestinians were made refugees as a result of the Israeli "six days war" launched at the rest of Palestine that came to be known as the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza strip.
Statistics show that 5.1 million Palestinians are now living outside Palestine; 4.2 millions of them are distributed over 10 UNRWA camps in Syria and Jordan, 12 camps in Lebanon, 8 camps in Gaza strip and another 19 camps in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Several Palestinian, Arab and International rational initiatives were launched during the six past decades to maintain the "right of all" in a dignified life in the area, but none of those initiatives had been interpreted on the ground.
However, the Israeli consecutive governments went on with its war against the Palestinians- without listening or reacting to any of the calls of the International community.
The Palestinians In the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, while commemorating the 1948 Nakba, are still suffering the worst human, political, and social conditions ever been imposed on them.
The figures that appear in this bulletin regarding the Palestinian martyrs, imprisoned, and injured are real although they might sound devastating; the massive abduction and sweeping of the Palestinian houses and fertile lands is another issue that can't be isolated from the Israeli vicious and violent ongoing policy to enlarge the Jewish settlements and to erect the separation wall on the Palestinian soil- regardless of the cost on the Palestinian people and on peace and security in the region.
Editor: Abdul Rasool Tom
Translator: Suha Al-Khatib
END
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