Arab Academy in Cairo announces Short Story Competition

The Arab Academy announces an "International Arabic Short Story Competition" open to all those currently studying Arabic as a foreign language. The stories should take place in the Middle East (past or present), and the aim of the stories should be to enable the readers to better understand the history, culture, societies and/or geopolitics of the region.

Who may participate?
Students of Arabic in the West or those residing in an Arab country.

When is the entry deadline?
30th June 2009

What is the objective of this competition?
To encourage non-Arabs to write about the riches of the region from their own personal vantage point so that they help their readers to better understand the diverse cultures of the Middle East.

What are the requirements?
Two versions of the story: One version of the story in English and the other in Arabic. The English version should have a minimum of 5000 words. The Arabic version of the story should be an excerpt and should have a maximum of 1,000 words. Stories should be submitted via email to (stories@arabacademy.com) with current email address, physical address and telephone numbers.

Who are the jury?
** The jury are renowned novelists, historians and literary critics from the Middle East.

Dr. MBaye Bashir (Duke Unviersity, United States)
Dr. Zeinab Ibrahim (Amideast, Cairo, Egypt)
Dr. Salih Abdel Rahman (Howard Community College, United States)

When will the results be announced?
31st July 2009. Winners will be notified by email.
The winners of our prizes will have their stories published on the Arab Academy website.

What are the prizes?
** First Prize: 1 month of free tuition at Arab Academy in Cairo, Egypt + accommodation.
** Second Prize: 1 month of free tuition at Arab Academy in Cairo, Egypt.
** Third Prize: 6 months of free online Arabic language tuition



Sanaa Ghanem
(http://www.arabacademy.com/ghanem)
President, Arab Academy,
3 Kamil El-Shinnawi Street (Formerly: Al-Nabataat Street),
Garden City 14511, Cairo, Egypt
E-mail: info@arabacademy.com

Relief effort in Chicago launched for women and children of Gaza Strip

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact: Khawla Abdul-Raziq February 6, 2009 (708) 715-5556
Local Mothers Turn the Light On for Gaza

Suburban Chicago mothers volunteered their time and efforts in support of Gaza families and collected a 40 foot long container of humanitarian aid such as candles, coats, medical supplies, dry food items and one thousand blankets, in less than ten days. The container will be shipped to the Gaza Strip.

The group of Arab American mothers had carried on the job collecting donations and packing boxes. Mrs. Gada Dauod, a volunteer, stated “this is the least we can offer to our brothers and sisters who are suffering the atrocity in Gaza and were left without home, shelter or food.”
Ms. Khawla Abdul-Raziq, President of PEACE - Palestinian Children Care organization, said “We are overwhelmed with the response for this project; we have received more than one thousand donations from local families, merchants and health care providers”. As a result to this response, PEACE will be organizing a national relief campaign in 35 US cities in the future.

The container will be shipped to Alexandria then to Gaza in coordination with the United Nations and The Palestinian Red Cross.

After the latest Israeli strike on Gaza, a densely populated 360 square kilometer Strip, a total of 20,000 buildings were completely or partially burnt and damaged. The UN has reported that more than 50,000 Palestinians were left homeless and are now crowded into 50 emergency shelters. An estimated of 50,000 more are living with relatives and in tents they erected on the ruins of their homes.

Ms. Khawla Abdul-Raziq and volunteers will speak about this Humanitarian Campaign at the truck loading site:
Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 1:00 PM
10608 S. Robert RD
Palos Hills, IL, 60645

PEACE is exempt under section 501© (3) # (61-1419480)
P.O. Box 671, Worth, IL 60482 Tel: (708) 974-4950 (708)715-5556 Fax: (708) 974-4920
Toll Free at 1.866.72.PEACE (73223)
E-mail: peace4children@yahoo.com www.peace4children.org

Amnesty International spotlights Human Rights

Amnesty International Media Briefing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Amnesty International Spotlights Human Rights on Eve of 30th Anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution
--
In Brief Report, Organization Documents Iran's Human Rights Trends During the Last 30 Years

Contact: AIUSA media office, 202-544-0200 x302, lspann@aiusa.org

(Washington) -- February 10, 2009 marks the 30 year anniversary of the change in government in Iran that led to the creation of the Islamic Republic. Amnesty International is marking the date by raising its concerns over a range of human rights violations that have persisted over the past 30 years.

Previous governments appointed by the former Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi were widely regarded as corrupt and responsible for egregious human rights violations. The Islamic Republic of Iran was created following a nationwide referendum on April 1, 1979. Another referendum in December 1979 approved the constitution and confirmed Ayatollah Khomeini as Supreme Leader.

Despite promises made by Ayatollah Khomeini that all Iranians would be free, the past 30 years has been characterized by persistent human rights violations. The vast scope and scale of those violations of the early years of the Islamic Republic did decline somewhat with time. Limited relaxation of restrictions on freedom of expression during the period of reform under former President Khatami raised hopes of a sustained improvement in the human rights situation, although the situation remained poor. However, these hopes have been firmly crushed since the accession to power of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Impunity, arbitrary arrest, torture and other ill-treatment, as well as the use of the death penalty remain prevalent. Some sectors of society – including ethnic minorities – continue to face widespread discrimination, while the situation for other groups, notably some religious minorities, has significantly worsened. Those seen as dissenting from stated or unstated official policies face severe restrictions on their rights to freedom of belief, expression, association and assembly. Women continue to face discrimination both in law and practice. Impunity for human rights abuses is widespread.

Amnesty International has been documenting human rights violations in Iran since the mid-1960s. On the occasion of this anniversary, Amnesty International urges the Iranian authorities to:

*Release all prisoners of conscience: those imprisoned in Iran because of their political, religious or other conscientiously held beliefs, ethnic origin, language, national or social origin, sexual orientation or other status who have not used or advocated violence or hatred;

*Direct government, judicial and security officials to review the cases of all prisoners held for political reasons. This includes the release all political prisoners who were unfairly tried in previous years who should be retried under procedures which meet international standards for fair trial. Release those who have not yet been tried unless they are to be tried promptly and fairly on recognizably criminal charges;

*End impunity for past human rights violations, by fully investigating past abuses such as the 1988 mass killings of political prisoners, commonly known as the “prison massacres”;

*Make it clear to state officials that torture and other ill-treatment will not be tolerated and bring to justice anyone found responsible for such abuses;

*Reform key areas of the administration of justice to ensure that no one is arbitrarily arrested or subjected to unfair trial and that evidence obtained under torture and other ill-treatment is not admissible in courts.

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.2 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.

# # #

Banned book predicts end of Mubarak regime

Banned book predicts the end of the Mubarak’s regime and
A coming political earthquake

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chicago, IL - Banned book by award-winning author Aladdin Elaasar is released in the USA. “THE LAST PHARAOH: MUBARAK AND THE UNCERTAIN FUTURE OF EGYPT IN THE VOLATILE MID EAST” was banned in Egypt and Arab countries after its initial release as an eBook on Amazon and Mobipocket. The hard copy is now available through Beacon Press.

“The Last Pharaoh” dissects the political life in Egypt and Arab countries. The book raised the ire of the Mubara k’s government as it exposes the deep corruption, grave human rights abuses, and the authoritarianism of the Mubarak’s regime.

Packed with facts and telling the story of both modern and ancient Egypt, how the modern Arab and Islamic Worlds evolved, and interviewing experts, politicians, journalists and Western diplomats, Elaasar reveals the secrets of the personality cults behind Mubarak and other Middle Eastern leaders, and how religion has been exploited to give legitimacy to these oppressive regimes-- resulting into exporting extremism globally and undermining America’s efforts in the War on Terror.

“Combining an uncanny sense of clarity and understatement, Aladdin Elaasar weaves Egypt’s historical grandeur with an unnerving cascade of political intrigue that reveals a side of Mubarak the world cannot long ignore. In one fell swoop, the reader’s admiration for Egypt is both strengthened, and the source of unease revealed, as the author sheds light on the darkness of Egyptian politics that could one day turn catastrophic. With so much at stake, the West is slowly coming to grips with a new reality; a reality which no single book or author could possibly address”, says Professor Tate Miller, expert on International Negotiations at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

"Peeling back layer after complex layer of Egypt’s politics, culture, and intrigues, Elaasar de-mystifies Egypt without tarnishing her almost mystical status as the pinnacle of Arabian culture, and the bedrock of human civilization. This book is stunning in its revelations of Mubarak’s stranglehold on every aspect of life in this glorious, long suffering nation. Connecting one mysterious dot to the next, Elaasar teases the reader from chapter to chapter, as he lucidly explains the details of Egypt’s worst kept secrets of all…the ‘secret’ of Mubarak’s power and how he plans to rule from his own royal crypt," adds Professor Miller.

“Egypt is the next domino to fall and, as they say, so goes Egypt so goes the Middle East...explaining why a pillar of American dominance in that part of the world is about to crumble,” says Robert Baer, former Middle East-based CIA operative and author of See No Evil, and Sleeping with the Devil.

The 83 years old President Mubarak of Egypt has been in po wer since 1981 and was elected for six more years in 2005. Concerns about Mubarak’s health draw much greater attention to the question of who will next rule the nation of Egypt? Succession plan for Mubarak’s son Gamal is already in place.

Visible signs of discord between the United States and Egypt over a wide array of issues have appeared in recent years. Equally alarming is the rise of anti-American conspiracy theories in Egypt’s state media.

Haunted by the memories of the overnight fall of the Shah of Iran to the Ayatollahs, U.S. policymakers fear a similar event in Egypt. Once thought to be a strong U.S. ally, the Shah of Iran, lost his grip over power to the zealous clergy sabotaging every effort for peace and stability in the region. Marcos and Suharto, two old dictators considered strong U.S. allies, as well, fell to the angry mobs in the Philippines and Indonesia.

President Obama is likely to find himself facing an unbelievably bad choice in the largest Arab country, says Elaasar-- discussing several scenarios that can take place in Egypt. “Would America intervene militarily to preserve Gamal’s faltering rule? Would an ambitious general stage another coup, turning Egypt into a God -knows-what regime? Would that general ally himself with Muslim radical groups like the Muslim Brothers, Hamas, or Hezbollah? Would Egypt witness another Khomeini-style revolution? Considering the alarming rising poverty figures in Egypt and the disparities between the classes, could Egypt be overrun by an angry and hungry mob, French Revolution style? Egypt would then erupt into lawlessness, chaos, or perhaps civil war with the dissolving of the central government, its head figures and its upper class already preparing for such a turn of events.

Whatever the scenario would be, spill over from what could occur in Egypt in the near future would impact many nations, Elaasar warns in his book “The Last Pharaoh”.

END-
For media inquiries,
Please Contact:
Beacon Press
Tel 224 388 1353
Email: omaraladin@aol.com

New Movie portrays Arabs in realistic light, now available on DVD

All Mustafa an Egyptian American Muslim widower ever wanted to do was live the “American Dream.”

And, maybe pay off some family debts, turn his small New Jersey falafel shop into a fancy restaurant, raise his two motherless children as good Muslims and Americans, insure his sister married in a proper and arranged Muslim marriage to his first cousin, and possibly, if there is time, even find a wife himself.

But Mustafa’s American Dreams, like the American Dreams of many Arabs living in America after Sept. 11, 2001, don’t come easy, and his story, really the story of the Arab American experience today, makes for a compelling drama and one of the best movies about Arab American life I have seen.

Maybe that’s why “American East,” a film made by two professional Arab American actors and producers, was never released into the American movie theaters. Not one major theater would pick the film up and play it to an American audience so lacking in any knowledge about Arab Americans in the post-Sept. 11th world.

The story of the movie itself, written and produced by Hesham Issawi and Sayed Badreya, who plays the film’s main actor, Mustafa, is a part of this American tragedy, which might have been better titled “Shattered American Dreams.”

Yet despite the bias, the bigotry, the absence of major mainstream media coverage and support, and the rejection of the film by a Hollywood industry that is built on hatred of Arab Americans, Issawi and Badreya have produced one hell of a great film that in a dramatic and award winning way tells the inside story of how Arab Americans have been abused and mistreated in this country through the eyes of one man and the people around him.

Though “American East” will not be released in theaters, it will be released in DVD format beginning January 20.

Running through the film is Mustafa’s (Badreya) first dream, to open a fancy restaurant in Los Angeles with his friend Sam (Tony Shalhoub), who is Jewish and Egyptian. They both encounter resistance from skeptical locals and families and friends that expose common misunderstandings about Arabs and Islamic cultures as they explore building a business together.

But it gets far more complicated than that.

Mustafa must soon decide if he will take the easy road and succumb to societal pressures or rise above the prejudices and live the American Dream.

There have been several post-9/11 films like “Babel,” “Kingdom of Heaven,” “Syriana,” but all of them have been about the bigger political context, offering a tepid glimpse into the reality of today’s world. “American East” digs much deeper and there are no sacred cows on any side.

This film, though, is powerful. Poignant. And brings everything together in a way the mainstream American audience could better understand the problems that exist around us and that complicate not help the “war on terrorism.”

Mustafa’s life is one of a string of tragedy and problems all related to Sept. 11 and American public fears. He’s done absolutely nothing wrong, but everything he does now looks suspicious. He’s arrested by the FBI and they question him about his friendships and money he donates to help his family back home.

His business, Habibi’s Café, is about to close and is damaged. His business investments are about to fall through. The Arab-Israeli conflict rages in debate among his friends. His family life is collapsing and he worries about whether his children will be able to survive in this society.

Yet, despite all the tragedy that falls upon Mustafa and his family, he manages to say what every Arab American says at the height of their own tragic experiences in this country, “I still believe in this country.”

The film has been compared to Spike Lee’s popular movie “Do the Right Thing.” Like Lee’s film, “American East” tells the story of discrimination and challenge facing African Americans in this country from an African American viewpoint, but also reflecting the reality of Black-White relations.

“American East” exposes the prejudice that exists on all sides, including in the Arab American community. It has a decent reflection of the diversity of the Arab American community itself, although the main focus is about issues facing Muslims and Christian Arabs, who are the majority in the Arab American community, are really a side show in the film. It’s an oversight we experience everyday in Arab American life and that needs to be changed, someday. But until then, this amalgam of Arab American storylines comes together to give the audience a powerful ending.

“American East” touches on many aspects of Arab American life, from the challenges that even face Arab American actors in Hollywood who can either play terrorists in films or not play anyone at all. It explores the reality of a family that lives in the West and embraces Western culture but that still believes it is okay to marry off young single women to older men they have never met and only meet weeks before a marriage ceremony is held.

The film also explores how young Arab American children face the challenges of being singled out because of their race and religion? “Dad, why am I a Muslim? Why is my name Muhammad? Why don’t we celebrate Christmas?” all questions many Arab Muslim children eventually ask their parents.

It’s the same experience that Jewish American children go through, though, and that is one aspect of the film that is very powerful. It shows that the Arab American experience in America today although unique, is also a reflection of the very same experiences that every ethnic and racial immigrant group has faced in settling in this country.

Except for Arab Americans, though, who have been in America from the beginning, their Twilight Zone has been endlessly drawn out and not resolved because of the never ending Arab-Israeli conflict and the suffering of the Palestinian Arab people.

The film is also somewhat experimental, including a cartoon montage depicting a brief history of Islam that Issawi credits to the style of Michael Moore’s 2002 Documentary, “Bowling for Columbine.”

And the film also has its critics in the Arab and Muslim community, too, extremists who want all or nothing, and usually end up with nothing every time. A great track record of failure which they proudly hail as success.

The aspect of the film that has upset many Arabs and Muslims is the relationship Issawi crafts between Mustafa and Sam, the Jewish Egyptian businessman who is his longtime friend and now a partner in a business venture that becomes strained by the government questioning, arrests and harassment.

In an interview in the Los Angeles Times, one of the few in the mainstream media, by the way, Issawi touched on the problems he faced.

“Escaping stereotypes and the seething history and politics of the Middle East, especially regarding relations between Jews and Arabs, can get artists into trouble. Issawi’s portrayal of the friendship between Mustafa and Sam, who convinces his Jewish family to partner with Mustafa in a restaurant, angered critics at the Egyptian film festival. Egypt made peace with Israel in 1979, but it is a political pact, not a cultural or artistic one. Films, music and books dealing with “normalization” are often vilified.

“ ‘It was hell,’ Issawi said of the news conference following the screening of ‘American East.’ ‘I was getting attacked by everybody. “How dare you try to make normalization with Israel.” And this was coming from journalists and critics. It was unbelievable. There was hypocrisy to it. I mean, don’t we Egyptians have a peace treaty with Israel?’’ ”

How dare you indeed, Mr. Issawi, make a great movie that tells the truth to everyone, even if everyone doesn’t want to hear the truth at all. That’s the essence of a great film and “American East” is in fact one of the great films that you must see to enjoy, to learn and to understand.

-- Ray Hanania
www.RadioChicagoland.com

ADC applauds Mitchell appointment

ADC Press Release:

ADC Applauds Selection of George Mitchell as Special Middle East Envoy

Washington, DC | January 22, 2009 | www.adc.org | The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) welcomes today's appointment of former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell as Special Envoy to the Middle East by President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

A child of Arab and Irish immigrants, Mitchell also has experience in the region. In 2001, he traveled to the region and produced the "Mitchell Report" which set out measure for Israeli and Palestinians could take to stop the violence and restore their confidence in each other. Although well received the Administration did not push to implement the measures outlined in the report.

ADC Communications Director Laila Al-Qatami said, "George Mitchell is an exceptionally well qualified and highly respected public servant. Known for his ability to generate good will, he has a proven record of leadership and negotiating peace. ADC hopes he will have full authority and support to actually reach an end to Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to create a just and durable peace agreement."

He has said, "For those of you in the Middle East who are discouraged, I understand your feelings. But from my experience in Northern Ireland I formed the conviction that there is no such thing as a conflict that can't be ended. Conflicts are created and conducted by human beings. They can be ended by human beings. I saw it happen in Northern Ireland although admittedly it took a very long time. I believe deeply that with committed, persevering and active diplomacy it can happen in the Middle East."

BIOGRAPHY OF SENATOR GEORGE MITCHELL

Do you believe in ADC's mission? Are you looking for ways to fight for civil rights, a just American foreign policy, and a stronger Arab American community?

You can support ADC's educational work by giving to ADC-Research Institute (ADCRI) . ADCRI is a 501 ( C ) 3 affiliate of ADC charged with providing tools and resources to educate people about Arab and Muslim Americans and issues of importance to the Arab and Muslim World.

New DVD Release: AmericanEast movie offers realistic portrayal of Arabs and Muslims

American East movie offers realistic portrayal of Arabs and Muslims
By Ray Hanania

Every child needs a role model. For the most part, role models come from all walks of life, but the most important are those role models we see in Hollywood movies. And not just any role models. We look for "our own."

By that, I mean, Irish kids looked for Irish role models. Jewish kids looked for Jewish role models. Blacks looked for Blacks, Italians for Italians. And just like everyone else, Arab kids look for role models that are Arab, too.

As a child growing up on Chicago's Southeast Side in the 1950s and 1960s, I had no role models in the mainstream media, and especially none in Hollywood.

The movies were filled with villans and almost every villain was an Arab. The terrorists, the killers, the murderers all looked like they were related to me.

I'd go to the movies with my friends, frightened by the horrific images on the big screen, only to come back to the house and look around the dinner table and see the same faces that Hollywood vilified, exploited and stereotyped.

Other ethnic groups insist what I went through is what every ethnic kid goes through. Really? Well, yes, Italians have terrible images in the Hollywood movies, too. But I noticed that for every mobster who is Italian, there are at least one or two more good characters who are Italian also in the same movie. In other words, it is not the presence of negative images that is the problem.

It is the absence of positive images that IS the problem in American Hollywood movies. Yes, there are lots of negative images of every ethnic group, but there are also lots of positive images of ethnic groups, too, Except for Arab Americans.

In more than 250 movies made by Hollywood that include Middle East related themes or characters who could be surmised or are "Arab" or "Muslim," only about a handful, maybe five, have positive Arab characters. For years, the only positive Arab character in a movie was Aladdin in the Disney cartoon film and he didn't even look Arab at all.

Last year, two great Hollywood actors, Hesham Issawi and Sayed Badreya decided to do something that hasn't been done yet. They wanted to make a Hollywood movie that told a part of the Arab American and Muslim Arab story in a real way. They wanted to portray the reality of the Arab experience in America just the way it really is. And they made the film "American East," which is featured on the front page of this newspaper.

The problem, of course, is that not one American movie theater would show the film. Not one. Out of tens of thousands of movie theaters, not one could find the courage to show the film to the public. Why?

Was it because the film was filled with foul-mouthed language like nearly every major movie and TV program? Was it because it was more violent than the films that are filled with violent?

No. It made Arabs look normal. It portrayed Arab characters in a normal environment as human beings, like everyone else, who have to deal with the traumas and tragedies of real life.

On Jan. 20th, the film that couldn't make it into American theaters because it portrays Arabs in a positive and negative light was released on DVD.

I hope you will take the time to buy it. I hope Arab Americans and Muslims will purchase the DVD, not just to enjoy a film that for the first time portrays the reality of Arab American life in the post-Sept. 11, 2001 world, but that does so in a fair and balanced and dramatic and compelling manner.

It's a GREAT movie.

But buy it also because if you are like me upset with the ugliness that is the stock and trade of the Hollywood movie industry, purchasing it is one way to protest. Make it a success. Share it with your friends and neighbors. Let them see what Hollywood and the mainstream media does not want the world to see, that Arab Americans are no worse, no better and no different than anyone else. We have our bad and our ugly. But we also have our good, our inspirational, our flowers and our beauty.

Is that too much to ask? I don't think so.

(Ray Hanania is an award winning Arab American columnist and Chicago radio talk show host. He is also the publisher of the National Arab American Times newspaper, www.AATimesNews.com. Reach him at rayhanania@comcast.net.)

Chicago women and children hold silent protest for Gaza

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact: Amani Ghouleh 708.601.3713
January 19, 2009

Chicago Women and Children in a Silent Protest
For Peace and Justice in Palestine

CHICAGO, IL – Women from different Human Rights organizations, along with other ethnic and religious groups, will gather in support with the victims of Gaza at 1:00 pm Monday, January 19, 2009, at the Federal Plaza. Attendees are expected to come from all across Illinois and some neighboring states.

Approximately 1,100 Palestinians have been killed since the Israeli attacks on Gaza began 23 days ago, with over 5,000 injured, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz and the International Red Cross. Over 300 of the dead are children, almost 100 are women, and 49% of the injured are women or children; these figures are from the United Nations.
Coordinated National Days of Action in Memory
of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
People all across the United States will celebrate the life, legacy, and birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated by a racist's bullet on April 4th, 1968. Dr. King was one of the foremost leaders of the Black civil rights movement in this country, an organizer extraordinaire for peace and justice, and an eloquent orator who challenged racism, injustice, and oppression everywhere.

Monday, January 19, 2009
1:00 PM
Federal Plaza, 50 W. Adams St.
(Adams and Dearborn Streets, downtown Chicago, IL.)
Press Conference Speakers for January 19th, 2009. 1:30 PM
Christina Abraham -- CAIR-Chicago Civil Rights Director
Gihad Ali – Letter to Obama
Deanna Othman -- to speak about relatives in Gaza

Arab American Museum announces Feb. 1 Arab Book Awards nomination deadline

Publishers and Writers:

The Arab American National Museum (AANM) is proud to announce that submissions are now being accepted for the

2008 Arab American Book Award

Books submitted for consideration must be written or illustrated by an Arab American, or address the Arab-American experience. The portrayal or representation of Arab Americans should be accurate and engaging; avoid stereotypes, and reflect rich characterization. It must be an original work and published in English between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008. Submissions must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2009. An award will be given to an author or illustrator in each of the following three categories:
• Adult Non-Fiction in the areas of the Social Sciences and Humanities
• Adult Fiction, including Arts and Literature
• Poetry (New for 2008)
• Children or Young Adult, Fiction or Non-Fiction
Submission forms can be found on the AANM website. For additional information regarding the Book Award please contact Kristin LaLonde of the AANM Library & Resource Center at 313-624-0223 or klalonde@accesscommunity.org.
The Arab American Book Award was established in 2006 to encourage the publication and excellence of books that preserve and advance the understanding, knowledge, and resources of the Arab American community by celebrating the thoughts and lives of Arab Americans. The purpose of the Award is to inspire authors, educate readers and foster a respect and understanding of Arab American culture.

The Arab American National Museum documents, preserves, celebrates, and educates the public on the history, life, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. We serve as a resource to enhance knowledge and understanding about Arab Americans and their presence in this country. The Arab American National Museum is a project of ACCESS, a Dearborn, Michigan-based nonprofit human services and cultural organization.

Arab American National Museum 13624 Michigan Avenue Dearborn, MI 48126
www.arabamericanmuseum.org

PETE SEEGER joins panel at Arab American National Museum

NEWS

Contact: Kim Silarski
313.624.0206
ksilarski@accesscommunity.org



IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PETE SEEGER DISCUSSES PROFILING AND ACTIVISM IN FEBRUARY 1 PANEL DISCUSSION AT AANM

Dearborn, MI (January 15, 2009) – Folk music legend and political activist Pete Seeger is set to take part in a panel discussion on the practice of profiling at the Arab American National Museum (AANM) from 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday, February 1.

The panel discussion, which is free and open to the public, is presented in conjunction with the current AANM exhibition A Yemeni Community: Photographs from the 1970s by Milton Rogovin, on display through July 5, 2009 in the AANM's Lower Level Gallery.

Entitled Rise-Up: Activism Through the Arts, Profiling from McCarthyism to the Present, the event unites Seeger with Michigan-based activists Ismael Ahmed and Dr. Gloria House and from Chicago, Mark Rogovin; Dr. Francis Shor moderates. Participant biographies appear below.

Profiling refers to the data surveillance technique employed by institutions such as law enforcement in which aspects such as race, ethnic origin or political activism are used to identify potential criminal offenders or security threats, often resulting in the disproportionate investigation of people of color.

There is no charge to attend this event; no RSVP is required. Seating is first-come, first-served; seating capacity in the Museum’s Lower Level Auditorium is 156. Call 313.582.2266 for further information.


Panelists

Pete Seeger is a musician, singer/songwriter, folklorist, labor activist, environmentalist and peace advocate. He has issued some 100 records, written and collaborated on numerous radical songbooks, articles and banjo manuals. In 1955, Seeger was subpoenaed by the House Un-American Activities Committee and became one of the few witnesses called that year who did not invoke the Fifth Amendment. In a dramatic appearance before the committee, Seeger claimed that to discuss his political views and associates violated his First Amendment rights. Read more about Seeger HERE.

Ismael Ahmed is a human rights activist, music promoter and the current director of the Michigan Department of Human Services. In 1974, he co-founded the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) and served as its executive director from 1983-2007. Ahmed created the Concert of Colors, the largest free diversity music festival in the U.S., which marked its 16th anniversary in 2008.

Dr. Gloria House is a community activist, educator and poet who is a professor of humanities and African American studies at the University of Michigan - Dearborn. She has been involved in human rights causes since her student days at UC Berkley and her years as field secretary for the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee in Lowndes County, Alabama in the 1960s.

Mark Rogovin is an artist and community activist who worked with Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros on his last mural, The March of Humanity. In 1981, Rogovin co-founded the Peace Museum and was its director for four years. He now heads the Rogovin Collection with its mission to promote the educational use of the social documentary photography of his father, Milton Rogovin.

Dr. Francis Shor (moderator) is professor of history at Wayne State University and a longtime human rights activist involved with numerous peace and justice groups including the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights.

The Arab American National Museum documents, preserves, celebrates, and educates the public on the history, life, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. We serve as a resource to enhance knowledge and understanding about Arab Americans and their presence in this country. The Arab American National Museum is a project of ACCESS, a Dearborn, Michigan-based nonprofit human services and cultural organization. Learn more at www.arabamericanmuseum.org and www.accesscommunity.org.

The Arab American National Museum is a proud Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Read about the Affiliations program at http://affiliations.si.edu.

The Museum is located at 13624 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI, 48126. Museum hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday, Tuesday; Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is $6 for adults; $3 for students, seniors and children 6-12; ages 5 and under, free. Call 313.582.2266 for further information.

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Kim Silarski
Communications

Chicago Radio show brings Palestinians and Israelis together on "Say Something Nice" day

I have invited two guests on my show this morning, Fadi Zanayed, president of the Chicago Chapter of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, and David Steiner, president of the Chicago Chapter of the American Friends of Peace Now. Zanayed is Palestinian and Steiner is Israeli.

Over the past few weeks, it has been disheartening to watch and listen as some leaders in the Arab community and also in the mainstream Jewish American community, spew hatred and vicious rhetoric blaming others for the unspeakable crimes against women, children and innocent people in the Gaza Strip and in the Israeli towns near Gaza. Instead of leadership, some of these organizations have been denouncing fiercely the crimes committed against their people, but have either remained silent or have justified the carnage and immoral conduct committed against the others.

Both sides are committing crimes, and the worst crime is when the people on either side pretend their side is not committing a crime but scream and cry about the crimes committed only against their people.

That is complicity in the carnage and that needs to stop.

Today on my Radio Chicagoland program (WJJG 1530 AM Radio) I am asking callers, especially Arab and Jewish listeners, to call in and say something nice about the "other side." To show not that the other side is right but that their side has a remaining sense of morality in a conflict filled with a vicious war of words of "moral equivalency."

Innocent people are dying in a conflict that has raged on for more than 100 years. No one incident started anything. The facts so the claims on both sides are untrue. And when people lie or they close their eyes to the truth, they are also participating in the inhumanity that is taking place today.

Our government leaders are failing and are also playing politics on the spilled blood of innocent people. It's up to us, the people, to take the lead and say and do something to force them to do the right thing.

If you are not in the Chicagoland area to hear the show live on the radio this morning between 8 and 9:30 am, you can go to the web site and listen online, including on the live video streaming option,

-- Ray Hanania
http://www.radiochicagoland.com/

Chicago Chapter of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee condemns synagogue attacks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUNDAY, JAN. 11, 2009

CONTACT:
Fadi Zanayed, President Chicago Chapter
American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee

ARAB ORGANIZATION CONDEMNS SYNAGOGUE DESECRATIONS

The Chicago Chapter of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC-Chicago) condemns the vandalism that has been reported over the past few days against Jewish American religious institutions.

ADC-Chicago and the entire Arab American community in Chicagoland oppose all forms of racism, bias, bigotry, discrimination and acts of violence or vandalism that reflect any form of racism. These acts of vandalism only contribute towards hatred. We oppose hatred. We make this statement because our organization believes that the Arab and Jewish communities should work together against all forms of discrimination as a first step toward working together for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East .

ADC-Chicago also urges the public not to rush to judgment as to the race or religion of the offenders in these acts of vandalism. Their acts are not endorsed in anyway and do not reflect on the legitimate efforts of our community to stand up for justice and fairness and the support of peace.

Members of the Arab American community are living in a state of fear of bias and discrimination and experience this racism every day, some of which is the result of the tragic conflict in the Middle East . This fear mongering is being espoused by certain news media and particularly talk radio that promote anti-Arab racism.

ADC-Chicago has stood up against hate speech on local radio and in the media and we hope that everyone will join us in speaking out against the factors and incidents that fuel hatred and animosity anywhere and everywhere.

# # #

Fadi Zanayed, ADC-Chicago President
708-257-7755
www.ADCChicago.com

# # #

Gaza Bombing affects Illinois family

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
January 8, 2009
Contact: Amani Media 708.601.3713

GAZA BOMBING AFFECTS ILLINOIS FAMILY

CHICAGO, IL - Mr. Adel Filfil, a salesman who lives in Northbrook, grew up in Gaza, and just came back from visiting family there a week before Israel launched it’s latest attack on Gaza. He says he just found out that one of his nephews was killed and another was injured in the latest string of bombings on Jabalia in the Gaza strip.

“My nephew was shot in his neck and killed by the Israeli army man when he went looking for food for his family. Another nephew was injured when an Israeli air strike missile hit the mosque where he, his father and four brothers were praying on January 6th. ”

Mr. Filfil says he’s been so worried about the dangerous situation, that he can’t even sleep thinking about his family.

“Not even one house in Jabalia is left without destruction. My sister’s family of seven are living in one room after one side of their house was bombed and using wood as the only source of heat for warmth and cooking. They don’t know when or where to get any humanitarian relief. ”

Everyone is suffering in Gaza, Filfil says “I can’t do anything for them but pray this is going to end soon. The situation in Jabalia was not much better when I was there two weeks ago. With the siege on Gaza, the electricity, water and gas were out most of the week.”

Mr. Adel Fifil will be available for interviews at the Press Conference.

Press Conference: Situation in Gaza
Friday, January 9, 2009
3:30 PM
Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St.
Chicago, Illinois

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Mercy Corps' Delayed Food Shipment Due to Arrive in Gaza Strip

Mercy Corps' Delayed Food Shipment Due to Arrive in Gaza Strip
January 6, 2009

Portland, OR - After two days of delay, the global relief and development agency Mercy Corps plans to send a shipment of food for 1,800 people into the Gaza Strip on Wednesday morning local time. The four-metric-ton shipment was originally scheduled to enter Gaza on Monday, but was delayed because of the introduction of Israeli ground troops and subsequent border restrictions.

Mercy Corps has issued an urgent call for immediate humanitarian access to Gaza. The agency is increasingly concerned about the prospects for delivering aid within the territory, which been divided by recent military actions. Before the current conflict, Mercy Corps' programs were already inhibited because of the frequent closures of the Gazan borders, which led to fuel rationing and electricity and water shortages.

But the agency insists that access has become much more difficult in recent days. "Only a trickle of aid is getting in," explains David Holdridge, Mercy Corps Regional Program Director for the Middle East. "Many families in Gaza have been living for more than a week without reliable electricity, heat, food or water. This initial shipment will help, but it's only a fraction of what's needed."

The shipment contains four metric tons of rice, canned tuna, dates and soybean oil, and will enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom border crossing in southern Israel. The shipment has been approved by Israeli authorities, and is being coordinated with the assistance of the World Food Programme and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Mercy Corps' team expects to distribute the food in the coming days.

In lieu of shipping goods into Gaza, Mercy Corps has resorted to collecting, buying and distributing items within the territory. In recent days, the agency has distributed blankets to hundreds of people in Khan Younis and patients at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

Though communication with Mercy Corps team members inside Gaza has been difficult and sporadic, the agency has thus far heard that all of the team is safe. Speaking today from the southern city of Rafah, Mercy Corps Administrative and Finance Manager Wafa Ulliyan described the situation for civilians as "terrible and deteriorating." Ulliyan, who fled Gaza City shortly after air strikes started in late December, is living with her husband, seven-month-old daughter, two sisters and ten other family members.

"I cannot describe how terrible it is. No one feels safe," says Ulliyan. "There is continuous shelling, no electricity for two days, and every night the children are in a panic. But the situation is even worse in other areas of Gaza." Ulliyan has been unable to contact her friends and neighbors in Gaza City.

HOW TO HELP:
Mercy Corps Gaza Crisis Fund
Dept NR
PO Box 2669
Portland, OR 97208
www.mercycorps.org
1-800-852-2100

Church World Service offers comprehensive aid in Gaza crisis

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Church World Service offers comprehensive aid in Gaza crisis

NEW YORK CITY - Thurs., Jan. 8, 2009 - As the death toll continues to rise in the wake of the Israeli military attack on Gaza, Church World Service has set in motion an emergency response that includes humanitarian relief, protection for refugees and those displaced by the attacks, advocacy for intensified measures to create a just peace, and a public appeal for U.S. donations to further assist people suffering through the crisis.

In an attempt to stop the fighting that has trapped some 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza with little to no access to food, water or medicine, Church World Service has called its Speak Out advocacy network to action, asking people to immediately press their lawmakers in Washington to support prompt U.S. diplomatic action to end the fighting in Gaza and renew a meaningful process toward peace with justice for Palestinians and Israelis.

Because some two thirds of the people now suffering in Gaza are refugees, CWS wants the governments of Israel and Egypt to allow civilians who want to leave the bloodshed to do so safely, as recommended by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

In a January 8 letter to U.S. congressional leaders, state department officials and Israeli and Egyptian ambassadors, Church World Service underscored the Gazan refugees' right to protection, saying "All human beings have a universal right to flee war and seek safety in neighboring countries." Both Israel and Egypt are signatories to the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

"It is thus incumbent upon Israel and Egypt to immediately open their borders and provide protection to civilians attempting to flee violence and persecution.

Echoing the call of UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres, the agency communiqué also said that "it is absolutely imperative that the immediate delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian victims of this conflict be facilitated with the cooperation of Egypt and Israel."

Church World Service is a member of Action by Churches Together, an international aid alliance. ACT has sent trucks loaded with medicine, blankets, food and energy biscuits for children to Gaza. The supplies, along with trauma therapists, will be able to enter Gaza as soon as the Israeli Army gives permission for the supply trucks to enter. As of Wednesday evening, reports indicated that Israel would halt its bombing for a few hours each day to allow delivery of humanitarian aid.

CWS says aiding infants and small children and their mothers is a priority. CWS partners report a need for supplementary feeding for 80,000 preschool children, but only one in four children has received such supplements during the war.

The need for emergency psychosocial care within the war-torn area is overwhelming, Action by Churches Together reports. "The best therapy for children is to resume normal life," says ACT's representative in Israel and Palestine, Liv Steinmoeggen.

Steinmoeggen says emergency supplies including medicine and blankets also are needed at the Anglican Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. The hospital's windows were blown out during the attacks and patients there now are exposed to cold weather.

The fighting began 12 days ago, after Israel announced that it would launch an assault on Gaza in retaliation for Palestinian rockets fired into Israel. More than 700 Palestinians have been killed and the United Nations already has warned of an impending humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

In December, Church World Service Executive Director Rev. John L.
McCullough and other major Christian leaders in the U.S. sent a letter to President-elect Barack Obama urging him to make Israeli-Palestinian peace an immediate priority.

HOW TO HELP: Contributions to support this emergency appeal may be made online or sent to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN, 46515. Please designate #6824, 2009 Gaza Humanitarian Response.

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Christian leaders urge Obama to make Israeli-Palestinian peace a priority

SUPPORT PEACE IN THE HOLY LAND THIS NEW YEAR: SIGN AN ECUMENICAL LETTER TO PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA BEFORE JANUARY 16
JOIN 10,000 CHRISTIANS NATIONWIDE IN URGING HOLY LAND PEACE! Thanks to the incredible efforts of Christians around the country, over 10,000 people have signed an ecumenical letter endorsed by forty major American Christian leaders that urges President-elect Barack Obama "to make achievement of Israeli-Palestinian peace an immediate priority" during his first year in office. But there's still time to act in support of peace. Click here now to add your signature before January 16.

WHY IS THIS LETTER IMPORTANT NOW? WHY IS THIS LETTER IMPORTANT NOW? As the New Year begins, our thoughts and prayers are with those in Gaza and southern Israel as they suffer invasion and attack. The current crisis demonstrates that violence cannot bring peace. What is needed is robust U.S. diplomatic engagement to encourage negotiations toward a durable two-state agreement. With the incoming Obama Administration, there is a renewed opportunity for the United States to help achieve a just and lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Earlier this week President-elect Obama said, "The loss of civilian life in Gaza and in Israel is a source of deep concern to me...Starting at the beginning of our administration, we are going to engage effectively and consistently in trying to resolve the conflicts that exist in the Middle East." It is critical that Obama hear from American Christians now in large numbers that we support sustained U.S. diplomacy and a meaningful peace process that leads to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. He needs to know that we stand ready to support his peacemaking leadership. WHAT DOES THE LETTER ASK PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA TO DO? The letter, coordinated by Churches for Middle East Peace, urges President-elect Obama to provide immediate diplomatic leadership toward the clear goal of a final status agreement establishing a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. The letter notes that the work for a just peace will not be easy, but stresses that the risk of inaction is far greater. The two-state solution is supported by majorities of Israelis and Palestinians as the best way to end this tragic conflict. However, the prospects for this solution are narrowing and must be seized.
The deadline for signatures is January 16, 2009. A version of this letter signed by national Christian leaders was sent to the Obama transition team on December 1, 2008. The final letter signed by leaders and individual church members, such as us, will be delivered to President Obama upon his inauguration. Sign the letter now. SPREAD THE WORD After signing the letter, please share the letter with your family, friends, and church community and ask them to sign. Church bulletin inserts, a tell-a-friend feature, and other resources to help you spread the word are available at http://www.cmep.org/letter/resources.

Visit the CMEP website: Learn more about our work and how to get involved.
Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace is a Washington-based program of the Alliance of Baptists, American Friends Service Committee, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Armenian Orthodox Church, Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men's Institutes, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Church World Service, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Franciscan Friars OFM (English Speaking Conference, JPIC Council), Friends Committee on National Legislation, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Maryknoll Missioners, Mennonite Central Committee, Moravian Church in America, National Council of Churches, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church (GBCS & GBGM).
Contributions to CMEP are tax deductible and can be made by check or online by secure, on-line credit card service.

Churches for Middle East Peace
Email: info@cmep.org
Phone: 202-543-1222
Web: http://www.cmep.org

ADC Chicago slams WLS Radio talk Show Host hate speech

AMERICAN-ARAB ANTI-DISCRIMINATION COMMITTEE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Fadi Zanayed
JANUARY 7, 2009
707-257-7755

(ADC) Chicago Launches Discrimination Watch List To respond to incidents of discrimination and media bias

WLS Radio Host Erich Mancow Muller cited for outrageous call to kill Hamas people

Chicago – The Chicago Chapter of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Chapter today issued a letter to Mr. Mike Fowler, President and General Manager of WLS AM Radio to express outrage for the comment made by Erich “Mancow” Muller that “Hamas people should be lined up and killed” during today’s morning broadcast. While ADC does not speak for the political party of Hamas, we do take offense to any language that would cause tensions to be escalated toward the American-Arab community.

As we witness a growing atmosphere of hatred and animosity, comments like this cross the line and encourage more hate. Everyone knows that when Mancow or anyone else refers to “Hamas people,” they are in fact referring to Arabs, Muslims and particularly Palestinians.

The Chicago Chapter of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee monitors media bias and hate speech and we believe this offensive commentary falls into the category of hate speech, especially given the circumstances that have engulfed tensions between Arabs and Israelis in the past week.

We are demanding that Mr. Muller apologize for his comment. We feel that while he has the right to express his viewpoint, advocating violence only serves to create an atmosphere in which hatred can persist. We also insist on having one of our distinguished community members appear on Mr. Muller’s show to present what we feel is a balanced reply to the clearly racist show he had on today.

In the meantime, ADC-Chicago is placing Erich Mancow Muller and his midday program at WLS AM Radio on the ADC Chicago Discrimination Watch List. We plan to circulate our protest and any responses we receive from you or the station to our community to increase their awareness about these issues.

The ADC Chicago Discrimination Watch List is a part of the ADC Chicago “Rapid Response Committee” to monitor instances of discrimination, bigotry and bias on the part of the news media, government officials and other public agencies.

The committee is managed by the ADC Chicago Executive Committee and chaired by ADC Board member Ray Hanania.

ADC Chicago will soon be launching a new web site at www.ADCChicago.com where a Discrimination Watch List will be published and members of the Arab American community can come to report alleged instances of discrimination and bigotry.

The ADC Chicago Chapter will carefully review all allegations and immediately request clarification from individuals and organizations accused of discrimination or bias.

Our purpose is not to punish those who discriminate but to instead stop the discrimination by heightened awareness and vigilance. As the premier Arab American organization in the United States, ADC is vested with the responsibility to stand up for its community. We take that charge seriously and will work to help sift through the difficult issues of discrimination and hopefully make a difference not only for our community but for American society as a whole.

We urge anyone who feels they may have been discriminated to visit our web page and to submit facts involving cases of discrimination.

In many cases, we believe confronting the issues can resolved in a rapid resolution of the problems and prevent them from being exacerbated.

Some cases, however, will be referred to attorneys for possible legal action. All of the instances will be documented and all responses will be posted on our web site.

# # #

Congressman charges Israel may be in violation of US Arms Export Control Act

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Nathan White (202)225-5871

Israel May Be in Violation of Arms Export Control Act
Kucinich Requests Report to Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 6, 2009) – In light of press reports that Israeli forces fired on a United Nations school where civilians were taking shelter, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) today sent notice to Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, that Israel’s actions in Gaza since December 27th, 2008 may constitute a violation of the requirements of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (AECA).

When the President is aware of the possibility of such violations, the AECA requires a report to Congress on the potential violation(s). The AECA outlines the conditions under which countries may use military articles or services obtained from the U.S. government, which include “internal security” or “legitimate self defense.”

The letter offers preliminary evidence that there may be a violation of the requirements of AECA. For example, Israeli forces have used F-16 fighter jets and Apache helicopters to precede and to support ongoing ground actions such as the one today in which 40 Palestinians were killed while taking shelter in a U.N. facility.


In the letter, Kucinich requests a response by the close of business on January 7, 2009 with the date that the report will be submitted.

The full text of the letter follows:
January 5, 2009


The Honorable Condoleezza Rice
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW

Washington, DC 20520

Dear Dr. Rice:

I am writing concerning Israel's military offensive against Gaza, which began on December 27th. I support Israel's security and its right to exist in peace, without the fear of rocket attacks from Hamas. Moreover, I abhor the violence being visited upon the citizens of our firm ally. However, no nation is immune from the legal conditions placed on the receipt of U.S. military assistance. I believe that with the current escalation of violence inGaza, a legal threshold has been reached, warranting a Presidential examination and report to Congress. I hereby request an examination of Israel’s compliance with the provisions of the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 (AECA).[1]

While neither the AECA nor the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA) define “internal security” and “legitimate self-defense,” I believe that Israel’s most recent
attacks neither further internal security nor do they constitute “legitimate” acts of self-defense. They do, however, “increase the possibility of an outbreak or escalation of conflict,” because they are a vastly disproportionate response to the provocation, and because the Palestinian population is suffering from those military attacks in numbers far exceeding Israeli losses in life and property.

Israel’s current military campaign in Gaza has inflicted a significant toll on Palestinian civilians and society. Israel’s recent aerial and ground offensive against Gaza has killed nearly 600 and injured over 2,500. The Associated Press reported: “children are paying the price. . . . The United Nations has said the death toll includes 34 children. . . . But the broad range of Israel's targets--police compounds, fire stations, homes of militants, Hamas-run mosques and university buildings--means most shelling is occurring in residential areas."[2] The extensive destruction of such civilian institutions violates Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits the wanton destruction of property and collective punishment of a civilian population. There have also been reports of bombings of United Nations (UN) schools, despite the fact that Israeli Defense Forces were allegedly given coordinates of the facilities prior to the current escalation in violence.[3][4] The blockade that Israel has imposed on Gaza since 2006 has further exacerbated the extent of collateral damage, as hospitals and morgues have been unable to cope with the magnitude of deaths and injuries as a result of the current escalation in violence and hospitals lack proper supplies needed to treat the injured.

I believe that Israel’s use of defense articles provided by the U.S in the current Gaza military attacks may constitute a violation of the AECA. At a minimum, the conflict is sufficient to warrant an immediate report to Congress as required by 22 U.S.C. §2753. Please contact my office by close of business on January 7, 2009 with the date the report will be submitted.

Sincerely,
/s/
Dennis J. Kucinich
Member of Congress

# # #



[1] U.S.C. 22 §§ 2771-2781.
[1] Barzak, Ibrahim. (2009, January 1). Fighting in dense Gaza brings child casualties. Associated Press Newswire. Online. Accessible: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/01/news/ML-Gaza-Children-Casualties.php
[2] Barzak, Ibrahim. (2009, January 1). Fighting in dense Gaza brings child casualties. Associated Press Newswire. Online. Accessible: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/01/news/ML-Gaza-Children-Casualties.php
[3] McGreal, Chris and McCarthy, Rory. (2009, January 6). Israeli shelling kills dozens at UN School in Gaza. The Guardian. Online. Accessible: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/06/gaza-israel-death-un .
[4] News Agencies. (2009, January 6). 40 Palestinians killed in IDF Strike on UN School. Haaretz. Online. Accessible: http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1053138.html

ADC Urges probe of Israeli war crimes in Gaza Strip

Washington, DC January 6, 2009 www.adc.org The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) calls on the United Nations (UN), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the International Community to investigate Israel's bombing of a UN-operated school in Gaza, killing over 40 Palestinians. ADC also called on the Bush Administration and President-elect Obama to publicly address and repudiate today's tragedy and the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis. The bombing of civilian populations is a violation of international humanitarian law and the laws of war including the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.

According to reports, Israel bombed this UN-operated school, located in the Jabaliya refugee camp, killing many civilians who had sought shelter from Israel's continued bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip. The tactics of the Israeli Army, using heavy artillery, helicopter fire and massive bombs from fighter jets on the dense and overwhelmingly civilian Gaza Strip has caused more than 640 civilian deaths and 3,000 injuries, some people being maimed for life. The Israeli army said four of its soldiers had been killed in two separate friendly-fire incidents on Tuesday, when errant Israeli tank shells hit their positions and 60 Israelis have been injured by rocket attacks launched from Gaza into southern Israel.

The residents of Gaza, one of the most densely populated areas in the World, are surrounded by Israel's military occupation and they have no place to take refuge from the ongoing onslaught. More than 18 months ago, Israel began to blockade Gaza, leaving the residents of Gaza with limited to no access to water, electricity, food, and medicine. Even before Israel began its military assault ten days ago there was a growing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, now the situation is even more dire and desperate.

Food is hard to come by because of Israel's ongoing blockade of Gaza and now it's even more expensive for those who can actually afford to buy food. Gaza's water authorities indicated wells in Gaza are not working due to lack of power and damage to the pipes, while others are operating only partially.

Hospitals are overwhelmed and lack basic necessities, if people can even get to the hospitals. Emergency aid workers have been unable to reach the wounded and supplies for hospitals are being held up and not reaching their destinations. Hospitals are relying on backup generators for electricity and rolling electricity cuts leave patients in jeopardy.


###
NOTE TO EDITORS: The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), which is non sectarian and non partisan, is the largest Arab-American civil rights organization in the United States. It was founded in 1980, by former Senator James Abourezk to protect the civil rights of people of Arab descent in the United States and to promote the cultural heritage of the Arabs. ADC has 38 chapters nationwide, including chapters in every major city in the country, and members in all 50 states.

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee www.adc.org
1732 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20007
Tel: 202-244-2990 Fax: 202-244-7968 Media@adc.org

CMEP Urges Congress to Support U.S. Efforts to Achieve Immediate Cease-Fire

CMEP Urges Congress to Support U.S. Efforts to Achieve Immediate Cease-Fire
Urgent Humanitarian Measures and Renewed Political Process Necessary for Durable Peace
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Julie Schumacher Cohen, Legislative Director, julie@cmep.org, (c) 917-655-4273
[Washington, DC, January 6, 2009] Churches for Middle East Peace sent the following message to all House and Senate offices yesterday afternoon.

The new year has begun with an escalating crisis in Gaza and southern Israel that demonstrates the urgent need for robust U.S. diplomatic engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian arena.
Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) deplores the tragic loss of life of those caught in the conflict and cares deeply about the welfare of both Israelis and Palestinians who are suffering and living in fear.

The events of recent days and weeks have wreaked havoc in the Holy Land and are dimming hopes for a continuation of the U.S. peace efforts begun in Annapolis over a year ago.
To end the current crisis and promote long-term peace and stability, CMEP believes that urgent efforts must be pursued to achieve an immediate cease-fire that ends the violence, addresses the humanitarian situation - including an opening of the border crossings that provides relief for the people of Gaza and meets Israel's security needs - and leads to concrete steps toward a two-state peace agreement.

CMEP urges Members of Congress to issue statements expressing support for the following U.S. efforts on behalf of Israel and the Palestinians and to safeguard American national security interests:

1. Prompt U.S. diplomatic action to help achieve an immediate cease-fire that ends the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas.

The ongoing indiscriminate Palestinian rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel must be stopped and the massive Israeli military responses must be halted. Further spiraling violence will increase the toll of human suffering, strengthen extremists in Gaza and undermine Palestinian moderates as well as moderate voices throughout the region. It also risks broader Middle East destabilization and confrontation.

In a Dec. 29th letter to President Bush, the CMEP coalition representing 22 U.S. church bodies, called for prompt action to achieve a cease-fire to help "bring about an end to the violence." Jerusalem Church Leaders and Patriarchs, in a Dec. 30th statement, said that the continuation of the violence will "breed more hatred and hostility - and thus continued confrontation between the two peoples." On December 28th, Pope Benedict XVI said the international community must help Israelis and Palestinians find a way out of this "dead end" of conflict and violence and instead pursue the path of "dialogue and negotiation." He renewed this call yesterday stressing the, "profound desire to live in peace in the hearts of the great majority of the Israeli and Palestinian populations, which is once again endangered by the intense violence."

CMEP agrees with Sec. Rice's Jan. 2nd statement that it is necessary to find a "solution to Gaza that will be a sustainable one for the people of Gaza, for the people of Israel and for the people of the Palestinian territories…more broadly." We believe a cease-fire that ends the violence now, achieved with the leadership of the United States together with the international community and regional partners, must be the immediate first step.

2. Support for urgent measures to address the Gaza humanitarian situation, including an opening of the border crossings that provides relief for the people of Gaza and meets Israel's security needs.

The Red Cross has said that the current hostilities have created an "alarming" humanitarian situation in Gaza, coming on the heels of prolonged restrictions on Gaza that have led to shortages of fuel, electricity, water and medical supplies.

According to the World Food Program, "the population [in Gaza] is facing a food crisis" and Mercy Corps staff on the ground say this is "particularly difficult for the poor and those who rely on outside food assistance." World Vision reports that the conflict and violence has "completely overwhelmed the limited health services" in the Gaza Strip and "caused severe damage to the civilian infrastructure with many areas now without water, electricity or sanitation." According to CARE, this past weekend's escalation of violence has "halted many distributions of essential goods such as food and medical supplies".

CMEP encourages immediate attention to the Gaza humanitarian situation, by helping to reopen the border crossings and facilitate the movement of people and goods in a responsible manner that provides relief to the people of Gaza and meets Israel's security needs. Ending the border blockade and establishing real security at Gaza's borders must be part of a durable resolution of the current crisis that allows the families of Gaza and southern Israel to live in peace.

3. Renewal of a meaningful Israeli-Palestinian political process that can provide a durable peace.
Ultimately there is no military solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Only a political resolution can provide a secure, stable and prosperous future for all the people of the Holy Land. While CMEP believes an immediate cease-fire must be urgently pursued, we recognize that a cease-fire alone is not a long-term solution.

The cease-fire must be accompanied by a political process that establishes a viable Palestinian state living in peace alongside a secure Israel. For any renewed political process to be meaningful, it must address all final status issues and include concrete steps that improve the situation on the ground as well as monitoring mechanisms to ensure that both parties are adhering to their obligations.

The Bush Administration should use its final weeks to help broker an immediate cease-fire agreement in Gaza and southern Israel and the incoming Obama Administration must give priority attention to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is a coalition of 22 Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant church bodies and organizations that work together in pursuit of a peaceful resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict where two viable states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side within secure and recognized borders.

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Chicago Arabs protest Gaza war crimes Friday 3 PM in front of the Tribune building

For more information Contact;
Amanin Ghouleh 708.601.3713

Protest To Stop The Mascare in Gaza

Arab American along with other ethnic, religious and human rights organizations have stepped forward to protest the inhumane killing of Palestinians in Gaza and Israeli war crimes and violation of international rules.

Israel continues to escalate the attacks on Palestinians in Gaza; leaving Gaza civilians bleeding to death, while clinics, mosques, schools and hundreds of home were destroyed. Since Saturday 12/27/08, over 350 Palestinians are dead and more than 1600 injured.

With the siege continuing, there is no where to go and nothing is safe. Skies raining with Israeli missiles created horrific scenes of bodies, many of whom are women, children & elderly. Scenes such as five sisters dead while sleeping and four children with their mother dead while having breakfast, all the result of Israeli missiles strikes.

A peaceful demonstration and rally will take place on:

Date: Friday, January 2, 2009
Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Place: Meet at Tribune Plaza 435 N. Michigan Ave, then March to Israeli Consulate

Sponsored by (list in formation): American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)-Chicago Chapter, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), ANSWER Chicago, Arab American Action Network (AAAN), Comite Anti-Militarizacion (CAMY), Chicago Coalition Against War and Racism (CCAWR), Fight Back! Newspaper, International Solidarity Movement (ISM)-Chicago, Islamic Community Center of Illinois (ICCI), Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP)-Chicago, Mosque Foundation, Muslim American Society (MAS) Freedom Foundation, National Boricua Human Rights Network, Palestinian American Community Center, Palestine Solidarity Group (PSG)-Chicago, United States Palestinian Community Network (USPCN)-Chicago

Nationwide protests organizaed against Israeli war crimes in gaza Strip: Protest Calendar

Stop the Massacre of Palestinians!

Emergency Rally in Chicago
Tomorrow: Sunday, December 28 - 12 Noon to 2 pm
Water Tower Park - 830 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago
For more info call 773-463-0311

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Tuesday, December 30: National Day of Action
Emergency Demonstrations on Tuesday, December 30 and other days (listed below)

The ANSWER Coalition, Muslim American Society Freedom, Free Palestine Alliance, National Council of Arab Americans, and Al-Awda, International Palestine Right to Return Coalition are calling for Tuesday, December 30 to be a National Day of Action to show solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza and to demand an immediate end to the murderous attacks carried out by the Israeli military against the people of Gaza.

In Washington, D.C., there will be a demonstration at the State Department at 4:30 pm. Demonstrations will also be held in cities around the country. See below for an initial list. If there is a demonstration in your city, email the details to info@answercoalition.org so it can be posted on the ANSWER Coalition website and listed in any future emails.

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Hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza have been massacred and wounded today as Israel has launched a massive bombing campaign against the people of Gaza. The bombing rampage took place as thousands of Palestinian children were in the streets on their way home from school. Palestinian parents were running frantically in the streets looking for their children as U.S.-provided F-16s and Apache helicopters rained down more than 100 bombs and missiles on Gaza.

The20U.S.-backed Israeli Occupation Force destroyed every security station in Gaza. AFP reported: "There was no space left in the morgue and bodies were piled up in the emergency room and in the corridors, as many of the wounded screamed in pain."

Because of the U.S.-backed Israeli blockade and strangulation of the people of Gaza for the past 18 months there is little or no medicine to treat the wounded, electricity for hospitals, or food or clean water for much of the population.

An Israeli military spokesperson said, "The operation is ‘only just beginning’." The Israeli Defense Ministry said in a statement: "The action will continue and will widen as much as is demanded according to the evaluation of the situation by the high command of the army."

Take Action:
- Demonstrations Across the Country
- Send a letter to the State Department and Congress

Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, December 30
4:30 pm
State Department: 22nd St & C St NW
Contact: 202-544-3389, dc@answercoalition.org

San Francisco
Tuesday, December 30
5:00 pm
Israeli Consulate:456 Montgomery St.
Contact: 415-821-6545, answer@answersf.org

Los Angeles
Tuesday, December 30
4:30 pm
Israeli Consulate: 6380 Wilshire Blvd.
Contact: 213-251-1025, answerla@answerla.org
* * * * *
In Anaheim, CA (Orange County):
Sunday, December 28
2:00 pm
512 S. Brookhurst St. (between Orange Ave. & Broadway)
Initiated by a coalition with a large number of groups

New York City
Tuesday, December 30
5:00 pm
Israeli Consulate: 800 2nd Ave (b/w 42nd and 43rd Sts)
Contact: 212-694-8720, nyc@answercoalition.org
* * * * *
Sunday, December 28
2:00-4:00 pm
Gather at Rockefeller Center
March to the Israeli Consulate: 800 2nd Ave (b/w 42nd and 43rd Sts)
Initiated by Al-Awda New York

Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tuesday, December 30
5:00 pm
Federal Building: 299 E. Broward Blvd.
Contact: 954-707-0155, FtLauderdale@answerfl.org

Chicago
Emergency Rally in Chicago
Sunday, December 28 - 12 Noon to 2 pm
Water Tower Park - 830 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago
For more info call 773-463-0311

Other actions to be announced
Contact: 773-463-0311, answer@chicagoanswer.net

Boston
Details to be announced
Contact: 857-334-5084, boston@answercoalition.org

Seattle
Saturday, January 3
12:00 noon - 2:00 pm
Westlake Park: 4th and Pine
Initiated by Voices of Palestine
Contact: general@voicesofpalestine.org

Toronto
Sunday, December 28
2:00 pm
Israeli Embassy Consulate: 180 Bloor St. West
Initiated by a number of local organizations

If there is a demonstration in your city, email the details to info@answercoalition.org so it can be posted on the ANSWER Coalition website and listed in any future emails.

Send a letter to the State Department and Congress: Join with people around the country and around the world who are demanding an end to U.S. aid to Israel. This is an urgent situation and we must all act now. You can send a letter with our easy click and send system demanding an end to U.S. aid to Israel. Without U.S. aid, the Israeli military attacks, siege and blockade of Gaza could not be continued. Click this link now to send a letter to the State Department and elected officials in Congress.

You can help to support this important organizing effort by making a financial contribution today. Click here to donate online, where you can also find information on how to contribute by check.

Free Palestine Alliance Statement: To read a statement from the Free Palestine Alliance, click here.


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A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition
http://www.answercoalition.org/
info@internationalanswer.org
National Office in Washington DC: 202-544-3389
New Yor k City: 212-694-8720
Los Angeles: 213-251-1025
San Francisco: 415-821-6545
Chicago: 773-463-0311

Arab American Institute Statement of Israel's Gaza assault

AAI Statement on Gaza Crisis

Israel's massive bombardment of Gaza must end immediately.

The Bush Administration must demand that the bombing stop, that Gaza's borders be reopened under UN supervision, and that negotiations resume toward reinstating an effective cross-border ceasefire.

Again, as in the past, Israel's overwhelming and disproportionate violence in retaliation puts innocent civilians in the firing line, thereby inflaming Palestinian and regional passions. Indeed, this is the third such devastating assault launched by Israel with the Bush Administration's acquiescence (remember the re-conquest of the West Bank in 2003, and the wars on Gaza and Lebanon in 2006). And to what end? All these attacks on Gaza bring massive civilian deaths, destruction of property, and deepening bitterness toward Israel and the United States. The conditions in Gaza are already deplorable; what hope can Gaza cling to in its darkest hour of need? A nation without hope has nothing to lose, and already, factions are calling for a renewed intifada against Israel.

One cannot view this tragic episode outside the context of Israel's long and cruel history in Gaza which has been criminal, by any measure of international law and conventions.

Should the White House once again fail to act to restrain Israel and to provide real leadership in the search for peace, this tragedy will continue to grow: Palestinian suffering and bitterness will deepen, Israelis will remain insecure, and extremism will be further fueled by anti-American anger.

The bottom line, here, is that, while the stupidity of Hamas' reckless behavior cannot be excused because of the continued danger such ill-considered actions pose to the security and well-being of its own constituents, there can be no justification for Israel's massive and brutal assault.
end

Palestinian Christians under Israeli Occupation commemorate Christmas in Shepherd's Field near Bethlehem

Press Release: Wednesday and Thursday Events in the Lands of the Shepherds

Contacts
Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh: Tel 0598939532
George Rishmawi Tel 0599833888

The Palestinian Centre for Rapprochement between People, and the Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) and Siraj Center for Holy Land Studies are honored to invite you to join the Shepherds' Nights, a two-day festival and series of activities which will be held in Beit Sahour, the Shepherds Field.

Wednesday Dec 24, Artistic and cultural evening at the YMCA football field (famous artists, children activities and more). A Christmas service at 5 PM, and program starts at 6 PM for Children, and at 7 PM for adults.

Christmas Thursday Dec 25, Candle Procession titled “Light a Candle for the Land of the Shepherds” starting from the Greek Orthodox Shepherds' Field at 4 PM and ends at Ush Ghrab (Note: Transportation from Ush Ghrab after the march will be available). Bethlehem area is now surrounded on three sides by Israeli settlements and by the segregation wall. The only remaining side to the East at Ush Ghrab has been targeted by settlers who “visit” it every two weeks to insist on building yet another colonial settlement on Palestinian land contrary to International law.

This will be the 41st year that citizens of area of Bethlehem (including Beit Sahour) celebrate these holidays under Israeli occupation. We are reminded that when Jesus was born, this land of the shepherds was also occupied by a foreign army. That came to an end and this occupation will come to an end. Join us as we pray and work for peace and celebrate the birth of the prince of peace.

Mornings with Ray Hanania Radio, guest lineup for this week Dec. 22-26, 2008

RADIO INTERVIEWS:
Mon, Dec. 22:
8:05 Joe Boyle on Sports. The Editor of the Southwest News-Herald Newspaper discusses the week's sports news.
8:15 Neheda Jablonski, challenges facing families with disabled children in the Southwest Suburbs
8:35 Elaine Soloway, former media aid to former Mayor Jane M. Byrne remember the past administration

Tues, Dec. 23:
8:05 Rev. David Baillie of the First Church of the Nazarene discusses the meaning of Christmas, and the popular athletic and sports programs his church offers to young people throughout the Southwest and West suburbs

Wed, Dec. 24:
8:05 Are you a last minute shopper? Share your secrets, trials and tribulations of this Holiday season. All call-in show today from listeners.

Thurs, Dec. 25:
CHRISTMAS DAY ... ENJOY CHRISTMAS MUSIC HOSTED BY KEVIN MOORE ALL DAY

Fri, Dec. 26:
8 Guest host Chuck Salvatore of the Southwest News-Herald Newspaper substitutes for Ray Hanania from 8 until 9 am.

end

Focal Point -- Public TV goes online at WNET.ORG

WIDE ANGLE, PUBLIC TELEVISION’S EMMY AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY SERIES FROM WNET.ORG, PRESENTS

FOCAL POINT, A NEW ONLINE-EXCLUSIVE SERIES OF DOCUMENTARY SHORTS COVERING INTERNATIONAL STORIES FROM A HUMAN PERSPECTIVE


On Wednesday, December 17, public media provider WNET.ORG launches a new online exclusive series of documentary shorts as part of the PBS award-winning world affairs series, Wide Angle http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/video/web-exclusives/introduction-from-jihad-to-rehab/3834/. In its first weeks, FOCAL POINT will bring viewers to polling stations in Pakistan, breadlines in Zimbabwe, and demonstrations in Greece, where the children of immigrants are fighting for the right to citizenship.

Like Wide Angle, FOCAL POINT offers a deeper understanding of forces shaping the world today through online-exclusive documentary shorts, an increasingly popular medium. This exciting new series will showcase the work of emerging and established independent filmmakers from around the world. Each episode is accompanied by multimedia components including audio interviews, filmmaker notes, and user-generated content.

The first episode of FOCAL POINT, From Jihad to Rehab, takes us inside a rehabilitation center in Saudi Arabia, where art therapy and religious re-education are being used to reform militant jihadists.
FOCAL POINT is produced by Wide Angle Senior Producer Nina Chaudry and Web Producer Lauren Feeney. From Jihad to Rehab is directed by Canadian journalist Nancy Durham.
For more information: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/uncategorized/about-focal-point/3807/

Press inquiries:
Nina Chaudry
212.560.8077
chaudryn@thirteen.org

Lauren Feeney
212.560.2853
FeeneyL@thirteen.org

Protest President Bush by mailing your shoes to the White House

I just came back from the post office and mailed an old pair of shoes to President Bush at the White House in protest of his policies.

Arab journalist Muntadar al-Zaidi, the Kanye West of the Arab World, has started a trend that I think is great. Let's face it, he didn't go there and blow himself up. That's progress in a region where violencebecomes the protest form of choice.

But al-Zaidi, who was brutalized by guards (one reportedly yelling not to kick him in the face"), is a hero. Instead of violence, he used a cultural form of protest that is popular in the Arab World, and that one many American came to know when American soldiers during the invasion of Iraq, pulled down the statue of Saddam Hussein in front of one of the dictator's palaces in Baghdad, (trying to make it look like the "people" did it) and then those civilians who were brought there by the military started to express their disdain for Saddam Hussein in the way they knew best, by throwing their shoes at the statue.

How ironic that more than five years later, Iraqis are now throwing their shoes at President Bush?

And I want to help, as a fellow Arab American journalist who believes that violence is NEVER the right choice, NEVER a good choice, and NEVER a strategy for success, the symbolic throwing of my shoes at Bush (courtesy of the US Postal Service) is the most powerful expression of free speech today against the Iraq war possible.

I hope you will join me and others.

Here is the information on the White House, where to mail your packages:

The White House
President Bush
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington DC., 20500

-- Ray Hanania
www.RadioChicagoland.com

Amnesty International urges release of dissidents in Tunisia

Amnesty International Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, Dec. 12, 2008

Trial of Tunisian Trade Union Leaders a Travesty of Justice, Charges Amnesty International


Contact: AIUSA media office, 202-544-0200 x302, lspann@aiusa.org

(Washington) -- Amnesty International is calling on the Tunisian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested and tried for exercising peacefully their right to freedom of expression and assembly. Others should be retried in fair proceedings in line with Tunisia’s international obligations.

The human rights organization issued its appeal after yesterday’s prison sentences handed down to 38 trade union leaders and protesters in unfair trial proceedings for their involvement in demonstrations in the Gafsa area.

“The verdict and sentences have been a subversion of justice and they should not be allowed to stand,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Middle East and North Africa deputy program director at Amnesty International.

A Gafsa Court handed down prison terms of up to 10 years against 33 trade union activists and protesters who were accused of leading the unrest against unemployment and high living costs in the first half of this year in the phosphate-rich Gafsa region in southeast Tunisia. Four were tried in absentia.

Charges included “forming a criminal group with the aim of destroying public and private property” and “armed rebellion and assault on officials during the exercise of their duties.” They were among the hundreds arrested after a wave of protests against unemployment and high living costs that wracked the phosphate-rich Gafsa region in south-east Tunisia in the first half of this year.

“The Tunisian authorities must immediately stop criminalizing social protest. Instead of trying peaceful protesters and trade unionists, the authorities should investigate the allegations of torture previously raised by the defendants,” added Sahraoui.

Amnesty International is concerned that serious violations of fair trial standards have been committed, including that the defense lawyers were not able to present the case of their clients; the defendants were not interrogated in court and the demands of the lawyers that their clients be medically examined for trace of possible torture and to call and cross-examine witnesses were rejected by the court.

Yesterday’s verdict came amid reports of a heavy security presence. Security forces were deployed along the roads leading to the court as well as in main access roads to the city of Gafsa. The roads leading to the court were said to have been barred by the security forces who prevented a number of human rights activists from reaching the court.

“The trial raises yet again questions as to the independence of the judiciary in Tunisia and shows the Tunisian authorities’ determination to quell any independent voices inside the country,” said Sahraoui.

The leader of trade union and spokesperson for the Movement of Social Protest in Gafsa, Adnan Hajji was sentenced, along with six others, to 10 years’ imprisonment in the trial. The rest received prison sentences ranging from two to six years, including at least eight suspended sentences. Journalist Fahem Boukadous and France-based human rights activist Mouheiddine Cherbib, received, respectively, six and two years in absentia.

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.2 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.

# # #


For more information, please visit: www.amnestyusa.org.

American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee Chicago establishes Discrimination Watch List

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE

ADC CHICAGO ELECTS ATTORNEY FADI ZANAYED AS PRESIDENT
NEW LEADERSHIP QUICKLY ORGANIZES DISCRIMINATION WATCH LIST

(Chicago, IL Thurs. Dec. 11, 2008) -- The Chicago Chapter of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) elected Fadi Zanayed, a Chicago area attorney since 1985, as its President. The elections were held December 7, 2008, at the Aqsa School in Bridgeview , Illinois . Immediately after taking office, Mr. Zanayed, along with the Board of Directors, quickly formed a Discriminatory Watch List Committee with a Rapid Response Team ready to take on discriminatory actions against the Arab-American community.

Shafic M. Budron , a national ADC Board Member, took on the responsibility of Vice-President. Budron, also a former President of the local organization, adds continuity to the newly elected Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

Ms. Fatima Akrabawi was re-elected as Secretary of ADC. Mahmoud Badawi was elected as Treasurer. All Executive Committee members (President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer) are elected for a one year term.

Mr. Zanayed is not new to ADC. He was President of the organization during the first Gulf War, from 1988-1990. Citing the need to renew the efforts of the organization in fighting the recent wave of discriminatory acts against the American-Arab community, Mr. Zanayed said, “Our community thought that the discriminatory acts against us had dissipated in the late 1990’s, only to be revived by biased acts like the recent on-air statement by an ESPN sportscaster who slandered Palestinians in an unrelated conversation about recruiting college football players for the NFL. Those parents, the sportscaster stated, were like Palestinian parents who pushed their kids to be suicide bombers. We will not stand for these slanderous comments and we will not stand to be disrespected like in the incident involving the woman who falsified a report that she was raped by an “Arab-looking” man. Our community will not allow individuals, organizations, media outlets or anyone else to malign the reputation of productive and hardworking American men, woman and children of the Arab & Muslim heritage. We will confront discrimination against our community head on."

Individuals and organizations that are found by the ADC Board of Directors to have committed an act of discrimination against the Arab-American community will be put on a Discriminatory Watch List.

To implement this task, award winning Arab American columnist and radio talk show host Ray Hanania, former National President of the Palestinian American Congress, was named Coordinator of the ADC-Chicago “Rapid Response Team” which has been organized to respond to acts of discrimination directed at the Arab-American community at large, and individuals because they are Arab-American in particular.

Board of Directors are elected on staggered terms to serve for 3 years. Elected on December 7, 2008 were the following individuals: Vivian Khalaf , Ray Hanania, Fadi Zanayed, Mark Yowakim, Ibtisam Tartir and Audrey Nadia Galal.

Members of the Board of Directors whose terms are still active are Afaf Issa, Hatem Galal , Faysal Mohamed , Hareth Raddawi , Amjad Hamdan , Suleiman Mohamad and Abdelwahab Tartir.

The Chicago ADC Board approved a resolution congratulating outgoing President Ibtisam Tartir for her work during the past year. The Board further welcomed her continued efforts of service to the ADC Board and the community at large.

Commenting on the make-up of the Board, Mr. Zanayed said, “We have a diverse group of individuals that I am proud to work with. We have professionals from all fields. We have doctors, lawyers, professors, engineers, writers, newspaper editors, students and entrepreneurs. With the commitment that has been pledged by all the Board members, ADC Chicago will multiply its efforts in the service of the people.”

In its first public policy act, the ADC Chicago Board of Directors also called upon President Barrack Obama to make a just and lasting peace between Israel and Palestine a priority of his administration.

Fadi Zanayed, Attorney, 708-257-7755 - Fax 708-221-6668
8855 S. Roberts Road, Hickory Hills, IL 60457

ADC to release national report on hate crimes

ADC PRESS CONFERENCE ON DEC. 4 TO RELEASE REPORT ON HATE CRIMES

Lieutenant Colonel Koury, US Army National Guard, To Describe Ongoing Discrimination, Hostile and Abusive Work Environment For First Time

Washington, DC December 1, 2008 www.adc.org The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) will hold a press conference to release its “Report on Hate Crimes and Discrimination Against Arab Americans” on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at its Washington, DC headquarters and you are invited to join us. This event is free and open to the public, please RSVP to laila@adc.org .

The report spans four years and examines: hate crimes and discrimination; civil liberties concerns; discrimination and bias in primary and secondary educational institutions; discrimination and political harassment campaigns in higher education; defamation in the media; communication and cooperation between community organizations and government agencies; and recommendations for the future. This report was made possible by The Ford Foundation and The Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Included at the press conference will be the story of Lieutenant Colonel
(LTC) Lance Koury, a long-time member of the Alabama National Guard who for years has been subjected to a hostile and abusive work environment.
LTC Koury will be telling his story and taking questions in public for the first-time during the press conference.

WHAT: Press Conference to Discuss Report Findings
WHEN: Thursday, December 4 at 10 am
WHO: ADC and LTC Lance Koury, US Army National Guard
WHERE: ADC, 1732 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, DC 20007
HOW: Send RSVP to laila@adc.org