AutoZone sued by Muslim employee for discrimination
February 4, 2006
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chicago, Illinois -- El Bakly v. Autozone, Inc., 04C 2767 Autozone Inc. (NYSE: AZO), the nations’ leading retailer of automotiveparts, filed its motion for summary judgment in a case brought by aformer Muslim employee at one of its Franklin Park, Illinois stores forreligious and racial discrimination and harassment following the onsetof the Iraq War.
The lawsuit alleges that, for a period extending several months,several managers at the Autozone location in Franklin Park, Illinois repeatedly and intentionally used religious and racial epithets againstemployee Moustafa El-Bakly, who is of Muslim and Egyptian-American descent and mocked his religion. He alleges that his store supervisorsregularly called him a “terrorist,” referred to Saddam Hussein andAl-Quaeda as his “buddies” insulted his prayer practices with sexualgestures. His complaint claims that, although he had been promoted byprevious management to a commercial specialist position and performed well at his job, his new management assigned him to the uniform andtasks of those of inferior positions and to degrading and humiliating tasks including cleaning out the toilets and parking lots, before eventually terminated him on June 2, 2004.
Mr. El-Bakly had recently undergone heart surgery and treatment for diabetes before his employment with Autozone, and was attending college part-time before he was fired. He said his condition deteriorated dueto the stress. “The people I can complain to, my bosses, were the onesdoing this to me. No one else, they don’t believe me; they think it’sfunny. I was their joke, alone,” stated Mr. El-Bakly.
A Motion for Summary Judgment is a request made to the court to decidethe case based on statements and evidence without a trial. The courtmay grant such a motion when there are no genuine issues of materialfact that would require a trial to resolve. With the filing of this motion, the Autozone is asking the court to dismiss all counts of Mr.El-Bakly’s complaint on the merits of the submitted evidence.
The lawsuit seeks reinstatement, front pay, back wages, compensatory and punitive damages. Autozone’s Bellwood offices are at (708)493-2677, and its corporate headquarters are in Memphis, TN.
The company is represented by Ms. Renee Gluth of Frilot, Partridge, Kohnke& Clements, (504) 599-8000.
Contact: Luis A. Oviedo, Attorney, 312-563-9983
END
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Friday, February 03, 2006
Christian Arab Leader denounces Danish cartoons
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Fadi Zanayed
708-741-4040 office
708-257-7755 cell
Statement by Fadi Zanayed, Attorney at Law, a Christian Arab-American Leader,
Regarding the Caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad:
“At a time when the world is moving towards a global economy and religious tolerance, it is disturbing to note that some segments of our worldly society would inflame the followers of a major and significant religion for no other reason then to spread hatred. While I am a strong believer in a free press, those media outlets that published the caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad have done a grave injustice to not only Muslim believers who number over a billion, but to the whole 6 billion people who live on this earth.
“The world is changing at a geometrical pace and the boundary lines of countries are being eliminated by the cyber world. By emitting such hatred, the press is redrawing the lines that isolate people. The press should have the common sense to know what is right from wrong and govern itself accordingly. Spreading hatred has no place in our society. The Press owes not only the Muslims an apology; it owes an apology to the world.
Fadi Zanayed
Attorney at Law
7265 W. 87th Street Suite A
Bridgeview, IL 60455
708-741-4040
Contact: Fadi Zanayed
708-741-4040 office
708-257-7755 cell
Statement by Fadi Zanayed, Attorney at Law, a Christian Arab-American Leader,
Regarding the Caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad:
“At a time when the world is moving towards a global economy and religious tolerance, it is disturbing to note that some segments of our worldly society would inflame the followers of a major and significant religion for no other reason then to spread hatred. While I am a strong believer in a free press, those media outlets that published the caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad have done a grave injustice to not only Muslim believers who number over a billion, but to the whole 6 billion people who live on this earth.
“The world is changing at a geometrical pace and the boundary lines of countries are being eliminated by the cyber world. By emitting such hatred, the press is redrawing the lines that isolate people. The press should have the common sense to know what is right from wrong and govern itself accordingly. Spreading hatred has no place in our society. The Press owes not only the Muslims an apology; it owes an apology to the world.
Fadi Zanayed
Attorney at Law
7265 W. 87th Street Suite A
Bridgeview, IL 60455
708-741-4040
Thursday, February 02, 2006
American Arab/Muslim Food Company suspends dealings with Danish Firm over Prophet Mohammed insults
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nemer Ziyad
Feb. 1, 2006 708-222-8330
Chicago food distributor SUSPENDS all Business with Denmark-based Arla Foods
Cicero, Il. Feb. 1, 2006 - Ziyad Brothers Importing, one of the largest distributors of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food products, announced today it SUSPENDED all business with Denmark-based Arla Foods.
Nemer Ziyad, vice president of Ziyad Brothers Importing, said the decision is in response to the insulting and offensive caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed published by Denmark's leading newspaper, Jyllands-Posten, and the growing controversy.
"I am furious with what the newspaper did. I am disappointed with the hesitation of the Government of Denmark to speak out against this. I support free speech, but I believe that we must speak out when free speech crosses the line and incites hatred, as the publication of these extremely offensive cartoons has done," Ziyad said.
"We have enjoyed a relationship with Arla Foods, acting as the exclusive distributor of three of its most popular products here in the United States. We are encouraged that this issue may be resolved, but until it is properly resolved, we must take this action"
Ziyad Brothers Importing is the exclusive American distributor for three of Arla's most popular products, Puck Cheese and Puck Cream, and Lurpak Butter. Ziyad said the three food items are very popular with customers. Ziyad said the decision to suspend the product line will have a significant impact on Ziyad Brothers Importing revenues, but he added, "We will always stand by and support our community."
Ziyad said, "This isn't just about being Muslim or Arab. What Jyllands-Posten did crossed the line. It is wrong. I would do the same thing in any other similar circumstance involving any other religion. All people have a responsibility to speak out whenever an act of hateful incitement occurs and touches on the community."
END
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nemer Ziyad
Feb. 1, 2006 708-222-8330
Chicago food distributor SUSPENDS all Business with Denmark-based Arla Foods
Cicero, Il. Feb. 1, 2006 - Ziyad Brothers Importing, one of the largest distributors of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food products, announced today it SUSPENDED all business with Denmark-based Arla Foods.
Nemer Ziyad, vice president of Ziyad Brothers Importing, said the decision is in response to the insulting and offensive caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed published by Denmark's leading newspaper, Jyllands-Posten, and the growing controversy.
"I am furious with what the newspaper did. I am disappointed with the hesitation of the Government of Denmark to speak out against this. I support free speech, but I believe that we must speak out when free speech crosses the line and incites hatred, as the publication of these extremely offensive cartoons has done," Ziyad said.
"We have enjoyed a relationship with Arla Foods, acting as the exclusive distributor of three of its most popular products here in the United States. We are encouraged that this issue may be resolved, but until it is properly resolved, we must take this action"
Ziyad Brothers Importing is the exclusive American distributor for three of Arla's most popular products, Puck Cheese and Puck Cream, and Lurpak Butter. Ziyad said the three food items are very popular with customers. Ziyad said the decision to suspend the product line will have a significant impact on Ziyad Brothers Importing revenues, but he added, "We will always stand by and support our community."
Ziyad said, "This isn't just about being Muslim or Arab. What Jyllands-Posten did crossed the line. It is wrong. I would do the same thing in any other similar circumstance involving any other religion. All people have a responsibility to speak out whenever an act of hateful incitement occurs and touches on the community."
END
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Statement of Middle East Christians on Hamas election victory
Jan. 30, 2006
From the ELCA Middle East Networking List
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) put out a statement yesterday from Bishop Munib Younan on the Palestinian elections.
January 2006 Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land Bishop Dr. Munib Younan Salaam and grace to you from Jerusalem, City of Peace
Thoughts on the Palestinian Elections
This week the Palestinian people have spoken in a clear and democraticprocess that they want a new and more effective government. With a voterturnout of 77 percent, one of the most effective expressions of democracy inthe Arab world was achieved despite the hardships of occupation. We areproud of this great achievement and believe it illustrates our people'sdesire for a modern, civil, democratic state.We are still somewhat in shock, however, at the extent of the Hamas victory.We need time for self-evaluation to ask ourselves why this happened and whatit means.We believe it was probably an accumulation of many things:
1) Desperation in the street that despite an ongoing "peace process"occupation continued unabated as did land confiscation, settlement growth,home demolitions, the deteriorating situation in East Jerusalem and thecreation of the Separation Wall that enclosed us into enclaves intended tosomeday be euphemistically named a "state." In talking with many who votedfor Hamas, they did not support a radical Islamist agenda or violence, theywanted change and reform in a system that has been broken for a long time.
2) Division, corruption and lack of accountability within the former rulingparty of Fatah.
3) Lack of substantial political support by the US and Israel for thePalestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) and his non-violentmandate - support which could have led to more tangible signs ofimprovement - instead caused less security and more disorder.
4) In the face of the economic hardship, Hamas' social programs providedthe aid and comfort Palestinian families needed, while the administrationcontinued in mismanagement and deadlock over the ongoing conflict.
5) The unilateral nature of the withdrawal from Gaza was then interpretedby some as a sign that Israelis weren't negotiating with Abu Mazen anyway,and that perhaps it was Hamas that ultimately triggered the withdrawal.
Today there is fear and hope, threat and promise, and time will tell whetherwe as two peoples can seize this opportunity to break out of our torturedhistory of standoff and conflict. Partners for peace are made, not born, bythe ways we treat one another and shape together our common destiny.
We in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL)will continue our Christian witness and service for justice, peace andreconciliation. We will still continue to renounce any kind of violence fromanyone - including suicide bombing, extra-judicial assassinations,incursions,home demolitions, land confiscation or any other kind of destruction of lifeand liberty.
We still envision a two-state solution with two, viable,contiguous and independent states living equally side by side with sharedresources, a shared Jerusalem and a just resolution for the refugees and theproblem of illegal settlements and land confiscation according tointernational law. We will continue to work adamantly for a modern, civil,democratic society that respects freedom of religion, freedom of speech andequal rights for women and men.We ask the Palestinian people, especially Palestinian Christians, not topanic and arrive at hasty conclusions but to persevere and remain steadfastin this land. Now more than ever we need to continue to be an active,integral part of the people and to continue as Christian witnesses forjustice, instruments of peace and ministers of reconciliation.
This is a moment of challenge and possibility in the midst of unexpectedchange. We as a church pledge ourselves to watch, pray and work unceasinglyand prophetically so that the policies implemented for the Palestinianpeople will be guided by justice, equality and freedom.We ask you as faith and world leaders to support these positions of ourchurch because this is the path that will ensure pluralism, human rights,justice and freedom for all at this crucial stage. We urgently ask our Christian sisters and brothers to work with our ministries in schools,churches and organizations to ensure that Christian witness is strengthenedand not diminished. Please keep us in your prayers, thoughts and actions.
We also challenge both sides to go beyond the tired old rhetoric that hasonly brought us stalemates and conflict. Let us work together to find newlanguage and proposals to build common ground on our shared interests forjustice and reconciliation and an end to occupation and violence. We believethat isolation of those with whom we disagree only adds to prejudices andstereotypes and the probability of more extremism.
We continue to believe that Israeli security is dependent on freedom andjustice for the Palestinians, and freedom and justice for the Palestiniansis dependent on the security of the Israelis. We urge both sides torecognize this because our futures are intertwined, and our children shouldbe able to live in freedom without fear, occupation, violence or anyviolation of Human Rights.
Bishop Dr. Munib Younan
---- ---- ---- ----
If you have received this bulletin directly from us, it is because yousubscribed to the ELCA Middle East Networking List. Please forward thisbulletin to others who are interested in a just peace for Palestine andIsrael.To Join (or Leave) this List, go to www.elca.org/middleeast on the web.Ann HafftenCoordinator for Middle East NetworkingDivision for Global Mission, ELCAwww.elca.org/peacenotwalla800-638-3522, ext. 6466
From the ELCA Middle East Networking List
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) put out a statement yesterday from Bishop Munib Younan on the Palestinian elections.
January 2006 Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land Bishop Dr. Munib Younan Salaam and grace to you from Jerusalem, City of Peace
Thoughts on the Palestinian Elections
This week the Palestinian people have spoken in a clear and democraticprocess that they want a new and more effective government. With a voterturnout of 77 percent, one of the most effective expressions of democracy inthe Arab world was achieved despite the hardships of occupation. We areproud of this great achievement and believe it illustrates our people'sdesire for a modern, civil, democratic state.We are still somewhat in shock, however, at the extent of the Hamas victory.We need time for self-evaluation to ask ourselves why this happened and whatit means.We believe it was probably an accumulation of many things:
1) Desperation in the street that despite an ongoing "peace process"occupation continued unabated as did land confiscation, settlement growth,home demolitions, the deteriorating situation in East Jerusalem and thecreation of the Separation Wall that enclosed us into enclaves intended tosomeday be euphemistically named a "state." In talking with many who votedfor Hamas, they did not support a radical Islamist agenda or violence, theywanted change and reform in a system that has been broken for a long time.
2) Division, corruption and lack of accountability within the former rulingparty of Fatah.
3) Lack of substantial political support by the US and Israel for thePalestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) and his non-violentmandate - support which could have led to more tangible signs ofimprovement - instead caused less security and more disorder.
4) In the face of the economic hardship, Hamas' social programs providedthe aid and comfort Palestinian families needed, while the administrationcontinued in mismanagement and deadlock over the ongoing conflict.
5) The unilateral nature of the withdrawal from Gaza was then interpretedby some as a sign that Israelis weren't negotiating with Abu Mazen anyway,and that perhaps it was Hamas that ultimately triggered the withdrawal.
Today there is fear and hope, threat and promise, and time will tell whetherwe as two peoples can seize this opportunity to break out of our torturedhistory of standoff and conflict. Partners for peace are made, not born, bythe ways we treat one another and shape together our common destiny.
We in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL)will continue our Christian witness and service for justice, peace andreconciliation. We will still continue to renounce any kind of violence fromanyone - including suicide bombing, extra-judicial assassinations,incursions,home demolitions, land confiscation or any other kind of destruction of lifeand liberty.
We still envision a two-state solution with two, viable,contiguous and independent states living equally side by side with sharedresources, a shared Jerusalem and a just resolution for the refugees and theproblem of illegal settlements and land confiscation according tointernational law. We will continue to work adamantly for a modern, civil,democratic society that respects freedom of religion, freedom of speech andequal rights for women and men.We ask the Palestinian people, especially Palestinian Christians, not topanic and arrive at hasty conclusions but to persevere and remain steadfastin this land. Now more than ever we need to continue to be an active,integral part of the people and to continue as Christian witnesses forjustice, instruments of peace and ministers of reconciliation.
This is a moment of challenge and possibility in the midst of unexpectedchange. We as a church pledge ourselves to watch, pray and work unceasinglyand prophetically so that the policies implemented for the Palestinianpeople will be guided by justice, equality and freedom.We ask you as faith and world leaders to support these positions of ourchurch because this is the path that will ensure pluralism, human rights,justice and freedom for all at this crucial stage. We urgently ask our Christian sisters and brothers to work with our ministries in schools,churches and organizations to ensure that Christian witness is strengthenedand not diminished. Please keep us in your prayers, thoughts and actions.
We also challenge both sides to go beyond the tired old rhetoric that hasonly brought us stalemates and conflict. Let us work together to find newlanguage and proposals to build common ground on our shared interests forjustice and reconciliation and an end to occupation and violence. We believethat isolation of those with whom we disagree only adds to prejudices andstereotypes and the probability of more extremism.
We continue to believe that Israeli security is dependent on freedom andjustice for the Palestinians, and freedom and justice for the Palestiniansis dependent on the security of the Israelis. We urge both sides torecognize this because our futures are intertwined, and our children shouldbe able to live in freedom without fear, occupation, violence or anyviolation of Human Rights.
Bishop Dr. Munib Younan
---- ---- ---- ----
If you have received this bulletin directly from us, it is because yousubscribed to the ELCA Middle East Networking List. Please forward thisbulletin to others who are interested in a just peace for Palestine andIsrael.To Join (or Leave) this List, go to www.elca.org/middleeast on the web.Ann HafftenCoordinator for Middle East NetworkingDivision for Global Mission, ELCAwww.elca.org/peacenotwalla800-638-3522, ext. 6466
Monday, January 23, 2006
Jewish-Palestinian students vote together in Israel
Jewish and Palestinian Students in Israel Vote Together
For Immediate Release: January 23, 2006
Contact: Deanna Armbruster (856-235-6200),
deanna@oasisofpeace.org
Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam, Israel - With national elections upcoming in both the West Bank/Gaza at the end of January and in Israel in March, Jewish and Arab students at Israel's first bilingual, binational Primary School/Junior High School in Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam ("Oasis of Peace" in both Hebrew and Arabic) have been focused on the democratic process, and on every person's right to express their opinion, as long as it does not disparage, insult or trample on the rights of others to live with dignity and in peace.
Elections, held at the beginning of the school year, for class committees and student council representatives were an opportunity for the students to experience democracy first-hand. "The candidates were each given the stage to present their own political platform," said teacher Ety Edlund. "The children prepared slogans and posters and visited all the other classes for their election campaign."
Founded more than 20 years ago, the Primary School/Junior High School at the "Oasis of Peace" was the first, and remains one of only a handful of schools in the region, where Jewish and Arab children learn together in the same classes with equal respect for Arabic and Hebrew.
"Such activities bring the entire student body population together, regardless of grade, religion, or national identity. Certainly, this unique school faces many challenges with the ongoing tension and violence facing Israelis andPalestinians," said Edlund.
"Yet, as the students learn together and vote together the walls of culture, religion, language, and ethnicity that divide them, start tumbling down."
The elected student leaders have taken their responsibilities to heart. One of the challenges facing the school is improving the quality of Arabic language education for all students in a society where Hebrew is the dominate language.
Students have taken on the challenge themselves by arranging an Arabic-only school break with special activities where all students (Jewish and Arab) must speak only Arabic. Activities have included remembering the 10th anniversary of the assassination of PM Yitzhak Rabin, and other programs arranged by each class level where all students participate.
##
American Friends of Neve Shalom/Wahat Al-Salam
4201 Church Road, Suite 13, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
Tel. 856-235-6200, Fax 856-235-4674
Email afnswas@oasisofpeace.org, www.oasisofpeace.org
For Immediate Release: January 23, 2006
Contact: Deanna Armbruster (856-235-6200),
deanna@oasisofpeace.org
Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam, Israel - With national elections upcoming in both the West Bank/Gaza at the end of January and in Israel in March, Jewish and Arab students at Israel's first bilingual, binational Primary School/Junior High School in Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam ("Oasis of Peace" in both Hebrew and Arabic) have been focused on the democratic process, and on every person's right to express their opinion, as long as it does not disparage, insult or trample on the rights of others to live with dignity and in peace.
Elections, held at the beginning of the school year, for class committees and student council representatives were an opportunity for the students to experience democracy first-hand. "The candidates were each given the stage to present their own political platform," said teacher Ety Edlund. "The children prepared slogans and posters and visited all the other classes for their election campaign."
Founded more than 20 years ago, the Primary School/Junior High School at the "Oasis of Peace" was the first, and remains one of only a handful of schools in the region, where Jewish and Arab children learn together in the same classes with equal respect for Arabic and Hebrew.
"Such activities bring the entire student body population together, regardless of grade, religion, or national identity. Certainly, this unique school faces many challenges with the ongoing tension and violence facing Israelis andPalestinians," said Edlund.
"Yet, as the students learn together and vote together the walls of culture, religion, language, and ethnicity that divide them, start tumbling down."
The elected student leaders have taken their responsibilities to heart. One of the challenges facing the school is improving the quality of Arabic language education for all students in a society where Hebrew is the dominate language.
Students have taken on the challenge themselves by arranging an Arabic-only school break with special activities where all students (Jewish and Arab) must speak only Arabic. Activities have included remembering the 10th anniversary of the assassination of PM Yitzhak Rabin, and other programs arranged by each class level where all students participate.
##
American Friends of Neve Shalom/Wahat Al-Salam
4201 Church Road, Suite 13, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
Tel. 856-235-6200, Fax 856-235-4674
Email afnswas@oasisofpeace.org, www.oasisofpeace.org
Thursday, January 19, 2006
New Lebanese American Monthly Magazine launched
Lebanese Monthly Magazine Officially Debuts with a Celebrity Launch Party TONIGHT!
Lebanese Monthly Magazine Official Celebrity Launch Party
Thursday, January 19, 2006
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM in the evening
Erhard Land Rover of Farmington Hills
Dealership Atrium Showroom
38200 Grand River Avenue
Farmington Hills, Michigan USA
___________________________________
John G. Akouri, Editor-in-Chief
CONTACT: 248.320.7300
johnakouri@yahoo.com
Sponsored In Part By The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce
Lebanese Monthly Magazine Official Celebrity Launch Party
Thursday, January 19, 2006
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM in the evening
Erhard Land Rover of Farmington Hills
Dealership Atrium Showroom
38200 Grand River Avenue
Farmington Hills, Michigan USA
___________________________________
John G. Akouri, Editor-in-Chief
CONTACT: 248.320.7300
johnakouri@yahoo.com
Sponsored In Part By The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Free Muslims Demand release of Journalist
Free Muslims Demand Release of American Journalist from Iraq
Washington, DC Jan. 17--- The Free Muslim Coalition Against Terrorism (FMC), an AmericanMuslim organization, demands the release of Jill Carroll, an American journalist who waskidnapped in Iraq.
Jill Carroll appeared in a video that was shown on the al-Jazeera television network. This was the first time Carrol was shown since she was kidnapped on January 7, 2006after meeting with Adnan Dulaimi who is an Iraq politician.
News reports indicate that she was kidnapped by a little known group by the name of"Vengeance Brigade." While it is not clear why Carrol was kidnapped, shortly after herkidnapping, protesters in Baghdad demanded the release of Iraqi women from U.S. detention.
Regardless of why Carol was abducted, her kidnapping is immoral and counter productiveto the interest of those who want the U.S. to leave Iraq. While kidnapping anyone iswrong, the abduction of journalists and women is particularly repulsive. In everyinstance where the Koran mentions war and peace, there is an injunction againsttargeting women. Moreover, "journalists are in the business of publishing the truth and there isabsolutely no benefit or justification for targeting journalists. It must stop." Said Kamal Nawash, the President of FMC.
"The Free Muslims call on American Muslim organizations and Muslim leaders in the Arab world to condemn the kidnapping of Carroland any other innocent person. This is necessary because many terrorists around theMuslim world believe that they have grass root support. They will only refrain fromkidnappings and other vile acts if Muslims make it clear that they are repulsed by suchbarbaric tactics" said Nawash.
For more information, visit our website at www.freemuslims.org
For Immediate Release Contact: Kamal Nawash
January 18, 2006
Phone: 202-776-7190
E-mail: president@freemuslims.org
Washington, DC Jan. 17--- The Free Muslim Coalition Against Terrorism (FMC), an AmericanMuslim organization, demands the release of Jill Carroll, an American journalist who waskidnapped in Iraq.
Jill Carroll appeared in a video that was shown on the al-Jazeera television network. This was the first time Carrol was shown since she was kidnapped on January 7, 2006after meeting with Adnan Dulaimi who is an Iraq politician.
News reports indicate that she was kidnapped by a little known group by the name of"Vengeance Brigade." While it is not clear why Carrol was kidnapped, shortly after herkidnapping, protesters in Baghdad demanded the release of Iraqi women from U.S. detention.
Regardless of why Carol was abducted, her kidnapping is immoral and counter productiveto the interest of those who want the U.S. to leave Iraq. While kidnapping anyone iswrong, the abduction of journalists and women is particularly repulsive. In everyinstance where the Koran mentions war and peace, there is an injunction againsttargeting women. Moreover, "journalists are in the business of publishing the truth and there isabsolutely no benefit or justification for targeting journalists. It must stop." Said Kamal Nawash, the President of FMC.
"The Free Muslims call on American Muslim organizations and Muslim leaders in the Arab world to condemn the kidnapping of Carroland any other innocent person. This is necessary because many terrorists around theMuslim world believe that they have grass root support. They will only refrain fromkidnappings and other vile acts if Muslims make it clear that they are repulsed by suchbarbaric tactics" said Nawash.
For more information, visit our website at www.freemuslims.org
For Immediate Release Contact: Kamal Nawash
January 18, 2006
Phone: 202-776-7190
E-mail: president@freemuslims.org
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate Andy Martin to make primary referendum on Iraq
GOP Candidate Martin to Make Illinois Primary a Referendum on Iraq
Martin Urges Bush to “BRING HOME OUR HEROES.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2006
CANDIDATE ACCEPTS PRESIDENT’S OFFER TO RECEIVE “HONEST CRITICISM” AS “A CREDIT TO OUR DEMOCRACY”
(CHICAGO)(January 12, 2006) Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Andy Martin will tell the Cook County Republican Convention Friday, January 13th in Rosemont (Chicago) Illinois that he will make the gubernatorial primary a referendum on Iraq. Martin promises that if he is nominated he will ask to meet with President Bush to tell him “The Illinois economy is hurting. Mr. President…Bring home our heroes. Put Illinois first.”
Martin will hold a news conference after his speech to the Republican convention.
“Tuesday the president invited ‘honest critics’ to comment on to our Iraq policy. It is entirely appropriate that Republicans lead that effort,” Martin will state.
“Governors do not have a role in foreign policy, so I will not address the current conduct of the war. My prior reporting from Baghdad in 2003 exposed Paul Bremer’s incompetence and maladministration.
“Governors do have a critical role in domestic economic policy. I believe the protracted conflict in Iraq is devastating the Illinois economy. Three years ago people bought SUV’s and drove them with oil at $20 a barrel. Today oil at is $70 a barrel. People buy Japanese cars.
“Ironically, our allies profit from American efforts to spread democracy in the Middle East. United Auto Workers lose their jobs to foreign auto makers. Families fear for their futures. Pensions are disappearing. This cannot continue.
“Arab nations have not come to our aid, three years later. Saudis profit by selling us oil at inflated prices to defend them. The American public will not tolerate this incongruity indefinitely. It is time to Put America First.
“It is time to invest in Illinois, not Iraq. The heartland is hurting; voters want budgetary priorities to reflect economic reality. American taxpayers cannot afford to spend $1 billion a day forever just so the Middle East will someday become ‘democratic.’
“I follow in the great tradition of Illinois’ own U. S. Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen, who said ‘When I feel the heat, I see the light.’ It is time for Illinois voters to send a little ‘heat’ to Washington, to send a clear message, so policymakers see the ‘light’: ‘Mr. President… bring home our heroes.’
“It will not benefit Americans if we go bankrupt fighting for Arab democracy. Bringing democracy to the Middle East is a job best left to Arabs, not Americans.
“I have a consistent record of supporting President Bush’s goals while offering ‘honest criticism’ of his methods. As a result of our differences over Mr. Bremer, the president should respect my insight and analysis. I think a Republican whom the president respects is the best person to open the president’s eyes to the devastating impact of prolonged conflict on the Illinois economy.
“In the March 21st primary, a vote for me is a vote to send President Bush the message, ‘Mr. President… Bring home our heroes. It is time to put Illinois and America first.’
“Every Illinoisan now has the opportunity to cast a primary vote for ‘heat’ and ‘light’ in the tradition of Senator Dirksen. They can support me to express their view of the war’s impact on our state.
“Finally, my fear is that if we do not recalibrate our economic priorities to Put Illinois First, the public will eventually lose faith in the war against terror; that is a conflict where there can be no retreat and no defeat.”
Media contact: Andy Martin (312) 440-4124; Website: AndyforIllinois.com; Contributions: www.AndyforIllinois.com
www.AndyontheIssues.blogspot.com
E-mail: AndyforIllinois@aol.com.
END
Martin Urges Bush to “BRING HOME OUR HEROES.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2006
CANDIDATE ACCEPTS PRESIDENT’S OFFER TO RECEIVE “HONEST CRITICISM” AS “A CREDIT TO OUR DEMOCRACY”
(CHICAGO)(January 12, 2006) Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Andy Martin will tell the Cook County Republican Convention Friday, January 13th in Rosemont (Chicago) Illinois that he will make the gubernatorial primary a referendum on Iraq. Martin promises that if he is nominated he will ask to meet with President Bush to tell him “The Illinois economy is hurting. Mr. President…Bring home our heroes. Put Illinois first.”
Martin will hold a news conference after his speech to the Republican convention.
“Tuesday the president invited ‘honest critics’ to comment on to our Iraq policy. It is entirely appropriate that Republicans lead that effort,” Martin will state.
“Governors do not have a role in foreign policy, so I will not address the current conduct of the war. My prior reporting from Baghdad in 2003 exposed Paul Bremer’s incompetence and maladministration.
“Governors do have a critical role in domestic economic policy. I believe the protracted conflict in Iraq is devastating the Illinois economy. Three years ago people bought SUV’s and drove them with oil at $20 a barrel. Today oil at is $70 a barrel. People buy Japanese cars.
“Ironically, our allies profit from American efforts to spread democracy in the Middle East. United Auto Workers lose their jobs to foreign auto makers. Families fear for their futures. Pensions are disappearing. This cannot continue.
“Arab nations have not come to our aid, three years later. Saudis profit by selling us oil at inflated prices to defend them. The American public will not tolerate this incongruity indefinitely. It is time to Put America First.
“It is time to invest in Illinois, not Iraq. The heartland is hurting; voters want budgetary priorities to reflect economic reality. American taxpayers cannot afford to spend $1 billion a day forever just so the Middle East will someday become ‘democratic.’
“I follow in the great tradition of Illinois’ own U. S. Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen, who said ‘When I feel the heat, I see the light.’ It is time for Illinois voters to send a little ‘heat’ to Washington, to send a clear message, so policymakers see the ‘light’: ‘Mr. President… bring home our heroes.’
“It will not benefit Americans if we go bankrupt fighting for Arab democracy. Bringing democracy to the Middle East is a job best left to Arabs, not Americans.
“I have a consistent record of supporting President Bush’s goals while offering ‘honest criticism’ of his methods. As a result of our differences over Mr. Bremer, the president should respect my insight and analysis. I think a Republican whom the president respects is the best person to open the president’s eyes to the devastating impact of prolonged conflict on the Illinois economy.
“In the March 21st primary, a vote for me is a vote to send President Bush the message, ‘Mr. President… Bring home our heroes. It is time to put Illinois and America first.’
“Every Illinoisan now has the opportunity to cast a primary vote for ‘heat’ and ‘light’ in the tradition of Senator Dirksen. They can support me to express their view of the war’s impact on our state.
“Finally, my fear is that if we do not recalibrate our economic priorities to Put Illinois First, the public will eventually lose faith in the war against terror; that is a conflict where there can be no retreat and no defeat.”
Media contact: Andy Martin (312) 440-4124; Website: AndyforIllinois.com; Contributions: www.AndyforIllinois.com
www.AndyontheIssues.blogspot.com
E-mail: AndyforIllinois@aol.com.
END
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Palestine's Orthodox Priest Attalla Hanna ordained as Sabastia Archbishop Theodosios
A Rare Day for Orthodoxy in the Holy Land
By Maria C. Khoury
khourymaria@hotmail.com
Orthodoxy is not based on ethnicity but in Jerusalem with the dominant Greek leadership in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate there were cheers, clapping, whistling and extreme joy expressed at the ordination of the Palestinian Archimandrite Attalla Hanna ordained Theodosios Archbishop of Sabastia on December 24, 2005. To be lighting candles at Christ’s Holy Tomb on the Eve of the Nativity of the Lord is not the place to be when everyone else is heading to Bethlehem to receive the “New Born King.” However, this was not an ordinary day in the Holy Land.
It was a special day that the Palestinian Orthodox Christian community has been waiting for over twenty-five years since the passing of the first Palestinian bishop from our village of Taybeh, Bishop Symon in the early 1980’s. This historical day in the Orthodox Christian community was blessed by the new patriarch His Beatitude Theophilos III officiated with representatives from Jordan, Palestine, Israel and Greece attending in witness of this extraordinary day for a Palestinian Orthodox bishop. I have such little faith thinking the recent patriarchate scandals would not allow this day to happen in my lifetime.
The Orthodox community in Palestine has been waiting anxiously to see a minimum of two local bishops of Arab ethnicity to join the Greek Orthodox leadership as stipulated by Church policy and this issue alone has created a huge gap among the Greeks of the Brotherhood and the local Arab faithful. As a scholar, His Beatitude Theophilos always speaks eloquently but the most important emphasis was that the Holy Synod finally fulfilled one of its obligations to the Orthodox community with the new ordination of the Palestinian bishop. Furthermore, all of us were thrilled that an Orthodox Christian woman, Ms. Hind Khoury, Ministry of State, Jerusalem Portfolio, was the official representative of the Palestinian Authority to this rare occasion. Also, giving a congratulatory speech on behalf of the Palestinian president was Mr. Rafeek Huseni at a reception in the Greek Patriarchate following the four hour well attended service. Mr. Margaritis, Deputy General Consul of Greece offered warm congratulations on behalf of the Greek government.
The representative from the Jordanian Parliament, a well known Orthodox layman, Dr. Odeh Qawas did not forget to thank the bishop’s mother for helping to raise him the Orthodox way and maintain the traditions and values of the One True Faith. Dr. John Tleel, the author of “I am Jerusalem,” a person I consider a treasure in the Old City, said that as Christians we are in the holy season of experiencing the Birth of the King of Glory, also we are experiencing the birth of a new Palestinian bishop and we should focus on our Orthodoxy not on our ethnicity but it’s obvious this new appointment brought joy to every Palestinian Orthodox soul in the world.
Born (l965) in Al-Rameh (near Haifa) to Arab Israeli Orthodox Christian parents, Yacoub and Alice, the new bishop has only one brother and one sister. He was ordained a priest (l991) at the Holy Sepulchre the same spot where this holy sacrament took place. He has represented the World Council of Churches at meetings on human rights during which the suffering of Palestinian people was discussed. For his devotion and dedication to the Holy Land ministry, Archbishop Theodosios has received an honorary doctor of theology degree from the Sophia Theological Institute of Bulgaria. He also studied theology for seven years in Greece. He is one of the few highly educated Palestinian clergymen that speak out for justice and peace for all people in the region. He has served as the official spokesperson for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate for many years appointed by the late Patriarch Diodoros.
Archbishop Theodosios, well respected by the Christian and Muslim people was called “bishop” even years before his official elevation and is against all forms of violence and supports non-violent solutions to the Israeli military occupation. The Israeli propaganda machine has tried to smear his reputation and marginalize him in the past especially since he is very competent to fill the gap between Christians and Muslims and has often participated in Christian-Muslim dialogue promoting better relations among the different faiths united by cultural, social and political aspirations.
The new bishop is a man of great faith that can lead us to better understanding and relations with others serving the Lord in a very troubled land. Many of his high school classmates came to the ordination as well as the Mayor of Al Rameh who were very proud to see one of their own sons join the ranks of the Greek Orthodox leadership in Jerusalem. “Axios” was shouted in many languages! Sadly since many Palestinian Orthodox Christians could not enter Jerusalem to witness this sacrament due to Israeli military policy requiring permits, various receptions were held in different locations to congratulate His Eminence the new Palestinian Archbishop of Sabastia Theodosios.
END
By Maria C. Khoury
khourymaria@hotmail.com
Orthodoxy is not based on ethnicity but in Jerusalem with the dominant Greek leadership in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate there were cheers, clapping, whistling and extreme joy expressed at the ordination of the Palestinian Archimandrite Attalla Hanna ordained Theodosios Archbishop of Sabastia on December 24, 2005. To be lighting candles at Christ’s Holy Tomb on the Eve of the Nativity of the Lord is not the place to be when everyone else is heading to Bethlehem to receive the “New Born King.” However, this was not an ordinary day in the Holy Land.
It was a special day that the Palestinian Orthodox Christian community has been waiting for over twenty-five years since the passing of the first Palestinian bishop from our village of Taybeh, Bishop Symon in the early 1980’s. This historical day in the Orthodox Christian community was blessed by the new patriarch His Beatitude Theophilos III officiated with representatives from Jordan, Palestine, Israel and Greece attending in witness of this extraordinary day for a Palestinian Orthodox bishop. I have such little faith thinking the recent patriarchate scandals would not allow this day to happen in my lifetime.
The Orthodox community in Palestine has been waiting anxiously to see a minimum of two local bishops of Arab ethnicity to join the Greek Orthodox leadership as stipulated by Church policy and this issue alone has created a huge gap among the Greeks of the Brotherhood and the local Arab faithful. As a scholar, His Beatitude Theophilos always speaks eloquently but the most important emphasis was that the Holy Synod finally fulfilled one of its obligations to the Orthodox community with the new ordination of the Palestinian bishop. Furthermore, all of us were thrilled that an Orthodox Christian woman, Ms. Hind Khoury, Ministry of State, Jerusalem Portfolio, was the official representative of the Palestinian Authority to this rare occasion. Also, giving a congratulatory speech on behalf of the Palestinian president was Mr. Rafeek Huseni at a reception in the Greek Patriarchate following the four hour well attended service. Mr. Margaritis, Deputy General Consul of Greece offered warm congratulations on behalf of the Greek government.
The representative from the Jordanian Parliament, a well known Orthodox layman, Dr. Odeh Qawas did not forget to thank the bishop’s mother for helping to raise him the Orthodox way and maintain the traditions and values of the One True Faith. Dr. John Tleel, the author of “I am Jerusalem,” a person I consider a treasure in the Old City, said that as Christians we are in the holy season of experiencing the Birth of the King of Glory, also we are experiencing the birth of a new Palestinian bishop and we should focus on our Orthodoxy not on our ethnicity but it’s obvious this new appointment brought joy to every Palestinian Orthodox soul in the world.
Born (l965) in Al-Rameh (near Haifa) to Arab Israeli Orthodox Christian parents, Yacoub and Alice, the new bishop has only one brother and one sister. He was ordained a priest (l991) at the Holy Sepulchre the same spot where this holy sacrament took place. He has represented the World Council of Churches at meetings on human rights during which the suffering of Palestinian people was discussed. For his devotion and dedication to the Holy Land ministry, Archbishop Theodosios has received an honorary doctor of theology degree from the Sophia Theological Institute of Bulgaria. He also studied theology for seven years in Greece. He is one of the few highly educated Palestinian clergymen that speak out for justice and peace for all people in the region. He has served as the official spokesperson for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate for many years appointed by the late Patriarch Diodoros.
Archbishop Theodosios, well respected by the Christian and Muslim people was called “bishop” even years before his official elevation and is against all forms of violence and supports non-violent solutions to the Israeli military occupation. The Israeli propaganda machine has tried to smear his reputation and marginalize him in the past especially since he is very competent to fill the gap between Christians and Muslims and has often participated in Christian-Muslim dialogue promoting better relations among the different faiths united by cultural, social and political aspirations.
The new bishop is a man of great faith that can lead us to better understanding and relations with others serving the Lord in a very troubled land. Many of his high school classmates came to the ordination as well as the Mayor of Al Rameh who were very proud to see one of their own sons join the ranks of the Greek Orthodox leadership in Jerusalem. “Axios” was shouted in many languages! Sadly since many Palestinian Orthodox Christians could not enter Jerusalem to witness this sacrament due to Israeli military policy requiring permits, various receptions were held in different locations to congratulate His Eminence the new Palestinian Archbishop of Sabastia Theodosios.
END
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Chicago's Arab Heritage focus of Comcast Cable TV show
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chicago
Jan. 1, 2005
Arab Americans and their history in Chicago is the subject of a documentary to be broadcast this month by Comcast Cable TV in 51 Chicago suburban communities. The show entitled "Arabs of Chicagoland" is based on the book of the same name published by Arcadia Publishing and Chicago author, syndicated columnist and Palestinian Arab standup comedian Ray Hanania.
The show, "30 Minutes" will provide a photographic montage of historical images of the Arab American community along with a reading from the book and a 20 minute interview with the author by NPR's award winning program "848." The radio interview was originally broadcast Nov. 22 on WBEZ 91.5 FM in Chicago.
The show, "30 Minutes," can be seen in most South and Southwest suburban communities including Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, and Orland Park, suburbs of Chicago that have large Arab American constituencies. It is available on Channel 19 on Comcast Cable every Friday night beginning at 8:30 PM.
Hanania is a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist. His writings appear in the Southwest News Herald, the Daily Herald of Arlington Heights, the English language web site of Israel's largets newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, the Arab American News in Detroit, the Future News of Chicago, and more than two dozen Arab and American newspapers around the country.
For more information visit www.hanania.com/cabletv.htm
-- ET --
Chicago
Jan. 1, 2005
Arab Americans and their history in Chicago is the subject of a documentary to be broadcast this month by Comcast Cable TV in 51 Chicago suburban communities. The show entitled "Arabs of Chicagoland" is based on the book of the same name published by Arcadia Publishing and Chicago author, syndicated columnist and Palestinian Arab standup comedian Ray Hanania.
The show, "30 Minutes" will provide a photographic montage of historical images of the Arab American community along with a reading from the book and a 20 minute interview with the author by NPR's award winning program "848." The radio interview was originally broadcast Nov. 22 on WBEZ 91.5 FM in Chicago.
The show, "30 Minutes," can be seen in most South and Southwest suburban communities including Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, and Orland Park, suburbs of Chicago that have large Arab American constituencies. It is available on Channel 19 on Comcast Cable every Friday night beginning at 8:30 PM.
Hanania is a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist. His writings appear in the Southwest News Herald, the Daily Herald of Arlington Heights, the English language web site of Israel's largets newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, the Arab American News in Detroit, the Future News of Chicago, and more than two dozen Arab and American newspapers around the country.
For more information visit www.hanania.com/cabletv.htm
-- ET --
British Government praises release of hostages in Gaza, Palestine
STATEMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF KATE, WIN AND HUGH BURTON
London, 31 December/GNN/ --
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
News Release issued by the Government News Network on 31 December 2005
"We are glad that these last few days are over and we would like to expressour gratitude to the Palestinian Authority, the British Government and allgroups and individuals in Gaza and worldwide who have been supporting usand working around the clock to secure our release. We are in good healthand have been treated extremely well through the ordeal. Kate Burton plans to stay in the region and continue working with thePalestinian people. The incident was just one in the context of a severelyincreasing state of insecurity in the Gaza Strip, and Kate remains committedand passionate about working alongside the Palestinians to improve theirexternal image and alleviate the difficult conditions being suffered by the Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.After these difficult few days, the family strongly requests that they beleft in peace to recover with close friends and relatives."
FCO Press Office: 020 7008 3100Press Office, Downing Street (West), London SW1A 2AL Telephone: 020 70083100 Fax: 020 7008 3734
London, 31 December/GNN/ --
FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
News Release issued by the Government News Network on 31 December 2005
"We are glad that these last few days are over and we would like to expressour gratitude to the Palestinian Authority, the British Government and allgroups and individuals in Gaza and worldwide who have been supporting usand working around the clock to secure our release. We are in good healthand have been treated extremely well through the ordeal. Kate Burton plans to stay in the region and continue working with thePalestinian people. The incident was just one in the context of a severelyincreasing state of insecurity in the Gaza Strip, and Kate remains committedand passionate about working alongside the Palestinians to improve theirexternal image and alleviate the difficult conditions being suffered by the Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.After these difficult few days, the family strongly requests that they beleft in peace to recover with close friends and relatives."
FCO Press Office: 020 7008 3100Press Office, Downing Street (West), London SW1A 2AL Telephone: 020 70083100 Fax: 020 7008 3734
New York Arab Comedy Festival in LA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The New York Arab-American Comedy Festival is coming to
Los Angeles from January 24-26, 2006
December 31, 2005 (New York, NY) – Today, organizers behind the groundbreaking New York Arab American Comedy Festival (NYAACF) announced that they will be taking their critically acclaimed Festival on the road for the first time ever as they travel to Los Angeles for three nights: Tuesday, January 24 – Thursday, January 26, 2006. This LA run follows the overwhelming success of the third annual NYAACF held in New York City from November 13-17, 2005 and which saw over one thousand people attend the five nights of sold out events.
The NYAACF - the only festival in the country exclusively dedicated to celebrating the humor of Arab-Americans - now comes to Los Angeles to bring its unique brand of edgy comedy to the West Coast with two nights of comedic theater shows and one night of stand up comedy. No topic is off-limits as the theater pieces comedically tackle such topics as Hollywood's casting of Arabs, Arab-Americans fear of Arab terrorists, and even lessons on how to be a “real Arab.” The stand up comedy show will present the top Arab-American comics in the country as these award winning comedians from NY and LA come together for one special show.
Created in 2003, the NYAACF is both a showcase for talented Arab-American performers and writers as well as a vehicle to dispel negative stereotypes about Arab-Americans. Given the difficulties persons of Middle Eastern descent have faced over the last several years, in this country and abroad, the Festival provides a powerful mix of unique political observations and comedic relief. In its first three years, the Festival has attracted positive media coverage for both the artists involved and the Arab-American community. The NYAACF has received positive media coverage literally around the world as it has been featured on CNN, NPR, BBC and in newspaper articles from New York to Australia. Past participants have included two-time Emmy award winning actor Tony Shalhoub, award winning actress Kathy Najimy and most recently M*A*S*H's Jamie Farr.
The LA festival will showcase the best plays, actors and comedians from the first three years of the NYAACF as these talented performers travel from New York to LA. The performers scheduled to appear in LA include, Leila Sbitani, the current host of the popular Nickelodeon show, Hi-Jinks; Actor Ramsey Faragallah who starred Off-Broadway in the highly acclaimed Guantánamo: Honor Bound to Defend Freedom, as well as being featured in the hit movie, The Interpreter; Actor Piter Marek, who co-starred in the TNT mini-series The Grid; LA based comedians Ahmed Ahmed, who receieved the Richard Pryor award at last year's Edinburgh Festival in Scotland and Aron Kader, who has been featured on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend and Fox’s “The Bernie Mac Show; Israeli-Arab actress Hend Ayoub who is co-starring in the award winning and critically acclaimed feature film "Private" which recently opened in LA; and Festival co-founders Dean Obeidallah, a comedian who was awarded this past October, The Bill Hicks Spirit Award for "thought provoking comedy" by the NY Underground Comedy Festival and who has appeared recently on CNN, NPR, and the national Air America radio network, and Maysoon Zayid, comedian and actress, who has been featured on NBC's Nightly News, MTV, and As the World Turns. The theater shows will be held Tuesday, January 24 and Wednesday, January 25 at 8:00 PM at the Hudson Mainstage Theater and tickets can be purchased through Plays411 at www.plays411.com or by calling (323) 960-7745. The stand up comedy show will be held Thursday, January 26 at 7:45 PM at The Laugh Factory in Hollywood and tickets can be purchased by calling (323) 656-1336 or by visiting the Laugh Factory’s website: www.laughfactory.com.
For more information about the Festival, please visit: www.ArabComedy.org or call Dean Obeidallah at 917-607-4047.
New York Arab-American Comedy Festival in LA: January 24-26, 2006
Theatre Nights
Tuesday, January 24 – 8 pm
Wednesday, January 25 - 8 pm
Hudson Mainstage Theater
6539 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, Ca 90038
www.hudsontheatre.com
Theater Tickets: $20
Tickets exclusively available through
Plays411 at www.plays411.com or
by calling (323) 960-7745.
NYAACF Play Selections for Los Angeles
(in alphabetic order by title)
“A” Date
Playwright: Lameece Issaq
Director: Shoshana Gold
Performed By:
Lamia ….. Leila Buck
Inass …… Lameece Isaaq
Miriam .... Maysoon Zayid
Ibrahim … Laith Nakli
Maher ….. Sam Younis*
Featuring: …. Maha Chehlaoui
And now a word from one of our sponsors…
Playwright: Dean Obeidallah
Director: Dean Obeidallah
Performed By:
Mustapha …. Ramsey Faragallah*
Marwan …… Waleed Zuaiter*
Mona ………. Hend Ayoub
Featuring: Neil Potter and Aron Kader
Browntown
(Selected scenes from the full-length play)
Playwright: Sam Younis
Director: Abigail Marateck
Performed By:
Malek………...Sam Younis* Omar…………Waleed Zuaiter* Vijay…………..Piter Marek*
Casting Director …… Neil Potter
Sherry ……. Bethel Caram
Hi Joan
Playwright: Maysoon Zayid and the Nibras Ignition Workshop
Director: Nathalie Handal
Performed By:
Joan …. Leila Sbitani*
Dania … Tamar Vezirian
Susan …. Maha Chehlaoui
Featuring: …. Ryan Shrime
Love in Las Vegas
Playwright: Jana Zenadeen
Director: Piter Marek
Performed By:
Bride ….. Jana Zenadeen
Groom … Ryan Shrime
Train
Playwright: Neil Potter & Bethel Caram
Director: Ahmed Amer
Performed By:
Renee ….. Najla Said
George … Joseph Kamal*
*These Actors are appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.
Stand Up Comedy Night
Thursday, January 26 – 7:45 PM
The Laugh Factory
8001 Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood, Ca. 90046
For Reservations,
Please call (323) 656-1336 or Visit
www.laughfactory.com.
Tickets $20 each plus
2 Drink Minimum
Comics Scheduled to Appear:
Ahmed Ahmed
Aron Kader
Ronnie Khalil
Nasry Malak
Helen Maalik
Dean Obeidallah
Maysoon Zayid
The New York Arab-American Comedy Festival is coming to
Los Angeles from January 24-26, 2006
December 31, 2005 (New York, NY) – Today, organizers behind the groundbreaking New York Arab American Comedy Festival (NYAACF) announced that they will be taking their critically acclaimed Festival on the road for the first time ever as they travel to Los Angeles for three nights: Tuesday, January 24 – Thursday, January 26, 2006. This LA run follows the overwhelming success of the third annual NYAACF held in New York City from November 13-17, 2005 and which saw over one thousand people attend the five nights of sold out events.
The NYAACF - the only festival in the country exclusively dedicated to celebrating the humor of Arab-Americans - now comes to Los Angeles to bring its unique brand of edgy comedy to the West Coast with two nights of comedic theater shows and one night of stand up comedy. No topic is off-limits as the theater pieces comedically tackle such topics as Hollywood's casting of Arabs, Arab-Americans fear of Arab terrorists, and even lessons on how to be a “real Arab.” The stand up comedy show will present the top Arab-American comics in the country as these award winning comedians from NY and LA come together for one special show.
Created in 2003, the NYAACF is both a showcase for talented Arab-American performers and writers as well as a vehicle to dispel negative stereotypes about Arab-Americans. Given the difficulties persons of Middle Eastern descent have faced over the last several years, in this country and abroad, the Festival provides a powerful mix of unique political observations and comedic relief. In its first three years, the Festival has attracted positive media coverage for both the artists involved and the Arab-American community. The NYAACF has received positive media coverage literally around the world as it has been featured on CNN, NPR, BBC and in newspaper articles from New York to Australia. Past participants have included two-time Emmy award winning actor Tony Shalhoub, award winning actress Kathy Najimy and most recently M*A*S*H's Jamie Farr.
The LA festival will showcase the best plays, actors and comedians from the first three years of the NYAACF as these talented performers travel from New York to LA. The performers scheduled to appear in LA include, Leila Sbitani, the current host of the popular Nickelodeon show, Hi-Jinks; Actor Ramsey Faragallah who starred Off-Broadway in the highly acclaimed Guantánamo: Honor Bound to Defend Freedom, as well as being featured in the hit movie, The Interpreter; Actor Piter Marek, who co-starred in the TNT mini-series The Grid; LA based comedians Ahmed Ahmed, who receieved the Richard Pryor award at last year's Edinburgh Festival in Scotland and Aron Kader, who has been featured on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend and Fox’s “The Bernie Mac Show; Israeli-Arab actress Hend Ayoub who is co-starring in the award winning and critically acclaimed feature film "Private" which recently opened in LA; and Festival co-founders Dean Obeidallah, a comedian who was awarded this past October, The Bill Hicks Spirit Award for "thought provoking comedy" by the NY Underground Comedy Festival and who has appeared recently on CNN, NPR, and the national Air America radio network, and Maysoon Zayid, comedian and actress, who has been featured on NBC's Nightly News, MTV, and As the World Turns. The theater shows will be held Tuesday, January 24 and Wednesday, January 25 at 8:00 PM at the Hudson Mainstage Theater and tickets can be purchased through Plays411 at www.plays411.com or by calling (323) 960-7745. The stand up comedy show will be held Thursday, January 26 at 7:45 PM at The Laugh Factory in Hollywood and tickets can be purchased by calling (323) 656-1336 or by visiting the Laugh Factory’s website: www.laughfactory.com.
For more information about the Festival, please visit: www.ArabComedy.org or call Dean Obeidallah at 917-607-4047.
New York Arab-American Comedy Festival in LA: January 24-26, 2006
Theatre Nights
Tuesday, January 24 – 8 pm
Wednesday, January 25 - 8 pm
Hudson Mainstage Theater
6539 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, Ca 90038
www.hudsontheatre.com
Theater Tickets: $20
Tickets exclusively available through
Plays411 at www.plays411.com or
by calling (323) 960-7745.
NYAACF Play Selections for Los Angeles
(in alphabetic order by title)
“A” Date
Playwright: Lameece Issaq
Director: Shoshana Gold
Performed By:
Lamia ….. Leila Buck
Inass …… Lameece Isaaq
Miriam .... Maysoon Zayid
Ibrahim … Laith Nakli
Maher ….. Sam Younis*
Featuring: …. Maha Chehlaoui
And now a word from one of our sponsors…
Playwright: Dean Obeidallah
Director: Dean Obeidallah
Performed By:
Mustapha …. Ramsey Faragallah*
Marwan …… Waleed Zuaiter*
Mona ………. Hend Ayoub
Featuring: Neil Potter and Aron Kader
Browntown
(Selected scenes from the full-length play)
Playwright: Sam Younis
Director: Abigail Marateck
Performed By:
Malek………...Sam Younis* Omar…………Waleed Zuaiter* Vijay…………..Piter Marek*
Casting Director …… Neil Potter
Sherry ……. Bethel Caram
Hi Joan
Playwright: Maysoon Zayid and the Nibras Ignition Workshop
Director: Nathalie Handal
Performed By:
Joan …. Leila Sbitani*
Dania … Tamar Vezirian
Susan …. Maha Chehlaoui
Featuring: …. Ryan Shrime
Love in Las Vegas
Playwright: Jana Zenadeen
Director: Piter Marek
Performed By:
Bride ….. Jana Zenadeen
Groom … Ryan Shrime
Train
Playwright: Neil Potter & Bethel Caram
Director: Ahmed Amer
Performed By:
Renee ….. Najla Said
George … Joseph Kamal*
*These Actors are appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.
Stand Up Comedy Night
Thursday, January 26 – 7:45 PM
The Laugh Factory
8001 Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood, Ca. 90046
For Reservations,
Please call (323) 656-1336 or Visit
www.laughfactory.com.
Tickets $20 each plus
2 Drink Minimum
Comics Scheduled to Appear:
Ahmed Ahmed
Aron Kader
Ronnie Khalil
Nasry Malak
Helen Maalik
Dean Obeidallah
Maysoon Zayid
Palestine Red Crescent Society Release on continued human rights violations
Press Release for the period 10-16 December 2005
During this reporting period, the Israeli Army has continued to violate International Humanitarian Law and Fundamental Human Rights, by restricting freedom of movement to Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) ambulances and its medical teams. Delays, denial of access and arbitrary searches had a negative impact on wounded and sick in Al-Ezariyeh, Al-Bireh, Jenin & Nablus.
Al Ezariyeh, 14/12/2005, 03:00 AM: A PRCS was stopped and denied access, at Zay’im checkpoint, while on route to transport a woman in labor from Abu Deis Suburb to Al Maqased hospital in east Jerusalem. The soldiers took the crew’s Identity cards for check. After 20 minutes had elapsed the soldiers ordered the crew to return back. The crew tried to explain to the soldiers the urgency to transport the woman to hospital. The soldiers ignored their request. The woman in labor was allowed to enter into Jerusalem by taxi. The ambulance was subjected to arbitrary search and the crew was obliged to turn off their communication equipments. After one and a half hour had elapsed the crew was allowed to return back.
Al-Bireh, 13/12/2005, 14:30 PM: A PRCS ambulance was stopped and denied access by the Israeli soldiers at Kalandiya checkpoint, while on route to transport a woman in labor from the checkpoint to hospital. The crew tried to cross the checkpoint in an attempt to administer emergency medication to the woman in labor, but the soldiers prevented them and threatened the emergency medial technician using their weapons. When the woman was almost ready to give birth, her accompany carried her, crossed the checkpoint and delivered her to the PRCS crew. The crew immediately began to assist the woman who delivered her baby within a couple of minutes inside the ambulance. Its worth mentioning that this is not the first incident in which women in labor denied access to hospitals and delivers at the above mentioned check point.
Al Bireh, 12/12/2005, 10:00 AM: A PRCS crew was attacked and its emergency medical technician was detained by the Israeli soldiers, at Shufat camp checkpoint. For more information go to:
http://www.palestinercs.org/pressreleases/Year%202005/pr131205wbrr.htm
The following table lists incidents of delays of access during this reporting period.
PRCS Branch
Date
Checkpoint
Delay of access (unless indicated 'denied access')
Jenin
12/12/2005
Jannat
70 minutes
12/12/2005
Jannat
70 minutes
Nablus
13/12/2005
Hizma
60 minutes & denied access
13/12/2005
Hizma
60 minutes & denied access
During this reporting period, a total of 11 deaths & 24 injuries were reported in the West Bank and Gaza.
These practices constitute a breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and the First Additional Protocol of the Geneva Conventions, which are legally applied to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In particular, they violate articles 20 of the Fourth Geneva Convention which guarantees the protection and respect of persons who engage in the search for, removal and transport of and caring for wounded and sick civilians, and article 63 which stresses that ” Subject to temporary and exceptional measures imposed for urgent reasons of security by the Occupied Power, recognized National red cross and red crescent societies shall be able to pursue their activities in accordance with Red Cross principles, as defined by the international Red Cross Conferences…”. In addition to articles 12 and 15 of the First Additional Protocol of the Geneva conventions which guarantees that “ Medical units shall be respected and protected at all times and shall not be the object of attack and shall have access to any place where their services are essential” and article 16 which stresses that, “Under no circumstances shall any person be punished for carrying out medical activities compatible with medical ethics, regardless of the person benefiting there from.”, in addition to article 21, which stresses that,” Medical vehicles shall be respected and protected in the same way as mobile medical units under the Conventions and this Protocol.”
For full text see: http://www.palestinercs.org/IHL_Refrence_Text.htm
**************************************************For more information please contact Press Office at: phone: +972 2 240 6515/6/7E-mail: pressoffice@palestinercs.org
During this reporting period, the Israeli Army has continued to violate International Humanitarian Law and Fundamental Human Rights, by restricting freedom of movement to Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) ambulances and its medical teams. Delays, denial of access and arbitrary searches had a negative impact on wounded and sick in Al-Ezariyeh, Al-Bireh, Jenin & Nablus.
Al Ezariyeh, 14/12/2005, 03:00 AM: A PRCS was stopped and denied access, at Zay’im checkpoint, while on route to transport a woman in labor from Abu Deis Suburb to Al Maqased hospital in east Jerusalem. The soldiers took the crew’s Identity cards for check. After 20 minutes had elapsed the soldiers ordered the crew to return back. The crew tried to explain to the soldiers the urgency to transport the woman to hospital. The soldiers ignored their request. The woman in labor was allowed to enter into Jerusalem by taxi. The ambulance was subjected to arbitrary search and the crew was obliged to turn off their communication equipments. After one and a half hour had elapsed the crew was allowed to return back.
Al-Bireh, 13/12/2005, 14:30 PM: A PRCS ambulance was stopped and denied access by the Israeli soldiers at Kalandiya checkpoint, while on route to transport a woman in labor from the checkpoint to hospital. The crew tried to cross the checkpoint in an attempt to administer emergency medication to the woman in labor, but the soldiers prevented them and threatened the emergency medial technician using their weapons. When the woman was almost ready to give birth, her accompany carried her, crossed the checkpoint and delivered her to the PRCS crew. The crew immediately began to assist the woman who delivered her baby within a couple of minutes inside the ambulance. Its worth mentioning that this is not the first incident in which women in labor denied access to hospitals and delivers at the above mentioned check point.
Al Bireh, 12/12/2005, 10:00 AM: A PRCS crew was attacked and its emergency medical technician was detained by the Israeli soldiers, at Shufat camp checkpoint. For more information go to:
http://www.palestinercs.org/pressreleases/Year%202005/pr131205wbrr.htm
The following table lists incidents of delays of access during this reporting period.
PRCS Branch
Date
Checkpoint
Delay of access (unless indicated 'denied access')
Jenin
12/12/2005
Jannat
70 minutes
12/12/2005
Jannat
70 minutes
Nablus
13/12/2005
Hizma
60 minutes & denied access
13/12/2005
Hizma
60 minutes & denied access
During this reporting period, a total of 11 deaths & 24 injuries were reported in the West Bank and Gaza.
These practices constitute a breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and the First Additional Protocol of the Geneva Conventions, which are legally applied to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In particular, they violate articles 20 of the Fourth Geneva Convention which guarantees the protection and respect of persons who engage in the search for, removal and transport of and caring for wounded and sick civilians, and article 63 which stresses that ” Subject to temporary and exceptional measures imposed for urgent reasons of security by the Occupied Power, recognized National red cross and red crescent societies shall be able to pursue their activities in accordance with Red Cross principles, as defined by the international Red Cross Conferences…”. In addition to articles 12 and 15 of the First Additional Protocol of the Geneva conventions which guarantees that “ Medical units shall be respected and protected at all times and shall not be the object of attack and shall have access to any place where their services are essential” and article 16 which stresses that, “Under no circumstances shall any person be punished for carrying out medical activities compatible with medical ethics, regardless of the person benefiting there from.”, in addition to article 21, which stresses that,” Medical vehicles shall be respected and protected in the same way as mobile medical units under the Conventions and this Protocol.”
For full text see: http://www.palestinercs.org/IHL_Refrence_Text.htm
**************************************************For more information please contact Press Office at: phone: +972 2 240 6515/6/7E-mail: pressoffice@palestinercs.org
Thursday, December 29, 2005
DAIR -- Israelis planning to Ban Jerusalem Christians and Muslims from voting in Palestinian elections
Press Release
Dec. 29, 2005
The Department of Arab and International Relations (DAIR)
alerts of banning Jerusalemites from participating in 2006 PLC elections.
By the time that both Palestinians and their leadership are insisting to
accomplish the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) elections on the due
date (Jan. 2006) – which is crucial to attain democracy and freedom-,
Israeli official statements are proclaiming that the Jerusalemites are to be
banned from participating in the PLC elections.
The Israeli measures prohibited the Palestinian Central Election Commission
from registering Jerusalemites voters; the offices were closed and the
employees were threatened; in an attempt to avert PLC elections.
Escalating the Israeli measures in the Occupied Jerusalem and preventing the
Jerusalemites from participating in the Palestinian democracy and electoral
process, are not more than aimed steps to Judaization and sever Jerusalem
from any Palestinian surroundings.
According to the UN resolutions, East Jerusalem is an occupied city where
International Laws are applied on just as the Palestinian lands that were
occupied in 1967. So, the Jerusalemites have the right to participate in the
PLC elections inside their occupied city; the right that cannot be denied by
anyone.
DAIR calls upon the UN and Quartet, especially USA to intervene to allow the
Palestinians inside the Occupied Jerusalem participate in the PLC elections,
and guarantee the proper conditions to hold the elections without any
Israeli Interference. Without Jerusalem, no elections will take place
because Jerusalem is the eternal Palestinian capital and the Palestinian
people and their leadership will never give up this right.
The Department of Arab and International Relations
PLO
Ramallah
Dec. 29th 2005
Dec. 29, 2005
The Department of Arab and International Relations (DAIR)
alerts of banning Jerusalemites from participating in 2006 PLC elections.
By the time that both Palestinians and their leadership are insisting to
accomplish the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) elections on the due
date (Jan. 2006) – which is crucial to attain democracy and freedom-,
Israeli official statements are proclaiming that the Jerusalemites are to be
banned from participating in the PLC elections.
The Israeli measures prohibited the Palestinian Central Election Commission
from registering Jerusalemites voters; the offices were closed and the
employees were threatened; in an attempt to avert PLC elections.
Escalating the Israeli measures in the Occupied Jerusalem and preventing the
Jerusalemites from participating in the Palestinian democracy and electoral
process, are not more than aimed steps to Judaization and sever Jerusalem
from any Palestinian surroundings.
According to the UN resolutions, East Jerusalem is an occupied city where
International Laws are applied on just as the Palestinian lands that were
occupied in 1967. So, the Jerusalemites have the right to participate in the
PLC elections inside their occupied city; the right that cannot be denied by
anyone.
DAIR calls upon the UN and Quartet, especially USA to intervene to allow the
Palestinians inside the Occupied Jerusalem participate in the PLC elections,
and guarantee the proper conditions to hold the elections without any
Israeli Interference. Without Jerusalem, no elections will take place
because Jerusalem is the eternal Palestinian capital and the Palestinian
people and their leadership will never give up this right.
The Department of Arab and International Relations
PLO
Ramallah
Dec. 29th 2005
Friday, December 23, 2005
"Free" Iraqi government imprisons and threatens journalists and free speech
Committee to Protect Journalists
330 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA Phone: (212) 465‑1004 Fax: (212) 465‑9568 Web: www.cpj.org E-Mail: media@cpj.org
http://www.cpj.org
Contact: Judy Blank
e-mail: info@cpj.org
Telephone: (212) 465-1004 ext. 105
December 23, 2005
His Excellency Dr. Ibrahim al-Jaafari
Prime Minister
C/o Embassy of the Republic of Iraq
1801 P St., NW
Washington, DC 20036
By Facsimile: 202-462-5066
Your Excellency:The Committee to Protect Journalists wishes to express its grave concern about the criminal prosecution of Ayad Mahmoud al-Tamimi and Ahmed Mutair Abbas, editor-in-chief and managing editor respectively of the now-defunct Iraqi daily Sada Wasit, a local newspaper in the southern city of Kut. Both men face more than 10 years in prison or heavy fines if convicted of four separate defamation charges brought by local government officials in Wasit Province in response to critical articles that they published in 2005.
Al-Tamimi and Abbas, are charged under article 226 of the Iraqi penal code of defaming local police and the judiciary. Their trial is set for December 25, 2005.
The Judiciary Council brought a defamation charge over one article titled “The Men of the Judiciary and Judges of Bremer,” which compared Iraq’s judicial system today with that of the former Baathist regime.
Police brought a charge over another article about an Iraqi allegedly abducted by Iraqi Special Forces. When the family of the abducted man went to City Hall to inquire about his whereabouts they, too, were arrested.
A third story, based on an article in the Washington Post, discussed corruption in the Iraqi police force. The last article sparked separate judicial complaints from the police and former Wasit governor Mohammed Ridha al-Jashaamy.
The criminal charges against al-Tammimi and Abbas are part of a larger pattern of judicial harassment. In 2004, Abbas and al-Tammimi were jailed for seven months and five months respectively, in response to separate articles they wrote that allegedly defamed al-Jashaamy by criticizing his governorship.
A free press is a cornerstone of democracy and in order for it to function properly, journalists must be able to carry out their jobs without interference from authorities and the fear of imprisonment. Journalists should never be imprisoned for what they write. If individuals feel that their reputations have been harmed they should have recourse to civil, not criminal, remedies.
We believe the criminal prosecution of Ayad Mahmoud al-Tamimi and Ahmed Mutair Abbas sends a troubling message to all Iraqi journalists. If both men are sentenced to jail it would deal a serious blow to press freedoms in Iraq. We therefore call on you to assert your leadership and examine all possible legal options to ensure that that the criminal charges against them is dismissed and that they no longer face the threat of imprisonment for their work.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your reply.
Ann Cooper
Executive Director
CC:
His Excellency Jalal Talabani
His Excellency Abul Hussein Shandal
His Excellency Mohammed Ridha al-Jashaamy
The Honorable Zalmay Khalilzad
American Society of Newspaper Editors
Amnesty International
Article 19 (United Kingdom)
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
Fred Eckhard, Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan
Freedom Forum
Freedom House
Human Rights Watch
Index on Censorship
International Center for Journalists
International Federation of Journalists
International PEN
International Press Institute
Louise Arbour, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights
Glyn T. Davies, Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
The Newspaper Guild
The North American Broadcasters Association
Overseas Press Club
Reporters Sans Frontières
The Society of Professional Journalists
World Association of Newspapers
World Press Freedom Committee
330 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA Phone: (212) 465‑1004 Fax: (212) 465‑9568 Web: www.cpj.org E-Mail: media@cpj.org
http://www.cpj.org
Contact: Judy Blank
e-mail: info@cpj.org
Telephone: (212) 465-1004 ext. 105
December 23, 2005
His Excellency Dr. Ibrahim al-Jaafari
Prime Minister
C/o Embassy of the Republic of Iraq
1801 P St., NW
Washington, DC 20036
By Facsimile: 202-462-5066
Your Excellency:The Committee to Protect Journalists wishes to express its grave concern about the criminal prosecution of Ayad Mahmoud al-Tamimi and Ahmed Mutair Abbas, editor-in-chief and managing editor respectively of the now-defunct Iraqi daily Sada Wasit, a local newspaper in the southern city of Kut. Both men face more than 10 years in prison or heavy fines if convicted of four separate defamation charges brought by local government officials in Wasit Province in response to critical articles that they published in 2005.
Al-Tamimi and Abbas, are charged under article 226 of the Iraqi penal code of defaming local police and the judiciary. Their trial is set for December 25, 2005.
The Judiciary Council brought a defamation charge over one article titled “The Men of the Judiciary and Judges of Bremer,” which compared Iraq’s judicial system today with that of the former Baathist regime.
Police brought a charge over another article about an Iraqi allegedly abducted by Iraqi Special Forces. When the family of the abducted man went to City Hall to inquire about his whereabouts they, too, were arrested.
A third story, based on an article in the Washington Post, discussed corruption in the Iraqi police force. The last article sparked separate judicial complaints from the police and former Wasit governor Mohammed Ridha al-Jashaamy.
The criminal charges against al-Tammimi and Abbas are part of a larger pattern of judicial harassment. In 2004, Abbas and al-Tammimi were jailed for seven months and five months respectively, in response to separate articles they wrote that allegedly defamed al-Jashaamy by criticizing his governorship.
A free press is a cornerstone of democracy and in order for it to function properly, journalists must be able to carry out their jobs without interference from authorities and the fear of imprisonment. Journalists should never be imprisoned for what they write. If individuals feel that their reputations have been harmed they should have recourse to civil, not criminal, remedies.
We believe the criminal prosecution of Ayad Mahmoud al-Tamimi and Ahmed Mutair Abbas sends a troubling message to all Iraqi journalists. If both men are sentenced to jail it would deal a serious blow to press freedoms in Iraq. We therefore call on you to assert your leadership and examine all possible legal options to ensure that that the criminal charges against them is dismissed and that they no longer face the threat of imprisonment for their work.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your reply.
Ann Cooper
Executive Director
CC:
His Excellency Jalal Talabani
His Excellency Abul Hussein Shandal
His Excellency Mohammed Ridha al-Jashaamy
The Honorable Zalmay Khalilzad
American Society of Newspaper Editors
Amnesty International
Article 19 (United Kingdom)
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression
Fred Eckhard, Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan
Freedom Forum
Freedom House
Human Rights Watch
Index on Censorship
International Center for Journalists
International Federation of Journalists
International PEN
International Press Institute
Louise Arbour, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights
Glyn T. Davies, Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
The Newspaper Guild
The North American Broadcasters Association
Overseas Press Club
Reporters Sans Frontières
The Society of Professional Journalists
World Association of Newspapers
World Press Freedom Committee
Rev. Elias Chcour to visit Chicago area March 24
SAVE THE DATE (S)
FR. Elias Chacour, the noted theologian and peace activist, will be here the weekend of March 24th.
We look forward to seeing you at one or more of the
special events. Plan to be energized and electrified.
Please plan on attending as many as you can.
There will be different messages at each one.
You won't be disappointed.
Proceeds are tax deductible and go to Mar Elias Schools in the Holy Land where students of all faiths are welcome.
Sponsored by Pilgrims of Ibillin, Olive Branch Chapter, a Non profit 501-C3.
To volunteer or order tickets, please call 630-653-8309.
Watch for your invitation.
SAVE THE DATES NOW.
Father Elias Chacour’s
visit to Chicago Land Area
MARCH 2006
SAVE THE DATE (S)
THURSDAY 23RD NORTH PARK UNIV.
P.M. Chicago
FRIDAY 24TH BENEFIT DINNER
P.M. The Lodge
Mc Donald’s Corp. Hqtrs.
SATURDAY 25TH PILGRIM’S BREAKFAST
A.M. First Presbyterian Church
Wheaton
SATURDAY 25TH BIBLICAL FEAST
P.M. St. Matthew Catholic
Church
Glendale Heights
SUNDAY 26TH WORSHIP SERVICE
A.M. Christ Church
Oakbrook
SUNDAY 26TH PRESENTATION
P.M. Chicago Temple
FR. Elias Chacour, the noted theologian and peace activist, will be here the weekend of March 24th.
We look forward to seeing you at one or more of the
special events. Plan to be energized and electrified.
Please plan on attending as many as you can.
There will be different messages at each one.
You won't be disappointed.
Proceeds are tax deductible and go to Mar Elias Schools in the Holy Land where students of all faiths are welcome.
Sponsored by Pilgrims of Ibillin, Olive Branch Chapter, a Non profit 501-C3.
To volunteer or order tickets, please call 630-653-8309.
Watch for your invitation.
SAVE THE DATES NOW.
Father Elias Chacour’s
visit to Chicago Land Area
MARCH 2006
SAVE THE DATE (S)
THURSDAY 23RD NORTH PARK UNIV.
P.M. Chicago
FRIDAY 24TH BENEFIT DINNER
P.M. The Lodge
Mc Donald’s Corp. Hqtrs.
SATURDAY 25TH PILGRIM’S BREAKFAST
A.M. First Presbyterian Church
Wheaton
SATURDAY 25TH BIBLICAL FEAST
P.M. St. Matthew Catholic
Church
Glendale Heights
SUNDAY 26TH WORSHIP SERVICE
A.M. Christ Church
Oakbrook
SUNDAY 26TH PRESENTATION
P.M. Chicago Temple
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Saudi King Abdullah calls for Unity, Tolerance among Muslims
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 7, 2005
CONTACT:
Saudi Information Office
(202) 337-4076
www.saudiembassy.net
SAUDI KING ABDULLAH CALLS FOR UNITY, TOLERANCE AMONG MUSLIMS
[Washington, DC] [December 7, 2005] -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz today called for unity and tolerance in order to address the challenges faced by the Muslim world in remarks opening the third extraordinary summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
“Let us bid farewell to the age of division and disintegration in order to usher in a new era of unity and dignity,” King Abdullah said. “I look forward to a united Muslim ummah [community] and good governance that eliminate injustice and oppression for the sake of the comprehensive Muslim development that eradicates destitution and poverty.”
The King denounced extremism and stressed that unity must be achieved through tolerance, not bloodshed. “How painful that the ideology sprouted forth by criminal minds has unleashed wanton evil and corruption on earth,” he said. “Islamic unity will not be achieved by bloodletting as the miscreants – in their misguided waywardness – insist on claiming. Fanaticism and extremism cannot grow on an earth whose soil is embedded in the spirit of tolerance, moderation, and balance.”
The two-day summit has been convened in response to a call made earlier by King Abdullah. Its goals include strengthening Islamic unity to fight common challenges, developing a plan for reforming the OIC, and addressing the issues of disaster relief, poverty and disease.
For a full transcript of King Abdullah’s remarks, please visit www.saudiembassy.net.
This is distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC
December 7, 2005
CONTACT:
Saudi Information Office
(202) 337-4076
www.saudiembassy.net
SAUDI KING ABDULLAH CALLS FOR UNITY, TOLERANCE AMONG MUSLIMS
[Washington, DC] [December 7, 2005] -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz today called for unity and tolerance in order to address the challenges faced by the Muslim world in remarks opening the third extraordinary summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
“Let us bid farewell to the age of division and disintegration in order to usher in a new era of unity and dignity,” King Abdullah said. “I look forward to a united Muslim ummah [community] and good governance that eliminate injustice and oppression for the sake of the comprehensive Muslim development that eradicates destitution and poverty.”
The King denounced extremism and stressed that unity must be achieved through tolerance, not bloodshed. “How painful that the ideology sprouted forth by criminal minds has unleashed wanton evil and corruption on earth,” he said. “Islamic unity will not be achieved by bloodletting as the miscreants – in their misguided waywardness – insist on claiming. Fanaticism and extremism cannot grow on an earth whose soil is embedded in the spirit of tolerance, moderation, and balance.”
The two-day summit has been convened in response to a call made earlier by King Abdullah. Its goals include strengthening Islamic unity to fight common challenges, developing a plan for reforming the OIC, and addressing the issues of disaster relief, poverty and disease.
For a full transcript of King Abdullah’s remarks, please visit www.saudiembassy.net.
This is distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC
Monday, December 05, 2005
Pope Benedict Receives FIrst Citizen Passport for Bethlehem, Palestine
Press Release: 5 December 2005
Pope Benedict - First New Citizen of Bethlehem
President Abbas comments on presentation of passport
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has become the first new citizen of Bethlehem, having been presented with a Bethlehem passport by the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, in a meeting at the Vatican on Saturday 3 December.
Commenting on the meeting, President Abbas said today (5 December): "His Holiness was moved to receive this accolade from the people of Bethlehem and paid special attention to the message of the passport."
The passport bears the stamp of the municipality of Bethlehem and of Open Bethlehem and states that: "The bearer of this passport is a citizen of Bethlehem; that they recognise this ancient city provides a light to the world, and to all people who uphold the values of a just and open society; that they will remain a true friend to Bethlehem through its imprisonment, and that they will strive to keep the ideals of Bethlehem alive as long as the wall stands; we ask you to respect the bearer of the passport and to let them pass freely."
Bethlehem faces a state of emergency following the completion of an eight metre high illegal cement wall at the entrance to the city that separates Bethlehem from Jerusalem and other Palestinian towns. With the Israeli wall and other closures, including militarised fences and illegal Jewish settlements, Bethlehem has been reduced to its urban core: a modern-day ghetto town.
President Mahmoud Abbas said: "The warmth of the meeting between the Palestinian delegation and His Holiness the Pope underlines the positive role that the Vatican can play in making the Holy sites accessible to all people, tourists, pilgrims and local worshippers. In accepting the Bethlehem passport, His Holiness reaffirms not only the importance of Bethlehem to our world heritage, but also the importance of the relationship between this ancient city and the Vatican, and the role that the Vatican can play in safeguarding the sacred relationship between Bethlehem and Jerusalem."
The Mayor of Bethlehem, Dr Victor Batarseh, said: "It is the multi-faith character of Bethlehem that makes it so important to an open democratic Middle East. The fear and loss of hope inspired by the wall is driving our citizens abroad, and this exodus is most pronounced among the Christian community."
Leila Sansour, chief executive of Open Bethlehem, said: "We are appealing to the Pope as well as citizens of the world to help us uphold the message of hope and renewal that was born in our city. We hope that the millions of people who hold Bethlehem close to their hearts will act for Bethlehem now, as it faces the most serious threat in its history."
-ends-
Notes for editors:
* Open Bethlehem was launched by the Mayor of Bethlehem on 9 November, declaring Bethlehem an open city and announcing the issue of a Bethlehem passport.
* Open Bethlehem is a city initiative that aims to promote Bethlehem as a prime destination for tourists, bold initiatives and investment. The core of its message is that Bethlehem is a city of openness and diversity, with a centuries-old tradition of welcoming travellers, refugees and pilgrims from across the world.
For more information and photographs please contact:
London: Patrick Orr: (44) 207 2225479; (44) 7909534430 Charlotte Carson: (44)7768305897
Bethlehem: Carol Dabdoub T. (972) 2 2741241 ext. 2470; M. (972) 545439841
www.openbethlehem.org
Pope Benedict - First New Citizen of Bethlehem
President Abbas comments on presentation of passport
His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has become the first new citizen of Bethlehem, having been presented with a Bethlehem passport by the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, in a meeting at the Vatican on Saturday 3 December.
Commenting on the meeting, President Abbas said today (5 December): "His Holiness was moved to receive this accolade from the people of Bethlehem and paid special attention to the message of the passport."
The passport bears the stamp of the municipality of Bethlehem and of Open Bethlehem and states that: "The bearer of this passport is a citizen of Bethlehem; that they recognise this ancient city provides a light to the world, and to all people who uphold the values of a just and open society; that they will remain a true friend to Bethlehem through its imprisonment, and that they will strive to keep the ideals of Bethlehem alive as long as the wall stands; we ask you to respect the bearer of the passport and to let them pass freely."
Bethlehem faces a state of emergency following the completion of an eight metre high illegal cement wall at the entrance to the city that separates Bethlehem from Jerusalem and other Palestinian towns. With the Israeli wall and other closures, including militarised fences and illegal Jewish settlements, Bethlehem has been reduced to its urban core: a modern-day ghetto town.
President Mahmoud Abbas said: "The warmth of the meeting between the Palestinian delegation and His Holiness the Pope underlines the positive role that the Vatican can play in making the Holy sites accessible to all people, tourists, pilgrims and local worshippers. In accepting the Bethlehem passport, His Holiness reaffirms not only the importance of Bethlehem to our world heritage, but also the importance of the relationship between this ancient city and the Vatican, and the role that the Vatican can play in safeguarding the sacred relationship between Bethlehem and Jerusalem."
The Mayor of Bethlehem, Dr Victor Batarseh, said: "It is the multi-faith character of Bethlehem that makes it so important to an open democratic Middle East. The fear and loss of hope inspired by the wall is driving our citizens abroad, and this exodus is most pronounced among the Christian community."
Leila Sansour, chief executive of Open Bethlehem, said: "We are appealing to the Pope as well as citizens of the world to help us uphold the message of hope and renewal that was born in our city. We hope that the millions of people who hold Bethlehem close to their hearts will act for Bethlehem now, as it faces the most serious threat in its history."
-ends-
Notes for editors:
* Open Bethlehem was launched by the Mayor of Bethlehem on 9 November, declaring Bethlehem an open city and announcing the issue of a Bethlehem passport.
* Open Bethlehem is a city initiative that aims to promote Bethlehem as a prime destination for tourists, bold initiatives and investment. The core of its message is that Bethlehem is a city of openness and diversity, with a centuries-old tradition of welcoming travellers, refugees and pilgrims from across the world.
For more information and photographs please contact:
London: Patrick Orr: (44) 207 2225479; (44) 7909534430 Charlotte Carson: (44)7768305897
Bethlehem: Carol Dabdoub T. (972) 2 2741241 ext. 2470; M. (972) 545439841
www.openbethlehem.org
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Arabesque Chicago monthly showcase deuts Dec. 14, 2005
ARABESQUE CHICAGO Arabesque Chicago is a monthly showcase of Arabic music held in the intimate performance space of Raven Theatre's East Stage, 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago.
The debut of Arabesque Chicago on Wednesday, December 14 at 8:00 p.m. features vocalist and ‘ud player Naser Musa, accompanied by percussionist Souhail Kaspar.Musa, a Jordanian of Palestinian descent, is a composer and arranger as well as a musician. He has toured and recorded with major Arab musicians worldwide, and is an instructor at the Mendocino Middle East Music Camp and Heartland Seminar on Arabic Music. His area of special interest is Bedouin music.
Kaspar, a native of Lebanon, was trained at Nadi al-Fonun al-Arabia in Aleppo, Syria. He has performed with Fairuz, Farid al-Atrache, Sting, and other high-profile entertainers and has recorded with Ali Jihad Racy, Kadim al-Sahir, and the Kronos Quartet.Musa and Kaspar collaborated on the CD “Khaliji: Songs of Love and Passion from the Arabian Gulf.”The Raven Theatre, in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, produces critically-acclaimed dramatic works ranging from American classics to contemporary plays.
Xauen Music of Chicago (www.xauen-music.com) is dedicated to preserving the heritage of classical Arabic, Armenian, Turkish, and Sephardic music. Xauen Music produces concerts and tours; records and distributes CDs; publishes scores, magazines, and books; and conducts educational seminars.
Tickets, at $8 for students/seniors and $12 general admission, are available at TicketWeb. For information, please call 847-830-8277. January's concert, on the 11th, will feature Iraqi musician Amir ElSaffar.
http://www.xauen-music.com/xauen-music
/events/arabesque/0512/index.html
The debut of Arabesque Chicago on Wednesday, December 14 at 8:00 p.m. features vocalist and ‘ud player Naser Musa, accompanied by percussionist Souhail Kaspar.Musa, a Jordanian of Palestinian descent, is a composer and arranger as well as a musician. He has toured and recorded with major Arab musicians worldwide, and is an instructor at the Mendocino Middle East Music Camp and Heartland Seminar on Arabic Music. His area of special interest is Bedouin music.
Kaspar, a native of Lebanon, was trained at Nadi al-Fonun al-Arabia in Aleppo, Syria. He has performed with Fairuz, Farid al-Atrache, Sting, and other high-profile entertainers and has recorded with Ali Jihad Racy, Kadim al-Sahir, and the Kronos Quartet.Musa and Kaspar collaborated on the CD “Khaliji: Songs of Love and Passion from the Arabian Gulf.”The Raven Theatre, in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, produces critically-acclaimed dramatic works ranging from American classics to contemporary plays.
Xauen Music of Chicago (www.xauen-music.com) is dedicated to preserving the heritage of classical Arabic, Armenian, Turkish, and Sephardic music. Xauen Music produces concerts and tours; records and distributes CDs; publishes scores, magazines, and books; and conducts educational seminars.
Tickets, at $8 for students/seniors and $12 general admission, are available at TicketWeb. For information, please call 847-830-8277. January's concert, on the 11th, will feature Iraqi musician Amir ElSaffar.
http://www.xauen-music.com/xauen-music
/events/arabesque/0512/index.html
Friday, December 02, 2005
Committee to Protect Journalists criticizes Egyptian elections
Committee to Protect Journalists
330 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA Phone: (212) 465‑1004 Fax: (212) 465‑9568 Web: www.cpj.org E-Mail: media@cpj.org
http://www.cpj.org
Contact: Joel Campagna
e-mail: info@cpj.org
Telephone: (212) 465-1004 ext. 103
EGYPT: Journalists covering elections harassed and attacked
New York, December 2, 2005—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the assault and harassment by Egyptian authorities of journalists covering parliamentary elections. CPJ sources and press reports confirm over a dozen cases in which journalists have been attacked, detained, or prevented from working since the first round of voting in the three-round election began on November 8.
The ruling National Democratic Party and security forces have ordered supporters to beat and harass voters and journalists, the CPJ sources and press reports said. Harassment has increased as Muslim Brotherhood members, whose candidates run as independents because the authorities have barred them from forming a party, have gained ground.
Police have fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds outside polling places and prevented some voters from reaching polling booths, the sources said. Journalists covering these events were assaulted or jostled by security forces who confiscated tapes and equipment, and who briefly detained some reporters.
“It is outrageous that Egyptian authorities should tolerate the harassment and intimidation of journalists covering an election,” said CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper. “We call on the government to ensure that all harassment of the local and foreign media stop immediately.”
On November 26, Asmaa Ali Hraiz, a reporter for the opposition weekly newspaper Al-Karama, was attacked, blindfolded and kidnapped near a polling station in the city of Shoubra al-Kheima, north of Cairo, by security agents, the paper’s editor-in-chief, Jamal Fahmy, told CPJ. Her kidnappers told her they were from the state security service and they took her cell phone, camera and a gold necklace. They threatened to rape her. The officer in charge ordered two female assailants to beat Hraiz unconscious. She was then dumped under the Six October Bridge in Cairo. She suffered broken ribs, serious injuries to her right arm, and bruises on the spine. The attack was reported to the Attorney General’s office, but no investigation has been launched, according to Fahmy.
On December 1, Ahmad Bayoumi, a freelance reporter for the Arabic satellite channel Al-Jazeera, and the channel’s cameraman Mohammad Ezzedin were assaulted at the Ben Aibad polling station in Mansoura, north of Cairo, by supporters of the National Democratic Party candidate Hassan al-Neer. Bayoumi was punched in the face and kicked in the back, while Ezzedin was shoved and pushed. They were threatened with knives and told to leave the area immediately. Security forces detained Mahmoud al-Maleegy, cameraman for Al-Jazeera, in the Nile delta town of Kafer Sheik, for an hour. They destroyed his camera and tape.
Security officers in civilian clothing held Amil Khan, a British citizen and correspondent for Reuters, at a polling station in Sandoub, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Cairo, for an hour. They questioned the authenticity of his press card and demanded to see his passport. After Khan began telephoning the Ministry of Information and the British embassy they let him go.
The Muslim Brotherhood has made significant gains, winning 76 seats so far, nearly five times the seats the group held in the last parliament. However, it won no seats in the final election round after police barred thousands of their supporters from voting.
CPJ is a New York–based, independent, nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide. For more information, visit www.cpj.org.
330 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA Phone: (212) 465‑1004 Fax: (212) 465‑9568 Web: www.cpj.org E-Mail: media@cpj.org
http://www.cpj.org
Contact: Joel Campagna
e-mail: info@cpj.org
Telephone: (212) 465-1004 ext. 103
EGYPT: Journalists covering elections harassed and attacked
New York, December 2, 2005—The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the assault and harassment by Egyptian authorities of journalists covering parliamentary elections. CPJ sources and press reports confirm over a dozen cases in which journalists have been attacked, detained, or prevented from working since the first round of voting in the three-round election began on November 8.
The ruling National Democratic Party and security forces have ordered supporters to beat and harass voters and journalists, the CPJ sources and press reports said. Harassment has increased as Muslim Brotherhood members, whose candidates run as independents because the authorities have barred them from forming a party, have gained ground.
Police have fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds outside polling places and prevented some voters from reaching polling booths, the sources said. Journalists covering these events were assaulted or jostled by security forces who confiscated tapes and equipment, and who briefly detained some reporters.
“It is outrageous that Egyptian authorities should tolerate the harassment and intimidation of journalists covering an election,” said CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper. “We call on the government to ensure that all harassment of the local and foreign media stop immediately.”
On November 26, Asmaa Ali Hraiz, a reporter for the opposition weekly newspaper Al-Karama, was attacked, blindfolded and kidnapped near a polling station in the city of Shoubra al-Kheima, north of Cairo, by security agents, the paper’s editor-in-chief, Jamal Fahmy, told CPJ. Her kidnappers told her they were from the state security service and they took her cell phone, camera and a gold necklace. They threatened to rape her. The officer in charge ordered two female assailants to beat Hraiz unconscious. She was then dumped under the Six October Bridge in Cairo. She suffered broken ribs, serious injuries to her right arm, and bruises on the spine. The attack was reported to the Attorney General’s office, but no investigation has been launched, according to Fahmy.
On December 1, Ahmad Bayoumi, a freelance reporter for the Arabic satellite channel Al-Jazeera, and the channel’s cameraman Mohammad Ezzedin were assaulted at the Ben Aibad polling station in Mansoura, north of Cairo, by supporters of the National Democratic Party candidate Hassan al-Neer. Bayoumi was punched in the face and kicked in the back, while Ezzedin was shoved and pushed. They were threatened with knives and told to leave the area immediately. Security forces detained Mahmoud al-Maleegy, cameraman for Al-Jazeera, in the Nile delta town of Kafer Sheik, for an hour. They destroyed his camera and tape.
Security officers in civilian clothing held Amil Khan, a British citizen and correspondent for Reuters, at a polling station in Sandoub, 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of Cairo, for an hour. They questioned the authenticity of his press card and demanded to see his passport. After Khan began telephoning the Ministry of Information and the British embassy they let him go.
The Muslim Brotherhood has made significant gains, winning 76 seats so far, nearly five times the seats the group held in the last parliament. However, it won no seats in the final election round after police barred thousands of their supporters from voting.
CPJ is a New York–based, independent, nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide. For more information, visit www.cpj.org.
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