FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: EEOC
Christine Nazer
(202) 663-4911
christine.nazer@eeoc.gov
Ketchum PR
Michael Stern
312-228-6892 (office)
312-953-8834 (cell)
michael.stern@ketchum.com
Chicago-area Companies Create Safer Workplaces for Youth
EEOC Seminar to Help Local Employers Prevent Harassment of Young Workers
CHICAGO – Jan. 17, 2007: On Monday, Jan. 22, Naomi Churchill Earp, Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and area legal experts will meet with local employers at the Swissotel Chicago to discuss how to prevent discrimination and create safe workplaces for young employees.
Chair Earp is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at 9:15. The seminar, scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon, is one of many activities the EEOC conducts as part of its Youth@Work Initiative. The national outreach program, launched in 2004, is designed to both educate young people about their workplace rights and responsibilities, and help employers create positive first work experiences for young adults.
Part-time jobs during the school year and summer months have long attracted young adults to the labor force. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, an estimated three million teens work after school. This number jumps to 7.1 million during the height of summer.
"Young people make up a significant portion of the nation’s workforce, particularly in the food and retail industries," said EEOC Chair Earp. "By empowering youth to understand their workplace rights and responsibilities, and partnering with employers to promote fair and inclusive workplaces, we can help young workers become productive adult citizens."
Monday’s seminar will focus specifically on how to identify and prevent potential employment problems involving young adults. According to attorney Andrew Goldberg, partner at Laner, Muchin, Dombrow, Becker, Levin and Tominberg, Ltd., maintaining a discrimination-free work environment is a business necessity.
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EEOC Seminar/Page Two
"For the employers accused of creating an unsafe workplace a lawsuit can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars," said Goldberg. "For the employees affected by the situation, it can mean much more. Both employers and the young adults they hire need an education in workplace rights and responsibilities."
Youth@Work events have proven successful for employer audiences. To date, the EEOC has held more than 1,800 Youth@Work events nationwide, reaching more than 128,000 students, education professionals, and employers. The EEOC has also entered into groundbreaking Youth@Work partnerships with the National Retail Federation, the National Restaurant Association, and the National Education Association, as well as countless local partnerships with employer organizations, community groups, and educators.
One local company that has worked with the EEOC to create a safer workplace for its young employees is Heartland Foods Corp. The company, which is one of the largest franchisees of the BURGER KING® Restaurant chain, employs 1,877 young adults in the Chicagoland area. It conducts annual compliance training, has established an employee hotline number and has created in-store materials to promote a positive work environment.
"Working at our restaurants is often a young person’s first job," said Steven Wiborg, Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Foods Corp. "These are the people on the front lines working with our customers. We want to make sure that first experience is a positive one."
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there are 21,762 eating and drinking establishments in the state of Illinois, which account for 8.6 percent of the state’s employment. Further information about how to create safe workplaces for young adults is available online at http://youth.eeoc.gov.
About the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
The EEOC is a federal agency responsible for enforcing the federal statutes which prohibit employment discrimination, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, or religion; the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits job discrimination based on the existence or perception of a disability; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, which prohibits discrimination against persons age 40 and over; and the Equal Pay Act (EPA), which prohibits wage discrimination based on sex. The EEOC’s Chicago District Office, located at 500 W. Madison Street in Chicago, enforces the anti-discrimination laws in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Further information about the EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.
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Friday, January 19, 2007
FEATURE: Palestinian's families imprisoned in Hebron, By Mohammed Mar'i
A Palestinian Family Caged in Hebron
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Arab American Media Services. Permission granted to republish.)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine)-- The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and the Israeli Police prohibited Israeli Peace Now activists from interring the West Bank city of Hebron on Thursday, January 7 th, 2007 in order to protest the violence towards Palestinians on the part of settlers in the town, mainly the harassment of a Palestinian woman by the Israeli female settler Yifat Alkobi.
The Israel Radio reported Thursday that the Hebron army commander and the city's police chief had originally permitted the Peace Now demonstration, but (IOF) Central Commander Maj.-Gen. Ya'ir Naveh had decided to cancel it, saying in a statement that it was a danger to public security, peace and order in Hebron.
Despite the fact that the video of Alkobi calling a Palestinian woman of Abu Aisheh family "sharmuta" (whore) has been taken in June 2006 by B'tselem, but it gave a real image of how the Hebronites and Israeli live according to Wye River agreement that divided the city to H1 and H2 sections. The H1 section which contains the neighborhoods was allocated for the Palestinians. The H2 which contains the religious and historic places in Hebron was allocated for Israeli settlers.
The Abu- Aisheh family in Hebron has been suffering at the hands of Israeli settlers of Tel-Rumaida community for a along time now. Members of the Abu Aisheh family claimed that the quarrel was just one example of the suffering they endure on a daily basis. Tayseer Abu- Aisheh, 43, said that he had filed between 200 and 300 complaints against settlers in recent years, but the Israeli police did nothing to stop their harassment.
Abu-Aisheh and his extended family live in a two-storey house. "The cage you see in the video is where we live. When we open the door and we hear curse words or stormed by stones and eggs by them (settlers)" he said. "In this winter, they (settlers) spray us with cold water using a big fire hose located near the house", he added.
Abu- Aisheh said "hell" is not a strong enough word to describe what his family is going through. "To prevent confrontations with the settlers – we coordinate the time we leave the cage we live in with the settlers' schedule," he said. "We leave for work and school only after they do – and this result in tardiness."
According to Abu Aisheh, during the Eid al-Adha holiday a week ago he was forced to obtain special permits for his family to visit his home. "My wife's family has not visited us for the past five years because there are no permits and for fear of settler harassments," he said. Every day the Israeli Civil Administration soldiers visit the Abu Aisheh house to make certain that no strangers reside there with the family members. Recently they have been required to obtain permits to bring their sheep into the property. "The charity organizations wanted to give my father three sheep so he may raise them and earn a living, and we called the International Red Cross to coordinate their entrance (to the property), he said. "This is how life is in hell."
No doubt that the life of Abu Aisheh family is a real prison and that the video tape incident is shocking, but the big question is: Can both sides live together?
Where hatred is dominating in Hebron, coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians seems impossible. The Israeli settlers clustered around the "Cave of the Patriarchs" believe that facing the" murderous terrorists" who make up most of Hebron's Palestinians is a purchase to Prophet Abraham. The Palestinians consider that the Israeli community which consists of 600 settlers intent on ethnically cleansing the 120,000 local inhabitants. There is no potential middle-ground, no place for compromise. It is a portray of Palestinian –Israeli conflict.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a freelance Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine. He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Arab American Media Services. Permission granted to republish.)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine)-- The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and the Israeli Police prohibited Israeli Peace Now activists from interring the West Bank city of Hebron on Thursday, January 7 th, 2007 in order to protest the violence towards Palestinians on the part of settlers in the town, mainly the harassment of a Palestinian woman by the Israeli female settler Yifat Alkobi.
The Israel Radio reported Thursday that the Hebron army commander and the city's police chief had originally permitted the Peace Now demonstration, but (IOF) Central Commander Maj.-Gen. Ya'ir Naveh had decided to cancel it, saying in a statement that it was a danger to public security, peace and order in Hebron.
Despite the fact that the video of Alkobi calling a Palestinian woman of Abu Aisheh family "sharmuta" (whore) has been taken in June 2006 by B'tselem, but it gave a real image of how the Hebronites and Israeli live according to Wye River agreement that divided the city to H1 and H2 sections. The H1 section which contains the neighborhoods was allocated for the Palestinians. The H2 which contains the religious and historic places in Hebron was allocated for Israeli settlers.
The Abu- Aisheh family in Hebron has been suffering at the hands of Israeli settlers of Tel-Rumaida community for a along time now. Members of the Abu Aisheh family claimed that the quarrel was just one example of the suffering they endure on a daily basis. Tayseer Abu- Aisheh, 43, said that he had filed between 200 and 300 complaints against settlers in recent years, but the Israeli police did nothing to stop their harassment.
Abu-Aisheh and his extended family live in a two-storey house. "The cage you see in the video is where we live. When we open the door and we hear curse words or stormed by stones and eggs by them (settlers)" he said. "In this winter, they (settlers) spray us with cold water using a big fire hose located near the house", he added.
Abu- Aisheh said "hell" is not a strong enough word to describe what his family is going through. "To prevent confrontations with the settlers – we coordinate the time we leave the cage we live in with the settlers' schedule," he said. "We leave for work and school only after they do – and this result in tardiness."
According to Abu Aisheh, during the Eid al-Adha holiday a week ago he was forced to obtain special permits for his family to visit his home. "My wife's family has not visited us for the past five years because there are no permits and for fear of settler harassments," he said. Every day the Israeli Civil Administration soldiers visit the Abu Aisheh house to make certain that no strangers reside there with the family members. Recently they have been required to obtain permits to bring their sheep into the property. "The charity organizations wanted to give my father three sheep so he may raise them and earn a living, and we called the International Red Cross to coordinate their entrance (to the property), he said. "This is how life is in hell."
No doubt that the life of Abu Aisheh family is a real prison and that the video tape incident is shocking, but the big question is: Can both sides live together?
Where hatred is dominating in Hebron, coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians seems impossible. The Israeli settlers clustered around the "Cave of the Patriarchs" believe that facing the" murderous terrorists" who make up most of Hebron's Palestinians is a purchase to Prophet Abraham. The Palestinians consider that the Israeli community which consists of 600 settlers intent on ethnically cleansing the 120,000 local inhabitants. There is no potential middle-ground, no place for compromise. It is a portray of Palestinian –Israeli conflict.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a freelance Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine. He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
OP-ED: Palestinians welcome Halutz resignation by Mohammed Mar'i
OP-ED: Halutz to La Hague not to Home
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Arab American Media Services. Permission granted to republish.)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine)-- Bad news to hear that Dan Halutz, Chief of Staff of Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) just only resigned. The Palestinians who suffered from his brutal and bloody of targeted killings policy preferred to see him judged for the war crimes he committed since 2002.
Halutz who participated in the Israeli wars against Arab countries since 1968 was the first chief of staff to come from Israeli Air Force. During his tenure as Air Force Commander between 2000-2004, Halutz approved and oversaw operations that caused the death of many Palestinian civilians, including numerous children.
His appointment to chief of staff in February 2005 aroused harsh opposition amongst Israeli left-wing people and human rights organizations because Halutz said that he "slept well at night" in an interview after the targeted killing of Hamas military chief Salah Shehadeh in 2002 by dropping a one-ton bomb on his resident, even though 14 innocent women and children were killed during the attack.
Halutz also added in an interview with Ha'aretz: "If you want, despite this, to know how I feel when I release a bomb, then I'll tell you – I feel a slight hit in the plane as a result of the bomb being released. A second later it's all over, and that's it. That's what I feel." What morals are these?
Despite the fact that Halutz, who is married with three children, executed the disengagement plan from the Gaza Strip in August 2005, but the happy days and calm nights of freedom of Gazan families didn't live long. Under Halutz commandment, the Israeli artillery shills killed 24 of Athamneh family in Beit Hanoun. The (IOF) said in an investigation report that the shill missed its direction. Under his commandment also, the shills of Israeli Navy killed 8 of Ghalia family on Beit Lahia peach leaving Huda, whose tragic photo weeping her killed father shocked the whole world, alone.
Under his commandment the (IOF) erased hundreds of Jabalya houses leaving thousands of Jabalian families homeless in search for kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and to combat weapons smuggling from Egypt.
Implementing the Israeli "war on Palestinian terror", Halutz imprisoned West Bank residents in cantons. He turned their life to hill while waiting to bass at the (IOF) checkpoints and roadblocks that close the entrances of Palestinian cities.
Halutz confiscated the most fertile Palestinian agricultural land to build the Separation Wall. He surrounded and later demolished Jericho prison to detain Ahmed Saadat, the leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and four other members of the group who assassinated the Israel Minster Rahavam Zeevi in a Jerusalem hotel in 2001 although the were serving their imprisonment sentence according to Palestinian law and the prison was controlled by American and British supervisors.
Whereas the wide majority of Palestinians consider their conflict with Israel exceeds Halutz, but they prefer to see him sued as a war criminal in La Hague International Court.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a freelance Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine. He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Arab American Media Services. Permission granted to republish.)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine)-- Bad news to hear that Dan Halutz, Chief of Staff of Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) just only resigned. The Palestinians who suffered from his brutal and bloody of targeted killings policy preferred to see him judged for the war crimes he committed since 2002.
Halutz who participated in the Israeli wars against Arab countries since 1968 was the first chief of staff to come from Israeli Air Force. During his tenure as Air Force Commander between 2000-2004, Halutz approved and oversaw operations that caused the death of many Palestinian civilians, including numerous children.
His appointment to chief of staff in February 2005 aroused harsh opposition amongst Israeli left-wing people and human rights organizations because Halutz said that he "slept well at night" in an interview after the targeted killing of Hamas military chief Salah Shehadeh in 2002 by dropping a one-ton bomb on his resident, even though 14 innocent women and children were killed during the attack.
Halutz also added in an interview with Ha'aretz: "If you want, despite this, to know how I feel when I release a bomb, then I'll tell you – I feel a slight hit in the plane as a result of the bomb being released. A second later it's all over, and that's it. That's what I feel." What morals are these?
Despite the fact that Halutz, who is married with three children, executed the disengagement plan from the Gaza Strip in August 2005, but the happy days and calm nights of freedom of Gazan families didn't live long. Under Halutz commandment, the Israeli artillery shills killed 24 of Athamneh family in Beit Hanoun. The (IOF) said in an investigation report that the shill missed its direction. Under his commandment also, the shills of Israeli Navy killed 8 of Ghalia family on Beit Lahia peach leaving Huda, whose tragic photo weeping her killed father shocked the whole world, alone.
Under his commandment the (IOF) erased hundreds of Jabalya houses leaving thousands of Jabalian families homeless in search for kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and to combat weapons smuggling from Egypt.
Implementing the Israeli "war on Palestinian terror", Halutz imprisoned West Bank residents in cantons. He turned their life to hill while waiting to bass at the (IOF) checkpoints and roadblocks that close the entrances of Palestinian cities.
Halutz confiscated the most fertile Palestinian agricultural land to build the Separation Wall. He surrounded and later demolished Jericho prison to detain Ahmed Saadat, the leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and four other members of the group who assassinated the Israel Minster Rahavam Zeevi in a Jerusalem hotel in 2001 although the were serving their imprisonment sentence according to Palestinian law and the prison was controlled by American and British supervisors.
Whereas the wide majority of Palestinians consider their conflict with Israel exceeds Halutz, but they prefer to see him sued as a war criminal in La Hague International Court.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a freelance Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine. He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
FEATURE: Entry denials continue into West Bank, By Mohammed Mar'i
Foreign Nationals still denied entry to West Bank by Israel
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Arab American Media Services. Permission granted to republish)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine) -- Although Lana K. is an American national, and a mother of 2 children, she was denied entry on January 3rd and again on January 9th by the Israeli Occupation Forces ([IOF). Lana is married to a Palestinian and has been living with her family in Nablus for 10 years and used to renew her visa periodically. When Lana was first forced to return to Jordan, her children, carrying their Israeli-issued Palestinian residency ID's, were refused re-entry into Jordan. The children were permitted transit the Israeli-controlled Allenby Bridge and their father arrived from Nablus to take them back to Nablus. Despite the new Israeli entry procedures announced nearly 2 weeks, Lana attempted to join her family in the West Bank failed.
In a letter delivered to chief Palestinian negotiator, Dr. Saeb Erakat on December 28, 2006, the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (CoGAT), Major General Yossef Mishlav states changes in Israel's policy of denying entry to foreign nationals traveling into West Bank. The letter states that entry of foreign nationals from countries that have "visa agreements with Israel" may inter the West Bank but "they required to keep military commander's consent form with his or her passport"." The letter further explains that restricted foreign nationals will be 'eligible' to apply for temporary entry into the West Bank as well as periodic visa renewals.
Fadah Ihlal Thum, is another case of suffering due to Israeli policy. She came to live in the West Bank in 2001. She is married to a local Palestinian and has a five-month-old baby. Fadah is studying at Bir Zeit University and one of Bir Zeit's best students. She is in her final year and has twice received Bir Zeit's rare and prestigious 'honor' award. She has a bright future ahead of her if she is able to complete her degree in French and English, particularly as she already fluently speaks Arabic and Portuguese.
Fadah had been renewing her visa internally as is permitted to some residents until her last renewal in September 2006 when, along with hundreds of others, she was suddenly given a 'last permit' stamp on her visa and was forced to leave her home, husband and baby in December. She went to Jordan for four days with her husband and baby. When she returned, the (IOF) allowed her husband and baby to enter while she was ordered to return to Jordan. "When my husband took the baby who was sick at the moment, and but my luggage in the returning bus I burst into tears" Fadah said. "They allowed me to enter just for seven days, and know I have to leave in order to renew my visa" she added. Fadah fears that once she leaves, Israel won't allow her re-entry.
The West Bank's Bir Zeit University also suffered from the Israeli policy. The Bir Zeit University Right to Education Campaign in a press release on 6 January 2007 said that the Israeli " policy has brought tremendous insecurity to Bir Zeit University and its financial and academic well being."
I n addition to two of Bir Zeit's faculty staff: Somida Abbas and Bahgat Taiam who are already outside and have 'denied entry' stamped in their passports, the University fears the risk of being unable to continue teaching in some fields by losing irreplaceable lecturers or about 383 students who fear deportation or prison sentences if they are caught at checkpoints.
The Arabic language and culture program is particularly at risk as it is entirely self-sufficient and dependent on their foreign students' access to the University. In the last term alone, four students were not allowed to complete their studies as they were not allowed to enter or re-enter the OPT. The program is also a major source of emergency funds for the university, which has recently come into use to cover staff salaries since the economic blockade post the 2006 elections. Since Israel's restrictions on access to Palestinian education, applications for next term's course fell by 50 percent - taking with it 50 percent of the program's income.
The Campaign for Right to Entry/Re-entry, based in Ramallah, regarded the Israeli new policy in a press conference in Ramallah "as a rare moment where the Israeli Authorities acknowledge in writing the severe humanitarian crisis brought on by Israeli policies of denying foreign nationals the right to family reunification and entry to the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)". But it considered that Mishlav's letter "leaves many questions unanswered and the crisis unresolved.
The Campaign said that "several foreign nationals with family in the oPt have been denied entry under circumstances that indicate the implementation of the newly announced procedures remains arbitrary, abusive and internationally unlawful", and that the "procedures for granting residency to foreign nationals whose life and livelihood is in the oPt remain unanswered" it added.
The Campaign also considered that the "CoGAT's" letter to Erekat "does not offer a solution to the thousands of individuals who have remained in the oPt after the expiration of their permits, fearing they would be denied re-entry. The notice also fails to indicate if foreign nationals seeking entry into occupied East Jerusalem or the Gaza Strip will be eligible to apply for temporary admission or visa extensions".
Israel is refusing to consider over 120,000 applications for family unification, forcing many families to relocate abroad. Together with many foreign nationals who have established their primary business or professional activities in the West Bank, or otherwise aspire to build their lives in the West Bank, these new procedures place them in a state of continuous uncertainty under constant threat of expulsion and exclusion.
Whereas the announced new Israeli policy regarding entry to foreign nationals traveling into the West Bank, is eligible to nationals from friend countries to Israel, the Israeli policy towards nationals from enemy-classified countries or that do not have " visa agreements with Israel", who are tens of thousands of foreigners, including 60,000 Jordanian-born women, as well as women from other Arab countries, Russia and the Ukraine is vague. Israel used to grant them a six -months permit. However, Israel stopped granting them or family unification approvals after the outbreak of the intifada.
Faruoq, from the Salfeet area has been engaged to a Palestinian relative residing in Jordan and bears its nationality. Since his fiancée hasn't a Palestinian ID, and wasn't granted a visiting permit, Farhat postponed his wedding several times. He filed an application for unification with his fiancée but was denied by Israel several times." I have been engaged sine a long time", he said. "If the situation will not change and my fiancée doesn't have a permit perhaps we will be divorced", he added.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a freelance Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine. He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Arab American Media Services. Permission granted to republish)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine) -- Although Lana K. is an American national, and a mother of 2 children, she was denied entry on January 3rd and again on January 9th by the Israeli Occupation Forces ([IOF). Lana is married to a Palestinian and has been living with her family in Nablus for 10 years and used to renew her visa periodically. When Lana was first forced to return to Jordan, her children, carrying their Israeli-issued Palestinian residency ID's, were refused re-entry into Jordan. The children were permitted transit the Israeli-controlled Allenby Bridge and their father arrived from Nablus to take them back to Nablus. Despite the new Israeli entry procedures announced nearly 2 weeks, Lana attempted to join her family in the West Bank failed.
In a letter delivered to chief Palestinian negotiator, Dr. Saeb Erakat on December 28, 2006, the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (CoGAT), Major General Yossef Mishlav states changes in Israel's policy of denying entry to foreign nationals traveling into West Bank. The letter states that entry of foreign nationals from countries that have "visa agreements with Israel" may inter the West Bank but "they required to keep military commander's consent form with his or her passport"." The letter further explains that restricted foreign nationals will be 'eligible' to apply for temporary entry into the West Bank as well as periodic visa renewals.
Fadah Ihlal Thum, is another case of suffering due to Israeli policy. She came to live in the West Bank in 2001. She is married to a local Palestinian and has a five-month-old baby. Fadah is studying at Bir Zeit University and one of Bir Zeit's best students. She is in her final year and has twice received Bir Zeit's rare and prestigious 'honor' award. She has a bright future ahead of her if she is able to complete her degree in French and English, particularly as she already fluently speaks Arabic and Portuguese.
Fadah had been renewing her visa internally as is permitted to some residents until her last renewal in September 2006 when, along with hundreds of others, she was suddenly given a 'last permit' stamp on her visa and was forced to leave her home, husband and baby in December. She went to Jordan for four days with her husband and baby. When she returned, the (IOF) allowed her husband and baby to enter while she was ordered to return to Jordan. "When my husband took the baby who was sick at the moment, and but my luggage in the returning bus I burst into tears" Fadah said. "They allowed me to enter just for seven days, and know I have to leave in order to renew my visa" she added. Fadah fears that once she leaves, Israel won't allow her re-entry.
The West Bank's Bir Zeit University also suffered from the Israeli policy. The Bir Zeit University Right to Education Campaign in a press release on 6 January 2007 said that the Israeli " policy has brought tremendous insecurity to Bir Zeit University and its financial and academic well being."
I n addition to two of Bir Zeit's faculty staff: Somida Abbas and Bahgat Taiam who are already outside and have 'denied entry' stamped in their passports, the University fears the risk of being unable to continue teaching in some fields by losing irreplaceable lecturers or about 383 students who fear deportation or prison sentences if they are caught at checkpoints.
The Arabic language and culture program is particularly at risk as it is entirely self-sufficient and dependent on their foreign students' access to the University. In the last term alone, four students were not allowed to complete their studies as they were not allowed to enter or re-enter the OPT. The program is also a major source of emergency funds for the university, which has recently come into use to cover staff salaries since the economic blockade post the 2006 elections. Since Israel's restrictions on access to Palestinian education, applications for next term's course fell by 50 percent - taking with it 50 percent of the program's income.
The Campaign for Right to Entry/Re-entry, based in Ramallah, regarded the Israeli new policy in a press conference in Ramallah "as a rare moment where the Israeli Authorities acknowledge in writing the severe humanitarian crisis brought on by Israeli policies of denying foreign nationals the right to family reunification and entry to the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)". But it considered that Mishlav's letter "leaves many questions unanswered and the crisis unresolved.
The Campaign said that "several foreign nationals with family in the oPt have been denied entry under circumstances that indicate the implementation of the newly announced procedures remains arbitrary, abusive and internationally unlawful", and that the "procedures for granting residency to foreign nationals whose life and livelihood is in the oPt remain unanswered" it added.
The Campaign also considered that the "CoGAT's" letter to Erekat "does not offer a solution to the thousands of individuals who have remained in the oPt after the expiration of their permits, fearing they would be denied re-entry. The notice also fails to indicate if foreign nationals seeking entry into occupied East Jerusalem or the Gaza Strip will be eligible to apply for temporary admission or visa extensions".
Israel is refusing to consider over 120,000 applications for family unification, forcing many families to relocate abroad. Together with many foreign nationals who have established their primary business or professional activities in the West Bank, or otherwise aspire to build their lives in the West Bank, these new procedures place them in a state of continuous uncertainty under constant threat of expulsion and exclusion.
Whereas the announced new Israeli policy regarding entry to foreign nationals traveling into the West Bank, is eligible to nationals from friend countries to Israel, the Israeli policy towards nationals from enemy-classified countries or that do not have " visa agreements with Israel", who are tens of thousands of foreigners, including 60,000 Jordanian-born women, as well as women from other Arab countries, Russia and the Ukraine is vague. Israel used to grant them a six -months permit. However, Israel stopped granting them or family unification approvals after the outbreak of the intifada.
Faruoq, from the Salfeet area has been engaged to a Palestinian relative residing in Jordan and bears its nationality. Since his fiancée hasn't a Palestinian ID, and wasn't granted a visiting permit, Farhat postponed his wedding several times. He filed an application for unification with his fiancée but was denied by Israel several times." I have been engaged sine a long time", he said. "If the situation will not change and my fiancée doesn't have a permit perhaps we will be divorced", he added.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a freelance Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine. He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
Islamic Court spares female rape assault victim from death penalty
Islamic Court in Iran Spares Teenage Girl From Death Penalty
After Canadian Namesake - Recording Artist and Former Miss World Canada Nazanin - Wages International Media Campaign to Save Her Life
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- After initiating an international campaign to save the life of her Iranian namesake, human rights activist, Bodog Music recording artist and former Miss Canada Nazanin
Afshin-Jam received confirmation Sunday that the murder charge against
19-year-old Nazanin Fatehi has been dropped. Nazanin Afshin-Jam's relentless campaign included a petition signed by 330,000 people, countless speeches and rallies worldwide and months on the media circuit as well as support from the International Committee Against Execution, Amnesty International, Canadian members of Parliament, the European Union and the United Nations. The effort appears to have been successful and Nazanin Fatehi may be released from prison within a week.
Fatehi was sentenced to death for murder by a court in Iran after she stabbed, in self-defense, one of three men who attempted to rape her and her 15-year-old niece in a park in Karaj, a suburb of Tehran, in March 2005. She was 17 at the time. On June 1, 2006, following extensive international pressure and news coverage, the Head of Judiciary, Ayatollah Shahroudi, announced a stay of execution and a new trial.
During the new trial on January 10, 2007, the four judges presiding over the case found inconsistencies with the testimonies of the male witnesses and unanimously ruled out premeditated murder. No verdict was announced.
On January 14, 2007, the Iranian Court recognized the incident as an act of self-defense and commuted Nazanin's death sentence. However, the court ruled that Fatehi used excessive force while trying to defend herself and her niece from the three attackers. In accordance with that ruling, the court has asked Fatehi to pay "dieh" (blood money) to receive a pardon from the family of the deceased. Once this amount is paid, Fatehi can be released from prison.
Fatehi's lawyers, Shadi Sadr and Mr. Mostafaei, will appeal the order for payment of blood money because they contend that Fatehi only acted in
self-defense.
This appeal may take several months, so in the meantime arrangements may be made to have Nazanin released from prison by paying "bail" money into court. Formal documentation should be available within days, including further details and specifics including the cost of bail and blood money.
To raise the level of awareness about this particular case, Nazanin Afshin-Jam, former Miss World runner-up, hosted a compelling documentary entitled "The Tale of Two Nazanins" produced by the Calvin Ayre Foundation, which can be viewed at www.Bodog.TV. The 30 minute documentary captures emotionally charged footage of Nazanin Fatehi in a desperate call to her family by phone from death row in prison as well as candid footage of Nazanin Afshin-Jam in her struggle to bring attention to the teen girl's desperate situation, featuring supporting interviews with politicians and human rights experts.
"We are very relieved to hear that Nazanin Fatehi has been spared her life. This was a joint effort by the international community and the media to raise awareness about this particular case and about the plight of other girls who face a similar fate," Nazanin Afshin-Jam said.
"However, I strongly oppose the payment of blood money, especially in a case of self-defense. Let's hope that Nazanin's legal counsel will be able to have the blood money payment waived. In the interim, I hope that bail money can be raised as soon as possible so that Nazanin can be reunited with her family and begin to put these last two horrific years in prison behind her.
"Also, we must not forget that there are at least six other minors on death row in Iran, which violates international human rights law. I hope that this campaign has brought world wide attention to gender discrimination embedded in Sharia Law and has established a milestone for fighting future injustice."
To find out more information about the case of Nazanin Mahabad Fatehi, see www.helpnazanin.com.
To view the documentary, visit www.bodog.tv
About Bodog Music
BodogMusic.com is a division of the international digital entertainment giant Bodog.com. With six offices worldwide, the label features a diverse and growing roster of talented musicians. Bodog Music is searching for the top unsigned band in America with "Bodog Battle of the Bands," which is taking place in 17 major markets and features more than 300 live shows. Bodog Music Founder Calvin Ayre, who is recognized as a world authority on branding in the digital entertainment industry, was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine's best-selling "Billionaires" issue in March 2006. Bodog.com Entertainment also includes a television production unit, an online magazine, Bodog Nation, and further properties coming soon. For more information, contact publicity@bodogmusic.com. BODOG is a registered trademark of Bodog.com Entertainment Group.
SOURCE Bodog Music
-0- 01/16/2007
/CONTACT: Media relations of Nazanin Afshin-Jam, +1-866-591-0217, nazaninpr@bodogmusic.com/
/Web site: http://www.helpnazanin.com /
/Web site: http://www.bodog.tv /
After Canadian Namesake - Recording Artist and Former Miss World Canada Nazanin - Wages International Media Campaign to Save Her Life
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- After initiating an international campaign to save the life of her Iranian namesake, human rights activist, Bodog Music recording artist and former Miss Canada Nazanin
Afshin-Jam received confirmation Sunday that the murder charge against
19-year-old Nazanin Fatehi has been dropped. Nazanin Afshin-Jam's relentless campaign included a petition signed by 330,000 people, countless speeches and rallies worldwide and months on the media circuit as well as support from the International Committee Against Execution, Amnesty International, Canadian members of Parliament, the European Union and the United Nations. The effort appears to have been successful and Nazanin Fatehi may be released from prison within a week.
Fatehi was sentenced to death for murder by a court in Iran after she stabbed, in self-defense, one of three men who attempted to rape her and her 15-year-old niece in a park in Karaj, a suburb of Tehran, in March 2005. She was 17 at the time. On June 1, 2006, following extensive international pressure and news coverage, the Head of Judiciary, Ayatollah Shahroudi, announced a stay of execution and a new trial.
During the new trial on January 10, 2007, the four judges presiding over the case found inconsistencies with the testimonies of the male witnesses and unanimously ruled out premeditated murder. No verdict was announced.
On January 14, 2007, the Iranian Court recognized the incident as an act of self-defense and commuted Nazanin's death sentence. However, the court ruled that Fatehi used excessive force while trying to defend herself and her niece from the three attackers. In accordance with that ruling, the court has asked Fatehi to pay "dieh" (blood money) to receive a pardon from the family of the deceased. Once this amount is paid, Fatehi can be released from prison.
Fatehi's lawyers, Shadi Sadr and Mr. Mostafaei, will appeal the order for payment of blood money because they contend that Fatehi only acted in
self-defense.
This appeal may take several months, so in the meantime arrangements may be made to have Nazanin released from prison by paying "bail" money into court. Formal documentation should be available within days, including further details and specifics including the cost of bail and blood money.
To raise the level of awareness about this particular case, Nazanin Afshin-Jam, former Miss World runner-up, hosted a compelling documentary entitled "The Tale of Two Nazanins" produced by the Calvin Ayre Foundation, which can be viewed at www.Bodog.TV. The 30 minute documentary captures emotionally charged footage of Nazanin Fatehi in a desperate call to her family by phone from death row in prison as well as candid footage of Nazanin Afshin-Jam in her struggle to bring attention to the teen girl's desperate situation, featuring supporting interviews with politicians and human rights experts.
"We are very relieved to hear that Nazanin Fatehi has been spared her life. This was a joint effort by the international community and the media to raise awareness about this particular case and about the plight of other girls who face a similar fate," Nazanin Afshin-Jam said.
"However, I strongly oppose the payment of blood money, especially in a case of self-defense. Let's hope that Nazanin's legal counsel will be able to have the blood money payment waived. In the interim, I hope that bail money can be raised as soon as possible so that Nazanin can be reunited with her family and begin to put these last two horrific years in prison behind her.
"Also, we must not forget that there are at least six other minors on death row in Iran, which violates international human rights law. I hope that this campaign has brought world wide attention to gender discrimination embedded in Sharia Law and has established a milestone for fighting future injustice."
To find out more information about the case of Nazanin Mahabad Fatehi, see www.helpnazanin.com.
To view the documentary, visit www.bodog.tv
About Bodog Music
BodogMusic.com is a division of the international digital entertainment giant Bodog.com. With six offices worldwide, the label features a diverse and growing roster of talented musicians. Bodog Music is searching for the top unsigned band in America with "Bodog Battle of the Bands," which is taking place in 17 major markets and features more than 300 live shows. Bodog Music Founder Calvin Ayre, who is recognized as a world authority on branding in the digital entertainment industry, was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine's best-selling "Billionaires" issue in March 2006. Bodog.com Entertainment also includes a television production unit, an online magazine, Bodog Nation, and further properties coming soon. For more information, contact publicity@bodogmusic.com. BODOG is a registered trademark of Bodog.com Entertainment Group.
SOURCE Bodog Music
-0- 01/16/2007
/CONTACT: Media relations of Nazanin Afshin-Jam, +1-866-591-0217, nazaninpr@bodogmusic.com/
/Web site: http://www.helpnazanin.com /
/Web site: http://www.bodog.tv /
Sunday, January 14, 2007
PRESS RELEASE: Open Bethlehem Project backed by British Catholoc Conference
Press release ****
Press release: 13th January 2006
British Catholic Conference reaffirms commitment to an open Bethlehem in Pilgrimage with 800 Christian Children
Theme of Pilgrimage: "Do not forbid them to come to me” as Bishops cross the Israeli-built wall into the city of ChristPhotos available on requestThe Archbishop of Liverpool Patrick Kelly led a delegation of the British Catholic Conference on a pilgrimage entitled ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ on Friday the 12th of January.
The theme of the pilgrimage were Christ’s words “Allow the little Children and do not forbid them to come to Me” (Matt 19.13-15), reflecting the state of closure in Bethlehem, the restrictions on movements of the local community and the Israeli-built wall that surrounds Bethlehem and has turned the city of Christ into a prison.
The British delegation joined the heads of the Churches of Jerusalem, world Church leaders and the local mayors in a Bethlehem city parade that gathered more than 800 Christian children from thirty parishes across Palestine: Bethlehem and its sister cities of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour, Jerusalem, Abboud, Nablus, Ramallah and elsewhere.
The procession also included Christian children from the Israeli city of Nazareth which has a large Palestinian Christian community. For many children, the pilgrimage was their first trip to Bethlehem – a city only a few miles from their home towns. Archbishop Kelly stressed his visit was part of an ongoing programme to support the Christian Church in the Palestinian Occupied Territories, reminding the congregation at an ecumenical service in the Church of the Nativity that, “The first Christmas began here in extraordinary political circumstances under Roman occupation, yet the light shone through. As Pope Paul VI said: ‘If you want peace, work for Justice’. This is why we are here today.”
Archbishop Kelly emphasized that his visit represented: “The third stage over the past month in the commitment by the Catholic Community in England and Wales to the Church in the Holy Land. The first stage was the ecumenical pilgrimage just before Christmas in which Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor took part.” The present pilgrimage follows the second stage, the filming by the BBC of a Christmas Eve Mass in Liverpool Cathedral that was dedicated to Bethlehem, both as the city of Christ and “as it is today’, which was attended by a representative of Bethlehem’s Christian community. Archbishop Patrick Kelly travelled with the newly-appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, William Kenney.
The pilgrimage ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ was organized by The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF), a nonprofit organization based in the Holy Land and the US that aims at bridging the gap between Christian communities in the world and Arab-Christians of the Holy Land. The Children marched through the streets of Bethlehem, ending with an ecumenical service at the Nativity Church where they listened to sermons by local and visiting Christian leaders under the theme of Christ’s words, “Allow the children and do not forbid them to come unto me; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to ones like these” {Matt 19. 12-15].
Speeches by the church leaders spoke about the joy of life, reflected by the children, but also spoke about the wall that separates Bethlehem from the neighbouring cities. Speakers longed for a day when such a wall should not exist in the Holy Land.Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham William Kenney said: “Peace begins with children. They are the future. Today Bethlehem feels exactly as it was 2000 years ago. The city was under occupation and Christ was born here because of the occupation. This is a very important occasion because it reminds us that children are the same everywhere and they should be allowed to be the same.”
This was the third “Journey to Bethlehem” and the aim of the pilgrimage is to keep Bethlehem open. The pilgrimage is only possible under a special relaxation of the military regulations imposed by the Israel forces that restrict the movement of the Palestinians of Palestine as well as Israeli-Palestinian citizens. The difficulties in arranging such a visit makes these events all the more important moments.
The address from George Ghattas of the HCEF stressed that this visit came in solidarity with the people of Bethlehem, through “the spirit of children who represent the future of The Christian community and the life of the living stones of the Holy Land”. The term ‘Living Stones’ refers to the communities from which Christ drew his disciples, and who remain a living community in the Holy Land. The ‘Living Stones’ are also described as a ‘Fifth Gospel’ who keep alive the language, customs, culture and a continuing tradition from Christ’s time. Archbishop Kelly said, “I think that the living stones here are important. I think that we all believe the church will be much poorer if, for instance, we have no people who spoke Aramaic, the language of Christ. They bring it all to life.”
The children represented the variety of denominations of the Holy Land: Latin Catholic, Orthodox, Copts, Syriacs (whose liturgy is in Aramiac), Lutheran, Presbyterians and Greek Catholic or ‘Malakites’, the indigenous church of Palestine and a Uniate church in full communion with Rome . The day ended at the Peace Centre on Manger Square were all church leaders joined the Peace Centre staff to distribute Christmas presents to the children.For more information or photographs please contact:
Open Bethehem. Bethlehem. Manger Square. Tel: +97222 777993. e-mail: admin@openbethlehem.org. Mobile: +44 (0) 7814937743.Or CCHP - Ms. Amani Juha Tel: + 972 2 2750093. Mobile: +972 (0) 549706461
Press release: 13th January 2006
British Catholic Conference reaffirms commitment to an open Bethlehem in Pilgrimage with 800 Christian Children
Theme of Pilgrimage: "Do not forbid them to come to me” as Bishops cross the Israeli-built wall into the city of ChristPhotos available on requestThe Archbishop of Liverpool Patrick Kelly led a delegation of the British Catholic Conference on a pilgrimage entitled ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ on Friday the 12th of January.
The theme of the pilgrimage were Christ’s words “Allow the little Children and do not forbid them to come to Me” (Matt 19.13-15), reflecting the state of closure in Bethlehem, the restrictions on movements of the local community and the Israeli-built wall that surrounds Bethlehem and has turned the city of Christ into a prison.
The British delegation joined the heads of the Churches of Jerusalem, world Church leaders and the local mayors in a Bethlehem city parade that gathered more than 800 Christian children from thirty parishes across Palestine: Bethlehem and its sister cities of Beit Jala and Beit Sahour, Jerusalem, Abboud, Nablus, Ramallah and elsewhere.
The procession also included Christian children from the Israeli city of Nazareth which has a large Palestinian Christian community. For many children, the pilgrimage was their first trip to Bethlehem – a city only a few miles from their home towns. Archbishop Kelly stressed his visit was part of an ongoing programme to support the Christian Church in the Palestinian Occupied Territories, reminding the congregation at an ecumenical service in the Church of the Nativity that, “The first Christmas began here in extraordinary political circumstances under Roman occupation, yet the light shone through. As Pope Paul VI said: ‘If you want peace, work for Justice’. This is why we are here today.”
Archbishop Kelly emphasized that his visit represented: “The third stage over the past month in the commitment by the Catholic Community in England and Wales to the Church in the Holy Land. The first stage was the ecumenical pilgrimage just before Christmas in which Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor took part.” The present pilgrimage follows the second stage, the filming by the BBC of a Christmas Eve Mass in Liverpool Cathedral that was dedicated to Bethlehem, both as the city of Christ and “as it is today’, which was attended by a representative of Bethlehem’s Christian community. Archbishop Patrick Kelly travelled with the newly-appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, William Kenney.
The pilgrimage ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ was organized by The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF), a nonprofit organization based in the Holy Land and the US that aims at bridging the gap between Christian communities in the world and Arab-Christians of the Holy Land. The Children marched through the streets of Bethlehem, ending with an ecumenical service at the Nativity Church where they listened to sermons by local and visiting Christian leaders under the theme of Christ’s words, “Allow the children and do not forbid them to come unto me; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to ones like these” {Matt 19. 12-15].
Speeches by the church leaders spoke about the joy of life, reflected by the children, but also spoke about the wall that separates Bethlehem from the neighbouring cities. Speakers longed for a day when such a wall should not exist in the Holy Land.Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham William Kenney said: “Peace begins with children. They are the future. Today Bethlehem feels exactly as it was 2000 years ago. The city was under occupation and Christ was born here because of the occupation. This is a very important occasion because it reminds us that children are the same everywhere and they should be allowed to be the same.”
This was the third “Journey to Bethlehem” and the aim of the pilgrimage is to keep Bethlehem open. The pilgrimage is only possible under a special relaxation of the military regulations imposed by the Israel forces that restrict the movement of the Palestinians of Palestine as well as Israeli-Palestinian citizens. The difficulties in arranging such a visit makes these events all the more important moments.
The address from George Ghattas of the HCEF stressed that this visit came in solidarity with the people of Bethlehem, through “the spirit of children who represent the future of The Christian community and the life of the living stones of the Holy Land”. The term ‘Living Stones’ refers to the communities from which Christ drew his disciples, and who remain a living community in the Holy Land. The ‘Living Stones’ are also described as a ‘Fifth Gospel’ who keep alive the language, customs, culture and a continuing tradition from Christ’s time. Archbishop Kelly said, “I think that the living stones here are important. I think that we all believe the church will be much poorer if, for instance, we have no people who spoke Aramaic, the language of Christ. They bring it all to life.”
The children represented the variety of denominations of the Holy Land: Latin Catholic, Orthodox, Copts, Syriacs (whose liturgy is in Aramiac), Lutheran, Presbyterians and Greek Catholic or ‘Malakites’, the indigenous church of Palestine and a Uniate church in full communion with Rome . The day ended at the Peace Centre on Manger Square were all church leaders joined the Peace Centre staff to distribute Christmas presents to the children.For more information or photographs please contact:
Open Bethehem. Bethlehem. Manger Square. Tel: +97222 777993. e-mail: admin@openbethlehem.org. Mobile: +44 (0) 7814937743.Or CCHP - Ms. Amani Juha Tel: + 972 2 2750093. Mobile: +972 (0) 549706461
ANALYSIS: Release of Palestinian prisoners may save their lives By Mohammed Mar'i
Release of Palestinian Prisoners may save their lives
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Arab American Media Services. Permission granted to republish.)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine)-- Released Palestinian prisoner Murad Ahmad Abu Sakoot, 29, died in a Jordanian hospital of a cancer he has been fighting for a long time.
Sakoot, who died on January 13 th, 2007, was sentenced by Israeli Occupation Forces to twenty five years imprisonment for accusations of membership of Al Aqsa Brigades, military wing of Fatah. Several local, Israeli, and international human rights organizations pressured Israel to release him after his right lung and part of his left lung were extirpated because of cancer, which led to a severe deterioration in his health. He was released in August 2005 after serving five years in Israeli jails. Raja Zaidat, a relative of Sakoot said that " Israel refused to release him at the beginning, doing that it was possible to treat him". "Israel put a precondition to release him: once he takes the suitable treatment, we (Israel) will arrest him. They waited until his situation deteriorated knowing that he will die in order to release him", Zaidat added.
After being released, Sakoot was admitted to the Al-Ahli hospital in Hebron for treatment. He stayed the most period in the hospital before being transferred to Jordan for more treatment.
Zaidat said that "Murad wished to die in his homeland of Bani No'aim (a town near Hebron, south of West Bank) close to his parents and friends, but it seems he will return dead and only if the Israeli authorities give their permission to bring his body back from Jordan".
The issue of Sakoot cast shadow on Palestinian prisoners file that waits a lasting peace agreement to be released from Israeli jails. The Palestinian prisoners, who are around 10500, play an important role in the Palestinians internal life or to any political negotiations with Israel.
The Palestinian prisoners who drew up and signed the prisoners' National Accord Document in May 2006 started Sunday, January 14, 2007 a day of fasting in protest against the inter-Palestinian fighting. The prisoners who signed the document which was adopted by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as a base for national dialogue, were Marwan Barghouthi representing Fatah, Abdul-khaliq An-Natshah representing Hamas, Bassam As-Sa'di representing Islamic Jihad, Ahmad Sa'adat representing the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and Mustafa Badarnah representing the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP). They called for unity and rejection of internal fighting and condemned every assault against Palestinian targets including assassinations, abductions, arson attacks and incitement campaigns.
From another perspective, Palestinian prisoners were upset because Israel didn't release Palestinian prisoners after the meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert last December, 2006. Olmert promised to release Palestinian prisoners as good- well steps to Palestinians. Despite the fact that Israel didn't uphold any of its decisions, Palestinian prisoners hope that a prisoners exchange deal with abducted Israel soldier Gilad Shalit will free some of them to join their families, to get suitable medical treatment.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine. He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Arab American Media Services. Permission granted to republish.)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine)-- Released Palestinian prisoner Murad Ahmad Abu Sakoot, 29, died in a Jordanian hospital of a cancer he has been fighting for a long time.
Sakoot, who died on January 13 th, 2007, was sentenced by Israeli Occupation Forces to twenty five years imprisonment for accusations of membership of Al Aqsa Brigades, military wing of Fatah. Several local, Israeli, and international human rights organizations pressured Israel to release him after his right lung and part of his left lung were extirpated because of cancer, which led to a severe deterioration in his health. He was released in August 2005 after serving five years in Israeli jails. Raja Zaidat, a relative of Sakoot said that " Israel refused to release him at the beginning, doing that it was possible to treat him". "Israel put a precondition to release him: once he takes the suitable treatment, we (Israel) will arrest him. They waited until his situation deteriorated knowing that he will die in order to release him", Zaidat added.
After being released, Sakoot was admitted to the Al-Ahli hospital in Hebron for treatment. He stayed the most period in the hospital before being transferred to Jordan for more treatment.
Zaidat said that "Murad wished to die in his homeland of Bani No'aim (a town near Hebron, south of West Bank) close to his parents and friends, but it seems he will return dead and only if the Israeli authorities give their permission to bring his body back from Jordan".
The issue of Sakoot cast shadow on Palestinian prisoners file that waits a lasting peace agreement to be released from Israeli jails. The Palestinian prisoners, who are around 10500, play an important role in the Palestinians internal life or to any political negotiations with Israel.
The Palestinian prisoners who drew up and signed the prisoners' National Accord Document in May 2006 started Sunday, January 14, 2007 a day of fasting in protest against the inter-Palestinian fighting. The prisoners who signed the document which was adopted by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas as a base for national dialogue, were Marwan Barghouthi representing Fatah, Abdul-khaliq An-Natshah representing Hamas, Bassam As-Sa'di representing Islamic Jihad, Ahmad Sa'adat representing the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and Mustafa Badarnah representing the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP). They called for unity and rejection of internal fighting and condemned every assault against Palestinian targets including assassinations, abductions, arson attacks and incitement campaigns.
From another perspective, Palestinian prisoners were upset because Israel didn't release Palestinian prisoners after the meeting between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert last December, 2006. Olmert promised to release Palestinian prisoners as good- well steps to Palestinians. Despite the fact that Israel didn't uphold any of its decisions, Palestinian prisoners hope that a prisoners exchange deal with abducted Israel soldier Gilad Shalit will free some of them to join their families, to get suitable medical treatment.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine. He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
Saturday, January 13, 2007
FEATURE: Israel bans Israelis and tourists from giving Palestinian rides in territories By Mohammed Mar'i
Separation among Israelis and Palestinians even in vehicles
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Distributed by Arab American Media Services. Permission granted to republish)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine) -- On 19 January 2007 the Palestinians in the West Bank will add another suffering to their lives by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF). Beside the Separation Wall that shatters the West Bank and more than 400 roadblocks, the (IOF) will implement the discriminatory Israeli order which prohibits Israelis and tourists from using their vehicles to transport Palestinians in the West Bank without an army permit.
Violating human rights and international law, Israel build the separation Wall, prohibited Palestinian vehicles on certain roads in the West Bank, and forbidden Israeli citizens from entering Palestinian controlled areas to separate the Palestinians from Israelis. The new (IOF) order penetrates into the private space of the vehicle to separate its passengers.
Despite the fact that the order does not apply to Palestinians who hold a permit to enter Israel or the Israeli settlements in the West Bank, to Israeli bus drivers, Israel residents carrying Palestinians who are first-degree relatives , such as a cousin or nephew, and soldiers and police officers on duty, most Palestinians will suffer. Ahmed is a taxi driver transports Palestinians from Ramallah to Qalandya checkpoint ever day. He will not be able to transport Palestinian passengers who do not meet the Israeli criteria in his taxi that bears Israeli license plates. He fears to loose his job. "If they apply the order I will not be able to meet the raising needs of my family", Ahmed said. "I hardly manage to gain some Sheqels ( Israel's currency), so how I will do when they oblige me not to transport Palestinians in my tax", he added. Qais, a resident from Qalandya and holder of Israeli identity card shares Ahmed his fears. Although he will not have problems transporting his first degree relatives, he has with others. "How I will be able to join with my friends in the West Bank? I used to travel with them to different places using my car. If the Israelis implement their order I will loose them" he said. Dr. Awad, a Palestinian citizen. He is a researcher known to international institutions concerned with internal Palestinian issues. He used to travel with foreign diplomats, foreign journalists in the West Bank using a vehicle bearing Israeli license plates. "From that date, I will not be able to travel with them. I will loose most of my monthly income" he said.
The order further aggravates the already harsh restrictions on the freedom of movement of West Bank Palestinians. For some time, Israel has restricted, completely or partially, Palestinian travel on major roads in the West Bank, which have been set aside for use of Israelis, primarily settlers. Despite these restrictions, Palestinians have been able to travel along these roads by taxi or other vehicles bearing Israeli license plates. The new order will close this "loophole" and increase the discrimination between Israelis and Palestinians on certain roads.
The order also impedes the activity of humanitarian organizations, human rights organizations, and organizations providing assistance to the local population, whose work entails transporting Palestinians inside the West Bank.
The Palestinian passenger and the Israeli driver are subject to punishment since the violation of the order is a criminal offense. The penalties prescribed in the order are also discriminatory. Whereas an Israeli who violates the order is tried in a civilian Israeli court, where he will not expect a hard punishment, the Palestinian violator is tried in an Israeli military court, where he might be sentenced up to five years in jail and loss of magnetic card given by the Israeli Intelligence Service (Shin Bet), thus preventing the person from obtaining various permits from the Israeli authorities.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) said in a press release that eight Israeli human rights groups petitioned the High Court of Justice on January 7 th, 2007 against the military order which was issued by, the commander of (IOF) in the West Bank, Major-General Yair Naveh On 19 November 2006. Besides ACRI, the petitioners are: Yesh Din-Volunteers for Human Rights, Gisha, the Public Committee against Torture in Israel, HaMoked-Center for Defense of the Individual, Machsom Watch, Physicians for Human Rights and Bimkom-Planners for Planning rights.
Attorney Michael Sfard who represents the petitioners said the order will "lead to a rift between Israelis and Palestinians who have legitimate social, political and commercial ties."
The groups considered the order reminiscent of apartheid, as it "implements an ideology of separation by creating criminal sanctions on different peoples."
Under international law, Israel must respect the human rights of all persons under its authority. These rights include the right to equality, freedom of movement, maintain family ties and social ties, engage in political activity, and the right to work and earn a livelihood. The (IOF) ignore the discriminatory nature of the order and justify it as a military necessity, for example, by restricting the number of Palestinians entering Israel in Israeli vehicles without a permit.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine . He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Distributed by Arab American Media Services. Permission granted to republish)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine) -- On 19 January 2007 the Palestinians in the West Bank will add another suffering to their lives by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF). Beside the Separation Wall that shatters the West Bank and more than 400 roadblocks, the (IOF) will implement the discriminatory Israeli order which prohibits Israelis and tourists from using their vehicles to transport Palestinians in the West Bank without an army permit.
Violating human rights and international law, Israel build the separation Wall, prohibited Palestinian vehicles on certain roads in the West Bank, and forbidden Israeli citizens from entering Palestinian controlled areas to separate the Palestinians from Israelis. The new (IOF) order penetrates into the private space of the vehicle to separate its passengers.
Despite the fact that the order does not apply to Palestinians who hold a permit to enter Israel or the Israeli settlements in the West Bank, to Israeli bus drivers, Israel residents carrying Palestinians who are first-degree relatives , such as a cousin or nephew, and soldiers and police officers on duty, most Palestinians will suffer. Ahmed is a taxi driver transports Palestinians from Ramallah to Qalandya checkpoint ever day. He will not be able to transport Palestinian passengers who do not meet the Israeli criteria in his taxi that bears Israeli license plates. He fears to loose his job. "If they apply the order I will not be able to meet the raising needs of my family", Ahmed said. "I hardly manage to gain some Sheqels ( Israel's currency), so how I will do when they oblige me not to transport Palestinians in my tax", he added. Qais, a resident from Qalandya and holder of Israeli identity card shares Ahmed his fears. Although he will not have problems transporting his first degree relatives, he has with others. "How I will be able to join with my friends in the West Bank? I used to travel with them to different places using my car. If the Israelis implement their order I will loose them" he said. Dr. Awad, a Palestinian citizen. He is a researcher known to international institutions concerned with internal Palestinian issues. He used to travel with foreign diplomats, foreign journalists in the West Bank using a vehicle bearing Israeli license plates. "From that date, I will not be able to travel with them. I will loose most of my monthly income" he said.
The order further aggravates the already harsh restrictions on the freedom of movement of West Bank Palestinians. For some time, Israel has restricted, completely or partially, Palestinian travel on major roads in the West Bank, which have been set aside for use of Israelis, primarily settlers. Despite these restrictions, Palestinians have been able to travel along these roads by taxi or other vehicles bearing Israeli license plates. The new order will close this "loophole" and increase the discrimination between Israelis and Palestinians on certain roads.
The order also impedes the activity of humanitarian organizations, human rights organizations, and organizations providing assistance to the local population, whose work entails transporting Palestinians inside the West Bank.
The Palestinian passenger and the Israeli driver are subject to punishment since the violation of the order is a criminal offense. The penalties prescribed in the order are also discriminatory. Whereas an Israeli who violates the order is tried in a civilian Israeli court, where he will not expect a hard punishment, the Palestinian violator is tried in an Israeli military court, where he might be sentenced up to five years in jail and loss of magnetic card given by the Israeli Intelligence Service (Shin Bet), thus preventing the person from obtaining various permits from the Israeli authorities.
The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) said in a press release that eight Israeli human rights groups petitioned the High Court of Justice on January 7 th, 2007 against the military order which was issued by, the commander of (IOF) in the West Bank, Major-General Yair Naveh On 19 November 2006. Besides ACRI, the petitioners are: Yesh Din-Volunteers for Human Rights, Gisha, the Public Committee against Torture in Israel, HaMoked-Center for Defense of the Individual, Machsom Watch, Physicians for Human Rights and Bimkom-Planners for Planning rights.
Attorney Michael Sfard who represents the petitioners said the order will "lead to a rift between Israelis and Palestinians who have legitimate social, political and commercial ties."
The groups considered the order reminiscent of apartheid, as it "implements an ideology of separation by creating criminal sanctions on different peoples."
Under international law, Israel must respect the human rights of all persons under its authority. These rights include the right to equality, freedom of movement, maintain family ties and social ties, engage in political activity, and the right to work and earn a livelihood. The (IOF) ignore the discriminatory nature of the order and justify it as a military necessity, for example, by restricting the number of Palestinians entering Israel in Israeli vehicles without a permit.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine . He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
FEATURE: Worried about Camels, but not people, By Mohammed Mar'i
The Camel Rights in Israel
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Distributed by Arab American Media Services. Permission granted to republish.)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine)-- Pressured by Israeli scientists and Israel Nature and National Parks Authority (INNPPA) warning regarding the serious harm the fence could cause the desert's unique environment and landscape, Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz decided to freeze construction of the separation wall in the Judean Desert, in order to examine alternate routes for the fence from Metzudat Yehuda (Beit Yatir) to Nahal Tavor.
According to their warning, this sector of the separation wall can be replaced with electronic devices, such as advanced radar systems, cameras and other sensors to secure the area to prevent the entrance of Bedouin and Palestinians, who are causing great harm to nature and wildlife by hunting ibex and deer and destroying desert vegetation for heating purposes. "This fence cuts off several key routes that animals travel along," wrote Dr. Yossi Lashem, former general-secretary of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, in a letter to IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz Tuesday. Lashem said that if animals could not move freely, it would destroy food access for birds of prey.
Lieutenant Colonel Erez Kom from the Defense Ministry's Construction Department told the Knesset environmental lobby Tuesday that the Israel Defense Forces had planned a route that did not run through the nature reserve, Haaretz quoted him. In order to ensure the flow of water in the streams and passages for wildlife, Brigadier General Eran Ophir, who heads the separation fence project for the "IDF" said, "For large wildlife, we will establish four large passages that will be like agricultural gates that are always open".
Khalil Tafakji, the Director of the Arab Studies Society and an expert on Israeli settlement in the West Bank, said that the alternative for the separation wall in the area will be a road from Al Khan al Ahmer near Jerusalem south to Ber Sheva' in the Negev. According to Tafakji, this road will be an implementation to the Israeli military law for roads No. 50, approved by the Israeli government in 1983. This road will separate Hebron area, South of West Bank from the Dead Sea. Besides, Tafakji said that the (INNPPA) will not oppose the construction of the road since it will not block the movement of animals in the area.
It is amazing that Peretz concerned with sand, eco systems and animals, worried about preserving the view! How about preserving the dignity and freedom of hundreds and thousands of ordinary Palestinians impacted by this disgusting wall?
Israel erected the Separation Wall east of 1967 borders to isolate Palestinians from Israelis for security considerations, which are mainly defense against Palestinian "terror" and preventing harm to Israeli citizens. Israel caged Palestinians in ghettos or Bantustans violating international law, UN Resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Tafakji said that Israel annexed about 90.000 dunams from the West Bank land by erecting the Wall. Most of the annexed dunams are fertile agricultural land and source of life for Palestinian farmers. It is also the source of water in the West Bank.
Behind the separation fence are thousands of personal tragedies. Who cares about farmers like who in one day lost access to his lands, which he and his fathers had worked for generations. Who cares about shepherds who were forced to sell his sheep because the fence blocked access to pasture? Who is upset that the principal of a high school like Mohammed Shahin of Ras a-Tireh, was forced to use donkeys to bring textbooks from Qalqilya since all the roads were blocked by the fence. Who cares about a doctor from Tulkarm who drives five hours every morning from his house to his job in Qalqilya, a distance of 15 kilometers, because he is forced to! This kind of occupation perhaps doesn't kill. Not right away, anyway. But it does destroy the soul.
Around 30,000 Palestinians are liable to completely lose their livelihood because their lands are on the "Israeli" side of the fence. This is the most fertile part of the West Bank with almost 40% of the agricultural land of the West Bank. In the Jenin, Tulkarm and Qalqilya districts around a quarter of the residents work in farming, more than twice the percentage in the rest of the West Bank. Around two thirds of the water sources in the West Bank are also in this area. 28 wells will be west of the fence, and it is unclear what will become of them. In short, a blow to agriculture in Jenin, Tulkarm and Qalqilya is a blow to all the Palestinians in the West Bank.
The village of Jayyous, in Qalqilya area numbers around 3,000 people. Before the ongoing Intifada, many of the men worked in Israel. Now, this is all over, and many have gone back to farming. More than half of the breadwinners in the village work the land. Or more correctly, used to. The route of the separation fence flanks the last houses of the village and 9,000 dunam of farm land, almost all of the village's lands, will remain west of the fence, in the side close to Israel.
A short walk from the outer homes of the village, not more than 200 meters, leads suddenly to the edge of a cliff. The view here is marvelous, the air fresh. Below one's feet is the coastal plain, from the Israeli city of Kfar Saba to the sea. You look a bit more and suddenly realize that this cliff, more than 100 meters high, is the work of fence builders.
The hill was cut in the middle, and the route of the fence is paved beneath it. On the eastern side, the Palestinian side, there is barbed wire, then a deep ditch, then a dirt road, then the fence itself, eight meters high, and then another dirt road, then an asphalt road, and then more barbed wire. The Israelis uprooted mountains, leveled hills and poured billions here in order to build the Wall "until the permanent borders are decided."
A look at the map of Separation Wall leads to a simple conclusion - the separation fence being built at this time basically overlaps Ex-Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's map for a Palestinian state. A bit more than 40% of the West Bank split and sliced into pieces. The northern West Bank is cut off from the central and southern parts of it. The road map talked about viable Palestinian state. It's hard to see how Palestinians can live within such borders.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine . He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Distributed by Arab American Media Services. Permission granted to republish.)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine)-- Pressured by Israeli scientists and Israel Nature and National Parks Authority (INNPPA) warning regarding the serious harm the fence could cause the desert's unique environment and landscape, Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz decided to freeze construction of the separation wall in the Judean Desert, in order to examine alternate routes for the fence from Metzudat Yehuda (Beit Yatir) to Nahal Tavor.
According to their warning, this sector of the separation wall can be replaced with electronic devices, such as advanced radar systems, cameras and other sensors to secure the area to prevent the entrance of Bedouin and Palestinians, who are causing great harm to nature and wildlife by hunting ibex and deer and destroying desert vegetation for heating purposes. "This fence cuts off several key routes that animals travel along," wrote Dr. Yossi Lashem, former general-secretary of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, in a letter to IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz Tuesday. Lashem said that if animals could not move freely, it would destroy food access for birds of prey.
Lieutenant Colonel Erez Kom from the Defense Ministry's Construction Department told the Knesset environmental lobby Tuesday that the Israel Defense Forces had planned a route that did not run through the nature reserve, Haaretz quoted him. In order to ensure the flow of water in the streams and passages for wildlife, Brigadier General Eran Ophir, who heads the separation fence project for the "IDF" said, "For large wildlife, we will establish four large passages that will be like agricultural gates that are always open".
Khalil Tafakji, the Director of the Arab Studies Society and an expert on Israeli settlement in the West Bank, said that the alternative for the separation wall in the area will be a road from Al Khan al Ahmer near Jerusalem south to Ber Sheva' in the Negev. According to Tafakji, this road will be an implementation to the Israeli military law for roads No. 50, approved by the Israeli government in 1983. This road will separate Hebron area, South of West Bank from the Dead Sea. Besides, Tafakji said that the (INNPPA) will not oppose the construction of the road since it will not block the movement of animals in the area.
It is amazing that Peretz concerned with sand, eco systems and animals, worried about preserving the view! How about preserving the dignity and freedom of hundreds and thousands of ordinary Palestinians impacted by this disgusting wall?
Israel erected the Separation Wall east of 1967 borders to isolate Palestinians from Israelis for security considerations, which are mainly defense against Palestinian "terror" and preventing harm to Israeli citizens. Israel caged Palestinians in ghettos or Bantustans violating international law, UN Resolutions and the Fourth Geneva Convention.
Tafakji said that Israel annexed about 90.000 dunams from the West Bank land by erecting the Wall. Most of the annexed dunams are fertile agricultural land and source of life for Palestinian farmers. It is also the source of water in the West Bank.
Behind the separation fence are thousands of personal tragedies. Who cares about farmers like who in one day lost access to his lands, which he and his fathers had worked for generations. Who cares about shepherds who were forced to sell his sheep because the fence blocked access to pasture? Who is upset that the principal of a high school like Mohammed Shahin of Ras a-Tireh, was forced to use donkeys to bring textbooks from Qalqilya since all the roads were blocked by the fence. Who cares about a doctor from Tulkarm who drives five hours every morning from his house to his job in Qalqilya, a distance of 15 kilometers, because he is forced to! This kind of occupation perhaps doesn't kill. Not right away, anyway. But it does destroy the soul.
Around 30,000 Palestinians are liable to completely lose their livelihood because their lands are on the "Israeli" side of the fence. This is the most fertile part of the West Bank with almost 40% of the agricultural land of the West Bank. In the Jenin, Tulkarm and Qalqilya districts around a quarter of the residents work in farming, more than twice the percentage in the rest of the West Bank. Around two thirds of the water sources in the West Bank are also in this area. 28 wells will be west of the fence, and it is unclear what will become of them. In short, a blow to agriculture in Jenin, Tulkarm and Qalqilya is a blow to all the Palestinians in the West Bank.
The village of Jayyous, in Qalqilya area numbers around 3,000 people. Before the ongoing Intifada, many of the men worked in Israel. Now, this is all over, and many have gone back to farming. More than half of the breadwinners in the village work the land. Or more correctly, used to. The route of the separation fence flanks the last houses of the village and 9,000 dunam of farm land, almost all of the village's lands, will remain west of the fence, in the side close to Israel.
A short walk from the outer homes of the village, not more than 200 meters, leads suddenly to the edge of a cliff. The view here is marvelous, the air fresh. Below one's feet is the coastal plain, from the Israeli city of Kfar Saba to the sea. You look a bit more and suddenly realize that this cliff, more than 100 meters high, is the work of fence builders.
The hill was cut in the middle, and the route of the fence is paved beneath it. On the eastern side, the Palestinian side, there is barbed wire, then a deep ditch, then a dirt road, then the fence itself, eight meters high, and then another dirt road, then an asphalt road, and then more barbed wire. The Israelis uprooted mountains, leveled hills and poured billions here in order to build the Wall "until the permanent borders are decided."
A look at the map of Separation Wall leads to a simple conclusion - the separation fence being built at this time basically overlaps Ex-Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's map for a Palestinian state. A bit more than 40% of the West Bank split and sliced into pieces. The northern West Bank is cut off from the central and southern parts of it. The road map talked about viable Palestinian state. It's hard to see how Palestinians can live within such borders.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine . He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
Friday, January 12, 2007
Press Release: CPJ condemns murder of Iraqi journalists
Committee to Protect Journalists
330 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA
Phone: (212) 4651004
Fax: (212) 4659568
Web: www.cpj.org
E-Mail: media@cpj.org
http://www.cpj.org
Contact: Abi Wright
e-mail: info@cpj.org
Telephone: (212) 465-1004 x-105
IRAQ: CPJ condemns murder of Iraqi journalist
New York, January 12, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalist issued the following statement condemning the murder of an Iraqi journalist today in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. Khudr Younis al-Obaidi, a reporter for Al-Diwan newspaper, was killed by several gunmen in a car while he was walking on the street this afternoon, The Associated Press reported. CPJ is investigating the circumstances surrounding al-Obaidi’s death.
“We condemn the murder of our colleague Khudr Younis al-Obaidi and offer our condolences to his family,” CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said. “Two Iraqi journalists have already been murdered in the first two weeks of the year, underscoring the terrible risks local journalists are facing and establishing once again that Iraq is the most dangerous assignment for journalists in the world. Authorities must do more to bring those responsible to justice, or journalists will remain vulnerable to attacks.”
At least 93 journalists and 37 media support staffers have been killed in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003, making Iraq the deadliest conflict for the press in recent history.
Insurgents are responsible for the bulk of media deaths. For more details, see:
http://www.cpj.org/Briefings/Iraq/Iraq_danger.html.
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) 4651004
Fax: (212) 4659568
Web: www.cpj.org
E-Mail: media@cpj.org
http://www.cpj.org
Contact: Abi Wright
e-mail: info@cpj.org
Telephone: (212) 465-1004 x-105
IRAQ: CPJ condemns murder of Iraqi journalist
New York, January 12, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalist issued the following statement condemning the murder of an Iraqi journalist today in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. Khudr Younis al-Obaidi, a reporter for Al-Diwan newspaper, was killed by several gunmen in a car while he was walking on the street this afternoon, The Associated Press reported. CPJ is investigating the circumstances surrounding al-Obaidi’s death.
“We condemn the murder of our colleague Khudr Younis al-Obaidi and offer our condolences to his family,” CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said. “Two Iraqi journalists have already been murdered in the first two weeks of the year, underscoring the terrible risks local journalists are facing and establishing once again that Iraq is the most dangerous assignment for journalists in the world. Authorities must do more to bring those responsible to justice, or journalists will remain vulnerable to attacks.”
At least 93 journalists and 37 media support staffers have been killed in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003, making Iraq the deadliest conflict for the press in recent history.
Insurgents are responsible for the bulk of media deaths. For more details, see:
http://www.cpj.org/Briefings/Iraq/Iraq_danger.html.
CPJ is a New York–based, independent, nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide. For more information, visit www.cpj.org.
Press Release: CPJ urges Morocco to acquit two journalists accused of denigrating Islam
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: Abi Wright
e-mail: info@cpj.org
Telephone: (212) 465-1004 x-105
MOROCCO: CPJ calls for acquittal of two journalists charged with denigrating Islam
New York, January 12, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement expressing deep concern prior to a Casablanca court verdict expected Monday, January 15, when Driss Ksikes, the publisher and director of the weekly magazine Nichane, and reporter Sanaa al-Aji, could receive a five year prison sentence for publishing an article analyzing popular Moroccan jokes about religion, sex, and politics.
“It is astonishing that our colleagues face such severe penalties for publishing popular Moroccan jokes,” CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said. “A conviction in this case would deal yet another severe blow to Morocco’s reputation on press freedom. We hope the court will send a signal of support for the principles of a free press by exonerating these journalists and lifting the ban on Nichane.”
Ksikes and al-Aji are on trial for denigrating Islam and damaging public morality under Article 41 and 59 of the Press and Publication Law 2002. For more details, click here: http://www.cpj.org/news/2006/mideast/morocco22dec06na.html
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: Abi Wright
e-mail: info@cpj.org
Telephone: (212) 465-1004 x-105
MOROCCO: CPJ calls for acquittal of two journalists charged with denigrating Islam
New York, January 12, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement expressing deep concern prior to a Casablanca court verdict expected Monday, January 15, when Driss Ksikes, the publisher and director of the weekly magazine Nichane, and reporter Sanaa al-Aji, could receive a five year prison sentence for publishing an article analyzing popular Moroccan jokes about religion, sex, and politics.
“It is astonishing that our colleagues face such severe penalties for publishing popular Moroccan jokes,” CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said. “A conviction in this case would deal yet another severe blow to Morocco’s reputation on press freedom. We hope the court will send a signal of support for the principles of a free press by exonerating these journalists and lifting the ban on Nichane.”
Ksikes and al-Aji are on trial for denigrating Islam and damaging public morality under Article 41 and 59 of the Press and Publication Law 2002. For more details, click here: http://www.cpj.org/news/2006/mideast/morocco22dec06na.html
CPJ is a New York–based, independent, nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide. For more information, visit www.cpj.org.
Press Release: Salute to Justice 2007 Detroit
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: JOHN AKOURI
Friday, January 12, 2007Tel: +01.248.320.7300
SALUTE TO JUSTICE 2007
An event honoring Michigan’s Distinguished Judges of Lebanese descent
(DETROIT) – The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce announces its first annual Salute to Justice event honoring eleven distinguished Michigan judges of Lebanese-descent. The event will take place on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 6:30 pm at the Farmington Hills Manor in the northwest Detroit suburb.
“Judges serve a fundamental role in communities across America, and I don’t know of anywhere else where this many judges of Lebanese-descent currently serve on the bench,” said John Akouri, Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce Chairman & CEO. “Just this month alone, Michigan sees the investiture of two newly elected Lebanese American judges. With the Metro Detroit area’s rich cultural heritage and ethnic diversity, the Chamber is pleased to recognize their work and celebrate their achievements.”
The Judges confirmed to attend include:
United States District Court Judge George Caram Steeh
United Stateds District Court Magistrate Judge Mona Majzoub
United States Administrative Law Judge Alfred Morad (ret)
Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Henry William Saad
Macomb Circuit Court Judge David Viviano
Macomb Circuit Court Judge Tracey Yokich
Wayne 3rd Circuit Court Judge David J. Allen
Wayne 3rd Circuit Court Judge Charlene Mekled Elder
Oakland Probate Court Judge Linda Saoud Hallmark
Redford 17th District Court Judge Karen Khalil
Dearborn Heights 20th District Court Judge David Turfe
FOR TICKET INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE CHAMBER OFFICE AT 248.320.7300.
-END-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: JOHN AKOURI
Friday, January 12, 2007Tel: +01.248.320.7300
SALUTE TO JUSTICE 2007
An event honoring Michigan’s Distinguished Judges of Lebanese descent
(DETROIT) – The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce announces its first annual Salute to Justice event honoring eleven distinguished Michigan judges of Lebanese-descent. The event will take place on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 6:30 pm at the Farmington Hills Manor in the northwest Detroit suburb.
“Judges serve a fundamental role in communities across America, and I don’t know of anywhere else where this many judges of Lebanese-descent currently serve on the bench,” said John Akouri, Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce Chairman & CEO. “Just this month alone, Michigan sees the investiture of two newly elected Lebanese American judges. With the Metro Detroit area’s rich cultural heritage and ethnic diversity, the Chamber is pleased to recognize their work and celebrate their achievements.”
The Judges confirmed to attend include:
United States District Court Judge George Caram Steeh
United Stateds District Court Magistrate Judge Mona Majzoub
United States Administrative Law Judge Alfred Morad (ret)
Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Henry William Saad
Macomb Circuit Court Judge David Viviano
Macomb Circuit Court Judge Tracey Yokich
Wayne 3rd Circuit Court Judge David J. Allen
Wayne 3rd Circuit Court Judge Charlene Mekled Elder
Oakland Probate Court Judge Linda Saoud Hallmark
Redford 17th District Court Judge Karen Khalil
Dearborn Heights 20th District Court Judge David Turfe
FOR TICKET INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE CHAMBER OFFICE AT 248.320.7300.
-END-
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Press Release: B'Tselem: Don't make one Hebron settler a scapegoat Jan. 11, 2006
B'Tselem: Don't make one Hebron settler into the scapegoat
The Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem calls on Israeli authorities not to make the settler, Yifat Alkoby a scapegoat for law enforcement failures in the West Bank. Alkoby was summoned for questioning following the extensive airing of a B'Tselem video in which she is seen assaulting and swearing at women and girls from the Abu-'Ayesha family, in Tel Rumeida, Hebron. The incident, as grave as it is, is only the tip of the iceberg of the daily violence committed by Hebron settlers, against their Palestinian neighbors, under the protection of the army.
The attacks in Hebron are carried out in full view of Israeli soldiers, who are unable or unwilling to stop them. The Hebron police, who have received hundreds of complaints about settler violence, are also well aware of the situation. The fact that the Defense Minister and the security establishment feign ignorance and mobilize to respond to the problem only following the public controversy generated by this video is outrageous.
The widespread settler violence in Hebron is not the result of a specific failure of one kind or another, but is the consequence of a consistent and longstanding Israeli policy to ignore harm to Palestinians, which is aimed at encouraging them to abandon parts of the city.
------------------------
For additional information, please contact Sarit Michaeli, Communications Director,+972-(0)50-5387230, saritm@btselem.org
Sarit MichaeliCommunications DirectorB'Tselem+972 (0)2 6735599 (office)+972 (0)50 5387230 (cell)http://www.btselem.org/
The Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem calls on Israeli authorities not to make the settler, Yifat Alkoby a scapegoat for law enforcement failures in the West Bank. Alkoby was summoned for questioning following the extensive airing of a B'Tselem video in which she is seen assaulting and swearing at women and girls from the Abu-'Ayesha family, in Tel Rumeida, Hebron. The incident, as grave as it is, is only the tip of the iceberg of the daily violence committed by Hebron settlers, against their Palestinian neighbors, under the protection of the army.
The attacks in Hebron are carried out in full view of Israeli soldiers, who are unable or unwilling to stop them. The Hebron police, who have received hundreds of complaints about settler violence, are also well aware of the situation. The fact that the Defense Minister and the security establishment feign ignorance and mobilize to respond to the problem only following the public controversy generated by this video is outrageous.
The widespread settler violence in Hebron is not the result of a specific failure of one kind or another, but is the consequence of a consistent and longstanding Israeli policy to ignore harm to Palestinians, which is aimed at encouraging them to abandon parts of the city.
------------------------
For additional information, please contact Sarit Michaeli, Communications Director,+972-(0)50-5387230, saritm@btselem.org
Sarit MichaeliCommunications DirectorB'Tselem+972 (0)2 6735599 (office)+972 (0)50 5387230 (cell)http://www.btselem.org/
FEATURE: Palestinians continue protests at checkpoints By Mohammed Mar'i
Red Indians Costumes at Israeli Checkpoints
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Distributed by Arab American Media Services, permission granted to republish.)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine) -- The Israeli authorities have replaced the Yitzhar checkpoint in southern Nablus, just a few days after they had removed it, as part of the easing of restrictions to Palestinian life, announced by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as good-will steps to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas following their meeting in Jerusalem in December 2006.
Israel then announced that it will remove 49 roadblocks of about 400 roadblocks shattering the West Bank. Criticizing Israel's not implementing the agreed upon steps, Abbas said in a Fateh meeting in Bethlehem that "Israel do not abide by its promises". The PLO Executive Committee in its communiqué following a meeting held in Ramallah on January 8th, 2007 denounced "the situation of Israeli checkpoints in the West Bank proved that the Israeli allegations of easing of restrictions is not correct and aims for delusion".
The Israeli checkpoints used to be protested and condemned by Palestinian, Israeli, and International institutions. The humiliation of Palestinian civilians and continued closure of major cities led to several ways of protest against them.
In the West Bank city of Nablus, Schoolchildren will dress in Native American costume on Sunday, 14th of January 2007 and gather for a peaceful demonstration at Huwarra checkpoint, just south of Nablus to bring international awareness to deteriorating conditions in Nablus including collective punishment and a lack of mobility among its citizens.
A press release from the International Solidarity Movement, which is a Palestinian-led non-violent resistance movement committed to ending Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian land, said that this will be the first of four demonstrations to take place in Nablus in the Thirty Days Against Checkpoints Campaign. According to the press release, the reason for the Native American dress, in addition to expected banners and placards, is to "call attention to the similarities between the current process of ghettoization and closure taking place in Nablus and the plight which befell the Native Americans during the early history of the United States. This demonstration will serve as a call to action before the Palestinians are subjected to the same fate as the indigenous people of the US."
The Thirty Days Against Checkpoints Campaign is planned for the next three weekends in January and one in February at the Huwarra checkpoint outside Nablus, the most imprisoned of all West Bank cities. The press release says that the other demonstrations at Huwarra will include scout groups playing music, photos of scenes at checkpoints and Intifada victims, and the last will feature children launching balloons.
Palestinians who travel through the West Bank cities didn't notice any change in the (IOF)'s policy at the checkpoint. . They have horrible experience with them. They have to wait in long lines, under the burning sun or the freezing wind, alone or with their wives and kids, sick or healthy, young or old. Many Palestinian pregnant women deliver at these roadblocks, many sick Palestinian died while waiting the Israeli soldier to let him pass to the ambulance in the other side of the checkpoint or due to heart attack. Many Palestinians were beaten in the witness of their kids. Many Palestinians were obliged to sing songs, to dance, to give the Israeli soldiers cigarettes just to BASS. And other Palestinians were obliged to drink their urine just to cross the checkpoint. Israeli good-will steps no more than a mere illusion for them.
Mohammed Samaheh, a taxi driver from Salfeet area goes to Nablus every day. He said that the rainy weather did not encourage the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) to ease their inspections, but instead, they forced passengers out of their cars into the rain for "extra screening". Khalid Saleem, an employee, travels from his hometown Jenin to Ramallah almost every day. He passes Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus. This checkpoint controls all Palestinians who travel from the West Bank northern cities to its center or southern ones. He said that the (IOF) serving at the checkpoint stop every car or bus, force passengers out of them into the rain or freezing wind, check their identity cards in search for wanted activists, the vehicles are checked by trained dogs in search for weapons. Ayman Adam, a student at An Najjah National University in Nablus said the same notice about Huwarra checkpoint, just south of Nablus. He goes ever day from his village Kafr el Dick, south of Nablus to the university to obtain his B.A in Business Administration. He said that "the Israeli soldiers oblige all passengers to stand in strait and long rows. They check every one, his identity card, his books' bag, and his body by electronic equipments before he allowed entering or leaving Nablus through revolving doors usually used for cows". "This is a collective punishment" he added. I can't usually attend the lectures at 8 o'clock in the morning because I arrive late. He accused the (IOF) policy as "it aims to increase ignorance in the Palestinian society". Abdullsalam Al Rimawee, an employee from Beit Reema village north of Ramallah, faced similar (IOF) measures at Atarah checkpoint, north of Ramallah and the only entrance for Palestinians who reside in West Bank northern cities. He said that "a unit from the Israeli Borders Police serves in the place humiliates Palestinians of who pass through this checkpoint". "The Israeli soldiers force the Palestinian drivers to stand in long rows; the soldiers don't allow any passenger to leave the car, and we have to stay for hours to pass".
When he was asked: "As someone who is familiar with the conditions of the Palestinians in Gaza, do you feel empathy toward them?" Nissim Levy who served in the Israeli intelligence service "Shin Bet" for 20 years answered Israeli journalist Uri Blau in an interview published in Haaretz on Jan. 6th 2007, saying: "Let's forget our patriotism for a moment. If a boy in Be'er Sheva falls in love with a girl in Haifa, what does he do? He picks up the phone, makes a date and drives to see her. If a boy from Bethlehem falls in love with a girl from Nablus, what does he do? He has to cross checkpoints, he needs a 1,001 permits. The moment that you reach the conclusion that you have nothing to live for, you immediately find that you have something to die for."
(Mohammed Mar'i is a journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine and regular contributor to Arabisto.com. He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Distributed by Arab American Media Services, permission granted to republish.)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine) -- The Israeli authorities have replaced the Yitzhar checkpoint in southern Nablus, just a few days after they had removed it, as part of the easing of restrictions to Palestinian life, announced by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as good-will steps to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas following their meeting in Jerusalem in December 2006.
Israel then announced that it will remove 49 roadblocks of about 400 roadblocks shattering the West Bank. Criticizing Israel's not implementing the agreed upon steps, Abbas said in a Fateh meeting in Bethlehem that "Israel do not abide by its promises". The PLO Executive Committee in its communiqué following a meeting held in Ramallah on January 8th, 2007 denounced "the situation of Israeli checkpoints in the West Bank proved that the Israeli allegations of easing of restrictions is not correct and aims for delusion".
The Israeli checkpoints used to be protested and condemned by Palestinian, Israeli, and International institutions. The humiliation of Palestinian civilians and continued closure of major cities led to several ways of protest against them.
In the West Bank city of Nablus, Schoolchildren will dress in Native American costume on Sunday, 14th of January 2007 and gather for a peaceful demonstration at Huwarra checkpoint, just south of Nablus to bring international awareness to deteriorating conditions in Nablus including collective punishment and a lack of mobility among its citizens.
A press release from the International Solidarity Movement, which is a Palestinian-led non-violent resistance movement committed to ending Israel's illegal occupation of Palestinian land, said that this will be the first of four demonstrations to take place in Nablus in the Thirty Days Against Checkpoints Campaign. According to the press release, the reason for the Native American dress, in addition to expected banners and placards, is to "call attention to the similarities between the current process of ghettoization and closure taking place in Nablus and the plight which befell the Native Americans during the early history of the United States. This demonstration will serve as a call to action before the Palestinians are subjected to the same fate as the indigenous people of the US."
The Thirty Days Against Checkpoints Campaign is planned for the next three weekends in January and one in February at the Huwarra checkpoint outside Nablus, the most imprisoned of all West Bank cities. The press release says that the other demonstrations at Huwarra will include scout groups playing music, photos of scenes at checkpoints and Intifada victims, and the last will feature children launching balloons.
Palestinians who travel through the West Bank cities didn't notice any change in the (IOF)'s policy at the checkpoint. . They have horrible experience with them. They have to wait in long lines, under the burning sun or the freezing wind, alone or with their wives and kids, sick or healthy, young or old. Many Palestinian pregnant women deliver at these roadblocks, many sick Palestinian died while waiting the Israeli soldier to let him pass to the ambulance in the other side of the checkpoint or due to heart attack. Many Palestinians were beaten in the witness of their kids. Many Palestinians were obliged to sing songs, to dance, to give the Israeli soldiers cigarettes just to BASS. And other Palestinians were obliged to drink their urine just to cross the checkpoint. Israeli good-will steps no more than a mere illusion for them.
Mohammed Samaheh, a taxi driver from Salfeet area goes to Nablus every day. He said that the rainy weather did not encourage the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) to ease their inspections, but instead, they forced passengers out of their cars into the rain for "extra screening". Khalid Saleem, an employee, travels from his hometown Jenin to Ramallah almost every day. He passes Za'tara checkpoint, south of Nablus. This checkpoint controls all Palestinians who travel from the West Bank northern cities to its center or southern ones. He said that the (IOF) serving at the checkpoint stop every car or bus, force passengers out of them into the rain or freezing wind, check their identity cards in search for wanted activists, the vehicles are checked by trained dogs in search for weapons. Ayman Adam, a student at An Najjah National University in Nablus said the same notice about Huwarra checkpoint, just south of Nablus. He goes ever day from his village Kafr el Dick, south of Nablus to the university to obtain his B.A in Business Administration. He said that "the Israeli soldiers oblige all passengers to stand in strait and long rows. They check every one, his identity card, his books' bag, and his body by electronic equipments before he allowed entering or leaving Nablus through revolving doors usually used for cows". "This is a collective punishment" he added. I can't usually attend the lectures at 8 o'clock in the morning because I arrive late. He accused the (IOF) policy as "it aims to increase ignorance in the Palestinian society". Abdullsalam Al Rimawee, an employee from Beit Reema village north of Ramallah, faced similar (IOF) measures at Atarah checkpoint, north of Ramallah and the only entrance for Palestinians who reside in West Bank northern cities. He said that "a unit from the Israeli Borders Police serves in the place humiliates Palestinians of who pass through this checkpoint". "The Israeli soldiers force the Palestinian drivers to stand in long rows; the soldiers don't allow any passenger to leave the car, and we have to stay for hours to pass".
When he was asked: "As someone who is familiar with the conditions of the Palestinians in Gaza, do you feel empathy toward them?" Nissim Levy who served in the Israeli intelligence service "Shin Bet" for 20 years answered Israeli journalist Uri Blau in an interview published in Haaretz on Jan. 6th 2007, saying: "Let's forget our patriotism for a moment. If a boy in Be'er Sheva falls in love with a girl in Haifa, what does he do? He picks up the phone, makes a date and drives to see her. If a boy from Bethlehem falls in love with a girl from Nablus, what does he do? He has to cross checkpoints, he needs a 1,001 permits. The moment that you reach the conclusion that you have nothing to live for, you immediately find that you have something to die for."
(Mohammed Mar'i is a journalist based in Ramallah, Occupied Palestine and regular contributor to Arabisto.com. He can be reached at mmaree63@gmail.com.)
Monday, January 08, 2007
ANALYSIS: Israel's unprovoked attack in Ramallah kills 4, By Mohammed Mar'i
Who decides in Israel?
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Arab American Media Services -- Permission granted to republish with full attribution.)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine) -- As expected in similar cases, the Israeli Occupation Forces(IOF) investigation into the West Bank city of Ramallah raid that left four Palestinians dead on Thursday revealed that" the army had acted appropriately and that there had been no flaws in the performance of either the commanders or the soldiers in the field", Israel Radio reported Sunday.
According to the probe" the four Palestinians killed by IDF fire had been armed, and the troops had fired only rubber bullets at Palestinians who threw stones".
The (IOF) incursion in Ramallah occurred while Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was meeting with Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak at Sharm el-Sheikh in Sinai last Thursday to advance the two main topics on the agenda: the prisoner exchange deal involving kidnapped (IOF) soldier Gilad Shalit and Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails, and furthering negotiations with the Palestinians. Beside the four killed Palestinians, about 30 were injured.
This incident casts a shadow over the meeting. When their meeting ended, Mubarak told reporters at their joint press conference: "I expressed to the prime minister our indignation at what happened today in Ramallah and said that Israel and all the people in the region will achieve peace only by refraining from all practices which obstruct its course." In his attempt to explain the Ramallah operation, Olmert reiterates Israel's honoring of the cease-fire and its restraint in responding to the Qassam rockets fired from the Gaza Strip at the Negev.
"Things developed in a way that could not have been predicted in advance. If innocent people were hurt, this was not our intention," he said in reference to the West Bank raid.
The military operation which was approved by the (IOF) OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Ya'ir Naveh Naveh and Judea and Samaria Division head Brig.-Gen. Yair Golan aimed to arrest Rabee' Hamid, a member of the Fateh military wing. The (IOF) undercover unit injured Hamid.
Once the unit was recognized by Palestinians who were living a calm day of Eid Al Adha, they gathered and stormed them with stones. Israeli bulldozers and armor plated jeeps, as well as helicopter gunships that fired against open areas to cover the retreating force.
These unbalanced confrontations left four Palestinian killed and about twenty injured. Among the Palestinian killed that the (IOF) investigating report accused as armed was Khalil Al Bairouti.
Al Bairouti is known for all Ramallah citizens and other local and foreign visitors due to his craft. He has a small cart where he used to sell hot drinks to locals at al Manara Square in Ramallah every day. His bad luck that he was at the place to earn some money for his kids when the (IOF) interred Ramallah.
Another Palestinian who is also was accused by the (IOF) investigating report as armed and also was killed is Jamal Jweelis. He came to Ramallah from Sho'fat, a neighborhood of Jerusalem to buy new clothes and sweets for the engagement party of his bother Mahmoud which was scheduled on Friday, the next day when Jamal was killed. Jamal left the clothes store to remove his car when he new that the (IOF) bulldozers began to crash the cars in Ramallah roads. He was shot dead.
Israeli Diplomatic officials and other Israeli defense sources harshly criticized Naveh for not informing Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz of the raid. They blamed the raid for the poor results of the meeting, at which Mubarak denounced the attack as disrupting peace negotiations.
The Israeli politicians and even Peretz blame the defense institution of the bad timing of the operation. The (IOF) sources described it as "fairly routine" mission which do not need the approval of (IOF) Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz or Peretz.
This leads to a big question: who decides in Israel?
On his comment about Ramallah operation, published in Haaretz on Jan. 5 th, former Israeli left politician Yossi Sarid may have given an answer. He wrote: "Is anyone in control of this country? Is the entire country one small no-man's-land? Isn't there anyone left who can tell right from left? This much is clear: There is no government. There's no prime minister worthy of the name, no defense minister worthy of the title. The army is running things, and that's how it looks - tedious and out of control."
A known fact about Rabee' Hamid and emphasized by one of his comrades in Al Aqsa Brigades, Fateh military wing, is that Hamid an "easy target" to be arrested or killed by (IOF). He appears in the streets all the time, attends regularly lectures at a local university. It was possible to postpone it, to save the lives of Palestinian civilians.
This reality clarifies the fact that the timing of the operation is a message to the meeting of Mubarak-Olmert. If not so, this deepens the image of Olmert as being no more than a mayor and Peretz as no more than a secretary of a labour union.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah.)
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Arab American Media Services -- Permission granted to republish with full attribution.)
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine) -- As expected in similar cases, the Israeli Occupation Forces(IOF) investigation into the West Bank city of Ramallah raid that left four Palestinians dead on Thursday revealed that" the army had acted appropriately and that there had been no flaws in the performance of either the commanders or the soldiers in the field", Israel Radio reported Sunday.
According to the probe" the four Palestinians killed by IDF fire had been armed, and the troops had fired only rubber bullets at Palestinians who threw stones".
The (IOF) incursion in Ramallah occurred while Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was meeting with Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak at Sharm el-Sheikh in Sinai last Thursday to advance the two main topics on the agenda: the prisoner exchange deal involving kidnapped (IOF) soldier Gilad Shalit and Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails, and furthering negotiations with the Palestinians. Beside the four killed Palestinians, about 30 were injured.
This incident casts a shadow over the meeting. When their meeting ended, Mubarak told reporters at their joint press conference: "I expressed to the prime minister our indignation at what happened today in Ramallah and said that Israel and all the people in the region will achieve peace only by refraining from all practices which obstruct its course." In his attempt to explain the Ramallah operation, Olmert reiterates Israel's honoring of the cease-fire and its restraint in responding to the Qassam rockets fired from the Gaza Strip at the Negev.
"Things developed in a way that could not have been predicted in advance. If innocent people were hurt, this was not our intention," he said in reference to the West Bank raid.
The military operation which was approved by the (IOF) OC Central Command Maj.-Gen. Ya'ir Naveh Naveh and Judea and Samaria Division head Brig.-Gen. Yair Golan aimed to arrest Rabee' Hamid, a member of the Fateh military wing. The (IOF) undercover unit injured Hamid.
Once the unit was recognized by Palestinians who were living a calm day of Eid Al Adha, they gathered and stormed them with stones. Israeli bulldozers and armor plated jeeps, as well as helicopter gunships that fired against open areas to cover the retreating force.
These unbalanced confrontations left four Palestinian killed and about twenty injured. Among the Palestinian killed that the (IOF) investigating report accused as armed was Khalil Al Bairouti.
Al Bairouti is known for all Ramallah citizens and other local and foreign visitors due to his craft. He has a small cart where he used to sell hot drinks to locals at al Manara Square in Ramallah every day. His bad luck that he was at the place to earn some money for his kids when the (IOF) interred Ramallah.
Another Palestinian who is also was accused by the (IOF) investigating report as armed and also was killed is Jamal Jweelis. He came to Ramallah from Sho'fat, a neighborhood of Jerusalem to buy new clothes and sweets for the engagement party of his bother Mahmoud which was scheduled on Friday, the next day when Jamal was killed. Jamal left the clothes store to remove his car when he new that the (IOF) bulldozers began to crash the cars in Ramallah roads. He was shot dead.
Israeli Diplomatic officials and other Israeli defense sources harshly criticized Naveh for not informing Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz of the raid. They blamed the raid for the poor results of the meeting, at which Mubarak denounced the attack as disrupting peace negotiations.
The Israeli politicians and even Peretz blame the defense institution of the bad timing of the operation. The (IOF) sources described it as "fairly routine" mission which do not need the approval of (IOF) Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Dan Halutz or Peretz.
This leads to a big question: who decides in Israel?
On his comment about Ramallah operation, published in Haaretz on Jan. 5 th, former Israeli left politician Yossi Sarid may have given an answer. He wrote: "Is anyone in control of this country? Is the entire country one small no-man's-land? Isn't there anyone left who can tell right from left? This much is clear: There is no government. There's no prime minister worthy of the name, no defense minister worthy of the title. The army is running things, and that's how it looks - tedious and out of control."
A known fact about Rabee' Hamid and emphasized by one of his comrades in Al Aqsa Brigades, Fateh military wing, is that Hamid an "easy target" to be arrested or killed by (IOF). He appears in the streets all the time, attends regularly lectures at a local university. It was possible to postpone it, to save the lives of Palestinian civilians.
This reality clarifies the fact that the timing of the operation is a message to the meeting of Mubarak-Olmert. If not so, this deepens the image of Olmert as being no more than a mayor and Peretz as no more than a secretary of a labour union.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah.)
Sunday, January 07, 2007
FEATURE: Signs of Hamas-Fatah Tensions by Mohammed Mar'i
Signals of real confrontation among Fateh and Hamas rose
By Mohammed Mar'i
Arab American Media Services
(Permission granted to reprint with full attribution to the author and Arab American Media Services.)
(Ramallah , Occupied Palestine) -- The 7th of January used to be a day celebrations and happiness for the Christian sects who follow the eastern calendar in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and his successor Mahmoud Abbas used to attend the festivities at Bethlehem as a mark of unity between Muslims and Christians in Palestine. This Year, the running deterioration in the Palestinian cities due to fighting between Fateh and Hamas over power, prevailed the scene.
The tension, Chaos, fighting, and kidnapping of Gaza among Hamas and Fateh movements expands to the West Bank on Saturday. In the West Bank city of Nablus, Fatah gunmen kidnapped the deputy mayor of Nablus, Mahdi al-Hanbali, who is affiliated with Hamas. , Marwan Kadumi a lecturer from A-Najah University in Nablus was seriously wounded on when he was shot by gunmen in his home in the West Bank town by six militants apparently belonging to the Fatah-linked Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. The lecturer is also known Hamas supporter.
In Ramallah, Fatah gunmen kidnapped Ihab Suleiman, the director of Said Siam's Interior Ministry office. Suleiman was released later after having been shot seriously in the legs.
The high tension in the West Bank and Gaza followed Abbas decision to outlaws Hamas Executive Force controlled by Interior Minister Siam, and headed by Yousif Al Zahhar, brother of Mahmoud Al Zahhar, Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affaires.
Abbas said all Executive Force members would be banned from operating in the Gaza Strip unless they agreed to join the PA security forces. The Interior Ministry rejected Abbas' decision and announced its plans to increase the size of its force to 12,000.
Islam Shahwan, spokesman for the Hamas Executive Force, said Saturday that the force would be doubled and that "recruitment has begun and we are calling on every loyal citizen to prepare himself to join the force."
Several months ago, Abbas agreed to include the Executive Force in the ranks of forces controlled by the Interior Ministry. Its force then was about 5500 members mainly from Hamas military wing, Iz al-Din al-Qassam and the Popular Resistance Committees.
However, following an attack by members of the Hamas Executive force against the home of a Fatah security commander in Gaza, killing him and seven of his bodyguards, Abbas decided to label the Executive Force as "outside the law."
Abbas' office said the decision was made "in light of the continued security chaos and assassinations that got to a number of our fighters ... and in light of the failure of existing agencies and security apparatuses in imposing law and order and protecting the security of the citizens."
Abbas said the force is" illegal" and that "creating any force needs a decree and this decree has not been issued. Anyone who says this is an independent force is going against the law and the constitution," he said in Bethlehem.
On the Fateh side, they are strengthening its military wing in the West Bank by recruiting supporters so as to show balance to that of Hamas in Gaza. Egypt, Jordan and the United States are trying to aid security apparatus loyal to Abbas with guns and ammunition, and to deploy Badr Brigade from Jordan to Gaza.
The majority of Palestinians questioned if there is a necessity for this military recruitment whereas the internal security is absent and that the Palestinian is threatened every moment?
They also questioned about the necessity of additional security apparatus whereas about 65,000 security servants in the West Bank and Gaza Strip?
They fear that Fatah and Hamas prepare for a real confrontation in all Palestinian cities. Observers see that even if a unity government is formed, it will only postpone the crisis between the two rivals. The rise in demand for arms by Hamas and Fateh doubled the prices. The price of U.S. made" M-16 rifle" jumped from 8,450 $ to 14,200$.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah.)
By Mohammed Mar'i
Arab American Media Services
(Permission granted to reprint with full attribution to the author and Arab American Media Services.)
(Ramallah , Occupied Palestine) -- The 7th of January used to be a day celebrations and happiness for the Christian sects who follow the eastern calendar in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and his successor Mahmoud Abbas used to attend the festivities at Bethlehem as a mark of unity between Muslims and Christians in Palestine. This Year, the running deterioration in the Palestinian cities due to fighting between Fateh and Hamas over power, prevailed the scene.
The tension, Chaos, fighting, and kidnapping of Gaza among Hamas and Fateh movements expands to the West Bank on Saturday. In the West Bank city of Nablus, Fatah gunmen kidnapped the deputy mayor of Nablus, Mahdi al-Hanbali, who is affiliated with Hamas. , Marwan Kadumi a lecturer from A-Najah University in Nablus was seriously wounded on when he was shot by gunmen in his home in the West Bank town by six militants apparently belonging to the Fatah-linked Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. The lecturer is also known Hamas supporter.
In Ramallah, Fatah gunmen kidnapped Ihab Suleiman, the director of Said Siam's Interior Ministry office. Suleiman was released later after having been shot seriously in the legs.
The high tension in the West Bank and Gaza followed Abbas decision to outlaws Hamas Executive Force controlled by Interior Minister Siam, and headed by Yousif Al Zahhar, brother of Mahmoud Al Zahhar, Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affaires.
Abbas said all Executive Force members would be banned from operating in the Gaza Strip unless they agreed to join the PA security forces. The Interior Ministry rejected Abbas' decision and announced its plans to increase the size of its force to 12,000.
Islam Shahwan, spokesman for the Hamas Executive Force, said Saturday that the force would be doubled and that "recruitment has begun and we are calling on every loyal citizen to prepare himself to join the force."
Several months ago, Abbas agreed to include the Executive Force in the ranks of forces controlled by the Interior Ministry. Its force then was about 5500 members mainly from Hamas military wing, Iz al-Din al-Qassam and the Popular Resistance Committees.
However, following an attack by members of the Hamas Executive force against the home of a Fatah security commander in Gaza, killing him and seven of his bodyguards, Abbas decided to label the Executive Force as "outside the law."
Abbas' office said the decision was made "in light of the continued security chaos and assassinations that got to a number of our fighters ... and in light of the failure of existing agencies and security apparatuses in imposing law and order and protecting the security of the citizens."
Abbas said the force is" illegal" and that "creating any force needs a decree and this decree has not been issued. Anyone who says this is an independent force is going against the law and the constitution," he said in Bethlehem.
On the Fateh side, they are strengthening its military wing in the West Bank by recruiting supporters so as to show balance to that of Hamas in Gaza. Egypt, Jordan and the United States are trying to aid security apparatus loyal to Abbas with guns and ammunition, and to deploy Badr Brigade from Jordan to Gaza.
The majority of Palestinians questioned if there is a necessity for this military recruitment whereas the internal security is absent and that the Palestinian is threatened every moment?
They also questioned about the necessity of additional security apparatus whereas about 65,000 security servants in the West Bank and Gaza Strip?
They fear that Fatah and Hamas prepare for a real confrontation in all Palestinian cities. Observers see that even if a unity government is formed, it will only postpone the crisis between the two rivals. The rise in demand for arms by Hamas and Fateh doubled the prices. The price of U.S. made" M-16 rifle" jumped from 8,450 $ to 14,200$.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah.)
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Feature: Visitors sagas continue in Israeli Occupied Palestine By Mohammed Mar'i
Anita and Enayeh wait the Israeli tourist visa
By Mohammed Mar'i*
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine) -- After months from being prevented to enter the West Bank, the" Israeli government plans to grant 27-month entry visas for the West Bank to bearers of foreign passports who do not come from enemy countries" (Americans and Europeans), said the Coordinator of Activities in the Territories spokesman Shlomo Dror. He added that "the matter is being looked into," and that "it looks like it will be approved." Israel is considering issuing entry visas that will permit staying for 27 months without leaving the West Bank or Israel. This Important development comes after the intervention of recently appointed Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh of Kadima Party, and the pressure imposed by some of the governments of the foreign-passport holders.
The Israeli government policy before several months was to renew visas of foreign-passport holders automatically after three months without the applicant having to leave the West Bank. Later Israel began to insist that foreign-passport holders have to leave the West Bank or Israel and apply to renew their visas from elsewhere. As part of Israel's undeclared policy, foreigners who applied to Israel via the Palestinian Authority as they had in the past, were either turned down or received notification that this was the last time their visas would be renewed without them first leaving the West Bank and Israel. This process includes the spouses of Palestinian residents, foreign lecturers, foreign students and family members who come to the West Bank to spend their summer vacation with their relatives or to participate in wedding parties. Accordingly Israel, in most cases, turned down the visa applications, prohibiting the entry, or reentry, of the applicant. This Israeli policy has caused some 100,000 people to lose their status as permanent residents in the occupied territories and to remain exiles in the countries to which they went to study or work.
Enayeh Samara, 56, is a native of the West Bank and became U.S. citizen when she lived in Chicago in her teens and 20s. By renewing the 3-month tourist visa, she resided in Ramallah with her Husband Adel Samara for 31 years. On May 12, Enayeh Samara took a trip to Jordan. When she returned to the West Bank on May 26, 2006, she was barred from entry.
Anita Abdullah is Swiss and has been married with Ghassan Abdullah for 28 years. They have been living together in Ramallah for 12 years. She was given two weeks to leave the occupied Palestinian territory. The Israeli Ministry of Interior wrote on her Swiss passport: "LAST PERMIT." Anita is a member of the Ramallah-based "Campaign for the Right of Entry/Re-Entry to the Occupied Palestinian Territories," said Palestinians whose visas have expired are "staying put," fearing that if they go abroad to renew them in accordance with the current requirement, they will still not be allowed back in.
It is known that there are three ways for non-Palestinians who reside in the West Bank to receive residency rights. The first is through family reunification. A Palestinian resident has to fill a reunification application for his relatives. Israel has suspended since 2000, when the second intifada broke out.
The second is six months visitors' permits. These permits were granted by Israel for those from enemy-classified countries married to Palestinians. There are tens of thousands of foreigners, including 60,000 Jordanian-born women, as well as women from other Arab countries, who, in the past, were granted such permits. However, Israel stopped granting them after the outbreak of the intifada.
The third way is by granting tourist visas to foreigner-passport holders. But until Israel changed its policies, spouses of Palestinians from Western countries were able to renew their visas virtually automatically.
Until Enaya Samara, who has been living in forced exile for the past eight months returns to her family in Ramallah, and until Anita Abdullah visa renewed, it will not be possible to believe that Israel has changed its policy .
* Mohammed Mar'i is a Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah.
By Mohammed Mar'i*
(Ramallah, Occupied Palestine) -- After months from being prevented to enter the West Bank, the" Israeli government plans to grant 27-month entry visas for the West Bank to bearers of foreign passports who do not come from enemy countries" (Americans and Europeans), said the Coordinator of Activities in the Territories spokesman Shlomo Dror. He added that "the matter is being looked into," and that "it looks like it will be approved." Israel is considering issuing entry visas that will permit staying for 27 months without leaving the West Bank or Israel. This Important development comes after the intervention of recently appointed Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh of Kadima Party, and the pressure imposed by some of the governments of the foreign-passport holders.
The Israeli government policy before several months was to renew visas of foreign-passport holders automatically after three months without the applicant having to leave the West Bank. Later Israel began to insist that foreign-passport holders have to leave the West Bank or Israel and apply to renew their visas from elsewhere. As part of Israel's undeclared policy, foreigners who applied to Israel via the Palestinian Authority as they had in the past, were either turned down or received notification that this was the last time their visas would be renewed without them first leaving the West Bank and Israel. This process includes the spouses of Palestinian residents, foreign lecturers, foreign students and family members who come to the West Bank to spend their summer vacation with their relatives or to participate in wedding parties. Accordingly Israel, in most cases, turned down the visa applications, prohibiting the entry, or reentry, of the applicant. This Israeli policy has caused some 100,000 people to lose their status as permanent residents in the occupied territories and to remain exiles in the countries to which they went to study or work.
Enayeh Samara, 56, is a native of the West Bank and became U.S. citizen when she lived in Chicago in her teens and 20s. By renewing the 3-month tourist visa, she resided in Ramallah with her Husband Adel Samara for 31 years. On May 12, Enayeh Samara took a trip to Jordan. When she returned to the West Bank on May 26, 2006, she was barred from entry.
Anita Abdullah is Swiss and has been married with Ghassan Abdullah for 28 years. They have been living together in Ramallah for 12 years. She was given two weeks to leave the occupied Palestinian territory. The Israeli Ministry of Interior wrote on her Swiss passport: "LAST PERMIT." Anita is a member of the Ramallah-based "Campaign for the Right of Entry/Re-Entry to the Occupied Palestinian Territories," said Palestinians whose visas have expired are "staying put," fearing that if they go abroad to renew them in accordance with the current requirement, they will still not be allowed back in.
It is known that there are three ways for non-Palestinians who reside in the West Bank to receive residency rights. The first is through family reunification. A Palestinian resident has to fill a reunification application for his relatives. Israel has suspended since 2000, when the second intifada broke out.
The second is six months visitors' permits. These permits were granted by Israel for those from enemy-classified countries married to Palestinians. There are tens of thousands of foreigners, including 60,000 Jordanian-born women, as well as women from other Arab countries, who, in the past, were granted such permits. However, Israel stopped granting them after the outbreak of the intifada.
The third way is by granting tourist visas to foreigner-passport holders. But until Israel changed its policies, spouses of Palestinians from Western countries were able to renew their visas virtually automatically.
Until Enaya Samara, who has been living in forced exile for the past eight months returns to her family in Ramallah, and until Anita Abdullah visa renewed, it will not be possible to believe that Israel has changed its policy .
* Mohammed Mar'i is a Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Chicago celebrates Persian Music and Culture Jan 18-23, 2007
PERSIAN MUSIC AND CULTURE CELEBRATED
JANUARY 18-23 AS PART OF SILK ROAD CHICAGO
Contacts: Nick Harkin/Madeline Long
January 4, 2007
Carol Fox & Associates
773.327.3830
nickh@carolfoxassociates.com
Silk Road Ensemble members from around the world will meet in Chicago for a
six-day residency with performances at the Chicago Children’s Museum,
the Art Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University
Yo-Yo Ma to lead “Creating a Life with Music” workshop for music students Jan. 22
CHICAGO – The Silk Road Project, under the direction of world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, offers Chicagoans a rare opportunity to celebrate the music and culture of Persia during a six-day Chicago residency Thursday, Jan. 18 – Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007. With an array of concerts, gallery performances, workshops and special events, this highly-anticipated residency is presented as part of Silk Road Chicago, a yearlong citywide celebration inspired by the art and culture of the regions of the historic Silk Road.
With free performances at the Chicago Children’s Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago’s gallery spaces and a concert at Northwestern University’s Pick-Staiger Hall, the January residency offers the rare opportunity to experience the extraordinary talents of two internationally recognized Iranian musicians — Siamak Aghaei and Siamak Jahangiri. Aghaei, who specializes in the santur, ranks among the very best Iranian classical musicians of his generation. Having played the ney (an end-blown flute) since the age of twelve, Jahangiri has studied with the most eminent ney players and is also a star in the world of Iranian classical music. Other Silk Road Ensemble members scheduled to participate include Jeffrey Beecher, bass; Nicholas Cords, viola; Jonathan Gandelsman, violin; Joseph Gramley, percussion; Ben Haggarty, storyteller; Colin Jacobsen, cello; Shane Shanahan, percussion; Mark Suter, percussion; Kojiro Umezaki, shakuhachi; and Yang Wei, pipa. This residency brings together the talents of world-class artists from six nations across the globe to celebrate and honor the cultural contributions of the Silk Road’s Persian region.
Silk Road Project founder and artistic director Yo-Yo Ma will join Ensemble members to present an exclusive interactive workshop for area music students Monday, Jan. 22, 2007 at the Music Institute of Chicago. (Additional details about the workshop are below.) The Silk Road Project’s January residency is generously supported by Ford Motor Company; this visit to Chicago marks the Silk Road Ensemble’s fourth appearance in the city as part of Silk Road Chicago.
Concerts and Public Performances
The January residency will kick off with a free Silk Road Ensemble family concert in the Great Hall of the Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007 from 6:15 – 7 p.m. This fun, informal concert will feature storytelling and music from the Silk Road in a lively performance designed for children and families. Internationally recognized musicians from Iranian, Japanese and Western traditions will show children how artists from different backgrounds can connect while performing and demonstrating lesser-known instruments.
The Silk Road Ensemble will present gallery performances, free with museum admission, in the Silk Road exhibit spaces at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Sunday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ensemble members will perform throughout the galleries, linking visual works and sound in a unique and captivating multi-sensory interaction.
The Ensemble will also perform at Northwestern University’s Pick-Staiger Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, at the final concert of the Winter Chamber Music Festival Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007 at 8 p.m. Included in the concert are such selections as “Arabian Waltz” by Abou-Khalie and “Ney Nara” by Iranian composer Hossein Ali-Zadeh. Featuring internationally renowned musicians hailing from Iranian and Japanese traditions, as well as from Western backgrounds, the Silk Road Ensemble will present the second half of a concert of works that celebrate diverse heritages and intercultural connections. Tickets range from $10 – $22. For more information or to reserve tickets, call 847.467.4000 or visit www.pickstaiger.com.
“Creating a Life with Music” Workshop
Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble will lead a special “Creating a Life with Music” workshop entitled Entering into Tradition: Bridging the Foreign and Familiar Monday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston. The second in a series of four intensive sessions for students from Chicago music schools, this workshop intertwines music from the past and present, as well as from diverse regions throughout the world, giving students new insights into non-Western musical traditions.
Driven by the diverse experiences of celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma and members of the Silk Road Ensemble, as well as of the workshop participants, “Creating a Life with Music” workshops engage participants in an investigation of what it means to be a musician in today’s global culture.
About Silk Road Chicago
Silk Road Chicago (www.silkroadchicago.org) is a unique collaborative effort between the Silk Road Project, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Chicago Office of Tourism, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC). From June 2006 to June 2007, Chicago is being transformed through performances, exhibitions, demonstrations and events that explore cross-cultural discovery and celebrate the artistic legacy of the Silk Road. With this initiative, Chicago becomes the first city in the world to collaborate in a year-long partnership with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Project. Silk Road Chicago was initiated by Yo-Yo Ma, who dreamed of bringing the historic Silk Road, the ancient network of trading routes that connected the people and traditions of Asia with those of Europe, and the ideas it represents to life in one of the most diverse cities in the world. Inspired by this transmission of ideas and its modern-day manifestations, cultural organizations across Chicago are joining together as never before to offer a wide array of special concerts, exhibitions and other artistic programming exploring the themes of Silk Road Chicago.
The Silk Road Project’s contributions to Silk Road Chicago include performances, master classes, workshops and educational programs featuring Ma and other Silk Road Ensemble members. Events will be presented in Chicago schools, universities and cultural institutions throughout the year, concluding with extended residencies with the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
About the Silk Road Project
The Silk Road Project is a not-for-profit arts organization founded in 1998 by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who serves as its artistic director, and led by Laura Freid, executive director and CEO. The Project has a vision of connecting the world’s neighborhoods by bringing together artists and audiences around the globe. Inspired by the cultural traditions of the historic Silk Road, the Silk Road Project is a catalyst promoting innovation and learning through the arts.
The Silk Road Project is affiliated with Harvard University and Rhode Island School of Design. Ford Motor Company is a global corporate partner of the Silk Road Project. Other sponsors include Mikimoto and the U.S. Department of State.
About Yo-Yo Ma
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma is the founder and artistic director of the Silk Road Project. His many-faceted career is a testament to his continual search for new ways to communicate with audiences. One of his goals is to explore music as a means of communication and as a vehicle for the migration of ideas across cultures.
Mr. Ma is an exclusive Sony Classical artist, and his discography of over 75 albums (including more than 15 Grammy winners) reflects his wide-ranging interests. Yo-Yo Ma was born to Chinese parents living in Paris. He began to study the cello with his father at age four and soon after came with his family to New York, where he enrolled in the Juilliard School. He graduated from Harvard University in 1976.
About the Silk Road Ensemble
The Silk Road Ensemble is a collective of musicians interested in exploring the relationship between tradition and innovation in music from the East and West. Each musician’s career illustrates a unique response to what is one of the artistic challenges of our times: nourishing global connections while maintaining the integrity of art rooted in an authentic tradition. Most of the Ensemble musicians first came together at a Silk Road Project workshop at the Tanglewood Music Center in Massachusetts in 2000, under the artistic direction of Yo-Yo Ma. Since then, various combinations of these artists, whose diverse careers encompass and often intermingle Western and non-Western classical, folk and popular music, have performed a variety of programs, both with and without Ma, in Silk Road Project concerts and festivals in Europe, Asia and North America.
Formed to bring new ideas, talent and energy into the world of music as well as to nurture musical and artistic creativity, The Silk Road Ensemble, made up of musicians from around the world, has traveled the globe with as many as 50 members bringing Eastern and Western music together with inspiring results. While the Ensemble is known for its series of interdisciplinary festivals and residencies presented in North America, Europe and Asia, Silk Road Chicago marks the first time that the Silk Road Project has undertaken a year-long partnership in one city. Ford Motor Company is continuing as a Global Corporate Partner to the Silk Road Project as part of its long standing tradition of arts and educational support.
# # #
JANUARY 18-23 AS PART OF SILK ROAD CHICAGO
Contacts: Nick Harkin/Madeline Long
January 4, 2007
Carol Fox & Associates
773.327.3830
nickh@carolfoxassociates.com
Silk Road Ensemble members from around the world will meet in Chicago for a
six-day residency with performances at the Chicago Children’s Museum,
the Art Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University
Yo-Yo Ma to lead “Creating a Life with Music” workshop for music students Jan. 22
CHICAGO – The Silk Road Project, under the direction of world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, offers Chicagoans a rare opportunity to celebrate the music and culture of Persia during a six-day Chicago residency Thursday, Jan. 18 – Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007. With an array of concerts, gallery performances, workshops and special events, this highly-anticipated residency is presented as part of Silk Road Chicago, a yearlong citywide celebration inspired by the art and culture of the regions of the historic Silk Road.
With free performances at the Chicago Children’s Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago’s gallery spaces and a concert at Northwestern University’s Pick-Staiger Hall, the January residency offers the rare opportunity to experience the extraordinary talents of two internationally recognized Iranian musicians — Siamak Aghaei and Siamak Jahangiri. Aghaei, who specializes in the santur, ranks among the very best Iranian classical musicians of his generation. Having played the ney (an end-blown flute) since the age of twelve, Jahangiri has studied with the most eminent ney players and is also a star in the world of Iranian classical music. Other Silk Road Ensemble members scheduled to participate include Jeffrey Beecher, bass; Nicholas Cords, viola; Jonathan Gandelsman, violin; Joseph Gramley, percussion; Ben Haggarty, storyteller; Colin Jacobsen, cello; Shane Shanahan, percussion; Mark Suter, percussion; Kojiro Umezaki, shakuhachi; and Yang Wei, pipa. This residency brings together the talents of world-class artists from six nations across the globe to celebrate and honor the cultural contributions of the Silk Road’s Persian region.
Silk Road Project founder and artistic director Yo-Yo Ma will join Ensemble members to present an exclusive interactive workshop for area music students Monday, Jan. 22, 2007 at the Music Institute of Chicago. (Additional details about the workshop are below.) The Silk Road Project’s January residency is generously supported by Ford Motor Company; this visit to Chicago marks the Silk Road Ensemble’s fourth appearance in the city as part of Silk Road Chicago.
Concerts and Public Performances
The January residency will kick off with a free Silk Road Ensemble family concert in the Great Hall of the Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007 from 6:15 – 7 p.m. This fun, informal concert will feature storytelling and music from the Silk Road in a lively performance designed for children and families. Internationally recognized musicians from Iranian, Japanese and Western traditions will show children how artists from different backgrounds can connect while performing and demonstrating lesser-known instruments.
The Silk Road Ensemble will present gallery performances, free with museum admission, in the Silk Road exhibit spaces at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Sunday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ensemble members will perform throughout the galleries, linking visual works and sound in a unique and captivating multi-sensory interaction.
The Ensemble will also perform at Northwestern University’s Pick-Staiger Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, at the final concert of the Winter Chamber Music Festival Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007 at 8 p.m. Included in the concert are such selections as “Arabian Waltz” by Abou-Khalie and “Ney Nara” by Iranian composer Hossein Ali-Zadeh. Featuring internationally renowned musicians hailing from Iranian and Japanese traditions, as well as from Western backgrounds, the Silk Road Ensemble will present the second half of a concert of works that celebrate diverse heritages and intercultural connections. Tickets range from $10 – $22. For more information or to reserve tickets, call 847.467.4000 or visit www.pickstaiger.com.
“Creating a Life with Music” Workshop
Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble will lead a special “Creating a Life with Music” workshop entitled Entering into Tradition: Bridging the Foreign and Familiar Monday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston. The second in a series of four intensive sessions for students from Chicago music schools, this workshop intertwines music from the past and present, as well as from diverse regions throughout the world, giving students new insights into non-Western musical traditions.
Driven by the diverse experiences of celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma and members of the Silk Road Ensemble, as well as of the workshop participants, “Creating a Life with Music” workshops engage participants in an investigation of what it means to be a musician in today’s global culture.
About Silk Road Chicago
Silk Road Chicago (www.silkroadchicago.org) is a unique collaborative effort between the Silk Road Project, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Chicago Office of Tourism, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC). From June 2006 to June 2007, Chicago is being transformed through performances, exhibitions, demonstrations and events that explore cross-cultural discovery and celebrate the artistic legacy of the Silk Road. With this initiative, Chicago becomes the first city in the world to collaborate in a year-long partnership with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Project. Silk Road Chicago was initiated by Yo-Yo Ma, who dreamed of bringing the historic Silk Road, the ancient network of trading routes that connected the people and traditions of Asia with those of Europe, and the ideas it represents to life in one of the most diverse cities in the world. Inspired by this transmission of ideas and its modern-day manifestations, cultural organizations across Chicago are joining together as never before to offer a wide array of special concerts, exhibitions and other artistic programming exploring the themes of Silk Road Chicago.
The Silk Road Project’s contributions to Silk Road Chicago include performances, master classes, workshops and educational programs featuring Ma and other Silk Road Ensemble members. Events will be presented in Chicago schools, universities and cultural institutions throughout the year, concluding with extended residencies with the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
About the Silk Road Project
The Silk Road Project is a not-for-profit arts organization founded in 1998 by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who serves as its artistic director, and led by Laura Freid, executive director and CEO. The Project has a vision of connecting the world’s neighborhoods by bringing together artists and audiences around the globe. Inspired by the cultural traditions of the historic Silk Road, the Silk Road Project is a catalyst promoting innovation and learning through the arts.
The Silk Road Project is affiliated with Harvard University and Rhode Island School of Design. Ford Motor Company is a global corporate partner of the Silk Road Project. Other sponsors include Mikimoto and the U.S. Department of State.
About Yo-Yo Ma
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma is the founder and artistic director of the Silk Road Project. His many-faceted career is a testament to his continual search for new ways to communicate with audiences. One of his goals is to explore music as a means of communication and as a vehicle for the migration of ideas across cultures.
Mr. Ma is an exclusive Sony Classical artist, and his discography of over 75 albums (including more than 15 Grammy winners) reflects his wide-ranging interests. Yo-Yo Ma was born to Chinese parents living in Paris. He began to study the cello with his father at age four and soon after came with his family to New York, where he enrolled in the Juilliard School. He graduated from Harvard University in 1976.
About the Silk Road Ensemble
The Silk Road Ensemble is a collective of musicians interested in exploring the relationship between tradition and innovation in music from the East and West. Each musician’s career illustrates a unique response to what is one of the artistic challenges of our times: nourishing global connections while maintaining the integrity of art rooted in an authentic tradition. Most of the Ensemble musicians first came together at a Silk Road Project workshop at the Tanglewood Music Center in Massachusetts in 2000, under the artistic direction of Yo-Yo Ma. Since then, various combinations of these artists, whose diverse careers encompass and often intermingle Western and non-Western classical, folk and popular music, have performed a variety of programs, both with and without Ma, in Silk Road Project concerts and festivals in Europe, Asia and North America.
Formed to bring new ideas, talent and energy into the world of music as well as to nurture musical and artistic creativity, The Silk Road Ensemble, made up of musicians from around the world, has traveled the globe with as many as 50 members bringing Eastern and Western music together with inspiring results. While the Ensemble is known for its series of interdisciplinary festivals and residencies presented in North America, Europe and Asia, Silk Road Chicago marks the first time that the Silk Road Project has undertaken a year-long partnership in one city. Ford Motor Company is continuing as a Global Corporate Partner to the Silk Road Project as part of its long standing tradition of arts and educational support.
# # #
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Op-Ed: Why Israel favors cease fire with Palestinians, By Mohammed Mar'i, Ramallah
Why Israel favors Cease fire with Palestinians
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Permission granted to republish with full attribution to the author. You are also encouraged to pay a fee to the author.)
(Arab American Media Services/Ramallah, Palestine) -- The cease-fire (Hudna) between Israel and the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip went into effect on November 26, 2006. The Palestinian factions agreed to halt all rocket fire from the Caza Strip against Israel while Israel agreed to halt military operations and withdraw from Palestinian territories. It is the first time that Israel agrees bilaterally to stop all military operations against the Palestinians since the April Understandings between Lebanon and Israel in 1996 after the Operation Grapes of Wrath which led to Qana Massacre leaving 118 dead Lebanese civilians.
The Hudna came after months of Israeli military operations in Gaza Strip following the kidnapping of Corporal Gilad Shalit by Palestinian military wings. The Israeli "Operation Summer Rains" lift more than 400 Palestinian deaths.
Last week, according to the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) the Palestinians fired 40 rockets. The rocket attacks were carried out by members of Islamic Jihad, an organization which opposes participation in the cease-fire, in response to the killing of two Islamic Jihad militants near Jenin. The renewal of homemade rocket attacks from Gaza Strip against Israel raised the question to what extent the Hudna is in favor of Israel.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the visiting Prime Minister of Norway Jens Stoltenberg, Olmert said that "for a number of weeks now I have used my authority in order to prevent a response to the continued Qassam rocket attacks, but it is clear that it is impossible to ignore this for long, so long as the Palestinians continue to shoot."
Notwithstanding the continuous Palestinian violations in the form of Qassam rocket attacks, "the cease-fire provides more calm than without it," a senior Israel political source said. Olmert is keen to stress that Israel should not be the one that announces an end to the cease-fire and that the cease-fire is also important for Israel diplomatically, the source added.
It would seem that so long as the homemade rocket attacks result in no injuries, Israel will continue its policy of relative restraint.
This is a particularly relevant point in view of the infighting that has prevailed in the Gaza Strip during the past week. Israel may choose to adhere to its commitment to the cease-fire precisely because it wants to avoid being blamed for intervening in an internal Palestinian conflict.
But Israel has other real reasons behind the recent restraint in the face of ongoing rocket attacks by Palestinian factions rather than Israel's interest in securing international backing in case the government decides a large-scale operation in Gaza following a multi-casualty attack by Palestinian factions on Israeli southern residents so the (IOF) can act under massive pressure from the public, or a recognition of the fact that the (IOF) has no effective solution to stop the rockets fire.
It turns out that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is practicing restraint primarily because he wants to give Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a chance to undertake the decisive and dangerous process that he kick-started last week. The process intended to remove control of the territories from Hamas hands and hand it over to Fatah by calling for early elections.
It's reasonable to assume that this is a strategic move, coordinated in advance with Abbas and his supporters, and thus, this is most likely why Olmert was so quick to approve a ceasefire a few weeks back.
Besides Israel has an estimation that renewed (IOF) operations in Gaza would cause the warring Palestinian factions to unite against Israel, and Abbas, who in such a situation, would have to postpone the disbandment of the government, refrain from setting a new date for the early elections and, thus, lose an opportunity of getting rid of, or at least weakening, the Hamas government.
Moreover Olmert doesn't want to give Abbas an excuse to get down from the high ladder he climbed on when he decided to go head-to-head with Hamas. The prime minister decided to bet on the Palestinian president and risk the potentially high price of restraint.
Another reason for Israeli restraint is an estimation that renewing army operations in the Gaza Strip will lead to a 100 percent increase in rocket attacks leaving the Israeli government no choice but to order the (IOF) to launch a large-scale operation in Gaza. The (IOF) however is split over operating in Gaza which is a high densely populated area and is not convinced that a large-scale operation would hamper the capability of Palestinian military wings to fire rockets at Israel. Although large-scale operation should give a fundamental and long-term answer to arms smuggling into Gaza, the problem is Gilad Shalit. By all judgments, Shalit is being held in the southern Gaza Strip where the (IOF) would have to operate. A large-scale operation will almost certainly stymie his release and even put his life in danger. In this case the Hudna with Palestinians is a solution despite the issue of weapons smuggling from Egypt.
It should be noted that Israel can bring about an almost complete cessation of rocket fire in Gaza if it agrees to Hamas and Islamic Jihad demands to stop assassinations of their activists and to stop its operations, not only in Gaza Strip but also in the West Bank, since most rocket fire is a response to such assassinations. Searching pretext to pressure the Palestinians, perhaps this is the reason why Israel didn't agree to implement the Hudna in the West Bank: once it assassinate an activist in the West Bank the response comes from Gaza strip
Israel didn't accept this condition fearing that not operating against Palestinian activists in the West Bank will lead to "terror" attacks within Israeli territory – attacks that will cause many casualties as was the case in the beginning of the intifada.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah.)
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Permission granted to republish with full attribution to the author. You are also encouraged to pay a fee to the author.)
(Arab American Media Services/Ramallah, Palestine) -- The cease-fire (Hudna) between Israel and the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip went into effect on November 26, 2006. The Palestinian factions agreed to halt all rocket fire from the Caza Strip against Israel while Israel agreed to halt military operations and withdraw from Palestinian territories. It is the first time that Israel agrees bilaterally to stop all military operations against the Palestinians since the April Understandings between Lebanon and Israel in 1996 after the Operation Grapes of Wrath which led to Qana Massacre leaving 118 dead Lebanese civilians.
The Hudna came after months of Israeli military operations in Gaza Strip following the kidnapping of Corporal Gilad Shalit by Palestinian military wings. The Israeli "Operation Summer Rains" lift more than 400 Palestinian deaths.
Last week, according to the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) the Palestinians fired 40 rockets. The rocket attacks were carried out by members of Islamic Jihad, an organization which opposes participation in the cease-fire, in response to the killing of two Islamic Jihad militants near Jenin. The renewal of homemade rocket attacks from Gaza Strip against Israel raised the question to what extent the Hudna is in favor of Israel.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the visiting Prime Minister of Norway Jens Stoltenberg, Olmert said that "for a number of weeks now I have used my authority in order to prevent a response to the continued Qassam rocket attacks, but it is clear that it is impossible to ignore this for long, so long as the Palestinians continue to shoot."
Notwithstanding the continuous Palestinian violations in the form of Qassam rocket attacks, "the cease-fire provides more calm than without it," a senior Israel political source said. Olmert is keen to stress that Israel should not be the one that announces an end to the cease-fire and that the cease-fire is also important for Israel diplomatically, the source added.
It would seem that so long as the homemade rocket attacks result in no injuries, Israel will continue its policy of relative restraint.
This is a particularly relevant point in view of the infighting that has prevailed in the Gaza Strip during the past week. Israel may choose to adhere to its commitment to the cease-fire precisely because it wants to avoid being blamed for intervening in an internal Palestinian conflict.
But Israel has other real reasons behind the recent restraint in the face of ongoing rocket attacks by Palestinian factions rather than Israel's interest in securing international backing in case the government decides a large-scale operation in Gaza following a multi-casualty attack by Palestinian factions on Israeli southern residents so the (IOF) can act under massive pressure from the public, or a recognition of the fact that the (IOF) has no effective solution to stop the rockets fire.
It turns out that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is practicing restraint primarily because he wants to give Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a chance to undertake the decisive and dangerous process that he kick-started last week. The process intended to remove control of the territories from Hamas hands and hand it over to Fatah by calling for early elections.
It's reasonable to assume that this is a strategic move, coordinated in advance with Abbas and his supporters, and thus, this is most likely why Olmert was so quick to approve a ceasefire a few weeks back.
Besides Israel has an estimation that renewed (IOF) operations in Gaza would cause the warring Palestinian factions to unite against Israel, and Abbas, who in such a situation, would have to postpone the disbandment of the government, refrain from setting a new date for the early elections and, thus, lose an opportunity of getting rid of, or at least weakening, the Hamas government.
Moreover Olmert doesn't want to give Abbas an excuse to get down from the high ladder he climbed on when he decided to go head-to-head with Hamas. The prime minister decided to bet on the Palestinian president and risk the potentially high price of restraint.
Another reason for Israeli restraint is an estimation that renewing army operations in the Gaza Strip will lead to a 100 percent increase in rocket attacks leaving the Israeli government no choice but to order the (IOF) to launch a large-scale operation in Gaza. The (IOF) however is split over operating in Gaza which is a high densely populated area and is not convinced that a large-scale operation would hamper the capability of Palestinian military wings to fire rockets at Israel. Although large-scale operation should give a fundamental and long-term answer to arms smuggling into Gaza, the problem is Gilad Shalit. By all judgments, Shalit is being held in the southern Gaza Strip where the (IOF) would have to operate. A large-scale operation will almost certainly stymie his release and even put his life in danger. In this case the Hudna with Palestinians is a solution despite the issue of weapons smuggling from Egypt.
It should be noted that Israel can bring about an almost complete cessation of rocket fire in Gaza if it agrees to Hamas and Islamic Jihad demands to stop assassinations of their activists and to stop its operations, not only in Gaza Strip but also in the West Bank, since most rocket fire is a response to such assassinations. Searching pretext to pressure the Palestinians, perhaps this is the reason why Israel didn't agree to implement the Hudna in the West Bank: once it assassinate an activist in the West Bank the response comes from Gaza strip
Israel didn't accept this condition fearing that not operating against Palestinian activists in the West Bank will lead to "terror" attacks within Israeli territory – attacks that will cause many casualties as was the case in the beginning of the intifada.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah.)
Op-Ed: Is Abbas-Olmert meeting more than PR? By Mohammed Mar'i, Ramallah
Is Abbas-Olmert meeting more than public relations?
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Permission granted to republish in full. You may also donate a writing fee to the author.)
(Arab AMerican Media Services/Ramllah, Palestine) -- After many months of preparation between senior Israeli and Palestinian aids, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minster Ehud Olmert finally held a meeting.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert insisted on leaving his official residence to welcome President Mahmoud Abbas and his convoy with kisses on cheeks. "It is my pleasure to welcome you, Mr. President," said Olmert to Abbas.
Olmert introduced his wife Aliza, who is an artist known for her dovish views, to Abbas and the Palestinian officials.
The Palestinians were surprised to find the Palestinian flag and the Israeli flag standing side by side in the PM's driveway. The two flags were found together on the table inside the house as well. This is the first time that Palestinian flags were waved inside any official Israeli institution, not to mention the prime minister's residence.
Olmert's men explained that the warm welcome and the Palestinian flags being raised alongside the Israeli flags were meant to prove that there is no patronization on the Israelis' part, and that they were negotiating with Abbas because they truly believe he wants peace and they hope to make him a real partner. In the past, Olmert described Abbas as a weak leader, and Israeli minister Tzipi Livni considered him irrelevant to the peace process.
"Abu Mazen," said Olmert's men, "was welcomed at the prime minister's residence just as any other head of state would be". But apart from the hosting generosity the Israelis show towards their Palestinian guests, with what results the Palestinians went back to Ramallh? Did Olmert agree to a series of concessions to help bolster the PA chairman? Did President Abbas receive dramatic concessions from Olmert or promises to reactivate some committees? Did Olmert reject the key Palestinian demands announced by Abbas?
Olmert has agreed to unfreeze $100 million from the Palestinian National Authority tax revenues to be used for humanitarian purposes and after the establishment of a mechanism to ensure the money is used for the purposes intended by Abbas, and does not end up in the hands of the ruling Islamic militant group Hamas, Olmert also agreed to remove several West Bank checkpoints, and reexamine security procedures at the Karni commercial crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip, in order to facilitate to movement of goods into Gaza, Olmert promised to meet a quota of 400 trucks moving through the main cargo crossing between Gaza and Israel.
Israel has also agreed in principle to allow Egypt to provide Abbas' security forces with weapons as well as allow the PLO's Badr Brigade to enter the territories. The brigade is currently stationed in Jordan.
But the two leaders failed to reach agreement on key issues - a prisoner swap and to extend the cease fire to the West Bank. Regarding the issue of prisoners which is a high superiority to the Palestinian society, the two sides reactivate a committee to decide the criteria for those who will be released and when. It known for the Palestinians that Olmert can't agree on genuine prisoners deal including those with "blood on their hands" without the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit taking into consideration that Israel launched its military operation "summer Rain" to get him back. The extension of cease fire to the West Bank will achieved before Abbas secures calm in Gaza; to stop the home-made rockets "Qassams".
Accordingly it's hard to understand what Abbas expected to gain by the summit with Olmert since he can't deliver the two things that Israel wants most: a serious undertaking to stop firing "Qassam" rockets and the release of Shalit. Abbas knows also that Olmert might want to bolster him by a few concessions especially a release of Palestinian prisoners, but he knows that the Israeli public will not tolerate this generosity after a summer of costly operations in Lebanon and Gaza. Abbas knows that there will not be a revival of Olmert's "convergence" plan for further withdrawals in the West Bank. Abbas knows that his photo being kissed twice on each cheek by Olmert will not easily replace the photos of Prime Minister Ismail Honeyed with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and with President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad. Abbas Knows that the preconditioned unfreeze of $ 100 million will not be welcomed by the Palestinians as the $ 120 million donated by Iran to Hamas led government. Abbas knows that the absence of concrete achievements from the meeting will embarrass him in his internal crisis. He knows that Hamas, which holds Shalit, will not agree to any concessions in the Shalit deal especially the criteria and names of the Palestinian prisoners to be released. He knows that a cease fire in Gaza will not be achieved without full cooperation of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. He knows that ending of the deportees and wanted fighters files can't be solved without calm in the West Bank.
Many Palestinians questioned the reason behind Abbas acceptance to participate in the meeting.
Taking into consideration that Olmert has no interest in advancing the peace process, and that Abbas can't deliver a unified Palestinian understanding regarding the cease fire and Shalit deal, it seems that the meeting is no more than a public relations one. Under the pressure of US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minster Tony Blair, Abbas participated in the meeting to show moderate leaders in the region and to distance himself from Hamas. Bush and Blair want optimistic pictures rather than those of Iraq and Iran and they got it from the meeting.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah)
By Mohammed Mar'i
(Permission granted to republish in full. You may also donate a writing fee to the author.)
(Arab AMerican Media Services/Ramllah, Palestine) -- After many months of preparation between senior Israeli and Palestinian aids, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minster Ehud Olmert finally held a meeting.
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert insisted on leaving his official residence to welcome President Mahmoud Abbas and his convoy with kisses on cheeks. "It is my pleasure to welcome you, Mr. President," said Olmert to Abbas.
Olmert introduced his wife Aliza, who is an artist known for her dovish views, to Abbas and the Palestinian officials.
The Palestinians were surprised to find the Palestinian flag and the Israeli flag standing side by side in the PM's driveway. The two flags were found together on the table inside the house as well. This is the first time that Palestinian flags were waved inside any official Israeli institution, not to mention the prime minister's residence.
Olmert's men explained that the warm welcome and the Palestinian flags being raised alongside the Israeli flags were meant to prove that there is no patronization on the Israelis' part, and that they were negotiating with Abbas because they truly believe he wants peace and they hope to make him a real partner. In the past, Olmert described Abbas as a weak leader, and Israeli minister Tzipi Livni considered him irrelevant to the peace process.
"Abu Mazen," said Olmert's men, "was welcomed at the prime minister's residence just as any other head of state would be". But apart from the hosting generosity the Israelis show towards their Palestinian guests, with what results the Palestinians went back to Ramallh? Did Olmert agree to a series of concessions to help bolster the PA chairman? Did President Abbas receive dramatic concessions from Olmert or promises to reactivate some committees? Did Olmert reject the key Palestinian demands announced by Abbas?
Olmert has agreed to unfreeze $100 million from the Palestinian National Authority tax revenues to be used for humanitarian purposes and after the establishment of a mechanism to ensure the money is used for the purposes intended by Abbas, and does not end up in the hands of the ruling Islamic militant group Hamas, Olmert also agreed to remove several West Bank checkpoints, and reexamine security procedures at the Karni commercial crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip, in order to facilitate to movement of goods into Gaza, Olmert promised to meet a quota of 400 trucks moving through the main cargo crossing between Gaza and Israel.
Israel has also agreed in principle to allow Egypt to provide Abbas' security forces with weapons as well as allow the PLO's Badr Brigade to enter the territories. The brigade is currently stationed in Jordan.
But the two leaders failed to reach agreement on key issues - a prisoner swap and to extend the cease fire to the West Bank. Regarding the issue of prisoners which is a high superiority to the Palestinian society, the two sides reactivate a committee to decide the criteria for those who will be released and when. It known for the Palestinians that Olmert can't agree on genuine prisoners deal including those with "blood on their hands" without the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit taking into consideration that Israel launched its military operation "summer Rain" to get him back. The extension of cease fire to the West Bank will achieved before Abbas secures calm in Gaza; to stop the home-made rockets "Qassams".
Accordingly it's hard to understand what Abbas expected to gain by the summit with Olmert since he can't deliver the two things that Israel wants most: a serious undertaking to stop firing "Qassam" rockets and the release of Shalit. Abbas knows also that Olmert might want to bolster him by a few concessions especially a release of Palestinian prisoners, but he knows that the Israeli public will not tolerate this generosity after a summer of costly operations in Lebanon and Gaza. Abbas knows that there will not be a revival of Olmert's "convergence" plan for further withdrawals in the West Bank. Abbas knows that his photo being kissed twice on each cheek by Olmert will not easily replace the photos of Prime Minister Ismail Honeyed with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and with President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad. Abbas Knows that the preconditioned unfreeze of $ 100 million will not be welcomed by the Palestinians as the $ 120 million donated by Iran to Hamas led government. Abbas knows that the absence of concrete achievements from the meeting will embarrass him in his internal crisis. He knows that Hamas, which holds Shalit, will not agree to any concessions in the Shalit deal especially the criteria and names of the Palestinian prisoners to be released. He knows that a cease fire in Gaza will not be achieved without full cooperation of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. He knows that ending of the deportees and wanted fighters files can't be solved without calm in the West Bank.
Many Palestinians questioned the reason behind Abbas acceptance to participate in the meeting.
Taking into consideration that Olmert has no interest in advancing the peace process, and that Abbas can't deliver a unified Palestinian understanding regarding the cease fire and Shalit deal, it seems that the meeting is no more than a public relations one. Under the pressure of US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minster Tony Blair, Abbas participated in the meeting to show moderate leaders in the region and to distance himself from Hamas. Bush and Blair want optimistic pictures rather than those of Iraq and Iran and they got it from the meeting.
(Mohammed Mar'i is a Palestinian journalist based in Ramallah)
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