Palestinians-Israelis at Haifa University study impact of Wall -- highlight tensions in Israel between Jewish and non-Jewish citizens

At Haifa University: Study day on separation walls between Arabs and Jews in Israel
'Separation Walls between Arabs and Jews in Israel' was the conference held on Sunday, June 4 at Haifa University, organised by the Arab Association for Human Rights (HRA) and the Jewish-Arab Centre for Middle Eastern studies at Haifa University.

The study day dealt with the political, legal and psychological aspects of the separation walls between Arab and Jewish communities in three mixed cities and neighbourhoods in Israel and their impacts on all aspects of an Arab citizen's life.
The study day was opened with words from Professor Arye Rattner, Dean of Social Sciences at Haifa University and from the Chairman of the HRA, Adv. Salim Wakeem.
Adv. Wakeem spoke about the HRA's activities and emphasised the importance of cooperation between NGOs and academia. Dan Bavly, Chairman of the Board at the Jewish-Arab Centre, Dr. Rassem Khamaisi, a lecturer from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Haifa University, Hermann Bünz, Director of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in Israel, all offered welcoming remarks. Finally, Dr. Faisal Azaiza spoke, emphasising the importance of open public discussion on such issues, and its particular relevance to academia.


The first session of the conference was 'Walls and their Legal and Psychological Ramifications', and also involved the participants analysing the walls in geographical and political contexts. Discussion brought forth how the phenomenon of wall construction between Arab and Jewish towns is on the rise, and how through local Jewish planning institutions, walls are constructed without Arab representation in the decision-making process.


The HRA's Director, Mohammad Zeidan, reviewed the separation walls in three areas in Israel – Lid, Ramleh, and between Jisr al-Zarqa and Qesariya, which were addressed in the Behind the Walls report published in December 2005, while also elaborating on the violations of human rights and the rights of the citizen. He said, "The Jewish majority sees the minority as a threat and as an unwelcome people. The danger here is that in some cases the building of the walls was a government initiative – in making the decision and funding the construction. This, if not stopped, will be governmental policy in dealing with the Palestinian minority in the country". Zeidan also added that the walls' construction would increase the feeling of discrimination based on ethnicity and will impose separation on the ground. He stressed that building walls does not solve problems but only accentuate them.


Dr Yusuf Jabareen, from the Faculty of Law at the universities of Haifa and Tel Aviv, analysed the recent court decision on separation wall construction within Israel. He said, "The walls separate between Jews and Arabs and are therefore racial walls. They are forced by the strong side on the weak one. This leads to the violation of the rights of the minority. And there is a clear message in this – 'We don't want you; we here, you there'."


Mouna Karkabi, from the Department of Psychology at Haifa University, said there was a lot of psychological damage on Arab citizens as a result of the wall's construction, effecting crucial decisions in an Arab citizen's life – his educational and career choices, as well his place of residence.


The second session, chaired by Dr Deborah Shmueli from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Haifa University, was 'Separation Walls from Theory to Reality: Environmental Aspects'. Professor Nurit Kliot, also from the same department, Dr Tobi Fenster, from the Department of Geography at Tel Aviv University, and Dr. Rassem Khamaisi all participated in this session. Dr. Khamaisi reviewed the impacts of the separation walls in the public sphere from the technical and planning aspects.


The final session was the 'Round Table: Separation or Cooperation in the Shadow of the Walls' headed by Hussein Abu Hussein, Board Member of the HRA. Sheikh Murad 'Ammash, head of the Jisr al-Zarqa municipality, testified to the negative effects on his community and that of neighbouring Qesariya as a result of the earth embankment, and how it would affect the neighbourhood's future economical development and construction. MK 'Abbas Zakour offered his personal perspective on the current status of relations between Arabs and Jews in the country, with special focus on his home town, the mixed city of 'Akka. He reiterated that the idea of building separation walls would only increase the discrimination and tension between Arabs and Jews. Dr. Edy Kaufman, from the Centre for International Development and Conflict Management, University of Maryland, spoke about similar situations of separation in the world and called to oppose or struggle against the idea of separation on national background.


The comments made by Professor Arnon Sofer, from the Geography Department at Haifa University, whose take on the Arab minority in Israel is well known, made for a lively discussion throughout the conference. The participation of the speakers and the public made for a particularly engaging study day that helped introduce the issue of separation walls to academia and helped foster new ideas on the same.


For further information, please contact us directly:
Mohammad Zeidan, Director
Arab Association for Human Rights (HRA)

PO Box 215, Nazareth 16101, Israel
Telephone: +972 (0)4 6561923
Fax: +972 (0)4 6564934
Email: mzeidan@arabhra.org; hra1@arabhra.org

Israeli violations of Palestinian Rights continues, DAIR Report

Israeli violations of Palestinian Rights, May 2006
Report of the Palestine Liberation Organization
Report of the Department of Arab and International Relations (DAIR)

The Palestinian National Dialogue

On the 25th May, the Palestinian National dialogue launched its sessions in Gaza and Ramallah at the same time, with the intention to reach a formula that might help the Palestinian people to find a way out of the current catastrophic situation. The dialogue that included all Palestinian political identities is hoped to save the Palestinian people and their national project that are now facing the most vicious Israeli imposed unilateral on ground steps.

The national reconciliation paper proposed by leaders of the major Palestinian groups in the Israeli jails forms the bases for the ongoing dialogue as it initiates a comprehensive political vision that acceptable by most parties.

In his speech before the meeting, President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed that the meeting had to conclude their sessions and consultations within ten days - according to his words, "time is running very fast and we don't have the luxury of going on talking indefinitely". He warned that the Israeli side is investing every minute to impose their unilateral plans – that would destroy all hopes to establish an independent viable Palestinian state within the 1967 territories.

A genuine applicable national dialogue would no doubt lead to national unity and to the establishment of a strong protective shield to the Palestinians and their national project in the foundation of their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. This sacred goal required high standard of responsibility from the different parties involved, and a true well from their part to put the general and national concerns on top of the specific and individual interests of each of them, and most of all it need a firm stand against those who would take their differences and disputes out to the streets.

The dialogue must come to an agreement between the parties as soon as possible. Points of agreement should take into consideration the highest Palestinian national interests and aspirations in freedom and independence.

The clock works against us, and we demand a prompt
clear and specific dialogue away from sophistications, complexities and superiorities.

-Summary of the Israeli violations against Palestinian Human rights (May 2006)
-By the time that the Palestinians are almost facing a starvation due to the Israeli and the International society siege imposed on them; the IOF expanded its military invasions to the Occupied Palestinian territories and committed more war crimes.

-During May 2006, the IOF continued its incursions against the Palestinian areas:

*44 Palestinians, including 2 children, 12 of the victims were extra-judicially executed by IOF;
*134 Palestinian civilians, 5 members of the International Solidarity movement(ISM) and 5 journalists were injured by IOF;

*229 Palestinian civilians were arrested by IOF;
*10 Palestinian houses were evacuated and transformed by IOF into military sites.
*1 house was demolished by IOF;
*55 olive & fig trees were uprooted;
*7 dunums were expropriated to construct the Apartheid Segregation Wall;

-During the period between 29/9/2000 and 31/5/2006, the IOF killed 4087 Palestinians; 792 of the martyrs were children, 273 were women, 348 were members of the Palestinian National Forces, 415 were assassinated in cold blood, 138 of the martyrs were ill and passed away on Israeli Military checkpoints, 58 were killed by Jewish settlers, 6 were foreign volunteers from the ISM, 9 of the martyrs were journalists and 220 are athletes.

-During the same period, 36,060 Palestinians were injured, 7500 were children and young men who were left with permanent disabilities. 40,000 Palestinians were detained Palestinians, 9400 are still in the Israeli jails. Total number of the affected Palestinian houses is 65,443; 7,682 of which were demolished leaving thousands of the Palestinian citizens with no shelter.

-Agricultural Substance is the main resource of living for the Palestinians; but the Israeli measurements affected it severely; by uprooting, burning and sweeping away more than a million tree. Since 29/3/2003, the IOF have expropriated more than 295,542 dunums; to construct new settlements, expand the old ones and build the Apartheid Segregation Wall.

-The IOF enhanced its policy of closures and checkpoints preventing the Palestinian workers from the movement between the Palestinian areas and the access to their jobs; due to this the unemployment Palestinians number increased to 272,000 and poverty is estimated to be extended to 72% of the Palestinian society.
**
1- Assassination in Cold Blood:

1/5/2006: The IOF killed the 41-years old female Palestinian civilian 'Itaf Azzalat, , in the city of Tulkarem and wounded her two daughters (Ahlam & Ansam Yossef).

4/5/2006: The IOF killed Mohammed Abu Mouhsen, 40-years old, from the city of Tubas; Abu Mouhsen was driving his taxi in the area of Wadi Al-Bathan checkpoint, along Nablus- Tubas main road.

5/5/2006: The Israeli army killed Mohammed Mustafa al Qutub in the city of
Nablus.

5/5/2006: The IOF extra-judicially killed 5 Palestinian civilians in an air raid to Rafah: Jum’ah Dughmush, Mahmoud Dughmush, Hamadeh Dughmush, Saeb Dughmush and Khaled Deeb Wakid.

7/5/2006: An Israeli tank shell hit the area where Hassan Al-Shafi'ee, 55-years old, and Mosa Sawarkeh, 60-years old, were planting the land; the both Palestinian were instantly killed.

12/5/2006: The IOF killed Raed Tubeileh, 28-years old, from the city of Nablus; Tubeileh was seriously wounded and evacuated by an ambulance but the IOF prevented the ambulance from continuing its way towards the hospital till the injured man died.

15/5/2006: During a raid into Qabatya village, southeast of Jenin, the IOF killed : Elias Khairi Mohammed al-Ashqar, 26-year-old, Mo’tassem ‘Ali Baheej Ja’ar, 25-year-old, Tha’er Subhi Sadiq Hanaisha, 23-year-old, and his 21-year-old brother Mujahed and Jihad Kameel, 21-year-old. Ali Jabareen, 22-year-old, was shot dead, while he was on duty guarding the headquarters of the Palestinian General Intelligence Services,by the IOF inside the city of Jenin.

17/5/2006: During an IOF raid to the city of Nablus, the IOF killed Othman Sadakah, 26-year-old, and Mustafa Abdul Ghani, 22-year-old.

17/5/2006: The 73-year-old man, Mushref Al-Mubaslat, died of a heart attack in the city of Nablus; Al-Mubaslat was unable to reach the hospital because of the severe restrictions on movement the IOF is being imposing in the city.

20/5/2006: An IOF aircraft launched its missiles at a civilian car that was traveling in the city of Gaza. The Palestinian civilian Mohammed Al-Dahdouh ,25-year-old, who had been traveling in the car was instantly killed; another civilian car was hit causing the death of the grandmother Na'iemeh Amin, 50-year-old, the daughter Hanan Amin, 25-year-old,and her grandson Mohannad Amin, 5-year-old.

21/5/2006: The IOF killed Aysheh Abu Emsallam, 48-year-old, in Balata refugee camp /Nablus; Abu Emsallah was shot dead while looking outside of her house window.

23/5/2006: The IOF soldiers at Al-Sheikh Sa'ed checkpoint /Occupied Jerusalem beat to death the 51-year-old man Ahmed Mohesein from Abu Deis.

24/5/2006: The IOF invaded of Ramallah the killing 3 civilians and 1 Palestinian security officer: Aysar Jameel Abu ‘Arrah, a Palestinian National Security officer, Meelad ‘Atallah Abu Al- ‘Arayes, 20-year-old, Khaled Ja’far Yassin, 22-year-old, and Ghaleb Rabah; another 57 Palestinian civilians were injured.

24/5/2006: The Palestinian farmer Omer Abu Radeh, 43-year-old, was killed by an Israeli tank shell while working in his farm in Jabalia Refugee Camp /Gaza.

25/5/2006: Ala' Hujeir, 20-year-old, died of sustained wound; the IOF wounded Hujeir in April 2006.

25/5/2006: An Israeli tank shell hit Al-Kasim family house in Beit Lahia /Gaza; Mustafa Kasim, 19-year-old, Mohammed Kasim, 18-year-old, and Arafeh Sarandeh, 15-year-old, were instantly killed. Another 7 members of the family were injured.

30/5/2006: The IOF killed Mohammed Matar, 20-year-old, Yousef Al-Ma'zeh, 24-year-old, Abdul Rahman Abu Shanab, 27-year-old, and Sabri Abu Iqleeq, 23-year-old, in Al-Shati' Refugee Camp /Gaza Strip.

30/5/2006: The IOF opened its fire during an invasion to the town of Qabatieh /Jenin; Tareq Zakarneh, 24-year-old, was instantly killed.

30/5/2006: The IOF extra-judicially killed Osamah Al-Namari, 29-year-old, from the town of Anabta /Tulkarem.

30/5/2006: Hani Al-Saqqa, 24-year-old, was killed during an IOF invasion to Balata Refugee Camp /Nablus.
**
2-The Apartheid Segregation Wall (ASW)

1/5/2006: Tens of Palestinian civilians and international and Israeli solidarity activists participated in replanting 200 dunums, the IOA intend to confiscate, in the village of Om Salmoneh /Bethlehem.

4/5/2006: The IOF issued a military order to confiscate 7 dunums of land belonging to the town of Al-Samou' /Hebron to construct a military post.

7/5/2006: The IOF bulldozers uprooted 55 olive and fig trees, which were planted 50 years ago in the village of Rameen /Tulkarem.

7/5/2006: The Israeli Peace Block said: "The ASW is separating between members of the same family; students and teachers and their schools. It is the reason behind closing 3 of the Arab schools; besides transforming the neighborhood of Al-Ram into a big jail that used to be a vital place".

9/5/2006: The settlers of "Ariel" settlement /Nablus freed tens of wild pigs in the area between the city of Salfeet and the village of Iskaka in the West Bank; an attempt to ruin the agricultural crops and expose the Palestinians over there to danger. Another group of the pigs was released in May 16th.

10/5/2006: The settlers of "Rot Yashai" settling post inside the city of Hebron expropriated a dunum of land in Tal Al-Rameedeh area inside the old city of Hebron; the land belong to the Palestinian family "Abu Haikal".

11/5/2006: The IOF swept away 20 dunums from a farm planted with almond and olive trees in the town of Al-Kararah /Khan Younis.

12/5/2006: The IOF wounded Adeeba Suleiman Husni, 60-year-old, by a rubber-coated metal bullet to the head; while chasing the demonstrators who were protesting to the construction of the Wall in Bal'ien village.

12/5/2006: About 500 Palestinian civilians and 60 international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration in Bal’ein village, west of Ramallah, in protest to the construction of the Wall. IOF fired rubber-coated metal bullets, tear gas canisters and sound bombs at the demonstrators. Nine demonstrators and a journalist were wounded; Jamal al-‘Aarouri, 40-year-old, a photographer from the local daily al-Ayyam, was wounded by a rubber coated metal bullet to the hand.

13/5/2006: About 1500 Palestinian civilian and international and Israeli solidarity activists organized a peaceful demonstration near the entrance of Dahiat al-Barid area, north of the occupied Jerusalem, in protest to the construction of the Wall in the area. IOF fired dozens of tear gas canisters at the demonstrators, violently beat a number of them and arrested a number of them.


13/5/2006: SFS burned a fire in Al Qanouni stone quarry near Huwwara checkpoint and burnt a number of barracks therein.
.

17/5/2006: The Israeli newspaper "Ha'aretz" affirmed that the IOF had finished the construction of 336 km of the ASW, 42% of the West Bank; ASW length is about 790 km and extends through the Palestinian Lands.

27/5/2006: SFS burnt 4 trucks belonging to Palestinian citizens from the town of Howara /Nablus; an IOF curfew was imposed on the town.
**
3- Israeli Checkpoints and Barriers:

1/5/2006: The Israeli army had assaulted and beaten Su’ad ‘Ilayyan Al-Madani, 65-year-old, in Al-Karantina neighborhood /Hebron, detained her, and prevented an ambulance from transporting the injured woman to hospital.

2/5/2005: The IOF soldiers positioned at the checkpoints in the Jordan valley are imposing a new regulation that allows certain people from the west bank only to enter the area – the regulation in known by "the ID and place of the original registration", which denies the access of Palestinian civilians and employees from the West Bank to the Jordan Valley.

2/5/2006: The IOF soldiers beat the 12-year-old disable boy Mohammed Karariyeh, in a flying checkpoint on the road between Jenin and Qalqilyeh

2/5/2006: The IOF soldiers detained tens of the Palestinian civilian cars in 'Arabeh valley on Jenin-Nablus road /Jenin; the Palestinians were forced to leave their cars and take off their clothes in order to be searched by the IOF soldiers.

2/5/2006: The IOF continued to close Al-Hamra checkpoint set up on the Jericho-Nablus road, denying civilian access, except for farmers holding Jericho-issued IDs; claiming that it is a military closed area.

8/5/2006: The IOF tightened its siege around the district of Salfit, set up 4 flying checkpoint on the entrances of the Palestinian villages Jam'een, Bidia and Brokeen; denying civilian access.

8/5/2006: The IOF set up a sudden flying checkpoint on the northern entrance of Tubas city /Jenin, stopped and searched the Palestinians civilian cars and detained the Palestinian civilians for many hours.

10/5/2006: The IOF soldiers detained a bus transforming 20 Palestinian children on their way to the kindergarten in the village of Al-Bathan for more than 4 hours.


15/5/2006: The IOF soldiers closed Za'tara checkpoint /Nablus and denied civilian access to the road to Ramallah city.

12/5/2006: The 42-year-old Palestinian Omar Al-Malhi passes away due to a heart attack on Shu'fat's Camp checkpoint /Occupied Jerusalem; the IOF soldiers prevented the ambulance from evacuating Al-Malhi to a hospital in the occupied Jerusalem.
**
4- Arrests and Jails

1/5/2005:Family of the female Palestinian prisoner Itaf E'layan blead to legal institutions International and Local human rights organizations to enforce pressure on the Israeli Government in order to release their daughter Itaf with her 19-month-old baby; Itaf has been detained as an administrative prisoner and the IOF renewed the sentence lately.

2/5/2006: The IOF arrested the 45-year-old Palestinian female Rakiyah Lubadah from the city of Nablus for the fourth time, in an attempt to practice pressure on her wanted son to the IOF in order to handle himself; an Israeli policy that is used always with the mothers of the wanted Palestinians to the IOF.

10/5/2006: The Negev jail administration forced 36 Palestinian prisoners to be searched naked in a humiliated way, claiming that the prisoners obtain prohibited materials.

10/5/2006: More 9000 Palestinian male and female prisoners in the Israeli Jails started a food strike, to protest on the isolation policy the IO jails Authorities are using with many Palestinian prisoners.

16/5/2006: The IOF arrested 760 Palestinian workers inside Israel, claiming that the Palestinians didn't obtain the required permissions to be and work in Israel.
**
5- House Demolition:

3/5/2006: The IOF issued two military orders to demolish a house belonging to Issa Al-Jabareen from the town of Sa'eer /Hebron and an agricultural kiosk belonging to Isma'il Al-Rajabi in Jabal Johar /Hebron.

9/5/2006: The IOA raided the town of Beit Hanina and demolished a 2- storey house belonging to two brothers from Al-Ja'bari family, claiming that it was built without the required license.

10/5/2006: The IOA handed a warning to demolish the house belonging to the Palestinian civilian Ratib Badawi, under the claim that the house was built without an Israeli building permission.

24/5/2006: The IOF bulldozers demolished a 150 meter square building belonging to Abdullah Abbas, a land wall and an under construction kiosk belonging to Mohammed Muheisen from the village of Al-Funduq /Qalqilyeh.

25/5/2006: The IOF demolished a garage for fixing cars and selling cars' parts belonging to Habis and Ayman Al-Alameh in the town of Beit Ommar /Hebron.
**

6- Violations against Education and Health Institutions

2/5/2006: The IOF invaded Beit Sahoor medical centre and the Deer Al-Roum Al-Catholic medical centre in the town of Beit Sahoor /Bethlehem; they ruined some of centers property.

2/5/2006: The IOF bulldozers demolished a part of Howwara Secondary school wall /Nablus, continued to close the dust road in front of the school to put more pressure on the students.

12/5/2006: The IOF soldiers positioned at ‘Atara checkpoint detained for two hours a civilian vehicle transporting Nour ad Din Taleb ‘Arar, an ill 2-month-old child, to Ramallah Public Hospital for medical treatment.

13/5/2006: SFS attacked the Palestinian students in Al-Shuhada' street and Wadi Al-Haseen neighborhood using spoiled eggs and empty glass bottles in the city of Hebron.

13/5/2006: The IOF raided the village of Sur Bahir as well as raided the offices of the Cultural Forum during the launching of a book fair entitled “Supporting Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him”. The IOF also confiscated computers, cassettes, and books from the book fair.

13/5/2006: The IOF raided the village of ‘Anata /Occupied Jerusalem, raided the village’s Girls School, and fired tear gas grenades, injuring 1 female student after a tear gas grenade hit her in the head. The female student was transported to hospital for medical treatment.

27/5/2006: The IOF opened fire towards a Palestinian ambulance transporting to hospital a pregnant female civilian, Najah Al-Sadiq, who was in labour. The Israeli army also forced the ambulance to stop and the Al-Sadeq to step out the ambulance.
**
7-Religious Violations:

7/5/2006: The IOF closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in the Old city of Hebron, prevented the access of the Palestinian worshippers to the Mosque under the claim that the area around the Mosque in a closed military area.

14/5/2006: The IOF prevented Palestinian civilians under 30 years of age from accessing and performing prayers at the Ibrahimi Mosque in the old city of Hebron.

23/5/2006: The IOF invaded Anata Mosque / Occupied Jerusalem, detained and searched the worshippers.
**

8- Press:-

1/5/2006: The IOF soldiers beat the Palestinian journalists Hazem Badir and Abdul Hafeeth Al-Hashlamoon in the city of Hebron.

13/5/2006: The IOF soldiers on Eretz Checkpoint searched a female member of the ISM "Kareen Winger" from Switzerland, naked under the excuse of security reasons.

15/5/2006: The IOF injured the camera man of Associated Press Sameer Abu Al-Rub with a pullet in the back; Abu Al-Rub was covering an IOF invasion to the town of Qabatiyah /Jenin.

16/5/2006: The IOF detained the camera man of the Palestinian press agency "Wafa" Ahman Mizhir while doing his job in the city of Bethlehem.

30/5/2006: The journalist Yahia Al-Madhoun in Al-Shabab radio and the cameraman Mahmoud Al-Mabayed of Ramattan agency for news, were injured during covering the news in Gaza Strip.
**

9- After 58 years from the Palestinian Nakba, The refugee problem is still there

The 15th of May was a special day for the Palestinians in and outside Palestine, they commemorate the catastrophic 1948 war that scattered their lives and forced millions of them to live as refugees all over the region; memorials were held in order for the Palestinian generations "not to forget".

The1948 Palestinian catastrophe coincided with the ending of the British mandate on Palestine and the establishment of the state of Israel on the Palestinian soil. The Israeli state came to light accordingly with the UN resolution no. 181 that divided Palestine into two states- Israel and Palestine; the part of resolution regarding Israel was implemented immediately while the part on the Palestinian state is yet to be realized.

The Palestinian catastrophe is a black mark in the world's modern history; the majority of the Palestinians were expelled from their homeland- leaving their properties behind to scatter as refugees all over the region and to suffer all sorts of abuses and discriminations. Three quarters of Palestine was abducted at that time; 531 Palestinian towns and villages were destroyed and removed from the map, and 85% of the population were driven away and were never allowed back to their homeland.

Number of the Palestinian refugees who were to leave Palestine in 1948 was estimated to about 750,000 persons, and in 1967 another 350,000 Palestinians were made refugees as a result of the Israeli "six days war" launched at the rest of Palestine that came to be known as the occupied West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza strip.

Statistics show that 5.1 million Palestinians are now living outside Palestine; 4.2 millions of them are distributed over 10 UNRWA camps in Syria and Jordan, 12 camps in Lebanon, 8 camps in Gaza strip and another 19 camps in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Several Palestinian, Arab and International rational initiatives were launched during the six past decades to maintain the "right of all" in a dignified life in the area, but none of those initiatives had been interpreted on the ground.

However, the Israeli consecutive governments went on with its war against the Palestinians- without listening or reacting to any of the calls of the International community.

The Palestinians In the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, while commemorating the 1948 Nakba, are still suffering the worst human, political, and social conditions ever been imposed on them.

The figures that appear in this bulletin regarding the Palestinian martyrs, imprisoned, and injured are real although they might sound devastating; the massive abduction and sweeping of the Palestinian houses and fertile lands is another issue that can't be isolated from the Israeli vicious and violent ongoing policy to enlarge the Jewish settlements and to erect the separation wall on the Palestinian soil- regardless of the cost on the Palestinian people and on peace and security in the region.

Editor: Abdul Rasool Tom
Translator: Suha Al-Khatib

END

Arab Media Watch back online after hacker attack

Arab Media Watch is pleased to announce the launch of its new website, several months after a vicious hacking.

It provides our usual services such as media reviews, action alerts, analyses, news, press releases, an events calendar, TV and radio listings, media contacts, quote of the day, tips for media lobbying, forums, polls, a shop etc.

However it is bigger, better and more secure than the previous website, including more country backgrounds, a Palestine Body Count, and lists of AMW's media interactions and events, among other things.

It is also a work in progress, so expect more improvements and additions in the future. AMW owes its success to the efforts and interest of its members. To register, go to:

http://www.arabmediawatch.com/amw/MemberServices
/MyAccount/tabid/54/Default.aspx

Members on our old site will have to re-register. It is free, easy, fast and confidential, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. To find out more about AMW, go to:


http://www.arabmediawatch.com/amw/
AboutUs/tabid/52/Default.aspx

We continued our activities during the hacking period, including regular media interviews, letter-writing and articles. Our highlights included hosting Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa, and conducting a major study into the BBC's coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, at the invitation of the BBC as part of its impartiality review.

Our findings and recommendations closely mirrored those of an independent panel, the Communications Research Centre at Loughborough University, and Israeli international lawyer Noam Lubell - all officially commissioned by the BBC - as well as previous research by Professor Greg Philo of the Glasgow University Media Group. Comparative highlights of each report are at:

http://www.arabmediawatch.com/amw/Articles
/BBCWatch/tabid/133/newsid476/
2580/Comparative-BBC-analysis-
AMW-independent-panel-Loughborough--
Lubell-reports/Default.aspx

Toast to King Tut tour Friday June 9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paul Lee
847.769.2821
Christina Breslow
312.665.7133
The Field Associates of The Field Museum Present
"THE FIELD TRIP: A Toast to Tut"

CHICAGO (April 7, 2006)—On Friday, June 9, The Field Associates of The Field Museum will host their summer event, The Field Trip: A Toast to Tut. The event will showcase Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs.
The exhibition of nearly 130 priceless treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun and other royal tombs opens May 26 and runs through January 1, 2007.
The Field Associates event is inspired by the mysterious wonders of ancient Egypt. Guests will enjoy food and cocktails on the Museum’s northeast terrace, musical entertainment throughout the night by DJ Plez and a jazz trio, and a special raffle. The evening’s highlight will be a private viewing of Tut and the Museum’s permanent exhibition Inside Ancient Egypt. The event begins at 7 pm and ends at 11 pm.
"We're excited to kick off the summer party season with a much anticipated event that will place the treasures of Tut center stage," says Curtis Spears, co-chair for the event.
Tickets are $95 for individual tickets, $85 for Field Associates members, and $800 for a block of 10 tickets. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 1-866-FIELD-03 or online at www.fieldmuseum.org/fieldassociates.
Proceeds from the event benefit the educational programs of The Field Museum including those geared toward student and teacher enrichment, community outreach, and public lectures.
The Field Associates is a membership organization of young professionals of diverse professions and backgrounds with a common interest in exploring the depth of The Field Museum. This dynamic group was established to promote awareness of The Field Museum’s collections, research and public programs, and to encourage involvement through a variety of activities and events.
For more information about The Field Associates of The Field Museum and The Field Trip: A Toast to Tut, please contact Christina Breslow at 312.665.7133.

This is an exhibition from National Geographic. Organized by Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions in association with The Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt and The Field Museum. Tour Sponsor: Northern Trust. Chicago Sponsor: Exelon, Proud Parent of ComEd.
###

Portrait of Syria opens

"LENS ON SYRIA: THIRTY YEARS OF CONTEMPORARY CINEMA" OPENS IN CHICAGO.

New York- After its successful debut at New York's prestigious Lincoln Center (from May 5th-18th 2006), international arts nonprofit ArteEast announced today the the launch of the second station of its North American tour of "Lens on Syrian Cinema: Thirty Years of Contemporary Cinema", at the Gene Siskel Film Center, in Chicago, from June 2nd to 28th, 2006.

The program, titled, "New Stories and Ancient Dreams: The Way to Syrian Cinema," includes four masterworks of Syrian cinema.The series is planned to continue touring at the following institutions: The Canadian Film Institute in Ottawa; The Pacific Cinematheque in Vancouver; The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston; The Pacific Film Archives in Berkley, The San Francisco Arab Film Festival) and The Northwest Film Center in Portland, Oregon.

A complete tour schedule is available at http://www.arteeast.org.

GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER o 164 N. State St. o Chicago, IL

TICKETS: $9 general admission o $7 students o $5 Film Center members.

INFORMATION: 312-846-2800 o


www.siskelfilmcenter.org

DISCOUNTED PARKING: InterPark at 20 E. Randolph, $14 with movie ticket stub, no time limit!ABOUT ARTEEAST

ArteEast is a New York-based international nonprofit organization that supports artists from the Middle East and its diasporas, raising awareness of their most talented and groundbreaking work through public events, exhibits, a dynamic online gallery and a resource-rich website.Since its founding in 2003, ArteEast has brought over 200 feature, short and documentary films; the works of over 40 new visual artists; and 40 filmmakers, artists, actors and critics to the US to discuss their work. ArteEast programs have traveled to a dozen cities in the US and Canada, and are now expanding beyond North America.Visit the ArteEast website at http://www.arteeast.org to learn about our ongoing events, read up on the latest news from the art scene in the Middle East, and access our virtual gallery.MEDIA CONTACTRasha Salti, ArteEast. Mobile: +1 347 448 12 91.

==================

ArteEast490 Third Street, #2Brooklyn, NY 11215Tel & Fax: 718 832 6564Email: info@arteeast.orgwww.arteeast.org

Congress votes to support violence and end peace process in Middle East

Congress votes to fuel more violence and block peace process
May 24, 2006
The Palestinian American Federation

Press Release

The Palestinian American Federation expresses its disappointment with the passing of HR4681, the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006. The vote count was 361 yeas, 37 nays, 9 presents (abstentions), and 25 not voting (Roll Call Vote No. 181).

It is a sad day in the history of a country that prides itself on the principles of "Liberty and Justice for all" This bill places the Palestinian People in great danger and would exacerbate a human catastrophe. This bill targets Palestinian families and children, and deprives them of their basic human needs by our Congress.

Instead our Congress should have voted "NO" to this bill to assure that the Palestinian families and children will be treated in a manner that would reflect our values that human lives are valuable.

A " NO" vote would have sent a message to the World of our intense desire to achieve a just and lasting peace. Our American values of compassion and charity were silenced where they should have been emphasized instead.

This vote was not a vote for peace, it was not a vote for America, it was a vote for more violence and more bloodshed.

As Rep. John Dingell ( D-MI) simply put it" Peace in the Middle East is not going to be achieved at gunpoint. It is going to be achieved by negotiations, by people working together; and that process may be ugly, dirty and slow, but it is the only process that will work."... "Our purpose should be to look to the well-being of the United States, craft a policy which is good for this country. And that policy can only be one which is good for Israel and for the Palestinian people, one which is fair to all, one which puts the United States as a friend and an honest broker of peace to both parties where we can be so accepted

Please go to the link below to find out which way your congressman voted, send him a thank you note if he voted NO, but if he voted YES, before you blame him ask yourself when was the last time he/she heard from you? Educate him, get involved.

(Roll Call Vote No. 181).

Please join: PalestinianAmericanFederation

Images and Perceptions of Arab Americans Workshop Wed. May 31, 2006

Perceptions of Arab Americans
Dearborn, Michigan, Fairlane Center
Wednesday, 5-31- 2006, 8:30- 2 p.m

"Arab Detroit" will hold its Images and Perceptions of Arab Americans Workshop, entitled "Arab Bashing in America: Fact or Fiction." on Wednesday, 5-31- 2006, 8:30- 2 p.m.

Former Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar, ADC National President is keynote.

Other presenters include Dr. Nadine Naber, Assistant Professor of the Program on America Culture and Department of Women’s Studies at the University of Michigan;

Dr. Evelyn Azeeza Sultany, Research Investigator on Racism for the Program on American Culture at the University of Michigan;

Ray Hanania, award-winning writer, author and comedian from Chicago.

The cost for the workshop is $95 per person, which includes a continental breakfast, luncheon and workshop. University of Michigan – Dearborn Fairlane Center.

For more information, please call 248.348.7555,

or e-mail: sihamj@davidcomgroup.com

Imam of al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to present in Northbrook, Illinois

A weekend with a Holy Man
Music of the Soul
Bismallah ar Rahman ar Rahim
In the Name of the Allah the Merciful, the Compassionate

Surrendering to Love, Beauty and Peace
A weekend with a Holy Man
Shaykh Muhammad Sa’id al-Jamal ar-Rifa’I ash-Shaduli
Shaykh Sidi Muhammad al- Jamal is head of the Higher Sufi Council in Jerusalem and the Imam for the Al-Aqsa Mosque , and is the Guide to several million students world wide. As an internationally recognized spiritual teacher and man of peace, he was invited to speak as a featured guest at the United Nations World Peace Summit. His mission is to serve all of humanity, regardless of race, religion, nationality or gender, and to give the LOVE to everyone and not make any separation.
June 30, July 1 and 2, 2006
Northbrook, Illinois

You are invited to experience the wisdom of this internationally renowned teacher and Spiritual Guide Sidi Muhammad al-Jamal.

Sidi, as he is known to his students, has dedicated his entire life to helping people of all faiths to open their hearts to a deeply personal relationship with the Loving Reality that is at the core of all the world’s religions.

Surrendering to Love, Beauty and Peace
A weekend with a Holy Man
Shaykh Muhammad Sa’id al-Jamal ar-Rifa’I ash-Shaduli

WHEN: Friday June 30, 6:30 - 9pm
Saturday and Sunday July 1-2, 9:30 - 5pm
Khalwa- Special Prayer Retreat, Sunday night

WHERE: Divine Word International
2001 Waukegan Rd.
Northbrook, IL

COST : early registration $200 by June 7: after $250
New people / No Tuition, Donations Welcome

FOOD: $39 (3meals) per day / $13 lunch onlyper day;

HOUSING: $37 single w/shared bath,$56 single w/bath, $85 double,
$114 triple per nite

REGISTRTATION and INFO: please call PUREPEACE 773-878-0038

Four Part Theatrical Presentation on 9/11 slated in LA

Los Angeles' "Belle of Baghdad," Iraqi actress Yasmine Hanani is starring in "Blockbuster! The 9/11 Commission Report (2001)," a dramatization of events leading up to the attacks of September 11. Hanani, the 25 yr-old actress who appeared in Albert Brooks' "Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World," portrays Aysel Senguen a dentristy student and the wife of Ziad Jarrah, one of the four terrorists aboard Flight 93. Hanani recently competed as Miss Iraq in the Miss Asia USA Pagaent, held in Southern California April 29.

Blockbuster! is being presented in four segments showing the key players and their actions year by year, from 1998-2001, relating to the events leading up to 9/11. The final segment starring Hanani is to be presented May 31st at the Nakano Theatre in Southern California.

This segment follows the efforts of U.S. officials in 2001 to determine responsibility for the Cole bombing before striking al Qaeda within Afghanistan, all in the context of a new U.S. president stepping into office. As the fresh administration tries to understand national security concerns, al Qaeda operatives enter the U.S. to commence final preparations. The segment climaxes with highjacked airlines crashing into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

All Americans know what happened on September 11, 2001, but few are aware of the events that took place prior to the attack as detailed in the U.S. government’s The 9-11 Commission Report. "Blockbuster" makes vivid how the attack grew from concept to reality, while America and its allies attempted to fight back.

###

Mitch Zamarin
Director, Entertainment Division
Asbury Communications
9615 Brighton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.859.1831
310.279.9040 - cell

BLOCKBUSTER! THE 9/11 COMMISSION REPORT (2001)
AT NAKANO THEATRE MAY 31

Works in Progress presents Blockbuster! The 9/11 Commission Report (2001) at Nakano Theatre, Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, on Wednesday, May 31, 7:00 p.m.


Works in Progress presents the original epic work Blockbuster!, a dramatization of events leading up to the attacks of September 11 presented in four segments showing the key players and their actions year by year.


All Americans know what happened on September 11, 2001, but few are aware of the events that took place prior to the attack as detailed in the U.S. government’s The 9/11 Commission Report. Blockbuster! makes vivid how the attack grew from concept to reality, while America and its allies attempted to fight back.


The final segment follows the efforts of U.S. security officials to alert the new Administration to the serious threat posed by al Qaeda in 2001 and the mounting evidence that a catastrophic attack on the American homeland is coming. As the Bush Administration tries to put its policies in order, Osama bin Laden pushes hard to execute the planes operations.
Tickets ($15 adults, $13 students / seniors) are available at the Box Office (310) 781-7171. Parking is free. For information, visit http://www.torrancelive.us/ or call (310) 618-6342.

Works in Progress is a program of the Cultural Services Division of the Torrance Community Services Department.
###
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Attached Image: yasminephotoMIssIraq.jpg

Dearborn Workshop challenges Arab stereotypes May 31

WORKSHOP SEEKS TO DISPELL ARAB AMERICAN STEREOTYPES
--IMAGES AND PERCEPTIONS OF ARAB AMERICANS
Arab Bashing in America: Fact or Fiction

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Warren David
313-999-6000
Siham Awada Jaafar
313-910-1955


DEARBORN, MI, April 28, 2006 –Arab Detroit will host an
educational workshop, "Images and Perceptions of Arab Americans" on Wednesday May 31, 2006 from 8:30am to 2:00pm at the University of Michigan-Dearborn Fairlane Center, 1900 Hubbard Drive, Dearborn, Michigan.

Recent events such as the Danish cartoon and Dubai Ports controversies have made Arab bashing fashionable in America. This workshop will examine the culture and diversity of Detroit’s Arab American community and explore the image of the Arab American in the media and the effects of prejudice and discrimination. Finally this workshop will address vital issues affecting Arab Americans, utilizing humor as a vehicle for confronting stereotypes.

"This workshop goes beyond the everyday headlines and looks at some of the vital and pertinent issues affecting Arab Americans in southeastern Michigan," says Siham Awada Jaafar, Vice President of David Communications and one of the principal organizers of the event. She went on to say, "We are hopeful that participants will have a more accurate understanding of Arab Americans as a result of this informative event."

The workshop presenters include:

Hon. Mary Rose Oakar, former Congresswoman and national President of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) in Washington, D.C.

Ray Hanania, award-winning writer, author and comedian from Chicago.

Dr. Nadine Naber, Assistant Professor of the Program on American Culture and Department of Women’s Studies at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Evelyn Alsultany, Research Investigator on Arab racism for the Program on American Culture at the University of Michigan.

Warren David, President and CEO of David Communications, a multi-cultural public relations and marketing firm with specialization in the Arab American market.

The workshop is expected to attract members of the print and broadcast media, business leaders, human resource directors, diversity program managers, advertising, marketing and communications professionals, educators, municipal and government employees, law enforcement personnel, community leaders and those interested in learning more about Arab Americans.

The registration enrollment fee is $95 per person and includes the workshop, continental breakfast, luncheon and workshop materials.

An optional bonus session will be offered from 2:15pm to 3:30pm and will focus on some of the most commonly used Arabic language phrases.

Arab Detroit is dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of accurate information about Arab Americans through the develop-ment of informative print materials, educational and cultural events and multi-media programming.

For more information contact Arab Detroit at 1-877-ARAB-944 (1-877-272-2944), via email, info@arabdetroit.com or on the world- wide web at, www.arabdetroit.com


Sponsored by:
ArabDetroit
In partnership with:
Center for Arab American Studies--University of Michigan-Dearborn
Detroit Edison
Sprint-Nextel
Davenport University
Comerica Bank
Fairlane Club
With support from:
ADC
The Democratic Party
ACCESS
American Arab Chamber of Commerce
AWARE
Smooth Jazz-98.7FM

(30)

Arab American TV Online launches

Arab American TV Online launches web access to documentaries and films

Arab American culture is the focus

Chicago -- Documentaries and films on Arab American and Arab World culture are now available on-demand on the Internet through a new web page called Arab American TV Online.

The web page is:

http://www.ArabAmericanTVOnline.com

The first films to be posted are interviews hosted by award winning Arab American journalist Ray Hanania on his monthly Comcast Cable TV program "30 Minutes." Now playing is a 30 minute interview with former Jordanian legislator and Civil Rights activist Ms. Toujan Faisal.

Also posted are 30 minute documentaries on A Walk Through Arab East Jerusalem, a tour of war-ravaged Jenin in the occupied West Bank, and a walk through an Israeli military checkpoint/examination of the apartheid Wall erected by Israel as a means of confiscating Palestinian-owned land as a part of Israel's illegal land and settlement expansion.

"The American media is driven by an anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias. Most American can't even tell the difference between Palestinians and Pakistanis, a racism that drives this bias that is also reflected in the mainstream news media. The ignorance of most Americans is tragic and a reflection of their lack of education about Middle East issues and the Arab American community," says Hanania, a 30-year veteran of American journalism and twice winner of the Soictey of Professional Journalists/Chicago Headline Club Lisagor Column Writing Awards.

"The Internet gives Arab Americans the opportunity to confront this media bias and help educate Americans about the truth of the Middle East conflict, Arab culture and the Muslim religion. The fact is that most Americans don't even know that the majority of Arabs in America are in fact Christians, and that the Christian population in Palestine is suffering along with Muslims as a result of Israeli oppression and the military occupation."

Hanania says that the web portal Arab American TV Online will present films and documentaries that challenge the biases in the American media and in the greater media of Hollywood films, television and broadcast cable TV.

"Arab Americans only have a limited presence in the media, mainly because of bias that prohibits them from participating fully. They are intentionally excluded by bigots and racists and by unprofessional journalism that pervades the mainstream American media system," Hanania says.

"My objective is to change this and help make journalism the profession of fairness and objectivity that it should be and is not in this country."

END

Commemoration of actor Ahmed Zaki

tribute to legendary actor Ahmed Zaki
Tuesday, April 25, 6:30 PM
Cantor Film Center, 36 East 8 Street
Please join us for a special tribute to legendary actor Ahmed Zaki on the first anniversary of his death

HIS EXCELLENCY, THE MINISTR (Maali al-Wazir)by Samir Seif.

Egypt, 2003, 120 min, 35 mmUS PremiereIn his last film to be screened commercially before his death, the impossibly talented Ahmed Zaki takes us to the dark world of official corruption in Egypt.

In the film His Excellency, The Minister, Zaki brilliantly plays the part of Mr. Rustom, who after being mistakenly appointed to the ministerial cabinet due to a confusion of names, uses his position of power to illegally amass a huge fortune.

The film investigates the price that Mr. Rustom pays for such power manipulation, which ultimately leads him to suffer from intense alienation from his family and friends. Through the tribulations of Rustom, the film takes an audacious and critical stance towards the current political situation in Egypt. In Arabic with English subtitles.

Post-screening discussion with Karim Tertousieh (NYU) and Mona Eltahawy (journalist, NYC)Arte News's April issue is dedicated to Zaki and his legacy. Read new and recently translated articles and reviews about the life and legacy of Zaki as well as his filmography and biography by visiting

www.arteeast.org

==================

General admission $9; Student admission $7For your convenience, you may purchase tickets online at

http://www.arteeast.org/cinemaeast/
spring06/ce_tickets_spring06.html

A CINEMA EAST FILM SCREENINGPresented by AretEast, the Department of Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies, and the Kevorkian Center at NYU Present:

=================

UPCOMING:ArteEast and the Film Society of Lincoln Center Present:A RETROSPECTIVE OF SYRIAN CINEMA. MAY 5-18, 2006More details coming soon.

=========================

Cinema East is a collaborative project of ArteEast, Inc., the Department of Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies and the Kevorkian Center at NYU. This program is supported in part by the New York State Council on the Arts and New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs. It is sponsored by the American University of Beirut and The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee's New York Chapter. Additional support is provided by Persian Arts Festival, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, and Print Icon.

==================

ArteEast490 Third Street, #2Brooklyn, NY 11215Tel & Fax: 718 832 6564Email: info@arteeast.orgwww.arteeast.org

Chicagoland Independent Middle East Film & Comedy Festival Oct. 7-8, 2006

Independent Middle East Film & Comedy Festival

Chicago, October 7 and 8, 2006.

More than 24 films will be screened. Entries that include films, documentaries and comedies that address any aspect of the Middle East can be submitted for judging and screening.

The festival is hosted by the Southwest Arab American Coalition, the National Arab American Journalists Association (Chicago Chapter), The Future News Newspaper, and al-Offok al-Arabi Newspaper.

Screenings will be held on Saturday Oct. 7, 2006 and Sunday Oct. 8, 2006 at the Bridgeview Community Center Theater (seating 450).

Categories include:

Film: Under 15 minutes, 16-45 Minutes; 46-90 Minutes

Documentary: Under 15 minutes, 16-45 Minutes; 46-90 Minutes

Comedy/Humor: Under 15 minutes, 16-45 Minutes; 46-90 Minutes

Miscellaneous (PSAs, Advertising, Commercials, other) (Under 5 minutes only)

Submission deadline (Postmarked) August 15, 2006.

Finalists will be notified by email Sept. 15, 2006. Entry fee is $45. Download and complete the entry submission form.

The Festival is also seeking comedians who wish to appear as emcees introducing submission entries. Any interested comedian or performer should send a Demo Tape to: Hanania Enterprises Ltd., PO Box 2127, Orland Park, IL., 60462.

The festival is seeking mainly performers who live in the Midwest, but performers from other regions are also welcome to submit a request to perform. Comedians who use foul language, swear or use offensive religious references will be eliminated from consideration. All comedy performances must be family oriented.

For more information, visit: www.hanania.com/cimeff.htm (Please circulate widely) This festival is open to ALL filmmakers, producers and screenwriters of all races, nationality of religions. All entries will be considered.

END

AMANA announces Knowing Islam Contest

SECOND ANNUAL AMANA COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
"Bringing Communities Together" A Mission of AMANA
Saturday & Sunday April 15-16, 2006
(Sat. 11:00AM to 9:00PM & Sun. 11:00AM to 6:00PM)

Location at: MASJID AL-MUMINEEN
3222 Holiday Springs Blvd., Margate, FL 33063, Tel. 954-575-3872
The First Exhibit of its kind on:
"Pakistan Earthquake"

(AMER, American Muslims for Emergency & Relief, Inc.
With the association of "BAITULMAAL" will present a unique Exhibit on
"Pakistan Earthquake" at the AMANA Festival.)
- Rides for the kids, Free Toys & Candies, Games, Sports &
Lots of Fun for the entire Family.
- Islamic Market-Great Products for Sale
- Tickets $5.00 /Donation/Meal
(Proceeds will go to purchase Qur’an, books and out reach efforts)
* SPONSORS AND VENDORS ARE WELCOMED.
Contact us: (305) 898-9314
For More Information and for tickets Contact:
(Br. Sofian, AMANA 305-898-9314), (Br. Yazid, Masjid Al-Mumineen 954-977-6753), (Br. Rashid, AMANA 954-647-0306), (Br. Shazam, Masjid Shamsuddin 305-502-5585), (Br. Osman, Masjid Al Mutaqeen 954-593-2751), (Br. Bassam, Masjid Al Iman )(Br. M. Sanhaji, Masjid ICBR 561-436-2756), (Br. Shabir, Masjid Miami Gardens 305-624-5555), (Br. Moen, IMOF 954-963-9154), (Br. Rashid AMANA 954-647-0306), Sister Safiya, Al-Mumineen 954-600-6848), (Sister Rafee, Al-Mumineen 954-984-4571), (Br. Nael Pompano Masjid 954-274-0111)

Event by: AMANA, The American Muslim Association of North America
http://www.al-amana.org/ info@al-amana.org
Media Contact Br. Sofian Abdelaziz, Tel. (305) 898-9314

The American Muslim Association of North America, AMANA Proudly Serving the U. S. Communities Since 1992 (A Member in the "Florida SAC", Florida State Advisory Committee tothe United States Commission on Civil Rights){The Islamic Center for Reaching & Preaching} Al-AMANA Voice HEAD OFFICE MIAMI / FLORIDA: P. O. Box 5212, Miami, FL 33014 USA Tel. 305-898-9314, Fax. 305-945-0399 E-mail: info@al-amana.org ~ www.al-amana.org

MICHIGAN OFFICE7642 Calhoun Street, Dearborn, MI 48126Tel: 313-531-9210, e-mail: dhomasey@sbcglobal.net

PUERTO RICO OFFICEP. O. Box 140494, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00614 Tel. 787-879-5425, e-mail : amanaPR@hotmail.com

CONNECTICUT OFFICE163 Elmhurst St., West Hartford, CT 06110Tel. 860-216-6211, E-mail: wruizlaw@yahoo.com To Subscribe or Un-Subscribe from Al-AMANA e-mail list: www.al-amana.org/subscribe.php

"Bringing Communities Together." A mission of AMANA

FIRST CONTEST:
50 Questions on Islam
(The Questions are in the Back of this flyer)
1st Prize $75.00,2nd Prize $50.00 & 3rd Prize $25.00
SECOND CONTEST:
Cake Baking & Decorating Contest
(Home Made Round or Square Cakes)
"No Store Bought Cake – please"
1st Prize $50.00, 2nd Prize $25.00 & 3rd Prize $25.00
THIRD CONTEST:
Hand Drawn Picture of Any of the three Holy Mosques:
(Color Pencil or Crayon)
Size – 14 x 17 Constructions Paper
1st Prize $25.00, 2nd Prize $25.00 & 3rd Prize $25.00
At the AMANA Festival: Masjid Jamaat Al-Mu’mineen / Tel. 954-575-3872
3222 Holiday Springs Blvd., Margate, FL 33063 (West Sample Rd.)
All work must be submitted by:
Saturday, 4/15/2006 before 3:00PM
Prizes Awarded: Sunday, 4/16/2006 at 5:00 PM

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact: Sr. Safiya Tel. 954-600-6848

Or AMANA at: 305-898-9314 or 954-647-0306
"Bringing communities together is AMANA mission"
The American Muslim Association of North America, AMANA
http://www.al-amana.org


50 QUESTIONS ON ISLAM
(Please Submit your Answers with your Name, Address and Phone Number)
(1st Prize $75.00, 2nd Prize $50.00 & 3rd Prize $25.00)
1- What is Da’wah means?
2- How many Surah (Verse) are there in the Qur’an?
3- How many Ayah are there in the longest Surah?
4- Which is the longest Surah?
5- How many Ayah is there in the shortest Surah?
6- What is the sin that Allah will claim war against who committed?
7- Where was the Prophet Muhammad born?
8- Name the prophet’s father?
9- What is Sunnah?
10- Can Angels do anything without permission of Allah?
11- Why Islam prohibit "Back Biting"?
12- How old was the prophet when he died?
13- What was the most important characteristic of the prophet’s first wife?
14- What did the prophet do to earn his living as a young man?
15- Who the most qualified to lead the prayer according to our prophet Hadith.
16- It is OK to read the Qur’an without understand it! True False
17- How old was the Prophet when his mother died?
18- How old was the prophet when Allah’s first message of Qur’an revealed to him?
19- Where was Allah’s first message of Qur’an revealed to the Prophet Muhammad
20- What did Khadeejah answer after the prophet told her of the first revelation?
21- Who were the first to accept Islam?
22- Who was the closest to the prophet and one of the most hostile?
23- What is AL-Isra and Al-Mi-rag ?
24- What does faith (Iman) mean?
25- People are questioned in the grave by two Angels. True or False?
26- What make the Halal meat Halal?
27- What are the Angels who write the deeds of everybody called?
28- What is the meaning of Al-Jabbar mentioned in the last two verses of Surah Al-Hashr?
29- Does Islam permit to keep statues at the house?
30- True or False: It is Haram to not speak with your Muslim brother after a fight more than three days.
31- True or False: Muslims should be respectful to their non-Muslim parents even if
they are arguing with them to renounce Islam.
32- Is smoking tobacco Haram?
33- True or False: the Prophet (PBUH) said: "The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and
the best of you are those who are best to their wives."
34- True or False: Mistreatment of Muslim women occurs when traditions and extremism end become
more important than following the teaching of Islam.
35- How the mother of the believers ‘Aisha (RAA) contributed to Islam?
36- When did Prophet Mohammad visited Jerusalem?
37- What was the capital of Spain during the Islamic Rule?
38- Who are the Righteous Caliphs?
39- Was prophet Isa (Jesus) (AS) crucified and killed?
40- Who is the mother of Prophet Isa?
41- What are Allah’s signs which Prophet Musa (AS) used to convince the pharaoh?
42- How many prophet s have Allah mentioned by name in His Qur’an?
43- Continue the following hadith of the prophet (PBUH): "You will not believe unless you love..
44- What is the greatest sin of all?
45- What should the listener do when hearing the Azan?
46- What is Salat Al Duha?
47- What is the meaning of Al Rahman Al Raheem?
49- What is the heaviest word to Allah?
50- Did any of the Prophets claim to be God?

END

US House condemns Detroit News for anti-Arab bias

House Resolution condemns anti-Palestinian column in Detroit News

Released March 23, 2006
Contact: Osama Siblani / 313-582-4888

LANSING - State Representative LaMar Lemmons III has introduced House Resolution 214, condemning a recent anti-Palestinian column in the Detroit News by the newspaper's editorial page editor, Nolan Finley. The resolution also calls for an apology from Finley.

The resolution draws attention to the dehumanizing, cruel and discriminatory comments made by Finley, who refers in the column to all Palestinians as bloodthirsty through such blanket prejudicial statements as "Palestinian lust for Jewish blood is stronger than their desire for peace" and "terrorism is the history of the Palestinian people."

Lemmons, an African American who represents Detroit's far east side, said he felt disgust and anger when he first read the column. "Nolan Finley's generalization of all Palestinians as terrorists is reminiscent of many stereotypes that my people have been victimized by," he said.

"History is riddled with tyrants who have painted with a broad brush to negatively characterize entire groups and races of people," he added. "I think it's time to say we as a society are more humane and intelligent than one would guess from this column. I presented this resolution to say I believe it¹s time we all stand together to show our revulsion for this rhetoric because an attack against one is an attack against us all."

The Congress of Arab American Organizations in Michigan (CAAO), representing more than forty organizations, called last week for continued pressure on the Detroit News until the issue is resolved.

"We support Resolution 214 and thank the representatives for their action on this very important issue," said CAAO president Abed Hammoud.

The resolution has been referred to the Government and Operations Committee. It was co-sponsored by Representatives Lemmons, Jr. (father of Lemmons III), George Cushingberry, Jr., Matthew Gillard, Alexander C. Lipsey, Fred Miller, Barbara Farrah, and Gino Polidori.

###

CAIR urges release of Afghan who faces death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity

CAIR CALLS FOR RELEASE OF AFGHAN CHRISTIAN
Islamic civil rights group says conversion a personal, not state matter
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/22/2006) - A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today called on the government of Afghanistan to release Abdul Rahman, a man facing the death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity.

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) says the man's conversion is a personal matter not subject to the intervention of the state. SEE: Afghan Christian Could Face Death

In its statement, CAIR said:"Islamic scholars say the original rulings on apostasy were similar to those for treasonous acts in legal systems worldwide and do not apply to an individual's choice of religion. Islam advocates both freedom of religion and freedom of conscience, a position supported by verses in the Quran, Islam's revealed text, such as:1) 'If it had been the will of your Lord that all the people of the world should be believers, all the people of the earth would have believed! Would you then compel mankind against their will to believe?' (10:99)2) '(O Prophet) proclaim: 'This is the Truth from your Lord. Now let him who will, believe in it, and him who will, deny it.'' (18:29)3) 'If they turn away from thee (O Muhammad) they should know that We have not sent you to be their keeper. Your only duty is to convey My message.' (42:48)4) 'Let there be no compulsion in religion.' (2:256)"

Religious decisions should be matters of personal choice, not a cause for state intervention. Faith imposed by force is not true belief, but coercion. Islam has no need to compel belief in its divine truth. As the Quran states: 'Truth stands out clear from error. Therefore, whoever rejects evil and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks.' (2:256)

"We urge the government of Afghanistan to order the immediate release of Mr. Abdul Rahman."

Before issuing its statement, CAIR consulted with members of the Fiqh Council of North America, an association of Islamic legal scholars that interprets Muslim religious law.CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 32 offices, chapters and affiliates nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
- END -

CONTACT: Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair-net.org;
Rabiah Ahmed, 202-488-8787 or 202-439-1441, E-Mail: rahmed@cair-net.org

CAIR
Council on American-Islamic Relations
453 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.Washington, D.C. 20003

Tel: 202-488-8787, 202-744-7726Fax: 202-488-0833

E-mail: cair@cair-net.orgURL: http://www.cair-net.org

IBDAA Tours US -- Palestinian refugee camp near Bethlehem discusses health issues

Two Chicago-area opportunities to hear about health care projects serving Palestinian refugees in Bethlehem s Dheisheh refugee camp!

The Ibdaa Health Committee U.S. Tour
Thursday April 6 and Friday April 7, 2006 (A free-will donation will be accepted to support healthcare programs at Dheisheh camp; please bring your checkbook!)
* * *
Thursday April 67pm refreshments; 7:30 Powerpoint presentationGrace Lutheran Church, River Forest(Enter from Bonnie Brae)7300 Division StreetRiver Forest, IL 60305

Information: 312/427-2533 x18 or 708/366-6900

Friday April 7Noon-1pmNorthwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine The Lurie Research Building (on Fairbanks Ave. between Huron and Superior Sts.) Searle Auditorium (ground floor, Huron side)

Information: 312/731-2727

About the Ibdaa Heath Committee
The Ibdaa Health Committee was founded in June 2003 in Dheisheh Refugee Camp (Bethlehem, Palestine), in response to urgent needs of the population whose health and mental health needs were not being met. The committee is comprised of volunteer health and mental health professionals, including nurses, physicians, social workers, and others. Three representatives of the Ibdaa Health Committee will visit the Chicago area over two days in April as part of a multi-city US tour. While in the Chicago area, they will hold two public presentations about their work among refugees and promote support for their projects-in-development to improve healthcare in diabetes, cancer, ophthalmology, women s health and mental health. On the tour, the committee representatives will have site visits to observe how health and mental health services are delivered to stressed populations, especially economically-challenged patients who experience violence in their environments. In addition, they will establish mentoring relationships with American health professionals.

* * *Ibdaa Health Committee tour delegates:

Areej Jafari (f)Areej is the coordinator of the Women's Committee of the Ibdaa Health Committee, in which capacity she organizes educational programs and other activities for women such as English and computer classes, and empowerment and leadership training for female youth.

Wisam Hasanat (m)Wisam is director of the Ibdaa Health Committee. He received his practical nursing degree in Hebron; he is currently completing his BSN at Al Quds University. He works at Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation and Surgery. His specialty areas include surgical and emergency care, including patients wounded by assaults, gunshots, and explosions. He also provides psychological support services to the families of political prisoners.

Talal Shihada (m)Talal is a founding member of the Ibdaa Health Committee and currently serves as the Director of Public Relations. A nurse with more than 17 years of experience, Talal is currently working toward am advanced nursing degree at Bethlehem University and an MA in Public Health at Al Quds University. He currently works at Beit Jala General Hospital, where his specialty areas include surgical and emergency care and pediatrics.

* * *

Israeli company buys majority share of Yahala Arabic language Internet portal

Internet Gold Acquires 51% of Yahala, Leading Israeli Arab-Language Portal

PETACH TIKVA, Israel, March 22

Internet Gold, (Nasdaq NMS: IGLD) today announced that its fully-owned subsidiary Gold Mind has signed an agreement to acquire 51% of the shares of Yahala Ltd., the operator of yahala.co.il, one of Israel's largestArab-language portals. According to the agreement, Nizar Hori, Yahala's founder, will continue to hold Yahala's remaining shares and serve as its CEO, while Eli Holtzman, Internet Gold's CEO, will become Yahala's Chairman.

Yahala is a popular Internet portal that offers a rich variety of content and services to Israel's Arab-speaking sector, a segment that accounts for approximately 20% of Israel's population or 1.5 million individuals. Penetration of Internet access into the Arabic sector has been significantly lower than that of the Hebrew-speaking sector, but has been growing significantly during the past 12 months.

Internet Gold intends to integrate Yahala into its Internet Smile. Media Group with the goal of taking full advantage of the potential operating synergies between Yahala and its other portals.

Commenting on the news, Eli Holtzman, CEO of Internet Gold, said, "This acquisition is another step in our efforts to expand ourleadership position as Israel's largest Interactive Media Group. It reflects our expectation that Internet usage in the Arab sector will continue growing dramatically as it has during the past year, making the Arab population an important new target market for Internet advertising. We believe thatownership of an Arab-language portal may also help us identify additional investment opportunities in neighboring emerging markets."

About Internet Gold Internet Gold is a group of communications companies thatprovide Internet access and related value-added services, internationaltelephony, e-advertising, content and e-Commerce services throughout Israel under the brand name "smile". The broad range and popularity of these services have established Internet Gold as one of Israel's leading Internet Communications groups.

The Internet Gold Group includes four subsidiaries. MSN-Israel, its 50.1% owned joint-venture with Microsoft Corp. (49.9% owned), provides Microsoft-branded Search, Instant Messaging, Hotmail and a variety of portal services. Internet Gold International, a fully-owned subsidiary, provides internationalInternet and communication services. GoldMind, a fully-owned subsidiary,provides value-added services to Internet subscribers. GoldTrade, the Group'sfully-owned e-Commerce subsidiary, operates e-Commerce sites.

For additional information about Internet Gold, please visitits Website at www.igld.com.

Certain statements made herein that use the words "estimate,""project," "intend," "expect," "believe" and similar expressions are intendedto identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the PrivateSecurities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those which may be expressed or implied by such statements, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions and specifically, decline in demand for the Company's services, inability totimely develop and introduce new technologies, services and applications and loss of market share and pressure on prices resulting from competition. Foradditional information regarding these and other risks and uncertaintiesassociated with the Company's business, reference is made to the Company'sAnnual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and its other reports as filed from time to time with the Securities and ExchangeCommission.

For further information, please contact: Marybeth Csaby KCSA Worldwide +1-212-896-1236 In Israel: Meirav Be'eri Investor Relations +972-3-516-7620Source: Internet GoldMarybeth Csaby, KCSA Worldwide, +1-212-896-1236. In Israel: Meirav Be'eri, Investor Relations, +972-3-516-7620

Study of Oregonian Newspaper shows persistent bias

Study of Oregonian Newspapers shows persistent bias against Palestinians
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Rani El-Hajjar, Ph.D.Tel: (971) 226-0362E-mail: rani@auphr.org for Americans United for Palestinian Human Rights and Palestine Media Watch Human Rights Groups Publish Findings of One-Year Study Documenting The Oregonian Editors' Exclusion of Palestinian Perspectives from Op-Ed Pages of the Newspaper Portland, Oregon, March 21, 2006.

The Oregon-based human rights group, Americans United for Palestinian Human Rights (AUPHR) in conjunction with the organization Palestine Media Watch (PM Watch) have published today the findings of a year-long study entitled "Excluded Voices – A Study of Palestine/Israel in the Opinion Pages of The Oregonian Newspaper".

The study's findings confirm the view expressed by Don Wycliff, departing Public Editor of the Chicago Tribune that "on probably the most enduring and insistent foreign policy issue of our time, we routinely do not hear from one side."

AUPHR's study provides both qualitative and quantitative data showing just how pervasive the exclusion of Palestinian perspectives is on theop-ed pages of The Oregonian.

According to the report, most of The Oregonian's editorials and selected commentaries dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict "rarely debate the illegal and immoral nature of Israel's actions" and fail to "respond or react to news items indicating Israel's gross violation of Palestinian human rights and its noncompliance with international law."

In addition, the report asserts that the newspaper's editors have unfairly and systematically "narrowly defined the arguments that were allowed to participate" and printed little that "deviated from the official Israeli government positions."

"For years now and especially after the start of the second Palestinian intifada, members of the Palestinian, Muslim and human rights community have been trying to engage editors of The Oregonian in a dialogue regarding The Oregonian's failure to include voices from their perspectives in the discussion of the Israel-Palestine conflict in the Editorial Section of the newspaper," says Zaha Hassan, founding member of AUPHR.

"Our concerns have never seriously been dealt with butnow we have evidence that clearly shows that The Oregonian is notmeeting its obligation to its readers to provide a marketplace of ideas on the Israel-Palestine conflict."

"People may be shocked to hear former President Jimmy Carter call Israel's actions the 'colonization of Palestine' and declare that this colonization is 'the preeminent obstacle to peace,' says Peter Miller, AUPHR President.

"If they are shocked, it is because we rarely hearabout that colonization debated openly in The Oregonian's op-ed pages."

The Oregonian study covered a one-year period from June 2004 to May 2005 and included analysis of editorials, commentaries, cartoons and letters contained in The Oregonian during that period. AUPHR's report is available at www.auphr.org.

A similar study of thetop five national newspapers in circulation in the U.S. was recently released by PMWATCH with similar findings. PM Watch's report is available at www.pmwatch.org.

# # #

Zuhdi Labib Tarazi dies in US

As many of you have already knew that the former Ambassador of Palestine tothe UN, Zuhdi Labib Al-Tarazi, had passed away on first of March in Amman,Jordan. However, according to his wish, he will be buried next to his latewife Widad in NJ. His children Karima and Kamil are there to accompany thecoffin. His body, if cleared, will be flown to NY on Sunday and the burialwill take place sometime next week.My deepest sympathy to his children and to the Palestinian people.

Here is an article written about him by Ian Williams

===============================================

Zehdi Terzi first PLO representative to the UN
The Independent (London). [Commentary].
Ian Williams 03/07/2006.

The many journalists and diplomats who consulted with him over the yearsremember Zehdi Terzi fondly. It would be difficult to demonise as a fundamentalist terrorist someone whom the Patriarch of Jerusalem had dubbed a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, or whom his daughter Karimah remembers as a feminist who admonished her, "BSc, MSc, PhD - and only thenMrs." None the less, for 16 straight years, he was America's most unwantedif you judged him by the New York tabloids and the Congressional Register.Terzi was an almost archetypal Palestinian figure.

Born in an ancient Greek Orthodox family in Jerusalem under the British Mandate, he had hopedto end his days in the city, but, he wistfully pointed out to a radio interviewer in 1988, "I can't go back home."

Friendly, courteous and dignified, he was firm in his nationalist principles. When after long anddiscreet negotiations Israel finally offered to let him back to join hisbrothers and sisters in East Jerusalem, he could not bring himself to apply to those he considered illegal occupiers for a visa, so he died, ashe had lived for three decades, in exile.

Under the British Mandate he had studied at Terra Sancta College and graduated from law school in 1948, the year of the partition of Jerusalemand Palestine. In Beirut in late 1959 he met Widad Awad, a Chilean descendant of an earlier generation of Arab refugees, from the Ottomans.They married within months, on his birthday in 1960. She died in his arms, in New York, in 1987.

An early associate of Yasser Arafat, within months of the foundation ofthe Palestine Liberation Organisation in 1964 Terzi became its emissary toBrazil. He was part of the delegation that in November 1974 accompaniedArafat to the United Nations in New York and secured recognition there, ofsorts, for the PLO. The General Assembly affirmed the Palestinians' right to self-determination and independence, and the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and property, and recognised the PLO as their representative. The resolution gave the PLO almost all the attributes of statehood except a vote.

When Terzi arrived as the first Palestinian "Permanent Observer" to the UN in 1975, he was soon reminded that the US had vigorously opposed the resolution. For the US and Israel, the PLO was a terrorist organisation.

Although the mission was covered by the UN Headquarters agreement, grandstanding American politicians kept trying to close it down. The pressure was continuous throughout his time at the UN. In 1986, forexample, the State Department refused him permission to travel to Harvard Law School to debate with Professor Alan Dershowitz, provoking a lawsuitthat went all the way to the US Court of Appeals.

Perhaps the strangest ofthe court battles that put Terzi in the headlines was in 1982, when a NewYork judge overturned the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Fred Sparks's bequest of $30,000 to the PLO. That Sparks was himself Jewish added anextra piquancy to the case.

However the most notorious collateral damage of these cases was a former Congressman who had, in his own words, "a 100 per cent voting record insupport of Israel". Andrew Young, the former civil rights leader, Congressman and then US Ambassador to the UN, met Terzi "accidentally on purpose" at a lunch at the Kuwaiti Ambassador's residence in 1979.

Young claims that the State Department and the Israeli foreign ministry both knew in advance about the meeting, but, once it was leaked, President Jimmy Carter fired him. The New York Daily Post headline had been "JewsDemand Firing Young", and the incident did much to damage relations between the black and Jewish communities.

Towards the end of Terzi's UN career, as the intifada raged on, he helpedformulate the strategy that may annoy Israel even more: the use of UN resolutions and international law to establish Palestinian rights. It wasa strategy he encouraged when he left New York in the hands of his deputy,Nasser el-Kidwa, currently Palestinian Foreign Minister, to become specialadviser on international and UN affairs to Arafat in Tunis, where he wasto spend the remainder of his days, until going to Jordan for (unsuccessful) medical treatment. Travel to New York is only marginally less difficult for dead than livingPalestinian diplomats.

Terzi's children are struggling to get clearance totake his remains to the plot in New Jersey where he can join his wife.

Zehdi Labib Terzi, diplomat: born Jerusalem 20 February 1924' PLO Permanent Observer to the UN 1974-91' married 1960 Widad Awad (died 1987'one son, one daughter)' died Amman 1 March 2006.

Israeli tighten strangulation of Bethlehem to create new illegal settlement

Fears of new Israeli settlement as wall completed around Bethlehem

For Immediate Release - 27 February 2006

The final section of Israel’s wall separating Bethlehem from Jerusalem will be completed in a matter of days.
The wall around Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem will not only sever the connection between the region’s most holy Christian sites, but will also herald the creation of a new ‘fact on the ground’ - an illegal Jewish settlement which will be home to some of Israel’s most extremist religious groups.
The ultra-orthodox Kever Rahel Fund announced last year that it intended to build about 400 apartments at the site. This week their work has begun. Settlers are planning to move into houses around the tomb as soon as the wall is completed.
Bethlehem’s population fears that town will become another Hebron– where Jewish extremists have expelled Palestinians from their homes and with the support of the Israeli army, intimidate and harass the local population. Hebron was once the busiest shopping town in the region, but is now a ghost town. Christian Peacemaker Teams have a permanent presence there to monitor and report abuses by the army and settlers on local people.
A former member of the Israeli parliament, Hanan Porat, was quoted today in Israeli newspaper Haaretz : "With the help of God we are progressing toward maintaining a permanent Jewish presence and a fixed yeshiva in Rachel's Tomb, as Rabbi Kook [religious Zionist fundamentalist] urged, and bringing Israelis back to where they belong."
The mayor of Bethlehem, Dr Victor Batarseh, a Palestinian Christian, said: "The recent land confiscation and works around Rachel’s Tomb are illegal and have no security basis. This is an act of land expropriation. It is a serious threat to the economic and social life of the town. As the Mayor of Bethlehem, I share the concern of all Bethlehemites, Christians and Muslims alike, that this could be the first step towards building a new illegal Israeli settlement right in the heart of Bethlehem. That is how it all started in Hebron a few years ago."
In a statement to the international community, he says: "We call on all religious and political leaders, to intervene and protect the lawful rights of the town of the Nativity. The ghettoization of Bethlehem is not only destroying ancient communities, but is destroying the prospects of peace in the Middle East and the whole concept of international law".
Rapid construction of the final section of the wall separating Bethlehem and Jerusalem is proceeding following the rejection by the Israeli Supreme Court of the appeal of 18 Palestinian families and the Bethlehem and Beit Jala municipalities to re-route the wall at Rachel’s Tomb. As a result, the area will now be included within the borders of Jerusalem municipality, in direct violation of the Oslo agreements. The wall was declared illegal by the International Court of Justice in The Hague (9 July 2004).
The Rachel’s Tomb area, once a vibrant neighbourhood and a central artery between Bethlehem and Jerusalem, has seen 72 out of 80 businesses close in the last four years. The tomb itself, a major Bethlehem landmark and a shrine holy to three religions, is now barred to the city’s inhabitants. The neighbourhood has been devastated to accommodate the expanding military base around the tomb, confiscating family homes and businesses and carving out a major landmark from the heart of Bethlehem. The wall pushes one and a half kilometres inside the city’s boundaries and confiscates 3km2 of its land.
Leila Sansour, Chief Executive of Open Bethlehem says: "We are now racing against time. Israel has stolen our land to build a settlement. It is a disaster for us. A city of international importance may soon become history. We are calling for divestment from any international company that gives support to, or is engaged in, this illegal project. Divestment is one of the few non-violent options open to us"
Ends.
For more information, maps and photographs please contact:
London Office
Patrick Orr: 020 7222 5479/ Charlotte Carson: – 020 7222 8443
Bethlehem Office
Carol Dabdoub: + (972) 2 274 1241 ext. 2470; M. (972) 545439841
Bethlehem Mayor’s Office
Tony Murcus: + (972) 22 741323/4/5.
www.openbethlehem.org
www.bethlehem-city.org


Notes for editors:

Open Bethlehem was launched in London and Washington by the Mayor of Bethlehem on 9 November 2005, declaring Bethlehem an open city and announcing the issue of a Bethlehem passport.
Open Bethlehem is a city initiative that aims to promote Bethlehem as a prime destination for tourists, bold initiatives and investment. The core of its message is that Bethlehem is a city of openness and diversity, with a centuries-old tradition of welcoming travellers, refugees and pilgrims from across the world.

PLO condemns Israeli terrorism in Jericho and US-British hypocrisy

The Department of Arab and International Relations condemns the Policy of Double Standards
March 15, 2006

The Department of Arab and International Relations P.L.O condemns the IOF military operation against Jericho prison that resulted in the kidnapping of the Secretary General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Ahmed Sa'adat, Major Fuad Al-Shobaki and a number of prisoners; two prison guards have been killed and tens have been wounded. The Palestinian governmental compound (Muqata'a) was ruined.

The operation is a result of an American –British collaboration, as it took place a few minutes after the unexpected and unplanned departure of the American and British observers, who were responsible for the protection of the Political prisoners according to an International Agreement that was signed in the year 2002 /Ramallah; the US, the UK and Israel signed the agreement and abide to maintain a secure position to the above mentioned prisoners as long as they remain in the Jericho prison.

The US and UK collaboration would affect the credibility of the two states in the eyes of the Palestinians who have been regarding them as honest and neutral mediators.

The International Society watched yesterday's vicious operation in complete silence – this same society keeps asking the P.L.O and the Palestinian Authority to fulfill all the International Laws.

The silence of the International society regarding the Israeli crimes that have been committed against the Palestinian citizens encourages Israel to do what ever it wishes and to go on disgracing all the international laws and agreements; more than a time Israel conveyed that it's not committed to any of those agreements.

The Quartet and the United Nations are asked to immediately intervene and pressure the Israeli government to fulfill its commitments towards the signed agreements.

Efforts should be exerted to guarantee the return the abducted persons during Jericho operation back under the Palestinian Authority protection as it was agreed by Ramallah Agreement.



Department Of Arab and International Relations
P.L.O

Arab American Institute hires new Executive Director, Nidal Ibrahim

For Immediate Release:

AAI Hires New Executive Director
Nidal Ibrahim to Join DC Office March 20
March 14th, 2006

WASHINGTON  The Arab American Institute (AAI) is delighted to announce the hiring of Nidal Ibrahim as Executive Director of the Washington, DC-based organization. Ibrahim comes to AAI after leading the Arab American Business Magazine since its launch in February 2000. Under his direction, the Magazine helped connect Arab Americans involved in business, politics and social organizations. Ibrahim was the 2003 winner of the “Ethnic Pulitzer” for best international affairs story.

In his capacity in the newly-created position of Executive Director, Ibrahim will work directly with AAI President James Zogby and AAI Foundation Executive Director Helen Samhan to implement the organization’s Strategic Plan. Ibrahim’s principal responsibilities will be to manage the operations of the AAI national office and expand the reach of AAI’s political, policy and research programs. Ibrahim’s extensive experience in Arab American affairs, marketing and communications brings to the organization both talent and energy well-suited to meet the new challenges of today’s political climate .

“We are delighted that Nidal will be joining the Institute as our new Executive Director. He is a proven manager and communicator, with a deep commitment to advancing the goals of the Arab American community. We are confident that this appointment will bring new vitality to the Institute's work in the years to come," said Dr. James Zogby, president of AAI.

The Strategic Plan, developed in November 2005, is a guide for institutionalizing AAI’s mission and operation and improving communication with our constituency, as well as maintaining AAI as a network for Arab American political organizing. Ibrahim is a valuable addition to AAI, and his management experience and community relationships are vital to implementing AAI’s long-term vision.

“The opportunity to help lead one of the top Arab American organizations in the country during this critical period in the community’s history is an exhilarating one,” Ibrahim said. “I embrace my new position with all of its inherent challenges and opportunities, excited at the prospect of working with an exceptional team of people at AAI, a group of folks who are confident in their mission, driven with passion and committed to the state goals of Arab American political empowerment.”

We invite you to speak with Nidal Ibrahim and Dr. Zogby in a conference call on Friday, March 17th at 11am. To dial in please call: (641) 297-7250 and use the participant PIN number 131054. Only long distance charges apply.

Committee to Protect Journalists blasts Israeli arrest of Journalists in jail assault

GAZA: Journalists, others kidnapped as prison siege sparks violence

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 x105

New York, March 14, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned by reports that Palestinian gunmen abducted journalists and other foreigners in Gaza City today. A wave of violence erupted in Gaza and elsewhere in the West Bank, after Israeli forces laid siege to a Jericho prison to arrest militants believed responsible for the 2001 assassination of an Israeli minister.

CPJ sources said as many as four South Korean and French journalists were abducted from Gaza's Dira hotel. Armed kidnappers stormed the hotel this afternoon, according to news reports, which said one gunman was killed in a confrontation with Palestinian police.

At least two journalists were reportedly freed by late night. CPJ is seeking to verify the journalists’ identities.

Palestinian security services said the gunmen were members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Reuters reported. Gunmen also attempted to break into the offices of the German television network ARD in Gaza City, causing some damage, an ARD staffer told CPJ.

“We call for the immediate release of all foreigners, including journalists, who were abducted in Gaza,” CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper said. “There’s no justification for attacking civilians, including journalists who were doing their jobs.”

Several other foreigners were reported kidnapped for brief periods, including two Australians, a Swiss, and an American. Two French women, members of the human rights group Medecins du Monde (Doctors of the World), were abducted near the village of Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza.

The attacks came after Israeli forces launched a military operation at the Jericho prison to seize Ahmad Saadat, leader of the PFLP, and five other members of the group. The six were being held in the assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Zeevi. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said last week that he would be willing to free Saadat, which triggered Israel’s response.

British and U.S. monitors who had supervised the detention pulled out of the prison just before the Israeli raid. Israel took Saadat and the others into custody after a nine-hour siege at the prison.

Citizens of France, Britain, Germany, and South Korea, among them journalists, sought the protection of the Palestinian security services amid threats by gunmen, according to news reports.

Kidnappings, including those targeting members of the press, have been on the rise in Gaza over the last year. Cases include:
Ø On August 15, 2005, soundman Mohammed Ouathi of France 3 television was held for eight days by unidentified gunmen.
Ø On September 10, 2005, Italian journalist Lorenzo Cremonesi, of the newspaper Corriere della Serra, was abducted by masked gunmen in the town of Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. He was released later that day unharmed.
Ø And, on October 12, 2005, Dion Nissenbaum, a U.S. reporter for the Knight Ridder newspaper chain, and British photographer Adam Pletts, a freelancer for the news organization, were abducted for several hours by renegade members of the Fatah party before being released unharmed.

CPJ is a New York–based, independent, nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.cpj.org/.

Lawsuit filed against ACCESS in Dearborn by Yemeni employees

Lawsuit Filed Against the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) of Dearborn SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 7

Sommers Schwartz, P.C., announces that a lawsuit was filed in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, last Friday, March 3, 2006, on behalf of plaintiff Bushra Alawie, against ACCESS of Dearborn.Details

WHAT: Plaintiff is claiming that the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) is in violation of discrimination against Yemeni employees. The following counts have been filed in this U.S. District Court lawsuit: Religious Discrimination, National Origin Discrimination, Retaliation, Family and Medical Leave Act Violation and Age Discrimination. U.S. District Court Judge Anna Diggs Taylor has been assigned to the case.

WHO:* Plaintiff, Bushra Alawie, a former employee of ACCESS, who was ultimately terminated.Sommers Schwartz ranks among Michigan's largest law firms. Eleven of the firm's nearly 80 lawyers have been distinguished as "Best Lawyers in America." To reach Sommers Schwartz, P.C., in Southfield, Michigan, phone 248-355-0300. The Law Offices of Sommers Schwartz, P.C., are located at 2000 Town Center, Suite 900 ­ 9th floor board room. Source: Sommers Schwartz, P.C.

CONTACT: Mort Meisner of Mort Meisner Associates, +1-248-545-2222; orKristin Schenden Russell of Schenden Comm., +1-248-895-5638

NOTE TO EDITORS: AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS: * Gerald D. Wahl, Attorney for Plaintiff, Sommers Schwartz, P.C., along with his client, Bushra Alawie of Dearborn, Michigan.

COmmittee to Protect Journalists protests charges against Lebanese journalist

Lebanese journalists face charges of defaming president

Committee to Protect Journalists
330 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA Phone: (212) 465‑1004 Fax: (212) 465‑9568 Web: www.cpj.org E-Mail: media@cpj.org
http://www.cpj.org
Contact: Joel Campagna
E-mail: info@cpj.org
Telephone: (212) 465-1004 x104

New York, March 2, 2006—The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by criminal charges filed against the daily Lebanese newspaper Al-Mustaqbal, its editor-in-chief, and a staff reporter for defaming President Emile Lahoud.

The charges were brought by Beirut prosecutor Joseph Me’mari on Tuesday, four days after Al-Mustaqbal published an interview with former Lebanese ambassador to France and former army intelligence chief Johnny Abdo, who criticized Lahoud’s performance. According to The Daily Star, Abdo was quoted as saying that “under Lahoud's mandate, the Presidential Palace was turned into an unsuitable place to hold dialogue, and Lahoud's presence violates the constitution, because the constitution says the president is the symbol of unity.”

Tawfiq Khattab, the editor-in-chief, and Fares Khashan, the article’s author, were charged with insulting and defaming the president under Articles 23 and 26 of the Lebanese publication law and Article 219 of the penal code, according to Al-Mustaqbal. The journalists face up to two years in prison if convicted. Abdo, who lives in France, has been charged under the same statutes. Khashan is also based in France.

“It’s outrageous that journalists face prison for publishing the comments of a former diplomat about matters of vital public interest,” CPJ Executive Director Ann Cooper said. “This type of punitive case, coupled with the unsolved murders of journalists, endangers Lebanon’s vibrant press.”

Al-Mustaqbal is owned by the family of Rafiq al-Hariri, the slain former prime minister. The paper and its journalists are now facing a total of 12 charges related to defaming the president and other members of parliament, a journalist at the paper told CPJ. One of the most prominent cases involves Khattab and another staff reporter, Zahi Wehbe, who were indicted in July 2005 on charges of libeling Lahoud. That case is pending.
The indictment stemmed from an article that appeared in Al-Mustaqbal on June 7, five days after Lebanese columnist Samir Qassir was murdered in a car bombing. In the article, headlined “His Excellency, the Murderer,” Wehbe wrote: “The general has not, and will not, understand that the people cannot be terrorized.” Although Al-Mustaqbal did not mention Lahoud by name, he is often referred to as “the general” in the press. Wehbe told The Associated Press that the piece was aimed at “all killers in Lebanon.”

Lebanese columnist Gebran Tueni was killed by a bomb in December, and television journalist May Chidiac was gravely wounded in a September bomb attack.

CPJ is a New York–based, independent, nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide. For more information, visit www.cpj.org.