The Arab American Institute remains in constant contact with the State Department as they work to formulate a plan to evacuate US citizens from Lebanon. We will continue to update you as we receive information. In the meantime, the State Department requests that all US citizens in Lebanon REGISTER IMMEDIATELY at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp
so that you can be informed as soon as an evacuation plan is in place.
Further updates are available at www.travel.state.gov or 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444.
AAI is forwarding all information we receive on American in Lebanon to the appropraite officials at the State Department as well as Congress. Please keep sending your stories to rabouchedid@aaiusa.org Please send us pictures so that we can give a human face to our community.
The Department of State has issued a Travel Warning for Lebanon, which is pasted below and is available at http://travel.state.gov. The U.S. Embassy in Beruit’s web site is located at
http://www.usembassy.gov.lb/service/service.htm.
Travel WarningUnited States Department of StateBureau of Consular AffairsWashington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Fri Jul 14 08:53:26 2006.
LEBANON
July 13, 2006
This Travel Warning is being updated to alert American citizens that, due to ongoing security concerns in Lebanon, the U.S. Embassy has been granted authorized departure status. Family members and non-emergency American employees have permission to depart Lebanon. American citizens are urged to evaluate their personal security posture and consider departing in light of the current situation in Lebanon. The Department of State urges American citizens to defer travel to Lebanon. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on May 2, 2006.
The Department of State is concerned for the personal safety of American citizens due to the current security situation in Lebanon. In light of the events of July 12 in Southern Lebanon and the resulting escalation in tensions in Lebanon, including the closure of Beirut International Airport and the Port of Beirut, American citizens are urged to avoid non-essential travel in Lebanon. There remains the possibility of anti-U.S. demonstrations and American citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens should avoid any areas where demonstrations are possible and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.
U.S. citizens in Lebanon are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Beirut where they may also obtain updated information on travel and security in Lebanon. See registration details below.
Events in Lebanon underscore the need for caution and sound personal security precautions. Since March 2005, there have been 13 separate bombings in Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people and injuries to more than 100 others. American citizens should keep a low profile, varying times and routes for all required travel. Americans should also pay close attention to their personal security at locations where Westerners are generally known to congregate, and should avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
U.S. citizens who are in Lebanon despite this Travel Warning should exercise heightened caution when traveling in parts of the southern suburbs of Beirut, portions of the Bekaa Valley and South Lebanon, and the cities of Sidon and Tripoli. Hizballah has not been disarmed, it maintains a strong presence in many of these areas, and there is the potential for action by other extremist groups in Tripoli.
Palestinian groups hostile to both the Lebanese government and the U.S. operate largely autonomously inside refugee camps in different areas of the country. Intra-communal violence within the camps has resulted in violent incidents such as shootings and explosions.
Occasionally this violence spills over into neighboring cities and towns. Dangers posed by landmines and unexploded ordnance throughout south Lebanon are significant and also exist in other areas where civil war fighting was intense. Travelers should be aware of posted landmine warnings and strictly avoid all areas where landmines and unexploded ordnance may be present.The Embassy is located in Awkar, near Antelias, Beirut, Lebanon. Public access hours for American citizens are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
However, American citizens who require emergency services outside of these hours may contact the Embassy by telephone at any time. The telephone numbers are (961-4) 542-600, 543-600, and fax 544-209. American citizens may register with the Embassy online by visiting
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs
Information on consular services and registration can also be found at
http://lebanon.usembassy.gov
or by phone at the above telephone numbers between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday local time.Updated information on travel and security in Lebanon may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. Additional details can be found in the Department of State's
Consular Information Sheet for Lebanon
the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement
and the Travel Publication
A Safe Trip Abroad,
all of which are available on the Department's Internet site at
http://travel.state.gov.
Friday, July 14, 2006
EU Provides emergency assistance to besieged Palestinians
EU Provides Euro 50 Million Emergency Humanitarian Aid for Palestinians
WASHINGTON, July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the worsening situation in the Palestinian Territories, the European Commission has announced plans to provide a further euro 50 million in humanitarian aid to allow for a more forceful and comprehensive response to the growing needs of the Palestinians. Areas to be covered include food delivery, healthcare, water/sanitation and Red Cross protection activities. The new funds are being channelled through the Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO), under the responsibility of Louis Michel, Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid.
Louis Michel said: "I strongly condemn the escalating violence in the region and deplore the ever-worsening humanitarian situation of people living in Gaza and the West Bank. Once again, civilians are paying the price of conflict. They are the main casualties of the Israeli blockades and incursions in Gaza, and now in Lebanon. Movement restrictions are also making it very difficult for humanitarian operators to help the people that most need it. I strongly urge both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to facilitate the work of the humanitarian agencies and ensure the protection of civilians."
The latest funding package will help to meet the vital needs of around 1.5 million people living in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Activities to be undertaken by the Commission's humanitarian partners include:
-- Food distribution: Food will be distributed to an estimated 500,000 people until the end of this year by Commission humanitarian partners such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and CARE.
-- Health: The UN's World Health Organisation (WHO), CARE, MERLIN are potential partners for the provision of basic health services.
-- Water and sanitation: NGOs such as CARE and OXFAM will ensure water supplies for the most vulnerable communities as soon as possible.
-- Protection: As the population is increasingly exposed to violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, the Commission will fund protection activities implemented by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).These funds are in addition to the euro 34 million announced last week from the Commission's regular humanitarian budget and the euro 105 million channelled through the Temporary International Mechanism for the direct delivery of basic needs assistance to the Palestinian people and a euro 120 million package of aid announced in February.
For further information, please visit:http://www.eurunion.org/Source: Delegation of the European Commission to the U.S.
CONTACT: Anthony Gooch, +1-202-862-9523, or Kasper Zeuthen,+1-202-862-9530, both of Delegation of the European Commission to the U.SWeb site: http://www.eurunion.org/
WASHINGTON, July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the worsening situation in the Palestinian Territories, the European Commission has announced plans to provide a further euro 50 million in humanitarian aid to allow for a more forceful and comprehensive response to the growing needs of the Palestinians. Areas to be covered include food delivery, healthcare, water/sanitation and Red Cross protection activities. The new funds are being channelled through the Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO), under the responsibility of Louis Michel, Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid.
Louis Michel said: "I strongly condemn the escalating violence in the region and deplore the ever-worsening humanitarian situation of people living in Gaza and the West Bank. Once again, civilians are paying the price of conflict. They are the main casualties of the Israeli blockades and incursions in Gaza, and now in Lebanon. Movement restrictions are also making it very difficult for humanitarian operators to help the people that most need it. I strongly urge both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to facilitate the work of the humanitarian agencies and ensure the protection of civilians."
The latest funding package will help to meet the vital needs of around 1.5 million people living in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Activities to be undertaken by the Commission's humanitarian partners include:
-- Food distribution: Food will be distributed to an estimated 500,000 people until the end of this year by Commission humanitarian partners such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the UN World Food Programme (WFP) and CARE.
-- Health: The UN's World Health Organisation (WHO), CARE, MERLIN are potential partners for the provision of basic health services.
-- Water and sanitation: NGOs such as CARE and OXFAM will ensure water supplies for the most vulnerable communities as soon as possible.
-- Protection: As the population is increasingly exposed to violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, the Commission will fund protection activities implemented by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).These funds are in addition to the euro 34 million announced last week from the Commission's regular humanitarian budget and the euro 105 million channelled through the Temporary International Mechanism for the direct delivery of basic needs assistance to the Palestinian people and a euro 120 million package of aid announced in February.
For further information, please visit:http://www.eurunion.org/Source: Delegation of the European Commission to the U.S.
CONTACT: Anthony Gooch, +1-202-862-9523, or Kasper Zeuthen,+1-202-862-9530, both of Delegation of the European Commission to the U.SWeb site: http://www.eurunion.org/
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Statement of His Eminence and His Beatitude Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir
Statement of His Eminence and His Beatitude Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir
LAWRENCE, Mass., July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement of His Eminence and His Beatitude Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East:
"I began my pastoral visit to the United States on June 29, the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. I have visited St. Louis, Chicago, and Detroit. After these two days in Lawrence, I will proceed to New York. I have met thousands of Maronites and friends from throughout the United States. The Lebanese and Maronite people are proud contributors to American society.
"I have come at the invitation of Maronite Bishops Robert Shaheen and Gregory Mansour who have undertaken the planning and details of this visit, which is made in honor of the forty years since the appointment of a Maronite Bishop in the United States. Much progress has been made in 40 years. We look forward to a brighter future.
"I am grateful for the solidarity that exists between the Catholics of Lebanon and the Middle East, and those of this country. I am also grateful for the solidarity expressed by the international community, and especially President Bush and the United States, towards Lebanon.
"I have come to strengthen the bridges between East and West, Christians and Muslims. I have come with the demand that Lebanon steer its own course, without the tutelage of any other nation. I have come to say that the Lebanese are determined to live far from terrorism, tyranny, corruption and despair.
"The Lebanese are proud people and have inherited the oldest democracy in the Middle East. They are well-educated, accustomed to hard work, and eager to work in harmony with the community of nations.
"In Lebanon we have difficult issues to resolve. We have been working at these issues in the National Dialogue, which still awaits a positive outcome. Syrian troops have left Lebanon, but their influence is still there. We therefore ask again that our two nations develop proper relations befitting of states, which means among other things, delineated boundaries, embassies, respect for international law, and friendly relations.
"The tragic events of recent days give us pause to pray and ask the Lord's help. I am very concerned and anxious. As we have said in the past and reassert again today, we are against all aggression wherever it comes from. We condemn Israel's recent retaliations against Lebanon's people and infrastructure. We also hope that Hezbollah will finally lay down its arms and join the other citizens of Lebanon in reaching political solutions to all of the Lebanese problems.
"We look forward to a united, sovereign, free, and truly independent Lebanon, where the Lebanese government exerts its sole authority over all of Lebanon's territory.
"We have known war first hand on our own soil. We have had enough. We need the help and support of all our friends in the world, especially the United States. We are determined to work together, through dialogue, for peace and justice in the region.
"I ask you to pray for Lebanon and help us to show in the news the true Lebanon, the Lebanon that longs to reclaim its former glory. As Pope John Paul II says, 'Lebanon is more than a country, it is a message of fraternity for the entire world.'
"Thank you for coming today."
SOURCE St. Anthony's Maronite Catholic Church
-0-
07/13/2006
/CONTACT: Paul Schneider for St. Anthony's Maronite Catholic Church, +1-215-817-4384 (Mobile)/
LAWRENCE, Mass., July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a statement of His Eminence and His Beatitude Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East:
"I began my pastoral visit to the United States on June 29, the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. I have visited St. Louis, Chicago, and Detroit. After these two days in Lawrence, I will proceed to New York. I have met thousands of Maronites and friends from throughout the United States. The Lebanese and Maronite people are proud contributors to American society.
"I have come at the invitation of Maronite Bishops Robert Shaheen and Gregory Mansour who have undertaken the planning and details of this visit, which is made in honor of the forty years since the appointment of a Maronite Bishop in the United States. Much progress has been made in 40 years. We look forward to a brighter future.
"I am grateful for the solidarity that exists between the Catholics of Lebanon and the Middle East, and those of this country. I am also grateful for the solidarity expressed by the international community, and especially President Bush and the United States, towards Lebanon.
"I have come to strengthen the bridges between East and West, Christians and Muslims. I have come with the demand that Lebanon steer its own course, without the tutelage of any other nation. I have come to say that the Lebanese are determined to live far from terrorism, tyranny, corruption and despair.
"The Lebanese are proud people and have inherited the oldest democracy in the Middle East. They are well-educated, accustomed to hard work, and eager to work in harmony with the community of nations.
"In Lebanon we have difficult issues to resolve. We have been working at these issues in the National Dialogue, which still awaits a positive outcome. Syrian troops have left Lebanon, but their influence is still there. We therefore ask again that our two nations develop proper relations befitting of states, which means among other things, delineated boundaries, embassies, respect for international law, and friendly relations.
"The tragic events of recent days give us pause to pray and ask the Lord's help. I am very concerned and anxious. As we have said in the past and reassert again today, we are against all aggression wherever it comes from. We condemn Israel's recent retaliations against Lebanon's people and infrastructure. We also hope that Hezbollah will finally lay down its arms and join the other citizens of Lebanon in reaching political solutions to all of the Lebanese problems.
"We look forward to a united, sovereign, free, and truly independent Lebanon, where the Lebanese government exerts its sole authority over all of Lebanon's territory.
"We have known war first hand on our own soil. We have had enough. We need the help and support of all our friends in the world, especially the United States. We are determined to work together, through dialogue, for peace and justice in the region.
"I ask you to pray for Lebanon and help us to show in the news the true Lebanon, the Lebanon that longs to reclaim its former glory. As Pope John Paul II says, 'Lebanon is more than a country, it is a message of fraternity for the entire world.'
"Thank you for coming today."
SOURCE St. Anthony's Maronite Catholic Church
-0-
07/13/2006
/CONTACT: Paul Schneider for St. Anthony's Maronite Catholic Church, +1-215-817-4384 (Mobile)/
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
New Book on Arab Christians in Israel
Amazing Stories Give Hope to Situation in Israel
MILTON KEYNES, England,
July 10/PRNewswire/ -- With rocket-strikes and hostage-taking once again bringing theMiddle East situation back into the headlines, many could be forgiven inthinking that the situation is beyond resolution. But author Julia Fisher has offered hope for the future of the region, bytelling some amazing stories of reconciliation and forgiveness. A Future For Israel (ISBN: 1-86024-531-5, price: GBP6.99) is published by Authentic Media,and contains eight inspiring stories of Christian Arabs.
Many live in Israeland have suffered at the hands of Jews, but rather than this leading to hate,they have found the strength to forgive and show love to their Jewishneighbours. In one of the stories, Fisher introduces readers to George Kazoura, anArab pastor, who fled his home in the city of Haifa in Israel with his familyduring the War of Independence in 1948. When he returned a month later, hefound to his horror, that a Jewish family had moved into his home and hadburnt all his household's belongings. Homeless and bitter, Kazoura wanted thedestruction of the Jewish people.
He dabbled in communism and atheism and in 1961, he attended a Christianrevival meeting in Nazareth with intention to disrupt it. However, Kazourafound it deeply moving and after much deliberation became a Christian. Hereturned to his old house and stood outside and felt at peace with the Jewishpeople who had lived there since he had been made homeless. In 1990, Kazouraopened an orphanage, the House of Love and Peace in the village of Rama. Mostof the children are Muslims who previously had been taught to kill, yet atthe orphanage, they learn to love their Jewish neighbours.
Julia Fisher is a writer and broadcaster and has visited Israel on over 30 occasions, often leading group trips. She says of the book: "Having visited the Holy Land so frequently, I've been introduced to many people. I have built strong relationships based on trust and respect. This book is the result and has obviously been written with their full agreement, because these Arab Christians want the West to know what is going on. These stories are rare, they are brave, and they represent a growing movement. There is something remarkable going on in the spiritual realm in the lives of everyday people that challenges ancient enmity and hatred."
www.authenticmedia.co.uk
Source: Authentic MediaFor a review copy of this book, please contact Paul Severn on: +44-1908-364214 or email paul.severn@authenticmedia.co.uk
MILTON KEYNES, England,
July 10/PRNewswire/ -- With rocket-strikes and hostage-taking once again bringing theMiddle East situation back into the headlines, many could be forgiven inthinking that the situation is beyond resolution. But author Julia Fisher has offered hope for the future of the region, bytelling some amazing stories of reconciliation and forgiveness. A Future For Israel (ISBN: 1-86024-531-5, price: GBP6.99) is published by Authentic Media,and contains eight inspiring stories of Christian Arabs.
Many live in Israeland have suffered at the hands of Jews, but rather than this leading to hate,they have found the strength to forgive and show love to their Jewishneighbours. In one of the stories, Fisher introduces readers to George Kazoura, anArab pastor, who fled his home in the city of Haifa in Israel with his familyduring the War of Independence in 1948. When he returned a month later, hefound to his horror, that a Jewish family had moved into his home and hadburnt all his household's belongings. Homeless and bitter, Kazoura wanted thedestruction of the Jewish people.
He dabbled in communism and atheism and in 1961, he attended a Christianrevival meeting in Nazareth with intention to disrupt it. However, Kazourafound it deeply moving and after much deliberation became a Christian. Hereturned to his old house and stood outside and felt at peace with the Jewishpeople who had lived there since he had been made homeless. In 1990, Kazouraopened an orphanage, the House of Love and Peace in the village of Rama. Mostof the children are Muslims who previously had been taught to kill, yet atthe orphanage, they learn to love their Jewish neighbours.
Julia Fisher is a writer and broadcaster and has visited Israel on over 30 occasions, often leading group trips. She says of the book: "Having visited the Holy Land so frequently, I've been introduced to many people. I have built strong relationships based on trust and respect. This book is the result and has obviously been written with their full agreement, because these Arab Christians want the West to know what is going on. These stories are rare, they are brave, and they represent a growing movement. There is something remarkable going on in the spiritual realm in the lives of everyday people that challenges ancient enmity and hatred."
www.authenticmedia.co.uk
Source: Authentic MediaFor a review copy of this book, please contact Paul Severn on: +44-1908-364214 or email paul.severn@authenticmedia.co.uk
Caritas Jerusalem offers report on situation in Gaza
7 July 2006
The situation in the Gaza Strip
Report from Caritas Jerusalem
For Immediate Release
The situation in the Gaza Strip - Report from Caritas JerusalemIf you wish to really understand what is taking place in the Gaza Strip, please open your Bible and read the Lamentations of Jeremiah. This is what we are all living. People are CRYING, HUNGRY, THIRSTY and DESPERATE. – Fr. Manuel Musallam – Parish Priest- Latin Convent, Gaza
"There is no doubt that Israel has not taken the precautions required of it in international law to protect the civilian population and infrastructure [in Gaza]"– Swiss Foreign Min. Statement – 7/4/06
"A force of Israeli tanks and armoured vehicles has begun re-occupying an area of northern Gaza – Three Palestinians killed yesterday" - BBC Report – July 6 2006
(Jerusalem – July 6, 2006) – The current situation in the Gaza Strip is descending precipitously into a serious humanitarian disaster. Caritas Jerusalem operates a medical center in the Gaza Strip as well as a mobile medical clinic. Our medical center also engages in numerous local and regional health campaigns to help build the health capacity of families and children in Gaza through project activities conducted in schools and community based organizations. We also undertake social and educational assistance programs as well as programs and direct assistance for catastrophic medical care cases in Gaza.
Our program manager is in daily contact with our team in the Gaza Strip to follow up on the ongoing situation. Our medical center in Gaza is working full time and is presenting all services to the community without any charge at the moment.Our medical director, Dr. Bandaly, who is a native of Gaza, says that he has never seen Gaza in such a bad situation. Homes have no electricity or water. Luckily, the medical center has its own generator which they are using sparingly only for serious emergency situations and they have some stored water. The medical clinic is providing drinking water for the patients, the medical team and neighbors. Without this stored water, there is no other readily available clean water source for the medical clinic, except for bottled water. For our basic needs in the medical center, we are very well equipped. We have basic medicines, as we were just resupplied, thank God, prior to the beginning of this recent escalation.
Due to the main power station in Gaza being bombed, this has seriously disrupted electrical supplies in Gaza. With the electricity cut, ordinary people will not be able to get water pumped from wells and this is a very hot time of year in Gaza. Cutting the power will have serious and far reaching consequences especially for the sick, old, small children, and babies. With no power, they cannot store food easily. Now that the signs of military activities are pending, people are really afraid. Children are really terrified.
The main hospital in Gaza, Al Shifa, is operating on generator power, but they cannot keep this up for long. This is good, but sick people still need transportation, and with no diesel fuel or gasoline, there are no buses or taxis for transportation. The situation is really terrible and it is the innocent, the old, the sick and small children who are suffering the most. Our medical director also said that within two more days they estimate that they will be walking to and from work as there is apparently no more gasoline or diesel fuel in all Gaza for transportation. This is a serious situation.
Dr. Bandaly, concerned of an invasion into the Gaza Strip, is asking for urgent first aid kits that will be distributed around Gaza in case regular citizens are forced to address medical emergencies on their own. They want to position these resources around so, God forbid, if need be, people will be able to do something to help injured people because if a ground offensive takes place in Gaza, the whole region will be under curfew and the injured will have to be treated in their own home regions. Doctors and ambulances will not be able to reach them.
Our medical clinic is, thank God, fully operational. While they do not have regular power, they are still working full time and in full force. Thankfully, our staff are still coming to work as they are being paid their regular salaries unlike the Palestinian governmental sector who is without financial support for their governmental employees going on five months.Dr. Bandaly also pointed out that with the wage crisis in the Palestinian Authority, his clients have no money to pay for anything.
"When the situation was better, we requested nominal co-payments for our services and for medicines that we provided. These co-payments were very minimal, but today people have no means to pay. We are providing our medical treatment free. We must continue to reach out in ministry to the sick. People really feel humiliated, tired, desperate, alone and forgotten."Food is a big problem. The people in Gaza like all other people need access to good quality balanced food to live healthy lives. Our medical director said: "In Gaza, we have lots of anemic women and malnourished children. He added: "There is no milk, meat, cheese, yogurt or anything that requires refrigeration. This is a terrible situation. We do not know what to do."
The food that is available also cannot just be eaten alone. To cook rice or hummus or to make bread, you need water and a means to cook the food. This was highlighted by the people at the World Food Programme who pointed out those basic foodstuffs like flour or hummus cannot be consumed without the ability to add water and cook them.
Note: We understand that food is presently available in Gaza if the people only have money to buy it. With the commitments to provide cash, we can get food to hungry people right away. We can handle the administrative details of bank transfers and other details to ensure accountability, but with solid commitments, we can direct the assistance to needy people right now through our Caritas team in Gaza.
Caritas Jerusalem also operates a mobile medical clinic in Gaza. This clinic targets a number of highly marginalized areas in the Amore, Imm Sadar, Magazi Bridge, Al Shati Camp and near Rafah in some villages and in Breij Camp. We are focusing on these locations, targeting two to three villages in each area. We are seeking to provide them with a minimum of medical coverage. These areas are very poor and the people living there are under very serious humanitarian situations of deficiency. While the Israelis have left Gaza and this has allowed for greater internal mobility, one must remember that transportation is not free. By bringing the medical care to them, we help them save money. We also offer medicine at heavily subsidized prices. For example, our mobile clinic will provide a prescription to a person for less than 1 Euro. Often people can afford either the medicine or the transportation, but not both. So bringing the medical care to them makes a huge difference. For those who cannot pay anything, we give it to them free.
For almost a week, our mobile medical clinic has stopped working because the areas where we have been targeting are near those which are currently the target of potential military activity. Due to the constant bombardments in Gaza, it is not safe to operate a vehicle like our mobile clinic. These areas are isolated areas which very few people go to. That is why we are targeting them because the need is so great. Our medical professionals in Gaza have told us "lets wait and see what happens for the next coupe of days before we start the mobile medical clinic back up again."
Fr. Manuel Musallam is the parish priest at the Latin Convent in Gaza. He relayed the following concerning the situation there.
"The people in Gaza are suffering unbelievably. They are hungry, thirsty, have no electricity, no clean water and they are suffering constant bombardments and sonic booms from low flying aircraft. They are suffering from hunger. They need food. Even if there is food for sale, people have no money to buy food. The price of food, of course, has doubled and tripled in the situation. They have no income, no opportunities to get food from outside and no opportunities to secure money inside Gaza. No work. No livelihood. No future. They have no hope and many very poor people are aimlessly wandering around trying to beg for something from others who also have nothing. It is heart breaking to see. We need food. We only need bread and water. Children and babies are hungry. Unfortunately, we are seeing sickness increase and to add insult to injury, people cannot afford to pay for transportation to hospital. This is not only hard suffering for now, but this fact will have long reverberations for the future. The sicknesses we have now will degrade the future generation. Children are afraid. They are going on one week with no electricity. No light at night. No oil or candles. Some can't even buy matches. These children are seeing the exodus of their entities.Children are suffering from the sonic booms. Many have been violently thrown from their beds at night. Many arms and legs are broken due to this fact. These planes fly low over Gaza and then reach the speed of sound. This shakes the ground and creates shock waves like an earthquake that can cause a person to be thrown from their bed. I myself weigh 120 kilos and was almost thrown from my bed due to the shock wave produced by a low flying airplane that made a sonic boom. It is terrifying. It is worse than a film. It is real. It is like someone picked up your house and shook it. We are now going into the seventh day without water. We cannot drink water from the ground here as it is salty and not hygienic. People can only buy water to drink. With no electricity to pump the water from wells, no fuel to boil, we are all thirsty. Thirsty children are crying, afraid and desperate. Of course, those who are sick in hospital are suffering an unimaginable horror. There is no electricity to operate life saving machines and the simplest of treatments is not able to be undertaken. These actions are war crimes. When I cry as a priest, I beg you; we do not need pity. We only need justice. If you don't give justice, there will be no peace. Peace is the farthest thing away from the mind of anyone, Christian or Moslem, in Gaza at this time.Every minute, a minimum of two bombardments hits Gaza from the sea, air or land. I have an employee who lives in Bet Hanoun. He told me he has not slept in one week. Gaza cannot sleep.I sent the Sisters of the Baby Jesus to Jabalia Camp to check on some poor families. They returned to me crying at the unspeakable horror they saw. The cries of hungry children, the sullen faces of broken men and women who are just sitting in their hungry emptiness with no light, hope or love. Christians must work to stop this silly war. I am against fanaticism and violence, but these actions guarantee an increase in support for Hamas. I demand that those outside of Gaza must care for us here in Gaza, Muslims and Christians. There are no differences here in religion. A hungry child is a hungry child. A sick person is a sick person. Our Lord demanded through St. John that you remember us in our affliction. We are now in a serious affliction. (End of the comments from Fr. Musallam)"
Caritas Jerusalem has issued an appeal for financial support for the project "Emergency Support for Palestine." This €1.16 million Euro appeal was just launched in May 2006 and contributions to the program are still being received at this time with initial commitments already received from Caritas Australia (€29,135), Caritas Belgium (€50,000), Caritas Canada (€56,543), Caritas Japan (€15,666) and Caritas Spain (€200,000). A significant portion of this project will be directed to assistance for the Gaza Strip region, which is suffering an acute crisis at this time. This program offers assistance for food provision, medical cases, education assistance, direct relief and assistance to create work for the jobless. We are coordinating our assistance in Gaza through our medical clinic, the parish priest and the Near East Council of Churches and other partners in the area.Caritas Jerusalem urges all parties to reject violence and make every effort to restore some sense of calm and orderliness that is needed to reenter negotiations for peace. Killing, aggression, hostage taking and efforts to harm a civilian population are wrong and must be condemned in the strongest terms with a view to end them immediately.
Please contact your religious leaders and or elected representatives and demand from them that the situation in Palestine not be allowed to spiral out of control and descend into a deeper abyss of despair, hopelessness and violence than already exists. The region of Gaza particularly needs to see an end to violence.
To send financial assistance, please contact us or transfer funds to:
Bank Name: Arab Bank
Swift Code: ARABPS22110
Account #: 457793/0/590 ----EURO
Account #: 457793/0/510 ----US $
Account #: 457793/0/570 ----NIS
Credit Account: Caritas Jerusalem
Branch No.: 9110
At Arab Bank in Al-RamP.O. Box 2445, Al-Ram Jerusalem
-END-
Contact: Caritas Jerusalem
Communications Officer
P O Box 20894
Jerusalem
Phone: 972 2 628 7574
Fax: 972 2 628 8421
Email: communication@caritasjr.org
Copyright © 2003 Caritas Internationalis - all rights reserved
The situation in the Gaza Strip
Report from Caritas Jerusalem
For Immediate Release
The situation in the Gaza Strip - Report from Caritas JerusalemIf you wish to really understand what is taking place in the Gaza Strip, please open your Bible and read the Lamentations of Jeremiah. This is what we are all living. People are CRYING, HUNGRY, THIRSTY and DESPERATE. – Fr. Manuel Musallam – Parish Priest- Latin Convent, Gaza
"There is no doubt that Israel has not taken the precautions required of it in international law to protect the civilian population and infrastructure [in Gaza]"– Swiss Foreign Min. Statement – 7/4/06
"A force of Israeli tanks and armoured vehicles has begun re-occupying an area of northern Gaza – Three Palestinians killed yesterday" - BBC Report – July 6 2006
(Jerusalem – July 6, 2006) – The current situation in the Gaza Strip is descending precipitously into a serious humanitarian disaster. Caritas Jerusalem operates a medical center in the Gaza Strip as well as a mobile medical clinic. Our medical center also engages in numerous local and regional health campaigns to help build the health capacity of families and children in Gaza through project activities conducted in schools and community based organizations. We also undertake social and educational assistance programs as well as programs and direct assistance for catastrophic medical care cases in Gaza.
Our program manager is in daily contact with our team in the Gaza Strip to follow up on the ongoing situation. Our medical center in Gaza is working full time and is presenting all services to the community without any charge at the moment.Our medical director, Dr. Bandaly, who is a native of Gaza, says that he has never seen Gaza in such a bad situation. Homes have no electricity or water. Luckily, the medical center has its own generator which they are using sparingly only for serious emergency situations and they have some stored water. The medical clinic is providing drinking water for the patients, the medical team and neighbors. Without this stored water, there is no other readily available clean water source for the medical clinic, except for bottled water. For our basic needs in the medical center, we are very well equipped. We have basic medicines, as we were just resupplied, thank God, prior to the beginning of this recent escalation.
Due to the main power station in Gaza being bombed, this has seriously disrupted electrical supplies in Gaza. With the electricity cut, ordinary people will not be able to get water pumped from wells and this is a very hot time of year in Gaza. Cutting the power will have serious and far reaching consequences especially for the sick, old, small children, and babies. With no power, they cannot store food easily. Now that the signs of military activities are pending, people are really afraid. Children are really terrified.
The main hospital in Gaza, Al Shifa, is operating on generator power, but they cannot keep this up for long. This is good, but sick people still need transportation, and with no diesel fuel or gasoline, there are no buses or taxis for transportation. The situation is really terrible and it is the innocent, the old, the sick and small children who are suffering the most. Our medical director also said that within two more days they estimate that they will be walking to and from work as there is apparently no more gasoline or diesel fuel in all Gaza for transportation. This is a serious situation.
Dr. Bandaly, concerned of an invasion into the Gaza Strip, is asking for urgent first aid kits that will be distributed around Gaza in case regular citizens are forced to address medical emergencies on their own. They want to position these resources around so, God forbid, if need be, people will be able to do something to help injured people because if a ground offensive takes place in Gaza, the whole region will be under curfew and the injured will have to be treated in their own home regions. Doctors and ambulances will not be able to reach them.
Our medical clinic is, thank God, fully operational. While they do not have regular power, they are still working full time and in full force. Thankfully, our staff are still coming to work as they are being paid their regular salaries unlike the Palestinian governmental sector who is without financial support for their governmental employees going on five months.Dr. Bandaly also pointed out that with the wage crisis in the Palestinian Authority, his clients have no money to pay for anything.
"When the situation was better, we requested nominal co-payments for our services and for medicines that we provided. These co-payments were very minimal, but today people have no means to pay. We are providing our medical treatment free. We must continue to reach out in ministry to the sick. People really feel humiliated, tired, desperate, alone and forgotten."Food is a big problem. The people in Gaza like all other people need access to good quality balanced food to live healthy lives. Our medical director said: "In Gaza, we have lots of anemic women and malnourished children. He added: "There is no milk, meat, cheese, yogurt or anything that requires refrigeration. This is a terrible situation. We do not know what to do."
The food that is available also cannot just be eaten alone. To cook rice or hummus or to make bread, you need water and a means to cook the food. This was highlighted by the people at the World Food Programme who pointed out those basic foodstuffs like flour or hummus cannot be consumed without the ability to add water and cook them.
Note: We understand that food is presently available in Gaza if the people only have money to buy it. With the commitments to provide cash, we can get food to hungry people right away. We can handle the administrative details of bank transfers and other details to ensure accountability, but with solid commitments, we can direct the assistance to needy people right now through our Caritas team in Gaza.
Caritas Jerusalem also operates a mobile medical clinic in Gaza. This clinic targets a number of highly marginalized areas in the Amore, Imm Sadar, Magazi Bridge, Al Shati Camp and near Rafah in some villages and in Breij Camp. We are focusing on these locations, targeting two to three villages in each area. We are seeking to provide them with a minimum of medical coverage. These areas are very poor and the people living there are under very serious humanitarian situations of deficiency. While the Israelis have left Gaza and this has allowed for greater internal mobility, one must remember that transportation is not free. By bringing the medical care to them, we help them save money. We also offer medicine at heavily subsidized prices. For example, our mobile clinic will provide a prescription to a person for less than 1 Euro. Often people can afford either the medicine or the transportation, but not both. So bringing the medical care to them makes a huge difference. For those who cannot pay anything, we give it to them free.
For almost a week, our mobile medical clinic has stopped working because the areas where we have been targeting are near those which are currently the target of potential military activity. Due to the constant bombardments in Gaza, it is not safe to operate a vehicle like our mobile clinic. These areas are isolated areas which very few people go to. That is why we are targeting them because the need is so great. Our medical professionals in Gaza have told us "lets wait and see what happens for the next coupe of days before we start the mobile medical clinic back up again."
Fr. Manuel Musallam is the parish priest at the Latin Convent in Gaza. He relayed the following concerning the situation there.
"The people in Gaza are suffering unbelievably. They are hungry, thirsty, have no electricity, no clean water and they are suffering constant bombardments and sonic booms from low flying aircraft. They are suffering from hunger. They need food. Even if there is food for sale, people have no money to buy food. The price of food, of course, has doubled and tripled in the situation. They have no income, no opportunities to get food from outside and no opportunities to secure money inside Gaza. No work. No livelihood. No future. They have no hope and many very poor people are aimlessly wandering around trying to beg for something from others who also have nothing. It is heart breaking to see. We need food. We only need bread and water. Children and babies are hungry. Unfortunately, we are seeing sickness increase and to add insult to injury, people cannot afford to pay for transportation to hospital. This is not only hard suffering for now, but this fact will have long reverberations for the future. The sicknesses we have now will degrade the future generation. Children are afraid. They are going on one week with no electricity. No light at night. No oil or candles. Some can't even buy matches. These children are seeing the exodus of their entities.Children are suffering from the sonic booms. Many have been violently thrown from their beds at night. Many arms and legs are broken due to this fact. These planes fly low over Gaza and then reach the speed of sound. This shakes the ground and creates shock waves like an earthquake that can cause a person to be thrown from their bed. I myself weigh 120 kilos and was almost thrown from my bed due to the shock wave produced by a low flying airplane that made a sonic boom. It is terrifying. It is worse than a film. It is real. It is like someone picked up your house and shook it. We are now going into the seventh day without water. We cannot drink water from the ground here as it is salty and not hygienic. People can only buy water to drink. With no electricity to pump the water from wells, no fuel to boil, we are all thirsty. Thirsty children are crying, afraid and desperate. Of course, those who are sick in hospital are suffering an unimaginable horror. There is no electricity to operate life saving machines and the simplest of treatments is not able to be undertaken. These actions are war crimes. When I cry as a priest, I beg you; we do not need pity. We only need justice. If you don't give justice, there will be no peace. Peace is the farthest thing away from the mind of anyone, Christian or Moslem, in Gaza at this time.Every minute, a minimum of two bombardments hits Gaza from the sea, air or land. I have an employee who lives in Bet Hanoun. He told me he has not slept in one week. Gaza cannot sleep.I sent the Sisters of the Baby Jesus to Jabalia Camp to check on some poor families. They returned to me crying at the unspeakable horror they saw. The cries of hungry children, the sullen faces of broken men and women who are just sitting in their hungry emptiness with no light, hope or love. Christians must work to stop this silly war. I am against fanaticism and violence, but these actions guarantee an increase in support for Hamas. I demand that those outside of Gaza must care for us here in Gaza, Muslims and Christians. There are no differences here in religion. A hungry child is a hungry child. A sick person is a sick person. Our Lord demanded through St. John that you remember us in our affliction. We are now in a serious affliction. (End of the comments from Fr. Musallam)"
Caritas Jerusalem has issued an appeal for financial support for the project "Emergency Support for Palestine." This €1.16 million Euro appeal was just launched in May 2006 and contributions to the program are still being received at this time with initial commitments already received from Caritas Australia (€29,135), Caritas Belgium (€50,000), Caritas Canada (€56,543), Caritas Japan (€15,666) and Caritas Spain (€200,000). A significant portion of this project will be directed to assistance for the Gaza Strip region, which is suffering an acute crisis at this time. This program offers assistance for food provision, medical cases, education assistance, direct relief and assistance to create work for the jobless. We are coordinating our assistance in Gaza through our medical clinic, the parish priest and the Near East Council of Churches and other partners in the area.Caritas Jerusalem urges all parties to reject violence and make every effort to restore some sense of calm and orderliness that is needed to reenter negotiations for peace. Killing, aggression, hostage taking and efforts to harm a civilian population are wrong and must be condemned in the strongest terms with a view to end them immediately.
Please contact your religious leaders and or elected representatives and demand from them that the situation in Palestine not be allowed to spiral out of control and descend into a deeper abyss of despair, hopelessness and violence than already exists. The region of Gaza particularly needs to see an end to violence.
To send financial assistance, please contact us or transfer funds to:
Bank Name: Arab Bank
Swift Code: ARABPS22110
Account #: 457793/0/590 ----EURO
Account #: 457793/0/510 ----US $
Account #: 457793/0/570 ----NIS
Credit Account: Caritas Jerusalem
Branch No.: 9110
At Arab Bank in Al-RamP.O. Box 2445, Al-Ram Jerusalem
-END-
Contact: Caritas Jerusalem
Communications Officer
P O Box 20894
Jerusalem
Phone: 972 2 628 7574
Fax: 972 2 628 8421
Email: communication@caritasjr.org
Copyright © 2003 Caritas Internationalis - all rights reserved
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Taybeh Christian Palestinian Village Festival
Taybeh October Fest Set September 16 & 17, 2006
Press Release
May 26, 2006
By Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D.
From the highest mountain region in Palestine, Taybeh, will one more time take a leading role in making history. Asking people to escape from the city and their busy schedule for a day of fun in the small village of Taybeh (near Ramallah) known as Biblical Ephraim noted as one of the most ancient places in Palestine. The Taybeh October Fest 2005 was such a great success that the reflection of democracy and diversity in Palestine will be expressed this Fall,
Sept 16 & 17, 2006 for the 2006 Taybeh October Fest, 11 am to 7 pm
aimed at boosting the collapsed economy by supporting local products such as beer, oil, honey, yogurt, peace lamps, embroidery, and olive wood produced by local small business and three women cooperatives.
Making Taybeh famous in Biblical times was Christ’s visit before his crucifixion (John 11:54) but in modern times, master brewer Nadim C. Khoury made Taybeh famous not just by placing it on the map but by producing the first Palestinian product to be franchised and produced in Germany under the Taybeh Beer license.
Also, the most magnificent site in Taybeh is the Byzantine ruins of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Don’t miss "Octoberfest" Palestinian style, Sep 16 & 17, 2006, in Taybeh, Palestine.
The Festival is the cooperative work of the Taybeh municipality and its mayor David Canaan Khoury, three women’s organizations, the three local parishes, the Taybeh Brewing Company, Olive Branch Foundation, Taybeh Scouts, and the Society of Christian Heritage in the Holy Land initiating a new tradition in Palestine to support local products and hoping that other towns can emulate an effort to support and celebrate specific products throughout Palestine.
Taybeh Municipality Tel: (02) 289 8436
Fax: 289 8616
Email: taybeh@mlg.gov.ps
Festival Coordinator: Dr. Maria C. Khoury
Mobile: 054 5 465 845
0599 318 347
Press Release
May 26, 2006
By Maria C. Khoury, Ed. D.
From the highest mountain region in Palestine, Taybeh, will one more time take a leading role in making history. Asking people to escape from the city and their busy schedule for a day of fun in the small village of Taybeh (near Ramallah) known as Biblical Ephraim noted as one of the most ancient places in Palestine. The Taybeh October Fest 2005 was such a great success that the reflection of democracy and diversity in Palestine will be expressed this Fall,
Sept 16 & 17, 2006 for the 2006 Taybeh October Fest, 11 am to 7 pm
aimed at boosting the collapsed economy by supporting local products such as beer, oil, honey, yogurt, peace lamps, embroidery, and olive wood produced by local small business and three women cooperatives.
Making Taybeh famous in Biblical times was Christ’s visit before his crucifixion (John 11:54) but in modern times, master brewer Nadim C. Khoury made Taybeh famous not just by placing it on the map but by producing the first Palestinian product to be franchised and produced in Germany under the Taybeh Beer license.
Also, the most magnificent site in Taybeh is the Byzantine ruins of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Don’t miss "Octoberfest" Palestinian style, Sep 16 & 17, 2006, in Taybeh, Palestine.
The Festival is the cooperative work of the Taybeh municipality and its mayor David Canaan Khoury, three women’s organizations, the three local parishes, the Taybeh Brewing Company, Olive Branch Foundation, Taybeh Scouts, and the Society of Christian Heritage in the Holy Land initiating a new tradition in Palestine to support local products and hoping that other towns can emulate an effort to support and celebrate specific products throughout Palestine.
Taybeh Municipality Tel: (02) 289 8436
Fax: 289 8616
Email: taybeh@mlg.gov.ps
Festival Coordinator: Dr. Maria C. Khoury
Mobile: 054 5 465 845
0599 318 347
Friday, June 30, 2006
Texas Cooking school offers Middle East training
Mediterranean Cooking Classes at Central Market Texas Cooking School
NEWS ... Contact: Sandra Parksraimedia@gmail.com
Locations August 2006
For Immediate Release
Anissa Helou (www.anissahelou.com), Guest Instructor As a child inBeirut, Anissa Heloulonged for the enticing foods like grilled lamb sandwiches sold by thestreet vendors, but her parents told her girls from good familiesdidn't eat street foods. So these foods became the "forbidden fruit"for Anissa and have remained the focus of her travels as a food writerand author of such cookbooks as Café Morocco and Lebanese Cuisine. Aresident of London and an extensive world traveler who speaks fluentFrench and Arabic, Anissa has carefully translated and tested theserecipes for the American home kitchen: Hommus; Vegetable Fritters;Meat Bread; Feta Cheese Salad; Marinated Meat & Chicken Kebabs Servedwith Assorted Salads & Dips; and Moroccan Shortbread Served with MintTea. $65 (price includes one copy of the paperback book)Born in France to Algerian parents, Chef Zadi ( www.chefzadi.com ) hascombined his passion for both cuisines throughout his career. Hecompleted culinary school in Paris and has worked in France, the U,K.,Seoul and Los Angeles. Currently he is a culinary instructor at theprestigious California School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon BleuProgram. He will delight your taste buds with Orange & Onion Salad with MixedGreens & ShallotVinaigrette; Salata Meshwiya (grilled vegetable salad); ShrimpBrochettes with Chermoula; Chicken Brochettes with Preserved LemonSauce: Algerian Flat Bread;Merguez Sausage; and Harissa. $65www.centralmarket.comLocations and dates
AUSTINNorth Lamar at 40th St.512-458-3068Sat., Aug. 5, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorSat., Aug. 26, 6:30 – 9 pmThe Algerian TableFarid Zadi, Guest ChefDALLASLovers Lane @ Greenville214-361-5754Wed., Aug. 2, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorThu., Aug. 24, 6:30 – 9 pmTHE ALGERIAN TABLEFarid Zadi, Guest ChefFORT WORTHInterstate 30 and Hulen817-377-9005Tue., Aug. 1, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorWed., Aug. 23, 6:30 – 9 pmThe Algerian TableFarid Zadi, Guest ChefHOUSTONWestheimer at Weslayan713-993-9860Thu., Aug. 3, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorTue. Aug. 22, 6:30 – 9 pmTHE ALGERIAN TABLEFarid Zadi, Guest ChefSAN ANTONIOBroadway at Patterson210-368-8617Fri., Aug. 4, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorFri., Aug. 25, 6:30 – 9 pmTHE ALGERIAN TABLEFarid Zadi, Guest Chef
END
NEWS ... Contact: Sandra Parksraimedia@gmail.com
Locations August 2006
For Immediate Release
Anissa Helou (www.anissahelou.com), Guest Instructor As a child inBeirut, Anissa Heloulonged for the enticing foods like grilled lamb sandwiches sold by thestreet vendors, but her parents told her girls from good familiesdidn't eat street foods. So these foods became the "forbidden fruit"for Anissa and have remained the focus of her travels as a food writerand author of such cookbooks as Café Morocco and Lebanese Cuisine. Aresident of London and an extensive world traveler who speaks fluentFrench and Arabic, Anissa has carefully translated and tested theserecipes for the American home kitchen: Hommus; Vegetable Fritters;Meat Bread; Feta Cheese Salad; Marinated Meat & Chicken Kebabs Servedwith Assorted Salads & Dips; and Moroccan Shortbread Served with MintTea. $65 (price includes one copy of the paperback book)Born in France to Algerian parents, Chef Zadi ( www.chefzadi.com ) hascombined his passion for both cuisines throughout his career. Hecompleted culinary school in Paris and has worked in France, the U,K.,Seoul and Los Angeles. Currently he is a culinary instructor at theprestigious California School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon BleuProgram. He will delight your taste buds with Orange & Onion Salad with MixedGreens & ShallotVinaigrette; Salata Meshwiya (grilled vegetable salad); ShrimpBrochettes with Chermoula; Chicken Brochettes with Preserved LemonSauce: Algerian Flat Bread;Merguez Sausage; and Harissa. $65www.centralmarket.comLocations and dates
AUSTINNorth Lamar at 40th St.512-458-3068Sat., Aug. 5, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorSat., Aug. 26, 6:30 – 9 pmThe Algerian TableFarid Zadi, Guest ChefDALLASLovers Lane @ Greenville214-361-5754Wed., Aug. 2, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorThu., Aug. 24, 6:30 – 9 pmTHE ALGERIAN TABLEFarid Zadi, Guest ChefFORT WORTHInterstate 30 and Hulen817-377-9005Tue., Aug. 1, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorWed., Aug. 23, 6:30 – 9 pmThe Algerian TableFarid Zadi, Guest ChefHOUSTONWestheimer at Weslayan713-993-9860Thu., Aug. 3, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorTue. Aug. 22, 6:30 – 9 pmTHE ALGERIAN TABLEFarid Zadi, Guest ChefSAN ANTONIOBroadway at Patterson210-368-8617Fri., Aug. 4, 6:30 – 9 pmMEDITERRANEAN STREET FOODAnissa Helou, Guest InstructorFri., Aug. 25, 6:30 – 9 pmTHE ALGERIAN TABLEFarid Zadi, Guest Chef
END
Thursday, June 29, 2006
CAMP Michigan raises awarness of Muslims in Michigan with new video
CAMP-Michigan presents : An Islamic Documentary on the Big Screen!
Help Raise Awareness about Muslim History!
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Mohammed Qureshi, CAMP MI 248.930.6774
ma_q@yahoo.com
June 29 2006
(Canton, MI) – CAMP (Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals) International's Michigan chapter will host an event presenting an Islamic Documentary on the Big Screen at the eMagine Theatres in Canton, Michigan on July 22nd 2006 at 11am.
The particular documentary to be shown will be decided upon by attendees of the event, who can register their vote at CAMP Michigan's website (www.campnet.net/detroit-mi). The documentaries in the running are :
Three Faiths, One God (runtime 116minutes)
Directed by Gerald Krell, the documentary aims to show the similarities between the three major faiths (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) by comparing and contrasting the history of the faiths.
Muhammad, Legacy of a Prophet (runtime 120minutes)
The San Francisco Chronicle's Jonathan Curiel has said of this documentary by Omar Al Qattan and Michael Schwarz, "Riveting, informative and inspiring, ‘Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet’ should almost be required watching for non-Muslims."
Death of a Prophet: The Last Days of Malcolm X (runtime 60minutes)
Directed by Woodie King Jr, and narrated by Morgan Freeman, this documentary tells of the last 24hrs of the great and controversial figure that was Malcolm X.
The event shall begin at 11am, and will be hosted by the Youth & Diversity Coordinator if the Muslim Unity Center of West Bloomfield, Imam Achmat Salie, and will be followed by a lunch at local eatery Panera Bread, where a discussion group will take place.
The aim of the event is to raise awareness about Islam, and allow for fruitfull discussion to take place. CAMP Michigan and its affiliate groups are encouraging muslims from all backgrounds and ethnicities, as well as non-muslims to participate in the event.
Sponsors and supporters include: University Bank of Ann Arbor, The Arab American Professional Network, The Forum and Link magazine, The Pakistani Association of America, The Voice of Pakistan Radio Show and Bridges TV
For more information about CAMP-MI, please contact Mohammed Qureshi at ma_q@yahoo.com or visit our website at http://www.campnet.net/.
####
CAMP Michigan started in February 2003 and launched as the first chapter of CAMP outside of Chicago since the organization was first established in 1994.
Some members of the CAMP Michigan Leadership Team include: President Mohammed Qureshi, Vice President Aasma Aziz, Treasurer Asher Husain, and Secretary Naghmana Siddiqi.
Says president Mohammed Qureshi, “CAMP is a great way for young Muslim professionals to meet one another and network to grow their personal circle, as well as to participate in professional development and community service. When it was mandated that CAMP International would put together events across all its chapters for Katrina Relief, we saw this as the opportunity to help people in a tangible and immediate way.”
Founded in 1994, CAMP has grown to become the premiere networking organization for Muslims from many diverse backgrounds across North America. CAMP strives to provide exciting, social networking as well as community events to foster personal and professional growth for its members. For more information about CAMP, please visit our website at: http://www.campnet.net/
Help Raise Awareness about Muslim History!
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Mohammed Qureshi, CAMP MI 248.930.6774
ma_q@yahoo.com
June 29 2006
(Canton, MI) – CAMP (Council for the Advancement of Muslim Professionals) International's Michigan chapter will host an event presenting an Islamic Documentary on the Big Screen at the eMagine Theatres in Canton, Michigan on July 22nd 2006 at 11am.
The particular documentary to be shown will be decided upon by attendees of the event, who can register their vote at CAMP Michigan's website (www.campnet.net/detroit-mi). The documentaries in the running are :
Three Faiths, One God (runtime 116minutes)
Directed by Gerald Krell, the documentary aims to show the similarities between the three major faiths (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) by comparing and contrasting the history of the faiths.
Muhammad, Legacy of a Prophet (runtime 120minutes)
The San Francisco Chronicle's Jonathan Curiel has said of this documentary by Omar Al Qattan and Michael Schwarz, "Riveting, informative and inspiring, ‘Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet’ should almost be required watching for non-Muslims."
Death of a Prophet: The Last Days of Malcolm X (runtime 60minutes)
Directed by Woodie King Jr, and narrated by Morgan Freeman, this documentary tells of the last 24hrs of the great and controversial figure that was Malcolm X.
The event shall begin at 11am, and will be hosted by the Youth & Diversity Coordinator if the Muslim Unity Center of West Bloomfield, Imam Achmat Salie, and will be followed by a lunch at local eatery Panera Bread, where a discussion group will take place.
The aim of the event is to raise awareness about Islam, and allow for fruitfull discussion to take place. CAMP Michigan and its affiliate groups are encouraging muslims from all backgrounds and ethnicities, as well as non-muslims to participate in the event.
Sponsors and supporters include: University Bank of Ann Arbor, The Arab American Professional Network, The Forum and Link magazine, The Pakistani Association of America, The Voice of Pakistan Radio Show and Bridges TV
For more information about CAMP-MI, please contact Mohammed Qureshi at ma_q@yahoo.com or visit our website at http://www.campnet.net/.
####
CAMP Michigan started in February 2003 and launched as the first chapter of CAMP outside of Chicago since the organization was first established in 1994.
Some members of the CAMP Michigan Leadership Team include: President Mohammed Qureshi, Vice President Aasma Aziz, Treasurer Asher Husain, and Secretary Naghmana Siddiqi.
Says president Mohammed Qureshi, “CAMP is a great way for young Muslim professionals to meet one another and network to grow their personal circle, as well as to participate in professional development and community service. When it was mandated that CAMP International would put together events across all its chapters for Katrina Relief, we saw this as the opportunity to help people in a tangible and immediate way.”
Founded in 1994, CAMP has grown to become the premiere networking organization for Muslims from many diverse backgrounds across North America. CAMP strives to provide exciting, social networking as well as community events to foster personal and professional growth for its members. For more information about CAMP, please visit our website at: http://www.campnet.net/
Saudi Grand Mufti condemns terrorist acts/Saudi News Releases
Saudi Grand Mufti condemns terrorist acts/Saudi News Releases
June 27, 2006
TERRORISM
The Kingdom’s Grand Mufti Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-AsShaikh, who also chairs the Senior Commission of ulema (religious scholars), condemned criminal acts perpetrated by militants in remarks this week. He called on Saudi citizens to report any suspicious activity to the security forces, and warned them not to hide militants. The Grand Mufti described Al-Qaeda as enemies of Islam, the nation, and its economy, and urged all Muslims to unite and combat all crimes. He also praised security forces for their efforts.
Saudi authorities arrested 27 militants last month
The Interior Ministry announced June 24 that from May 9 through May 23 Saudi security forces arrested 27 suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists in raids throughout the Kingdom. The suspected militants included two Somalis and one Ethiopian who were involved in suspicious activities in Riyadh, Makkah the Eastern Province and the northern region.
In addition, security forces arrested one Iraqi and three Saudis following a raid on their hideout in Hafr Al-Baten. All three were wanted by security forces. Authorities also seized weapons and documents at the militants’ hideout. Nine Saudi suspected militants were arrested as well.
Six Al-Qaeda militants killed in early-morning raid in Riyadh
Saudi security forces killed six Al-Qaeda militants, all Saudis, and arrested one militant in a raid in Riyadh June 23, the Ministry of Interior confirmed. One security member was killed and seven others injured in the operation.
The militants were killed after they initiated a gunfight with security forces while driving a stolen car to a safehouse in the Al-Nakheel neighborhood. In the safehouse, security forces confiscated weapons, cash, forged documents, computers, telecommunications equipment, forged vehicle registrations, equipment for forging and a studio for filming.
Information obtained during the raid also resulted in the arrests of two additional suspected militants with direct links to the group.
SAUDI ARABIA-US
Fourteen Guantanamo detainees returned to the Kingdom
Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz announced that 14 detainees at the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay were returned to the Kingdom June 25. The detainees include 13 Saudi citizens and one Turkistani whose parents reside in the Kingdom.
Prince Nayef said that the detainees would be dealt with according to the Kingdom’s justice system. He also expressed his appreciation to US authorities for their cooperation, and said that efforts remain ongoing to repatriate the remaining Saudi detainees at Guantanamo in the near future.
FOREIGN AID
Kingdom allocates $1 billion to fight poverty in Africa
Saudi Arabia has allocated $1 billion to a fund to alleviate poverty in Africa. The fund was established within the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) at the 3rd Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Makkah in December 2005.
The Kingdom made the announcement during the 33rd session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Baku, Azerbaijan June 19-21, 2006.
June 27, 2006
TERRORISM
The Kingdom’s Grand Mufti Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-AsShaikh, who also chairs the Senior Commission of ulema (religious scholars), condemned criminal acts perpetrated by militants in remarks this week. He called on Saudi citizens to report any suspicious activity to the security forces, and warned them not to hide militants. The Grand Mufti described Al-Qaeda as enemies of Islam, the nation, and its economy, and urged all Muslims to unite and combat all crimes. He also praised security forces for their efforts.
Saudi authorities arrested 27 militants last month
The Interior Ministry announced June 24 that from May 9 through May 23 Saudi security forces arrested 27 suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists in raids throughout the Kingdom. The suspected militants included two Somalis and one Ethiopian who were involved in suspicious activities in Riyadh, Makkah the Eastern Province and the northern region.
In addition, security forces arrested one Iraqi and three Saudis following a raid on their hideout in Hafr Al-Baten. All three were wanted by security forces. Authorities also seized weapons and documents at the militants’ hideout. Nine Saudi suspected militants were arrested as well.
Six Al-Qaeda militants killed in early-morning raid in Riyadh
Saudi security forces killed six Al-Qaeda militants, all Saudis, and arrested one militant in a raid in Riyadh June 23, the Ministry of Interior confirmed. One security member was killed and seven others injured in the operation.
The militants were killed after they initiated a gunfight with security forces while driving a stolen car to a safehouse in the Al-Nakheel neighborhood. In the safehouse, security forces confiscated weapons, cash, forged documents, computers, telecommunications equipment, forged vehicle registrations, equipment for forging and a studio for filming.
Information obtained during the raid also resulted in the arrests of two additional suspected militants with direct links to the group.
SAUDI ARABIA-US
Fourteen Guantanamo detainees returned to the Kingdom
Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz announced that 14 detainees at the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay were returned to the Kingdom June 25. The detainees include 13 Saudi citizens and one Turkistani whose parents reside in the Kingdom.
Prince Nayef said that the detainees would be dealt with according to the Kingdom’s justice system. He also expressed his appreciation to US authorities for their cooperation, and said that efforts remain ongoing to repatriate the remaining Saudi detainees at Guantanamo in the near future.
FOREIGN AID
Kingdom allocates $1 billion to fight poverty in Africa
Saudi Arabia has allocated $1 billion to a fund to alleviate poverty in Africa. The fund was established within the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) at the 3rd Extraordinary Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, held in Makkah in December 2005.
The Kingdom made the announcement during the 33rd session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Baku, Azerbaijan June 19-21, 2006.
New Internet TV shows sees viewership increases in first five weeks
New Arab Internet Show challenges one-sided American media coverage of Arab World issues
PRESS RELEASE
(Chicago/June 29) -- A new weekly online Internet discussion program is now available for public viewing. The program, entitled CounterPoint, features two veteran Arab American journalists discussing the news headlines each week and offering an alternative to the usually one-sided discussion featured in mainstream American TV.
Co-Hosts Ray Hanania and Ali Alarabi are veteran Arab American journalists and syndicated columnists.
The show format has the two co-hosts discuss and debate issues, such as the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, fundamentals of Palestinian politics, challenges facing the Arab American and Muslim American communities, the repressive media response to the release of the report on AIPAC's control of the US Congress and more.
At the end of each show, they also feature new and recent books published by Arab and Muslim Americans.
All of the shows are available online and can be viewed at any time using a high speed DSL or broadband connection. The shows are filmed in high quality digital format using a SONY VX 2100 Camera. Show information is located at www.ArabAmericanTVOnline.com.
Five shows have been posted since the show's launch May 25, 2006. Other links to online documentaries and cable TV programs are also available.
"The Internet is giving Arab Americans the power to sidestep the bias in the American news media. The question is are we smart enough to take that opportunity or do we continue to allow the mainstream American news media to define us in distorted and inaccurate stereotypes," said Hanania.
Hanania, a co-founder of the National Arab American Journalists Association, said the show will be featured at the national convention of the Society of Professional Journalists in Chicago August 24 - 26 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
"We are going to protest anti-Arab bias in the mainstream American media at the convention in a big way," Hanania promised. "The journalism abuses against the Arab and Muslim American community and the Arab World are outrageous and must be challenged."
For more information visit
www.ArabAmericanTVOnline.com
or contact Ray Hanania at 312-933-9855
# # #
PRESS RELEASE
(Chicago/June 29) -- A new weekly online Internet discussion program is now available for public viewing. The program, entitled CounterPoint, features two veteran Arab American journalists discussing the news headlines each week and offering an alternative to the usually one-sided discussion featured in mainstream American TV.
Co-Hosts Ray Hanania and Ali Alarabi are veteran Arab American journalists and syndicated columnists.
The show format has the two co-hosts discuss and debate issues, such as the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip, fundamentals of Palestinian politics, challenges facing the Arab American and Muslim American communities, the repressive media response to the release of the report on AIPAC's control of the US Congress and more.
At the end of each show, they also feature new and recent books published by Arab and Muslim Americans.
All of the shows are available online and can be viewed at any time using a high speed DSL or broadband connection. The shows are filmed in high quality digital format using a SONY VX 2100 Camera. Show information is located at www.ArabAmericanTVOnline.com.
Five shows have been posted since the show's launch May 25, 2006. Other links to online documentaries and cable TV programs are also available.
"The Internet is giving Arab Americans the power to sidestep the bias in the American news media. The question is are we smart enough to take that opportunity or do we continue to allow the mainstream American news media to define us in distorted and inaccurate stereotypes," said Hanania.
Hanania, a co-founder of the National Arab American Journalists Association, said the show will be featured at the national convention of the Society of Professional Journalists in Chicago August 24 - 26 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
"We are going to protest anti-Arab bias in the mainstream American media at the convention in a big way," Hanania promised. "The journalism abuses against the Arab and Muslim American community and the Arab World are outrageous and must be challenged."
For more information visit
www.ArabAmericanTVOnline.com
or contact Ray Hanania at 312-933-9855
# # #
Friday, June 23, 2006
Muslims Come Together for Annual Conference in July
'Our Youth, Our Family, Our Future'
DALLAS, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), the largest and oldest non-profit Islamic organization in the U.S., announces its 4th annual regional conference in Dallas, TX on June 30-July 2, 2006. There will be a press conference on Friday, June 30 at 1:00 in the 2nd floor board room of the Westin Galleria Hotel.
This year's conference will focus on the needs of Muslim youth living in America, personal improvement and how American Muslims can get more involved in their communities. The program also includes special sessions in Spanish for Latino Muslims.
"American Muslims want to be a part of the American patchwork. This conference highlights ways they can get involved, meet neighbors, and strive towards the American dream," says Conference Chair, Azhar Azeez.
WHAT: 2006 Dallas Regional ISNA Conference Press Conference
WHEN: June 30, 2006 at 1:00 pm
WHERE: The Westin Galleria Hotel 2nd floor Board Room, 13340 Dallas
Parkway, Dallas TX
EVENT DATES: From Friday June 30th to Sunday July 2nd 2006
THEME: Our Youth Our Family Our Future
CONTACT: Mr. Azhar Azeez, Conference Chair and member of ISNA
Executive council 214-769-0922,
Email: azhar_azeez2@hotmail.com;
Ms. Saffia Meek, Conference Media
Chair 972-841-5067, Email: kmeek68@msn.com.Media are invited to attend the press conference and the Islamic conference event.ISNA is an association of Muslim organizations and individuals that provides a common platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational, social and outreach programs and fostering good relations with other religious communities, and civic and service organizations.
To view the conference program, visit
http://www.isna.net/uploads/media/ISNA-MSA- MYNA_South_Central_Regional_Conference
_2006_FINAL_PROGRAM_V3.pdf
Source: ISNA CONTACT: Mr. Azhar Azeez, Conference Chair and member of ISNA Executivecouncil, +1-214-769-0922, azhar_azeez2@hotmail.com, or Ms. Saffia Meek,Conference Media Chair, +1-972-841-5067, kmeek68@msn.com
Web site: http://www.isna.net/
'Our Youth, Our Family, Our Future'
DALLAS, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), the largest and oldest non-profit Islamic organization in the U.S., announces its 4th annual regional conference in Dallas, TX on June 30-July 2, 2006. There will be a press conference on Friday, June 30 at 1:00 in the 2nd floor board room of the Westin Galleria Hotel.
This year's conference will focus on the needs of Muslim youth living in America, personal improvement and how American Muslims can get more involved in their communities. The program also includes special sessions in Spanish for Latino Muslims.
"American Muslims want to be a part of the American patchwork. This conference highlights ways they can get involved, meet neighbors, and strive towards the American dream," says Conference Chair, Azhar Azeez.
WHAT: 2006 Dallas Regional ISNA Conference Press Conference
WHEN: June 30, 2006 at 1:00 pm
WHERE: The Westin Galleria Hotel 2nd floor Board Room, 13340 Dallas
Parkway, Dallas TX
EVENT DATES: From Friday June 30th to Sunday July 2nd 2006
THEME: Our Youth Our Family Our Future
CONTACT: Mr. Azhar Azeez, Conference Chair and member of ISNA
Executive council 214-769-0922,
Email: azhar_azeez2@hotmail.com;
Ms. Saffia Meek, Conference Media
Chair 972-841-5067, Email: kmeek68@msn.com.Media are invited to attend the press conference and the Islamic conference event.ISNA is an association of Muslim organizations and individuals that provides a common platform for presenting Islam, supporting Muslim communities, developing educational, social and outreach programs and fostering good relations with other religious communities, and civic and service organizations.
To view the conference program, visit
http://www.isna.net/uploads/media/ISNA-MSA- MYNA_South_Central_Regional_Conference
_2006_FINAL_PROGRAM_V3.pdf
Source: ISNA CONTACT: Mr. Azhar Azeez, Conference Chair and member of ISNA Executivecouncil, +1-214-769-0922, azhar_azeez2@hotmail.com, or Ms. Saffia Meek,Conference Media Chair, +1-972-841-5067, kmeek68@msn.com
Web site: http://www.isna.net/
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Palestinian and Israeli launch peace effort at Pink Floyd Concert
Global Peace Project Launches at Pink Floyd Concert in Israel
Humanitarian Initiative Announced at Joint Israel/Arab Rock Concert
NEVE SHALOM, Israel, June 22/PRNewswire/ -- A global peace project called JAMOP (www.jamop.com) - Just A Minute ofPeace, will be launched by Israel's David Broza and Palestinian Ebrahim Eidat a Pink Floyd concert taking place in Israel this evening, June 22, 2006.
The sold-out concert is featuring legendary musician Roger Waters. The event will take place at Neve Shalom, an area where 25 Jewish and 25Arab families have lived in peaceful coexistence since 1976. The artists willask the audience to hold out cell phones and lighters and sing together forone minute for the official launch of JAMOP.
JAMOP is a Canadian non-profit humanitarian organization and peaceinitiative asking the whole world to join together on 07/07/07 to celebrate aminute of peace. Noble peace prize winner Jose Ramos Horta drafted the JAMOP declaration,and 17 noble laureates have joined including the Dalai Lama, and archbishopDesmond Tutu, in addition to over 75 performers who have agreed to perform atthis global event.
JAMOP is a grassroots movement that plans to hold thirty concertssimultaneously and link them together to celebrate a minute of peace. Overthe course of this year every president and noble laureate will be asked tosign this declaration as a symbolic gesture of good faith and to demonstratetheir genuine desire to live in peace.
About JAMOP Founded by David Tenenbaum in 1997, Just a Minute of Peace (JAMOP) is a simultaneous, worldwide, humanitarian/entertainment event of unprecedented magnitude. Its mission is to initiate the global voice for peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance peace and human rights, and to promoteresponsible economic and social development. JAMOP is focused on mobilizingcitizens of the world to represent their collective desire for peace, humanrights, environmental reform, and sustainability.
About David Tenenbaum
David Tenenbaum is the founding President and CEO of JAMOP and DoveProductions Ltd. As a professional in the area of high-endresidential/property management and real estate for more than 12 years, Mr.Tenenbaum has also been a key player in the organization of severalnon-profit and profit-making music and arts-driven events throughout theworld. His work with various high-profile artists and charities led him toestablish JAMOP in 1997 and subsequently, its affiliate, Dove ProductionsLtd., an organization dedicated to staging large-scale, predominantlymusic-oriented benefits.
Contact: David Tenenbaum +1-416-277-1771 doveproductions@rogers.comSource: Just a Minute of Peace (JAMOP)David Tenenbaum, +1-416-277-1771, doveproductions@rogers.com
Humanitarian Initiative Announced at Joint Israel/Arab Rock Concert
NEVE SHALOM, Israel, June 22/PRNewswire/ -- A global peace project called JAMOP (www.jamop.com) - Just A Minute ofPeace, will be launched by Israel's David Broza and Palestinian Ebrahim Eidat a Pink Floyd concert taking place in Israel this evening, June 22, 2006.
The sold-out concert is featuring legendary musician Roger Waters. The event will take place at Neve Shalom, an area where 25 Jewish and 25Arab families have lived in peaceful coexistence since 1976. The artists willask the audience to hold out cell phones and lighters and sing together forone minute for the official launch of JAMOP.
JAMOP is a Canadian non-profit humanitarian organization and peaceinitiative asking the whole world to join together on 07/07/07 to celebrate aminute of peace. Noble peace prize winner Jose Ramos Horta drafted the JAMOP declaration,and 17 noble laureates have joined including the Dalai Lama, and archbishopDesmond Tutu, in addition to over 75 performers who have agreed to perform atthis global event.
JAMOP is a grassroots movement that plans to hold thirty concertssimultaneously and link them together to celebrate a minute of peace. Overthe course of this year every president and noble laureate will be asked tosign this declaration as a symbolic gesture of good faith and to demonstratetheir genuine desire to live in peace.
About JAMOP Founded by David Tenenbaum in 1997, Just a Minute of Peace (JAMOP) is a simultaneous, worldwide, humanitarian/entertainment event of unprecedented magnitude. Its mission is to initiate the global voice for peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance peace and human rights, and to promoteresponsible economic and social development. JAMOP is focused on mobilizingcitizens of the world to represent their collective desire for peace, humanrights, environmental reform, and sustainability.
About David Tenenbaum
David Tenenbaum is the founding President and CEO of JAMOP and DoveProductions Ltd. As a professional in the area of high-endresidential/property management and real estate for more than 12 years, Mr.Tenenbaum has also been a key player in the organization of severalnon-profit and profit-making music and arts-driven events throughout theworld. His work with various high-profile artists and charities led him toestablish JAMOP in 1997 and subsequently, its affiliate, Dove ProductionsLtd., an organization dedicated to staging large-scale, predominantlymusic-oriented benefits.
Contact: David Tenenbaum +1-416-277-1771 doveproductions@rogers.comSource: Just a Minute of Peace (JAMOP)David Tenenbaum, +1-416-277-1771, doveproductions@rogers.com
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Speech by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. at ADC Convention
Speech delivered by Saudi Ambassador to the U.S
Prince Turki Al-Faisal
“My Observations as an Arab in America”
At the Arab-American Anti-discrimination Committee
26TH annual convention
Washington, DC on June 17, 2006
Ladies and Gentlemen: Thank you. Senator Abourezk, thank you for the kind introduction. I appreciate being invited to speak here today. I would also like to thank Ms. Oakar. Under Ms. Oakar’s leadership, the ADC has worked hard to protect the rights of Arabs in the United States. This is a mission I support. Through both national and local programs, the ADC helps all Arab Americans have better opportunities to make positive contributions to public life. This is needed not just among Arab Americans, but also in the Arab world, in order to promote a balanced US policy in the Middle East region.
Outreach, education and dialogue are critical to my own mission of helping to build greater understanding between Saudi Arabia and the US. This is especially important during this time when the Arab world is in the spotlight of American and global attention. So I thank you for all your efforts.
While I was invited today as the Saudi ambassador to the United States, I would like to speak to you foremost as an Arab. I am here to convey what I have experienced during my time in your great country. I am here to celebrate the beautiful mosaic that is the Arab world. And I am here to share with you some of my thoughts on the place of the Arab in today’s American society.
Part of my work as ambassador during the last several months has been to go out and talk with the American people. I have had the honor of being invited to visit many of your major cities and smaller towns. At each stop, from New York City to Seattle to Phoenix to Nashville, and to Manhattan – in Kansas, I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality with which I have been received.
Since America is, as they say, a melting pot, I have spoken with Americans of all faiths. I have had conversations with Americans who are of African and Asian and European descent. And I have also been meeting with Americans of Arab descent.
I have made a certain point to visit some of the Arab American communities in the US and I have talked with their leaders. I have been to their homes. I have listened to their issues and concerns. And throughout all my travels, I have come to some conclusions about what I have witnessed.
America is truly a melting pot of different nationalities, ethnicities, religions and ideas. It is an open system in which each and everyone can thrive and excel. The only limits I have seen are those of one’s imagination. It is a nation of great innovation and productivity, grounded in faith and fairness and justice. And while it may stray from its principles from time to time, it always returns to its proper balance.
I see that Arabs have an important place in this great American society. We only have to look at how Arabs for more than a century have built thriving communities all across the country. We can look to Michigan – particularly to Dearborn – where Arab Americans have been integral in the growth of the automotive industry.
I also see that Arab Americans have made valuable contributions in other fields. And America appreciates it. For example, if it were not for Danny Thomas and the American-Lebanese-Syrian associated charities, there would not be a St. Jude’s children’s research hospital. This center has changed the lives of millions through medical discoveries that treat cancer and other diseases.
For many Americans, Arab-Americans are invisible, recalled only when words like “terrorism” or “anti-American sentiments” arise. However, people of Arab descent have been contributing to US culture since the 1870s in fields as diverse as literature, science, politics, medicine, and commerce—witness surgeon Michael Debakey, former Oregon Governor Victor Atiyeh, author Khalil Gibran and consumer advocate Ralph Nader.
There is also Dr. Ahmed Zewail, who in 1998 won the King Faisal Prize and in 1999 won the Nobel Prize for chemistry. The director of the jet propulsion laboratory is an Arab, Charles el-Achi. We can even see here at this conference alone, there are some great examples of Arabs who have paved a path for others, like Omar Sharif and Helen Thomas. The contributions Arab Americans have made are extensive.
I also see that individuals in the Arab American community have worked hard to improve their lot. They’ve struggled—as all immigrants have in this country—to secure a place for their family, faith, and heritage. Since the turn of the last century, Arabs, as individuals, came to the US, found opportunity, and sent back for their family to be schooled or employed. This is the classic American story and many Arab-Americans have successfully shared in this dream.
But though I see all of these accomplishments and all of this good, I also see something else that gives me pause. I see that Arab Americans—as a group—are holding themselves back.
When I go out and speak with Arabs in the US, I sense great frustration—frustration that they are not being heard. The voice of the Arab American community in the US is either being drowned out or not expressed loudly enough. And the needs and the rights of Arabs in America need to be emphasized to a greater extent—in both legislation and in the media.
I also sense anger—anger that the progress Arab Americans have made throughout the years has been upended by terrorists and deviants who have no values in common with us. The accomplishments of all the Arab Americans were so quickly washed over by the tidal wave of misinformation that followed September 11. Fear and suspicion suddenly replaced appreciation and respect.
And I sense defensiveness—defensiveness because the beliefs, culture, and heritage of Arab Americans are under attack because they are misunderstood. Again, because of terrorism, the already largely misunderstood Arab culture in the US was dealt a hand of prejudice.
I feel that this complex assortment of emotion—frustration, anger, and defensiveness—has been stifling Arab Americans as a group. In many ways these issues are being internalized, hindering a common and united message. They are not being dealt with constructively enough. Instead of coming together and honestly expressing how all Arab Americans are being treated, the community, as a whole, has been quietly coping.
I don’t need to explain to any of you that the need for establishing bridges of understanding between Arabs and Americans is more critical than ever. The need actually extends far beyond the shores of this country. It is as necessary to the Arab Americans living here, as it is to the Arabs in the Middle East. We, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, carry a scar that weighs heavily on our shoulders; the scar of the horrible crime committed on September 11, 2001, in which 15 of our nationals participated. We must not allow the criminals who committed that crime to succeed in driving a wedge between Saudi Arabia—or for that matter the Arab world—and the United States.
So if, as the title of this conference suggests, the Arab American community is to build for the future, then we really need to take a good look at what the plan is for building new bridges, enduring bridges—bridges that will span inevitable misunderstanding and unite two peoples—Arabs and Americans—who truly share so much in common.
Ladies and gentlemen: America will return to its proper balance, I have no doubt about that. You just need to be active and patient at the same time; active by speaking out and getting involved; and patient by recognizing that it may take some time for your actions to translate into tangible results.
Based on my experience and what I have heard from Arabs throughout the US, there are areas where, when planning for the future, the Arab American community can help itself. If Arabs are going to secure the understanding they deserve and the respect they desire in this country, then two clear objectives need to be achieved.
First, Arabs need to find their voice in the discourse of American politics. Arabs need to get out there and get involved more. Right now Arab Americans are underrepresented relative to their numbers, their economic status, and their achievements. As an ethnic group with clear importance to American society, too few are heeding the call to action. There are over three million highly successful Americans of Arab descent in the US today, but only five Arab American members of Congress.
I know Arab Americans want a voice in this country. You’ve told me so. I have heard it from coast to coast. If Arabs want a greater voice, they must stand up. They must stand up and get involved.
There are signs of progress. In terms of political culture, Arab Americans are on the cusp of breaking through. Although proportionally there is slender representation, there are now more Arab American officials than at any other time in American history—from former presidential Cabinet members to senators to governors.
As citizens, Arab Americans are coalescing too, in such places as Michigan, Minnesota, California, and even Florida. I think the message here is clear: If you are a part of this political system, you should work to find how your voice can be heard.
The other objective that needs to be achieved is that Arab American groups in the US have to come together more. They need to coordinate their resources and capabilities to a greater extent. The Arab world is a diverse world. But it does not have to be a diffuse world. Arabs may be from different backgrounds, have different faiths, but they are all Arab in this country. The issues that affect one affect all: the visa issues, the employment issues, the discrimination issues.
These weigh heavily on all Arabs, regardless of faith and original heritage.
Organizations supporting the Arab-American cause need to act together. They need to work together. They need to reach out to one another, if they truly want to serve this community. The goal for each organization is ultimately the same, and they need to recognize this. In doing so, they should also open up their dialogue and listen to each other.
These are practical and concrete steps that will help bring together a group of Americans —Arab Americans—who desire openly that they want more solidarity. They want to be treated with the rights and courtesy extended to every other person who comes to this great nation. That is why I have great confidence. Despite the hardships and difficulty—Arab Americans want to get out there and make a difference.
They want to face down the overwhelmingly negative perceptions that were spread about Arabs after September 11. They want to tell the whole story—beyond the sensationalism of mass media. They want to move past what is politically motivated and to address the facts. And, they want to address the issues, not just the emotions.
Let me share with you what else gives me confidence. I know Americans today possess a greater interest in Arab affairs than ever before. The focus of America’s attention is on the Middle East. Perhaps for the first time, there is widespread interest among Americans to look into the issues, to find out who stands for what in the Arab world. There is an opportunity here, and as the Arab proverb tells us: “Dawn does not come twice to awaken a man.”
It has also become apparent that as Americans and Arabs interact more and learn more about each other, that we are realizing that we have more in common with each other. Despite the cultural differences, we all share a basic belief in faith and family, and a desire for peace and opportunity. Though common, these principles underscore a great deal about how we can connect on many issues.
This opportunity is one that I have been trying to take advantage of. As I mentioned, I have been out talking with Americans, listening to their questions and concerns. I have been sharing my story, and my country’s story. And while I am only one person, my activity is actually a part of a larger effort by Saudi Arabia to engage Americans. We have adopted a strategy that is focused more on people-to-people contact. The Kingdom is encouraging more delegations of officials, and business leaders, and women to come to the United States to share their views but also to learn. We are also encouraging more Americans to come to the Kingdom and learn about us and our culture.
We have revitalized a scholarship program to send our students to colleges throughout the
world. Most of our students will be coming to the United States. They will not only be receiving a world-class education, they will be forming the next generation of friendships and bonds between Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and the United States. They will be representing their culture and their heritage. They, ladies and gentlemen, will be the true ambassadors.
And so as you leave this conference, I implore each of you to continue on in your own right—as ambassadors from the Arab world. Every Arab American has a great story to tell about how they got here, or how their parents or grandparents or great grandparents first came to the United States. And they should be proud of and share these stories.
Whether you are from Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, or any other part of the Arab world, you should be proud of your Arab heritage and legacy—which truly does extend here to the United States. You should be proud of the contributions Arabs have made to the advancement of humanity over the centuries, and to the greatness of American culture and life.
And you should be proud of yourselves, for you are the only ones who can bridge the gap between the two great societies. It is not always easy, but it will always be rewarding. And it can’t be done without you.
Speak with your friends and family. Get involved in the political process. Build on the strong foundation that exists and the momentum that is carrying forth. And through this we will be able to build those bridges between America and the Arab world.
Ladies and gentlemen: Ashkurukum shukran jazeelan – thank you all very much – and barak Allah feekum – and God bless you all.
This material is distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.
Prince Turki Al-Faisal
“My Observations as an Arab in America”
At the Arab-American Anti-discrimination Committee
26TH annual convention
Washington, DC on June 17, 2006
Ladies and Gentlemen: Thank you. Senator Abourezk, thank you for the kind introduction. I appreciate being invited to speak here today. I would also like to thank Ms. Oakar. Under Ms. Oakar’s leadership, the ADC has worked hard to protect the rights of Arabs in the United States. This is a mission I support. Through both national and local programs, the ADC helps all Arab Americans have better opportunities to make positive contributions to public life. This is needed not just among Arab Americans, but also in the Arab world, in order to promote a balanced US policy in the Middle East region.
Outreach, education and dialogue are critical to my own mission of helping to build greater understanding between Saudi Arabia and the US. This is especially important during this time when the Arab world is in the spotlight of American and global attention. So I thank you for all your efforts.
While I was invited today as the Saudi ambassador to the United States, I would like to speak to you foremost as an Arab. I am here to convey what I have experienced during my time in your great country. I am here to celebrate the beautiful mosaic that is the Arab world. And I am here to share with you some of my thoughts on the place of the Arab in today’s American society.
Part of my work as ambassador during the last several months has been to go out and talk with the American people. I have had the honor of being invited to visit many of your major cities and smaller towns. At each stop, from New York City to Seattle to Phoenix to Nashville, and to Manhattan – in Kansas, I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality with which I have been received.
Since America is, as they say, a melting pot, I have spoken with Americans of all faiths. I have had conversations with Americans who are of African and Asian and European descent. And I have also been meeting with Americans of Arab descent.
I have made a certain point to visit some of the Arab American communities in the US and I have talked with their leaders. I have been to their homes. I have listened to their issues and concerns. And throughout all my travels, I have come to some conclusions about what I have witnessed.
America is truly a melting pot of different nationalities, ethnicities, religions and ideas. It is an open system in which each and everyone can thrive and excel. The only limits I have seen are those of one’s imagination. It is a nation of great innovation and productivity, grounded in faith and fairness and justice. And while it may stray from its principles from time to time, it always returns to its proper balance.
I see that Arabs have an important place in this great American society. We only have to look at how Arabs for more than a century have built thriving communities all across the country. We can look to Michigan – particularly to Dearborn – where Arab Americans have been integral in the growth of the automotive industry.
I also see that Arab Americans have made valuable contributions in other fields. And America appreciates it. For example, if it were not for Danny Thomas and the American-Lebanese-Syrian associated charities, there would not be a St. Jude’s children’s research hospital. This center has changed the lives of millions through medical discoveries that treat cancer and other diseases.
For many Americans, Arab-Americans are invisible, recalled only when words like “terrorism” or “anti-American sentiments” arise. However, people of Arab descent have been contributing to US culture since the 1870s in fields as diverse as literature, science, politics, medicine, and commerce—witness surgeon Michael Debakey, former Oregon Governor Victor Atiyeh, author Khalil Gibran and consumer advocate Ralph Nader.
There is also Dr. Ahmed Zewail, who in 1998 won the King Faisal Prize and in 1999 won the Nobel Prize for chemistry. The director of the jet propulsion laboratory is an Arab, Charles el-Achi. We can even see here at this conference alone, there are some great examples of Arabs who have paved a path for others, like Omar Sharif and Helen Thomas. The contributions Arab Americans have made are extensive.
I also see that individuals in the Arab American community have worked hard to improve their lot. They’ve struggled—as all immigrants have in this country—to secure a place for their family, faith, and heritage. Since the turn of the last century, Arabs, as individuals, came to the US, found opportunity, and sent back for their family to be schooled or employed. This is the classic American story and many Arab-Americans have successfully shared in this dream.
But though I see all of these accomplishments and all of this good, I also see something else that gives me pause. I see that Arab Americans—as a group—are holding themselves back.
When I go out and speak with Arabs in the US, I sense great frustration—frustration that they are not being heard. The voice of the Arab American community in the US is either being drowned out or not expressed loudly enough. And the needs and the rights of Arabs in America need to be emphasized to a greater extent—in both legislation and in the media.
I also sense anger—anger that the progress Arab Americans have made throughout the years has been upended by terrorists and deviants who have no values in common with us. The accomplishments of all the Arab Americans were so quickly washed over by the tidal wave of misinformation that followed September 11. Fear and suspicion suddenly replaced appreciation and respect.
And I sense defensiveness—defensiveness because the beliefs, culture, and heritage of Arab Americans are under attack because they are misunderstood. Again, because of terrorism, the already largely misunderstood Arab culture in the US was dealt a hand of prejudice.
I feel that this complex assortment of emotion—frustration, anger, and defensiveness—has been stifling Arab Americans as a group. In many ways these issues are being internalized, hindering a common and united message. They are not being dealt with constructively enough. Instead of coming together and honestly expressing how all Arab Americans are being treated, the community, as a whole, has been quietly coping.
I don’t need to explain to any of you that the need for establishing bridges of understanding between Arabs and Americans is more critical than ever. The need actually extends far beyond the shores of this country. It is as necessary to the Arab Americans living here, as it is to the Arabs in the Middle East. We, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, carry a scar that weighs heavily on our shoulders; the scar of the horrible crime committed on September 11, 2001, in which 15 of our nationals participated. We must not allow the criminals who committed that crime to succeed in driving a wedge between Saudi Arabia—or for that matter the Arab world—and the United States.
So if, as the title of this conference suggests, the Arab American community is to build for the future, then we really need to take a good look at what the plan is for building new bridges, enduring bridges—bridges that will span inevitable misunderstanding and unite two peoples—Arabs and Americans—who truly share so much in common.
Ladies and gentlemen: America will return to its proper balance, I have no doubt about that. You just need to be active and patient at the same time; active by speaking out and getting involved; and patient by recognizing that it may take some time for your actions to translate into tangible results.
Based on my experience and what I have heard from Arabs throughout the US, there are areas where, when planning for the future, the Arab American community can help itself. If Arabs are going to secure the understanding they deserve and the respect they desire in this country, then two clear objectives need to be achieved.
First, Arabs need to find their voice in the discourse of American politics. Arabs need to get out there and get involved more. Right now Arab Americans are underrepresented relative to their numbers, their economic status, and their achievements. As an ethnic group with clear importance to American society, too few are heeding the call to action. There are over three million highly successful Americans of Arab descent in the US today, but only five Arab American members of Congress.
I know Arab Americans want a voice in this country. You’ve told me so. I have heard it from coast to coast. If Arabs want a greater voice, they must stand up. They must stand up and get involved.
There are signs of progress. In terms of political culture, Arab Americans are on the cusp of breaking through. Although proportionally there is slender representation, there are now more Arab American officials than at any other time in American history—from former presidential Cabinet members to senators to governors.
As citizens, Arab Americans are coalescing too, in such places as Michigan, Minnesota, California, and even Florida. I think the message here is clear: If you are a part of this political system, you should work to find how your voice can be heard.
The other objective that needs to be achieved is that Arab American groups in the US have to come together more. They need to coordinate their resources and capabilities to a greater extent. The Arab world is a diverse world. But it does not have to be a diffuse world. Arabs may be from different backgrounds, have different faiths, but they are all Arab in this country. The issues that affect one affect all: the visa issues, the employment issues, the discrimination issues.
These weigh heavily on all Arabs, regardless of faith and original heritage.
Organizations supporting the Arab-American cause need to act together. They need to work together. They need to reach out to one another, if they truly want to serve this community. The goal for each organization is ultimately the same, and they need to recognize this. In doing so, they should also open up their dialogue and listen to each other.
These are practical and concrete steps that will help bring together a group of Americans —Arab Americans—who desire openly that they want more solidarity. They want to be treated with the rights and courtesy extended to every other person who comes to this great nation. That is why I have great confidence. Despite the hardships and difficulty—Arab Americans want to get out there and make a difference.
They want to face down the overwhelmingly negative perceptions that were spread about Arabs after September 11. They want to tell the whole story—beyond the sensationalism of mass media. They want to move past what is politically motivated and to address the facts. And, they want to address the issues, not just the emotions.
Let me share with you what else gives me confidence. I know Americans today possess a greater interest in Arab affairs than ever before. The focus of America’s attention is on the Middle East. Perhaps for the first time, there is widespread interest among Americans to look into the issues, to find out who stands for what in the Arab world. There is an opportunity here, and as the Arab proverb tells us: “Dawn does not come twice to awaken a man.”
It has also become apparent that as Americans and Arabs interact more and learn more about each other, that we are realizing that we have more in common with each other. Despite the cultural differences, we all share a basic belief in faith and family, and a desire for peace and opportunity. Though common, these principles underscore a great deal about how we can connect on many issues.
This opportunity is one that I have been trying to take advantage of. As I mentioned, I have been out talking with Americans, listening to their questions and concerns. I have been sharing my story, and my country’s story. And while I am only one person, my activity is actually a part of a larger effort by Saudi Arabia to engage Americans. We have adopted a strategy that is focused more on people-to-people contact. The Kingdom is encouraging more delegations of officials, and business leaders, and women to come to the United States to share their views but also to learn. We are also encouraging more Americans to come to the Kingdom and learn about us and our culture.
We have revitalized a scholarship program to send our students to colleges throughout the
world. Most of our students will be coming to the United States. They will not only be receiving a world-class education, they will be forming the next generation of friendships and bonds between Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and the United States. They will be representing their culture and their heritage. They, ladies and gentlemen, will be the true ambassadors.
And so as you leave this conference, I implore each of you to continue on in your own right—as ambassadors from the Arab world. Every Arab American has a great story to tell about how they got here, or how their parents or grandparents or great grandparents first came to the United States. And they should be proud of and share these stories.
Whether you are from Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, or any other part of the Arab world, you should be proud of your Arab heritage and legacy—which truly does extend here to the United States. You should be proud of the contributions Arabs have made to the advancement of humanity over the centuries, and to the greatness of American culture and life.
And you should be proud of yourselves, for you are the only ones who can bridge the gap between the two great societies. It is not always easy, but it will always be rewarding. And it can’t be done without you.
Speak with your friends and family. Get involved in the political process. Build on the strong foundation that exists and the momentum that is carrying forth. And through this we will be able to build those bridges between America and the Arab world.
Ladies and gentlemen: Ashkurukum shukran jazeelan – thank you all very much – and barak Allah feekum – and God bless you all.
This material is distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.
White House Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to be held July 25
White House Conference on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
8:00am - 5:00pm
ANNOUNCEMENT
6/19/2006
Hilton Austin
500 East 4th Street
Austin, TX 78701
On Tuesday, July 25, 2006, the White House and the Departments of Justice, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Health & Human Services, Housing & Urban Development, Education, and Homeland Security, the Agency for International Development, and the Small Business Administration will host a conference in Austin to help social service organizations learn more about President Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiative. These conferences are geared towards faith-based and community organizations that have no history of applying for government grants, as well as those that have applied, but have not yet been successful.
The conference is free, but pre-registration is required. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visit www.fbci.gov to register online. Please register by Wednesday, July 19th. If you must cancel your registration, please send an email to fbci@dtihq.com so we may accommodate as many people as possible.
The conference is part of a series of regional events that are being held around the country. The conferences provide participants with a general overview of the Faith-Based and Community Initiative, information about the government grants process and available funding opportunities, and an overview of the legal responsibilities that come with the receipt of Federal funds. The events also offer grant writing tutorials for select Federal grant programs.
For more information, please call 202-456-6708, send an email to fbci@dtihq.com , or visit www.fbci.gov .
We very much hope that you will be able to join us in Austin!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
8:00am - 5:00pm
ANNOUNCEMENT
6/19/2006
Hilton Austin
500 East 4th Street
Austin, TX 78701
On Tuesday, July 25, 2006, the White House and the Departments of Justice, Commerce, Agriculture, Labor, Veterans Affairs, Health & Human Services, Housing & Urban Development, Education, and Homeland Security, the Agency for International Development, and the Small Business Administration will host a conference in Austin to help social service organizations learn more about President Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiative. These conferences are geared towards faith-based and community organizations that have no history of applying for government grants, as well as those that have applied, but have not yet been successful.
The conference is free, but pre-registration is required. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visit www.fbci.gov to register online. Please register by Wednesday, July 19th. If you must cancel your registration, please send an email to fbci@dtihq.com so we may accommodate as many people as possible.
The conference is part of a series of regional events that are being held around the country. The conferences provide participants with a general overview of the Faith-Based and Community Initiative, information about the government grants process and available funding opportunities, and an overview of the legal responsibilities that come with the receipt of Federal funds. The events also offer grant writing tutorials for select Federal grant programs.
For more information, please call 202-456-6708, send an email to fbci@dtihq.com , or visit www.fbci.gov .
We very much hope that you will be able to join us in Austin!
Friday, June 16, 2006
Congress misled on Palestinian Christians
Congress misled about real threat to PalestinianChristians
Press release 15 June 2006
In response to Texas congressman Michael McCaul’s resolution on the plight of Palestinian Christians, Open Bethlehem’s chief executive Leila Sansour, a Christian from Bethlehem, has sent a letter to congress expressing her community’s shock at the gross misrepresentation of the real threat facing Christians of the Holy Land and has urged congress to pay heed to the real threat to the oldest Christian community in the world.
The letter dated 13 June states: “We are disappointedby the latest resolution drafted by congressman McCauland congressman Crowley purporting to act on our behalf. The resolution seriously misrepresents the situation facing Christians in the Holy Land”.
The ill-conceived resolution accuses the Palestinian Authority of discrimination towards their own Christian community and blames it for the current wave of emigration of the Christians from the region. The resolution was drafted without any consultation with churches or Christian organizations in the Holy Land. The resolution ignores the numerous calls from churches in Jerusalem and Bethlehem - and the overwhelming body of reports from international human rights organizations - that warn of the devastating effect of the Israeli system of closure, collective punishment and the construction of the wall.
In theHoly City of Bethlehem, the wall forcefully expropriates most of Bethlehem’s valuable land and historic landmarks, depriving many Christian familiesof their homes, barring access to family and jobs in Jerusalem and all the lands that are on the other side of the wall. By perpetuating the misconception that it is theirMuslim neighbors and the Palestinian Authority who arecreating this crisis, rather than policies imposed by the Israeli government, congressman McCaul is further entrenching the problems facing the Christian community rather than helping to address them.
The Open Bethlehem campaign was created to address thestate of emergency in Bethlehem with full support from the Patriarchs of the churches in Jerusalem and all Bethlehem Civil institutions. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI received the first Open Bethlehem passport, lending his support to the campaign alongside international figures such as ArchbishopDesmond Tutu and President Jimmy Carter.
Open Bethlehem is encouraged by the interest shown bychurches and church leaders across the US and the workof rep.
Henry Hyde who has sought to bring congress’sattention to the plight of Christians in Palestine. In a letter to the White House last Friday, Rep. Hyde stated that the Wall and expanding settlements are, “irreversibly damaging the dwindling Christian community." The report says that "the Bethlehem area is home toover 20 Israeli settlements and there are plans to build more. The settlements and the barrier completely encircle the Christian triangle of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour (Shepherd’s Field)."
In addition to causing housing and land shortages, "this construction physically obstructs the Bethlehemcommunity from its spiritual, cultural and economic lifeline in Jerusalem."
Since 2000, approx. 3,000 Christians from Bethlehemhave emigrated. The UN states that: “This economic emigration will have a long-term impact on the multi-cultural character that has defined the city of Bethlehem for centuries.”
Leila Sansour says: “Palestinian Christians could verysoon become unsustainable as a community. Their erosion will mean an end to sacred Christian traditions that go back to the time of Jesus, and an end to the presence of Christianity in the Holy Land.
At this critical time it is imperative that Christiansaround the world act and speak responsibly about thisissue. It is imperative that those who want to see anopen, democratic and peaceful Middle East engagehonestly with our plight.” Church leaders from across the Christiandenominations have criticised the resolution. In theletter to US congress Open Bethlehem has urged theformation of a fact finding mission from congress thatwould help representatives become closely informedabout the situation. EndsFull text of the letter and resolution attached.
Contacts:
Leila Sansour mobile: +44 781 493 7743 London Office
Charlotte Carson: + 44 20 7222 8443
Bethlehem Office
Carol Dabdoub: + 972 5454 39 841
www.openbethlehem.org
Notes for editors:
• Open Bethlehem is a Bethlehem city initiative topreserve the historic character of our Holy citywithin an open, democratic and multi-faith MiddleEast.
• Open Bethlehem was launched on 9 November 2005,declaring Bethlehem an open city and announcing theissue of a Bethlehem passport, given to His HolinessPope Benedict.
• Open Bethlehem hosts tours, delegations, eventspromoters and investors on the basis that Bethlehem isa city of openness and diversity, with a centuries-oldtradition of welcoming travellers, refugees andpilgrims from across the world.
Press release 15 June 2006
In response to Texas congressman Michael McCaul’s resolution on the plight of Palestinian Christians, Open Bethlehem’s chief executive Leila Sansour, a Christian from Bethlehem, has sent a letter to congress expressing her community’s shock at the gross misrepresentation of the real threat facing Christians of the Holy Land and has urged congress to pay heed to the real threat to the oldest Christian community in the world.
The letter dated 13 June states: “We are disappointedby the latest resolution drafted by congressman McCauland congressman Crowley purporting to act on our behalf. The resolution seriously misrepresents the situation facing Christians in the Holy Land”.
The ill-conceived resolution accuses the Palestinian Authority of discrimination towards their own Christian community and blames it for the current wave of emigration of the Christians from the region. The resolution was drafted without any consultation with churches or Christian organizations in the Holy Land. The resolution ignores the numerous calls from churches in Jerusalem and Bethlehem - and the overwhelming body of reports from international human rights organizations - that warn of the devastating effect of the Israeli system of closure, collective punishment and the construction of the wall.
In theHoly City of Bethlehem, the wall forcefully expropriates most of Bethlehem’s valuable land and historic landmarks, depriving many Christian familiesof their homes, barring access to family and jobs in Jerusalem and all the lands that are on the other side of the wall. By perpetuating the misconception that it is theirMuslim neighbors and the Palestinian Authority who arecreating this crisis, rather than policies imposed by the Israeli government, congressman McCaul is further entrenching the problems facing the Christian community rather than helping to address them.
The Open Bethlehem campaign was created to address thestate of emergency in Bethlehem with full support from the Patriarchs of the churches in Jerusalem and all Bethlehem Civil institutions. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI received the first Open Bethlehem passport, lending his support to the campaign alongside international figures such as ArchbishopDesmond Tutu and President Jimmy Carter.
Open Bethlehem is encouraged by the interest shown bychurches and church leaders across the US and the workof rep.
Henry Hyde who has sought to bring congress’sattention to the plight of Christians in Palestine. In a letter to the White House last Friday, Rep. Hyde stated that the Wall and expanding settlements are, “irreversibly damaging the dwindling Christian community." The report says that "the Bethlehem area is home toover 20 Israeli settlements and there are plans to build more. The settlements and the barrier completely encircle the Christian triangle of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour (Shepherd’s Field)."
In addition to causing housing and land shortages, "this construction physically obstructs the Bethlehemcommunity from its spiritual, cultural and economic lifeline in Jerusalem."
Since 2000, approx. 3,000 Christians from Bethlehemhave emigrated. The UN states that: “This economic emigration will have a long-term impact on the multi-cultural character that has defined the city of Bethlehem for centuries.”
Leila Sansour says: “Palestinian Christians could verysoon become unsustainable as a community. Their erosion will mean an end to sacred Christian traditions that go back to the time of Jesus, and an end to the presence of Christianity in the Holy Land.
At this critical time it is imperative that Christiansaround the world act and speak responsibly about thisissue. It is imperative that those who want to see anopen, democratic and peaceful Middle East engagehonestly with our plight.” Church leaders from across the Christiandenominations have criticised the resolution. In theletter to US congress Open Bethlehem has urged theformation of a fact finding mission from congress thatwould help representatives become closely informedabout the situation. EndsFull text of the letter and resolution attached.
Contacts:
Leila Sansour mobile: +44 781 493 7743 London Office
Charlotte Carson: + 44 20 7222 8443
Bethlehem Office
Carol Dabdoub: + 972 5454 39 841
www.openbethlehem.org
Notes for editors:
• Open Bethlehem is a Bethlehem city initiative topreserve the historic character of our Holy citywithin an open, democratic and multi-faith MiddleEast.
• Open Bethlehem was launched on 9 November 2005,declaring Bethlehem an open city and announcing theissue of a Bethlehem passport, given to His HolinessPope Benedict.
• Open Bethlehem hosts tours, delegations, eventspromoters and investors on the basis that Bethlehem isa city of openness and diversity, with a centuries-oldtradition of welcoming travellers, refugees andpilgrims from across the world.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Palestinian American Federation urges protest of anti-Palestinian bill in Congress
Protest anti-Palestinian bill in Congress
The Palestinian American Federation
Please send to all on your list. To join the Federation click here
Act now to stop the lies in Congress regarding Palestinian Christians. They must not succeed in dividing our people
Congressmen Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Joseph Crowley (D-NY) are soliciting cosponsors for a bill addressing "the systematic destruction" of the Palestinian Christian community by the Palestinian Authority (PA).
WE must act now to stop the false accusation against the PA involvement in the "desecration of Christian holy sites and the forced submission to "Islamic law" and arbitrary imprisonment of Palestinian Christians."
Twisting the truth: The truth is, it is the Israelis, not the PA, that is destroying Christian Churches and confiscating Christian land.
"Dale Crowley Jr., used his WFAX broadcast to tell Christians in the Washington area of how the Israelis have oppressed Christian Palestinians, uprooting them from their homes, vandalized Christian churches in the Holy Land, and otherwise made life difficult for Christian Palestinians and other Christian Arabs in the Middle East. "He was fired after 20 years with the radio station.
Even Robert Novak’s who is a supporter of Israel, in his May column: “Plea for Palestinian Christians.” In it he outlines a recent letter (and staff report) sent to the White House by Rep. Henry Hyde- who is also a supporter of Israel-, who has been raising awareness of the situation of the Christians in the Holy Land over the past couple of years. As the article lays out, Hyde raises concerns about the settlements and the separation barrier, particularly in the “Christian Triangle” area of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. Novak also cites Hyde’s concerns about Israeli settler actions in Jerusalem that, “‘undermine[s]’ the stability of Jerusalem as a future shared capital of Israel and Palestine, which is described as ‘vital’ to US interests in a two-state solution.”
In a letter to the White House Hyde wrote: “I cannot be blind when Israeli actions seem to go beyond the realm of legitimate security concerns and have negative consequences on communities and lands under their occupation.”
Prominent Christians in Gaza told me their friends and relatives, denied access to and from the enclave, want to emigrate. Sami El-Youssef, financial vice president of Bethlehem University, said he believes there is a conscious Israeli policy of getting rid of the Christian minority, whose discomfiture is more politically embarrassing for Israel than Muslim distress.
" I could not find a Catholic layman or prelate who complained of anti-Christian bias by Muslims." Robert Novak
We urge everyone to speak out, especially our Christian brothers to stand up and make our voice heard loud and clear.
Below is the link for the House of Representatives. Send your congressman a message, call his Washington Office and his State Office.
United States House of Representatives, 109th Congress, 2nd Session: Homepage
To join the Federation click here
The Palestinian American Federation
Please send to all on your list. To join the Federation click here
Act now to stop the lies in Congress regarding Palestinian Christians. They must not succeed in dividing our people
Congressmen Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Joseph Crowley (D-NY) are soliciting cosponsors for a bill addressing "the systematic destruction" of the Palestinian Christian community by the Palestinian Authority (PA).
WE must act now to stop the false accusation against the PA involvement in the "desecration of Christian holy sites and the forced submission to "Islamic law" and arbitrary imprisonment of Palestinian Christians."
Twisting the truth: The truth is, it is the Israelis, not the PA, that is destroying Christian Churches and confiscating Christian land.
"Dale Crowley Jr., used his WFAX broadcast to tell Christians in the Washington area of how the Israelis have oppressed Christian Palestinians, uprooting them from their homes, vandalized Christian churches in the Holy Land, and otherwise made life difficult for Christian Palestinians and other Christian Arabs in the Middle East. "He was fired after 20 years with the radio station.
Even Robert Novak’s who is a supporter of Israel, in his May column: “Plea for Palestinian Christians.” In it he outlines a recent letter (and staff report) sent to the White House by Rep. Henry Hyde- who is also a supporter of Israel-, who has been raising awareness of the situation of the Christians in the Holy Land over the past couple of years. As the article lays out, Hyde raises concerns about the settlements and the separation barrier, particularly in the “Christian Triangle” area of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour. Novak also cites Hyde’s concerns about Israeli settler actions in Jerusalem that, “‘undermine[s]’ the stability of Jerusalem as a future shared capital of Israel and Palestine, which is described as ‘vital’ to US interests in a two-state solution.”
In a letter to the White House Hyde wrote: “I cannot be blind when Israeli actions seem to go beyond the realm of legitimate security concerns and have negative consequences on communities and lands under their occupation.”
Prominent Christians in Gaza told me their friends and relatives, denied access to and from the enclave, want to emigrate. Sami El-Youssef, financial vice president of Bethlehem University, said he believes there is a conscious Israeli policy of getting rid of the Christian minority, whose discomfiture is more politically embarrassing for Israel than Muslim distress.
" I could not find a Catholic layman or prelate who complained of anti-Christian bias by Muslims." Robert Novak
We urge everyone to speak out, especially our Christian brothers to stand up and make our voice heard loud and clear.
Below is the link for the House of Representatives. Send your congressman a message, call his Washington Office and his State Office.
United States House of Representatives, 109th Congress, 2nd Session: Homepage
To join the Federation click here
Prince Turki Al-Faisal stresses close Saudi-US ties in Louisville
June 13, 2006 SAUDI ARABIA-US
In June 7 remarks to the World Affairs Council of Kentucky in Louisville, Saudi Ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal Prince Turki noted that Saudi Arabia has undergone tremendous economic, social and political development, and cited programs to improve education, municipal elections and $650 billion in investment opportunities as examples. He also encouraged American companies to take advantage of those investment opportunities in the Kingdom.
Prince Turki stressed the strength of the Saudi-US relationship, and highlighted similarities between the two peoples. “We’re plainspoken and straightforward, and we both believe in the importance of faith and family,” he said.
Interior Ministry confirms deaths of two Guantanamo detainees
On June 11, the Ministry of Interior said that Saudi authorities have been notified of the deaths of two Saudi citizens at the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay. They have been identified as Manie bin Shaman bin Turki Al-Habardi Al-Otaibi and Yasser Talal Abdullah Yahya Al-Zahrani. A spokesman said that official procedures are underway to repatriate the bodies of the two men.
New campaign to fight breast cancer in the Middle East
First Lady Laura Bush announced a major women’s health campaign in the Middle East – the US-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research – in remarks at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation 2006 Mission Conference in Arlington, Virginia June 13.
Organized by the State Department’s Office of Public Diplomacy and the Middle East Partnership Initiative, the partnership consists of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Partners will develop awareness and increase research, training and community outreach efforts.
Princess Nouf bint Fahd, the wife of the Saudi Ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal, welcomed the campaign, and noted that such initiatives enhance ties between the Kingdom and the US.
EDUCATION
Ministry of Education to offer religious tolerance training for teachers
The Ministry of Education has announced that it will provide special training programs to promote religious tolerance for male and female Islamic Studies teachers, Asharq Al-Awsat reported June 8. One of the Ministry’s main priorities is increasing awareness and religious tolerance among teachers, Saad Al-Mady, the Ministry’s director general of training, told the newspaper. Some of the training programs will be available on the Internet.
OIL
Saudi Aramco releases key oil, gas figures for 2005
Saudi Aramco disclosed key energy figures for 2005. Recoverable crude oil and condensate reserves are estimated at 259.8 billion barrels. In 2005, average crude oil production per day was 9.1 million barrels. Annual crude oil production was 3.3 billion barrels. Gas reserves are estimated at 239.5 trillion standard cubic feet. Average gas production per day in 2005 was 7.87 billion standard cubic feet. Annual gas production was 2.87 trillion standard cubic feet.
FOREIGN POLICY
Cabinet condemns Israeli shelling of Gaza beach
At its weekly meeting June 12, the Cabinet condemned Israel’s shelling of the Beit-Lahia beach in Gaza, in which innocent Palestinians were killed or injured. Such actions undermine the peace process and are opposed to basic human values, the Cabinet said.
INDUSTRY
King Abdullah launches megaprojects at Jubail II
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz launched several petrochemical and infrastructure megaprojects at the Jubail Industrial City II on June 11. The projects include new facilities at the King Fahd Industrial Port, the Saudi International Petrochemical Company’s Butanediol plant in addition to a number of projects that belong to the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu as well as private companies.
This material is distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.
June 13, 2006 SAUDI ARABIA-US
In June 7 remarks to the World Affairs Council of Kentucky in Louisville, Saudi Ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal Prince Turki noted that Saudi Arabia has undergone tremendous economic, social and political development, and cited programs to improve education, municipal elections and $650 billion in investment opportunities as examples. He also encouraged American companies to take advantage of those investment opportunities in the Kingdom.
Prince Turki stressed the strength of the Saudi-US relationship, and highlighted similarities between the two peoples. “We’re plainspoken and straightforward, and we both believe in the importance of faith and family,” he said.
Interior Ministry confirms deaths of two Guantanamo detainees
On June 11, the Ministry of Interior said that Saudi authorities have been notified of the deaths of two Saudi citizens at the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay. They have been identified as Manie bin Shaman bin Turki Al-Habardi Al-Otaibi and Yasser Talal Abdullah Yahya Al-Zahrani. A spokesman said that official procedures are underway to repatriate the bodies of the two men.
New campaign to fight breast cancer in the Middle East
First Lady Laura Bush announced a major women’s health campaign in the Middle East – the US-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research – in remarks at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation 2006 Mission Conference in Arlington, Virginia June 13.
Organized by the State Department’s Office of Public Diplomacy and the Middle East Partnership Initiative, the partnership consists of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Partners will develop awareness and increase research, training and community outreach efforts.
Princess Nouf bint Fahd, the wife of the Saudi Ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal, welcomed the campaign, and noted that such initiatives enhance ties between the Kingdom and the US.
EDUCATION
Ministry of Education to offer religious tolerance training for teachers
The Ministry of Education has announced that it will provide special training programs to promote religious tolerance for male and female Islamic Studies teachers, Asharq Al-Awsat reported June 8. One of the Ministry’s main priorities is increasing awareness and religious tolerance among teachers, Saad Al-Mady, the Ministry’s director general of training, told the newspaper. Some of the training programs will be available on the Internet.
OIL
Saudi Aramco releases key oil, gas figures for 2005
Saudi Aramco disclosed key energy figures for 2005. Recoverable crude oil and condensate reserves are estimated at 259.8 billion barrels. In 2005, average crude oil production per day was 9.1 million barrels. Annual crude oil production was 3.3 billion barrels. Gas reserves are estimated at 239.5 trillion standard cubic feet. Average gas production per day in 2005 was 7.87 billion standard cubic feet. Annual gas production was 2.87 trillion standard cubic feet.
FOREIGN POLICY
Cabinet condemns Israeli shelling of Gaza beach
At its weekly meeting June 12, the Cabinet condemned Israel’s shelling of the Beit-Lahia beach in Gaza, in which innocent Palestinians were killed or injured. Such actions undermine the peace process and are opposed to basic human values, the Cabinet said.
INDUSTRY
King Abdullah launches megaprojects at Jubail II
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz launched several petrochemical and infrastructure megaprojects at the Jubail Industrial City II on June 11. The projects include new facilities at the King Fahd Industrial Port, the Saudi International Petrochemical Company’s Butanediol plant in addition to a number of projects that belong to the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu as well as private companies.
This material is distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.
Moroccan conference to be held in Washington D.C. June 24
Moroccan conference scheduled in Washington DC June 24
Fellow Moroccan Americans,
The latest American census report indicates that the number of Moroccans residing in the United States exceeds 100,000.
In order to wield a persuasive voice that can influence policies affecting our lives, both in the US and in Morocco, we must fully exploit our growing presence to empower our community socially, economically, and politically.
With that vision in mind, a group of dedicated Moroccan American volunteers took the initiative to create a framework through which our combined ideas and collective experiences would be employed toward the most pressing issues facing us, including our territorial integrity.
Accordingly, we have the pleasure of inviting you to join this process, which we believe holds great promises for our community and for our beloved country of origin. We strongly encourage you to take part in this historic effort, at its inception, by attending our upcoming seminar. We ask you to add your voice to those of us who have already committed to attend. Please come prepared to share your thoughts and suggestions in the seminar.
Let us create an environment that allows Moroccan Americans to want to think and talk with each other, and to effectively plan and execute future strategies in a collective way.
Please join us in this momentous event to realize our common vision. A detailed program of the event will be sent shortly.
When: Saturday, June 24, 2006 from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM
Where: Radisson Hotel, Old Town Alexandria
901 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Telephone: (703) 683 6000
Fellow Moroccan Americans,
The latest American census report indicates that the number of Moroccans residing in the United States exceeds 100,000.
In order to wield a persuasive voice that can influence policies affecting our lives, both in the US and in Morocco, we must fully exploit our growing presence to empower our community socially, economically, and politically.
With that vision in mind, a group of dedicated Moroccan American volunteers took the initiative to create a framework through which our combined ideas and collective experiences would be employed toward the most pressing issues facing us, including our territorial integrity.
Accordingly, we have the pleasure of inviting you to join this process, which we believe holds great promises for our community and for our beloved country of origin. We strongly encourage you to take part in this historic effort, at its inception, by attending our upcoming seminar. We ask you to add your voice to those of us who have already committed to attend. Please come prepared to share your thoughts and suggestions in the seminar.
Let us create an environment that allows Moroccan Americans to want to think and talk with each other, and to effectively plan and execute future strategies in a collective way.
Please join us in this momentous event to realize our common vision. A detailed program of the event will be sent shortly.
When: Saturday, June 24, 2006 from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM
Where: Radisson Hotel, Old Town Alexandria
901 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria VA 22314
Telephone: (703) 683 6000
Palestinian billionaire creating American jobs while President Bush outsources
PALESTINIAN BILLIONAIRE CREATING JOBS IN AMERICA
WHILE THE PREZ IS OK WITH SHIPPING JOBS OVERSEAS
HUDSON BOOKS
244 Madison Ave. #254, New York, NY 10016
Contact: David Schwartz Ph: 201-236-9990
E-mail: ArborBooksSchwartz@yahoo.com
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
(NEW YORK, NY) -- Outsourcing American jobs overseas has had unwavering support by the Bush Administration, US Chamber of Commerce, and major business think tanks. Then why is a foreign billionaire dead set on creating jobs right here in America for Americans? Samih Darwazah, a Palestinian-born, self-made business tycoon, can't figure why American companies are laying off millions of workers and shipping their jobs out of the US.
It's especially puzzling because Darwazah's own company, Hikma Pharmaceutical, loves building in America and hiring American workers. Hikma has already built and is expanding one plant in Eatontown, New Jersey, and is planning a second one in the US. "America has the world’s best educated and disciplined work force," said Darwazah. "Americans may cost more to hire, but their productivity is far better. It’s a huge mistake to weaken the American work force. America could pay dearly for this in the long term." Forrester Research projects that 3 million more high-paying white-collar jobs will be sent overseas in less than a decade. Off-shoring (the term for outsourcing jobs overseas), once limited to manufacturing jobs, has now spread to all of America’s workforce. The Economic Policy Institute warns of "the very real risks off-shoring poses to [America's] living standards." This particular trend of globalization worries Darwazah, especially since it might weaken America and her position in the world. That may seem odd to some people who see any Arab or Palestinian as an enemy. But for Samih, it's not odd at all. It's downright personal. In fact, Darwazah himself is a prime example of America’s foreign-policy gone right. American aid led to his education in Jordan and his becoming a Fulbright Scholar. Samih and his family then came to America (legally), where he worked as a pharmaceutical rep. Eventually, he parlayed those US-provided opportunities into mega-success. Now he believes because America invested in his future that he should be investing in America’s.
"There may come a time in the near future that no job in America will be safe from this pernicious practice of off-shoring and that’s a shame," said Darwazah. "America is the world leader and a weak America makes for an unstable, dangerous world." American business schools, such as Harvard and Columbia, are now paying close attention to Darwazah and even study his business model. His book, "Building a Global Success," has been endorsed by the Deans of both schools. Hikma, listed on the London Stock Exhchange (HIK), has grown 35 percent a year, with annual sales over a billion dollars in 60 countries. Samih Darwazah, is the founder and chairman of Hikma Group, a billion-dollar multinational pharmaceutical company. He was a Fulbright Scholar and former Energy Minister in the Jordanian government under King Hussein. "Building a Global Success" is his first book.
-- 30 --
("Building a Global Success: The Story of Samih Darwazah and the Rise of Hikma" by Samih Darwazah ISBN: 0-9749860-9-7/Trade Paper -- $17.95ISBN: 0-9762502-2-5/Cloth -- $27.95218 pages; Illustrated; Hudson Books)
NOTE:
While American companies are outsourcing jobs overseas, Samih Darwazah, palestinian-born CEO of Hikma Pharmaceutical is bringing jobs back to America. His story is a combination of an Arab billionaire success story and American Foreign policy that actually worked in the middle east.
Darwazah benefitted from American education grants in the middle east, and later on served in the Jordanian government under King Hussein.
He now runs a multi-billion dollar global pharma company that has one plant already in the US, in New Jersey and is planning to open up a second one in the Maryland region.
END
WHILE THE PREZ IS OK WITH SHIPPING JOBS OVERSEAS
HUDSON BOOKS
244 Madison Ave. #254, New York, NY 10016
Contact: David Schwartz Ph: 201-236-9990
E-mail: ArborBooksSchwartz@yahoo.com
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
(NEW YORK, NY) -- Outsourcing American jobs overseas has had unwavering support by the Bush Administration, US Chamber of Commerce, and major business think tanks. Then why is a foreign billionaire dead set on creating jobs right here in America for Americans? Samih Darwazah, a Palestinian-born, self-made business tycoon, can't figure why American companies are laying off millions of workers and shipping their jobs out of the US.
It's especially puzzling because Darwazah's own company, Hikma Pharmaceutical, loves building in America and hiring American workers. Hikma has already built and is expanding one plant in Eatontown, New Jersey, and is planning a second one in the US. "America has the world’s best educated and disciplined work force," said Darwazah. "Americans may cost more to hire, but their productivity is far better. It’s a huge mistake to weaken the American work force. America could pay dearly for this in the long term." Forrester Research projects that 3 million more high-paying white-collar jobs will be sent overseas in less than a decade. Off-shoring (the term for outsourcing jobs overseas), once limited to manufacturing jobs, has now spread to all of America’s workforce. The Economic Policy Institute warns of "the very real risks off-shoring poses to [America's] living standards." This particular trend of globalization worries Darwazah, especially since it might weaken America and her position in the world. That may seem odd to some people who see any Arab or Palestinian as an enemy. But for Samih, it's not odd at all. It's downright personal. In fact, Darwazah himself is a prime example of America’s foreign-policy gone right. American aid led to his education in Jordan and his becoming a Fulbright Scholar. Samih and his family then came to America (legally), where he worked as a pharmaceutical rep. Eventually, he parlayed those US-provided opportunities into mega-success. Now he believes because America invested in his future that he should be investing in America’s.
"There may come a time in the near future that no job in America will be safe from this pernicious practice of off-shoring and that’s a shame," said Darwazah. "America is the world leader and a weak America makes for an unstable, dangerous world." American business schools, such as Harvard and Columbia, are now paying close attention to Darwazah and even study his business model. His book, "Building a Global Success," has been endorsed by the Deans of both schools. Hikma, listed on the London Stock Exhchange (HIK), has grown 35 percent a year, with annual sales over a billion dollars in 60 countries. Samih Darwazah, is the founder and chairman of Hikma Group, a billion-dollar multinational pharmaceutical company. He was a Fulbright Scholar and former Energy Minister in the Jordanian government under King Hussein. "Building a Global Success" is his first book.
-- 30 --
("Building a Global Success: The Story of Samih Darwazah and the Rise of Hikma" by Samih Darwazah ISBN: 0-9749860-9-7/Trade Paper -- $17.95ISBN: 0-9762502-2-5/Cloth -- $27.95218 pages; Illustrated; Hudson Books)
NOTE:
While American companies are outsourcing jobs overseas, Samih Darwazah, palestinian-born CEO of Hikma Pharmaceutical is bringing jobs back to America. His story is a combination of an Arab billionaire success story and American Foreign policy that actually worked in the middle east.
Darwazah benefitted from American education grants in the middle east, and later on served in the Jordanian government under King Hussein.
He now runs a multi-billion dollar global pharma company that has one plant already in the US, in New Jersey and is planning to open up a second one in the Maryland region.
END
Bridges TV offered as regular programming on Adephia Cable TV
Bridges TV Goes Mainstream on Adelphia Cable
The Network Is No Longer a Premium Service on Adelphia Cable
BUFFALO, N.Y., June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridges TV announced today the addition of its network to Adelphia Digital Basic Cable service on channel 260. The network was formerly a premium service for $14.95 per month. Bridges TV is a 24x7 English language network focused on bridging the gap between Western and Muslim worlds.
Dr. Khalid Qazi, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) in Western New York, stated, "By expanding Bridges TV to basic cable, Adelphia has shown genuine openness and outreach towards American Muslims giving them a voice in the mainstream media." Dr. Qazi added, "This is an excellent example of a partnership between the local community and the local cable. The best way for the community to appreciate Adelphia is for them to consider Adelphia as their preferred provider."
Bridges TV is now available on Adelphia's Digital Cable service in the City of Buffalo and surrounding suburbs of Western New York at no extra charge.
The expansion of Bridges TV to basic cable (digital) allows Adelphia Cable customers exclusive 24/7 access to news stories, current affairs and unique programming in English focused on bridging the gap between Western and Muslim worlds. Last month, the FBI & Muslim Town Hall on Bridges TV received significant media attention and viewership. The U.S. State Department plans similar television town halls on Bridges TV."The content on Bridges TV is unique with no duplication on the dial," said Nancy Sanders, the News Director of the network and a 20-year veteran of an ABC News affiliate.
Sanders added, "Americans can now get a completely unique perspective on issues from Danish Cartoons to Dubai Ports." After the uproar over the Danish cartoons about Prophet Muhammad, Bridges TV is airing the award winning film "Muhammad, Legacy of the Prophet" on Tuesday, June 20th at 8pm ET / 9pm PT. The film, produced by Michael Wolfe and Alex Kronemer, delivered record Nielsen ratings last year for PBS.
Bridges TV got started in 2005, after 10,000 people contributed $100 each to start a network that would give American Muslims a voice in the mainstream media. However, the network got launched as a subscription-based premium service. This limited the ability of the network to build bridges, as mainstream Americans were unlikely to watch a "Muslim" pay channel. "Today Adelphia has made the dream a reality," said Fayyaz Hussain, President of the Pakistan American Association in WNY.
Mr. Hussain added, "Our organization now plans a community-wide initiative to bring new Digital Cable and High- Speed Internet customers to Adelphia."
Last month MPAC awarded its prestigious annual Media Award to Mo Hassan, CEO of Bridges TV, for helping 8 million American Muslims gain a voice in the mainstream media. "When you give a disenfranchised people a voice, it creates a win-win for everyone," said Hassan.
About Bridges
TV Bridges TV is a 24/7 English language network available in nearly one million cable and satellite television households nationwide. The first of its kind, Bridges TV gives 300 million Americans an opportunity to engage in a dialog with 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide. For more information about Bridges TV, call 716-961-3109 or visit
http://www.bridgestv.com
About Adelphia CommunicationsAs one of the nation's leading cable companies, Adelphia serves more than 5.3 million residential customers nationwide, including over 300,000 customers throughout the Buffalo Niagara region. In addition to cable entertainment, Adelphia offers Digital Cable, High Definition TV (HDTV), Digital Video Recorder (DVR), High-Speed Internet (HSI) and OnDemand services.
Contact Information:Mo S. Hassan, CEO of Bridges TV, Tel: 716-308-6593; EM: mohassan@bridgestv.comEarl Wells, E-3 Communications, Tel: 716-854-8182This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.
Source: Bridges TV CONTACT: Mo S. Hassan, CEO of Bridges TV, +1-716-308-6593,mohassan@bridgestv.com, or Earl Wells of E-3 Communications, +1-716-854-8182Web site: http://www.bridgestv.com/
The Network Is No Longer a Premium Service on Adelphia Cable
BUFFALO, N.Y., June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridges TV announced today the addition of its network to Adelphia Digital Basic Cable service on channel 260. The network was formerly a premium service for $14.95 per month. Bridges TV is a 24x7 English language network focused on bridging the gap between Western and Muslim worlds.
Dr. Khalid Qazi, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) in Western New York, stated, "By expanding Bridges TV to basic cable, Adelphia has shown genuine openness and outreach towards American Muslims giving them a voice in the mainstream media." Dr. Qazi added, "This is an excellent example of a partnership between the local community and the local cable. The best way for the community to appreciate Adelphia is for them to consider Adelphia as their preferred provider."
Bridges TV is now available on Adelphia's Digital Cable service in the City of Buffalo and surrounding suburbs of Western New York at no extra charge.
The expansion of Bridges TV to basic cable (digital) allows Adelphia Cable customers exclusive 24/7 access to news stories, current affairs and unique programming in English focused on bridging the gap between Western and Muslim worlds. Last month, the FBI & Muslim Town Hall on Bridges TV received significant media attention and viewership. The U.S. State Department plans similar television town halls on Bridges TV."The content on Bridges TV is unique with no duplication on the dial," said Nancy Sanders, the News Director of the network and a 20-year veteran of an ABC News affiliate.
Sanders added, "Americans can now get a completely unique perspective on issues from Danish Cartoons to Dubai Ports." After the uproar over the Danish cartoons about Prophet Muhammad, Bridges TV is airing the award winning film "Muhammad, Legacy of the Prophet" on Tuesday, June 20th at 8pm ET / 9pm PT. The film, produced by Michael Wolfe and Alex Kronemer, delivered record Nielsen ratings last year for PBS.
Bridges TV got started in 2005, after 10,000 people contributed $100 each to start a network that would give American Muslims a voice in the mainstream media. However, the network got launched as a subscription-based premium service. This limited the ability of the network to build bridges, as mainstream Americans were unlikely to watch a "Muslim" pay channel. "Today Adelphia has made the dream a reality," said Fayyaz Hussain, President of the Pakistan American Association in WNY.
Mr. Hussain added, "Our organization now plans a community-wide initiative to bring new Digital Cable and High- Speed Internet customers to Adelphia."
Last month MPAC awarded its prestigious annual Media Award to Mo Hassan, CEO of Bridges TV, for helping 8 million American Muslims gain a voice in the mainstream media. "When you give a disenfranchised people a voice, it creates a win-win for everyone," said Hassan.
About Bridges
TV Bridges TV is a 24/7 English language network available in nearly one million cable and satellite television households nationwide. The first of its kind, Bridges TV gives 300 million Americans an opportunity to engage in a dialog with 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide. For more information about Bridges TV, call 716-961-3109 or visit
http://www.bridgestv.com
About Adelphia CommunicationsAs one of the nation's leading cable companies, Adelphia serves more than 5.3 million residential customers nationwide, including over 300,000 customers throughout the Buffalo Niagara region. In addition to cable entertainment, Adelphia offers Digital Cable, High Definition TV (HDTV), Digital Video Recorder (DVR), High-Speed Internet (HSI) and OnDemand services.
Contact Information:Mo S. Hassan, CEO of Bridges TV, Tel: 716-308-6593; EM: mohassan@bridgestv.comEarl Wells, E-3 Communications, Tel: 716-854-8182This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.
Source: Bridges TV CONTACT: Mo S. Hassan, CEO of Bridges TV, +1-716-308-6593,mohassan@bridgestv.com, or Earl Wells of E-3 Communications, +1-716-854-8182Web site: http://www.bridgestv.com/
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Israel denies role in Gaza beach massacre -- despite evidence
In typical Israeli military and government style to deny responsibility for anything negative, israel again claimed it was not responsible for the murder of civilians on a Gaza Beach earlier in the week.
Remarkably, no other weapon could have caused the damage or killed so many people at one time.
Onesided news reports quickly promoted Israel's denials, although many of the same news media in the United States rarely report in detail on Israel's alleged war crimes and violations of the Fourth Geneva Conventions.
One report:
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel on Tuesday denied responsibility for an explosion on a Gaza beach last week that killed seven Palestinian civilians and led militant group Hamas to call off a 16-month truce.
Defence Minister Amir Peretz told reporters the explosion was not caused by the Israeli Defence Forces but did not provide an explanation for what might have caused the blast, which killed several members of the same family.
Major General Meir Califi, who headed the army's investigation into Friday's incident, said Israel's shelling of Gaza had stopped by the time the beach explosion occurred.
"The chances that artillery fire hit that area at that time are nil," Califi told a news conference.
Hamas, which heads the Palestinian Authority after winning elections earlier this year, has blamed Israel for the explosion, which came on a day of heavy shelling of Gaza.
Israel frequently fires artillery rounds into the coastal strip in response to Palestinian rockets fired at Israel.
There has been a surge in violence between Israel and the Palestinians since the beach explosion, the immediate aftermath of which was caught on film and showed an 8-year-old girl desperately searching for her dead father.
An investigator from international rights group Human Rights Watch told reporters in Gaza earlier that evidence pointed to Israel having fired the shell, but he had to leave the door open to the possibility that the explosion was caused by something else.
END
Remarkably, no other weapon could have caused the damage or killed so many people at one time.
Onesided news reports quickly promoted Israel's denials, although many of the same news media in the United States rarely report in detail on Israel's alleged war crimes and violations of the Fourth Geneva Conventions.
One report:
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel on Tuesday denied responsibility for an explosion on a Gaza beach last week that killed seven Palestinian civilians and led militant group Hamas to call off a 16-month truce.
Defence Minister Amir Peretz told reporters the explosion was not caused by the Israeli Defence Forces but did not provide an explanation for what might have caused the blast, which killed several members of the same family.
Major General Meir Califi, who headed the army's investigation into Friday's incident, said Israel's shelling of Gaza had stopped by the time the beach explosion occurred.
"The chances that artillery fire hit that area at that time are nil," Califi told a news conference.
Hamas, which heads the Palestinian Authority after winning elections earlier this year, has blamed Israel for the explosion, which came on a day of heavy shelling of Gaza.
Israel frequently fires artillery rounds into the coastal strip in response to Palestinian rockets fired at Israel.
There has been a surge in violence between Israel and the Palestinians since the beach explosion, the immediate aftermath of which was caught on film and showed an 8-year-old girl desperately searching for her dead father.
An investigator from international rights group Human Rights Watch told reporters in Gaza earlier that evidence pointed to Israel having fired the shell, but he had to leave the door open to the possibility that the explosion was caused by something else.
END
Palestinians condemn new round of violence by Israel
11 Palestinians, Including a Man, His Two Children and Two paramedics, Killed and 30 Others Wounded in an IOF Air Strike on a Civilian Car inGaza
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
PRESS RELEASE
Ref: 51/2006
Date: 13 June 2006
Time: 13:00 GMT
11 Palestinians, Including a Man, His Two Children and Two paramedics, Killed and 30 Others Wounded in an IOF Air Strike on a Civilian Car inGaza
On Tuesday noon, 13 June 2006, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF)committed a new extra-judicial execution in Gaza City, which killed 11Palestinians, including 9 civilian bystanders. A man, his twochildren and two paramedics were among the victims. The targetedperson in this attack was a member of the Islamic Jihad. Investigations conducted by PCHR indicate that IOF aircrafts launched amissile at dozens of civilians, including paramedics, who gathered neara civilian car shortly after IOF aircrafts attacked it, targeting amember of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad. Thus, the number of extra-judicial executions committed by IOF in thepast 4 days has mounted to 6, which have killed 18 Palestinians andhave wounded at least 40 others. This latest attack and other similarattacks have come as an implementation of a series of decisions takenby the Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz to escalate extra-judicialexecutions against Palestinian militants to stop launching locally maderockets at Israeli towns. Peretz has been also considering intensifyingmilitary operations in the Gaza Strip, whose victims are often unarmedcivilians.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 11:45on Tuesday, 13 June 2006, an IOF aircraft launched one missile at acivilian vehicle (Voks Wagen) that was traveling near Martyr Mohammedal-Durra Hospital in al-Tuffah neighborhood in the northeast of GazaCity. Two members of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of theIslamic Jihad, were traveling in the car. The missile directly hit thecar, killing the two members of the al-Quds Brigades: Hammoudaal-Wadiya; and Shawqi al-Saiqali. Palestinian civilians living in thearea gathered around the car and two paramedics from the nearbyhospital came to provide first medical aid.
Immediately, IOF aircraftslaunched another missile at the car, killing 10 civilians, including aman, his two children and the two paramedics:
1. Hussam Hamad, a paramedic;
2. ‘Adnan Daoud Taleb, 35;
3. Ashraf Farouq al-Mughrabi;
4. Hisham Ashraf al-Mughrabi, 7;
5. Maher Ashraf al-Mughrabi;
6. ‘Ali al-‘Omari;
7. Ibrahim al-Da’lees;
8. Rafeeq al-Mubayed; and
9. Mousa Nasrallah.
In addition, at least 30 other civilians, including a number ofchildren, were wounded; the wounds of 12 of them have been described bymedical sources as serious. PCHR strongly condemns this latest attack. PCHR is gravely concernedover the Israeli escalation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). PCHR asserts that such crimes serve to escalate tension in theregion and threaten the lives of Palestinians.
PCHR calls upon the international community to immediately intervene to stop such crimes,and reiterates its calls for the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to meet their obligations to ensure protection for Palestinian civilians in the OPT.
-End-
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
PRESS RELEASE
Ref: 51/2006
Date: 13 June 2006
Time: 13:00 GMT
11 Palestinians, Including a Man, His Two Children and Two paramedics, Killed and 30 Others Wounded in an IOF Air Strike on a Civilian Car inGaza
On Tuesday noon, 13 June 2006, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF)committed a new extra-judicial execution in Gaza City, which killed 11Palestinians, including 9 civilian bystanders. A man, his twochildren and two paramedics were among the victims. The targetedperson in this attack was a member of the Islamic Jihad. Investigations conducted by PCHR indicate that IOF aircrafts launched amissile at dozens of civilians, including paramedics, who gathered neara civilian car shortly after IOF aircrafts attacked it, targeting amember of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad. Thus, the number of extra-judicial executions committed by IOF in thepast 4 days has mounted to 6, which have killed 18 Palestinians andhave wounded at least 40 others. This latest attack and other similarattacks have come as an implementation of a series of decisions takenby the Israeli Defense Minister Amir Peretz to escalate extra-judicialexecutions against Palestinian militants to stop launching locally maderockets at Israeli towns. Peretz has been also considering intensifyingmilitary operations in the Gaza Strip, whose victims are often unarmedcivilians.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 11:45on Tuesday, 13 June 2006, an IOF aircraft launched one missile at acivilian vehicle (Voks Wagen) that was traveling near Martyr Mohammedal-Durra Hospital in al-Tuffah neighborhood in the northeast of GazaCity. Two members of the al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of theIslamic Jihad, were traveling in the car. The missile directly hit thecar, killing the two members of the al-Quds Brigades: Hammoudaal-Wadiya; and Shawqi al-Saiqali. Palestinian civilians living in thearea gathered around the car and two paramedics from the nearbyhospital came to provide first medical aid.
Immediately, IOF aircraftslaunched another missile at the car, killing 10 civilians, including aman, his two children and the two paramedics:
1. Hussam Hamad, a paramedic;
2. ‘Adnan Daoud Taleb, 35;
3. Ashraf Farouq al-Mughrabi;
4. Hisham Ashraf al-Mughrabi, 7;
5. Maher Ashraf al-Mughrabi;
6. ‘Ali al-‘Omari;
7. Ibrahim al-Da’lees;
8. Rafeeq al-Mubayed; and
9. Mousa Nasrallah.
In addition, at least 30 other civilians, including a number ofchildren, were wounded; the wounds of 12 of them have been described bymedical sources as serious. PCHR strongly condemns this latest attack. PCHR is gravely concernedover the Israeli escalation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). PCHR asserts that such crimes serve to escalate tension in theregion and threaten the lives of Palestinians.
PCHR calls upon the international community to immediately intervene to stop such crimes,and reiterates its calls for the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to meet their obligations to ensure protection for Palestinian civilians in the OPT.
-End-
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Searching for Peace in the Middle East film now available
New film "Searching for Peace in the Middle East
The Foundation for Middle East Peace is proud to introduce Searching for Peace in the Middle East, a film by Landrum Bolling
This 30 minute DVD is a compelling portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by a veteran educator, Middle East expert, and peacemaker. Through the voices of Israelis and Palestinians, it reveals their hopes and fears and explores the issues that divide them. It also describes a common yearning for peace, pointing the way toward a resolution of this tragic conflict that would meet the deepest needs of both societies.
"... Searching for Peace in the Middle East is a superb presentation of the intricate relations betweenIsraelis and Palestinians, presented dramatically by people from both sides. Their combined proposals, clearly presented, comprise the only pathway to peace, with justice, in the Holy Land."
FormerPresident Jimmy Carter
The film features these Israelis and Palestinians:Hanan Ashrawi, Palestinian legislator; Rami Elhanan,Bereaved Parents Circle; Daniel Taubman, Israelidiplomat; Prof. Naomi Chazan, Hebrew University;Jonathan Kuttab, Palestinian lawyer; Gershon Baskin,Co-Director, IPCRI; Arik Ascherman, Rabbis for HumanRights; Gary Cooperberg, settler, Kiryat Arba; ColonelBenzi Gruber, IDF, retired, settler, Efrat; JadIsaac, environmentalist; Mahmoud Zahar, PalestinianForeign Minister.
Send for a free copy of Searching for Peace in theMiddle East. Email info@fmep.org, call (202)835-3650,or write to us at FMEP, 1761 N Street NW, Washington,D.C. 20036. Include your name, mailing and emailaddress. The DVD includes a study guide. You may also view Searching for Peace online. 1761 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
END
The Foundation for Middle East Peace is proud to introduce Searching for Peace in the Middle East, a film by Landrum Bolling
This 30 minute DVD is a compelling portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by a veteran educator, Middle East expert, and peacemaker. Through the voices of Israelis and Palestinians, it reveals their hopes and fears and explores the issues that divide them. It also describes a common yearning for peace, pointing the way toward a resolution of this tragic conflict that would meet the deepest needs of both societies.
"... Searching for Peace in the Middle East is a superb presentation of the intricate relations betweenIsraelis and Palestinians, presented dramatically by people from both sides. Their combined proposals, clearly presented, comprise the only pathway to peace, with justice, in the Holy Land."
FormerPresident Jimmy Carter
The film features these Israelis and Palestinians:Hanan Ashrawi, Palestinian legislator; Rami Elhanan,Bereaved Parents Circle; Daniel Taubman, Israelidiplomat; Prof. Naomi Chazan, Hebrew University;Jonathan Kuttab, Palestinian lawyer; Gershon Baskin,Co-Director, IPCRI; Arik Ascherman, Rabbis for HumanRights; Gary Cooperberg, settler, Kiryat Arba; ColonelBenzi Gruber, IDF, retired, settler, Efrat; JadIsaac, environmentalist; Mahmoud Zahar, PalestinianForeign Minister.
Send for a free copy of Searching for Peace in theMiddle East. Email info@fmep.org, call (202)835-3650,or write to us at FMEP, 1761 N Street NW, Washington,D.C. 20036. Include your name, mailing and emailaddress. The DVD includes a study guide. You may also view Searching for Peace online. 1761 N Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
END
DAIR Condemns Israeli massacre of Palestinian civilians
The PLO condemns the Israeli Occupation Crimes and demands International protection to the Palestinian Civilians
On Friday, June 9th 2006, another Israeli massacre was committed against the Palestinian civilians in Gaza strip; 7 of the 10 victims are members of the same family, among those are 4 children and a 5-month-old toddler. The Israeli tanks shelled the shore where the family was resorting at Beit-Lahia's beach in the weekend.
During the past 24 hours, 17 martyrs died as a result of Israeli extra-judicial assassinations in Gaza Strip; in the past six years the number of martyrs escalated to 4100 Palestinian, 800 children are among those.
The above crime is just an episode in the series of the ongoing Israeli massacres against the Palestinians to impose the Israeli Prime minister's, Ehud Olmert, unilateral solutions; the economic siege against the Palestinians is as harmful as the military war.
The Department of Arab and International Relations /PLO condemns the targeting of the Palestinian civilians and denounce the American Official stand, which contradicts with all international resolutions and laws; many other states shyly denounced the Israeli crimes.
The Israeli state terror should be stopped, and that can only be done if and when:
- The International society acts according to its human responsibilities and provide protection for the Palestinian people.
- The UN Security Council issues a clear statement to denounce the Israeli massacre.
- Similar stands are expected from the side of all friends and solidarity movements from all over the world
The Department of Arab and International Relations
PLO
Ramallah –Palestine
June 10th 2006
END
On Friday, June 9th 2006, another Israeli massacre was committed against the Palestinian civilians in Gaza strip; 7 of the 10 victims are members of the same family, among those are 4 children and a 5-month-old toddler. The Israeli tanks shelled the shore where the family was resorting at Beit-Lahia's beach in the weekend.
During the past 24 hours, 17 martyrs died as a result of Israeli extra-judicial assassinations in Gaza Strip; in the past six years the number of martyrs escalated to 4100 Palestinian, 800 children are among those.
The above crime is just an episode in the series of the ongoing Israeli massacres against the Palestinians to impose the Israeli Prime minister's, Ehud Olmert, unilateral solutions; the economic siege against the Palestinians is as harmful as the military war.
The Department of Arab and International Relations /PLO condemns the targeting of the Palestinian civilians and denounce the American Official stand, which contradicts with all international resolutions and laws; many other states shyly denounced the Israeli crimes.
The Israeli state terror should be stopped, and that can only be done if and when:
- The International society acts according to its human responsibilities and provide protection for the Palestinian people.
- The UN Security Council issues a clear statement to denounce the Israeli massacre.
- Similar stands are expected from the side of all friends and solidarity movements from all over the world
The Department of Arab and International Relations
PLO
Ramallah –Palestine
June 10th 2006
END
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Subscribe to Ray's
Join Ray Hanania on the
Follow Ray Hanania's 
