Statement from President Barack Obama on health care

Statement from President Barack Obama on health care

For the first time in our nation's history, Congress has passed comprehensive health care reform. America waited a hundred years and fought for decades to reach this moment. Tonight, thanks to you, we are finally here.

Consider the staggering scope of what you have just accomplished:

Because of you, every American will finally be guaranteed high quality, affordable health care coverage.

Every American will be covered under the toughest patient protections in history. Arbitrary premium hikes, insurance cancellations, and discrimination against pre-existing conditions will now be gone forever.

And we'll finally start reducing the cost of care -- creating millions of jobs, preventing families and businesses from plunging into bankruptcy, and removing over a trillion dollars of debt from the backs of our children.

But the victory that matters most tonight goes beyond the laws and far past the numbers.

It is the peace of mind enjoyed by every American, no longer one injury or illness away from catastrophe.

It is the workers and entrepreneurs who are now freed to pursue their slice of the American dream without fear of losing coverage or facing a crippling bill.

And it is the immeasurable joy of families in every part of this great nation, living happier, healthier lives together because they can finally receive the vital care they need.

This is what change looks like.

My gratitude tonight is profound. I am thankful for those in past generations whose heroic efforts brought this great goal within reach for our times. I am thankful for the members of Congress whose months of effort and brave votes made it possible to take this final step. But most of all, I am thankful for you.

This day is not the end of this journey. Much hard work remains, and we have a solemn responsibility to do it right. But we can face that work together with the confidence of those who have moved mountains.

Our journey began three years ago, driven by a shared belief that fundamental change is indeed still possible. We have worked hard together every day since to deliver on that belief.

We have shared moments of tremendous hope, and we've faced setbacks and doubt. We have all been forced to ask if our politics had simply become too polarized and too short-sighted to meet the pressing challenges of our time. This struggle became a test of whether the American people could still rally together when the cause was right -- and actually create the change we believe in.

Tonight, thanks to your mighty efforts, the answer is indisputable: Yes we can.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

The babies at the Census and Detroit ...

The Census is a job creation program. Not jobs for you but jobs for itself. They have received $1 billion and plan to spend it to convince people to fill out the Census forms which discriminate against many ethnic and racial groups.

The alleged purpose of the census is to help distribute the $435 billion in federal funds -- but the truth is the government doesn't use the census to fairly distribute the funds. Instead, they pick and chose based on political favorites. Many ethnic and religious groups are denied federal funding -- and also the trickle down funds from states and municipalities because of who they are. American Arabs, for example, do not share equally or fairly in the national funding at all. The Census falsely claims that is because American Arabs do not fully participate. In fact, American Arabs do fully participate in the census and have been since 1980 -- I worked with the census as an unpaid volunteer in 1980 and in 1990 and supported the effort in 2000 with my media and newspapers.

What I discovered is the lying bastards at the US Census are cowards, too. They know American Arabs are shortchanged. The STATISTICS PROVE IT. In fact, after 30 years of supporting the Census, the DATA SHOWS AMERICAN ARABS ARE DENIED FUNDING at a far greater pace than ANY OTHER ethnic group.

That has to do with the anti-Arab hatred in America, that started long before Sept. 11, 2001 became the convenient excuse.

All you have to do is look at Chicago, for example, where federal and local funding is disbursed not to American Arabs who make up 8 percent of the city's population (250,000 out of 3 million according to Mayor Sleepy, Richard M. Daley), but to other ethnic and racial groups.

In fact, the flaw of the census is obvious. The Census forms ONLY identify 29 FAVORED ethnic groups that are "PC". They get not only the spotlight but all the funding. And their needs are artificially reinforced.

African Americans are listed three times on the form. Hispanics 5 times and Asians a dozen.

And when American Arabs ask to be included, they are pilloried not only by the Census maniacs but by the hacks and shills in the American Arab community who are hired and paid by the Census to mislead their own people. Quislings is the proper word in this case, I believe.

Recently, I traveled to Michigan to give a comedy presentation. At the dinner, the Census was a "sponsor." They begged the host to ask me not to skewer the Census in my show as I do often. As a courtesy to the Census and a gesture of compromise, I dropped the Census segment in which I shish-kabob the Census lies.

They invited me out to lunch and we have stuffed grapeleaves and they said they wanted to continue the dialogue. Of course, weeks went by and I heard nothing. But maybe because they insisted on paying for my $6 plate of stuffed grapeleaves they felt that was enough money to buy off American Arabs like me who question their motives and their lies.

So when I continued my campaign to educate American Arabs about the lying Census lies, they acted by apparently punishing the sponsor.

That shows you the true colors of the Census and some of the American Arabs working for the Census in Dearborn and Detroit.

Their goal isn't to protect the American Arab community. Their goal is to make money. The jobs they create are jobs for themselves and their family members and their friends. That's why they need you to support the Census so they get their paychecks.

Without the money, none of them would be advocating for the Census.

I'm not paid and my voice rings truth.

The Census is skewered and unfair. It highlights 29 ethnic and racial groups, three in particular, unfairly. And, the US Census refuses to include the word "ARAB" among the 29 special ethnic and racial groups. Because the word "ARAB" is not listed, many American Arabs believe they are being discriminated against and do not fill out the Census forms. Even those who have know that simply writing in the word "Arab" on the line called "Other" at the bottom of the form is worthless and does nothing.

If the US Government and the US Census doesn't believe it is important to put the word "ARAB" on the Census form in a decade when American Arabs and the Middle East have dominated the news headlines, why would you then think they would care enough to make sure American Arabs get their fair share of the jobs, contracts and funds that government gives to communities? They are not doing it now and they won't do it even if they have counted and identified every single American Arab in the country.

American Arabs are cheated and denied government grants and awards -- these are monies that don't come from the government but come from taxpayers and American Arabs are taxpayers and pay their taxes like everyone else.

Fairness is not going to happen until the US Census and the US Government finally recognize that American Arabs have rights, too. Until then, going along with the plan only reinforces the bigotry and discrimination. Speaking out, as I and others are doing, is the only way to change things.

-- Ray Hanania

www.RadioChicagoland.com 

Check out In the Middle podcasts with the publisher and editors of ALO Hayati Magazine.

Check out In the Middle podcasts with the publisher and editors of ALO Hayati Magazine.

About:::In The Middle Podcast
This is what happens when four diverse friends get together and dive into the core of social issues with a dash of love, a sprinkle of humor and a smattering of deep thought.

-There’s Wafa Kanan, the entrepreneur and international philanthropist with a heart of gold;
-Kerri Kasem, the radio and television host that tops the hot list with her jaw dropping takes;
-Michael Lloyd, the idea man, intrepid explorer and king of asking “Who am I to say no?”;
and
-Harout Hamassian, the financial expert, cigar master and sexologist with a renowned instinct on how to use his tongue.

LINKS
How can you hear the In The Middle Podcast?
Go to iTunes http://tinyurl.com/ykquxpd

News Story: Radio Baladi making new strides for American Arab, Muslim and Middle Eastern news media

Radio Baladi, Live Arab American Radio to Connect Listeners in Michigan, Northern Ohio, Northern Illionis and Windsor.
By: Adel A. Mozip

Radio Baladi, a new creative way of connecting listeners across three states and Windosr, Canada, was an idea of two Arab American journalists, one in Detroit, MI and the other in Chicago, Illinois. The two journalists, Ray Hanania and Laila Alhussini launched Radio Baladi on the 12th of February to broadcoast to liseners every Friday at 8:00 am via 690 AM WNZK radio in Southfield, Michigan and 7 am WJJG 1530 AM in Chicago, Illinois.

“We are trying to demonstrate, by linking our stations, that we shouldn’t be ignored,” Hanania said. “We want them to know that we are doing our best to serve as a communications network with our community.”

Hanania hosts "Morning With Ray" on WJJG every weekday on 1530 AM Chicago. He also writes for the Jerusalem Post and a Palestinian online news site, PalestineNote.com. Hanania also has 12 years’ experience with radio in the Chicago area. Laila Alhussini, hosts her morning show, "Good Morning Show" on 690 AM.

“Radio Baladi opens the dialogue between Arab Americans and other Americans from other cultures. There is a huge misunderstanding between Muslims, Arabs and non-Arabs and non-Muslims and through this talk show, we're aiming to clear this misunderstanding." Alhussini added.

Over the last four broadcoasts in February and first in March, Radio Baladi has discussed many issues that are of interest to Arab Americans. The talk show brought experts to discuss these issues while engaging listeners to ask questions and voice their opinions on air. The issues discussed on the radio show ranged from the Hijab ban lawsuit against Judge William Callahan, to full body scanners to mainstrame media coverage on issues with relation to Arabs and Muslims. Last Friday, the talk show discussed the misconceptions of Arabs and Muslims in the American society as well as the misunderstanding between Arabs and Americans.

Radio Baladi is foreseeing success in its broadcoast and is looking forward to expand. The hosts are considering expanding the simultaneous broadcast to the Washington D.C. in the near future.

end

Radio Baladi co-sponsors Mother's Day fundraiser & Comedy night in Dearborn

Radio Baladi co-sponsors Mother's Day fundraiser & Comedy night in Dearborn


Acclaimed Syrian Actor Jamal Suliman will appear at a special Mother’s Day event in the greater Detroit Arab and Chaldean American community. The event, Mother’s Day 2010 with Syrian Actor Jamal Suliman, Arabic Vocalist Emad Batayeh, and Comedian Mo Amer, will take place on Sunday May 9, 2010, 5:00pm at the Farmington Hills Manor, 23666 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan.

“We are very excited to host Jamal Suliman on his first visit to Detroit,” said Laila Alhusinni, director of U.S. Chaam Media and one of the organizers of the event; she went on to say, “Mr. Suliman is one of the top actors of television, film, and stage in the Arab world today. We are honored that he will join us as we celebrate Mother’s Day along with one of Arab Detroit’s hottest vocalists, Emad Batayeh and comedian Mo Amer, of “Allah Made Me Funny.”

Jamal Suliman is a prominent Syrian-born producer, director, and actor of television, film, and stage. Suliman was a lead actor in the historical television series "Saladdin," depicting the life of the great Arab leader Saladdin. Suliman has appeared in several films, but has preferred to use television as his main medium for stardom. Suliman's popularity and fame spread to a wider Arab audience when he was selected to play a prominent role in the late Ahmad Zaki movie, “Halim”. He starred in the Egyptian television program “Hada'eq el-Shaytan” (Gardens of the Devil) and received rave reviews for his acting in the series. On a humanitarian level, Suliman was selected as an ambassador of the United Nations Population Fund.

Emad Batayeh is one of the leading Arabic vocalists in the U.S. and Canada. Batayeh was born to a Jordanian family in Detroit and as a young boy, demonstrated a remarkable passion for Arabic music as a virtuoso of the Arabic keyboard. As a teenager, he began to sing at local events and today is in demand nationally at many of the nightclubs, weddings, festivals, and cultural events in the Arab American communities. His recent video “Ingrah Min Tani” was an instant hit throughout Arab America and has been one of the leading music videos broadcast on Arab television networks and social network sites throughout North America and the Arab world.

Mo Amer is a brillant personality in the world of comedy. A Palestinian, Amer was raised in Kuwait and settled at the age of nine in Houston, Texas where he resides today. Although his family hoped he would become a physician, Amer had a different plan; he became a comedian on the comedy tour, “Allah Made Me Funny.” In addition to the U.S. and Canada, he has performed in Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, and Bahrain. He is one of the most provacative Arab American comedians today.

About the Event Sponsors :

U.S. Chaam Media (www.uschaammedia.com) is an organization dedicated to protraying an accurate image of the Arab American community through specially produced radio and television programs in both Arabic and English.

Arab Detroit (www.arabdetroit.com) is one of the leading providers of
digital media to the Arab American community. The website provides events, news, commerce, music, and resources about the Arab American community and the Arab world.

For media inquiries and information contact:
Warren David, Arab Detroit, 313-999-6000
Email: warrend@davidcomgroup.com

For sponsorship information contact:
Laila Alhussini, U.S. Chaam Media, 313-570-2206
Email : lealhusinni@yahoo.com

American Arab radio talk shows link shows in unprecedented national syndication

Chicago radio host Ray Hanania and Dearborn radio host Laila alHusinni Friday linked their two radio shows creating an American Arab and American Muslim first, bringing Arabs, Middle Easterners and mainstream Americans together to discuss Middle East issues in one regional forum.

Hanania. an award winning journalist and columnist with both the Israeli Jerusalem Post newspaper and the leading Palestinian online news site, PalestineNote.com, is the host of Radio Chicagoland which broadcasts from 8 until 9:30 am (Central) Monday thru Thursday and 7 to 9 am on Fridays on WJJG 1530 AM Radio.

AlHusinni is an accomplished Dearborn based journalist who has hosted Good Morning Michigan Monday, Wednesday thru Friday from 8 until 9 am (Eastern) on WNZK 690 AM Radio for more than five years.

The two professional journalists have combined their Friday morning shows (7 am in Chicago and 8 am in Dearborn) to broadcast one hour dedicated solely to Middle East and Arab issues. The radio program is called "Radio Baladi." (www.RadioBaladi.com)

Hanania is a Christian Palestinian whose family originates in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. AlHusinni is from Syria, living in the United States more than a decade.

The first show was broadcast on Friday Feb. 12, 2010, and featured a discussion with CAIR Attorney Lena Masri on the issue of Muslim women rights and the hijab. The second segment featured Khaled Almaeena the editor-in-chief of the Riyadh-based Arab News Newspaper, the leading English language newspaper in the Middle East.

Callers to the show originated in Chicago and its suburbs, Dearborn, Windsor Canada, Orlando Florida and Massachusetts.

"The Arab World has failed to properly understand the power of real, professional journalism and professional communications," said Hanania who was named Best Ethnic American Columnist by the New America Media.

"Too often even the best American Arab newspapers are little more than propaganda tools that spout off politics. This partisan activism is transparent to the majority of mainstream Americans and the writing is often ignored or only reaches an Arab or Muslim activism community. Radio Baladi is a professional journalism effort. There are no sacred cows and the truth is what will drive our program. We will not protect nor advance political agendas. We will be open to everyone and hear everyone's views because that is how Americans will come to understand, appreciate and eventually support the just cause of the Arab people."

AlHusinni, who is recognized for her journalism work in Dearborn, agreed saying, "We want to hear all sides. We are not pushing any agenda or political view. We have our opinions but we are open to everyone's opinions, even if we do not agree. By airing everyone's opinions, our audience will be free and will be able to come to conclusions about what is true, what is fair and what is justice."

The show is already receiving rave reviews from Arab community leaders and newspaper around the country.

Newspapers that wish to "partner" with Radio Baladi can publish our advertisement in their publications and in exchange the newspapers and their web sites will be acknowledge at the start and the end of the show. For information on advertising, contact alHusinni at 313  -   570  -  2206.

Click HERE to listen to the first show.

END

Arab/Muslim Radio shows in Chicago and Dearborn link for simulcast broadcasts starting Friday Feb. 12

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         Laila alhusinni

Feb. 2, 2009                                                                                        313-570-2206

                                                                                                            Ray Hanania

                                                                                                            312-933-9855

Arab/Muslim Radio talk show hosts combine broadcasts to link Arab, Muslim
and mainstream audiences in Dearborn, Chicago, Michigan, Illinois & Windsor Canada 

Chicago/Dearborn – Radio talk show hosts Laila alhusinni in Dearborn and Ray Hanania in Chicago announced they will be combine their weekday radio shows to create one simulcast every Friday to link audiences in both cities and regions.

alHusinni is the host of “Good Morning Michigan” which broadcasts Monday, Wednesday thru Friday on WNZK 690 AM Radio in Dearborn throughout Michigan from 8 to 9 am Eastern time.

Hanania is the host of “Mornings with Ray Hanania” which broadcasts Monday thru Thursday on WJJG 1530 AM Radio in Chicago and Northern Illinois from 8 until 9:30 am and Friday 7 until 9 am Central time.

Both Michigan and the Chicagoland region are homes to the country’s largest concentrations of American Arabs. The two live talk radio shows will merge their Friday programs to broadcast one show, called “Radio Baladi,” to connect Arab and Muslim American listeners in both regions.

“We are very excited about this networking to bring Arab and Muslim listeners in Dearborn and the Detroit region together with Arab and Muslim listeners in Chicagoland,” said alHusinni, a Syrian Muslim American whose program is broadcast in Arabic and English.

“This has never been done before and I am proud to be working with Laila alHusinni to not only connect Arab and Muslim Americans in the Midwest  but to also help educate Americans about our mutual interests, the Middle East and Arab and Muslim heritages,” said Hanania, a Christian Palestinian American and award winning journalist who writes for a dozen newspapers around the world.

The radio shows are also broadcast live on the Internet and will be podcast on iTunes and other podcast outlets each week.

The focus of the programs will be Arab, Muslim and Middle East issues, alHusinni said.  Listeners will be encouraged to call in to either the Dearborn studio at 248-557-3300 or the Chicago studio at 708-493-1530.

The simulcast is sponsored by advertisers including PalestineNote.com, the leading online web site on Arab and Muslim issues, Ziyad Brothers Importing and ZiyadRecipes.com, one of the nation’s largest distributors of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods, and H&R Block, the nation’s leading tax preparation company.

The first broadcast begins Friday Feb. 12, 2010 at 7 am in Chicago and 8 am in Dearborn.

Born in Damascus, Syria, alhusinni graduated from The University of Damascus and worked for a number of local Syrian newspapers from 1990-2000. Laila alhusinni immigrated to the United States in 2001 and launched her show, one of the nation’s largest radio broadcast shows to Arabs and Muslim. Hanania is a veteran, award winning journalist and columnist. His columns appear in newspapers across the United States and in the Middle East. he is a columnist for PalestineNote.com, Arabisto.com and the Jerusalem Post newspaper. Hanania is the winner of three SPJ Lisagor awards and was named “Best Ethnic American Columnist” by the New America Media and is the recipient of the 2009 M.T. Mehdi Courage in Journalism award.

For more information on alHusinni, Hanania or Radio Baladi, or to listen to the live broadcast on the Internet, visit their web site at www.RadioBaladi.com.  (Baladi is the Arabic word for “homeland.”)

“Good Morning Michigan”

U.S. Arab Radio Network

Mon, Wed - Fri, 8 - 9 am

Host: Laila alHusinni

2249 Gridley Park

Dearborn, MI, 48124

STUDIO: 248-557-3300

Tel: (313) 570-2206

Fax :( 313) 768-5104

lealhusinni@yahoo.com

“Mornings with Ray Hanania”

Urban Strategies Group

Mon - Fri, 8 - 9:30 am

Host: Ray Hanania

PO Box 2127

Orland Park, IL., 60462
STUDIO: 708-493-1530

708-575-9078 eFax

rayhanania@comcast.net

end

Major New Palestinian State and Institution Building Document Issued

Major New Palestinian State and Institution Building Document Issued


Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Information: Hussein Ibish

January 26, 2010 - 12:00am

The Ministries of Finance and Planning and Administrative Development of the Palestinian National Authority (PA) have issued a major new document pertaining to the state and institution building program of the Thirteenth Palestinian Government that was adopted in August, 2009. The document, “Palestine: Moving Forward, Priority Interventions for 2010,” spells out priority interventions for the Palestinian government in the coming year, and includes cost estimates and funding status. Building on the August cabinet document, this detailed financial agenda will be an invaluable guide to what the Palestinian government seeks to accomplish in the coming months and how this can be supported financially, technically and politically by all those seeking to promote peace based on the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Click below to download the documents

Palestine:

Moving Forward,

Priority Interventions for 2010 Palestine:

Ending the Occupation,

Establishing the State

HTML (ENGLISH)

PDF (ARABIC)

American Journalist Jared Malsin detained one week and deported

20 January 2010
For immediate release

For the first time in a week, journalist Jared Malsin was allowed to use his mobile phone on Wednesday morning to inform Ma'an that he was being placed onto an El Al flight to New York.

He sounded shaken and confused. He said he did not know why he was not being flown to Prague, where he was expected to be sent, saying only that flying there "would create problems." He said he was in an armored vehicle that was transporting him to the airport gate.

On Tuesday, Tel Aviv District Judge Kobi Vardi ordered that a hearing be scheduled to consider the Israeli Ministry of the Interior's decision to deport the journalist. Following the call, lawyer Castro Daoud went to the airport detention facility where Malsin has been kept for the past week to deliver the news.

At about 2:30 pm, Daoud left the detention center and filed a motion requesting that Jared be permitted to leave the country while the hearing and case proceed in his absence. As the Attorney General's Office insisted that Malsin not be permitted to attend his hearing, Daoud argued that it was no longer necessary to keep him confined to his cell in the detention center.

At about 4:30pm, staff from the US Embassy in Tel Aviv notified Malsin’s parents in the US state of New Hampshire that he would be on the next flight to Prague, even though Justice Vardi had not ruled on Daoud’s motion to let Malsin travel and still pursue the case.

At about 7:30pm, Daoud expressed shock after he received notification that a motion was signed by Malsin requesting his deportation challenge be annulled. Justice Vardi has closed the case on Malsin’s deportation order one week after it was filed.

Ma’an is deeply concerned that there was no lawyer present when Malsin apparently filed this independent motion, which was sent from the Ministry of the Interior and not his legal representative, who had just left. It is inexplicable that Malsin would knowingly drop the legal challenge after his first major success.

Without jumping to conclusions, Ma’an wants to be sure these events did not take place under duress, and is consequently concerned that Malsin’s lawyer and parents were prevented from reaching him during the 24 hours before the deportation to clarify what happened between 2:30 and 4:30pm on Tuesday afternoon.

See the following for more information:

On the reaction of international press associations:
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=254583
On Jared’s fight to overturn the deportation order:
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=254021
On the timeline of Jared’s detention and questioning:
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=254589

For further inquiries, please contact:

George Hale (English)
              +972(0)52.785-4907         +972(0)52.785-4907
Raed Othman (Arabic)
              +972(0)59.925-8705         +972(0)59.925-8705
Nasser Lahham (Hebrew)
              +972(0)59.925-8704         +972(0)59.925-8704

For the most updated version of this news release, click here:
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=253864

NAAJA protests detention of Bethlehem based Maan News Agency editor

The National Arab American Journalists Association, which is partnered with the Society of Professional Journalists and the Asian American Journalists Association, tonight issued a protest to the Government of Israel demanding the release of journalist Jared Malsin.

Malsin was detained and interrogated for more than 8 hours and continues to be in custody on charges of criticizing Israel in articles and columns published by the Ma’an News Agency based in Bethlehem, Palestine.

“Journalism freedoms are essential to Democracy and building of peace. Any action to censor or restrict or threaten or intimidate journalists for the sole ‘crime’ of expressing an opinion or covering stories frowned on by the occupation government is a violation not only of international law but a violation of Israel’s claim to be Democratic and fair,” said Ray Hanania, NAAJA coordinator based in Chicago.

“NAAJA is not only calling on Israel to immediately release Jaslin, but also urging Israeli journalists who claim to be objective and concerned about free speech, Democracy and the accuracy in reporting to also publicly protest the arrest.”

Hanania, a Chicago morning radio host and syndicated opinion columnist whose commentary appears in publications such as the Arab News, the Jerusalem Post and in many newspapers across the United States, said that NAAJA has issued formal letters to Israel’s embassy in Washington D.C., to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,  and to Israel’s Ministry of Information in Jerusalem.

“When the government of Israel detains journalists on trumped up charges and on censorship, then Israel is basically admitting that they do abuse citizen rights, they do violate international law and they do not respect the fundamental basics that will one day usher in an era of peace,” Hanania said.

NAAJA calls on journalists around the world to speak out against this detention and demand Jared Malsin’s immediate release.

NAAJA has more than 250 members in the United States. The web page is www.NAAJA-US.com.

British officials to visit Gaza Strip, press conference

Invitation for Press Conference: 50 MPs/MEPs leave to Gaza

The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza (ECESG) will hold a press conference tomorrow Wednesday, in which it will announce the launch of a parliamentarian trip to Gaza that includes tens of MPs/MEPs from across Europe. The press conference will be conducted at 12 PM, at M ROOM Portcullis house in the British Parliament in london.

The delegation trip to Gaza is part of a series of actions carried out by ECESG and the Palestinian Return Center in the UK and Europe. For an entire week, actions and events for Palestinian victims will be carried in remembrance of the victims killed in the past 60 years especially Gaza.

Gerald Kaufmann, MP would be chairing the conference which will state the aim of the visit. Other participating MPs will speak as well.

The largest Parliamentarian Delegation from across Europe is preparing to leave to the besieged Gaza Strip within 2 days.  The delegation will aim at looking at the realty and the humanitarian conditions resulted in the Israeli war and a 4-year siege.

In press statement, The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza (ECESG) said it has finalized all needed arrangements and fully coordinated with the Egyptian Foreign Ministry concerning the visit of the MEPs and MPs delegation to Gaza via Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza."

ECESG pointed out that the delegation consists of 50 MPs/MEPs. The parliamentarians represent twelve European countries whom of which will be members of the European Parliament and former ministers. They will investigate and see the ramifications of last onslaught perpetrated against the Gaza civilians.

The delegation will meet with Egyptian officials and the Secretary General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, to discuss the humanitarian condition in Gaza Strip, especially in light of the continued siege which Israel has been imposed for years.

The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza organized various Parliamentarian delegations that visited Gaza however this one is considered to be the largest delegation visiting Gaza.

 For more information:
The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza
info@freedomforpalestine.org
Contact: 00447908200559
               00447728021097

Palestine Memorial Week starts on Wednesday, 13th January

In commemoration of the victims of Gaza and also in remembrance of six decades of brutality against the Palestinians, The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), Palestinian Forum in the UK, European Campaign to End Siege on Gaza, Islamic forum of Europe (IFE), Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS), Muslim Association of Britain (MAB), Islamic Human Rights Commission in Britain (IHRC), Russell Tribunal, Student Council Goldsmith University and Action Palestine will be holding a number of events between 13th to 19th of January 2010.

The key event within the week will be  on Wednesday, 13th January at Friends House, London Euston from 6:30 to 9:30. The initiative will  focus on the suffering endured by Palestinians  over the past 60 years especially during the recent war in Gaza war.
Jeremy Corbyn MP, Baroness Jenny Tonge and Lord Nazir Ahmad Ahmed will be part of the event where they will speak about the disaster in Gaza and Palestine.

Palestinian Ambassador in the UK, Manuel Hasasian and General Director of the Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), Majed Al-Zeer will also share their thoughts during the conference. Representatives of participating organizations will also take part and provide their support and solidarity for the Palestinian people .

Ken Loach, famous British Film Director who has many extensive and fascinating cinema productions like  Poor Cow, Family Life, Looking for Eric,  It's a Free World...,  Tickets  and many more, will join the speakers where he will express his view on the suffering of Palestinians.

A detailed presentation on the conditions in Gaza by Middle East Expert Peter Eyre will highlight the violations committed by Israel. Frank Barat, Russell Tribunal Palestine coordinator in London will speak about the many progressive steps taken towards prosecuting Israeli war criminals.

A  Palestinian survivor from Gaza, Rawad Hamad and Ewa Jasiewicz Free Gaza Coordinator who worked and lived in Gaza for some time will take part in the activities.
A Palestinian woman, Om Kamel, whose house was destroyed many times over in Occupied Jerusalem, is expected to be among the key speakers. A gallery on Gaza's recent conditions and the last onslaught will be placed in the venue.

PRC and the participating organizations placed a half page in the guardian Monday 11, Jan 2010. On Tuesday, 12 Jan 2010, another add will be placed in the independent. The ads include pictures and information about the dilemmas in the Gaza Strip and what happened last year.

Endorsed by, Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), Friends of Al Aqsa, Labour Friends Of Palestine and the Middle East (LFPME), Free Palestine Movement (FPM) and International Solidarity Movement (ISM).

The ad can be seen in the link below: http://www.prc.org.uk/newsite/en/centre-activities/94-lobbying-a-delegations/418-palestine-memorial-week-qhalf-page-in-thegurdianq  

Ray Hanania interviewed by satire web site criticizing fanatics

Here's the link to Ray Hanania's interview on the satire site taking on extremists and fanatics in the American Arab community at "KabobFest."

Click here to read story?

www.RadioChicagoland.com

Principles that should guide Palestinian and Israeli Peace

These are some principles I have fashioned that I hope will become the basis for establishment of Yalla Peace Parties throughout the world to promote peace between Palestinians and Israelis.

1-We can disagree about the past with passion and emotion and still come together for a great future together. We do not have to deny each other's narratives about the past, or challenge them, on order to agree on a mutual future of peace and compromise. This is the first step. Stop using the past as a bludgeon to attack the other side, while closing a blind eye to similar conduct among our own peoples.

2-We apply one principle of fairness, justice, morality to achieve compromise looking within ourselves to find and correct the fault. Israelis must be able to denounce the killing of Palestinians before they can denounce the killing of Israelis. Palestinians must be able to denounce the killing of Israelis before they can denounce the killings of Palestinians.

3-We resist the temptation to blame people for the actions of individuals, and resist the temptation to respond in anger and in kind. This is not about people but rather about politics and government policies that have gone wrong and feed on the suffering, tragedy and confusion of our peoples.

4-We set aside the old paradym of Israelis versus Palestinians and instead define our movement as moderates versus extremists. We use the M Word proudly and reject those who seek to deny it as a means of distracting eyes from their own extremist ways and views.

5-We embrace two-states, Israel and Palestine, and deal with the issues after we achieve a real peace and two states. We create two states on the basis of the bigger principle and later negotiate the final borders, the sharing of Jerusalem, compensation and resettlement of the Palestinian refugees, the dismantling of which specific settlements, the swap of land, etc. Create two states so that Israel and Palestine become equal partners at the negotiating table rather that seeking to achieve the unachievable through an imbalance with Israel as the subjugator and Palestine as the subjugated.

6-We strive to see the bigger picture and not get drawn in to the battle over the "pebble." We see that peace based on compromise is the answer to past violence and terrorism. We don't allow one disagreement to discourage us from seeking the bigger agreement of peace.

7-We resist the rhetoric of hatred. We stop stereotyping Israelis and Palestinians. We reject hate speech, denial of the suffering of others. Palestinians must stop enabling or advocating Holocaust revisionism or questioning the Holocaust. israelis must stop questioning the existence of Palestinians or the facts that they lost many homes and lands as civilians in the 1947-48 war.

8-We view criminal acts (violence, terrorism, all acts of physical injury) not as the consequences of a people but rather as the result of individual conduct. Terrorism and violence must be treated as criminal acts not an excuse to persecute or demonize any other people.

9-We do not allow violence and terrorism to derail compromise and recognize that the more successful we become in reaching peace based on compromise and two-states, the extremists will push harder until it is too late with more violence, and violence of the most despicable kind including suicide bombings and military massacres.

10-We view violence of the past in its context not as a means of defining the future. The massacres in the Gaza Strip are horrendous but the answer is not to respond with violence, but rather to build peace to prevent future events from re-occurring. The same with violence against Israelis. We treat them as horrific incidents, not blanket condemnation of an entire people.

11-We stop blaming others and begin to address the challenges among ourselves. Palestinians stop blaming Israelis and Israelis stop blaming Palestinians. Instead, Palestinians look into themselves and identify their errors, mistakes, misconduct and change them. Israelis look into themselves and identify their errors, mistakes, misconduct and change them.

12-We accept that Peace is the answer and that both sides have injured each other.

-- Ray Hanania

www.YallaPeace.com

Representativ es from 43 Countries to march to Israeli border

Media Advisory for                                For more information contact:
December 23rd, 2009                              Blair Fitzgibbon 202-503-6141
                                                                          Medea Benjamin (Cairo) 0189561919
                                                                          (Gaza) 0599501519

*Telephone Press Conference Call December 23rd, 11 AM EST USA*
REPRESENTATIVES FROM 43 COUNTRIES TO MARCH TO ISRAELI BORDER

One Year After Invasion Of Gaza 1,300 People to Participate in
March as Part of Global Effort to Lift Devastating Blockade

For TV/WEB Satellite Coordinates of Live Feed, email Blair@Fitzgibbonmedia.com

Pulitzer Prize winning author Alice Walker, former Italian Vice President of European Parliament Luisa Morgantini, French Senator Alima Boumediene–Thiery leading Syrian comedian Duraid Lahham, author and Filipino Parliament member Walden Bello, and 85-year-old Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein

On December 31^st, over one thousand representatives from 43 nations around the globe will convene at the Gaza/Egypt border as part of the Gaza Freedom March. The event is in response to a growing global initiative, to lift the crippling blockade on Gaza in order to allow food, medicine and rebuilding supplies to enter the Palestinian territory. 

Amongst the 1,300 international delegates participating in the March are some prominent names, including Pulitzer Prize winning author Alice Walker, former Italian Vice President of European Parliament Luisa Morgantini, French Senator Alima Boumediene–Thiery leading Syrian comedian Duraid Lahham, author and Filipino Parliament member Walden Bello, and 85-year-old Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein.

Organizers will hold a telephone news press conference call on December 23^rd at 11 AM EST to preview the March.  Satellite coordinates to stream live footage for the media will be provided the night before the crossing.

Call-In Number: 1 + 785-424-1051 – conference ID: “GAZA” – this is a US phone number – reporters can call in internationally.

The international delegates, including international diplomats, doctors, lawyers, students, religious leaders, war veterans, women’s groups, and members of the Jewish community, will enter Gaza via Egypt during the last week of December. In the morning December 31, they will join Palestinians in a non-violent march from Northern Gaza to the Erez/Israeli border. On the Israeli side of the Erez border will be a gathering of Palestinians and Jews who are also calling on the Israeli government to open the border.

WHO:  The call will be with the following organizers and activists: Gaza Freedom March Lead Organizer – Medea Benjamin, Pulitzer Prize winning author – Alice Walker, Former Vice President of European Parliament – Luisa Morgan Gini.

WHEN: December 23rd at 11 AM Eastern (USA).

For more information please visit www.gazafreedommarch.org
 

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The US Census and American Arabs, a Satirical approach

The CENSUS: A satirical approach

Have you all filled out your census form yet?

I’m not filling it out. No. I won’t fill out the Census form because I want our name ARAB spelled out in black ink on the Census form … with all the other names … I pay my taxes … I am NOT writing the word ARAB on the form … the US Government should write it on the form for me …

They do that for everyone else.

The Census form has a long list of “recognized” ethnic and racial groups:

WHITE

They list Hispanics five different ways on the Census form:

HISPANIC, LATINO OR SPANISH ORIGIN … Mexican American … Chicano … What country does Chicano come from?

They list Black people three times on the Census form :

BLACK … AFRICAN AMERICAN … NEGRO

American Indian or Alaskan Native … they even give you a space to write in your “TRIBE”

There are all kinds of ASIANS …

Asian Indian … Japanese … Native Hawaiian … Chinese … Korean … Guamanian or Chamorro … Filipino … Vietnamese … Samoan

OR … “Other Asian” such as Laotian … Thai … Pakistani … and Cambodian.

And they even have

Pacific Islander … Fijian … Tongan.

I know why they don’t have ARAB written on the Census form … They have already printed 28 other ethnic and racial groups … and THERE’S NO MORE ROOM for us anywhere on the form …

-- Ray Hanania

www.YallaPeace.com

US Labor Secretary on Wage and Hour Division’s increased enforcement and outreach efforts

Statement by US Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on

Wage and Hour Division’s increased enforcement and outreach efforts

WASHINGTON – ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the increased enforcement and outreach efforts of the department’s Wage and Hour Division: 

“There is no excuse for employers who disregard federal labor standards – especially those that are designed to protect the most vulnerable in the workplace.  The failure to comply with these basic labor standards means that workers are not receiving the money they have earned.  It is both an economic issue and a fairness issue. America’s workers should rest assured that protecting worker rights is a top priority at the Department of Labor.  To make good on that promise, I have hired an additional 250 new wage and hour investigators, a staff increase of more than one third, to ensure that we promptly respond to complaints and can undertake more targeted enforcement.

“In the past three months alone, the department has had several significant enforcement cases, including collecting nearly $2 million in back wages for more than 500 workers.

“In early 2010, the department will launch a national public awareness campaign titled “We Can Help” to inform workers about their rights. The department will work closely with advocacy groups and other stakeholders to ensure that the materials developed for the campaign reach the workers who need them.  We will not rest until the law is followed by every employer, and each worker is treated and compensated fairly.”

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Middle East Leaders Forum Nov. 20, 2009

Middle East Leaders Forum 2009, "Challenges and Opportunities", generously sponsored by Qatar Airways, forum that will examine the profound challenges, dynamic opportunities and pressing issues associated with the current economic climate and unprecedented business opportunities in the Middle East. GoldenNetworking.com’s Middle East Leaders Forum 2009, "Challenges and Opportunities", will be the forum where businessmen, executives, entrepreneurs, investors, academics and professionals following the developments in the region will obtain crucial insights they can act upon immediately to take advantage of the incredible opportunities presented in the Arabian Gulf.
Middle East Leaders Forum 2009, "Challenges and Opportunities", will feature experienced executives, experts and practitioners from leading organizations:

• Mr. Mahmoud Salem, Managing Director, The Bank of New York Mellon
• Mr. Rushdi Siddiqui, Head of Islamic Finance, Thomson Reuters
• Mr. Ahmed Fattouh, Chief Executive Officer, Baron Group Holdings
• Mr. Mohannad Aama, Managing Director, Beam Capital Management, LLC
• Mr. Sharif Touray, Of Counsel, DLA Piper
• Mr. Omar Taha, Chief Executive Officer, The S&T Group
• Mr. Jim McCarthy, Chief Investment Officer, Strategic Capital Solutions, LLC
• Mr. George Assad, Director of International Affairs, Blackstar Group LLC
• Mr. Karim Babay, Private Investor
• Mr. Tarek Younes, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the Capitol Health Special Fund, L.P.
• Mr. Rafi-uddin Shikoh, Founder, Dinar Standard

GoldenNetworking.com's Middle East Leaders Forum 2009, "Challenges and Opportunities", will feature panels covering the most insightful, relevant and timely topics that top executives of financial firms, asset management and hedge funds, private equity and venture capital institutions, real estate investment trusts and any other company with a stake in the Middle East cannot afford to ignore:

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Arab American National Museum seeks artifacts of community and public service in US

STORIES, ARTIFACTS FROM ARAB AMERICAN PUBLIC SERVANTS SOUGHT FOR UPCOMING EXHIBITION

Dearborn, MI (November 17, 2009) – The Arab American National Museum is issuing a nationwide call for stories and artifacts for potential inclusion in its exhibition Arab Americans in Service to Our Country, set to open in February 2012.

This exhibition will allow the Museum to document and present to audiences the public service-oriented contributions of Arab Americans to our society. This timely exhibition serves the Museum’s mission to “document, preserve and educate the public about the history, life, culture and contributions of Arab Americans.”

Target Communities

This exhibition will reflect the experiences of Arab Americans regardless of time of immigration, religious affiliation, national origin or place of residency. We seek individual and organizational stories, artifacts and historical documents that reflect the Arab American experience through public service in the following areas: Peace Corps; AmeriCorps; City Year; Teach for America; all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces; U.S. diplomatic corps; and municipal police and fire departments. Collected artifacts and historical documents can be donated or loaned to the Museum.

Items Requested

The AANM is seeking items that represent the diversity of the Arab American experience, including representation from all states, all Arab American communities, and all of the aforementioned service areas. Potential items include: oral histories; medals, awards, and other honors; letters and documents; personal objects; uniforms or other clothing worn by servicepersons; or photographs and memorabilia collected during the period of service.

How to Submit Items for Consideration

Those who have artifacts to submit for potential inclusion in the exhibition should provide contact information and a brief description of the items to Suzy Mazloum, Curator of Collections, at 313.624.0229 or smazloum@accesscommunity.org. The Museum will then contact potential lenders directly for more information. Lenders will be credited for items selected for display in the exhibition.

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

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

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

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***********************

Kim Silarski

Communications

313.624.0206 

Arab American Veterans Organization condemns killings at Fort Hood military base

STATEMENT ON FORT HOOD SHOOTINGS FROM ASSOCIATION OF PATRIOTIC ARAB AMERICANS IN THE MILITARY

At a time of deep sorrow in the midst of this horrific tragedy, our thoughts are first and foremost with the Fort Hood shooting victims and their families. One can only imagine the unspeakable pain and loss they are and will be dealing with in the weeks, months and years to come.

It is unfortunate that whatever demons possessed Nidal Hasan, that he chose to deal with his problems in this way.

In the aftermath of this terrible tragedy, it is more important than ever that we not make the same scapegoating and broad stroke mistakes that were evident in the aftermath of previous tragedies. The Association of Patriotic Arab Americans in Military urges the media, government officials and all of our fellow Americans to recognize that the actions of Hasan are those of a deranged gunman, and are in no way representative of the wider Arab American or American Muslim community.

In fact, thousands of Arab Americans and American Muslims serve honorably everyday in all four branches of the U.S. military and in the National Guard. Additionally, many of us have willingly stepped forward to fulfill our duty with our fellow soldiers in both Afghanistan, Iraq and other locations around the globe, including most of the member of APAAM. Indeed, many of us are today currently deployed in both countries, honorably serving each and every day.

The Association of Patriotic Arab Americans in Military (APAAM) was created shortly after September 11th, 2001, in an effort to organize current and former Arab- Americans in the military. There are approximately 3,500 Arab- Americans serving in our Armed Forces.  Based on the fact that there are no other formal organizations representing Arab- Americans in the military, APAAM has the distinction of being the first official organization for Arab- Americans in the Military.

For APAAM
Jamal S. Baadani
President & Founder, 1stSgt US Marine Reserves
Phone: 818-425-7389

Ray Hanania
APAAM Media Coordinator, and Vietnam Era Veteran
rayhanania@comcast.net
cell: 312-933-9855