You Cannot Sink Our Boats - Free Gaza Press Release

Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 16:54:09 +0300
The Hope Fleet
You Cannot Sink Our Boats

May 1, 2009
For Immediate Release

Contact: Ramzi Kysia, Cyprus: +357 99 08 17 67, rrkysia@yahoo.com
Greta Berlin, France, +33 60 73 74 512, Iristulip@gmail.com
Angela Godfrey Goldstein, Jerusalem: +972 547 366 393 angela@icahd.org

In most of the world, May 1st is a day of international labor solidarity. It is a day of joy as workers picnic together with their families and celebrate the achievements of one of the most phenomenal movements of the 20th century.

It is fitting, then, that the Free Gaza Movement chooses May 1 to announce the launching of the HOPE FLEET TO GAZA. We are leaving on June 1 as an act of solidarity with the Palestinians, a people who have been massacred, terrorized and suffocated by the Israeli military.

We sail again to break Israel’s blockade of 1.5 million civilians, 80% unemployed because of Israel’s draconian siege. “I believe the Israeli government policies are against international law, against human rights, against the dignity of the Palestinian people,” said Mairead Maguire whose efforts for a peaceful solution to the violence in Northern Ireland earned her the 1976 Nobel Peace Prize. “And I feel grateful to be able to go again on one of these boats to visit the people of Gaza.”

The Free Gaza Movement will use the Free Gaza as the lead vessel in the flotilla. In August 2008, it was the first boat to dock in the Gaza port in 41 years. The movement intends to donate it to the fishermen who labor every day to make a living under the gunboats of Israel.

The Dignity will carry Mairead as well as two other high-profile passengers, 84-year-old Hedy Epstein, a holocaust survivor and Cynthia McKinney, former Georgia Congresswoman and candidate for U.S. President under the Green Party. McKinney was on the Dignity when it was rammed three times by the Israeli navy on December 30, 2008 when they tried to sink the small sturdy yacht.

"We cannot let Israel's threats and aggression deter us. To do so would give in to violence and concede that might is stronger than right. To do so would turn our backs on our brothers and sisters in Gaza who have been waiting far too long for the international community to stand up to this injustice,” said Huwaida Arraf, one of the delegation leaders on the Hope Fleet.

Our boats are a part of a larger flotilla making its way to Gaza loaded with humanitarian aid and building supplies such as generators and electronic equipment for hospital emergency machines. The people of Gaza need cement and lumber and PVC to rebuild their shattered infrastructure, and Israel refuses to allow anything into the small enclave except for food and some medicine.

“The Palestinians don’t want hand-outs from the international community. They want their lives back. They want their human and civil rights. They have a great labor force wanting to rebuild their communities. They are perfectly capable of that if their borders, including the sea border, were open,” states Lubna Masarwa, another delegation leader of this flotilla and a passenger on board the rammed Dignity.
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For more information or to make a donation the HOPE FLEET, please visit www.FreeGaza.org

--
Greta Berlin
Media Team
Free Gaza Movement
310 422 7242
www.freegaza.org
www.flickr.com/photos/29205195@N02/

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Letter to the Israel Association of United Architects - Press Release

From: Architects Sans Frontieres:

www.arkitekterutangranser.se
ASF-Sweden, c/o BBA,
School of Architecture and the Built Environment
KTH, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden

January 28, 2009
Open letter to
The Israeli Association of United Architects
68037, Tel Aviv (Jaffa), ISRAEL (u-architects@barak.net.il)

Dear colleagues,

Architecture Sans Frontières – Sweden (ASF-Sweden) is an independent non-government organization work-ing for ‘fair and sustainable development initiatives in active collaboration with disadvantaged people or communities’, as expressed in our platform, the Hasselt Charter, agreed upon by 16 national and international organisations within the network ASF-International. In our Charter it is furthermore stipulated that professio-nals shall follow principles of human solidarity and non-discrimination, and help communities achieve self-sufficiency.

One of our instruments to achieve these aims is to engage in a project of co-operation with the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee (HRC), which since 1996 has been restoring the ancient fabric and upgrading the infrastructure of the Old Town of Hebron - one of the oldest cities in the world. The aim of the committee’s work is to safeguard Hebron’s architectural heritage, but also to revive traditional craftsmanship, create jobs and allow inhabitants to stay in the city. The role of ASF-Sweden is to spread information about the valuable work of HRC, and to contribute with Swedish experiences of integrating a child perspective in urban planning.

During our engagement in this project, we continuously face the presence of militant Jewish settlers, protec-ted by Israeli military forces (IDF), and its paralyzing impact on all normal social and economical city life in Hebron’s city centre. In addition to the immediate humanitarian consequences, severe enough, the settlers’ claims for spatial separation have brought a long term decay, destruction and fragmentation to the unique fabric of the city core. This is an alarming issue for us as professionals, and we gratefully keep in mind seve-ral supportive actions of our Israeli colleagues.

In 2004, a petition to the High Court of Justice by the Israeli NGO Planners for Planning Rights (Bimkom), prepared by architect Shmuel Groag, appealed for a stop to an IDF decree, slating for destruction of exten-sive parts of the city core for a settlers-only thoroughfare. In the same year, at the World General Assembly of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), a joint Israeli-Palestinian resolution was passed that "expresses its great concern with the ongoing destruction and constant threat to cultural heritage in Israel and Palestinian territories and calls upon all parties to take positive action to respect international agreements." Regrettably, these and other actions have been largely unsuccessful, and the situation in Heb-ron has anything but improved since then. Vital streets prohibited for Palestinians, demolished and emptied houses, expelled or trapped-in inhabitants, shops closed forcibly or by lack of access, children attacked on their way to school - this is the everyday reality of life in Hebron.

We hope for an active participation of the Israeli Association of United Architects in the ongoing efforts of our colleagues, at HRC and elsewhere in the world, to safeguard Hebron’s physical and social survival, and to preserve its unique cultural heritage for the posterity.

We have also understood that Israeli architects have participated in designing illegal settlements on expro-priated Palestinian land in the Occupied Territories since 1967. These activities are in violation of professional ethics and the UIA Charter. We assume that the Israeli Association of United Architects makes this fact very clear to its members, and considers membership incompatible with such activities.

Signed by Jonas Jernberg, architect SAR/MSA

Chairman ASF-Sweden

www.arkitekterutangranser.se
ASF-Sweden, c/o BBA,
School of Architecture and the Built Environment
KTH, SE-100 44 Stockholm, Sweden

Protesters Threw Shoes at Israeli Soldiers in Bil'in

Friends of Freedom & Justice -Bil'in -

Friday 19\12\2008 ---Demonstrators marched today after the Friday prayer carrying Palestinian flags and banners calling to end the Israeli occupation, stop the wall and settlement building, stop land confiscation
and settler attacks, closures and roadblocks, and the release of all
detainees. The demonstration was joined by internationals and Israeli
activists. Members of the Peoples' Struggle Front also joined the protest
today and carried banners.

Protesters carried pictures of U.S President George Bush having shoes
thrown at him. They also carried their own shoes as a symbolic refusal of
the Israeli occupation.

The protest today marched towards the wall singing slogans and attempting
to reach the confiscated land behind the wall. The Israeli army was
stationed behind concrete blocks and fired teargas and sound grenades when
the protesters tried to reach the gate. Dozens suffered gas inhalation
and eight demonstrators were shot with rubber coated steel bullets, two
journalists, one of them from Israel, his name is Israel, and the second,
Issam Arrimawi working in Wafa Media. Two others were taken to the
Ashshikh Zaid Hospital in Ramallah : Mohammad Abu Rahma and Baseb Abu
Rahma .and the others we treated in the village: Adeed abu Rahma, Sabri
Abu Rahma,Jehad Alhaj, and Mohammed Imran. The demonstrators responded to
these attacks by throwing their shoes at the army.

The Israeli High Court accepted an appeal by the residents of Bil'in two
days ago against the route of the Israeli Annexation Wall which is
confiscating a lot of farm lands from the village. The court ruled that
the Israeli authorities should change the path of the wall according to
the July 4, 2007 High Court decision and that the Israeli government
should pay a fine of 10,000 NIS.

http://www.bilin-ffj.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
http://www.imemc.org/article/58066
Thank you for you continued support,
Iyad Burnat- Head of Popular Commitee in Bilin
Head of Friends of Freedom and Justice in Bilin
Email- ffj.bilin@yahoo.com
Mobile- (00972) (0) 547847942
Office- (00972) (2) 2489129
Fax- (00972) (2) 2489129
www.bilin-ffj.org

Wadi el Naam, Negev mosque to be demolished

The Continuing Story of the Eco-Mosque of Wadi Na’am

As many know, the mosque, located in the unrecognized Bedouin village of Wadi Na’am, built along ecological principles, mostly of straw bale and mud, first received a potential demolition order in August, and then a demolition action order last week. BUSTAN and the RCUV were able to mobilize, at very short notice, a significant number of Jewish and Arab Israeli activists as well as international volunteers to spend several nights and days at the mosque to provide it some measure of protection. On Thursday morning, policemen appeared, signaling the beginning of the demolition process.

We will never know exactly why, but the demolition did not proceed. Whether it was the many letters and faxes that were sent to the authorities, the presence of the activists, or the presence of the press, the demolition did not go through!

This is a victory, and an indication that if we continue to organize and bring attention to this practice that it becomes harder to carry it out. It also buys Mahmoud Jarbeau, the builder of the mosque, more time to pursue legal options to save it.

This does not mean that we have won, however. There is a high probability that the Israeli government will return next week, probably in the very early morning hours with no notice, and carry out the demolition at a time when there are not witnesses to document and protest.

What you can do:
--if you can volunteer to spend nights in the mosque in the next week, please email greencenter@bustan.org .

--please continue to send letters and faxes of protest to the authorities!

Itzhak HaKohen, the Minister of Religious Service
Fax: 02 6706157. izchakec@knesset.gov.il

Meir Shitrit, the Minister of Interior
Fax: 02 6408920. mshitrit@knesset.gov.il

Zeev Boim, the Minster of Housing and Construction, and Minister responsible for the Israeli Land Authority, and the Bedouin Minority.
Fax: 02-6496062. zaevb@knesset.gov.il

Mahmoud negotiates with police as activists stand in solidarity at the mosque

Here are two good sample paragraphs to use in your letters:

I write to express my strong concern at the news of the proposed destruction of the Mosque in the village of Wadi el Na'am. If Israel is to live up to its promised potential as a bastion of human rights and tolerance in a world of persecution and greed, it must commit to true democracy. In a democracy, citizens are engaged in decisions about the use of the land on which they live. With no such process in place for the people of Wadi el Na'am, I adamantly oppose the demolition of this Mosque. As stewards of the public interest, I trust you will take all necessary action to ensure that Wadi el Na'am residents are given the rights and respect inherent in their Israeli citizenship.

For press inquiries:
Mahmoud Jarbeau at 057-466-2331 (Hebrew, Arabic) —resident of Wadi Na’am, served nine years in the Israeli military, director of the project

Ra’ed Al Mickawi 052-371-1801 (Hebrew, Arabic, English)—Director of BUSTAN

Dr. Yeela Livnat Ra’anan 054-748-7005 (English, Hebrew)—RCUV

Campaign to stop the Museum of Tolerance

A Museum of Tolerance built on top of a Muslim Cemetery in Jerusalem?

Hard to Believe?
It must be stopped!!!!
Join the Campaign - called by IPCRI Israel/Palestine Centre for Research & Information and APJP

Sign APJP's letter      http://apjp.org/museum-of-tolerance-jerusale/

October 29, 2008

Can you even imagine the possibility of the State of Israel and the Jerusalem municipality building a Museum of Tolerance on the site of a Muslim Cemetery in the heart of Jerusalem? Well it is happening. We tried to fight it in court but we lost. Imagine what would happen if someone in Europe - in Germany or Austria for instance, tried to build a Museum of Tolerance on top of Jewish graves.

The legal battle has been lost, now we must move on to the political battle. We must prevent this museum from being built on that site. Jerusalem will never be a city of peace if this is allowed to move forward.

Jerusalem is the one city in the world where there is a real potential to demonstrate that Jews, Christians and Muslims can live together in peace, understanding and real tolerance. Jerusalem is the place where we can learn to celebrate the diversities of our civilizations. If the construction of this museum is allowed to resume on top of a Muslim cemetery of religious and historical importance in the center of Jerusalem, this Holy city, will never realize its potential.

For the peace of Jerusalem, for the chance of peace, understanding and tolerance between Jews, Muslims and Christians we must stop this dangerous act.

We call on the Government of Israel and the Municipality of Jerusalem to stop the construction of the Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance in name of public safety and in protection of the reputation of the State of Israel and the safety of Jews all around the world.

We call on Jerusalemites, Israelis and Palestinians to join our campaign.

We call on the candidates for Mayor of Jerusalem and for the Jerusalem City Council to speak out during the remaining days of the campaign – promise us that you won't let this Museum be built in the Mamilla Cemetery.

We call on the Chief Rabbis of Israel not to let this shame on Judaism take place. In the name of Judaism, do not allow this Museum to built on top of Muslim graves.

We call on Israelis and Palestinians alike to send letters to your Presidents, Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers urging them to stop the construction of the Museum in that location.

We call on Jews all over to write to the Wiesenthal Center Director Rabbi Hier urging him to change the location of the Museum. We urge Jews everywhere to write to the Government of Israel voice your objection to building a Museum of Tolerance on top of Muslim graves.

We call on Rabbis around the world to join the campaign. We are looking for several Rabbis who will coordinate organizing a Rabbis letter against the building of the Museum over Muslim graves.

We call on citizens of the world to join the campaign – raise your voices, - write to your own governments urging them to pressure the Israeli government to cease the construction of the Museum in that location.

Useful addresses and contacts:

President Marvin Hier, Dean, Wiesenthal Center
Fax: ++1-310-553-4521
email: information@wiesenthal.net <mailto:information@wiesenthal.net>

President Shimon Peres
Fax: ++972-2-567-1314
email: president@president.gov.il <mailto:president@president.gov.il>

Prime Minister Olmert
Fax: +972-2-670-5475
email: pmo.heb@it.pmo.gov.il <mailto:pmo.heb@it.pmo.gov.il>

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni
Fax: ++972-2-530-3367
email: sar@mfa.gov.il <mailto:sar@mfa.gov.il>

Mayor of Jerusalem
Fax: ++972-2-629-6014
email: mankal@jerusalem.muni.il <mailto:mankal@jerusalem.muni.il>

Sfardi Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Shlomo Amar
Fax: ++972-2-537-1305
email: rabbis@rabbinate.gov.il <mailto:rabbis@rabbinate.gov.il?subject=מאתר%20האנטרנט>

Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi
Fax: ++972-2-537-7872
email: rabbia@rabbinate.gov.il <mailto:rabbia@rabbinate.gov.il?subject=מאתר%20האנטרנט>

President Mahmoud Abbas
Fax: ++972-2-240-9648

Prime Minister Salam Fayyad
Fax: ++972-2- 295-0970

Foreign Minister Riad Malki
Fax: ++970-2-240-3372 or ++972-2-240-3372
email: mofapal@gmail.com <mailto:mofapal@gmail.com>

The following is some factual information about the issue:

ISRAEL'S SUPREME COURT RULES CENTER FOR HUMAN DIGNITY-MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE JERUSALEM CAN BUILD ON WEST JERUSALEM SITE

The Israeli High Court of Justice has ruled that the building of the Museum is legal and the construction can continue. In February 2006 the High Court issued an injunction for freezing the construction. Since that time the Court has been considering the evidence presented for and against building the Museum. The decision of the Court places the burden on the Muslim Authorities to accept the "offers" made to them by the Wiesenthal Center to move the graves that will be affected by the building the Museum. The Muslim Authorities rejected all of the offers and claimed that the sanctity of the whole cemetery must be respected. In the initial groundbreaking and first construction some 300 skeletons were dug up and "boxed" by the Israeli Antiquities Authorities.

Furthermore, the Court rejected the claims by some experts (supported by IPCRI and others against the building of the Museum) and in favor of other experts brought by the Wiesenthal Center, that the construction of the Museum would not lead to a disruption of public order and that the Arab and Muslim world would accept the construction of the Museum as they had accepted the construction of the parking lot over part of the Museum in the mid 1960's.