People gather on the Place de la Republique in Paris for a unity rally in tribute to the 17 victims of a three-day killing spree. (Bertrand Guay / AFP / Getty Images)

Up to a million flood streets of Paris to defy Islamist terror

Dozens of world leaders are converging on Paris to rally with the French against terror

The scale of Paris' unity demonstration poses a mammoth security challenge

 

JANUARY 11, 2015

Up to a million people filled the boulevards and avenues of central Paris Sunday, walking arm-in-arm in a dramatic procession of national unity in the wake of terrorist attacks that killed 17 people last week.

More than 50 world leaders led the procession, walking at the head of a march that was intended to begin at Place de la Republique, but which quickly became so large it nearly paralyzed much of the central city....READ MORE

"We are brothers. It's not a question of Jews, of Christians or of Muslims. We're all in the same boat, we have to help each other to get out of this crisis." Lassana Bathily

Lassana Bathily, Muslim Employee At Kosher Market, Saved Several People During Paris Hostage Situation

In an interview with the French channel BFMTV, Mr. Bathily said he ushered about 15 people into the basement room after the gunman burst into the shop. He then turned off the power and the lights.

“We were locked in there,” he said. “I told them to calm down, not make any noise, or else if he hears that we’re there, he can come down and kill us.”

Muslim Employee of Kosher Market in Paris Praised for Hiding Customers From Gunman

As news of his heroics spread on Saturday, there were numerous calls on social networks to reward him for his bravery with either the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award, or French citizenship.

Some observers also connected his actions to the hashtag used to praise Ahmed Merabet, a Muslim police officer killed on Wednesday by the gunmen who launched the deadly attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo, a satirical weekly.

#JeSuixAhmed

#JeSuisAhmed: a crucial message that everyone should hear

A memorial to Ahmed Merabet, one of two police officers killed in the Charlie Hebdo massacre ( Marc Piasecki/Getty Images)

 The hashtag is also a reminder that the victims of Islamist terrorists are primarily Muslim

***

Terrorist acts not cartoons provoke Islamophobia.... "It is not obnoxious and freewheeling satire but terrorist atrocities that really and devastatingly promote Islamophobia in France and around the world." Hussein Ibish, PhD
Senior Fellow
ATFP
http://www.americantaskforce.org/

#JeSuisCharlie

From Seattle Sketcher Gabriel Campanario: Today was a sad day with senseless loss of life in Paris, where 12 people were murdered by gun-toting terrorists in the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
Read more: http://seati.ms/1xRizHk
More Seattle Sketcher: http://blogs.seattletimes.com/seattlesketcher/






***
STAY CONNECTED... Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to: Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

My letter to the NYTimes RE Dennis B. Ross: Stop Giving Palestinians a Pass

A Palestinian boy looks out through a hole in his family house, that witnesses said was damaged by Israeli shelling during the July-August war between Israel and Hamas-led Gaza militants, in the east of Gaza City January 4, 2015. PHOTO OF THE DAY (REUTERS/Suhaib Salem)

RE: Dennis B. Ross: Stop Giving Palestinians a Pass
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/05/opinion/stop-giving-palestinians-a-pass.html?ref=opinion

Dear Editor,

As Hussein Ibish, of the American Task Force on Palestine, succinctly points out in his recent column on the Israel/Palestine conflict: "Palestinians and their profoundly moral cause are in deep trouble."

Ross is right that "Palestinian political culture is rooted in a narrative of injustice; its anticolonialist bent and its deep sense of grievance treats concessions to Israel as illegitimate. Compromise is portrayed as betrayal, and negotiations — which are by definition about mutual concessions — will inevitably force any Palestinian leader to challenge his people by making a politically costly decision."

But Ross is very very wrong to insist that there needs to be "a resolution of the Palestinian refugee issue that allows Israel to retain its Jewish character."  Religion should be a personal private matter, not a state funded mandate. Please don't give Israel a green light to define its supposed Jewishness by perpetually pushing indigenous non-Jewish men, women and children into poverty and forced exile.

Do you really want to live in a world where religion or race dictates who gets citizenship rights and respect? Do you really want to set that formal official legal precedent for Da'esh (ISIS), Hezbollah, & Hamas!

The hard choice is not about refugees' return, for international law already clearly affirms the universal right to return to live in peace. The hard choice is to accept that Israel will remain Israel, and the process of refugee return and reparations will take time, and good will on everyone's part... Refugee resettlement and relocation in a sovereign Palestinian state, or elsewhere, should be encouraged and empowered not to affirm Israel's supposed Jewishness, but so that the people of historic Palestine can be free to find jobs and security and a better way forward for everyone's sake.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
Israeli settlers stone two cars belonging to US consulate staff : US security staff reportedly unholster weapons during standoff in Jerusalem between US consular party and far-right settlers from illegal West Bank outpost

Israeli forces demolish house under construction in Hebron

Hamas confirmed on Sunday that it has banned a visit by Palestinian orphans from the Gaza Strip to Israel because it was in the context of “normalization” with Israelis.

During World War II, the Allies adopted the Four Freedoms—freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from fear, and freedom from want—as their basic war aims.... The United Nations Charter "reaffirmed faith in fundamental human rights, and dignity and worth of the human person" and committed all member states to promote "universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion".

A Christmas poem... in Growing Gardens for Palestine: Star Street Bethlehem Palestine 2014

14 beautiful synagogues that were restored by Muslims

14 beautiful synagogues that were restored by Muslims - See more at: http://www.judaism-islam.com/14-beautiful-synagogues-that-were-restored-by-muslims/#sthash.GLFqhubx.r35jG59P.dpuf

US general rebrands Isis 'Daesh' after requests from regional partners

A Palestinian’s journey from stone-throwing to conflict resolution

“The United States casts its lot with the problem solvers, the healers, and the builders,”  US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman in a September speech, quoted by CSM in their recent editorial

Kerry heads to talks on Palestinian statehood bid: "There are a lot of different folks pushing in different directions out there, and the question is can we all pull in the same direction," Kerry said Friday, when asked about his meeting with Netanyahu."

Jordan's King: World must stand up to radicals

What Will Israel Become?

STAY CONNECTED... Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to: Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin?

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Palestinian Refugees (1948-NOW) refused their right to return... and their right to live in peace free from religious bigotry and injustice.

To honor a tragic history, we must work for peace : "The only way to honor our tragic histories is to create a future for our children free of man-made tragedy. This means making peace fully, completely and without reservation, between Israel and Palestine." Ziad Asali

Tala Haikal: Empathy Is Essential to Humanity

Hussein Ibish: Non-violent resistance is Palestine’s most powerful weapon

ATFP Calls for De-Escalation between Israel and the Palestinians

Five Reasons to Walk the Holy Land

 “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” Khalil Gibran (1883-1931), born in Lebanon, immigrated to the United States in 1895 where he grew up to become a beloved poet and respected writer.

"There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies" Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 – 1968) American minister, humanitarian and social activist- a cherished leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, whose inspiring words continue to influence and empower diplomatic efforts to bring more justice, more security, more peace and more jobs to more people, every one and every where.

My letter to the NYTimes RE The Palestinians’ Desperation Move

Found on ETSY via google image search for MLK: Handmade by a history buff, a wonderful collage saluting Martin Luther King Jr features a picture of King at the Lincoln memorial after giving his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Highlighting the College is the First Day Cover of the stamp issued in his honor.

RE: The Palestinians’ Desperation Move
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/01/opinion/the-palestinians-desperation-move.html?ref=opinion&_r=0

Dear Editor,

It is tragic that the Israel-Palestine conflict continues.  Compassionate realism is more relevant than optimism or pessimism... The conflict might not end, and what comes next could be much much worse than what has already been, which is bad enough.

What was true in 1948 when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was carefully constructed remains true today: "Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world..."

Negotiations are not only between Abbas and Netanyahu- negotiations are in every conversation worldwide, every dialogue and every editorial, op-ed, interview, photo, tweet, textbook and poem (...etc...) and every investment pertaining to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Bashing Abbas and Palestinian efforts to build support for Palestinian statehood while ignoring Israel's continuing violations of international law (and the Palestinians' basic human rights) only adds into the escalating rage and insults, intransigence, misunderstandings, misinformation, angst and very real suffering and loss created by the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Modern man made Israel is not what it was in ancient history, and a fully sovereign and free Palestine won't be either. These two loaded names need to make peace, a just and lasting fully secular two state peace based on modern laws that promote real freedom, justice, and equality- paving the way for a golden rule based approach to actually ending the Israel-Palestine conflict once and for all... for everyone's sake.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
During World War II, the Allies adopted the Four Freedoms—freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from fear, and freedom from want—as their basic war aims.... The United Nations Charter "reaffirmed faith in fundamental human rights, and dignity and worth of the human person" and committed all member states to promote "universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion".

A Christmas poem... in Growing Gardens for Palestine: Star Street Bethlehem Palestine 2014

14 beautiful synagogues that were restored by Muslims

14 beautiful synagogues that were restored by Muslims - See more at: http://www.judaism-islam.com/14-beautiful-synagogues-that-were-restored-by-muslims/#sthash.GLFqhubx.r35jG59P.dpuf

US general rebrands Isis 'Daesh' after requests from regional partners

A Palestinian’s journey from stone-throwing to conflict resolution

“The United States casts its lot with the problem solvers, the healers, and the builders,”  US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman in a September speech, quoted by CSM in their recent editorial

Kerry heads to talks on Palestinian statehood bid: "There are a lot of different folks pushing in different directions out there, and the question is can we all pull in the same direction," Kerry said Friday, when asked about his meeting with Netanyahu."

Jordan's King: World must stand up to radicals

What Will Israel Become?

STAY CONNECTED... Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to: Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin?

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Palestinian Refugees (1948-NOW) refused their right to return... and their right to live in peace free from religious bigotry and injustice.

To honor a tragic history, we must work for peace : "The only way to honor our tragic histories is to create a future for our children free of man-made tragedy. This means making peace fully, completely and without reservation, between Israel and Palestine." Ziad Asali

Tala Haikal: Empathy Is Essential to Humanity

Hussein Ibish: Non-violent resistance is Palestine’s most powerful weapon

ATFP Calls for De-Escalation between Israel and the Palestinians

Five Reasons to Walk the Holy Land

 “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” Khalil Gibran (1883-1931), born in Lebanon, immigrated to the United States in 1895 where he grew up to become a beloved poet and respected writer.

"There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies" Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 – 1968) American minister, humanitarian and social activist- a cherished leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, whose inspiring words continue to influence and empower diplomatic efforts to bring more justice, more security, more peace and more jobs to more people, every one and every where.

My letter to the Economist RE Palestine and the UN: Another gambit- How far will Mahmoud Abbas push a resolution to end Israeli occupation?

Christmas Magi Forever® stamp

RE Palestine and the UN: Another gambit- How far will Mahmoud Abbas push a resolution to end Israeli occupation?
http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21636779-how-far-will-mahmoud-abbas-push-resolution-end-israeli-occupation-another

Dear Sir,

Rage, self righteousness, religious extremism, hate mongering and bad advice on all sides exasperate the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the very real plight and suffering of the Palestinians. 

Diplomatic efforts based on FULL respect for international law and universal human rights (including but not limited to the Palestinian refugees right to return to original homes and lands) are the only way to actually end the conflict.

Hussein Ibish, senior fellow at the American Task Force on Palestine, quite reasonably concludes in a recent column Agreement on UN text is in everyone’s interest that "All parties have a clear interest in reaching an agreement over a text that can advance the prospects for peace, and reiterate the international community’s commitment to a two-state outcome between Israel and the Palestinians" http://www.thenational.ae/opinion/comment/agreement-on-un-text-is-in-everyones-interest

The American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) "supports Palestinian institution-building, good governance, anti-corruption measures, economic development, and improved living standards. ATFP holds that these same values are relevant to the broader Arab world, and that the question of Palestine is inextricably linked to regional realities and developments." ... Abbas & the PLO would be wise to follow ATFP's attentive lead rather than rushing forward with a badly worded self defeating draft. 

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
An Open Door Beckons in the West Bank

Why Muslims Love Jesus Too: The virgin birth is mentioned in the...what...gasp...Koran?! It is indeed. So have yourself a merry Muslim Christmas.

A Christmas poem... in Growing Gardens for Palestine: Star Street Bethlehem Palestine 2014

US general rebrands Isis 'Daesh' after requests from regional partners

What Do Palestinians Want for Christmas

A Palestinian’s journey from stone-throwing to conflict resolution

What Will Israel Become?

“The United States casts its lot with the problem solvers, the healers, and the builders,”  US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman in a September speech, quoted by CSM in their recent editorial

Kerry heads to talks on Palestinian statehood bid: "There are a lot of different folks pushing in different directions out there, and the question is can we all pull in the same direction," Kerry said Friday, when asked about his meeting with Netanyahu."

STAY CONNECTED... Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to: Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin?

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

To honor a tragic history, we must work for peace : "The only way to honor our tragic histories is to create a future for our children free of man-made tragedy. This means making peace fully, completely and without reservation, between Israel and Palestine." Ziad Asali

Tala Haikal: Empathy Is Essential to Humanity

Hussein Ibish: Non-violent resistance is Palestine’s most powerful weapon

Jordan's King: World must stand up to radicals

ATFP Calls for De-Escalation between Israel and the Palestinians

Five Reasons to Walk the Holy Land
 
Palestinian Refugees (1948-NOW) refused their right to return... and their right to live in peace free from religious bigotry and injustice.

"There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies" Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 – 1968)

 “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” Khalil Gibran (1883-1931), born in Lebanon, immigrated to the United States in 1895 where he grew up to become a beloved poet and respected writer.

A Christmas poem... in Growing Gardens for Palestine: Star Street Bethlehem Palestine 2014

Post by Maysoon Zayid.

A Christmas poem... Star Street Bethlehem Palestine 2014

Half a world away
light flickers...

Stars strung house
to house, home to home
a narrow alley
in an ancient place
and a modern car
gliding... guiding
good thoughts...

Strand after strand
string after string
row by row over head
line by line
electric stars shine
illuminating
a golden glow
a golden path
a golden trance
as we go...

Wordless wonder
here and there
sharing a ride,
a marveling minute
(& twenty three seconds)
of real life and light
in Bethlehem
today... tonight...

think what you want
and I will too

as half a world away
Christmas returns renewed
in open hearts and curious,
creative minds
connecting. 

 

Star Street Bethlehem Palestine

Post by Maysoon Zayid.

My letter to The NYTimes RE The Embattled Dream of Palestine

RE The Embattled Dream of Palestine- By THE EDITORIAL BOARD
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/20/opinion/the-embattled-dream-of-palestine.html?ref=opinion&_r=0

Dear Editor,

More than six decades ago the United Nations tried to help shape a just peace for the people of the region. Conspiracy theories and blame games abound on why it has not worked- yet.... Fact is as things are today, the angst of Israelis as well as the very real plight of the Palestinians are both likely to go from bad to much much worse, as various pundits, opinionators, religious bigots, propagandists, and hate mongers on both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict look for and find reasons not to make peace. 

Ordinary people are being impoverished by the Israel-Palestine conflict: Money that could be and should be invested in schools and infrastructure projects here and there, creating more jobs and better jobs, is being invested in war and bigotry with devastating consequences as well as tragic ramifications as criminals like Da'esh (IS or ISIS, Islamist terrorists) thrive on the continuation of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Ending the Israel-Palestine conflict ASAP with a fully secular two state solution based on international law and full respect for universal human rights gives both Israelis and Palestinians a chance to simply be Israeli citizens and Palestinian citizens: A chance to simply be people learning to live in peace with peace for peace.  People, not pawns for politicians and/or religious tyrants to push around, and not targets for snipers. 

Every Christmas I enjoy savoring all the many ways Christians interpret and celebrate the holidays.  Various creche scenes depicting a father and a mother looking down at a baby decorate many homes. That central theme is human history. A baby is born and loved and protected by parents. It is a moment of peace, and a moment of hope. It is unity. Common purpose. Community. Inclusiveness... Even in the happiest of happily ever after marriages there will be rough spots and disagreements and misunderstandings as two unique individuals figure out how to have a happily ever after. Compassion and empathy help, and so does hope... and diplomacy.

I hope for peace, for both Palestine and for Israel, despite everyone's obvious faults and flaws and past mistakes.  Including my own. I'd rather focus on the positive, moving forward to help promote a just and lasting peace and diplomatic efforts to (as Jean-Luc Picard often said) "make it so".

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
A Palestinian’s journey from stone-throwing to conflict resolution

“The United States casts its lot with the problem solvers, the healers, and the builders,”  US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman in a September speech, quoted by CSM in their recent editorial

Kerry heads to talks on Palestinian statehood bid: "There are a lot of different folks pushing in different directions out there, and the question is can we all pull in the same direction," Kerry said Friday, when asked about his meeting with Netanyahu."

STAY CONNECTED... Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to: Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin?

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

To honor a tragic history, we must work for peace : "The only way to honor our tragic histories is to create a future for our children free of man-made tragedy. This means making peace fully, completely and without reservation, between Israel and Palestine." Ziad Asali

Tala Haikal: Empathy Is Essential to Humanity

Hussein Ibish: Non-violent resistance is Palestine’s most powerful weapon

Jordan's King: World must stand up to radicals

ATFP Calls for De-Escalation between Israel and the Palestinians

Five Reasons to Walk the Holy Land
 
Palestinian Refugees (1948-NOW) refused their right to return... and their right to live in peace free from religious bigotry and injustice.

"There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies" Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 – 1968)

 “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” Khalil Gibran (1883-1931), born in Lebanon, immigrated to the United States in 1895 where he grew up to become a beloved poet and respected writer.

My letter to CSM RE A Palestinian’s journey from stone-throwing to conflict resolution

Stop the Wall

RE:  A Palestinian’s journey from stone-throwing to conflict resolution
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/Olive-Press/2014/1218/A-Palestinian-s-journey-from-stone-throwing-to-conflict-resolution

Dear Editor,

Thank you.  Once again for the umpteenth time since I've began reading CSM many years ago, I very much appreciate your ongoing coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict...  Palestinian Aziz Abu Sarah's story is enlightening: “I wrote with anger and bitterness, and used my pain to spread hatred against the other side,” he reflected in a 2009 account. “However, the more I wrote, the more empty and angry I became.”  

Abu Sarah is wise to then point out that "“The problem with reaction is it’s not done to make a change. It is not a strategy. The only thing you’re doing is getting your anger out.”

Right now the anger and the hate mongering, religious extremism, and terrorism generated by some on both sides of the ongoing Israel-Palestine is making the plight of the Palestinians worse, as well as undermining serious state building efforts for Palestine. 

I very much hope that Palestine is able to become a sovereign state living in peace and security alongside Israel, and that the people of Israel and the people of Palestine (and all their neighbors individually and collectively) will be able to find the strength and inspiration to seek out compassionate, intelligent, and peaceful ways to break through walls of anger, fear, and ignorance... for everyone's sake. 

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
“The United States casts its lot with the problem solvers, the healers, and the builders,”  US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman in a September speech, quoted by CSM in their recent editorial

Kerry heads to talks on Palestinian statehood bid: "There are a lot of different folks pushing in different directions out there, and the question is can we all pull in the same direction," Kerry said Friday, when asked about his meeting with Netanyahu."

STAY CONNECTED... Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to: Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin?

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

To honor a tragic history, we must work for peace : "The only way to honor our tragic histories is to create a future for our children free of man-made tragedy. This means making peace fully, completely and without reservation, between Israel and Palestine." Ziad Asali

Tala Haikal: Empathy Is Essential to Humanity

Hussein Ibish: Non-violent resistance is Palestine’s most powerful weapon

Jordan's King: World must stand up to radicals

ATFP Calls for De-Escalation between Israel and the Palestinians
 
Palestinian Refugees (1948-NOW) refused their right to return... and their right to live in peace free from religious bigotry and injustice.

"There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies" Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 – 1968)

 “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” Khalil Gibran (1883-1931), born in Lebanon, immigrated to the United States in 1895 where he grew up to become a beloved poet and respected writer.

My letter to the NYTimes RE Still Failing Syria’s Refugees

Barriers to Health for Palestinians Under Occupation

RE: Still Failing Syria’s Refugees
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/opinion/sunday/still-failing-syrias-refugees.html?ref=opinion

Dear Editor,

Still Failing Syria’s Refugees: "Normally, the United States takes the majority of refugees referred annually by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; in 2013 this totaled 70,000 refugees from 65 countries — more than the rest of the world combined. But the approvals have become more time consuming as Washington seeks to screen out applicants with connections to militants."

Many of the refugees from Syria are originally from Palestine.  Times are changing: Religious tyrants, thieves and thugs are actively destroying the Middle East, and they are also eliminating avenues of escape for Arabs and Muslims- and Palestinians... as well as jeopardizing crucial funding for UNWRA & support for the United Nations.

Active "Pro-Palestine" advocates of a one state status quo claim to be for Palestine and peace but they are mainly an anti-Israel/anti-America echo chamber cherry picking story lines and blurring facts to build rage.

Doors are closing... and so is the window of opportunity to actually end the Israel-Palestine conflict.  Right now the PLO Delegation in Washington DC is foolishly obsessed with following and promoting Mondoweiss blog posts, as if a handful of very angry at Israel Jewish bloggers help shape a conversation that will end the Israel-Palestine conflict: The plight of the Palestinians continues to get more dire, but The American Task Force on Palestine, composed of articulate Arab Americans advocating for a two state end to the Israel-Palestine conflict in line with international law and fully respecting universal human rights, is downsizing due to lack of support.

Life is not fair- never has been. Every day brings personal pain, suffering, shocking tragedy, trauma, and betrayal to many people worldwide, with most stories never heard.  But if humankind can be industrious enough to put a man on the moon, and if humankind can be inventive enough to create the internet so that voices everywhere can be heard and preserved, surely humankind can also figure out ways to work together to empower decency, dignity, and diplomacy so that more people will have a better chance to live in peace with the rule of fair and just laws shaping a better future for all our children.

 “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.” Khalil Gibran (1883-1931), born in Lebanon, immigrated to the United States in 1895 where he grew up to become a beloved poet and respected writer.

"There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies" Martin Luther King Jr. (1929 – 1968)

Kerry heads to talks on Palestinian statehood bid: "There are a lot of different folks pushing in different directions out there, and the question is can we all pull in the same direction," Kerry said Friday, when asked about his meeting with Netanyahu."

It's all interconnected- ending the Israel-Palestine conflict with a just and lasting peace based on a two state solution would go a long way towards ending the refugee crises and the religious extremism inspired by that conflict.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
Shibley Telhami 2014: The power and weakness of inciting violence

Palestinian Refugees (1948-NOW) refused their right to return... and their right to live in peace free from religious bigotry and injustice.

King Abdullah of Jordan says the threat posed by ISIS represents a struggle between "good and evil." (AP)

Hussein Ibish: Non-violent resistance is Palestine’s most powerful weapon

ATFP Calls for De-Escalation between Israel and the Palestinians

Tala Haikal: Empathy Is Essential to Humanity

To honor a tragic history, we must work for peace : "The only way to honor our tragic histories is to create a future for our children free of man-made tragedy. This means making peace fully, completely and without reservation, between Israel and Palestine." Ziad Asali

STAY CONNECTED... Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to: Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin?

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you