My letter to the NYTimes RE Room for Debate: Terror and the Palestinian Authority

Syrian refugee boys walk inside their destroyed tent at Zaatari Syrian refugee Camp, Jordan, 21 February, after bad weather hit Jordan.There are currently 3.2 million Syrian refugees.(Photo: JAMAL NASRALLAH, EPA) USA Today YEAR OF THE REFUGEE column by Eric P. Schwartz and M. Zuhdi Jasser..."When political leaders fully embrace the idea that freedom and tolerance are antidotes to perpetual instability and strife, the end to the refugee nightmare will be closer at hand."

RE: Terror and the Palestinian Authority
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/02/24/terror-and-the-palestinian-authority

Dear Editor,

It was interesting to read the different perspectives on terror and the recent $655.5 million verdict against the Palestinian Authority and the P.L.O.. I think Nadia Hijab's contribution "Abbas, Who’s Tried to Keep the Peace, Now Must Pay for Violence " was most helpful in summing up the very real plight of the Palestinians by calmly pointing out vitally important, highly relevant aspects such as the fact that " Meanwhile Israel’s illegal settlement enterprise remorselessly swallows up Palestinian land." ... and the fact that " The United States and Europe already pick up much of the bill for the P.A.’s economic survival..."

US efforts to help Palestinians also include massive amounts funding UNWRA, which has kept Palestinian refugees alive for decades while Israel myopically refuses to respect international law and the universal right for refugees to return to original homes and lands to live in peace. 

The Israel-Palestine conflict with all its many negative ramifications is obviously a cruel situation and an escalating tragedy that needs to end. How do we go from here to there? 

The one state fantasy that inspires various activists to dismiss the crucial importance of compassion, diplomacy, negotiations, and mainstream efforts to actually end the conflict ends up fueling extremism, militancy, corruption and blame games (on all sides) that only make the situation worse.

Two fully sovereign secular states named Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security offer the only way out that actually ends the conflict.  Real freedom, justice and equality are a worthy goal, for everyone. John Legend's wonderful Oscar winning Best Original Song "Glory" from the movie Selma has some very good advice on that score: "The biggest weapon is to stay peaceful"

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES

Muslims Must Learn to Define Themselves: The inspirational Muslim-Jewish action over the weekend in Norway has to serve as a model for the majority of Muslims who want peace. 

“We must kill the prejudices we have and move on from hate,”.... More than 1,000 people formed a "ring of peace" on Saturday night outside Oslo's main synagogue at the initiative of a group of young Muslims. 

14-year-old #Palestinian girl jailed by #Israel for stone-throwing maintains innocence http://gu.com/p/46x27/stw

Have We Got ISIS All Wrong? http://huff.to/18dwxLO  via @theworldpost

Why Calling ISIS Islamic Only Plays Into Its Hands http://thebea.st/1COMQZz  via @TheDeansreport

Extremism is a shallow concept, an easy answer in a complicated world... Finding knowledge that's unclouded http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/upfront-blog/2015/0218/Finding-knowledge-that-s-unclouded?cmpid=addthis_twitter …

The ISIS Theater of Cruelty...EXCELLENT op-ed by #IBISH in the NYTimes!!! #diplomacy #ATFP #hope http://nyti.ms/1G1xSA9

Obama: Extremism fight is 'battle for hearts and minds' http://usat.ly/1A5tWxx  via @usatoday

Only fools confuse religion and criminality- a very good op-ed by Rami G. Khouri #Islam http://shar.es/1WbKv2  via @DailyStarLeb

Jordan condemns Daesh 'cowardly' execution of 21 Egyptians in Libya http://jordantimes.com/share-content/jordan-condemns-daesh-cowardly-execution-of-21-egyptians-in-libya.html … via @JordanTimes

World Press Roundup: Middle East News

The Net ... a poem

Forwards ...a poem

The Connectors ... a poem

Mideast Quartet calls for speedy resumption of peace talks... "Pending the resumption of negotiations, the Quartet called on both parties to refrain from actions that undermine trust or prejudge final status issues."

Global Citizenship... laying the foundation for a culture of peace

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

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

... Ibrahim's Estate... The Promised Land: In Celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights & Peace Day

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

 “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.

"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

IBISH: Clarifying why Arab and Muslim Americans should be smart rather than stupid

My letter to the NYTimes RE The ISIS Theater of Cruelty By HUSSEIN IBISH

Conscientiously refusing to, in any way shape or form, accidentally promote the image and ugliness of Daesh/ISIS/ISIL/The Islamic State (or whatever you want to call it), and I've blogged my unpublished letter with a beautiful painting by Magritte.

The Return (Le Retour) by René Magritte 1940 oil painting... WIKIART: "Rene Magritte’s witty and thought-provoking paintings sought to have viewers question their perceptions of reality, and become hypersensitive to the world around them."

RE: The ISIS Theater of Cruelty By HUSSEIN IBISH
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/19/opinion/the-isis-theater-of-cruelty.html?ref=opinion

[AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine]

Dear Editor,

Daesh/ISIS/ISIL/The Islamic State (or whatever you want to call it) has viral violent videos as part of their recruiting tool kit, but I think we must also assume they have a plethora of much more subtle propaganda and a whole arsenal of psychological warfare tricks aimed at silencing dissent:  Please don't let any one bully you away from publishing more- much much more- of the brilliant Hussein Ibish's exceptionally relevant and helpful analysis on the situation in the Middle East.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
World Press Roundup: Middle East News

The Net ... a poem

Forwards ...a poem

The Connectors ... a poem

Mideast Quartet calls for speedy resumption of peace talks... "Pending the resumption of negotiations, the Quartet called on both parties to refrain from actions that undermine trust or prejudge final status issues."

Global Citizenship... laying the foundation for a culture of peace

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

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

... Ibrahim's Estate... The Promised Land: In Celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights & Peace Day

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

 “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.

"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

IBISH: Clarifying why Arab and Muslim Americans should be smart rather than stupid

My letter to the NYTimes RE Roger Cohen: "Islam and the West at War"

Palestinians who were displaced from their houses due to fierce
clashes between Israel and Hamas return to check their homes in
the Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City, on Aug. 1, 2014
(AFP Mahmud Hams) Maan News UN officials warns of further conflict in Gaza link to the recent news story found on  The American Task Force on Palestine's website front page

RE Roger Cohen: "Islam and the West at War"
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/17/opinion/roger-cohen-islam-and-the-west-at-war.html?ref=opinion

Dear Editor,

Roger Cohen is wrong. The west is not at war with Islam, nor is Islam at war with the west. The militants and hate mongers hijacking Islam for political and financial gain are not Islam, they are savage criminals and manipulative liars who lure naive and misguided youth astray.  

Cohen is also dangerously wrong in refusing to notice how Israel's long term and flagrant violations of international law and the Palestinians' basic human rights have played into shaping the rise of religious extremism and violence in the region.  Israel leads the way by generously subsidizing Jewish religious scholars as well as land grabbing Jews-only "neighborhoods" (settlements) in the illegally occupied territories.

The very real plight of the Palestinians is dire, and their suffering was well publicized through out the Middle East even before the internet and cell phones. As things are, with global communications amplifying all the worst,  "The Jewish State" VS "The Islamic State" fantasy will continue to push petty tyrants and disenfranchised impoverished people into believing Arabs and Muslims will find freedom, justice, jobs and security the same way that Israel, claiming to be "The Jewish State", has found freedom, justice, jobs, and security for Jews. 

Ending the Israel-Palestine conflict ASAP with a carefully negotiated, fully secular two state solution based on international law (including but not limited to full respect for the Palestinian refugees inalienable right to return to original homes and lands) would go a long way towards curbing the bigotry, sectarian strife, terrorism, war, and poverty wrecking havoc in the region and beyond... Religion should be a personal private choice- not a state funded project.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
World Press Roundup: Middle East News

Mideast Quartet calls for speedy resumption of peace talks... "Pending the resumption of negotiations, the Quartet called on both parties to refrain from actions that undermine trust or prejudge final status issues."

Global Citizenship... laying the foundation for a culture of peace

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

Hamas confirms 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 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 

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?

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

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

... Ibrahim's Estate... The Promised Land: In Celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights & Peace Day

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

 “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.

"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

My letter to CSM RE How shock over murder of Muslim-Americans could counter creeping Islamophobia: Signs of anti-Muslim fears have been percolating in American society recently, but the murder of three Muslim-Americans in North Carolina could play at least a small part in challenging those views.

Suzanne Askar (r.) rests her head on the shoulder of Safam Mahate, a student at North Carolina State University, as they stand next to Nida Allam (far l.) during a vigil for three people who were killed at a condominium near UNC-Chapel Hill, Wednesday, in Chapel Hill, N.C.

PHOTO CREDIT CSM...Al Drago/The News & Observer/AP

RE How shock over murder of Muslim-Americans could counter creeping Islamophobia: Signs of anti-Muslim fears have been percolating in American society recently, but the murder of three Muslim-Americans in North Carolina could play at least a small part in challenging those views.
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2015/0212/How-shock-over-murder-of-Muslim-Americans-could-counter-creeping-Islamophobia

Dear Editor,

As the talented Dean Obeidallah , co-creator of  "The Muslims are Coming!" a docu-comedy about a bunch of Muslim-American comedians who tour Middle America says on his facebook page: "Since the killing of the 3 Muslim students in Chapel Hill I have had such a mix of emotions of despair and outrage. Im sure others have too. I'm still trying to process the crime yet sadly I'm not surprised something like this happen given the unchecked anti-Muslim bigotry we see in the country today."

It is indeed very hard to process.  Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23, Yusor Mohammad, 21, and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19 were bright, attractive, compassionate, creative, hard working people whose lives were cruelly cut short.

Thank you for covering the horrible and shocking murder of the three young Americans in Chapel Hill NC with such grace and dignity... and some very good quotes by some very reasonable and wise people who have not given up on hope for humanity.

Dr. Hussein Ibish of the American Task Force on Palestine is quite right to point out that "“Compared to most countries, [America is] a really great place to be an ethnic or religious minority,” "

And Ibish correct to conclude that “you’ve got a vicious circle between ideology of hatred and current events, and you need a virtuous circle between mainstream Muslims and mainstream broader American community, where you trump a vicious circle with a virtuous one.” 

Many mainstream Muslims here in America are simply Americans. There is no way to tell what their religion might be, and as Americans they are not required to disclose what their religion is, or who they vote for, or any other personal information. They have been and will continue to be an important part of America and who we are, as countless good citizens make numerous positive contributions to our world.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
World Press Roundup: Middle East News

Mideast Quartet calls for speedy resumption of peace talks... "Pending the resumption of negotiations, the Quartet called on both parties to refrain from actions that undermine trust or prejudge final status issues."

Global Citizenship... laying the foundation for a culture of peace

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

Hamas confirms 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 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 

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?

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

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

... Ibrahim's Estate... The Promised Land: In Celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights & Peace Day

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

 “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.

"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

My letter to the Washington Post RE Kathleen Parker's "The irresponsible reporting in the Chapel Hill killings"

Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha and Razan Abu-Salha set an inspiring example in life and in death.

RE Kathleen Parker's "The irresponsible reporting in the Chapel Hill killings"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2015/02/11/the-irresponsible-reporting-in-the-chapel-hill-killings/

Dear Editor,

Kayla Jean Mueller,

Kayla Jean Mueller,

Kayla Mueller

Irresponsible reporting is indeed a problem, and so is the rise of Islamophobic anti-Muslim hate... and half a world away so is Hamas, Hezbollah, and Daesh/ISIS militancy- as well as Israel's refusal to respect international law and the Palestinian's basic human rights.  There is plenty of tragedy and plenty of blame to go around, with many different bellows seeking sparks.

Parker makes a point to point out that on very same day of the tragic Chapel Hill killings, we had gotten confirmation that 26 year old Kayla Mueller, the American aid worker kidnapped by "the Islamic State" was indeed dead.

The word Daesh would be a more accurate and more helpful word to use to describe the terrorist group in Syria that kidnapped and murdered Kayla Mueller. It is a derogatory term used by millions of Muslims. "The name Daesh is a "loose acronym" for "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (al-Dawla al-Islamiya al-Iraq al-Sham). The name is commonly used by enemies of ISIS, and it also has many negative undertones, as Daesh sounds similar to the Arabic words Daes ("one who crushes something underfoot") and Dahes ("one who sows discord"). Samantha Rollins" http://theweek.com/speedreads/446139/france-says-name-isis-offensive-call-daesh-instead

Hussein Ibish wisely explains in a recent column concerning the word Islamophobia that "The history of the battle against anti-black racism, or anti-Semitism for that matter, in the 20th century in the United States demonstrates that, in spite of the inherent difficulties posed in trying to use language for constructive social purposes (as opposed to demagoguery), real progress is, indeed, genuinely possible. And it all depends on developing, slowly and painfully, by fits and starts, new and improved social consensuses about the equality of all people in our societies and the basic respect they should be accorded in our national and collective conversations." https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/commentary/564741-defining-islamophobia

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
World Press Roundup: Middle East News

Mideast Quartet calls for speedy resumption of peace talks... "Pending the resumption of negotiations, the Quartet called on both parties to refrain from actions that undermine trust or prejudge final status issues."

Global Citizenship... laying the foundation for a culture of peace

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

Hamas confirms 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 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 

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?

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

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

... Ibrahim's Estate... The Promised Land: In Celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights & Peace Day

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

 “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.

"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

The Net ... a poem

     The Net

Half truths
make full war-

hook the naive
like fish.

Pull.

Let the feeble think
they swim
with strength.

Forwards ...a poem

Photo Credit: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

              Forwards

Time, energy and ignorance
daily fortify Da-esh bigotry:

An obscure cartoon
becomes headlines

becomes protest rallies

becomes a reason
to be unreasonable.

Craving attention,
the rage meisters

pounce on favored themes
like a kitten with yarn

See my status- feel feel feel
my emotion- follow me...

My heroic quest to be more
with my passionate stance

My ache to be righteous
on borrowed sorrow

My right to make refugees
with war never ending

The Connectors ... a poem

        The Connectors

I too
have been lost
in echo... lured
and absorbed:

We see no evil
in our own enmity-
hear no dishonesty
in our own distortions,
ignore the part we play
pulling extremism
into power- loading guns
for bloody lunatics claiming God
blesses crime & cruel hoaxes:

Religious tyranny takes hold
silences outsiders afraid
to offend, silences insiders
afraid to object, silences
building momentum
for all the worst...

persuading people away
 from Golden Rule logic
away from compassion
away from sympathy
away from awareness
of the dire need
to stop the conflict.

My letter to the NYTimes RE In Gaza and the West Bank, Love Struggles to Bridge the Separation

A Palestinian house with the balcony still in use and unchanged in 54 years!, June 2002 photo credit:   BADIL.ORG

 RE: In Gaza and the West Bank, Love Struggles to Bridge the Separation
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/world/middleeast/in-gaza-and-the-west-bank-love-struggles-to-bridge-the-separation.html?smid=tw-share

Dear Editor,

Relieved to see the story "In Gaza and the West Bank, Love Struggles to Bridge the Separation" humanizing Palestinians trapped in a horrible situation.

Clearly hate mongers and militants such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad have been a huge influence on Israel's policies, exasperating all the worst and sabotaging efforts to shape a just and lasting peace. 

The creation of a safe passage for Palestinians between Gaza and the West Bank obviously requires security co-operation between Israel and Palestine. Negotiations to actually end the conflict and the very real plight of the Palestinians, as well as the angst of the Israelis, should be a priority- for everyone's sake.

NOTES
World Press Roundup: Middle East News

Mideast Quartet calls for speedy resumption of peace talks... "Pending the resumption of negotiations, the Quartet called on both parties to refrain from actions that undermine trust or prejudge final status issues."

Global Citizenship... laying the foundation for a culture of peace

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


Hamas confirms 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 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 

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?

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

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

... Ibrahim's Estate... The Promised Land: In Celebration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights & Peace Day

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

 “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.

"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