The tragedy of our age is not that we still have wars and violence, and it is not that we still discriminate against one another based on dogma, religion, nationality, color of skin, etc. Nay–the tragedy of our age is that we have forgotten who we are as Human Beings. We have fallen from grace and away from our divine nature. We have abandoned our place in the Garden of Eden in exchange for the “American Dream”, which is now more like the American Nightmare! As Americans in pursuit of our own happiness and prosperity, we have been party to obliterating a whole population of indigenous people, the 1st Nation of Native American people; we have been party to slavery; we have supported inequality between the sexes; and have denied basic human rights to million of our brothers and sisters in the U.S. and around the world. We have supported endless wars and gave the green light to corporate & individual greed and avarice.

As Americans, we give lip service to freedom and democracy, yet deny it to those we are killing and occupying overseas. We have epitomized HYPOCRISY.

This has never been more obvious than the U.S. reaction to Palestinian’s request for Statehood at the United Nations.

As one of the few remaining Nakba (Palestinian holocaust) survivors, I have given this a lot of thought and have written volumes on the subject. Much more has been written, pro & con, which can be found on the web. I am resisting the temptation to send you what I have written, in favor of drawing your attention to some basic fundamental Principles that I know Americans believe in: They are Equity, Equality and Human Rights!

How is it that we have allowed ourselves to be bullied into defending a predator state that has invaded, colonized and occupied the indigenous population, wiping away their thousands of year of history, while at the same time, making them out to be the criminals? How on God’s Green Earth have we bought into the myth that somehow the Zionists are entitled to the Land of Palestine, and are somehow justified in killing, exiling and occupying the land of a people that have lived there since before the time of Jesus?

Untruth can never last! Universal truths of Human Rights, and Rights of Independence and Freedom will always prevail.

The Zionists conspiracy that dispersed the indigenous population of Palestine is a NAKED LIE! The American government, out of expediency and distorted national interest, have locked into that lie. And along with Israel, are counting on the idea that the original Palestine survivors will die off and soon after, the whole thing will be forgotten. At that point “mission accomplished”. Which means Israel will prevail over the land of Palestine. They own over 70% now and control all the area of historic Palestine, with demonstrated efforts to gain other areas of the Middle East. The elaborate scheme perpetuated by the Zionist Manifesto, coupled with the Balfour Declaration and the Hitler atrocities, have been successful, so far, in getting control of Palestine and obliterating the history of its indigenous people.

But hold on—a New Generation is born—not only of Palestinians, but people of conscience (including millions of Jews) in America and the world, who are saying: “NO MORE!” “NOT IN OUR NAME!”

The time has come to hold Israelis accountable for their audacious acts of aggression and enslavement of the free and innocent Palestinian people. Like slavery, like South Africa, like Fascism, Israel will have to account for their genocidal acts against a totally innocent and unarmed people of Palestine. The fact that there are arms & violence on both sides now, stems from the back lash of invading & occupying a people. Much like the U.S. has done in Iraq, Afghanistan and so many other places in the world.

Is it not curious that the two countries opposed to freedom of Palestinians are both occupier countries—the U.S. and Israel. The time is now for both countries to account for their grievous policies and behaviors.

There are pros & cons for the action of the Palestinian representatives’ request for Statehood status at the U.N. The major issue in favor of recognition is that it gives legitimacy to the aspirations of Palestinians to be free and will allow them to enter grievances in the World Court.

However, what is against it far outweighs what little benefit there is for it.

The 1st thing against it is that it will lock in the more than 70% of the land that Israel has stolen, giving only tiny postage-stamp sized pockets of land to be claimed as Palestine. like there were in South Africa. It is equivalent to someone stealing your house and years later finally giving you back the garage, but they hold the key to the doors.

The 2nd point against it is that the United Nations General Assembly’s Resolution 194 granting the “Right of Return” will be forever lost. The Palestinians in Diaspora, people like me and my descendants will no longer have a right to return to the place of my birth.

The 3rd point is, as everyone knows, fighting claims in the World Court, as in any other court, is expensive, takes a long time and can never be assured of the right outcome.

The 4th point is the unsettled status of Jerusalem.

All in all—it’s a Bad Deal!

The good things that will come of the effort, of petitioning the U.N. for Statehood, are:
1) It will put the U.S. on the spot, forcing them to Veto the effort and show them up for the hypocrisy of the century! So much for supporting emerging democracies. It will bring international focus on both the U.S. & Israel and show them up for the failed policies of discrimination & oppression.

2) It will also show the unholy alliance between the U.S. & Israel, and bring to the surface the death grip that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) holds on the U.S. domestic and foreign policy.

3) I hope this will awaken the hearts & minds of everyday Americans, who are basically just-minded, with a good heart, to become aware of the Israeli threat to world peace and the instability of U.S. policies!

Have you ever asked yourself: Why should Israel exist? There are no legitimate reasons why there should be a state for Zionist Jews Only! How Democratic is that? That there should be fenced in roads for Zionist Jews Only? That Jerusalem should only belong to Zionist Jews? The myth that was begun over 100 years ago to legitimize the take over of historic Palestine and oppress/obliterate it’s people holds no water and makes no sense at all, given modern times and views of Human Rights.

There is only one real solution: to make all of historic Palestine One State—call it “the Holy Land” and open it up to ALL People!

They “pushed us into the sea“. We do not want to “push them into the sea”. we just want them to allow us to share the land with them. What could be more fair than that?

I invite you to view the article on my web/blog: www.yusif.org called “One Land-The Holy Land”. It may not be a popular view, because the lie of Zionism has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of so many people, none-the-less, I think it is the only real solution.

That “the earth is round” was at one time an unpopular view, but that did not change the fact that it is!

The effort here is more than just bringing peace & stability to the Middle East. The effort, on my part, is Awakening Humanity to our Divine Nature, of being Good & Loving! We must relinquish our attitudes of separateness and come to the awareness that we are all ONE HUMANITY ON ONE MOTHER EARTH.

That by converting the more than 50% of the world’s resources on militarism & wars, and using it to improve the lives of the oppressed and the down-trodden, and that there is enough abundance to be shared by all. It’s a matter of survival of nature, humanity and all life on earth!

In the end, we are ALL ONE PEOPLE—ONE HUMANITY ON ONE PLANET EARTH!

The sooner we learn to share Mother Earth and her bountiful resources, the sooner we can return to the Promised Land, The Garden of Eden, which is here and now. All we have to do is wake up and smell the roses. Stop squandering 50% of the world’s goods and services on militarism, violence and wars!

Peace & Non-violence is The Only Way! Compassion, sharing and caring for each other for all the Earth’s creatures and for the Ecology of Nature, is the only hope of survival!

I will close with the Ritual I do every morning as I do the “Six Directions”:
I pray for all creatures in the air, on the land and in the sea.
I pray for the restoration of nature, the preservation of the Earth and the AWAKENING and SALVATION of HUMANITY.
I pray for Peace & Non-violence…Let there be Peace with Justice…Let there be Peace!

In keeping with my quest for Global Peace, I want to share an event I took part in this August: The 100 Mile Walk for Peace.

I and 7 wonderful women (including a 15 year old young lady) walked 100 miles for Peace. We began in downtown Detroit on July 30th and walked along Grand River Blvd. through to August 9th, where we had a Peace Celebration on the steps of the Capital in Lansing.

During the 11 day set of events, we slept in churches, at a friend’s house in Hartland and the last night at the Michigan Peace Team office. We slept on the floor, in sleeping bags and occasionally had a chance to shower. The first 3 days were in 95 degree F heat and not a cloud in the sky. The rest of the week was hot with an occasional shower.

It was an exciting experience where we met people on the sidewalks, in restaurants, in business store fronts and many other places where you normally would wiz by in a car.

Most evenings we held community gatherings, showed the movie, Peace Pilgrim, and had a discussion
Where we listened to those in attendance.

Most likely anyone can walk 100 miles in 10 days—but would you? Why? We did it to show our commitment to Peace and Non-violence. Why would you do it?

Everyone involved in this Walk got something profound out of the set of experiences.
This Walk for me was one of the many highlights in my life, on par with the time I walked on fire, the time I ran 18 miles (30K) to raise money for Palestine, and my first visit back to Palestine (since my exile on my 12th Birthday August 1947).

I recommend two web sites you can peruse. One is the Moveable Peace web site, where you can see pictures of our 100 Mile Walk. http://www.moveablepeace.org/peace-walk-to-lansing/peace-walk-detroit-to-lansing/

Another is the Peace Pilgrim website: http://www.peacepilgrim.com/. This is about a lady who spent 28 years walking over 25,000 miles for peace. It is an amazing story around the Vietnam War. You can order free books, videos and other information on her website.

Recently I received a link, from a dear friend in Mexico, that I would like to share with you. It would be worth the 3.5 minutes of your time to see this splendid work of art and poetry. It is called: “TERRORIST!!!” It has no violence and no politics. It speaks to the fundamental Humanity in all of us. Thank you Roger! http://www.youtube.com/user/Snordelhans#p/u/4/jRgKH0j3yoE

I also invite you to click on this link and see a powerful 6.5 minute video that describes a progression of events that could destabilize the security of the region, cut off oil supplies and force the world into chaos sometime soon! Add oil in the mix and all that implies and you have a volatile situation that will haunt us all! Contrary to popular belief, America does not “run on Dunkin…” America runs on fear–the fear of Terrorism, the fear of attack by outside or inside forces. Unconditional support of Israel magnifies this fear and brings to reality the possibility predicted by this video. http://www.safeshare.tv/w/SettnzXdpa (This link was sent to me by a cousin in San Francisco, which features a Muslim Imam speaking to this powder keg in the Middle East. He speaks in English, but requires close attention to his words, that maybe hard to understand.) Thank you Nabeel.

I invite your comments, feed-back, suggestions and recommendations. I’m sharing what I think, and I would like to know what you think!

Hubb Wa Salaam

Yusif

yusifpeace@gmail.com
www.yusif.org

Subject: A PROPOSED SOLUTION TO PALESTINE/ISRAEL

One Nation

“The Holy Land”

After recently spending two months touring the Middle East, and having spent New Year’s Eve in Gaza, and considering the many trips I have made back to Palestine (both Israel and the West Bank) I have come to the conclusion that there is only one solution to the Palestine conflict!

As Palestine is the cradle that spawned the three major religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) there can only be one solution: Palestine should not be dominated by any one of these religions, and should be open to ALL of them, and THE WORLD.  

After a great deal of soul searching and thoughtful considerations I have come to the conclusion that HISTORIC PALESTINE should be open and available to ALL the people of the world and for that reason, I offer the following proposal.

To support this theory, I plan to circulate a position paper, early next year, which will be called: “Everything You Wanted to Know about Israel but Were Afraid to Ask” Israel is the Illegitimate State in the Holy Land; and I propose to dispel the myth that Palestine belongs to only Zionist Jews!

Before reading my proposal below, I recommend that you open this link and see what the survivors of the Nazi German Holocaust are saying about the illegal occupation of Zionism in Palestine:

Is Israel a Jewish state? In name, yes.
In reality, it is as supportive of the real ethics of Judaism as Nazi Germany was.
Comments from an Auschwitz survivor:

Video: http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/992.html

Historic Palestine, for the last several thousand years, has been taken over by an outside force, a totally foreign people, who now call it “Israel”.

These Eastern European people (who now occupy Palestine) are not originally Semitic, but those who have been converted to Judaism and have spawned a political entity called Zionism, whose main intent is to take over all of historic Palestine and claim it to be the heritage of ancient Judaism.  They intended it to be only for one people, the Jews.  The Palestinian Arabs, who are the inheritors and descendants of thousands of years of legacy, are being denied the right to remain in the land of their ancestors.

Historically Israel existed in that land thousands of years ago and experienced a rise and fall on several occasions.   That is no excuse for them to recreate that nation, now, by obliterating the thousands of years of history of the Palestinian people and pretending as if they never existed!  This leaves us with a dilemma of two People occupying One Land, (much like what Pilgrims did to Native Indians in the U.S.).

Therefore, the logical solution is that: it could only be ONE NATION-THE HOLY LAND—allowing both peoples to live in their ancestral homes, anything else would be unfair to both parties.   You cannot correct an injustice by more injustice.   And Justice for both sides would be difficult if not impossible- if we insist on giving it only to One People!  Remember what Einstein said: “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

The major hang-up for all of this is what to call it.   It has already been known for thousands of years as “The Holy Land” and that is what it should be called.   In keeping with all that is Holy- “TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION” hearings (as in South Africa) needs to be held to remove or eliminate the anger, hostility, claims and demands between all the religions that started there, and presently have their ancient Holy sites.

Jewish/Christian/Moslem COEXISTANCE, with respect for ALL the Holy sites of all religions and a sharing of same for all the world to enjoy and appreciate.   As those three major religions constitute the majority of all religions globally, and since all three religions have followers all over the world, and all claim heritages to that land, it should be open and available for all religions to enjoy.

The three major religions are known as Abrahamic, as they are related and are descendants from the seeds of Abraham.   Brothers and sisters, cousins and relatives are we all.   And a house divided cannot be sustained!

The Semites who are all descendants from the house of David, Sampson and Delilah, should make love and friendships not war and terror!   No matter what our beliefs are!   We should not impose our will on others, by forcibly taking home and land—but should share the abundance and the bounty of our earth by breaking bread together!   As in all true democracies, it should be based on “One Person, One Vote” and Administered by a coalition of all three religions.

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION in The Holy Land would open up the doors for resolving other global conflicts and for re-instituting “The Golden Rule” by Truly Loving One Another, and living together in Peace and Harmony.

Meantime, I am wishing you all

                Merry Christmas;                

Happy Chanukah;

Happy Ashoura (Islamic New Year)

And a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous NEW YEAR to ALL!

MAY PEACE PREVAIL IN THE MIDDLE EAST, in PALESTINE, and the WORLD, in the New Year and for all times!

Yusif

It’s no surprise that the descendants of the Pharaohs, in the land of the Nile, who built the Pyramids, should muster the strength and the courage to break the yoke of oppression, and demand their freedom!

Tahrir (Liberation) Square was aptly named for the demonstrations that will lead to Liberation and Freedom.

Why Egypt and why now?   To answer this question, we need to look at the historical cause and effect that has built the foundation which resulted in what we see now in Cairo.

Beginning with the Crusades, in the 11^th Century (1095-1099) began the newly emerging European’s quest to capture the Middle East and establish colonial outposts in the Holy Land and surrounding areas.   After that, the Dark Age set in, eventually the Renaissance, followed by the Industrial Revolution in the 19^th & 20^th Centuries.   The current events in Egypt, and other part of the Middle East, have their roots in the British Empire (late 16^th century), which dominated the world for hundreds of years.

Around the same time (1893) the publication of the Zionist Manifesto, which laid claim to the land of ancient Israel (from the Nile to the Euphrates) coupled with the discovery of great reserves of oil (needed to fuel the newly emerging Industrial Revolution) resulted in World War I.   During W.W.I, Europe and the United States pushed back the Ottoman Empire and took possession of the region, called the “Middle East”. (That term comes from the British Empire, which declared that region, as half way to the Far East, from England and thus, they called it the “Middle East”.)

The European colonial powers, France and England, later joined in by the United States, succeeded in gaining control of the oil rich region and divided up the spoils, in what was then called “Mandate Regions”.  England, France, the United States, each took an area which they ruled, supposedly until the local people were able to rule themselves.  This gave the Colonial powers long enough time to establish infrastructure and set up puppet rulers and governments (that were designated to be loyal to the U. S. and European powers).

During World War I, England, through Lord Rothschild, persuaded Arab leaders, (who were under their control) to sign onto a document called “The Balfour Declaration”.   It basically stated that the Zionist Jews would be allowed a home in Palestine.   (Keep in mind that Jesus was born in Palestine and it has been in existence since the Roman Empire.)  “The Balfour Declaration” did not set up Israel, but merely said that the Zionist Jews should have a homeland in Palestine!

This brings us to World War II, where the idea of Israel began to take form.  Below is the outline of the cause and effect that has boiled down to what we see in Cairo today:

1)       Dominance of the oil rich region by the colonial powers (World War I).

2)       The establishment of the “The Balfour Declaration”, which set up the foundation and basis for the Zionist State of Israel.

3)       World War II and the persecution and demise of millions of European Jews (along with millions of Russians, Poles, etc.)

4)       The establishment of the State of Israel, in the spring of 1948, (which was preceded by an onslaught of Zionist Jewish Terrorists, who wiped out over 500 ancient villages.   They expelled and killed hundreds of thousand of Palestinians, spreading fear and chaos in the hearts and minds of Palestinians.)   (See link to 1-26-11 article on Rahm Emanuel’s father:

http://www.salem-news.com/articles/january262011/emanuel-palestine.php)

Editorial Note: All that is described above, leading to the onslaught and the extermination of Palestinians, evicting them from their homes and stealing their land, is the current beginning of the uprising we see the in Arab world.   The Arabs (90% Muslim) who were dominated for over 500 years by the Ottoman (Turkish) Empire then began to be dominated by the new rulers of European and American forces.   This began the perception of Arabs, who are mostly Muslim, that they are under attack by the Christian countries of Europe and the U.S.   These fears have been exacerbated and confirmed as a result of the following events:

A)     The loss of Palestine to the Zionist Jewish State of Israel.  (A detailed essay will be published shortly called: “Everything You Wanted to Know about Israel but Were Afraid to Ask: Israel is the Illegitimate State in the Holy Land”.)

B)    The toppling of the legitimate and democratically elected government of Iran, in 1953, which was replaced by the ruthless Shah of Iran, who killed and tortured his people.  (During this period, it became obvious that the British Empire was collapsing and being replaced by the American Empire.)  “The 1953 Iranian coup d’état, on August 19, 1953, was the overthrow of the democratically elected government of Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh orchestrated by the intelligence agencies of the United Kingdom and the United States.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1953_Iranian_coup_d%27%C3%A9tat

C)    The attempt to maintain control of the Suez Canal by the colonial powers, which was thwarted in 1956 by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser (shortly after the overthrow of the British puppet, King Farouk).

D)      After 25 years of ruthless rule by the Shah, the Iranian Revolution, which brought the Ayatollah Khomeini into power and began the rise of Islamic Fundamentalism to prevent the Christian powers from overtaking Islam and dominating the Muslim world!

“The Iranian Revolution (also known as the Islamic Revolution or 1979 Revolution) refers to events involving the overthrow of Iran’s monarchy (Pahlavi dynasty) under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and its replacement with an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the revolution.”   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iranian_Revolution

E)       America was not happy to be challenged by a rebellion of the Iranians, who were clamoring for independence and free rule.   So the U.S. set up, trained and funded Saddam Hussein of Iraq to fight the 7 year war with Iran.   (Keep in mind that Iraq is an oil rich country, an Arab country and predominately a Muslim country, whereas Iran is also an oil rich country, and a Muslim country, but not Arab.)

F)       America also set up, trained and funded Osama bin Laden, in the struggle of Afghanistan to fend off the Russian invasion.

G)      Volumes can be written about the collapse of the Soviet Union, but suffice it to say, that this left the United States as the only “super power”, and left the Arab world vulnerable (as they depended on the U.S.S.R. as a buffer in the balance of power.  This gave the U.S. total hegemony to do what they please in maintaining dominance over the Middle East.)

H)      The first Bush invasion of Iraq, continued the perception of the Muslim world that the U.S. intends to dominate the region by extreme support for Israel, and the establishment of corrupt puppet governments, that will continue to do the bidding of the U.S. (in return for receiving billions in U.S. tax dollars and military support.)

I)         Last, but not least, the second Bush invasion of Iraq (and subsequent “endless war on terror”, which really translates to “endless war on Islam”) put the “icing on the cake”.   This has signaled to the Arab/Muslim populations that they are under attack and will be relentlessly subjugated to autocratic regimes that are supported by U.S. tax dollars to maintain the oppression of the people.  Add to that the U.S. intrusion into Afghanistan and Pakistan (under the guise of hunting down “terrorists”, and you have confirmation that America is out to dominate Islam and subjugate the people by supporting autocratic regimes and usurping the wealth and resources of the region.  That policy is often referred to as “American National Interest”!

Just exactly—what is Americas National Interest, and why should it be at the expense of other people?  Keep in mind that Americas National Interest, is not in the best interest of the American People, as seen by the current suffering of so many Americans, as a result of this failed policy!  What America’s National Interest translates to mean is: for the benefit of Corporations, and those who profit from it, at the expense of the American People and people of the world! “The cat is out of the bag” and cannot be put back!  This turns out to be a class struggle and only the wealthy profit, at the expense of working people of America and the world!!!

In conclusion, this bird’s eye view, of the events leading to current times, needs to be understood if we are to find a meaningful solution.  The fear of the Arab and Muslim people is substantiated by these historical events.

It is no secret that Israel is the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid, and has received over $114 billion in U.S. tax money. See: http://www.ifamericansknew.org/stats/cost_of_israel.html.  It is also no secret that the oppressive and violent treatment of Palestinians by Israel is documented in hundreds of ways.  This oppression cannot go on forever and can only lead to revolt and backlash.

It is also no secret that the United States gives $1.3 billion a year to Egypt and trains their military forces to maintain a police state in Egypt, primarily in support of the misguided (unquestioned) American support of Israel.  We hear a lot about Egypt denying the media access to what is going on.  Keep in mind that Israel has always had media blackout and does not allow journalists in Israel or the West Bank and Occupied Territories.  That is why you never hear what Israel is doing to the Palestinians (in main stream media).

Finally, it is clear to say: “you can only beat a dig for so long before it bites you”.  You can only oppress and subjugate a people for so long before they revolt.  There is still a chance for the United States to redeem itself and bring real peace and harmony to the region by reviewing its antiquated foreign policy towards Egypt, and all autocratic regimes in the world that get support from the U.S.  President Obama, in his recent State of The Union speech said “America supports the aspirations of all people to be free.”  He repeated a similar comment when speaking about events in Egypt.  These words ring hollow and are grossly hypocritical if not followed by real action to liberate all people, especially Palestinians, from the yoke of oppression.

Islam has been vilified, especially by the second President Bush.  But in truth, the Koran speaks of “RESTORATIVE JUSTICE.”   Who has not heard of Arab hospitality?   The Arab people (Muslim and Christian) are at the precipice of tremendous change.   They would be willing to give up retaliation and retribution for genuine JUSTICE, for REAL FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY.   This is America’s best chance to redeem itself and commit to the tenants that it preaches.   America cannot have it both ways.   America cannot preach freedom, democracy and open elections if it does not support these ideals on the ground.

The people of the Middle East are ready to partner with the U.S. to bring about REAL PEACE, REAL DEMOCRACY and REAL JUSTICE!

It is up to the American people to petition their government, demanding that they live up to these ideals and not just give it lip service.   The Balance of Life on Earth depends on the Balance of Power, put out by the only Super Power.

I pray for Restorative Justice through NON-VIOLENCE!

I pray for Liberation in Egypt, Palestine and all oppressed people in the world.

I pray for Peace and Love for ALL Humankind.

I pray for the Restoration of Nature, the Preservation of the Earth and the Salvation of Humanity.

Will you join me?

Yusif

yusifpeace@gmail.com

P.S. There are many things you can do.

1) A good start to join in with the people at Code Pink and begin your activism to liberate Egypt, and help out humanity on the right course.  (See new Library listing.)

2) See an article published by my local newspaper, “The Press and Argus” who interviewed me (on Feb. 1^st) regarding events in Egypt.  Granted, it is not comprehensive and does not cover many points that I gave them, it never-the-less rings a note of hope, that peace and non-violence are the Only Answer. (See new Library listing.)

3) An easy action you can take is to sign this petition on line:

Cut off the Money: Stop US Funding for Egypt’s Murderous Regime

http://action.firedoglake.com/page/s/egyptfunding

4) Stop US funding for Israel:

http://deafwalls.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/the-uss-illegal-funding-of-israel/

5) Your comments would be welcomed.   Your attitude and actions in support of Peace and Non-violence in the Arab world, especially in Palestine is essential!

I am within a few days from returning to the good old USA after 55 days in the Holy Land. My heart is full of Joy & Sadness—my mind is full of hundreds of memories with people & places in 7 countries and 3 continents—and–my soul cries out with passion for PEACE IN THE WORLD AND THE END OF WARS AND VIOLENCE!

I have so much I want to share, which will take me weeks, perhaps months to transmit to you—meantime—all my feelings are already spoken in the short, graphic and powerful poem written by Andrea Gibson. (in the following YouTube link below)

A dear friend, Suzy, a sensitive Jewish woman, who has been a mentor, a guide and a soul-mate from Ancient Time, sent me the following link, of a poem, which I want to share with all my American, Muslim, Christian and Jewish friends!  As Suzy wrote, “This is an AMAZING poem by a dear friend of mine.  She is very powerful and graphic with her words and what she portrays.  It makes me cry every time I hear it.  Remember that we are bringing an end to ATROCITIES in our hopes, in our positive and peaceful actions, in our choices to carry on and stay strong, focused on a time when this will be a tragic memory that taught us to achieve better…to love more…to forgive, offer compassion and nurture our way to enlightenment.  All bright blessings to you.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_ubpsCnbJ8&feature=related

This traumatic experience set me up with contradictions, i.e. my Left friends think I’m right and my Right friends think I’m wrong.  My ethnic friends think I’m too American and my American friends think I’m too foreign.  I’m a global citizen with a Universal Mind.  I’m a man without a country—a gypsy who feels at home wherever I am. 

Feb. 1956 I was inducted into the U.S. Air Force (after Korea and before Vietnam) and spent 3 years in Germany.  Having a lot of free time along with 30 day vacations, I used to fly in Air Force planes and visited much of Western Europe, the Netherlands and North Africa.  I spent a lot of time in Cairo visiting my paternal aunt and her 9 sons.  They migrated to Egypt around the same time I was exiled from Palestine.

In 1970 I had the pleasure of escorting a friend on a 45 day tour around the world.  We began with a flight from Detroit to Hawaii (non-stop!), where we were served meals by a chef, from a cart in the aisle. From Hawaii we went to the World’s Fair in Japan.  From Japan we continued westward until we arrived in France, where we got on the U.S.S. France for a 1^st class cruise to New York.

In my travels, I have been in or driven through all 48 contiguous states and have made dozens of trips to many places in Canada and Mexico.

Though I’ve been back to the Middle East on many occasions and spent the last New Year’s Eve (’09-’10) in Gaza, my most memorable trip is the one I recently returned from— to the Holy Land. (All land is Holy— what that expression means in Palestine is “Land of the Holy”.)

I and my family were displaced from our home in Haifa on my 12^th Birthday in August 1947.   At that time, my sister, Leila, was 9 and since then she had never been back to Palestine or the Middle East.   After 63 years of exile she asked me if I would escort her on a two month trip to see, hear and feel the sounds of the Holy Land.

We set off on September 2^nd on a non-stop flight from Detroit to Amman, Jordon, where we set up camp at my cousin, Helen’s house— from where we set out on our 55 day odyssey to visit 7 countries on 3 continents.  Helen’s father, Michael, was my father, Deeb’s younger brother.  Helen was two years old when we all scattered.  When we came to the U.S., Helen and her family went to Jordan and other relatives went to Egypt.  On this trip the highlight was a visit to our birthplace in Haifa, Palestine.

Because we arrived in Amman on the last week of Ramadan, culminating in a 3 day “Eid”, we were delayed for 10 days, as nothing much gets done during that time of the holidays.   (With the assistance of Helen’s twin sons, Ramie & Raed, we toured several places while in Jordon, which I will cover, along with pictures, in future reports.)   Finally, on Monday, Sept. 13^th, we set off for a tour of Lebanon and from there to Syria before returning to base camp at Helen’s.

On the morning, after we got to Syria, (17^th day of the trip) my sister slipped backward, while walking down a set of slippery stairs, hitting her head, back & left elbow.  Her head and back were bruised but not seriously.   However, she ended up breaking her left arm just below the elbow, which over time, required 3 casts!

My sister, over the last several years, has suffered with rheumatoid arthritis for which she requires several medications, including a very expensive monthly injection.   Due to insurance complications, which denied her the ability to buy medication two months in advance, she had to take substitute medications while overseas.   To make matters worse, the orthopedic doctor, who put on the casts, told her she needed to stop taking the arthritis medication in order for her broken bone to heal properly.

Being that we had 6 weeks left on our trip, her arthritis began to flare up over time.   By the last week of our trip, in addition to having to deal with a cast, which restricted her ability to function, and the pain from the broken bone, she began to experience a severe rash (which caused itching, pain and a great deal of discomfort).

To make matters worse, during our 7^th and last country to visit, she experienced another freak accident, which just pushed her over the edge.   While in Istanbul, Turkey, I arranged for her to get a relaxing foot massage from the spa (in the hotel where we were staying).   My sister is a ‘no frills kind of lady’ who views massage as an unneeded luxury.   It took a lot of persuasion to get her to agree to having her feet, and calves from the knees down, be massaged to help her relax.

Picture this event, as it is really hard to believe, that such a thing could happen, especially to her, in her condition. We got off the elevator on the mezzanine floor with her left arm in a ½ cast, in a sling around her neck and I’m walking besides her, holding her right arm and elbow as we walked in through the sliding glass door to the spa. As the doors slid open, we took one step forward, when for no reason, the doors suddenly and violently slammed shut!  They hit her on her left broken arm and hit me with the same force on my right arm.   The doors trapped us in that position and I had to force them open by using my weight to force the doors back to their open position. Leila was screaming, crying and writhing with pain.  I was completely stressed out trying to calm her down and figure out how this could have happened, as 4 of the spa staff stood there in complete horror, as they observed what happened and did not know what to do.   It took awhile to get her calmed down and finally persuaded her to get the foot massage after all.

I managed to continually motivate Leila and tend to her needs so that we maintained the schedule we set out to do and managed to see all that was on the itinerary.   Despite her pain and health challenges she managed to persevere and actually enjoyed the 55 day, 7 country tour.   She has come back with a lot of wonderful memories, not to mention the hundreds of pictures and hours of video.   Despite the obstacles, she was a great trooper and completed the trip in good spirit.

At 2 am on Sunday night, the 25^th of October, we boarded a flight from Amman to Detroit, through Montreal, Canada.  After 16 hours we landed at Detroit Metro airport holding hundreds of wonderful memories.  The trip, the broken arm, the arthritis and the uncomfortable rash all took a toll on poor Leila and she went to Emergency Room only hours after we landed in Detroit, where they kept her for 5 days!

The day after she was released from the hospital I packed her luggage in her car and drove her back to her home in Largo, Florida (near Tampa Bay).   I spent 10 days there taking her to medical appointments, where they finally took her cast off. After getting her set up with physical therapy, and doing a lot of needed repairs in her house, I flew back to Detroit to pick up the pieces of my life, after 3 months of world travel.

The reason I’m telling you all this is so you can see that I had very little time to devote to reporting events in the Middle East.   The 3 reports I sent already, were brief and I did some note taking, which I hope to share with you, along with some pictures, over time.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be of service to my sister and to experience an extended trip to the Middle East.   I’m especially grateful for my sister, Leila, for maintaining a hectic pace, for my sister, Nuhad, for sponsoring some of the cost and for my assistant, Kim, who held down the fort and e-mailed out the 1^st three reports in a timely fashion.

Faith is an apt description of this modern and beautiful city of about 2 million, which is spread over 7 mountains. There is a major emphasis on religion here “ISLAM” and we arrived, on 9/3, during the Holy Month of “RAMADAN”. Ramadan, is based on a Lunar Month of total fasting, from sun rise to sunset and culminates in a 3 day holiday called EID, reminiscent of CHRISTMAS, in traffic jams, gift buying, family gathering, gaiety and celebration, though not based on the same reason.

My sister, Leila and I came on the last week of Ramadan and today, Friday, September 10, 2010 begins the Eid which ends Sunday at sunset. The routines of the city are changed during Ramadan and the city is virtually shut down during the Eid.

Most buildings in AMMAN, both residential and commercial are made of white stone with a few high rise buildings made of glass. There are some traffic jams, though nothing like other major cities of its size.

Our plans to take side trips to the surrounding countries of Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and the Holy Land were temporarily delayed by Ramadan, which meant, the first 10 days of our 55 day trip is spent with our Cousins in AMMAN.

Monday Sep. 13, begins our first sojourn to Lebanon, where we hope to spend about 5 days seeing the country of some of our ANCESTORS. My sister, Leila was 9 and I was 12 when we were displaced from our birth place in Haifa, Palestine, in August 1947. Though, I have been back to the Middle East several times, as well as a trip around the world, this is Leila’s first trip in 63 years. I promised to escort her and take her to visit Cousins, friends and relatives in various countries in the Middle East.

After Lebanon, we plan to go to Syria for about 5 days, then Egypt for a week or 10 days and return to our birth place in Haifa, with tours through Israel and the West Bank.

If time permits, and the money holds out, we plan to take a 4 day trip to ISTANBUL, TURKEY to visit a non-Arab country and see the remnants of the Ottoman Empire! As we travel and I find time and a computer, I will send a continuation of this report along with highlights of where we visited and some details about the sights and sounds of the area and the people.

Though, I wrote this report on Sept. 10, ’10- – - It’s not certain what day it will reach you, as there is both a difference in time zones as well as the time it takes me to type and transmit this message.

For now, I extend to you and yours, a Happy and Blessed Eid from the Ancient World of the Bible and the Koran!

Yusif

http://picasaweb.google.com/yusifpeace/TripToCairoGazaPicturesUsedInYusifSReportAFewMore?feat=directlink

Boys playing with a soccer ball at the Al-amal Institute for Orphans, in Gaza City, January 1st, 2010.

For more information see: Al-amal Institute for Orphans: http://www.vivapalestina.org/resources/Al_Amal-profile.pdf

We also got about a half hour tour of the school with information about the facility.   We were also shown some disturbing footage of the Israeli attack, from the year before, and how many children were killed or became orphans as a result.

A special highlight, on Friday afternoon, was a soccer game in Gaza City.   The internationals were challenged to a soccer game by the local team, as they were all decked out in their yellow uniforms and spent hours practicing for the game.   Of course, I played with the internationals and instructed my team not to beat them, as that would be humiliating to the local community.   So we laid back and let them beat us 4 to 2 thus allowing them the glory of winning something—even if it was only a soccer game against a bunch of novices. (This is my bit of humor in an otherwise dismal situation.)

Al-amad Inst. for Orphans

Some young girls with their female teacher at the orphanage.

Gaza player, Yusif & referee

Another major development in the soccer game was when they would not allow the women in our group to play. There was a major struggle on the field as we debated the issues about allowing the international women to participate. The Gaza team threatened to walk off the field and we did not want to make an international incident about it, thus embarrassing the local community.  (Besides we were on their turf and we needed to respect their traditions even though it was contrary to our belief systems.)   We finally reached a compromise in which it was agreed that, at the end of the formal game, the internationals could split into two teams, including the women and play each other. We ran out of time and that game never took place as we had to prepare for the evening events.

Friday night, January 1^st, we had our farewell dinner in the hotel.   After dinner we were treated to a PowerPoint presentation by the Palestine Human Rights organization where we got specific data about the carnage that resulted from the Israeli invasion.   For accurate, reliable and shocking statistics of the carnage of that attack, I recommend you visit The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights: http://www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/

Saturday morning, January 2^nd, we gathered in the lobby at 9 am to board buses for the return trip.   A major conflict developed as about 20 internationals wanted to stay behind to freely visit with families as we were originally told we could do.   There were heated debates with Hamas security.   Around 11:30 am, the two buses pulled out with some of the internationals having slipped away the night before.   I was told, on the way back, that they were all rounded up and put on another bus out of Gaza.

Before leaving Gaza City, the two buses passed by the Gaza Freedom March mural this was the gift of the international community to the people of Gaza.   The mural was the brain child of Kathleen Crocetti who spent some 600 hours, involving dozens of women back in Santa Cruz, California, in preparing this work of art.   All this was coordinated (via e-mails) with women in Gaza to determine size and content.   This master piece was then labeled, dismantled into 25 sections and carried to the site in Gaza.   It was reassembled, one section at a time, as a permanent memorial to the suffering of the people.   The crew that installed this work of art in Gaza, spent countless hours on the project.   At one point, as they were running out of time, local community citizens, along with some of the Hammas security people, pitched in to ensure the 11^th hour completion before we left Gaza.   For Kathleen’s report see: http://communityartactivism.blogspot.com/

GFM mural in tile

Back to Cairo
The ride back was miserable as it was in an old bus with no restroom and we arrived in Cairo around midnight.   Again, the Egyptian Security escorted the caravan all the way back to Cairo.
Back in Cairo, Sunday, January 3^rd, I was glad to be re-united with my Michigan Peace Team mates and they were all happy to see me, as they plied me with questions and were eager to know about my experiences.
Some views as reported by those who were in Gaza with me:
On Sunday my team mates and I attended a Code Pink de-briefing with many who were in Gaza with me.   As we each took turns briefly outlining the highlights in Gaza, my team members took notes and outlined a report they sent to the Michigan Peace Team in Gaza blog: http://mptinGaza.blogspot.com (see below a few brief excerpts.)

The Rafah Border Crossing:
At the Rafah border crossing from Egypt to Gaza, Egyptian authorities appear to partner with Hammas in the management of the border crossing. GFM delegates said they received horrible treatment from Egyptian authorities at the border.

The blockade, on-going occupation of Gaza, and the role of Israel, Egypt, USA:
The GFM eyewitnesses who crossed the Egyptian border and traveled through Gaza confirm that Gaza is sealed by land, airspace, and sea. A small part of the delegation experienced artillery fire from the border into Gaza. Moreover, experiences of the GFM delegation leads them to conclude that Israel, Egypt, and the United States collaborate to maintain the blockade and siege.

Tour of Horror:
The GFM delegation viewed the horror of the devastation in Gaza resulting from the Israeli invasion and attack on Gaza during Operation Cast Lead, December 2008 to January 2009 and the assaults that have continued since that time. The delegation visited hospitals, agencies, schools, and humanitarian centers. Also they met with families still suffering from devastation and loss. Military action by Israel has had a terrible impact on the economy. People live in misery. Unemployment is skyrocketing. Because Israel refused to admit construction materials, a year after the bombing, Gaza still lays in waste. One GFM delegate said, “There is no way to live through the siege.”

Resilience:
The GFM delegation learned about the incredible resilience of Gazans. Though the grip of the occupation and now the added blockade brings misery to the people of Gaza, their spirit is not crushed. Gazans rally together and care for one another. They are convinced that the blockade and the occupation will end, and until that time, they believe their spirit will prevail. Delegates also noted that hope filled signs of art, music, dance, and humor are evident and growing within the Gazan society.

Views on Hamas:
Most of the GFM delegation was surrounded by Hamas security throughout their time in Gaza. Some ingenious GFM members were able to slip away from Hamas security and freely visited Gazans from north to south. All were shocked to see that Hamas did not allow women to participate in the Gaza Freedom March. Most of the GFM delegates are shocked by the Hamas repression; some conclude Gaza has become a police state under Hamas rule; one member of the delegation understands Hamas actions, saying “Hamas has to do what they have to do in order to maintain order in the midst of chaos.”

Significance of the Tunnels:
A GFM delegate said, “Every sip of soda, every bit of food, every piece of toilet paper used by the delegation had arrived to Gaza via the tunnels.” She noted with irony that imports to Gaza via the tunnels are labeled “illegal” by Israel, Egypt, and the United States governments.

Presence of the Rabbis:
Four Jewish Rabbis who have committed their lives trying to apply justice in Gaza, and Palestine joined the Gaza Freedom March delegation to Gaza. GFM delegates describe the presence of these Rabbis as a pure gift. Their presence, words, and actions brought hope to Gaza; their love and solidarity were treasured by Gazans.

Support the Jewish Community that Stands for Freedom:
Yusif urged the Gaza Freedom March to support the courageous Jewish people who stand for justice and work to end the occupation both in Israel and around the world, at the risk of being ostracized from their community.

Gazan Message: Take Responsibility and Do Something!
Gazans consistently related this message to the GFM delegation:
We very much like having you in Gaza, but at the same time we do ask this: Don’t only come and stand with us for a few hours. Please go home and do something about this unjust situation!

Message of Hope:
When returning home, everyone was encouraged to work tirelessly to end the siege on Gaza. We hope you will be able to join us in finding ways “to do something about this unjust situation.”
Goodbye to Cairo
Sunday evening, January 3rd, we had our last dinner together as we were joined by Ahmad before we left Cairo.   Apparently, during the four days I was in Gaza, my MPT mates:

1) Attempted to get on a public bus, with intension of going to the Rafah border, hoping to gain entry into Gaza.                Of course, the all-seeing eye of the Egyptian police, escorted them off the bus and back to their hotel.

2) Made use of some of their time (that was not spent in hunger strikes and in demonstrations) by being able to do some sightseeing.   They communicated with my friend, Ahmad, who advised them on how to best get to the pyramids, museums, etc.   So despite all the frustrations of not going to Gaza, and suffering with the Cairo police at demonstrations, they were able to get some value in seeing the wonders of the ancient civilization.

Monday afternoon, January 4th, I said goodbye to Cairo again and flew to Amman, Jordon to spend some quality time with some of my other cousins and their families.   While in Amman, I used my cousin’s lap top to finally communicate with family members and check my overflowing e-mails.
Next report
The above report covers my time in Cairo and Gaza.   I spent 27 days total in the Middle East and have yet much to report on my time in Amman, Jordon, Tel Aviv, Israel and Ramallah, West Bank.   Since there is a lot to report from those visits I will post another report, with pictures, soon.   I will outline problems, solutions and recommendations along with some conclusions and remarks.

Acknowledgements
I want to also take the opportunity to thank my friend and administrative assistant, Kim Bergier, as without her, none of you would have gotten anything (including this report).   She has been my support person back in Michigan, receiving and forwarding my reports, plus maintained my schedule and contact information.   She has received my phone calls and followed my requests at all hours of the day and night and has called me to relay information and check on my well being.

Of myself, I can do little.   I rely on the effort of so many people which help me accomplish my mission in life, of which I am so grateful!  I am also grateful to Code Pink, my friends and team members from the Michigan Peace Team, my cousins in Cairo and Amman, my friends at “OneVoice”, my friend Shai in Tel Aviv, my family and friends back home, especially my friend, Betty, along with a myriad of people who have lent support and encouragement during this trip!   Last, but not least, I want to thank my long time friend and comrade, Paul R. Pearson, for the skillful and professional way he set up my web site and blog.
Please continue to scan my web site www.yusif.org for more reports and updates.

Soccer at orphanage

The Truth Shall Set You Free!  Israel is Cancer in The Holy Land

December 31, 2009

By Yusif Barakat

Introduction

Yusif

The opportunity to return back to the land of my birth came at a moment in my life that sparked a renewed interest in justice for a forgotten people. The plight of the Palestinians is one of the human atrocities that rival the dispossession of the Native American Indians by European Pilgrims, and the holocaust of Jews in Germany.

The confiscation of “The Holy Land” (though all land is holy) from a people, who lived there for thousands of years, by European and American Jews (“Zionists”) is one of the biggest hoaxes ever perpetrated on humankind. And it remains shrouded in deception and intrigue. See books: 1) “The Myths of Zionism” by John Rose on http://www.plutobooks.com/display.asp?K=9780745320557& ) and 2) “OVERCOMING ZIONISM: Creating a Single Democratic State in Israel/Palestine” by Joel Kovel: http://www.joelkovel.org/archives.html

The Zionist scheme to steal the land of the Prophets was begun in 1893 by Hertzel and has been fueled by propaganda and misinformation. The myth “a land without a people for a people without a land” has been used by the Zionists to justify their take-over of Palestine from the indigenous Palestinians. This myth continues until this very day, misleading the world with its lies and deception. This malicious scheme must be unraveled, if we ever hope to remove the single most dangerous threat to world peace. There needs to be a healing of the arrogant hatred which is like a malignant cancer in The Holy Land that keeps the world in turmoil and threatens the survival of humanity!

In this report, of my trip to the Middle East, December 23^rd, 2009 to January 18, 2010, I will describe (chronologically) my time in Cairo, going to Gaza and returning to Cairo for the conclusion of the Gaza Freedom March event. Next I will describe my time in Amman, Jordon, my trip to Israel and the West Bank then conclude with observations, comments and personal views and opinions. These observations should give you a bird’s eye view of the complex problems in Palestine and the Middle East and why/how that threatens world peace. These reports will be posted on my web site: www.yusif.org along with other related matters. This report will include some pictures from the more than 1300 which I took during my 27 day journey. Soon, I will also post an Op-Ed giving the history of the Palestine conflict, showing it to be not about “Jews in the Promised Land” but about colonialism and control of the oil region of the Middle East.

Cairo Events

This trip began on December 23^rd, 2009, when I boarded a flight from Detroit to Cairo, Egypt. In Cairo I visited with my life-long friend, Ahmad, and my two cousins, who moved to Egypt when we all left Palestine in the late 40’s. The first few days I spent in Cairo with cousins were wonderful. That was before I became officially a part of the Gaza Freedom March (GFM) team. I slipped under the radar and was not distinguishable from the native population. During that time, I got to visit my two cousins, Nazim and Zuheir’s homes and met their families. I had not seen these cousins in 50 years. They took me to St. George Cathedral, a famous land mark in Cairo, and we celebrated Christmas together. We took local buses and I enjoyed mingling with the local people. My friend, Ahmad, took me to visit local people and we had many dinners together.

A few days later, December 26^th, I welcomed my Michigan Peace Team (MPT) members to Cairo, where Ahmad and I took them out to dinner and we began our odyssey together.

Yusif, Sheri, Liz, Dorothy, Kim, Bella & Ahmed

Yusif Barakat, Sheri Wander, Liz Walters, Dorothy Ritter, Kim Redigan, Bella Rowan and Yusif’s friend, Ahmad Galal, outside Cairo Khan Hotel.

My MPT mates were the best companions a man could have. They were caring, loving and supportive during all our trials and tribulations over the next few days. I’m grateful to the Michigan Peace Team, and my team members, for all the support they gave me during this trip. We met daily, processed information and planned our strategy for the following days. They e-mailed daily reports that were incorporated into the MPT in Gaza BlogSpot. (See: http://mptinGaza.blogspot.com) I recommend a review of this hyperlink for a more detailed description of our experiences in Cairo.

During the first few days in Cairo we participated as a team in demonstrations and civil activities, in an attempt to persuade the Egyptian government to allow us entry into Gaza. The Egyptians first denied all 1,362 international delegates entry into Gaza claiming protection for our safety. We were met by resistance from the Egyptian police and military to thwart our every effort. They blockaded us from the American Embassy and would not allow us to hold a candlelight vigil on the Nile. We attended meetings called for by the “Code Pink” group, who coordinated the Gaza Freedom March, where we discussed future strategies.

We felt a great deal of disappointment and frustration at being denied access to Gaza, which is what we came to do. On 12-29 one of the major rallies was when 85 year old Jewish holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein announced a hunger strike, which inspired some 29 others to join her for up to 5 days. See N.Y. Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/30/world/middleeast/30Egypt.html?emc=eta1

 

Yusif with Hedy Epstein & 29 fasters

Hunger strike rally, at Cairo’s Journalist Syndicate building with Hedy in pink scarf and Yusif in Palestine head scarf, on December 29, 2009. A couple of the 30 hunger strikers included Kim Redigan and Sheri Wander.

 

I was standing two people away from Hedy in the N.Y. Times picture. A few minutes later, I was handed the microphone as I stood next to her and admonished the Egyptian government, in both Arabic and English, for their collaboration with Israel and called them traitors to Palestine, humanity and the Arab cause.

I said that Hedy is one of the last Jewish holocaust survivors and that I am one of the last Palestinian Nakba (disaster of the 1940’s) survivors…that we are both a dying breed. We must keep the memory of both alive, so that the world does not forget both holocausts, and hopefully, end the one in Palestine! I also thanked Hedy and all the courageous Jewish friends for their standing up for justice in Palestine!

It’s curious that the New York Times chose to exclude me from the picture and did not report anything I said! Two days earlier, on 12-28. Ahmed called me to tell me that a picture of me, in the midst of a lot of people, was in the Egyptian newspaper, Al Masry Al Youm (Egypt Today) Issue No. 2024, Vol. 6, page 5. I quickly ran out to get a copy, but could not find a picture of me or the article anywhere in the paper. It turns out that they removed the article, with the picture of me, and replaced it with a totally different and unrelated article on the same page 5 and on the same day. The new article was exactly the same shape and size, but had nothing to do with Gaza Freedom March! This was my first indication of what the Egyptian government’s ability to censor, quash and block coverage of our attempt to get to Gaza. See scanned before and after articles or try English version on: http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en

By Tuesday night, 12-29, my team met to decide what we should do next, if we should continue the civil disobedience and discuss our options. I went to bed at 1 am that night feeling helpless and hopeless (a feeling I’ve become accustomed to when it comes to the Palestine issue). At 2 am my hotel room telephone rang and one of my team-mates was shouting in my ear—“You’re going to Gaza!!! —You’re going to Gaza!!!”

At first, I thought I was dreaming. They all rushed to my room and told me that Suzanne Mubarak (Egyptian President, Mubarak’s wife) persuaded her husband to allow 100 people to go to Gaza. This was thanks to some Code Pink women meeting with her. As she is chairperson of Red Crescent Committee this decision was likely made so they could take the humanitarian aid (food, medication, clothing, children’s toys and other relief items) that were brought to Cairo for that purpose. They showed me, my name on a list, as one of the 100, which came through on Bella’s Blueberry. Needless to say, I spent the next several hours packing, half groggy, wondering if this was some kind of hoax.

At 7 am, Wed., 12-30, I was the first one sitting on the bus, eager to go to Gaza. Suddenly, the mood changed from jubilation to gloom, when it became clear that some of the larger delegation of 1,362 internationals were objecting to our going! Some of them were standing on the sidewalk, alongside the bus, declaring that “if we all can’t go, then none of us should go”.

 

Sign objecting to limitaions on those going to Gaza 12-30-09

Sample of signs objecting to the 100 delegates chosen for the Gaza trip.

Signs were paraded outside of the 2 buses scheduled to leave for Gaza, from Cairo, on December 30^th, 2009.

 

This to me was reminiscent of the British, now American tactic of “divide and conquer, divide and rule”, which was practiced throughout the Middle East over the last 100 years. Some felt betrayed (and rightly so) and some felt that this is a sell-out, a carrot on a stick to appease the international community and relieve the pressure on the Egyptian government. While all those are valid points, I felt blessed to be selected as one of the 100 people, and I wanted to deliver all the humanitarian boxes of supplies to the needy people of Gaza, that otherwise would have been left in Cairo to rot.

Until the moment that the two buses left the depot at 11:30 am I was never certain that we were going to be allowed to leave. Some of the original 100 people left the bus, while others came on. For awhile it felt like the game “musical chairs”. Finally, the two bus caravan was on the way, with 85 internationals, escorted by heavily armed military police. During the journey from Cairo to Gaza Egyptian security surrounded the buses that carried the Gaza Freedom March delegation through Egypt to the gates of Gaza. There were a lot of delays on the road and at the border crossings. We finally arrived around midnight, ate dinner in the hotel and then were shuffled to our rooms.

 

Gaza

 

In Gaza, I felt a bag of mixed emotions, blending the joy of being with the people and hearing their stories and the frustration of the tight control by Hamas preventing us from really moving around and mixing with the population. We had many memorable moments, like the fishing boat ride (January 1^st) which showed us the tight death grip Israel has on the coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea, preventing the fishing boats from getting the fish they need to earn a living and feed the Gazan people! Israeli gun boats were constantly in view and have been known to shoot at and confiscate boats that are within their rights to be within 10 kilometers of the shore. This is aside from the sewage that is being forced to be dumped in the sea that is polluting the beaches and surrounding waters.

 

Damaged fishing boat

A badly damaged fishing boat with four Gazans, January 1^st.

I saw other boats that were riddled with bullet holes.

 

We were taken to see the destruction from the Israeli raids that demolished homes, the airport, schools (including the American school), police stations and other municipal buildings, factories, Mosques, the United Nations headquarters, homes and other infrastructures. None of these buildings have been renovated as the Israelis deny the admission of supplies and materials to allow for reconstruction. What little comes in through the underground tunnels, is sporadic, problematic and costly.

 

The resilience of the Gaza people is a study in endurance and hope. It is also a model of what can be done in recycling. We saw so many places that were recycling cement, iron, paper and so many other resources for reuse in the community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tires used for landscaping

Samples of devastation left behind by Israeli invasion of Gaza, December 2008 to January 2009

Destroyed buildings-1 with dome

Unemployment is nearly 70 % and the demolished factories and work places continue to lie in rubble!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The threat of flooding the tunnels constantly looms as a possibility! Egypt building an iron wall on their border with Gaza is also threatening an already beleaguered community. This underscores and exposes the unholy alliance and collaboration between Israel, Egypt and the U.S. This highlights the urgency and the dire crisis that is in Gaza and all of Palestine.

 

While in Cairo I authorized my name as co-signature to be used in a law suit to prevent the building of the iron wall. Shortly after that, I left for Gaza and have not been able to find out the outcome of that attempt. See EGYPTIAN WALL LAWSUIT on Gaza Freedom March’s web site: http://www.gazafreedommarch.org/article.php?id=5302

 

A Gaza Freedom March (GFM) did take place, on the morning of December 31^st, involving hundreds rather than the hoped for 50,000 on the first anniversary of the Israeli offensive into Gaza. Hamas kept a tight lid on those who marched and did not allow anyone other than Hamas participants, excluding local women and people from the civil society and opposition parties There were a few women from the native population that were kept in vans during the march. I was told this by the women from “Code Pink” leadership. These women, who told me this, also said that they forced the vans open and allowed the women to march at the dismay of the Hamas authorities.

 

It is important to note here and dispel the myth and misunderstanding about Hammas.

 

Hammas was supported and encouraged by Israel in order to form a wedge with Yasser Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Hammas grew and gained popularity with the Palestinian people and actually won the last election in Palestine. Hammas won the election in all of Palestine, not just Gaza. It was a legitimate democratic and fair election, as testified to by former President Jimmy Carter, and other international observers.

 

Because Israel and America refused to recognize Hammas as the new government, they encouraged an attempted coup to destroy Hammas. However, Hammas thwarted the coup and declared itself as the government of Gaza… At that time all money and assistance to the Palestinians was withheld and the current circumstance was solidified.

 

So much for “Democracy and free elections”!

 

 

Yusif behind lead banner

Yusif, behind the banner, with women and other Marchers, in Gaza City, on December 31, 2009.

 

 

During the March I was combining marching with the group along with running ahead to take pictures. I would photograph the March to the end, then run ahead to march and then take more pictures. During the process I must have run 5 kilometers! It’s a good thing that I am a seasoned runner—even though it has been nearly a month since I have done any exercise, other than climb a few stairs.

 

Yusif with Palestinian kids & flags

Yusif surrounded by joyful Gazan boys during the March.

 

 

Another high-light of the March was a group of four Orthodox Jewish Rabbis, whom we picked up on the bus on the way to Gaza. They had signs signifying that Judaism has been hijacked by Zionism and that Israelis are criminals for illegally stealing the land from Palestinians. Their position is that the Torah forbids Judaism from having a State and that they want to return to the days of living in peace with Jews, Muslims and Christians, as they had done for thousands of years!

 

 

Rabbis with their banner-FREEDOM for GAZA

Orthodox Jewish Rabbis (from Neturei Karta) in the March in Gaza City, on December 31^st, 2009.

 

 

I told the Rabbis of the Arabic expression that says: “Free Palestine from Israel and free Jews from Zionism”. They were so thrilled with that expression that they asked if they could use it again. They even wrote it down so they would not forget it.

 

A lot of attention was focused on the Rabbis during the March and the press conference. I spent a lot of time with them, and they, at times asked me to translate what they said into Arabic, for the audience. Here is the link to their web site http://www.nkusa.org/ as these Orthodox Jewish Rabbis (from Neturei Karta) have a unique view on Palestine. I would also recommend that you check out: 1) “Orthodox Jews Demand End to Zionist Atrocities in the Middle East” (July 18, 2009-New York) and 2) the speech delivered by anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews on December 27, 2008, in New York City.

 

My picture standing next to them appeared on the front page of the local newspaper “Palestine”, which is published in Jerusalem and smuggled into Gaza. The Arabic word for Palestine is “Felesteen”, which is used for the web site to that newspaper. To see this front page of this article click on: http://www.felesteen.ps/file/pdf/2010/01/01/1.pdf

 

The March culminated in a press conference covered by a variety of international media. I was included in the program and had a chance to speak in both Arabic and English. I offered support and encouragement to the people and let them know that they are not forgotten. I told them that there were 1,362 international people who came to Cairo; that people all over the world are supporting them and are working for their freedom.

 

I was also whisked to the local T.V. station, “Al Aqsar”, and put on the news program which was broadcast live, in Arabic. There was another young Arabic speaking lady Nura, who also went to the station and was interviewed on a local program..

Yusif in T.V. station

Yusif in the lobby of “Al Aqsar” T.V. station waiting to go on live newscast, December 31^st.

 

That night—New Year’s Eve, we gathered for a candle light ceremony at a park, which included the community musicians performing on stage, and a celebration, bringing in the New Year. This included Arabic music and singers along with an underground “Hip Hop rap group” who rapped in Arabic to the amusement and amazement of hundreds of people including the local Gaza community and the internationals.

 

Several of us were invited to the stage and we each made comments about our mission and gave encouragement to the community. The rest of the evening, a few of us danced with the local population. I had a chance personally, to mix amongst dozens of tables as community members were eager to talk to me, in Arabic, as we asked each other questions and exchanged views, feeling and ideas.

 

 

New Years Eve party

Here is a sample of the audience during the New Years Eve event where we joined the locals in song and dance.

 

 

 

This can be found online through my Webmaster hosting the down-loadable files (in both .PDF and .DOC formats)  if you go HERE ….

Recommended Resources from Yusif :
1) Data Resource Information:
a) Palestinian Centre for Human Rights: To get facts, pictures on Israeli attacks
& blockade http://www.pchrgaza.org/portal/en/
b) B’Tselem, The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied
Territories: http://www.btselem.org/English/About_BTselem/Contact_Us.asp
2) Books:
a) “The Myths of ZIONISM” by John Rose
http://www.amazon.com/Myths-Zionism-John-Rose/dp/0745320554
b) “OVERCOMING ZIONISM: Creating a Single Democratic State in
Israel/Palestine” by Joel Kovel: http://www.joelkovel.org/archives.html
c) “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” by Eckhart Tolle:
http://www.eckharttolle.com/home/
3) Palestinian Websites /films:
a) Medical Aid for Palestinians: http://www.map-uk.org/films/
Snapshot: Gaza
Gaza Anniversary Approaches
In the Wake of War: Gaza One Year On
The Silent War: Israel’s Blockade of Gaza
b) If Americans Knew: http://www.ifamericansknew.org/
4) Gaza Freedom March
http://www.gazafreedommarch.org/
“Remember Palestine” on You Tube 6.52 min
Including link to reports like from Barnabe Geisweiller & Starhawk
5) Michigan Peace Team in Gaza Blogspot
http://mptingaza.blogspot.com/
6) Pictures:
a) GERMANY 1940….ISRAEL 2009 (whatreallyhappened.com)

http://whatreallyhappened.com/IMAGES/GazaHolo/index.html

Compares German Holocaust with Palestinian Holocaust
b) Yusif’s pictures and report from trip to Gaza will be posted on his web site soon.
7) Music:
Song about Palestinian children “In Palestine”, By Rich Siegel and Dave Lippman
http://vimeo.com/6630724
U.S. Military & National Budget Information:
WAND National Priorities Project Center for Budget and Policy Priorities

Yusif Barakat
734-878-0160
2/23/2010