Saints in the Light, Sinners in the Night
10 years ago
Showing posts with label political. Show all posts
Showing posts with label political. Show all posts
Saturday, November 17, 2012
My Thoughts on the M.E Conflict, War & Peace
I truly hope that I see real, sincere, and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians before I die. This is a global human tragedy that is solvable. I refuse to accept otherwise. My mother taught me that there is no problem in the world that cannot be solved except death. I believe that all the worlds' brilliant influential minds, beloved and charismatic personalities, powerful and affluent, and tolerant, open hearts can help achieve an agreeable settlement, overcome hatred, ignorance and politics. Sometimes the power of forgiveness, common good-will, acceptance and change is a stronger force than the threat of nuclear weapons, power struggles, persuasions of money, zealous religious beliefs, nationalism/racism etc. We've seen it before in our human history. The human family cannot allow this travesty to continue for decades more to come. This conflict is at the root of global antisemitism (yes, of both Jews & Arabs) and its resultant spillage of extremism, racism, and ethnophobia of other forms, the war on terror and other terrorist movements since the 20th century. War is not good business. Money is not the holy grail of life. Respect is not just achieved through fear and deterrence. Might is not always right. Power and control is not a sign of divine sanction. Religious faith does not equate with moral superiority and belief does not guarantee one is categorically correct. The freedom, peace, and dignity of ALL humans matters and affects us all. Enough is enough. It's time for a change- indeed it has been long since.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
"A New Beginning" - President Obama's Speech In Cairo
This guy just gets better with each speech. This one made me smile if not only for the restoration of faith in politics but also in humanity and honest dialogue, or so the idealist in me wishes to believe :)
Delivered June 4th, 2009
Below, the full text of President Obama's speech in Cairo, Egypt, titled "A New Beginning."
Watch video:
* * * *
I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum.
We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world - tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.
Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust.
So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.
I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles - principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do - to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.
Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.
As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam - at places like Al-Azhar University - that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.
I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President John Adams wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims." And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses, taught at our Universities, excelled in our sports arenas, won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers - Thomas Jefferson - kept in his personal library.
So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.
But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words - within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: "Out of many, one."
Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores - that includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average.
Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the U.S. government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.
So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations - to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.
Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.
For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. And when innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.
This is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes subjugating one another to serve their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners of it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared.
That does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: we must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.
The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.
In Ankara, I made clear that America is not - and never will be - at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people.
The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.
Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.
That's why we're partnering with a coalition of forty-six countries. And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths - more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism - it is an important part of promoting peace.
We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who have been displaced. And that is why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend upon.
Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: "I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be."
Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future - and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. That is why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's democratically-elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all our troops from Iraq by 2012. We will help Iraq train its Security Forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron.
And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter our principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.
So America will defend itself respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.
The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.
America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.
Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed - more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant, and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction - or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews - is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.
On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people - Muslims and Christians - have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than sixty years they have endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations - large and small - that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.
For decades, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It is easy to point fingers - for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: the only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.
That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. That is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task requires. The obligations that the parties have agreed to under the Road Map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them - and all of us - to live up to our responsibilities.
Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America's founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign of neither courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That is not how moral authority is claimed; that is how it is surrendered.
Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist.
At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.
Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. And just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.
Finally, the Arab States must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state; to recognize Israel's legitimacy; and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.
America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.
Too many tears have flowed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.
The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.
This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.
It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.
I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nations hold nuclear weapons. That is why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. And any nation - including Iran - should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the Treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.
The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.
I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: no system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other.
That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.
There is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments - provided they govern with respect for all their people.
This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.
The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.
Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it is being challenged in many different ways.
Among some Muslims, there is a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of another's. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld - whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.
Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That is why I am committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.
Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit - for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.
Indeed, faith should bring us together. That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's Interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action - whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.
The sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights.
I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.
Now let me be clear: issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.
Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity - men and women - to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.
Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.
I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and changing communities. In all nations - including my own - this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we will lose of control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities - those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.
But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradiction between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.
This is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and in too many Muslim communities there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investments within my country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas in this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.
On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America, while encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in on-line learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a teenager in Cairo.
On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.
On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create jobs. We will open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new Science Envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, and grow new crops. And today I am announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.
All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.
The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek - a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.
I know there are many - Muslim and non-Muslim - who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort - that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country - you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.
All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort - a sustained effort - to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.
It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples - a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.
We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.
The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."
The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."
The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you.
Delivered June 4th, 2009
Below, the full text of President Obama's speech in Cairo, Egypt, titled "A New Beginning."
Watch video:
* * * *
I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo, and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning, and for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I am grateful for your hospitality, and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. I am also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people, and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: assalaamu alaykum.
We meet at a time of tension between the United States and Muslims around the world - tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of co-existence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars. More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims, and a Cold War in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.
Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. This has bred more fear and mistrust.
So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. This cycle of suspicion and discord must end.
I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles - principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.
I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. No single speech can eradicate years of mistrust, nor can I answer in the time that I have all the complex questions that brought us to this point. But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground. As the Holy Koran tells us, "Be conscious of God and speak always the truth." That is what I will try to do - to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us, and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.
Part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.
As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam - at places like Al-Azhar University - that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.
I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second President John Adams wrote, "The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims." And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars, served in government, stood for civil rights, started businesses, taught at our Universities, excelled in our sports arenas, won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building, and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers - Thomas Jefferson - kept in his personal library.
So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.
But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal, and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words - within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept: E pluribus unum: "Out of many, one."
Much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores - that includes nearly seven million American Muslims in our country today who enjoy incomes and education that are higher than average.
Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state of our union, and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That is why the U.S. government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.
So let there be no doubt: Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations - to live in peace and security; to get an education and to work with dignity; to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.
Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.
For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. And when innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. That is what it means to share this world in the 21st century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings.
This is a difficult responsibility to embrace. For human history has often been a record of nations and tribes subjugating one another to serve their own interests. Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners of it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared.
That does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite: we must face these tensions squarely. And so in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.
The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.
In Ankara, I made clear that America is not - and never will be - at war with Islam. We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security. Because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject: the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as President to protect the American people.
The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals, and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaeda and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity. I am aware that some question or justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear: al Qaeda killed nearly 3,000 people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaeda chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated; these are facts to be dealt with.
Make no mistake: we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.
That's why we're partnering with a coalition of forty-six countries. And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths - more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism - it is an important part of promoting peace.
We also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That is why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who have been displaced. And that is why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend upon.
Let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said: "I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be."
Today, America has a dual responsibility: to help Iraq forge a better future - and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases, and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. That is why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's democratically-elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July, and to remove all our troops from Iraq by 2012. We will help Iraq train its Security Forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner, and never as a patron.
And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter our principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable, but in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our ideals. We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States, and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.
So America will defend itself respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.
The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.
America's strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties, and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.
Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries, and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed - more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, ignorant, and hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction - or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews - is deeply wrong, and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.
On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people - Muslims and Christians - have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than sixty years they have endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations - large and small - that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.
For decades, there has been a stalemate: two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It is easy to point fingers - for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought by Israel's founding, and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: the only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security.
That is in Israel's interest, Palestine's interest, America's interest, and the world's interest. That is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience that the task requires. The obligations that the parties have agreed to under the Road Map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them - and all of us - to live up to our responsibilities.
Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and does not succeed. For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America's founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It's a story with a simple truth: that violence is a dead end. It is a sign of neither courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children, or to blow up old women on a bus. That is not how moral authority is claimed; that is how it is surrendered.
Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern, with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, and to unify the Palestinian people, Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, and recognize Israel's right to exist.
At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel's right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine's. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.
Israel must also live up to its obligations to ensure that Palestinians can live, and work, and develop their society. And just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel's security; neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be part of a road to peace, and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.
Finally, the Arab States must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state; to recognize Israel's legitimacy; and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.
America will align our policies with those who pursue peace, and say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs. We cannot impose peace. But privately, many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state. It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true.
Too many tears have flowed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear; when the Holy Land of three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be; when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims, and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus, and Mohammed (peace be upon them) joined in prayer.
The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.
This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years, Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country, and there is indeed a tumultuous history between us. In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known. Rather than remain trapped in the past, I have made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question, now, is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.
It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries, and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect. But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America's interests. It is about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.
I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nations hold nuclear weapons. That is why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. And any nation - including Iran - should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the Treaty, and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.
The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.
I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years, and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear: no system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other.
That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people. Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere.
There is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear: governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments - provided they govern with respect for all their people.
This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they are out of power; once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. No matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who hold power: you must maintain your power through consent, not coercion; you must respect the rights of minorities, and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise; you must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.
The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.
Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia, where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind, heart, and soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it is being challenged in many different ways.
Among some Muslims, there is a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of another's. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld - whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. And fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well, as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.
Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That is why I am committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat.
Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit - for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We cannot disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism.
Indeed, faith should bring us together. That is why we are forging service projects in America that bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That is why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's Interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into Interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action - whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or providing relief after a natural disaster.
The sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights.
I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated are far more likely to be prosperous.
Now let me be clear: issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, we have seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.
Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons, and our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity - men and women - to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.
Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.
I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and changing communities. In all nations - including my own - this change can bring fear. Fear that because of modernity we will lose of control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly our identities - those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.
But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradiction between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai. In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education.
This is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century, and in too many Muslim communities there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investments within my country. And while America in the past has focused on oil and gas in this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.
On education, we will expand exchange programs, and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America, while encouraging more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in on-line learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a teenager in Kansas can communicate instantly with a teenager in Cairo.
On economic development, we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries. And I will host a Summit on Entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.
On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries, and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create jobs. We will open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, and appoint new Science Envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, and grow new crops. And today I am announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.
All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments; community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.
The issues that I have described will not be easy to address. But we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world we seek - a world where extremists no longer threaten our people, and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own, and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes; a world where governments serve their citizens, and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek. But we can only achieve it together.
I know there are many - Muslim and non-Muslim - who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division, and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort - that we are fated to disagree, and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country - you, more than anyone, have the ability to remake this world.
All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort - a sustained effort - to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.
It is easier to start wars than to end them. It is easier to blame others than to look inward; to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is also one rule that lies at the heart of every religion - that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. This truth transcends nations and peoples - a belief that isn't new; that isn't black or white or brown; that isn't Christian, or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization, and that still beats in the heart of billions. It's a faith in other people, and it's what brought me here today.
We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written.
The Holy Koran tells us, "O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another."
The Talmud tells us: "The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace."
The Holy Bible tells us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now, that must be our work here on Earth. Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
American Polity on Gaza
Congressman Ron Paul on Gaza
Congressman Keith Ellison
Congressman Dennis Kucinich
FMR Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney
FMR U.S National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski
Senior Presidential Advisor Pat Buchanan
Congressman Keith Ellison
Congressman Dennis Kucinich
FMR Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney
FMR U.S National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski
Senior Presidential Advisor Pat Buchanan
Friday, January 9, 2009
My Heavy Heart....
In light of the recent and on-going holocaust in Gaza, I'm reminded back to the time of the 2nd Intifada in 2000 when I was still a university student. Like many others, we couldn't stand idly in the face of massacres like what happened at Jenin, Nablus, and other Palestinian towns. This was also around the time that the War on Terror took its front to Afghanistan and shortly afterwards, into Iraq. It just seemed like where ever Muslims lived, my people, was where all the carnage took place; all getting killed due to guilt by association. The numbers show of the extreme loss of innocent civilian life ever since the beginning of this war, and though I am for the end of terrorism and supporting the fight against it, it is naivety not to question whether the war is actually eradicating terrorism, nevermind breeding it. What is terrorism? What is imperialism? And more importantly, what was the link between the two? These questions have weighed on my mind for some time.
It is now 2009, and its been eight years since the beginning of this war and God only knows how much longer it will last. How many more people will get killed? Where will this war take the world as a community? There is talk of attacking Pakistan and Iran, which leaves only the Arab league, Africa, and Indonesia as the only Muslim nations that have yet to be dragged into this war. The West has repeatedly said this is only a war on terror and not Islam or Muslims, but for the Muslims, they seem to be the victims of bombing from within (via terrorism) and without.
Indeed, it feels like the Crusades and Holocaust all over again.
And yet, when the young blood is fired up by the death-tolls and injustice that is plagued by the Muslim world, the world doesn't seem to care or at least even realize that its policies are the reason for extremism and fanatical rage against wide-scale oppression. For in truth, no Muslim country has actually declared war on the West for it to be bombing and killing so many of their citizens. When a populace is attacked (such as Afghanistan, Pakistan) or occupied (such as Iraq and Palestine) it generally has a right to fight back as we too would fight back here in the U.S if another country took its front onto our shores while bombing and occupying us. The cause to fight may be legitimate but the methods are absolutely wrong - suicide terrorism or any other form of guerilla-warfare is not an internationally-sanctioned form of resistance. But unfortunately we see so much of this type of resistance in the Muslim world because many of their own rulers and governments are not taking action against their own injustice. Puppet rulers and regimes turn a deaf ear to the needs and demands of their own people so local militias and grass-roots resistance movements, with their limited resources and whatever ill-weaponry they might have, take it upon themselves to go to war to force change.
This severe power imbalance is the real reason behind the phenomenon of terrorism in the 21st century. For we see that America and the Soviet Union followed a policy of deterrence precisely because of their weapons and the fear of wide-spread destruction at the use of them. Power acts as a deterrent to war but at the same time upscales the risks. If two nations at odds with each other had only a pile of stones to hurl at one another the cost of damage is not nearly the same as two nations with nuclear weapons - a powerful opponent always makes us think twice before transgressing against them. And so now that America has taken the stage as the world's leading superpower (since the Cold War,) other nations have taken a backseat to power. This is most pronounced in the Muslim world itself where some of its nations border on tributary relations with the U.S for fear of abandonment, regime-change, or whatever reasons they might have.
The unjust oppression, genocide, and occupation of Palestine is a real problem because Israel is being backed by the world's leading superpowers - constantly violating UN resolutions on this matter. If Israel can amend its policy towards the Palestinians, end their illegal occupation and make reparations then this would be a huge step towards not only regional peace but global as well. If not, America must remove its support of Israel in its wanton destruction of a defenseless population of people and see reality for what it is. For without a doubt, The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a major source and symbol of tyranny and power-abuse within our times, and other such oppressed populations around the world take example from it, and like the Palestinians who literally have nothing to fight back with, take to suicide terrorism and other unholy forms of resistance that are shunned by the international community. These extremists take to fighting their own governments and even their own people, let alone the powers that be. This I contend is due to the power imbalance between the West and the Muslim world (where 95+% of all terrorism and extremist resistance is occurring.) If nations are in-fact being oppressed and/or attacked, they have every right to fight back, but since they do not have the proper means to fight they resort to the desperation tactics we see everyday on the news. So what is the solution? Do we just give them the necessary arms to fight out there battles legitimately or do we work on ending the oppressive policies that subjugate other cultures through education and awareness? I certainly endorse the latter.
Being a nuclear power in a war against a defenseless, 3rd-world refugee camp, Israel must realize that had the tables been turned, it too would fear a Palestinian superpower if all it had was stones and rockets to defend itself against a fictional Palestinian occupation of Israel. But pumping weapons into Palestine is not the answer either, it is ending the occupation, sanctions, and blockade of the Palestinians and allowing them to form their own state - with the right to defend itself, by having a national guard, just as it is Israel's right to do so.
But the world is far from equalizing the imbalance of power among nations and predictably a good portion of the 21st century will continue to see terrorist-resistance movements across the globe unless governments take a serious look at their own policies, make amendments and implement true democracy while improving conditions of the 3rd world rather than exploiting them and avoid taking unnecessary interest in the affairs of other nations. If ever there was a Libertarian principle, and a slogan for freedom and autonomy that must be implemented (instead of being mere catch-phrases,) it would be
"live and let live!"
And so, going back to the time of the 2nd Intifada, I recall my heart feeling heavy with all the sadness death and injustice brings, and I was listening to Tupac's song "They Don't Give a F*@! About Us" and felt like this was the anthem of the Muslim world in our times, especially the people of Palestine and Iraq. Sadly, today, eight years later, this feeling has returned and once again Tupac is playing on my speakers....
**Courtesy of www.lyricsondemand.com
It is now 2009, and its been eight years since the beginning of this war and God only knows how much longer it will last. How many more people will get killed? Where will this war take the world as a community? There is talk of attacking Pakistan and Iran, which leaves only the Arab league, Africa, and Indonesia as the only Muslim nations that have yet to be dragged into this war. The West has repeatedly said this is only a war on terror and not Islam or Muslims, but for the Muslims, they seem to be the victims of bombing from within (via terrorism) and without.
Indeed, it feels like the Crusades and Holocaust all over again.
And yet, when the young blood is fired up by the death-tolls and injustice that is plagued by the Muslim world, the world doesn't seem to care or at least even realize that its policies are the reason for extremism and fanatical rage against wide-scale oppression. For in truth, no Muslim country has actually declared war on the West for it to be bombing and killing so many of their citizens. When a populace is attacked (such as Afghanistan, Pakistan) or occupied (such as Iraq and Palestine) it generally has a right to fight back as we too would fight back here in the U.S if another country took its front onto our shores while bombing and occupying us. The cause to fight may be legitimate but the methods are absolutely wrong - suicide terrorism or any other form of guerilla-warfare is not an internationally-sanctioned form of resistance. But unfortunately we see so much of this type of resistance in the Muslim world because many of their own rulers and governments are not taking action against their own injustice. Puppet rulers and regimes turn a deaf ear to the needs and demands of their own people so local militias and grass-roots resistance movements, with their limited resources and whatever ill-weaponry they might have, take it upon themselves to go to war to force change.
This severe power imbalance is the real reason behind the phenomenon of terrorism in the 21st century. For we see that America and the Soviet Union followed a policy of deterrence precisely because of their weapons and the fear of wide-spread destruction at the use of them. Power acts as a deterrent to war but at the same time upscales the risks. If two nations at odds with each other had only a pile of stones to hurl at one another the cost of damage is not nearly the same as two nations with nuclear weapons - a powerful opponent always makes us think twice before transgressing against them. And so now that America has taken the stage as the world's leading superpower (since the Cold War,) other nations have taken a backseat to power. This is most pronounced in the Muslim world itself where some of its nations border on tributary relations with the U.S for fear of abandonment, regime-change, or whatever reasons they might have.
The unjust oppression, genocide, and occupation of Palestine is a real problem because Israel is being backed by the world's leading superpowers - constantly violating UN resolutions on this matter. If Israel can amend its policy towards the Palestinians, end their illegal occupation and make reparations then this would be a huge step towards not only regional peace but global as well. If not, America must remove its support of Israel in its wanton destruction of a defenseless population of people and see reality for what it is. For without a doubt, The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a major source and symbol of tyranny and power-abuse within our times, and other such oppressed populations around the world take example from it, and like the Palestinians who literally have nothing to fight back with, take to suicide terrorism and other unholy forms of resistance that are shunned by the international community. These extremists take to fighting their own governments and even their own people, let alone the powers that be. This I contend is due to the power imbalance between the West and the Muslim world (where 95+% of all terrorism and extremist resistance is occurring.) If nations are in-fact being oppressed and/or attacked, they have every right to fight back, but since they do not have the proper means to fight they resort to the desperation tactics we see everyday on the news. So what is the solution? Do we just give them the necessary arms to fight out there battles legitimately or do we work on ending the oppressive policies that subjugate other cultures through education and awareness? I certainly endorse the latter.
Being a nuclear power in a war against a defenseless, 3rd-world refugee camp, Israel must realize that had the tables been turned, it too would fear a Palestinian superpower if all it had was stones and rockets to defend itself against a fictional Palestinian occupation of Israel. But pumping weapons into Palestine is not the answer either, it is ending the occupation, sanctions, and blockade of the Palestinians and allowing them to form their own state - with the right to defend itself, by having a national guard, just as it is Israel's right to do so.
But the world is far from equalizing the imbalance of power among nations and predictably a good portion of the 21st century will continue to see terrorist-resistance movements across the globe unless governments take a serious look at their own policies, make amendments and implement true democracy while improving conditions of the 3rd world rather than exploiting them and avoid taking unnecessary interest in the affairs of other nations. If ever there was a Libertarian principle, and a slogan for freedom and autonomy that must be implemented (instead of being mere catch-phrases,) it would be
"live and let live!"
And so, going back to the time of the 2nd Intifada, I recall my heart feeling heavy with all the sadness death and injustice brings, and I was listening to Tupac's song "They Don't Give a F*@! About Us" and felt like this was the anthem of the Muslim world in our times, especially the people of Palestine and Iraq. Sadly, today, eight years later, this feeling has returned and once again Tupac is playing on my speakers....
"Y'all ain't never just tripped and pictured
And just looked at the whole situation
Cause once you look at it
You know
(Once you really do)
They don't give a fuck about us
They don't give a fuck about us
They don't give a fuck about us
If I choose to ride
Thuggin' till the day I die
Nobody gives a fuck about us
But when I start to rise
A hero in their childrens' eyes
Now they give a fuck about us
[Tupac]
Some say niggaz is hard headed cause we love to trip
Equipped with game so we bang wit this thuggish shit
I see you trying to hide
Hoping that nobody don't notice
You must always remember you're still a member of the hopeless
See ya black like me
So you snap like me
When these devils try to plot
Trap our young black seeds
Look it
Cops are as crooked as the niggas they chasin'
Lookin' for role models
Our father figures is baseless
Some say they expect Illuminati take my body to sleep
Niggas at the party with they shotties
Just as rowdy as me
Before I flee computer chips
I gotta deal wit brothas flippin
I don't see no devils bleedin'
Only black blood drippin
We can change
Whatcha now say?
I'm watchin niggaz work their lives out without pay (huh)
Whatever it takes to switch places wit the bustas on top
I'm bustin' shots make the world stop
They don't give a fuck about us
[Chorus]
And if I choose to ride
Thuggin' till the day I die
(Nobody)
Cause they don't give a fuck about us
But when I start to rise
A hero in they childrens' eyes
Now they give a fuck about us
And if I choose to ride
Thuggin' till the day I die
Nobody gives a fuck about us
But when I start to rise
A hero in they childrens' eyes
Now they give a fuck about us
[EDI]
It's the morning after and now all the laughter is gone
Time to reflect on what you did cause they saying you wrong
I'm sure you had your reasons dawg
I don't doubt you
See the simple fact of the matter is they don't give a fuck about you
Or them five mouths you're forced to feed (uh-huh)
Not including yourself
All you want is what they're perceiving as greed
So as you loaded up that mack and continue to buck em
I was on paper
Thinking they don't give a fuck about us
[Tupac]
I'm seeing it clearer
Hating the picture in the mirror
They claim we inferior
So why the fuck these devils fear ya?
I'm watching my nation die genocide the cause
Expect a blood bath
The aftermath is y'alls
I told ya last album, we need help cause we dying
Give us a chance, help us advance cause we trying
Ignored my whole plea, watching us in disgust
And then they beg when my guns bust
They don't give a fuck about us
[Chorus x2]
Now if I choose to ride
Thuggin' till the day I die
Nobody gives a fuck about us
But when I start to rise
A hero in they childrens' eyes
Now they give a fuck about us
[Kastro]
Now all my homies got love for me
Down to catch a slug for me
Guaranteed to bleed deeply
Now that's love
Shit
Nobody else would give a fuck
If I'm tore down, from the floor down
Six-feet deep in the cut
What the fuck done went wrong
How long will I be mourned?
When I'm gone, same song
Ain't gave a fuck all along
And who am I to blame em?
Just do or die through the rainin'
Since they don't give a fuck
I don't
Fear what I'm saying
[Kadafi]
Now thug niggaz die but multiply in doubles
Wrapped in plastic
Or closed casket for our troubles
Pressed in times
We busted like bubbles
With the police
This nation be sent here to run you
Now look at what this crooked world has come to
I grew up on the other side of perfect, a life of hurtin'
Man I still hustle, so I'm dyin certain
So why spend your time poor and working?
I see no reason
So I stay ballin' season to season
While you stuck thinking that they give a fuck
[Napolean]
You tell me my world is in peace, but nigga your lying
Cause half of my niggas, long gone, buried in the dirt just for trying
Sometimes I think my block is dying
And that it's awful
To wake up to another day, shit ain't change that's awful
I wake up sweatin, dreamin, coughin
Seein' me upside down backwards head twisted
While I'm layin in the coffin
The shit comes around so often
So tell me something
Before I take it out on the world, and get to dumpin'
Nigga I been so through pain go through the struggle
Doin the same thing you did at my age and that's hustlin
On the edge of straight bustin'
Well since you don't give a fuck
and you frontin
I'ma drink my Hennessey like it ain't nothin
[Outro x2]
Now if I choose to ride, thuggin' till the day I die
They don't give a fuck about us
While I'm kickin rhymes, getting to their children's minds
Now they give a fuck about us
They wanna see us die, they kick us every time we try
They don't give a fuck about us
So while I'm getting high, I'm watching as the world goes by
Cause they don't give a fuck about us"
**Courtesy of www.lyricsondemand.com
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Speech: "Patriotism (Who Are The Patriots?")
This is the speech that made me love Ron Paul. Too bad we got the second best candidate for president in Obama. Dr. Paul, you are a true patriot. Wish he could play a bigger role in the new administration...
Delivered: May 22nd, 2007 at the House of Representatives
PART I
PART II
PART III
Delivered: May 22nd, 2007 at the House of Representatives
PART I
PART II
PART III
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
A Voice of Reason Among Insanity
700+ Palestinians dead (including roughly 200+ children and 100 women,) 5 Israelis and a dog - casualties are expected to rise.
These are the latest stats from the results of Israel's assault on Gaza which began on December 27th, 2008. Israel vows to deal a permanent and lasting blow to Hamas but fails to see that the surviving civilians who have now lost everything of value to them - their families, relatives, friends, livelihood, and economy, have all the more reason to lose their lives in the fight against Israel. If ever there was a graduation ceremony for Hamas, it is after an Israeli bombing.
Somehow, Israel has managed to convince the world of the logic behind not speaking to terrorists (for fear of legitimizing them) vs. legitimizing collective punishment upon a whole population of people while killing hundreds of innocent civilians in the process. Are words more valuable than human life? I think not. And to the Zionists who claim exclusive right to the land. Do you not believe that Adam was made in God's image? Was the land made for his descendants or were they made for the land? Is a piece of land more important to God or the value of human life?
As if megaton death from the skies wasn't bad enough, Palestine is plagued by a second type of bomb - that of the Settler movement. In relative times of "peace and quiet," Zionist settlers (not to be confused with peaceful Jewish Israelis) harass and often attack civilian Palestinians behind the scenes, who are just going about their ways within their own homeland in the West Bank. In case the world has forgotten, this is an occupation afterall. And in an occupation you have two parties: the occupiers and the occupied. As for the occupiers, let's call them "the masters" and for the occupied, "the slaves." Now, the typical master-slave bond involves many commands, often against the will of the slaves, that produce benefit and/or pleasure to the master at the cost to the slave(s). If the master is upset about something, he takes it out on the slave. The slave, being powerless, usually takes the punishment knowing there is little to be gained from retaliation - that is, if he is even thinking of retaliating. You see, for the slave, retaliation is only the fledgling psyche of one who has not yet accepted his fate of subjugation at the hands of his master; that is to say, one who still holds desperately unto his fleeting identity and self-respect. Nevertheless, after enough abuse, the slaves usually come to lose their own self-identity and totally immerse themselves in the pleasure of their master - no longer caring of principle but rather the fear of punishment has taken over. Skipping over history's many vivid examples of this paradigm, we see this as the case with the Israeli "masters" and the Palestinian "slaves" - the irony of course, being that the Jews themselves were once slaves under Egyptian masters. The Palestinians, however, have not yet forgotten who they are. Their self-identity is very much alive and dare I say, ever-so defined and emboldened with each successive crack of the Zionist "whip." Usually punishment keeps the slaves in check, but this time its not working.
The master is clearly not catching on this time.
And so, because of their zealous right to self-determination, the Palestinians, the slaves, not only think of retaliating, but have made it their very purpose in life. Afterall, what have they got to lose? Their fellow people are all in the same boat, some more severely beaten than others, but even as the master lays down his whip for a brief moment of calm, this "calm" itself is only a quietude enjoyed by the master himself. If he goes around telling his friends that things are quiet down in the slave den it doesn't mean that its actually the case. His friends might praise his generosity and example because they too understand that the slaves have accepted the state (no pun-intended.) However, this "calm" is actually the time of rage for the slaves since anger is best expressed while the whip is down, not while being lashed upon.
The same is true for the Palestinians.
Ceasefires and truces only act as show for Israel's friends that he knows how to put down the whip. This does not change the underlying dynamics of power imbalance that cause the rage within the Palestinians to stir up in the first place - that is, in being enslaved - which is exactly what this occupation has done to them. So while the whip is down, Israel's friends are shocked when a Palestinian will use this time to end his own slavery by attacking his oppressive master. *Gasps!* Does this at all sound familiar to us? Israelites in Egypt? Race-riots in Alabama? Apartheid in South Africa? - Does it ring a bell? And yet, this slavery continues without a rational understanding of the dynamics behind it despite the fact that history has repeated itself in this matter many times before. So is it wrong for the slave to kill the master's wife? Perhaps. But it is equally wrong to enslave, humiliate, kill, beat, and rape the slaves and their families for entire generations and take everything of value from them as well. With power comes responsibility, and the onus of change lies with the powerful before the weak, if responsibility has any meaning. Sadly, this realization is often only experienced while being at the other end of the whip so-to-speak. Pain is a great teacher and unfortunately the cost of human life had to show us that pain and power do not change a mindset of a people. Afterall, pain's greatest lesson is to run away from the source of pain, not go towards it - which is the opposite of what needs to be done in the Middle East. There needs to be a coming together, just as healing results from sealing the gash in a wound, so too do the Israelis and Palestinians have a need to come together and seal the gash, not run away from it because of pain.
I want to leave you with an article by an American Rabbi, Rabbi Michael Lerner and his thoughts on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And I must say, he truly is a voice of reason, well-balanced and fair, within what has become a sea of insanity. It is people like him that we need, people on both sides of the argument to come forward with decent, balanced proposals and above all, good-will for both parties.
SOURCE: http://maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=34647
These are the latest stats from the results of Israel's assault on Gaza which began on December 27th, 2008. Israel vows to deal a permanent and lasting blow to Hamas but fails to see that the surviving civilians who have now lost everything of value to them - their families, relatives, friends, livelihood, and economy, have all the more reason to lose their lives in the fight against Israel. If ever there was a graduation ceremony for Hamas, it is after an Israeli bombing.
Somehow, Israel has managed to convince the world of the logic behind not speaking to terrorists (for fear of legitimizing them) vs. legitimizing collective punishment upon a whole population of people while killing hundreds of innocent civilians in the process. Are words more valuable than human life? I think not. And to the Zionists who claim exclusive right to the land. Do you not believe that Adam was made in God's image? Was the land made for his descendants or were they made for the land? Is a piece of land more important to God or the value of human life?
As if megaton death from the skies wasn't bad enough, Palestine is plagued by a second type of bomb - that of the Settler movement. In relative times of "peace and quiet," Zionist settlers (not to be confused with peaceful Jewish Israelis) harass and often attack civilian Palestinians behind the scenes, who are just going about their ways within their own homeland in the West Bank. In case the world has forgotten, this is an occupation afterall. And in an occupation you have two parties: the occupiers and the occupied. As for the occupiers, let's call them "the masters" and for the occupied, "the slaves." Now, the typical master-slave bond involves many commands, often against the will of the slaves, that produce benefit and/or pleasure to the master at the cost to the slave(s). If the master is upset about something, he takes it out on the slave. The slave, being powerless, usually takes the punishment knowing there is little to be gained from retaliation - that is, if he is even thinking of retaliating. You see, for the slave, retaliation is only the fledgling psyche of one who has not yet accepted his fate of subjugation at the hands of his master; that is to say, one who still holds desperately unto his fleeting identity and self-respect. Nevertheless, after enough abuse, the slaves usually come to lose their own self-identity and totally immerse themselves in the pleasure of their master - no longer caring of principle but rather the fear of punishment has taken over. Skipping over history's many vivid examples of this paradigm, we see this as the case with the Israeli "masters" and the Palestinian "slaves" - the irony of course, being that the Jews themselves were once slaves under Egyptian masters. The Palestinians, however, have not yet forgotten who they are. Their self-identity is very much alive and dare I say, ever-so defined and emboldened with each successive crack of the Zionist "whip." Usually punishment keeps the slaves in check, but this time its not working.
The master is clearly not catching on this time.
And so, because of their zealous right to self-determination, the Palestinians, the slaves, not only think of retaliating, but have made it their very purpose in life. Afterall, what have they got to lose? Their fellow people are all in the same boat, some more severely beaten than others, but even as the master lays down his whip for a brief moment of calm, this "calm" itself is only a quietude enjoyed by the master himself. If he goes around telling his friends that things are quiet down in the slave den it doesn't mean that its actually the case. His friends might praise his generosity and example because they too understand that the slaves have accepted the state (no pun-intended.) However, this "calm" is actually the time of rage for the slaves since anger is best expressed while the whip is down, not while being lashed upon.
The same is true for the Palestinians.
Ceasefires and truces only act as show for Israel's friends that he knows how to put down the whip. This does not change the underlying dynamics of power imbalance that cause the rage within the Palestinians to stir up in the first place - that is, in being enslaved - which is exactly what this occupation has done to them. So while the whip is down, Israel's friends are shocked when a Palestinian will use this time to end his own slavery by attacking his oppressive master. *Gasps!* Does this at all sound familiar to us? Israelites in Egypt? Race-riots in Alabama? Apartheid in South Africa? - Does it ring a bell? And yet, this slavery continues without a rational understanding of the dynamics behind it despite the fact that history has repeated itself in this matter many times before. So is it wrong for the slave to kill the master's wife? Perhaps. But it is equally wrong to enslave, humiliate, kill, beat, and rape the slaves and their families for entire generations and take everything of value from them as well. With power comes responsibility, and the onus of change lies with the powerful before the weak, if responsibility has any meaning. Sadly, this realization is often only experienced while being at the other end of the whip so-to-speak. Pain is a great teacher and unfortunately the cost of human life had to show us that pain and power do not change a mindset of a people. Afterall, pain's greatest lesson is to run away from the source of pain, not go towards it - which is the opposite of what needs to be done in the Middle East. There needs to be a coming together, just as healing results from sealing the gash in a wound, so too do the Israelis and Palestinians have a need to come together and seal the gash, not run away from it because of pain.
I want to leave you with an article by an American Rabbi, Rabbi Michael Lerner and his thoughts on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. And I must say, he truly is a voice of reason, well-balanced and fair, within what has become a sea of insanity. It is people like him that we need, people on both sides of the argument to come forward with decent, balanced proposals and above all, good-will for both parties.
Israel's attempt to wipe out Hamas is understandable, but stupid.
Sure, no country in the world is going to ignore the provocation of rockets being launched from neighboring territory day after day. If Mexico had a group of anti-imperialists bombing Texas, imagine how long it would take for America to mobilize a counterattack. Israel has every right to respond.
But the kind of response matters.
Killing 500 Palestinians and wounding 2,500 others (at the time of writing) is disproportionate. And just as Hamas's indiscriminate bombing of population centers is a crime against humanity, so too is Israel's killing of civilians (at least 130 so far, not to mention the thousands in the years of the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza).
Before Israel’s massive bombing, the Hamas bombings that began when the previous ceasefire ran out had not (thank God) killed anyone. The reason is obvious: Hamas has no airplanes, no tanks, nothing more than the weapons of the powerless—limited range mortars with limited accuracy.
Hamas can harass, but it cannot pose any threat to the existence of Israel.
On the other hand, any understanding of the situation must also include acknowledgment of the stress faced by Israelis living under the constant threat of terrorism, to which the katyusha bombings, however ineffective militarily, contribute massively. Living under constant threat of attack, plus hearing the leader of Iran talk about wiping Israel off the map, is a background condition that shapes Israelis' ability to be so insensitive to the human damage they have caused through their occupation.
Conversely, the ongoing trauma of expulsion and the occupation has contributed to the ongoing ethical insensitivity of many Palestinians to the suffering that they cause Israelis by engaging in attacks against civilians.
In short, compassion on both sides is a desperate necessity.
Hamas had respected the previously negotiated ceasefire except when Israel used it as cover to make assassination raids. Hamas argued that these raids were hardly a manifestation of a ceasefire, and so as symbolic protest would allow the release of rocket fire (usually hitting no targets).
But when the issue of continuing the ceasefire came up, Hamas wanted a guarantee that these assassination raids would stop. And it asked for more. With hundreds of thousands of Palestinians facing acute malnutrition bordering on starvation, Hamas insisted that the borders be opened to counter Israeli attempts to starve the Gazans into submission. And in return for captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, it asks for the release of a thousand Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
Hamas has made it clear that it would accept the terms of the Saudi Arabian peace initiative, though it would never formally recognize Israel. It would live peacefully in a two-state arrangement, but it would never acknowledge Israel’s “right to exist.” This position is unnecessarily provocative and represents deep self-destructiveness on the part of some Palestinians, who believe that this failure to acknowledge Israel’s rights is the only symbolic weapon they have left.
Similarly, there are members of Israel's parliament, the Knesset, who say that they will never accept anything less than the total expulsion ("transfer") of all Palestinians to neighboring Arab states.
So what does Israel really seek? Probably it hopes to make Hamas so powerless that it loses the election against Fatah, and then the Palestinian Authority. It hopes the PA, itself deeply weakened by Israel's ongoing occupation, might negotiate a peace treaty that creates a "Palestinian state" that is actually a series of cantons or little separated city-states that are themselves cut off from each other by Israeli roads and military—in short a Palestinian state that will be neither economically nor politically viable. Then Israel can claim to have "given" the Palestinians "what they want," and meanwhile Israel will retain its settlements throughout the West Bank and continue de facto control.
Yet this will not generate long-term peace, but only a temporary rest in the fighting. Only a fully just settlement that allows Palestinians a real state that incorporates all of the West Bank and Gaza (with minor border modifications) and that provides real compensation for Palestinian refugees, and a state created in a spirit of generosity and genuine caring on the part of Israel, will end the violence and provide Israel with lasting safety.
Let me be clear. I hate Hamas and everything it stands for. I want to see it defeated. But that defeat can only happen politically through isolation, not militarily through slaughter.
The way to defeat Hamas is through meeting the legitimate needs of the Palestinian people and doing so in a spirit of genuine caring, in which the Jews of the world and the Israeli people show that they recognize Palestinians as our brothers and sisters, made in God's image and as equally precious to God as the Jewish people.
It is Jews taking seriously our reliance on God and God's message that the world should be based on love, generosity, caring, kindness, and compassion. And it is a reversal of the reliance on power that has not brought Israel safety or security, and a trust in the fundamental decency of the majority of Palestinians. This is what it would mean for Jews to take seriously our own Judaism and manifest it in a Jewish state.
Israel still seeks to wipe out Hamas. But even if it killed every one of Hamas' 20,000 fighters in Gaza, it would not extinguish the impulse toward Islamic fundamentalism that Hamas represents. Surely Israelis by now know that killing only creates new generations of angry people who will be the next wave of terrorists.
How do we get out of this destructive spiral? The first step is for the world to demand an immediate ceasefire. That ceasefire should be imposed by the United Nations and backed unequivocally by America. Its terms must include the following:
— Hamas stops all firing of missiles, bombs or any other violent action originating from the West Bank or Gaza, and cooperates in actively jailing anyone from any faction that breaks this ceasefire.
— Israel stops all bombing, targeted assassinations or any other violent actions aimed at activists, militants or suspected terrorists in the West Bank or Gaza, and uses the full force of its army to prevent any further attacks on Palestinians.
— Israel opens the border with Gaza and allows free access to and from Israel, subject only to full search and seizure of any weapons. Israel allows free travel of food, gas, electricity, water and consumer goods and materials including from land, air and sea, subject only to full search and seizure of any weapons or materials typically used for weapons.
— Israel releases all Palestinians in detention and returns them to the West Bank or Gaza according to the choice of the detainees or prisoners. Hamas releases Gilad Shalit and anyone else being held by Palestinian forces.
— Both sides invite an international force to implement these agreements.
— Both sides agree to end teaching and/or advocacy of violence against the other side in and outside mosques, educational institutions and the media.
— This ceasefire would last for 20 years. NATO, the UN and the US all agree to enforce this agreement and impose severe sanctions in the event of any violations.
These steps would make a huge difference, isolate the most radical members of each side from the mainstream and make it possible to then begin negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians on a broader and deeper set of issues.
The basic condition for creating peace is to help each side feel "safe." A first and critical step is to speak in a language that is empathic toward the suffering of each people in a climate of discourse in which both sides' stories are heard and understood.
Yet Israel, as the militarily superior power, ought to take the first steps: Implementing a massive Marshall Plan in Gaza and in the West Bank to end poverty and unemployment, rebuilding infrastructure and encouraging investment, dismantling the settlements or making settlers become citizens of a Palestinian state, accepting 30,000 Palestinian refugees annually back into Israel for the next 30 years, apologizing for its role in the 1948 expulsions and offering to coordinate a worldwide compensation effort for all that Palestinians lost during the occupation and, finally, by recognizing a Palestinian state within borders already defined by the Geneva Accord of 2003.
This is the only way Israel will ever achieve security. It is the only way to permanently defeat Hamas and all extremists who wish to see endless war against Israel.
The most significant contribution the new Obama administration could make to Middle East peace would be to embrace a strategy that homeland security is best achieved not by military or economic domination but by generosity and caring for others. If this new way of thinking could become a serious part of US policy, it would have an immense impact on undermining the fearful consciousness of Israelis who still see the world more through the frame of the Holocaust and previous persecutions than through the frame of their actual present power in the world.
It breaks my heart to see the terrible suffering in Gaza and in Israel. As a religious Jew I find it all the worse, because under the guise of serving God, both Jews and Arabs are actually acting out their accumulated pain in ways that will generate future suffering.
And because it confirms to me how easy it is to pervert the loving message of Judaism into a message of hatred and domination. This is why I remain in mourning for the Jewish people, for Israel and for the world.
***Rabbi Michael Lerner is chief editor of Tikkun Magazine, a prominent Jewish critique of politics, culture and society in North America. Rabbi Lerner has published 11 books, most recently New York Times bestseller "The Left Hand of God," which was lauded by the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post and numerous others.
SOURCE: http://maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=34647
Monday, January 5, 2009
Palestine & Zionism: Supporters & Detractors Respectively
With Gaza's democratically elected ruling party, Hamas, being branded as a terrorist entity, Gaza itself has become an extension of Hamas and, at least in the eyes of the Israeli government, the entire region has become a breeding ground and base for Hamas and whatever terrorism that may entail. So we see that in times of relative calm within the region (or rather, as it is portrayed as "calm" at least by the Western media,) Hamas or some other local Palestinian militia will somehow decide its the right time to strike Israel and fire rockets into Southern Israel, guaranteeing at least reciprocal damage in return as well as in the superlative. Afterwhich, Israeli spokesmen will get on camera and remind us that the Palestinians are a bunch of crazed-loonies who are hell-bent on the destruction of Israel for no otherwise rational purpose. Some have postulated the underlying hatred for the Jews; that the Arabs have pent up rancor since the days of the 1948 and 1967 wars and are unwilling to accept defeat and recognize Israel's right to exist. This we are constantly reminded, and assured of as reality time and again. And the next time we see angry mobs of an entire populace of people we have to go fetch our scripts fed to us and recite to ourselves that the images we see are in fact, of a populace gone mad to no rational end and consequently the means to achieve that end (i.e - the end of Israel) are also somehow decontextualized and that the absolute fury of these madmen does not shy them away from even using stones to hurl at the Israeli "civil" law-enforcement. Somehow being fed the same thing over and again leads to nausea.
The view that Israel is actually the victim in this whole peace fiasco is thankfully, a minority perspective within the global worldview. Yet somehow, little more than 300+ million people still believe that a country funded billions of dollars every year, with the strongest military in the entire region, the latest in military weaponry and technology is at the mercy of a band of crazed stone-throwers and that this warrants the type of awesome "defense" that somehow throws the Palestinians back to (for lack of a better image) the Stone-Age. This, if anything, proves the power of media fueled by an even greater power within ourselves - that of denial. And if the Holocaust taught us anything it was that silence and denial can literally give the green-light to mass genocide. Sadly, history repeats itself. The Semites seem to have had a curse of enslavement and oppression upon them since days immemorial. The denial of the enslavement of the Israelites by the Pharoah in Egypt led God to send Moses (peace be upon him) to fight the oppressors and liberate His people. It was the denial of the genocide of the Jews by Hitler that led to the 2nd Semite Holocaust and now we are witnessing the 3rd Semite Holocaust in the oppression and abuse of the Palestinians (the neo-Israelites) by the new Pharoah "Israel," all thanks to denial. Thankfully however, God has answered the prayers of the oppressed yet again, and more and more awareness of the grave humanitarian crisis of the Palestinians is coming to light. The presence of Internationals within the Occupied Territories has reminded the world what denial and neglect really looks like and the reaction to truth is always the same: ridicule, vehement opposition, and finally acceptance.
For Israelis, the core issue is the Palestinians refusal to recognize Israel and their desire to extinguish the state. For the Palestinians the core issue is the occupation of their land and the injustice and grievances this has brought upon them. The truth, in fact, is that nearly the whole world recognizes Israel's right to exist, but not everyone agrees on recognizing its rulers. In other words, the Jews should have a homeland that they can live freely and happily in, but at who's expense and at what cost? This issue is critical simply because Israel's right to exist is not the same thing as Israel's right to be recognized. They must be understood as unequivocal, yet too often people get confused and mix them up. Palestinians, particularly Hamas, do not recognize Israel because it would legitimize their own occupation which no self-respecting body of people could ever agree to. If Israel's policy towards the Palestinians had a drastic change of heart and harmony between the two sides sprouted, one cannot see a reason to deny both recognizing Israel's right to existence as well as its right to be recognized as a sovereign nation, able to conduct trade with its neighbors, etc. But in the current state, asking Hamas to recognize Israel is the same as asking Israel to recognize Hamas - you cannot have one without the other. And until this happens it is very unlikely to see any real progression towards peace. (Christian Science Monitor)
The supporters of Israel, namely the U.S, Canada, and the U.K are continuously challenged as to why they continue their support. Detractors of Israel or rather, "Zionist Israel," namely, the rest of the world, ask why there cannot be a two-state solution, by default recognizing Israel's right to exist and at the same time, Palestine's. This view has also gained acceptance by Israel's supporters and even Israelis and Palestinians themselves. The main obstacle to this, of course, is the political belief of Zionism, which is a nationalism tied to the Zionists' religiosity as a form of geo-spirituality. A Zionist is not necessarily a Jew by default but one who supports the notion of supremacy of the Jewish people and the Holy Land as their historic home. As it has already been addressed, the latter part of the definition is agreed upon by the world community; that the Holy Land is in fact, part of the Jewish people's traditions and they have every right to live there so long as they are not exclusive to others, but its the first-half of the Zionist creed that poses particular problem. The notion that any race is superior to another is flat out wrong and a nation's merit should be decided by its actions and not a form of divine sanctioning of spiritual nepotism. With that said, the zealous Zionist settlers can be heard speaking and behaving in ways that would indicate race supremacy over the Palestinians. Combining this with a "divine" writ and right to the land, you have a permanent problem in a region that houses sanctity to the three Abrahamic faiths who cannot remain exclusive to one another despite the beliefs of the Zionists. So how do you share a pie - that all parties involved helped create - when the pie itself is hogged up as being exclusively the property of one party? The have-nots convincing the pie-holder is not (and has not) worked. However, if fellow party members can convince the pie-holders of their mistaken views then that is the way to go forward, and we see that has been the case with Jews themselves who speak out against Zionism as well.
In an open declaration from the Central Rabbinical Congress of the U.S and Canada, a list of prominent Rabbis across the nations unanimously declared Zionism as a threat to global peace and especially to world Jewry. They argue that creating a state for the Jews is against the will of God and the Torah and that in so doing the long awaited Messiah of the Jews is being delayed and this movement is angering God, among other things. The entire declaration can be read here:
http://www.jewsagainstzionism.com/rabbinicalcourts/crc/documents/callfromcrc.pdf
As a matter of fact, there are many Orthodox Jews who speak of the illegitimacy of the current state of Israel and if anybody does not believe in its right to exist, it is not the Arabs who believe so, but the Jews themselves. Outspoken about this is the Jewish group, the Neturei Karta, who say that since the outset of Zionism during the late and early parts of the 19th and 20th centuries respectively, countless numbers of traditional, Torah-abiding, Rabbis have spoken against the idea of a uniformed nationalism or any kind of self-determination that would take the Jews out of divinely appointed exile. So we see that outside of the Jews themselves, there is no other group or nation against the idea of a national homeland for the Jews, but only against recognizing it in its current tyrannical form of state. The recourse to anti-Semitism as a defense for justifying Israeli assault against Palestinian aggression is miss-applied due to the prevalent notion of the lie that Arabs intrinsically hate Jews.
Below is an example of exposing the media's lies about the hatred between the Jews and the Arabs and how Orthodox Jews and Arabs get along fine and were received fairly well by none other than the so-called terrorist group Hezbollah. After Hezbollah's fight with Israel in 2006 and the aftermath of the destruction in Lebanon, several Rabbis from the U.S, Canada, Palestine, and the U.K wrote this letter to Sayyed Hasan Nasrullah, leader of Hezbollah, with a commiserating show of solidarity to the innocent victims of the Zionist regime:
February 19, 2008
To His Excellency Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah
To the Distinguished People of Lebanon
Assalam Alaikum
May the Almighty's blessings be on all of you, your families, and all our esteemed brethren in Lebanon.
We speak to you as the voice and messengers of true Jewry — the Jewish people, true to the Almighty's Torah, from around the world.
Less than a month has passed since we have addressed an open letter to Dr. Al-Zahar, and the people of Gaza and the rest of Palestine.
In this letter, with the help of the Almighty, we expressed our hurt, sorrow and frustration in regard to the atrocities perpetrated by the wholly illegitimate (according to the laws of the Torah, the Jewish Law) state of "Israel."
We stated that we have addressed Dr. Al-Zahar personally to offer our condolences and commiserate with his loss. We further stated that in truth we should be offering our condolences to every family that has incurred a loss through this evil entity, the Zionist state of "Israel", but tragically the list of victims is daunting. What we should have stated is that we should personally write and personally visit each and every inhabitant of Gaza and the entire Palestine to express the feelings of our hearts and our entire being, our sorrow, felt at the suffering of this innocent nation at the hands of an entity that is declared, ruled, and sealed by the Holy Torah and our Rabbinical authorities, as totally forbidden.
Furthermore, all the Palestinian people, their relatives and offspring, spread out around the globe, must hear and feel our empathy, our support, our constant and intense prayers offered up to the Almighty, for them. For after all, we know that every one of these people has been deeply affected by the Zionist State.
Your Excellency, Sayyed Nasrallah, our feelings in regard to the people of Lebanon, are exactly the same.
We have heard you speak just recently at the funeral of the assassinated Mr. Imad Mughniyah and many times previously. Hence, we know that you and your organization are deeply aware that there is a distinct difference between Zionism and Judaism and that there is a large segment of Jewish people, whether in occupied Palestine or throughout the world, who are entirely opposed to Zionism and the state of "Israel".
Further, a delegation of our Rabbis were guests in your magnificent country of Lebanon, and were hosted by your organization, the Hezbollah. We were there to attend the Conference of the International Union of Parliamentarians for the Defense of the Palestinian Cause.
The respect and graciousness that was extended to our group was beyond exemplary. At that time, thanks to the Almighty, we had the opportunity to see and experience at first hand, the fact that the Arab and Muslim people despite their long-suffering at the hands of Zionism have not fallen prey to the influences of evil.
We were confronted with love and friendship wherever we turned. Concern for our comfort was the first priority of every individual, wherever we traveled throughout Lebanon. Only then, after these good people were assured of our well-being, were we shown the suffering that they have incurred through the Zionist occupation. To our surprise and to their praise, this was all shown to us, without any accusations directed at our Rabbis or the Jewish nation.
The Muslim and Arab people obviously still remember that we don't have a religious conflict and that we have co-existed in harmony for hundreds of years. Many obviously understand the difference between Zionism and Judaism.
May we just mention three very moving experiences that we had in Lebanon that has left an indelible impression on our hearts.
We went to the former Khiam detention center and saw the shocking tortures that the Lebanese have suffered so many years, and that the world ignores. (We have heard that the Zionists destroyed this detention center entirely in the recent incursion in Lebanon to obliterate any memory of these tortures.)
We visited the sad confines of the Sabra and Shatila refugee camps; we spoke to the Palestinian people there and lit candles at the Martyrs Square, where the infamous massacre was perpetrated. At these two places our tears flowed at these needless and tragic sufferings that are ongoing and are contrary to any logic or human rights (which we refer to as Godly rights).
Then we had the opportunity and the privilege of holding a demonstration against Zionism and the state of "Israel", right across the Zionist occupation, at Fatima's Gate, the connecting point of Lebanon and the Zionist occupation. Of course, many of our brethren who reside in the Zionist occupation constantly demonstrate against the state from within at great personal cost. They are brutally beaten or arrested, etc.
Also, we want to make you and our brethren, the people of Lebanon, aware that after the recent Zionist attack on Lebanon, Jewish people throughout the world joined in demonstrations in support of the Lebanese people. In Canada, U.K. and the U.S. we of the religious Jewish community had our Rabbis speaking at almost all the main rallies to express our vehement condemnations and opposition to the cruel and murderous attack on Lebanon. This was beside the demonstrations that were orchestrated solely by our Jewish religious communities globally(1).
We now turn to Your Excellency, Sayyed Nasrallah ever so humbly, and ask you to accept our words and to convey these words with the following message to the citizens of Lebanon and to the Palestinian people in refugee camps in your country.
May we reiterate that we speak to you as the voice and messengers of true Jewry — the Jewish people, true to the Almighty's Torah, from around the world.
Although we are limited in the means of expressing our deepest and true feelings, by the barriers of words, nevertheless, the Jewish people humbly offer to you and all of Lebanon, Gaza and the entire Palestine, a few words, to attempt to convey our support, deepest sorrow and heartfelt sympathy that we all feel for you, in this present tragic and traumatic time.
Once again may we state it would be only proper and fitting, that we personally write to and address each and everyone who has fallen victim of the Zionist state of "Israel". Unfortunately and how tragic, the list of victims is daunting.
May our few and humble words be a message of consolation, friendship, loyalty and support to you, the people of Lebanon, and to the people of Gaza and the entire Palestine.
True Jews around the world, of course including in the entire Palestine, never have and with the help of the Almighty, never will accept the ideology of Zionism and never will recognize the realization of its heretical plan, the state of "Israel".
Our sole bond is with the Almighty and His Torah. Our sage's state that we are required to emulate the Almighty, "just as the Almighty is compassionate, so are we to be compassionate."
We always have and always will, with the help of the Almighty, remain unaffiliated and estranged from this aberration and the will of Satan, "Zionism and the state of Israel".
May we remind you, that the Almighty has clearly and explicitly commanded us, the Jewish people, since the destruction of the temple, around two thousand years ago, to be humble and loyal citizens in every country in which we reside. Furthermore, we are not to rebel against nations, we are not to attempt to end our exile. We are forbidden to create our own state or own entity.
We are to pray for, yearn for, and wait patiently for, the day when the Almighty will reveal his glory throughout the world.
At that time, all humanity together, will go up to the Holy Land, in harmony and brotherhood, to serve the Almighty in joy and peace.
Around one hundred years ago, the Zionists began arriving in Palestine in order to bring to fruition the realization of their dream, the transformation of Judaism from a religion into a nationalism. And so began the sorrowful and bitter history of the rebellion, the mutiny against the Almighty, which eventually evolved into the illegitimate state of "Israel".
Since the creation of the state of "Israel", the Palestinian people and at a later date, the Lebanese people have continuously suffered indescribably. They have been oppressed, beaten, murdered, humiliated, displaced and expelled.
Although, this letter and the present moment, is not the proper place and time to delve into the issue of our personal suffering at the Zionist regime's hands, still we feel it is necessary to bring these facts to the Arab people's attention. Our sages state that to know that many people share ones suffering, alleviates the suffering somewhat. Also, it is to demonstrate to all, the sincerity in our opposition to this tumorous growth on the Jewish nation — the so-called state of "Israel".
Therefore, let us state that since these sinners and atheists, Theodore Herzl and his cohorts, raised their repugnant voices in promulgating their ideology of the devil, the heresy of Zionism, Jewish people too, have suffered indescribably both physically and spiritually at their hands.
Our G-d fearing brethren throughout the entire Palestine, have been and are continually beaten, murdered, imprisoned and oppressed, since the beginning of Zionism up until today(2). They are and have always been the victims of these same perpetrators of evil, who are oppressing the Palestinian and Lebanese people.
Let it be known that our true leaders, the Rabbis and Sages in Palestine, the Middle-East, Europe, and throughout the world, have vociferously and most fervently expressed their total opposition to Zionism and the state of "Israel", since its inception. They have decried and condemned all the evils that it has wrought, the oppression of the Palestinian people, and more recently the Lebanese people. They have decried the oppression of the religious Jews and the state of "Israel's" constant attempts, at eradicating and destroying anything that is G-dly and religious. They have tirelessly and fearlessly publicly demonstrated, at great self sacrifice, their opposition to this rebellion against the Almighty.
Countless edicts have been issued from our saintly leaders requiring the Jewish people, true to the Almighty and His Torah, to distance and estrange themselves from this sinful and illegitimate state of "Israel" and all the evils that emanate from it.
Thank the Almighty their message has been heard around the world by many God-fearing Jews and they have obeyed. What's more, untold thousands have stood by their Rabbis and many thousands continuously demonstrate fearlessly, till today, throughout occupied Palestine and throughout the world, against the state of "Israel".
All of the above is well documented, but stifled by the powers of the Zionist media control and by the intimidation of all who dare to confront or reveal the truth(3).
One more issue is important to mention, beside the many commandments in the Torah of doing good and the requirement of emulating the Almighty "just as He is compassionate, so must we be", and besides the clear prohibitions against Zionism. We are exceptionally sensitive to the Palestinian and Lebanese people's plight, for we the Jewish people, have just recently experienced extreme discrimination and all the tragic sufferings in the concentration camps in Europe. Our close relatives have suffered indescribably and died there. Also we know and have experienced what it means to be displaced as we have all been uprooted from our original homes and dwellings throughout Europe. This of course compounds our understanding and feelings for the Palestinian and Lebanese suffering.
To date, it seems to our human and limited comprehension, that this evil entity, the state of "Israel", will, G-d forbid, never cease to exist and it will continue to exude its evils, on the innocent and G-d fearing people under its control.
However, remember and comfort yourselves, our brethren in Palestine and Lebanon, there is a great and exalted, benevolent, Master of the Universe, who truly controls the world. He can and will end this suffering!!
In the Torah it states, that transgressing against the Almighty, will not be successful. This state of "Israel", according to the Almighty's Torah, must and will eventually end.
Let us all pray and beseech Him, to bring about the total, peaceful and speedy dismantlement of this illegitimate state soon in our days. With the Almighty's benevolence, may He make this happen, without any further pain or suffering. Amen.
Please convey this message to each and every one of your brethren suffering under this oppression of "Zionism — Israel". Especially important, please convey this message to the bereaved relatives of the fallen victims, the wounded and maimed, and most certainly to the ones languishing in Israeli prisons and to the ones lying in pain in hospitals.
Convey to them our solidarity and words of comfort and support. We are humiliated by the actions of those who use our name, and our hearts are rent by what is happening to them.
We implore you to convey the message to the people in Lebanon and Palestine, that there are untold thousands of Jews worldwide and in Palestine who stand with you and who entirely oppose Zionism and the state of "Israel" and bear no responsibility for the actions of the Zionists. Educate your people that when you meet Jewish people, do not consider them your enemy. We all serve the one God.
Once again, we constantly pray — worry and hope for you all.
May we merit to see soon in our days, the total, speedy and peaceful dismantlement of the state of "Israel".
May the Almighty bring upon us the words of His prophecies when all men will serve Him in harmony, peace and joy. Amen.
Assalam Alaikum
Very truly yours,
Rabbi Moshe Dov Beck
Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss
USA, Canada
Rabbi Meir Hirsh
Palestine
Rabbi Ahron Cohen
United Kingdom
- **Courtesy: http://www.nkusa.org/activities/Statements/20080219_nasralla.cfm
Here is a video show-casing the rapport between the Jews and the Arabs in their meeting with President Ahmedinajad of Iran - both being critics of Zionism and the state of Israel.
So it is important to keep in mind, not just the Muslims, but Christians and Jews as well, that the trouble we see in the Middle East is not a religious divide, since the followers of Abraham have lived together in peace for hundreds of years. Rather, this is a problem created by a political agenda backed by religious valediction that has created a cruel and unjust apartheid and occupation of an entire people. A relevant parallel can be seen in Islam's crisis of Jihadism and terrorism and how the two are not equivocal like Judaism and Zionism. And as the Quran-abiding Muslims suffer from the internal struggle within their own communities to speak out and fight against terrorism, so too are the Torah-abiding Jews who speak out and fight against Zionism. If three kindred faiths share so many similarities it is not too difficult to see them sharing similar problems as well. The problem of terrorism not only affects the Muslims but it is a problem for the whole world, similarly the problem of Zionism is not only a problem for the Jews but involves the whole world.
I pray, like my Jewish and Christian brethren, that we as a global community and representatives of Abraham's teachings can come together and find the root cause of the conflict that has engulfed our Holy Land and put aside our differences in order to address justice and our grievances, but to also learn to forgive and reconcile deep-seated wounds. It's about time for peace. I'm sure God, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad would all agree.
Sources & References
http://www.btselem.org/English/index.asp
http://www.palsolidarity.org/main/
http://gazaeng.blogspot.com/
http://occupiedlove.blogspot.com/
http://talestotell.wordpress.com/
http://www.ifamericansknew.org/
http://www.nkusa.org/
http://www.jewsagainstzionism.com/index.cfm
http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0202/p09s02-coop.html
Film: Occupation 101
Film: Peace, Propaganda, and the Promised Land
About Me
- Ruhudeen Ali
- A specimen of empathy. A colonel of care. A vicegerent of vices. A general of genesis. A steward of servanthood. A lieutenant of lethargy. A private of passions. A warrior for ideals. A patron of peace. A warden of Paradise. An inmate of Earth. A fraction of a mosaic. A mosaic of a fraction.
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Truth In Numbers And Shapes15 years ago
