Human Rights: Politicians and more

This week in Palestine there were twice efforts to break through the apartheid wall in AbuDis, there was rebuilding of demolished homes in Khirbet Makhoul, there was resistance to persistent Jewish colonial attacks on the third holiest site in Islam, there was successful pressure to release three peace activists detained at a checkpoint

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(BETHLEHEM) - Netanyahu tells Obama to keep illegal sanctions on Iran and that he can get AIPAC to help resolve the US budget conflict (a conflict caused in large part by trillions spent for Israel on behest of AIPAC)! Livni tells J Street that the Israeli Occupation Army is a great army and that its is only fighting terrorists (even though she admitted her own parents were members of the Irgun terror organization and have met while robbing a British train). Abbas tells US Jewish leaders that Palestinians can give-up on 78% of Palestine. Obama tells the UN that he seeks peace between the “Jewish state” and the Palestinians whiel acting as Israel's chief financier and lawyer…..

There are two problems with politicians in positions of power (Obama, Livni, Abbas, Netanyahu, Boehner, Berlusconi, Hollande et al.): 1) they do not see a need to change because they believe they are God’s gift to their people, and 2) they lie in just about every public pronouncement they make. I think the evidence for these two points is so overwhelming that it became common wisdom among people: “don’t trust politicians.” But we also need to acknowledge that people can and do force politicians to change. Regardless of how they got into power or the nature of governing systems, leaders cannot afford to ignore major and strong demands by their people. But if the people are complacent and ignorant, this is the best scenario for politicians who by nature are comfortable with the status quo.

Conversely there is people power which insists on challenging evil with love. This week in Palestine there were twice efforts to break through the apartheid wall in AbuDis, there was rebuilding of demolished homes in Khirbet Makhoul, there was resistance to persistent Jewish colonial attacks on the third holiest site in Islam, there was successful pressure to release three peace activists detained at a checkpoint, there was removal of a metal gate that blocked the road from Cremisan to Al-Walaja village, and hundreds more of these actions.

9th Annual Taybeh Oktoberfest on Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6, 2013, outdoor grounds space of the Movenpick Hotel Ramallah Bavarian Band members from the Musikkapelle Leobendorf will perform along with local groups like Khalas Arabic Rock Orchestra, Jay Baker-Hip Dan Hop; We Are From Here/Muzi Raps; Mina Band-Traditional Palestinian music; Apo and the Apostles ; Mixed Team/Nablus & Sound of Soul/Qalqilia; Dave Kirreh will debut his song about Jerusalem with Adi Khalefa, the hilarious standup comedian as master of ceremonies.

Panel in which I spoke in Poland about the Arab Revolts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39yHoSQZR54

Sabeel's 9th International Conference in Jerusalem 19-25 November 2013 Topics covered: The Bible and the Palestine-Israel conflict, mapping the war inside Syria, present and future challenges of Christians in the Middle East, “Jewish and Democratic” the impossible plan for Israel, and more details at sabeel.org/events.php?eventid=263

Solidarity Movement for a Free Palestine was founded by a group of Palestinian activists who believe that the Palestinian people have a right to defend their human rights, in accordance to international law. Popular resistance is vital in challenging the occupation. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Solidarity-Movement-For-Free-Palestine/533405983399953

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Mazin Qumsiyeh, PhD - Popular Committee to Defend Ush Ghrab (PCDUG) "A Bedouin in Cyberspace, a villager at home. Mazin has been an Associate Professor of Genetics; Director, Cytogenetics Laboratory at Yale University School of Medicine since 1999. He previously held a similar position at Duke University. Professor Qumsiyeh has authored over 110 scientific papers in areas of mammalogy, biology, and medicine including mammalian biology and evolution, clinical genetics, and cancer research. He has published over 100 letters to the editor and 30 op-ed pieces in International, national, regional and local papers on issues ranging from politics to environmental issues. His appearances in national media included the Washington Post, New York Times, Boston Globe, CNBC, C-Span, and ABC, among others. He is the founder and president of the Holy Land Conservation Foundation and ex-President of the Middle East Genetics Association, and Prof. Qumsiyeh won the Jallow activism award from the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee in 1998. He is author of “Sharing the Land of Canaan: Human rights and the Israeli/Palestinian Struggle” and just published “Popular Resistance in Palestine: A history of Hope and Empowerment.” Visit Mazin Qumsiyeh's amazing and informative Website to learn more: qumsiyeh.org.