Search This Blog

Friday, June 24, 2011

Shakira: Let me tell you about Palestine Open letter from a Colombian citizen

Submit   ||| This is content contributed by the WitnessGAZA.Com network of global witnesses. You can be one now ||| WITNESSGAZA.COM HOME
 
June 2011

Bogotá, Colombia 

Dear Shakira, 

As we both are Colombians, I think there’s no need to detail what the experience of civilians in an armed conflict is. In Colombia, from different perspectives, we have experienced it. However, I would like to invite you to imagine the situation when it’s not about a conflict but a military occupation, one of the longest in recent history. I am talking about Palestine, living under Israeli occupation and colonization for 63 years. You have been invited to a country commonly known as Israel, but actually it is Palestine, Historic and Occupied Palestine, the one they have pretend to erase from geography and memory. 5 million of Palestinian refugees around the world are living testimony of this occupation that I’m talking about.

Thousands of those millions of Palestinian refugees are here in Colombia. Surely at some time you have crossed path with them in the streets of your native city. Barranquilla, from where you are and so is my father, was one of the cities that hosted many of the Palestinians who came to our country expelled from their lands. Customs, families, and surnames among Barranquilla society, talk about this history of exile; stories of grandparents and great grandparents who remember how they were forced to leave Palestine. They also keep hope that someday Israel will enforce International Law and allow them to return or at least visit their own lands.

You have chosen to participate at the Israeli Presidential Conference. I would like to tell you about the political use Israel will give to your visit. Mr. Israel Maimon, president of the Conference Steering Committee, announced the participation of “prominent artists who use their art and fame to change the world and impact the future”. Now let me tell you that Israel uses that art and fame to hide its daily crimes and assaults on Palestinians. The international events Israel promotes are used to construct a facade of a country at the forefront of democracy and development. But Israel lies, simply because real-democracy it’s something out of its concern. When words are not backed by concrete facts and actions, they are simply rhetoric. My invitation, Shakira, is to not become part of Israel rhetorical-democracy.
What is not rhetoric are the crimes Israel commits, these are all well corroborated by actions that have been documented by United Nations and organizations such as International Amnesty, Oxfam and Save the Children. I found so paradoxical that you have been invited to speak on the importance of early childhood education, by a country that is not properly recognized in this area, but instead constantly violates not only children’s right to education, but the most basic rights of all Palestinians. “Facing Tomorrow” is the title of the conference, let me tell you that Israel has not even been willing to face the reality of the millions of Palestinians that are under its occupation.

As early childhood is the subject of your presentation, let me tell you about Palestinian children: through an illegal blockade on Gaza Strip, Israel collectively punishes 1.5 million of Palestinians, of whom 44% are children under 14 years. Israel restricts the entry of school materials, medical equipment and supplies and basic goods. As a result 80% of the people in Gaza depend on humanitarian aid to survive and 61% of the families faces food insecurity and have at least one child with a parasitic infection. Due to the lack of minerals and vitamins in children’s diet, in 2008 several schools in Gaza had to cancel classes such as computers and sciences lab, which require a high energetic consumption. Among the most common illnesses in Gaza, are the psychological disorders and traumas. Over 50% of children in Gaza have faced a violent experience, about 25% have lost a loved one and 30% have been forced to leave their homes. 20% of children suffer Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) and 13% have been diagnosed with depression associated with the fear of going to sleep, play or walk to school. Gaza children’s drawings reflect this reality: in a recent study 82% of the children drew pictures related to Israel’s military attacks on Gaza. During military operation “Cast Lead” between December 2008 and January 2009, Israel murderer 1,500 Palestinians of whom 300 were children; also 36 Palestinian schools were bombed.

Do you really think a State that perpetuates such crimes have any authority to discuss the challenges of tomorrow? Or children’s education? In my opinion, no; Israel should first deal with the present, which includes the reality of millions of Palestinians exposed to inhuman life conditions. But they won’t deal with it; they already have shown that Palestinians are not a matter of interest to Israel. Let me predict what will happen at the conference: Israeli leaders and spokespersons will talk too much about the present and future of their own country, while the cruel realities of Palestinian population will be completely ignored.

Let me remind you that you’re not only from Barranquilla, where thousands of Palestinians arrived after being ousted from their lands; also your father is Lebanese. Who better than him to tell you about the more than 400,000 Palestinians among the 12 refugee camps in Lebanon that not only live under extreme poverty, but also don’t have any access to social or civil rights. Perhaps your father also remembers the massacre of thousands of Palestinians in the refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila in West Beirut in 1982. Even you must remember Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in 2006; you publicly spoke out against it. Please do not forget it.

It is because of impunity that Israel has been able to constantly commit crimes, but also because there is complicity, whether by action or omission and silence. I invite you to not make part of it. Dozens of artists, musicians, politicians and actors have already expressed their support to the International Campaign for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel, and decided to cancel their participation in events organized by Israel; they have decided to break the chain of complicity and stand up in defense of the Palestinians legitimate rights that Israel denies. Among them are Roger Waters, Brian Eno, Mike Leigh, Vanessa Paradis, Carlos Santana, Elvis Costello, Devendra Banhart, Gil Scott-Heron, Pixies, Tindersticks, Leftfield, Faithless and Massive Attack.

I am convinced on the importance of public figures that are socially committed, but the commitments must be coherently assumed. The most recent example on that are the different artist, political and cultural figures that will be part of the Freedom Flotilla consisting of 12 ships and more than 800 activists who are about to sail to Gaza with the objective of breaking the illegal Israeli blockade. All these people are clear evidence of commitment and coherence; the kind of coherence that has to do with being always on the side of the oppressed and not of the oppressors.

By participating in this conference you are legitimizing an oppression and apartheid system. That is why I would kindly ask you to reconsider your decision. You should know that while Israel presents itself to the world through a carefully-arranged international event, millions of Palestinians are being hidden in what Israel has converted into his backyard: Gaza and the West Bank. Please do not forget it.

Sincerely,
Natalia Margarita Parada
Colombian Citizen

In support of the Palestinian call for BDS http://boycottisrael.info/ - www.bdsmovement.net

http://witnessgaza.tumblr.com/post/6771404943/shakira-let-me-tell-you-about-palestine-open-letter

Dear Israel: It is you who is the provocateur, not us


ANNOUNCEMENT June 12, 2011

Regarding statements of government officials in Israel (echoed by officials in other countries) about diplomatic initiatives to impede the “Freedom Flotilla II- Stay Human” mission to Gaza, Palestine, we say:

Proper diplomacy does not exclude humanitarian action; Instead of seeking to prevent an international community of concerned citizens from taking nonviolent action in defense of liberty and human rights, diplomacy must pursue such actions and encourage them.

It is, therefore, a provocation to label the humanitarian action taken by movements supporting human rights to sail to Gaza a “provocation.”

It is a provocation that powerful states and international organizations, such as the US, Israel, the EU and the UN, are asking people to be silent and not react to violations of law and the disdain for universal values.

It is a provocation that international diplomacy is demanding that solidarity action from "people to people" be stopped.

It is a provocation that this international peaceful action is threatened with violence, and the powerful of the earth “wash their hands” of the consequences if Israel attacks us.

It is a provocation that these powerful entities justify, a priori, the murders, wounding, arrests and torture of unarmed human rights activists that took place one year ago on board all six ships of Freedom Flotilla 1.

We are determined to sail to Gaza, and we will. Our cause is just and our means are transparent. International diplomacy must do what it has refused to do for years, to undertake initiatives that it has turned away from for decades. Instead of condoning threats of repeated violence against unarmed civilians sailing in international waters, the global community must legally sanction the perpetrators of such crimes.

Those who seek to uphold and defend freedom, human rights, and justice must do more than denounce belligerent occupation, man-made humanitarian crises, ethnic cleansing, wanton violence against civilians, and the fierce oppression of social movements.

Civil society must be present, direct, and pro-active; it must transcend the political process of handling and resolving crises, which governments and international organizations carry out slowly, indecisively and, above all, with their self-interest at the forefront.

The grossly unjust and unlawful blockade of the Gaza Strip and the ongoing belligerent occupation of the rest of Palestine is a stark case of states sacrificing principle and human rights for power and self-interest.

The Freedom Flotilla II – Stay Human mission is a healthy reaction to the apathy of the international political community. We are sailing to confront massive injustice with global nonviolent action. This mission puts on notice all those who, for many years, have passively watched the tragedy of Palestine, as well as those who directly contribute to it.

Therefore, direct action taken by civil society to uphold freedom, human rights, and justice (such as Freedom Flotilla II - Stay Human), not only helps to build a different level of conscience, but is, and has to be, a means for the public to become a part of change and a direct challenge to governmental bodies that will not be stopped.

http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/56-news/1298-dear-israel-it-is-you-who-is-the-provocateur-not-us

HomeNewsThe top 10 reasons why the opening of Rafah Crossing just doesn't cut it The top 10 reasons why the opening of Rafah Crossing just doesn't cut it

16 June 2011 | GISHA

In no particular order of importance, we thought we'd list some of the reasons why the opening of Rafah, while significant and helpful, doesn't meet all of Gaza's needs for access and why, as some voices in Israel have recently suggested, it can't serve as Gaza's only access point. Despite four unanticipated days of closure last week, the crossing has been operating for the passage of travelers on a more regular but still semi-limited basis.

1. Passage through the crossing remains limited: Egypt has indicated that it will operate the crossing six days per week during regular working hours, but it seems this won't be enough: between 400 - 450 individuals have been able to travel through the crossing per day from Gaza to Egypt. From November 2005 to June 2006, approximately 660passengers per day exited the Gaza Strip through Rafah and according to the Palestinian Crossings Authority, 10,000 people are currently waiting to travel.

2. The situation is unstable: As last week's closure of the crossing indicates, the situation on both sides of Rafah remains unstable, such that it's not clear whether the crossing will remain open, nor exactly to what degree.

3. Rafah doesn't lead to the West Bank: Travel and movement of goods between Gaza and the West Bank remains severely limited, a problem which Rafah cannot address, as goods and Gaza ID holders are not allowed into the West Bank even via the Egypt-Jordan route. The West Bank and the Gaza Strip are part of the same customs envelope, and are recognized, including by Israel, as a single territorial unit, which, despite four years of tight closure, still shares one economy, one education system, one healthcare system and countless familial and social ties. Export is not moving and not through Rafah either:

4. Export remains severely limited (about 2 truckloads per day, the last of which left Gaza on May 1, 2011, compared with a target of 400 per day in the Agreement on Movement and Access) and is currently not taking place through Rafah at all. This is impacting industries across Gaza which used to sell or export their wares in Israel, the West Bank and abroad. Before the closure, the vast majority of Gaza’s "exports" were sold in Israel and the West Bank.

5. Construction materials do not enter through Rafah: Construction materials are being let into Gaza via Kerem Shalom only (between Israel and Gaza) for approved projects undertaken by international organizations and following exceedingly lengthy bureaucratic procedures. Each month since January 2011, about 10% of what entered monthly in the years prior to June 2007 has entered for these specific projects. At present, Egyptian authorities have not indicated if or when they will allow construction materials to pass at Rafah.

6. Import of goods does not take place at Rafah: Imports to the Strip purchased by the private sector enter Gaza from Israel via Kerem Shalom Crossing. Even if Egypt were to allow goods to enter at Rafah (and there is no indication that they intend to do so nor when) the crossing and surrounding roadways are not currently equipped to handle the transfer of large quantities of goods, on the scale of the access needs of the Strip.

7. Humanitarian aid does not regularly enter through Rafah: Aid enters Gaza via Kerem Shalom Crossing, between Gaza and Israel. At present, Egyptian authorities have not indicated if or when they will allow convoys of humanitarian aid to pass at Rafah.

8. Medical patients in need of treatment not available in Gaza cannot always make the long journey to Egyptian hospitals. In any case, Palestinian hospitals in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, part of a common Palestinian health care system, are there to serve all residents of the Palestinian territory, including Gaza residents.

9. Reports prove it: Restrictions on access at the crossings between Israel and Gaza (at Kerem Shalom for goods and Erez for people) continue to impact the well-being of residents of the Strip. Yesterday UNRWA published a study showing high rates of unemployment and the Association for International Development Agencies also reportedrecently on how limits on the entrance of construction materials primarily impacts the work of aid agencies and residents of Gaza.

10. Rafah doesn't lead to the West Bank: Oh wait, did we say that already? Well, we're saying it again, because it's very, very important.

http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/56-news/1304-the-top-10-reasons-why-the-opening-of-rafah-crossing-just-doesnt-cut-it

HomeNewsNobel Peace laureates to Ban Ki-Moon: Safe Passage for Gaza Flotilla Nobel Peace laureates to Ban Ki-Moon: Safe Passage for Gaza Flotilla


16 June 2011 | Nobel Women's Initiative

Four women Nobel Peace Laureates have sent an open letter calling on United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to support the safe passage of the Freedom Flotilla II. The flotilla will be bringing much-needed humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza in late June.

Mairead Maguire, Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi, and Rigoberta Menchú Tum have asked the Secretary General to "support the people of Gaza with two key actions. First, by appointing a representative to inspect and seal the cargo of the boats of the Freedom Flotilla II—thus assuring the Israeli government that the boats are carrying humanitarian supplies..." and to "call on all governments to support the safe passage of the Freedom Flotilla II."

Download the open letter here or read the full text below.

Ki-moon has failed to make efforts to dissuade UN member governments from stopping delivery of this humanitarian aid to Gaza. These legitimate humanitarian initiatives have been undertaken by civil society in an effort to help ease the suffering of the people of Gaza as they face humanitarian crises of devastating scale. The Laureates are urging the Secretary General to use his authority to encourage international support for these initiatives, and to ask Israel not to use force against the flotilla.


June 10, 2011
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
United Nations New York, NY
10017 USA
RE: Inspection and sealing of Freedom Flotilla II cargo

Dear Mr. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,
We are writing to urge you to use your good offices in support of the humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza.

In our view, you can support the people of Gaza with two key actions. First, by appointing a representative to inspect and seal the cargo of the boats of the Freedom Flotilla II—thus assuring the Israeli government that the boats are carrying humanitarian supplies such as toys, medical supplies, cement and educational materials. Equally important, we strongly urge you to use your authority to call on all governments to support the safe passage of the Freedom Flotilla II. We are disappointed to learn of your recent efforts to persuade member governments from stopping the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza on the Freedom Flotilla II. We urge you to reconsider and instead encourage member states to lend support and ask Israel not to use force against legitimate humanitarian initiatives undertaken by civil society to help ease the suffering of the people of Gaza who are facing a humanitarian crisis of devastating scale.

The Freedom Flotilla II, organized by 14 national groups and international coalitions and carrying approximately 1500 ‘freedom riders,’ is set to sail to Gaza this month. Sailing in the spirit of promoting human rights, prosperity, and social responsibility, the aim of the Flotilla is to alleviate the humanitarian crisis faced by the citizens of Gaza.

The blockade in Gaza is clearly having a harmful impact on the people of Gaza, and indeed UNDP and other agencies report high levels of malnutrition and other disturbing health problems. According to a report by the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization, the level of “abject poverty” among the Palestinians of Gaza has tripled since the imposition of the blockade, with 61 % of households not having enough food. The blockade has crippled the Gaza economy and destroyed Palestinians’ livelihoods and homes.

We believe our requests to you are in keeping with UN Security Council Resolution 1860 of January 2009 as well as the 2010 UN Human Rights Council fact-finding mission on the attack on Freedom Flotilla I, which are calling for a lift of the blockade to allow humanitarian assistance. We urge you to do all you can to support this nonviolent international humanitarian effort, to provide UN representatives to inspect and seal the cargo, and to appeal to all governments to allow safe passage of the Freedom Flotilla II. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to your positive response.

Sincerely,
Mairead Maguire (1976)
Rigoberta Menchu Tum (1992)
Jody Williams (1997)
Shirin Ebadi (2003)

http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/56-news/1303-nobel-peace-laureates-to-ban-ki-moon-safe-passage-for-gaza-flotilla

Statement from the Freedom Flotilla II –Stay Human Steering Committee to the UN Human Rights Council



15 June 2011

In September 2010 the international Fact-Finding Mission to investigate violations of international law resulting from the Israeli attacks on the Freedom Flotilla I concluded that the conduct of the Israeli military towards its passengers, when it was unlawfully intercepted on the way to Gaza on 31 May 2001, “demonstrated levels of totally unnecessary and incredible violence... It constituted grave violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law.” Unfortunately and incredibly, Israel is threatening to use even greater violence against Freedom Flotilla II, which will sail to Gaza the end of this month. Its threats have included the use of snipers and canine units. Even more deplorable, world leaders, rather than demanding that Israel halt its provocative behaviour towards us and refrain from once again attacking unarmed civilians, have called the Flotilla initiative a provocation and have asked countries on the Mediterranean to prevent us from sailing.

In its September Report, the Fact-Finding Mission concluded that the passengers on board our ships in May 2010, many of whom they interviewed at length, were “persons genuinely committed to the spirit of humanitarianism and imbued with a deep and genuine concern for the welfare of the inhabitants of Gaza.” The same spirit of humanitarianism compels us to again take action – even at the risk of serious injury or death – to confront massive injustice with global nonviolent action. For too long our national and international leaders have passively watched the tragedy of Gaza – of all of Palestine. The grossly unjust and unlawful blockade of the Gaza Strip and the ongoing belligerent occupation of the rest of Palestine – imposed by Israel and tolerated by the world community - is a stark case of states sacrificing principle and human rights for power and self-interest. For those who have any lingering doubts that a man-made crisis continues to Gaza, just yesterday the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights issued an alert indicating its extreme concern over the “running out of medications and contraction of health services in the Gaza Strip.”

The Fact-Finding Mission gave much thought to and called upon the international community to recognize some role for “humanitarian organizations who wish to intervene in situations of long-standing humanitarian crisis where the international community is unwilling... to take positive action.” It included in its broad definition of humanitarianism both types of organizations involved in the Flotilla: those that engage in activities taken to alleviate crises and those that take action to address the root causes of the crises. The Mission understood that “too often” humanitarian organizations, such as those behind Flotillas I and II, are “accused of being meddlesome and at worst as terrorists or enemy agents.”  Today, these same humanitarian organisations and human rights activists are being accused of ‘provocation’ and Israel is threatening, once again, to unlawfully and brutally stop them. We therefore call upon the Human Rights Council to stand up to these Israeli threats, to defend our right to intervene in the long-standing tragedy which is Gaza and to expose and put an end to Israel’s illegal behaviour, which has too long been tolerated by the international community.

We are determined to sail to Gaza.  Our cause is just and our means are transparent.  To underline the fact that we do not present an imminent threat to Israel nor do we aim to contribute to a war effort against Israel, thus eliminating any claim by Israel to self-defense, we invite the HRC or any other UN or international agency to come on board and inspect our vessels at their point of departure, on the high seas, and/or on their arrival in the Gaza port. We will – and must – continue to sail until the illegal blockade of Gaza is ended and Palestinians have the same human and national rights those of us sailing enjoy.

http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/56-news/1302-statement-from-the-freedom-flotilla-ii-stay-human-streering-committee-to-the-un-human-rights-council-