palestine e news £1.50 / 2.00 Summer 2006
Boycott Israel, not Occupied Palestine! Michael Khaled Diane Rosemarie Warschawski: Hroub: Langford: Said-Zahlan: Israel’s The rise and BBC flunks August 1937 expansionist rise of Hamas impartiality test - May 2006 consensus page 4 page 6 page 14 page 26
Palestine Solidarity Campaign Box BM PSA London WC1N 3XX tel 020 7700 6192 email [email protected] web www.palestinecampaign.org palestine news summer06
Contents 3 Justice, not aid! Boycott Israel, not occupied Palestine! Max Watson condemns the West for starving the Palestinians 4 A government of unilateral annexation Michael Warschawski outlines the new expansionist consensus in Israeli politics 5 Condemn the suspension of EU aid; support EDM 2041 6 The rise of Hamas Khaled Hroub analyses the Hamas movement 7 Defend Nasser Amin — SOAS student persecuted by own university 8 Israel’s other weaponry Cover picture: original cartoon Steven Rose reports on Israel’s new chemical weapons by Brazilian artist Latuff. View Latuff’s newest project here: 10 Israel, India and the US www.tales-of-iraq-war.blogspot. Mike Marqusee looks at the unholy alliance of three nuclear powers com/ ISSN 1477 - 5808 12 Apartheid Jerusalem — the EU report they didn’t want you to see Also in this issue... 13 support Arsenal to ditch Israel and kick racism out of football Internationals shot in Bil’in page 9 Dave Lawrence blows the final whistle on Zionist sponsored ‘Gunners’ 14 BBC flunks impartiality test Diane Langford looks at why the BBC ‘must try harder’ 16 Laying bare the lobby; the pitiful Richard Rogers Affair 17 synod’s decision and interfaith relations Sue Plater investigates Jewish and Christian ties and the question of divestment 18 Activism from around the UK Branch news; Peace quilt grows; International Women’s Day; Trade PSC on the web Union conference; Rally in Trafalgar Square; Protestors on trial 22 Music reviews Paul Hughes-Smith introduces the best Palestinian music CDs; Arts exhibition in London 24 Book reviews John Yandell and Victoria Brittain review some of the best new work on Palestine-Israel 26 Rosemarie Said-Zahlan; ‘A woman who had no enemies’ August 1937-May 2006; Obituary by Victoria Brittain Visit our website and keep up to date on issues surrounding Palestine. PSC’s website palestine NEWS Palestine Solidarity Campaign provides details of all of the A Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) publication. latest campaigns and events. It Campaigning against the oppression and PSC does not necessarily agree with all opinions also has daily news updates and dispossession suffered by the Palestinian people expressed in the magazine. extensive searchable directories E-mail [email protected] Supporting the rights of the Palestinian of articles on Palestine. The people and their struggle to achieve these site’s resource section provides The editorial team rights including the Right of Return in line with many downloadable documents, Editor: Max Watson UN resolution 194 including maps and pictures. Victoria Brittain, Sarah Colborne, Diane Langford, Mike Marqusee, Glen Rangwala, Hilary Wise and There’s also a comprehensive Promoting Palestinian civil society in the John Yandell. list of media contacts, so each interests of democratic rights and social justice time you hear biased reporting Design and layout on Palestine, you can promptly Lithoprint Ltd: [email protected] Opposing Israel’s occupation and its aggression against neighbouring states complain to the right people! If you would like to contribute or respond to one of the articles in this issue please write to: Opposing antisemitism and racism, including The Editor, Palestine News, Box BM PSA, the apartheid and Zionist nature of the Israeli www.palestinecampaign.org London WC1N 3XX state summer06 COMMENT AND ANALYSIS palestine news
tail is wagging the neo-conservative dog that is the USA, then today’s European powers are the fleas, going wherever this rabid canine pleases. The only Justice, not aid! European countries willing to talk to Hamas have been Zapatero’s Spain and Prodi’s new Italian government but Boycott Israel, not occupied Palestine! they were short-lived exercises indeed. France and Germany, following their ‘independence’ over Iraq, are now busy trying to mend the damage done to US By Max Watson Hugo Chavez was defeated – and again relations by going along with the Israeli- in Haiti, 2004. And of course, there is US punishment of the Palestinians. Serbia, Afghanistan and Iraq. The US Palestinians themselves were et’s get one thing clear: sees meddling in the political business perfectly aware that they would suffer Palestinians do not want our of other nations as its right. economically and politically if they did ‘aid’ – with all its connotations of Nor has Britain’s role in the Middle not vote for the status quo – Fatah pity, charity and strings attached. East been one of benevolence. Since made this clear enough during the LWhat they want is independence, and the Balfour Declaration of 1917 and elections. It should be no surprise that freedom from the yoke of occupation – the occupation of Palestine after the the Palestinians, instead of blaming the only reason the West has given aid First World War, the British government Hamas for these sanctions, blame Israel is to duck the issue of the occupation, has never supported the Palestinian and the West – and Fatah should take helping to deny Palestinians their majority. And why should Blair, who note of this. freedom. Now, after holding elections jumped at the chance to go along with on which Western leaders were so the recent US-led misadventures, not insistent, they have got neither aid nor agree with punishing Palestine too? ‘Few thought the New their national rights. When he lied three years ago that by Labour government would The suspension of funds to the supporting the US invasion of Iraq, the Palestine National Authority (PNA) UK would be better placed to push the collude so openly with Israel’s is doubly shameful of the Western ‘Road Map’ to peace in Palestine, not powers. The US, EU, and Japan have many believed him. But few thought the occupation’ bowed unreservedly to Israeli demands. New Labour government would collude Rather than enforce the International so openly with Israel’s occupation: Court of Justice ruling on the Wall – and the rush to withdraw vital aid and the Our tasks in the UK are clearer than countless UN resolutions demanding scandalous breach of the agreement ever – to fight against the UK policy of end to occupation – the EU, led by to protect Ahmed Sa’adat, leader of support for Israel. The withholding of the US, have imposed sanctions on the Popular Front for the Liberation of aid affects the Palestinian teachers, Palestine. Several commentators have Palestine (PFLP), in a Jericho prison. doctors, nurses, and civil servants of pointed out that Palestinians must be (On March 14, the US and UK monitors the PNA, and all of their dependants (25 the only occupied people in history did a runner, allowing the Israeli army per cent of the population) who are sent to have sanctions imposed on them free reign to do with Sa’adat and others the message that we in the West don’t – rather than on the occupying power. as they please. Since then the Israeli care about their lives. This collective This is a scandal – but we should not courts have had to abandon his trial punishment cannot be tolerated. be surprised by the double standards of because of lack of evidence). While some people crumble in either the US or the EU. After all, when The Israeli excitement over the the face of Zionist pressure – the did the US or the European powers bloody fate of Iraq in 2003 is matched ‘suspension’ of the play ‘My Name ever respect the democratic choices only by their anticipation of an invasion is Rachel Corrie’ in New York being of oppressed countries? Ever since or bombing of Iran. The report by John a recent example (see page 17) the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, the US Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt in the – the lecturers’ union NATFHE have has asserted its right to dominate its London Review of Books (see page reasserted the need for a boycott of ‘own backyard’ of the Americas and the 16) indicates how US foreign policy Israel (see page 15). Through our Caribbean. From the twentieth century in the Middle East is influenced by demonstrations and vigils, days of that backyard has grown. From Cuba, the Israeli-Zionist lobby. Some have action and boycotts, petitions and since 1960; through to Chile in 1973; argued, it’s not ‘The dog that wags the lobbying of MPs, we must campaign for Nicaragua throughout the 1980s; and tail’ – Israel looking after US interests in the Palestinian struggle for liberation: more recently in Venezuela – where in the region – but the other way around. Justice, not Aid; Against the sanctions 2002 a CIA backed coup to overthrow Perhaps it’s a bit of both. If the Israeli on Palestine; boycott Apartheid Israel.
PSC PATRONS John Austin MP Tony Benn Victoria Brittain Julie Christie Caryl Churchill Jeremy Corbyn MP Bob Crow William Dalrymple Andy Gilchrist Lord Gilmour of Craigmillar Revd Garth Hewitt Dr Ghada Karmi Bruce Kent Karma Nabulsi Corin Redgrave Keith Sonnet Ahdaf Soueif Baroness Tonge of Kew John Williams palestine news REPORTS summer06 A Government of Unilateral Annexation By Michael not by political leaders! – unbelievable coalition real. In the meantime, Olmert deals, agreements are reached. Those is using the negotiations with Meretz ‘Mikado’ parties with which an agreement was not as a pressure to soften Lieberman’s possible, become the new opposition in conditions and to convince him to accept Warschawski parliament. another portfolio. Already during the election campaign, The core of the new coalition is a n the very night of the when a huge victory of Kadima looked Kadima-Labour joint platform which Israeli elections, while certain, the Labour Party, the religious represents a total capitulation of Amir interviewed by a Swiss parties and Meretz announced that Peretz’s social program to Kadima: the journalist, I predicted they will be in the future Kadima-led minimum salary will not be raised to Othat the new government may government. The night of the elections, US$1,000; the huge cuts in child and include both left-Zionist Meretz Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the far-right other social benefits will not be cancelled; party and the semi-fascist “Israel is our “Israel is our Home” list – who throughout and there will be no new taxation on Home” led by Avidgor Lieberman. The the whole campaign accused Ehud stock-exchange benefits. Kadima’s neo- journalist was surprised and started Olmert of treason for “selling out the land liberal policy has defeated Amir Peretz’s doubting my analytical skills. “Why of Israel” and being ready to dismantle social-democrat offensive; in exchange, would Ehud Olmert include the far right settlements – announced that he the Labour leader got the prestigious in his government, while they strongly intends to be part of Olmert government. Ministry of Defence and his colleague, denounced his “unilateral redeployment” Lieberman led a racist campaign MK Yuli Tamir the Ministry of Education. plan, and he has a comfortable majority against the Palestinian citizens of Israel Though prestigious, the ministry of without their participation?” asked and leads calls to remove their Israeli defence is a poisonous gift: Peretz will be the journalist. Despite three years citizenship; he demanded however, as a squeezed between his promise to reduce in Jerusalem, this journalist didn’t condition of being part of the government the Defence Ministry budget in order to understand how the Israeli system and accepting its program of unilateral release funds for social improvements works: unlike most democratic countries redeployment, to be appointed Ministry and the pressures of the generals who throughout the world, when elections are of Police and Internal Security. already are treating him as an amateur finished there is not a majority-opposition A Ha’aretz editorialist warned against on security issues and demanding that game, but a general norm of national the inclusion of Avigdor Lieberman in the he proves himself by defending their unity government. new government: “Avigdor Lieberman scandalous budget. As Nehemia Strassler and his party, “Israel is our Home”, are cynically predicts: “From the moment ‘What made, however, the formation of a proposing to take away Israeli citizenship he will enter the ministry of defence, he government which is supported by three from a majority of the Israeli Arabs, (Amir Peretz) will be the best advocate quarters of the Knesset so easy is the in the framework of an exchange of of the system; and if he will try to cut (the broad political consensus which exists territories with the Palestinian Authority. budget) the whole army will stand against This position – though not included in ‘the civilian who doesn’t understand now in Israel; a consensus on a strategy the program of the new government anything’.” (Ha’aretz, April 27, 2006). of uniltaral separation behind the Wall’ – delegitimises the Arab citizens of Concerning the religious parties, their Israel. The very fact that Lieberman opposition to an eventual dismantling The Member of Knesset (MK) is perceived as legitimate in the new of settlements has been silenced by appointed by the President of the State government, while the Arab parties are the offer of a few social ministries to try to form the new government is a-priori disqualified, is a black spot on and substantial subventions to their expected to offer to all the political the Israeli political culture…”(Ha’aretz, educational and social institutions. parties represented in the parliament April 27, 2006). What made, however, the formation (except, of course, the Arab parties) to In the meantime, this nightmare has of a government which is supported by join the future government; these parties been removed from the agenda: the law three quarters of the Knesset so easy are presenting their demands – which explicitly forbade the appointment of is the broad political consensus which are mostly on questions of portfolios, Minister of Police a person against whom exists now in Israel; a consensus on a budgets and subventions and much less a legal procedure has been opened, strategy of unilateral separation behind on the political platform; only on a few and against Lieberman, two procedures the Wall. Even the far-right agrees with occasions do parties reject the offer on are right now in process. As a result, the principle, though not on the definition the spot. the negotiations with “Israel is our of the areas from which the Israeli After tough negotiations – conducted Home” are in a deadlock, which makes army will redeploy, and settlements by experienced (and expensive) lawyers, the probability for Meretz to join the will be evacuated. As Ha’aretz political summer06 REPORTS palestine news analyst, Akiva Eldar, explains, Olmert’s no Palestinian leader will even start government to take unilateral steps, disengagement plan is very general negotiating such a “solution”. The new which will guarantee security through and between his interpretation and Amir Labour leader, on the other hand, is separation. In order to mask Labour’s Peretz’s, the gap is huge: “Let’s suppose closer to the “Geneva agreement” capitulation to Sharon’s annexation-map, that the new Minister of Defence, Amir which assumes the return to the 1967 Ehud Olmert will be ready to present his Peretz, will succeed to calm down the cease-fire lines, with limited and mutual new borders of Israel as provisory, until violence, that President Abu Mazen exchanges of territories which could the Palestinians will be declared fit as will disarm the terrorist organizations, avoid the dismantling of some of the partners in negotiations. In the meantime, and Hamas Prime Minister, Ismail most populated settlements located settlement expansions will continue. Haniyeh will recognise the right of Israel near the “Green Line”; with such a It is definitely not good news when the to exist in security next to Palestine; perspective, it will be definitely more whole Israeli political spectrum – except what will be the final borders map that the Arab parties and a small part of the the Israeli government will put on the ‘In order to mask Labour’s capitulation to far right – are united behind the policy table of negotiations? Will it include Ariel Sharon’s annexation-map, Ehud Olmert of Olmert’s government of unilateralism, settlement bloc or will it accept minor will be ready to present his new borders continuation of settlement construction mutual border corrections in Etsion Bloc of Israel as provisory’ and annexation of the settlement blocs and Maalei-Edumim? And concerning – and promising him four years of Maalei Edumim – are we speaking useful to negotiate with the Palestinian stability in order to implement its plans. about the small city in the suburb of leadership and to reach a real peace The few thousands Israeli activists Jerusalem or the huge metropole named agreement between Israel and the challenging the colonialist consensus are E1? What about the Jordan Valley PLO. Concretely speaking, however, loudly and bravely protesting against the and what will be the position of the the differences of approach do not wall and the settlements, but it would be Kadima-Labour government concerning have any implications, for the common too optimistic to believe that they will be territorial compensations in exchange of evaluation is that, in the meantime at able to change the present course of the the annexation of settlements blocs to least, “we have no partner”. Though Israeli policy. Israel?” (Ha’aretz, April 24, 2006). one can reasonably suspect the Labour It is true that Ehud Olmert and Amir chairman to know, deep in his heart, that Peretz do not share the same political this is a fallacy, he did not and will not try Michael Warschawski (Mikado) is an Israeli vision: for the Prime Minister, the to challenge it publicly and to confront activist and writer, co-founder of Israeli- annexation of 20-30 per cent of the the great majority of the Israeli public Palestinian NGO, the Alternative Information West Bank – and maybe the Jordan opinion, manipulated by various Israeli Centre. His latest book, On The Border, River too, which will make it 50 per Prime Ministers since July 2000. which recounts his life-long devotion to cent – is unquestionable, and therefore Being without a Palestinian partner the struggle for justice in Israel-Palestine, is unilateralism a necessity, because allows, or even obliges, the Israeli published by Pluto Press (2005).
Condemn the suspension of EU aid; support EDM 2041
In light of the dire crisis in Palestine, in contravention of international human Jeremy Corbyn MP has proposed Early rights conventions; and calls upon Her Olive Picking Day Motion (EDM), no 2041, which reads: Majesty’s Government to work with EU and national governments for the immediate Program 2006 “That this House notes the decision of reinstatement of funding, as well as for the the European Union to withhold funding return of the withheld revenues collected to the Palestinian Authority; recognises by the Israeli government which belong to A program for that this decision, together with both the Palestinian people.” the Israeli government’s regular closure Civil International of trade routes in and out of Gaza, and As we go to print, EDM 2041 has over 80 Solidarity with similar funding decisions taken by the signatures: please try to get your MP to United States, Japanese and Canadian sign and promote this motion, and get Palestinians governments gravely threatens the your union branch to back it. health and well-being of the Palestinian 26 October – people, and quite possibly the jobs Find out if you MP has already, at: of approximately 150,000 Palestinian http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/ 4 November, 2006 employees who have in total an estimated EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=30539&SESSIO More information and costs, contact: Rami seven dependants per employee; N=875 Bahbah, YMCA: (+972) 2 6282593 or Jawad expresses its opposition to this act Musleh, ATG: (+972) 2 2772151. of collective punishment against the Email your MP direct, via: www. www.jai-pal.org or http://www.atg.ps already impoverished Palestinian people writetothem.com palestine news COMMENT AND ANALYSIS summer06 The rise of Hamas Khaled Hroub looks at government. Cracks soon appeared in the unified some of the regional and ‘Western siege’ that was hastily formed in response to the ‘shock and awe’ of global factors which will help Hamas’s rise to power. Russia’s position has of course dealt a considerable blow determine Hamas’ future to American efforts to corner Hamas. France’s decision to leave their door nternally, regionally and ajar to Hamas left no less of an impact. internationally, Hamas is fortunate In May, Hamas’s minister for refugees’ to have achieved its electoral affairs, Atef Adwan, visited Norway victory in favourable circumstances. Palestinian Prime Minister, Ismail and met officials there, confirming Haniyeh IFrustrated with the continuous cruelty statements by Mahmoud Zahhar, the of the Israeli occupation and fed up foreign minister, that many Europeans with their corrupt Fatah-dominated Syria and Hizbollah have gone to want to talk to Hamas. Still, however, leadership, the Palestinians were ready extreme lengths in supporting Hamas, those cracks are not wide enough, as to vote for whoever could challenge for domestic and regional reasons. the US and the EU decided to officially both Israel and the PA. The Israelis, for After last year’s assassination of Rafiq stop funding the Hamas-led Palestinian their part, find themselves in a chaotic al-Hariri, the former Lebanese prime Authority. Things will be much easier transitional period after the illness and minister, Syrians were cornered and of course for Hamas in regions such as departure of Ariel Sharon, the man on compelled to undertake desperate Asia, Africa and Latin America, but the whom many Israelis had pinned their survival measures, including public challenge that Hamas is facing in the US hopes as a timely leader for dealing with support of Hamas (as well as exploiting ‘siege’ is formidable. the Palestinians. So far, Israelis are wary the Danish cartoon issue), to garner pan- Israel has limited options in dealing and in disagreement as to how to deal Arab solidarity. with the new Palestinian Authority. with the Hamas-led PA. Different signals Starving the Palestinians by cutting come from across the political spectrum ‘Though we are the victims, we their funds will bring more support to on how Israel should formulate its policy Hamas. Foiling a Hamas government toward Hamas. offer our hands in peace, but only will increase the movement’s popularity, Beyond the Palestinian and Israeli a peace that is based on justice’ and guarantee its victory in any early context, regional circumstances were elections. Invading the Gaza Strip also partially advantageous to Hamas. and the West Bank and attempting to The region as a whole is taking on Saudi Arabia, whose relationship bring down the Hamas-led PA by force a new shape, and in the opposite with Hamas has always been cordial, if would broaden the military front to the direction to the one most desired by tacit, is deeply worried by Iran’s high- maximum, bringing Israeli forces into the the US – ironically in response to the profile diplomacy and rhetoric. President Palestinian streets, and thus ensuring a very war that was meant to reshape the Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claims to speak third even bloodier intifada – something region toward a new geopolitic which in the name of Muslims and Islam – a that Hamas is expert in handling. favoured American interests. A major role the Saudis have long perceived to However, Hamas’ main obstacle is development of this reshaping has been be theirs – thus opening up an area of Fatah – not Israel, nor the US or the the astonishing rise of Iran’s leverage severe competition. Along with Egypt EU. Fatah controls the security forces, in the region, the rise of popular radical and other Arab countries, the Saudis are a multi-headed apparatus that is the discourse there, and their repeated struggling to prevent Hamas from falling backbone of the PA. If Fatah continues declaration of willingness to replace any within Iran’s sphere of influence. Thus, to refuse to cooperate with Hamas cuts in Hamas funding. they are offering Hamas a diplomatic and decides instead to make their life The US is fully aware that the fate and financial hand. Turkey, too, with difficult, it could inflict grave damage on of American troops (and the whole its moderate Islamists in power, feels the movement – but even more damage adventure) in Iraq is at the mercy of Iran. that it is in an advantageous position to on itself, in the eyes of the Palestinian The Iraqi Shiites, who not only constitute play a regional role, not only because public. But Hamas can survive any the majority of the population but are its ruling elite has a shared background radical decisions taken by Fatah. This also the largest group upon which the with Hamas but also because of its is because Fatah itself is split on how to US relies in the country, would support friendly relations with Israel and the respond to Hamas. Many Fatah leaders Iran in any confrontation against the US. West. However, the development of show reluctance at being involved in Iran could easily play them off against these relationships will largely depend an effort to foil Hamas because they the American presence there and bring on the level of pressure that the United would be seen to be colluding with Israel the whole Iraqi quandary to a bloody new States will exert on these states, with and the US. Also, many middle- and phase. regard to their relationship with a Hamas low-ranking Fatah members have deep summer06 COMMENT AND ANALYSIS palestine news
sympathy with Hamas. One of the most astonishing results of the elections was ‘We in Hamas are for peace and want to put an that almost half of the members of the security forces, the vast majority of end to bloodshed We have been observing a unilateral whom are Fatah affiliates or supposed truce for more than a year without reciprocity from supporters, voted for Hamas. Any observer of its undertakings the Israeli side. will know that Hamas – in its role ‘The message from Hamas and the Palestinian Authority as a militant movement, not as a government – is not short of money to the world powers is this: talk to us no more about to maintain the smooth running of its recognising Israel’s “right to exist” or ending resistance until own organisational functions. Even during its most difficult times, when a you obtain a commitment from the Israelis to withdraw combination of foreign intelligences from our land and recognise our rights.’ kept a close eye on the channelling of Hamas’ funds, the movement managed to survive. Now, with its popularity Palestinian people, particularly the huge seen in their eyes as striving to do its reaching unprecedented peaks not only populations of economically devastated best against all the moving of the goal in Palestine (it receives considerable refugees. With the Western blockage of posts and ‘conspiracies’ by the West funds from Palestinians both inside and aid, it is the ordinary Palestinians who and Israel. Hatred against the West will outside Palestine) but in many Arab and will be deprived of aid and services, not become entrenched in ways conducive Muslim countries as well, Hamas would Hamas. to all kinds of radicalism. face no problem in soliciting funds and Moreover, angry and frustrated donations to its own private accounts. Palestinians will become closer to However, what Hamas requires to Hamas, not alienated from it, as a result Khaled Hroub is the author of Hamas: maintain its organisational affairs is very of such radical Western measures. Political Thought and Practice (2000) and little compared to the massive amounts Particularly following its legitimate, Hamas: A beginner’s Guide (Pluto Press, needed to supply the needs of the entire democratic election, Hamas will be forthcoming, 2006).
web under the title ‘Allegations of antisemitism’.” Defend freedom of speech The statement has since been removed from their website – perhaps an implicit acceptance Nasser Amin victimised of wrong-doing on the part of SOAS. A number of academics at SOAS expressed unease about the shown complete contempt for me. I implications for academic freedom, By Max Watson had naively believed that they might and one teacher, John Game, said: Masters student at SOAS has defend my academic freedom. They “The school owes both Nasser been persecuted for defending did not.” Amin and all of us deprived of the Palestinian right to resist “I naively thought that they might this opportunity [to freely debate occupation. take measures to ensure my safety on the Middle East] an apology. It ALast spring, Nasser Amin wrote an campus after the death threats. They is possible that they owe Nasser article in the SOAS Spirit magazine did not. I believed that they might something more than an apology.” in response to a distinguished issue a statement denouncing, if not Amin is still waiting for that Islamic scholar based in the US, the media lies, then at least the racism apology. “They engaged in the Sheik Hamza Yusuf, who suggested and promises of violence against public humiliation and scapegoating Muslims should denounce violence Muslims. SOAS did nothing of the of a Muslim student,” he said: “As in Palestine – which Amin refuted, sort.” a Muslim, I was an easy target.” arguing that we should not deny Instead of sticking up for Amin, the Campaigners mustn’t let this go Palestinians their right to resist. SOAS head, Colin Bundy, shamefully unnoticed. If we don’t stick up for The hate campaign that followed put out a press release saying that he Amin, who will speak out for us when was vicious and unrelenting. He had been ‘reprimanded’ for breaching we are being attacked? was hounded by politicians, (Labour their code of freedom of expression. MP David Winnick called for Amin The claim that Amin had been to be prosecuted); Zionists and reprimanded, he says, was untrue: Email, write or phone Bundy, demanding a Islamophobic hate-mongers, posted “I was never disciplined. I was never public apology and retraction of this racist death-threats on websites and found guilty of any wrongdoing. witch-hunt: verbally abused him on campus. During an extremely difficult time, Email: [email protected] Phone: 0207 898 One student said Amin would have following the witch-hunt and family 4014 Write: School of Oriental and African “a short and bloody life”. bereavement and a day before my Studies, Professor Colin Bundy, Director and Amin has since said: “At all examinations, Bundy issued this Principal, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, stages of my persecution SOAS has public statement on the world-wide- London, WC1H 0XG palestine news REPORTS summer06
holding up both hands and holding an olive branch in each hand to show that they do not have violent intentions (see Israel’s Other New weapons in the struggle for Bil’in, Palestine News, Summer 2005). The situation escalated after the stone throwing, and the army began shooting tear gas and bullets at the Weaponry demonstrators. According to eye-witness reports, one of the bullets fired at the demonstrators was very strange, and was seen for the first time. It was a small By Steven Rose transparent red plastic ball, the size of a marble, containing a creamy white hat Israel had significant powder. When this bullet hit the skin and stockpiles of nuclear weapons is exploded, it gave an extreme burning common knowledge – not least sensation penetrating into open wounds of course thanks to Mordecai and causing blistering. The powder has TVanunu. Even British and American a pungent odour, is irritating, causing government spokesmen can no longer coughing, sneezing, burning eyes and avoid recognising their existence. Less skin, nausea and vomiting. well known, but surely to no-one’s Because the Israelis refused to surprise, is Israel’s history of research identify the agent, both clinicians and and development of chemical and injured were uncertain of the treatment biological agents, thereby completing necessary to prevent significant damage a full house of so-called WMD. The to the skin. This photograph shows the problem for the Israelis however is skin injuries one individual received. that such weapons are of no help We* have now been able to identify in solving the problem of controlling the active component in the munition as the civil Palestinian population of the a capsaicin, a compound related to that occupied territories – or for that matter which gives chillies their characteristic their supporters within the Israeli peace burning taste. It is analogous to movement. something marketed in the US as Heavily armed troops with carte ‘pepperball tactical powder’ and intended blanche to shoot to kill, tanks, bulldozers, to discourage or disperse demonstrators. the collective punishments of curfews Pepperball Technologies Inc.’ s data and house demolitions have been sheet for their product describes it as part of the day-to-day experience an ‘active irritant’ whose symptoms of Palestinians for decades now. include burning eyes and skin, and Yet to control and subdue an urban A Palestinian demonstrator in Bil’in hit by cautions against inhalation or contact population, to defeat and disperse mass ‘Pepper-ball’ (inset) with the eyes. This is only one of an demonstrations – especially when, as in entire new generation of such chemical the case of the actions against the Wall, Establishment at Porton developed ‘non-lethal’ weapons, now sometimes Jewish Israelis as well as Palestinians the less toxic irritant codenamed CS, generically known as calmatives. One may be demonstrating – other ‘less extensively used by the US in Vietnam, such, a derivative of an opioid, was lethal’ measures are required. And by the UK in Northern Ireland and later used with disastrous effects by Russian indeed over the past few years, the available to police forces around the special troops attempting to end the Israeli state has been experimenting world. CS is fired as a shell or cartridge Moscow theatre siege in 2002, when with a variety of novel weapons and or dispersed as an aerosol or dust which several hundred hostages died when the techniques within what might properly be irritates the eyes nose and throat and chemical was pumped into the theatre called ‘the technology of political control.’ causes a gripping pain in the chest. But – a clear indication if one were needed Such weapons and techniques draw over the last couple of years, reports that there is no such thing as a non- on the social as well as the physical have begun to come in of a newer and lethal weapon, merely that some are and biological sciences, in terms of more unpleasant version being used by more lethal than others. evaluating their deterrent effects and the IDF. Thus as Gush Shalom reported, It is not just chemistry that can be devising the most effective strategies on 28th April last year at the village of called into play to deter demonstrators. for their use, and have of course been Bil’in to the west of Ramallah, there was In June last year, again at Bil’in, the closely observed for their effectiveness a big demonstration against the wall, chosen weapon was codenamed by Israel’s interested allies, notably the with about 100-200 Israelis in addition Tze’aka (Scream ) – a minute long blast US and UK. to hundreds from the local population. of sound emanating from a white Israeli As a weapon of crowd control, Some amongst the demonstrators military vehicle. Within seconds, it was tear gas has been around since first (eyewitnesses said they were agents reported by Mitch Potter of the Middle developed by the US in 1918, but its provocateur) began to throw stones East Bureau, protestors begin falling to efficacy was greatly enhanced when in at the army, while the Palestinians their knees, nauseous and unable to the 1950s the UK’s Chemical Weapons were walking in a disciplined manner retain their balance. ‘The intention is to summer06 REPORTS palestine news disperse crowds with sound pulses that according to the company’s press certainly been nothing to compare with create nausea and dizziness,’ an IDF release announcing its availability is the disaster of the Russian theatre spokesman is reported as telling the that ‘the probability of hit is 100% since hostages. But the well-established close Toronto Star. The weapon is analogous ballistic effects are irrelevant. The energy cooperation between the IDF and the to one used in Iraq by the US called beam travels at the speed of light and US military, the exchange of military a Long-Range Acoustical Device, or can be swept across the targets. techniques between the Occupied ‘sound curdler,’ It is clearly a localised Territories and Iraq (see for instance the version of the terror tactic being used ‘As with the pepperball, Scream interesting article by the Israeli whistle- by the IDF in Gaza, with their regular blowing architect Eyal Weizman: Walking supersonic overflights producing is but one of a range of new Through Walls, Radical Philosophy 136, powerful sonic booms, that both frighten weapons systems’ March 2006) suggests that for both and disorient the population over a wide states, a crucial battle within the ‘war on area, and which have been subject to Of course it is important to keep terror’ is being fought out over the bodies international protest. the use of such weapons systems in of the civilian protestors at Bil’in, across As with the pepperball, Scream is but proportion. Far more Palestinian civilians the West Bank and in Gaza. one of a range of new weapons systems, have been killed by sniper bullets and in this case going by the generic name as the ‘collateral damage’ to so-called of ‘active denial technology (ADT),’ ‘targetted assassinations’ than by *Alastair Hay, Anita Abdullah, Rita Giacaman, also being developed in the US. Other pepperballs or sound curdlers or sonic Ramzi Sansur and myself, with funding from the forms of ADT use a beam of millimetre booms. And they may well also be Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust for the analysis. waves to heat the skin, producing less hazardous to a demonstrator than intense pain though allegedly without rubber bullets or the heavy ‘beanbags’ Steven Rose is a neuroscientist, Professor of damage. Pain intolerance depends on that are sometimes fired. Sophisticated Biology at the Open University, with a long- skin temperature, increasing rapidly protestors begin to develop their own standing interest in the development and as the temperature reaches 550C. counter-measures as the weapons uses of chemical and biological weapons and As with Tze’aka, the ADT system is become more familiar, as are the more secretary of BRICUP, the British Committee vehicle mounted. One of its attractions, conventional tear gasses. There has for the Universities of Palestine. Two demonstrators shot in head in Bil’in
espite the new weapons Israel on my ear and it was wet. I looked uses in occupied Palestine, and there was blood all over it. I was their favourite crowd control stunned until someone grabbed me method remains the good, old- and just started running. I feel really Dfashioned rubber-coated bullet, with lucky: if I hadn’t turned my head I clubs and tear-gas for special effect. could have lost all my teeth.” On 12 May, at the weekly Friday Adeba Yasin, 65 years old, demonstration against the wall was shot whilst watching the in Bil’in, Israeli soldiers opened demonstration from her balcony. Five fire at close range, shooting two other Palestinians received wounds internationals and seven Palestinians. from the rubber bullets, and several An Australian and a Dane were more were beaten with clubs and hospitalised, after both were shot suffered tear-gas inhalation. in the head. AFP cameraman Jamal The attack on the peaceful Al Aruri was shot in the hand whilst demonstration began after protesters filming, breaking two fingers. attempted to open the wire fence that Phil Resse, the Australian, with prevents the villagers from accessing ISM, had also been filming the non- their land. Eyewitnesses reported An ISM volunteer after the shooting violent demonstration. He was later vicious beatings, tear-gas and then, diagnosed with a sub-ural hematoma, when people began to back off, shots first, then at the legs. Every one of swelling caused by bleeding in the were fired as close as ten metres these regulations were broken. brain, and given eight stitches for the away. The internationals are considering gash near his temple. Israeli army regulations say that suing the ‘Most Moral Army in the BJ, from Denmark, suffered a the minimum range for firing rubber World’ for their actions. No soldiers fractured jaw. He said: “There was an bullets is 40 metres, and they are were reported to have been seen explosion next to me – I put my hand supposed to fire warnings into the air crying after shooting. 10 palestine news REPORTS summer06
undergraduate and graduate students,” attended the reception. The speakers “highlighted... the similarities between Jewish and Indian values and culture, and the shared efforts by the US, India, Israel, India, US and Israel to combat terrorism.” Note how “values”, “cultures”, states on India and Indian Americans, he and geo-politics are interwoven here. unequivocally backs India on Kashmir, The existence of coherent “Indian” or lays all the blame for the conflict there “Jewish” value systems or cultures is on Pakistan and pushes for increased casually assumed, and in each case US-India arms trade and military casually attached to a state. These two collaboration. entities are then somehow said to have In 2003, Ackerman helped organise “similarities” and the whole package is the first-ever joint Capitol Hill forum tied up with the help of the USA and the between AIPAC and AJC, on the one “war on terror”. side, and the newly formed US Indian Political Action Committee, on the other. ‘Although there’s no history By Mike Marqusee Ackerman stressed the two countries’ common concerns: Israel, he said, was of antisemitism in India, “surrounded by 120 million Muslims” resumably because I’m Jewish while “ India has 120 million Muslims it’s striking that one of the and write about India, I received [within]”. Last year, he was the leading an invitation to a ‘Jewish-Indian Democratic sponsor of Indian Prime country’s best-selling books is Reception’ held earlier this year at Minister Manmohan Singh’s address to a PColumbia University in New York. joint session of Congress. Mein Kampf, openly available “Did you know that Jews have lived Then there’s LionPAC, the main pro- in India for over 2000 years without any Israel group at Columbia. A couple of at bookshops, stationers and signs of antisemitism?” the invitation years ago LionPAC members played a street stalls’ began. “Did you know that annual bi- key role in the documentary film ‘Conduct lateral trade between India and Israel Unbecoming’, in which it was alleged reached $2.7 billion this past year? that Jews and supporters of Israel at Back in the days of the freedom Interested in learning more about Columbia faced systematic intimidation struggle, Gandhi and the Indian National the historical, cultural, and political and bias, and which slandered a number Congress opposed the creation of a connections and similarities between of Columbia professors as anti-semites. ‘Jewish National Home’ in Palestine. Jewish and Indian Americans? Join us The ensuing uproar led the university Nehru insightfully analysed the for a night of great speakers ...” to appoint a committee of investigation, relationship between Zionism, Arab These speakers included the Indian which, in due course, dismissed the Nationalism and British imperialism. Consul-General, the Israeli Deputy- film’s allegations and reprimanded Newly-independent India voted against Consul General and Congressman Gary the methods used by the film-makers. the UN Palestine partition plan in 1947 Ackerman. The event was organised LionPAC is clearly in need of campus and the admission of Israel to the UN in by a pro-Israel student group called allies and the reception was an attempt 1949. As a leading force in the Non- LionPAC, with support from the South to seek friends among just about the only Aligned Movement, India backed anti- Asian Law Students Association, people of colour at Columbia for whom colonial movements in the middle-east among others. It offers a microcosm Israel is not anathema – career-minded and enjoyed close links with Nasser’s of the burgeoning India-Israel-US students of Indian origin. Egypt. axis, a phenomenon supporters of the According to the Columbia Nonetheless, a clandestine Palestinian cause need to be more Spectator, “Around 200 people, mostly relationship with Israel developed, aware of. thanks in part to Mossad, which Let’s start with Gary Ackerman, acted as an unofficial – and deniable the ranking Democrat on the House – diplomatic courier. During the 1971 International Relations Subcommittee war with Pakistan, Israel supplied India on the Middle East and South Asia. with mortars and ammunition. In the A loud voice for Israel on Capitol following years, intelligence collaboration Hill, Ackerman’s career “highlights”, was established, with an exchange of according to his website, include information about Pakistan, which at that “authoring legislation that required time was building alliances with Arab President Bush to impose sanctions regimes in the Middle East. against the Palestinian Authority”. He In the 1980s, Prime Minister Rajiv championed the Israeli military offensive Gandhi, keen on improving relations of spring 2002, and denounced the ICJ with the US, began the process of finding on the wall as “shameful”. upgrading ties with Israel. As the Indian Ackerman is also a Congressional press put it at the time, “The road to point-man for the “India lobby”. A former Washington passes through Tel Aviv.” chairman of the Congressional Caucus Sharon and Vajpayee - in Delhi, 2003 Full diplomatic relations with Israel were summer06 REPORTS palestine news 11 finally established a year after Gandhi’s in the USA is highly diverse (many are murder in 1991. Muslims), but an affluent, suburban Since then, military and commercial constituency within it identifies with links have grown exponentially. The the Indian right and more broadly with process escalated under the right-wing Indian elite aspirations for economic BJP-led government of 1998-2004. The and military status. Many see American BJP is the political wing of the Sangh Jews as the “model minority” and Parivar, the family of organisations seek to emulate their political clout. dedicated to the ideology of Hindutva A number have openly declared their (roughly, ‘Hinduness’): an authoritarian, intention of constructing a lobby similar Hindu supremacist, virulently anti-Muslim to the Israel lobby. The attraction has movement. Its founders were admirers been reciprocal. The American Jewish of Hitler and Mussolini, but it also has Committee is soon to open an office in a long history of support for Israel and New Delhi. Zionism. It’s ironic that Indian Jews should find In many respects, Hindutva and themselves used as a lynch-pin in this Zionism are natural bedfellows. marriage of convenience. Of course, Indira Ghandi and Yasser Arafat in India, for the Non- Both depict the entities they claim to India’s population is so diverse, its Alignment Movement’s summit represent as simultaneously national diaspora so far flung, that it can claim and religious. Both claim to be the sole ignored. The government has signed some kind of relationship with almost authentic spokespersons for these deals with the US for military purchases, anyone anywhere. India’s small Jewish entities (Hindu and Jewish). Both share joint military exercises and most recently, communities were themselves highly an ambivalent (to say the least) historic in the course of Bush’s state visit, diverse – in language, ritual, origin - but relationship with British colonialism. nuclear collaboration. In February, India today they number merely 6000 (out Both appeal to an affluent diaspora. abandoned Iran at the IAEA, voting with of a population of one billion). During And, most importantly at the moment, the US to refer the country – usually the 50s and 60s, most Indian Jews both share a designated enemy considered one of India’s major strategic went to Israel, many to the US. The (‘Muslim terrorism’). allies - to the Security Council. motives were mainly economic. The During the Kargil War of 1999 (in At the same time, the link with Israel niche they had occupied collapsed after which India and Pakistani troops clashed has been consolidated. In the course of independence. in Kashmir), Israel supplied India, at 2005, India’s Ministers of Science and Although there’s no history of anti- 24 hours notice, with high altitude Technology, Commerce and Industry, semitism in India, it’s striking that one surveillance vehicles and laser-guided and Agriculture and Food all visited of the country’s best-selling books systems. In the wake of 9/11, the Israel, holding high-level meetings is Mein Kampf, openly available at alliance was deepened, with Hindutva with political and business leaders. In bookshops, stationers and street stalls. and Zionist world-views dovetailing February 2006, Israel’s National Security One young man pursuing a degree in snugly with the US war on terror. In May Council Chairman Giora Eiland was business administration told me that the 2003, India’s then National Security welcomed in Delhi. book was popular because it was “an Adviser Brajesh Misra spelled out the Israel is now the second largest excellent management text”. Ironically, strategy in an address to the American supplier of arms to India (after Russia). the aspirant bourgeoisie buying Mein Jewish Congress, in which he pleaded It provides India with missile radar, Kampf is precisely that section of Indian for a “Tel Aviv-New Delhi-Washington” border monitoring equipment, night society most keen on the alliance with axis. A few months later, Ariel Sharon vision devices, the new Phalcon Israel. The mentality is summed up by a arrived in India as an hounoured guest. reconnaissance aircraft, among other catchphrase currently favoured by India’s When a Congress-led coalition items. India, in turn, is the biggest foreign policy-makers: “Non-alignment is replaced the BJP after the 2004 purchaser of high-tech Israeli weapons for losers.” elections, its left supporters urged it to and accounts for almost half of Israel’s Manmohan Singh described India’s abandon the previous government’s arms exports. In addition, several deal with the US and its vote against Iran foreign policy, notably the embrace of thousand Indian soldiers have received as acts of “enlightened self-interest”. The Israel and the USA. They have been “anti-insurgency training” in Israel. same excuse is applied to the link with In a speech at Tel Aviv University Israel. The reality is that India’s betrayal in March, the Indian Ambassador of the Palestinians, however profitable described India and Israel as “heirs to for a few, is not remotely in the interest great and ancient civilizations” which of the vast Indian majority. It certainly “emerged from foreign domination as diminishes India’s status and influence in independent nations around the middle the developing world. What price favour of the last century” and whose “historical in Washington? interaction... is vividly embodied in the presence of Judaism in India for over 1600 years.” Mike Marqusee writes a fortnightly column While the ambassador was speaking in The Hindu, south India’s largest circulation in Tel Aviv, the Jewish-Indian reception English-language newspaper. He’s the author was being held in New York, knitting of books on Bob Dylan, Muhammad Ali, and together the same alliance and using cricket in south Asia and England. Protest against Sharon visit, 2003 the same themes. The Indian presence www.mikemarqusee.com 12 palestine news REPORTS summer06 Apartheid Jerusalem
or over a thousand years Jerusalem financial difficulties of Palestinians to take East Jerusalem, but not to vote in has been a paradigm of religious, over their properties and land. There are Israeli national elections or take an social and cultural diversity. Since even plans to build a large new Jewish Israeli passport. Anyone holding such its creation in 1948 Israel has settlement within the Muslim Quarter of an identity card found not to be living Fsought to make this ancient city the the Old City, a clear provocation. in East Jerusalem will have it revoked. Jewish capital of the Jewish state, to the At the same time the privately Those studying or working abroad exclusion of the Christian and Muslim acknowledged aim of Israeli government temporarily have already lost their ID Palestinians. policies is for Palestinian ‘transfer’, and those working or living in the West Despite UN policy that Jerusalem the public policy of some members of Bank because of the economic problems should remain a shared city for the three the Knessett, and favoured in a recent in East Jerusalem, are being forced to major religions, the ethnic cleansing opinion poll by 62 per cent of Israelis make impossible choices. Couples where of Palestinians from Jerusalem has (Israel Democracy Institute). With only one has a blue ID card must be been taking place for decades and the completion of the Apartheid Wall, separated, or both live in the Occupied is now about to be achieved by the indigenous Palestinian Jerusalemites Territories and lose all Jerusalemite completion of the Apartheid Wall and are being forced to decide whether to status. the consolidation and annexation of the continue to live in their villages and The EU diplomats are absolutely ring of colonial settlements around East be denied their Jerusalemite status or clear: “Israel’s main motivation is almost Jerusalem. to move into the increasingly densely certainly demographic – to reduce the In December 2005, EU diplomats in populated ghettoes remaining to Palestinian population of Jerusalem, the Occupied Territories, the Jerusalem Palestinians in East Jerusalem. while exerting efforts to boost the and Ramallah Heads of Mission, wrote a The identity and residency laws number of Jewish Israelis living in the report which EU governments attempted are being tightened in order to reduce city – East and West.” We must continue to suppress (see extract in box). the number of Palestinians living in to demand that the EU and European Historically, Jerusalem was defined as Jerusalem. Some Palestinians have governments initiate sanctions now to the Old City and immediate surrounding annually renewed blue Israeli ID cards, prevent this ongoing ethnic cleansing of villages; since 1967, West Jerusalem which give them the “right” to live in the Palestinians. was on the Israeli side of the Green Line and East Jerusalem is on the Palestinian side. In 1948, 80,000 Palestinians were Jerusalem and Ramallah Heads of Mission report driven from West Jerusalem to secure its ‘Judaization’. The current policies 1. East Jerusalem is of central importance to the Palestinians in political, economic, social of Israel are to ‘Judaize’ the whole of and religious terms. Several inter-linked Israeli policies are reducing the possibility of reaching Jerusalem and its surrounding area. a final status agreement on Jerusalem, and demonstrate a clear Israeli intention to turn the After 1967, settlement building on annexation of East Jerusalem into a concrete fact: stolen land, including on destroyed • the near-completion of the barrier around east Jerusalem, far from the Green Line; Palestinian villages throughout the West • the construction and expansion of illegal settlements, by private entities and the Israeli Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza has government, in and around East Jerusalem; been the policy of successive Israeli • the demolition of Palestinian homes built without permits (which are all but unobtainable); governments. But nowhere is this • stricter enforcement of rules separating Palestinians resident in East Jerusalem from those colonisation policy clearer than in East resident in the West Bank, including a reduction of working permits; and Jerusalem. By creating the Jerusalem • discriminatory taxation, expenditure and building permit policy by the Jerusalem Municipality, Israel, in contravention municipality. of international law, defined and enlarged Jerusalem to include the illegal 2. The plan to expand the settlement of Ma’aleh Adumim into the so-called “E1” area, east of settlement colonies. Jerusalem, threatens to complete the encircling of the city by Jewish settlements, dividing the There are currently around 190,000 West Bank into two separate geographical areas. The proposed extension of the barrier from Israeli settlers in East Jerusalem, with East Jerusalem to form a bubble around the settlement of Ma’aleh Adumim would have the over 20,000 more in surrounding areas. same effect. Plans are agreed for the colony of Ma’ale Adumim to be expanded and 3. When the barrier has been completed, Israel will control access to and from East new colonies to be built on Palestinian Jerusalem, cutting off its Palestinian satellite cities of Bethlehem and Ramallah, and the land around East Jerusalem. Settler only rest of the West Bank beyond. This will have serious economic, social and humanitarian roads and railways are planned. The consequences for the Palestinians. By vigorously applying policies on residency and ID status, Israeli government is also supporting Israel will be able finally to complete the isolation of East Jerusalem – the political, social, settlements being implanted in the heart commercial and infrastructural centre of Palestinian life. of existing Palestinian neighbourhoods. Extremist Jewish settler groups, often 4. Israel’s activities in Jerusalem are in violation of both its Roadmap obligations and with foreign funding, use force or the international law. summer06 ACTIVISM palestine news 13
The captain, Sueb Jendeya recalled: “After the Uzbekistan match, it took us Support Arsenal to 40 hours to cross the Egyptian border into Rafah.” This gives a glimpse of how the Occupation interferes with the operation of everyday life. Ditch Israel and Kick On 30 March this year, the IDF bombed the Palestinian Football Stadium in Gaza, leaving a huge crater Racism out of Football in the middle of the pitch. It seems the withdrawal of settlers from Gaza was not disengagement, but an opportunity This promotion of friendly matches for the Israelis to increase the level of By Dave Lawrence fosters the idea that Israel is a country collective punishment on its inhabitants. we should have closer ties with but the In addition to the regular bombings rsenal may have done as much opposite is true if we want freedom and and “targeted assassinations” in which as any club, in the campaign to justice for Palestine. The racist nature many bystanders have been killed, the “Kick Racism out of Football”, of the Israeli state and its occupation of IDF now use the sonic boom of jets but its recent deal with the Palestine has to be exposed to Arsenal flying beyond the speed of sound to AIsraeli Tourist Ministry to promote fans. Perhaps the recent experiences wreck sleep patterns. “fun in the sun” holidays supports an of the Palestinian National side best Within Israel itself, the treatment apartheid state, built on racism. The illustrate why we should boycott Israeli of Palestinian (‘Israeli Arab’) players deal should be scrapped. teams and holidays. by the crowds is unbearably racist: From the outset it was clear Since gaining recognition by FIFA in fans of Beitar Jerusalem, in particular, Arsenal’s commercial and marketing 1998 the Palestinian national side has chant “Death to Arabs” throughout manager, Keith Edelman had steered improved its world ranking from 184th matches played against teams like the Board into a controversial deal to 115th despite being hampered at Bnei Sakhnin, with predominantly promoting not just Israeli holidays but every turn by the Israeli occupation. Palestinian players. a positive spin for a country struggling Israelis want it both ways; they with its image abroad and anxious to want to boast that they have two Arab deflect attention away from the brutality ‘Within Israel itself, the players in their national side, but at meted out to Palestinians treatment of Palestinian the same time they deride and abuse Despite Arsenal’s defence that it them. In advance of the recent Israeli was an ordinary commercial deal, the (‘Israeli Arab’) players by the elections, surveys revealed deep Emirates Airline – having invested in hostility to Palestinians inside Israel; 62 excess of £100 million into Arsenal’s crowds is unbearably racist: per cent wanting them expelled from new stadium – had no difficulty in the country. understanding the message and was fans of Beitar Jerusalem, in The recent series of articles by Chris clearly embarrassed. The Israelis had McGreal in the Guardian comparing previously failed to clinch similar deals particular, chant “Death to the Israeli Government to the South with Juventus and AC Milan. Arabs” throughout matches’ African apartheid regime demonstrate The Israeli Ministry of Tourism does how unacceptable the Occupation is; well out of this deal: For only £350,000 but this comparison also reminds us (less than three weeks wages for To begin with, team selection is of the part that international boycotting Thierry Henri) they get: so difficult when there are hardly any played in the demise of the apartheid football pitches – let alone a Palestinian regime in South Africa. The sporting • Two years advertising for Israeli league. The hundreds of checkpoints boycott of the South African apartheid holidays on the digital perimeter and roadblocks that blight travel for regime made a huge impact because of boards shown to the 198 countries all Palestinians make the concept of its international dimension and because where the Premier League is a league impractical for players and sport appeals to some kind of notion of broadcast, and via 450 LCD spectators alike. For the same reasons fair play. screens throughout the ground; training is impossible. During the 2006 Currently Israel plays its football in • Permanent signage at one of the World Cup qualifying rounds, the only Europe. It should play its football in its entrances to the stadium; place the team could meet to train was own zone of Asia, but first it must end • Use of the Arsenal logo and in another country: at Ismailia, in Egypt. the Occupation and address the issues photographs of players for public For their qualifying match against of freedom and justice for Palestinians. relations purposes; Uzbekistan, five members of the squad Until that time it must not expect to use • Use of the club’s website, including were refused permission to travel by Europe as an alternative to not getting editorial articles on Israel and a Israel and FIFA refused to postpone the on with its neighbours. Ministry of Tourism banner; match. When the striker Ziad Al Kourd • Feature adverts and profile articles returned from Uzbekistan he found that on Israel in the club magazine; and his house in the Gaza Strip town of Deir If you are interested in building a • Use of the Emirates Stadium, twice al-Balah had been demolished. Israel “Support Arsenal to Ditch Israel” Group, a year, for the staging of friendly has since deemed Al Kourd a ‘security please send ideas and contact details to matches at the close of the season. threat’ and banned him from travelling. [email protected] 14 palestine news REPORTS summer06 BBC flunks impartiality test By Diane Langford framework, context setting and the selection of angles of vision. Journalists, producers, editors and the BBC as an report commissioned by its institution should be fully conscious that governors has told the BBC it a ‘human construct’ is being created, must do better. An independent declares the report, and must take review panel chaired by Sir responsibility for their crucial interpretive AQuentin Thomas, highlighted ‘failure role in that process. to convey adequately the disparity in All this could be applied to the report: the Israeli and Palestinian experience, itself a construct on every level, sugaring reflecting the fact that one side is the pill for the BBC by conferring a gold in control and the other lives under standard upon ‘the majority’ of its output, occupation.’ The panel’s conclusions and appeasing the Israeli notion of a are backed by new research from ‘dual narrative’ in which ethnic cleansing, Loughborough University that shows land theft and human rights violations six times as many Israeli fatalities as are reduced to a mere ‘mindset’. Zionist Palestinian deaths were reported in myths are accorded the status of news and current affairs programmes legitimate narrative. The choice of an over the period under review, despite Israeli lawyer, Noam Lubell, to produce many more actual Palestinian deaths. It a paper on international law, is puzzling also confirms the noticeable disparity in in the West Bank to facilitate access given the nature of an exercise aimed favour of Israelis in BBC “talk-time” taken ‘particularly once the barrier is complete.’ at establishing impartiality. Lubell gets it as a whole. While it deals effectively with glaring badly wrong in his appraisal of the ICJ In a letter to The Guardian [May 4, deficiencies in BBC coverage which are ruling, ignoring the role of the Wall in 2006] Greg Philo, co-author of ‘Bad hard to ignore, at times the report comes illegal annexation of Palestinian land. News from Israel,’ pointed out that these across as callously indifferent, as in the The choice of experts on the Middle figures represent a more extreme ratio observation: ‘In recent years (When East invited for a seminar with the Panel than found by Glasgow Media Group has it been otherwise? DL) many more also displayed a narrow ‘angle of vision’ three years ago, indicating that BBC bias Palestinians have been killed but usually and the organisations and individuals has become even more pronounced. in circumstances which are less dramatic invited to give written and oral evidence He asks: why has this situation been and give rise to less striking images. mirrored the asymmetry referred to in the allowed to continue and what will the Moreover, leaving aside death and report. Heavy hitters, including Gideon BBC now do to offer a better informed injury, much of the Palestinian suffering Meir and Daniel Shek, put Israel’s coverage? arises from the situation of displacement case, while the Palestinians and their and occupation, which does not supporters were unable to match the ‘It is curious that one of the most generally lend itself to the newsworthy resources of the Israeli Government and event.’ Embassy. newsworthy and iconic symbols of It is suggested that news stories Lubell’s contribution has been occupation, the Apartheid Wall, is are chosen on the basis of the pictures used by the panel to help determine available to accompany them. In light terminology: should the BBC use so shyly peeked at by BBC cameras’ of this, it is curious that one of the most ‘occupied’ or ‘disputed’ lands? When newsworthy and iconic symbols of giving oral evidence for PSC, we were The Thomas Report recommends occupation, the Apartheid Wall, is so told the BBC style book calls for the the BBC should make purposive, and shyly peeked at by BBC cameras. The use of ‘occupied territory’ but this is not not merely reactive, efforts to explain report does not say what it would take for followed consistently. ‘Targeted killings’ the complexities of the conflict in the the BBC to get excited about economic is the term preferred by the panel for round, including the marked disparity strangulation, starvation and state terror. Israel’s illegal assassinations. Discussing between the positions of the two sides, However there is recognition that news the use of words deriving from the and to overcome the high level of and current affairs programmes are as root ‘terror’ (ism/ist etc) the report incomprehension among the audience. much a construct as is a soap opera: acknowledges that state terrorism should The broadcaster is urged to consider there must be a choice of subject, be named as such, and puts the issue the case for basing a correspondent presentation decisions, narrative into the context of attacks on civilians, summer06 REPORTS palestine news 15 recalling terrorist acts by Zionists. If is praised, the panel goes on those described as terrorists don’t like to recommend the creation of it, suggests the report, they can always another, more senior post, to NOT the cease the activities that give rise to improve grip and provide firmer the label. However, when describing guidance. Perhaps they were too the concerns of pro-Israeli witnesses polite to mention the worsening BBC News regarding ‘tendentious’ reporting of bias towards Israel, and audience Bolder Boycott Campaign: Israeli actions as possibly triggering incomprehension, unearthed by the Jeremy Bowen antisemitism, the panel refrained from Loughborough study, happened As we go to press, news came issuing similar advice. under Balen’s watch. in that the UK teaching union, The BBC is commended for Complaints from viewers and listeners NATFHE, narrowly voted in favour appointing Malcolm Balen as senior sometimes seem to be treated as a of a boycott of Israeli academics adviser in late 2003 when relations necessary nuisance and dealt with that fail to disassociate themselves from Israel’s between Israel and the BBC were defensively. It is not enough for the BBC apartheid policies. at an all-time low. In a Ha’aretz to say that as there are complaints from Steven Rose, secretary interview Balen expressed his view of both sides their coverage is about right. of the British Committee for accusations of antisemitism aimed at the This kind of complacency would not be the Universities of Palestine BBC. acceptable, says the report. (BRICUP), applauded the “I know there is a widespread belief, “courageous and principled vote” and it quite shocked me on taking this in a statement: “We recognise ‘At times the report comes across that this has not been an easy job, that if the BBC gets something decision faced with the extreme wrong, or the nuances are misplaced, as callously indifferent, as in the pressure put upon the Union there is now a virtually automatic observation: “In recent years many by outside forces, including assumption that the BBC had done that more Palestinians have been killed the Israeli government and the because it is biased against Israel, or organised Israel lobby.” worse, anti-Semitic,” he says. “It is very but usually in circumstances which Rose added it was a historic difficult for sections of the audience are less dramatic and give rise to step forward “in helping persuade to accept that the BBC got something our Israeli academic colleagues that it is time to cease silent wrong – it is maybe because it got it less striking images”.’ complicity with the illegal acts wrong, and not because it is biased. This of the Israeli state,” and that this situation polarized the debate and it is was the beginning – not the end very difficult to get the editorial debate Over 700 emails and around 80 – of a national debate on the back on pragmatic level.” letters from the public arrived for the boycott issue. Balen complains of Israel’s panel between 3rd to 25th October 2005. Meanwhile, action on the “megaphone diplomacy,” which he says Pressure group activity could be seen in ground is already taking place: In May, Professor Richard Seaford, thwarts possible dialogue. He offers the number of identical letters or parts from the University of Exeter, as an example the leak of a letter from of letters. A large number of pro-Israeli refused to write an article for an Natan Sharansky to the BBC. Sharansky supporters emailed from the United Israeli academic journal. claimed that a report on Hussam Abdu, States, often with the same complaint, “Alas, I am unable to accept a Palestinian youth who was caught on the same date and/or from the same your kind invitation, for reasons at the Hawara roadblock wearing an state: a reminder of the effectiveness of that you may not like,” Prof explosive belt, was marked by an anti- using your own words when complaining. Seaford wrote to Dr Daniella Semitic bias. Despite its shortcomings, the Report Dueck, of Bar Ilan University: “I have, along with many other “The letter,” says Balen, “was leaked is a useful tool for challenging bias and British academics, signed the to the media and became a public distortion, not only in BBC coverage but academic boycott of Israel, in debate, [concerning] whether the BBC that of the entire mainstream media. the face of the brutal and illegal is anti-Semitic, based on this single PSC’s submission to the panel is on our expansionism and the slow- report. Rather, it should have been a website under PSC News. motion ethnic cleansing being private debate about the editorial content Thanks to all supporters who wrote in practised by your government.” of that report. Now, any viewer and to the BBC. In March, Dance Europe any listener is perfectly entitled to ask refused to publish an article by Sally Ann Freeland, an questions about our coverage, but once The Thomas Report and appendices: Israeli choreographer. The it comes associated with allegations http://www.bbcgovernors.co.uk/docs/rev_ magazine requested that she of antisemitism based on an individual israelipalestinian.html sign a declaration against the report, the BBC could have done nothing occupation before publishing her else but to rebut that claim and defend Press Statement issued by the Board of work, but she refused. itself robustly. We are so far removed Governors: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ Bar Ilan University complained from what should be the case, which is pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/05_ that there is a “silent boycott” of Israel already in place. Let’s take a a pragmatic, sensible debate, where the may/02/conflict.shtml lead from the activists in NATFHE two sides can understand each other and the AUT, and turn up the better. I now get calls from government PSC thanks everyone who made individual volume a little… officials in Israel and they are legitimate, representations to the BBC Governors sensible editorial conversations, which is Impartiality Review. If you would like to be the way we should have a debate.” more involved in media work, please contact See back page for Boycott Day of Action While Malcom Balen’s appointment the office to join our media group. details. 16 palestine news ACTIVISM summer06 Laying bare the Lobby
he London Review of Books, neoconservatives, top journalists and, had “destroyed their professional was probably surprised to find most powerful of all, the American Israel reputations” by writing as they had. itself propelled into the global Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Mearsheimer and Walt replied in media limelight after publishing a combining to exert a ‘stranglehold’ on measured terms to this and other Tscholarly account of the pro-Israel lobby Middle East policy and public debate. attacks in the LRB on 11 May. They in the US, on 23 March. The evidence they put forward is end by stating: “Although we are not The authors, respected academics all in the public domain, and is clearly surprised by the hostility directed at John Mearsheimer of the University of sourced in their article. Although none of us, we are still disappointed that more Chicago and Stephen Walt of Harvard, the facts can be seriously disputed, the attention has not been paid to the clearly stated that there is no ‘Jewish authors were subjected to a predicatable substance of the piece. The fact remains conspiracy’ in the States, but rather a barrage of accusations of antisemitism that the United States is in deep trouble loose coalition of Christian Zionists, and ‘Neo-Nazism’ and calls for their in the Middle East, and it will not be dismissal – proving their point that the able to develop effective policies if it is lobby is a taboo. impossible to have a civilised discussion The US Atlantic Monthly originally about the role of Israel in American commissioned them to write an article foreign policy.” on the lobby in late 2002, but asked for See www.lrb.co.uk for the original a re-write and then finally rejected it in article and subsequent correspondence. 2005. “I believe they got cold feet,” said Mearsheimer. Harvard Law Professor Alan A US petition supporting the two Dershowitz, given to the most vitriolic beleaguered academics has already attracted attacks on any critics of Israeli policies, 1300 signatures. Shortcut to the website: launched a 45-page diatribe, in which http://www.thepetitionsite.com/ he claimed his fellow academics takeaction/875967959?ltl=1147683052
The Richard Rogers Affair – from the Riverbank to the Occupied West Bank
n the last issue of Palestine News social responsibility. opposed to economic boycott in any we reported on the inaugural A few weeks later Rogers was form (although he had participated in meeting of Architects and Planners summoned to New York, where he the boycott of the apartheid regime in for Justice in Palestine, held at has a $1.7 billion contract for the South Africa). IRichard Rogers’ Thameside offices. Jacob Javits Convention Center This show of repentance did the Lord Rogers of Riverside is perhaps and a commission to redevelop the trick. Not only was Rogers welcomed the most distinguished architect in Lower East Side riverfront. He faced back into the fold; he was even invited Britain, responsible for the Pompidou a barrage of threats and criticism and to head the judges’ panel for the David Centre in Paris, the Lloyds insurance clearly risked losing these lucrative Azrieli Prize for architecture in Israel. building in London, the European contracts. Interestingly, one of the contenders Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, However, with the help of top PR for the prize is from a school of Madrid’s new Barajas airport and, most consultant Howard Rubinstein, Rogers architecture in the West Bank recently, the Welsh Assembly. made a full recantation. He actually settlement of Ariel. Rogers graciously welcomed the 50- pronounced himself “in favor of [the The late Edward Said, patron of odd professionals (British, Israeli and wall] to thwart terror attacks on Israel”, PSC and friend of Richard Rogers, Palestinian) who attended the meeting called on Hamas to “renounce terrorism spent his life campaigning for justice for and expressed his deep disquiet and recognise Israel’s right to exist”, Palestine and calling for urgent action at Israeli policies in the Occupied and said that the Middle East conflict on ‘isolating the settlements instead of Territories, especially with regard to the is between “a country that is a terrorist allowing them to isolate and surround illegal settlements and the separation state and a country that’s a democratic Palestinians, which is what occurs Wall being built on Palestinian land. state. I’m all for the democratic state”. today’. These words are unfortunately In such situations, he said, planners He denounced boycott as a political as relevant now as when he wrote and architects carry a heavy moral and weapon and claimed that he is them. summer06 ACTIVISM palestine news 17 Synod’s decision and interfaith relations (with thanks to other members of the official line of Christianity or of Judaism Sue Plater in dialogue with Christianity. It might be Interfaith Group for Morally Responsible Investment for understandable, but it buys into the line their comments). that criticising Israel’s policies amounts to antisemitism. Christianity and Judaism he decision by Synod to back the to religious teachings and so many may be very different faiths, but surely call by the Palestinian church for Christians wanted to make reparations, both of them have a morality that includes morally responsible investment recognising the European crucible within speaking out against gross injustice and (and therefore divestment from which antisemitism was forged. These standing up for the oppressed. If the TCaterpillar) has continued to cause are Christians who do not want to convert oppressors are those who share our faith debate within Christian and Jewish Jews, but who recognise the mutual (and this has been true of all faiths at circles. It was quickly presented as foundations of their faiths — shared different times), then we should still speak an antisemitic act, with talk of it setting also with Islam — the stories of the Old out, the more so if we want our faith to be back Christian-Jewish relations by Testament/Hebrew scriptures. respected and heard. decades. Anxious to be seen to listen to In the UK, the CCJ has taken forward this viewpoint, the Anglican fundholding these conversations, and provided Sue Plater is Associate Director of the Amos bodies (the Church Commissioners platforms for shared expression of Trust and CBF) have quickly announced that concerns. The Council has high profile they will ignore Synod’s motion (and the Presidents, including UK leaders of Palestinian church’s plea for action). Judaism and Christianity — Rabbi Among those who expressed concern Jonathan Sacks, Rabbi Tony Bayfield, ‘My Name Is was the Council of Christians and Jews Archbishop Rowan Williams and (CCJ), an organisation that treads a Archbishop Cormac Murphy O’Connor. Rachel Corrie’ difficult path in their support of Israel. For over 60 years careful dialogue has CCJ do not take the theological line of continued, and from the reaction to the he play about 23-year-old American Christian Zionists, who support Israeli Synod debate it would seem that its roots Rachel Corrie, based on her own diaries Government policy (right or wrong) for are not deep enough to withstand facing and emails, was banned this March from convoluted reasons involving a belief in up to some major issues affecting both a theatre in New York, when it was about an interpretation of biblical prophecy. communities in Israel and Palestine. Tto open. It tells the story of her life, up to the The understanding of Christian Instead they have taken the idea time she was crushed to death by an Israeli Zionists is that when the Jews return promulgated by many Israelis that Israel bulldozer when acting as a human shield in to the land which is now Israel and speaks for all Jews, and in so doing front of a Palestinian home in Gaza. Since then, Palestine, then good things will happen disregard all those Jews who dissent. her parents have sought redress both from the for Christians — Jesus will return and There is some positive news about Israeli army and from Caterpillar, the company gather them up — although the same good relations between different groups. selling militarised bulldozers to the IDF. good things will not actually happen to the At a grassroots level, Christians and Jews After pressure from the pro-Israel lobby, Jews unless they convert to Christianity. are working together on the campaign for the artistic director of the New York Theatre So they want the Jews to be in control of Palestine — alongside those from other Workshop, James Nicola, said he didn’t want ‘the land’ at any price it takes (including backgrounds. These are people who are to be seen to be taking sides at an “edgy” time. Palestinian lives). not concerned so much about focusing The director, Alan Rickman, condemned the This suits expansionist Israelis, who on faith issues (some are not religious decision as an act of “censorship”. The play has want the support (financial and political) at all) as about bringing about justice, since had a second successful run in London. of Christian Zionists, whilst understanding and campaigning alongside people in Rachel’s mother Cindy, who attended the perfectly well that such people think they Israel and Palestine from the same faith opening of the Occupied Space Palestinian have to convert or be condemned to backgrounds. Following the Synod art exhibition (see page 23) in London on something awful. decision, Jewish groups based both in the 15 May said: “What happened to the play is CCJ’s nervousness about a direct UK and Israel have written to thank the symptomatic of the situation in the US… open action such as divestment is based Archbishop for his vote for divestment, discussion about this topic is often thwarted.” instead on their foundation in the post and to urge him to stay firm on this issue. She went on to say that the family had since war period, and the concern felt by many For those of us who think that a just been approached by a number of theatres in Christians that the official churches solution would assist both Israel and New York: “Ironically, the publicity has made did not do all they could to prevent Palestine (not to mention the rest of the the play a ‘hot ticket’ production.” the holocaust. Indeed antisemitism world), CCJ’s approach is frustrating The Seattle Repertory Theatre has already in its original guise owed a great deal — the more so if it is said to be an decided to stage it next year. 18 palestine news ACTIVISM summer06 Peace Branch News iverpool Friends of Palestine presentation using maps to explain the Quilt continues to be very active, holding background to the current situation, as monthly vigils and twice monthly well as photographs (copies of this CD leaflet distributions in Liverpool Rom are available from the PSC office). LCity Centre, hosting informative events Hackney has an excellent relationship Grows with visiting speakers, and organising with their local independent cinema, The fundraising cultural events. They joined Rio; they did a great deal of leafleting in the Stop the War demo against there during screening of ‘Paradise By Alison Wilkinson Condoleezza Rice’s visit in April, Now,’ and also showed ‘Visit Palestine’ The Peace & Justice For Palestine displaying banners, flags and posters, to help build for the Nakba Day demo. Quilt is growing — we now have and distributed leaflets emphasising ‘Friends of Palestine’ hosted an four sections completed (each Jack Straw’s collusion with Israel over: evening of Palestinian crafts on 9 one the size of a single-bed). All the Jericho jail-storm; blocking a UN May, at Exeter University, upon the four were shown at the recent enquiry into the invasion of Jenin; and completion of a ten-week course on National PSC AGM. his apology to Israel for the near arrest of Palestinian geography, history and Please will PSC branches and ex-General Almog. culture (see photo). Members of Exeter individual members across the A very successful one-day conference PSC were in attendance to support country consider taking up this at Liverpool University was organised the students. A week-long celebration worthwhile and beautiful project. on 4 March. Speakers included Husam of Palestine film and culture at Exeter You can either send squares to Zomlot, Charge D’Affaires, Palestinian University will be held in February 2007. the address on the back of the General Delegation, and Quilt leaflets (full instructions Betty Hunter, National inside), or you might consider Secretary, PSC. creating whole quilt sections Betty Hunter is famous for representative of each branch. her tireless campaign work Remember, if necessary, for Palestine; Herefordshire we intend to make this quilt as group enjoyed a visit from long as the Apartheid Wall! We her in March – in February are making a beautiful Wall of they organised a pubic Cloth instead of the monstrosity meeting when Judith Keshet, enclosing and dividing co-founder of Machsom Palestinians in the West Bank. Watch, also came to speak The more sections of the Quilt to around 50 people. And that get completed, the greater in the lead up to the demo Students in Exeter collect their awards for completion of a ten-week course on Palestine the publicity for the solidarity on 20 May, two meetings campaign. Please spare a few were held to rally our forces minutes to create a square – in London: one on 9 May in Central Bucks/Berks branch have been we’re perfectly happy to sew them London’s Friends’ Meeting House, and showing a series of films at its public together if you send them in. one on 16 May in Brent. Speakers in meetings, including: ‘Bury my Heart in Central London included Tony Benn, Palestine’, introduced by Jaya Sacca; Karma Nabulsi, and Tariq Ali, whilst in and Katy Barlow’s ‘Visit Palestine’. Their Brent, Daniel Machover, Fathy Khdirat, regular Reading stall happily signed up of the Anti-Apartheid Wall Campaign, Martin Salter, MP for Reading West, to and … (who else?) Betty Hunter, all PSC national membership, whilst the spoke on the crisis in Palestine. branch’s twinning group Friends of Wadi In April, Sheffield Palestine Solidarity Fuqeen have been able to send much Campaign organised two fund-raising needed funds to their twin village. The events: a Falafel and Quiz evening, branch will be running its stall in May at with delicious Palestinian food, and a the CWU Trade Union Conference in Quiz pitting ‘Sheffield’s finest brains’ to Bournemouth and is already booked up help support a social and educational to cover the TUC Tolpuddle Rally and children’s projects in Gaza. A second WOMAD music festival in July. event was a sponsored Four-Hours-Non- Stevenage PSC members are part Stop-Fun-Basketball! All proceeds went of the Stevenage Coalition for Peace, towards buying books and toys for a which includes members of Amnesty, Children’s Library in Palestine. CND, and Christian Aid. They are Hackney PSC showed ‘Our Story’ by planning a peace fair in November, Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, of the Palestine where there will be a PSC stall with info National Initiative. It is a very effective and olive oil, and potentially a film about summer06 ACTIVISM palestine news 19
Palestine. Malcolm Chapman advised: speeches by Yunis Bakhsh of Respect; “Getting involved with other peaceniks is Roger Nettleship of South Tyneside the way forward where you do not have Stop the War; Thea Khamis of Durham “Getting involved with an active branch.” PSC, Iyad Al Agha, a Palestinian student other peaceniks is the way Tyneside PSC held a joint event with studying locally, and our own Peter Durham PSC and Stop the War at the Burrett. Organisers made the mistake forward where you do not Monument in central Newcastle on the of informing the police in advance, national day of action. Durham brought however, who then prevented them have an active branch.” down their imposing half scale model from using a sound system on penalty of a Caterpillar armoured bulldozer, of arrest (under which law exactly, they Malcolm Chapman which attracted lots of attention. Good could not say).
Judith Green of the Quaker ecumenical accompaniment programme reported back on her experience of living in a Palestinian West Bank village under occupation; a group of women from Sheffield and from the International Women’s Peace Service reported on their recent participation in an International Women’s Women Speak Peace Conference in Palestine, in which they took part in local protests against occupation. omen in Sheffield presented real changes that we Campaigning work in the UK was a series of inspiring events aim to achieve for a highlighted in a workshop led by Diane marking International better future.” Langford of PSC, in which there was Women’s Day, 2006. Randa Alami information and discussion around the WOn March 4, dozens of women spoke of the 11- growing movement to boycott Israeli gathered for a day-long conference to year ordeal endured goods, and about the Stop the Wall hear Dr Mona El Farra and Randa Alami by her twin sister campaign. speak and to take part in workshops Samar, who was In the evening, singing, dancing and to discuss solidarity work. Dr El Farra, wrongly convicted of International Women’s Day in wonderful food were enjoyed by over representing the Union of Health conspiracy to bomb Sheffield 100 women supporters of Palestinian Work Committees, and member of the the Israeli embassy. human rights from around the city. The board of directors of the Red Crescent Her appeals have been turned down women’s singing group “Body of Sound” Society of Gaza, spoke movingly of despite David Shayler’s revelations delivered a rousing performance, and her experiences of living under Israeli which exonerated Samar and her co- women were treated to a lesson in occupation in Gaza. She read from defendant Jawad Botmeh. Their appeals traditional Palestinian “dabka” dancing. diaries she kept during the early months against conviction were hampered by the This event was a first for Sheffield of the Intifada outlining the ever- extraordinary secrecy surrounding the – during the course of the day over 200 present fear of Israeli attack, and daily case in which they themselves have not women (from many different walks of humiliations suffered by the Palestinian even been informed of the full extent of life and interests) participated in events people under occupation. the alleged “evidence” against them, for in support of Palestinian women in the Speaking about the recent electoral reasons of “national security”. true spirit of International Women’s Day. success of Hamas, Dr El Farra’s Samar and Jawad still languish Many women were inspired by the event analysis was that women had voted for in British prisons in spite of a long and what they learned from the day, and Hamas more because of their frustration campaign for their release. They are resolved to continue the initiative into with the lack of progress towards a just both coming up for parole shortly, the future. An immediate expression peace, and the corruption within the although concern was expressed that of this was the letter of protest to the Palestine Authority, than for their support the political climate following the July Home Secretary, and on March 8, a for an Islamic state. She acknowledged 7 bombings in London will deny them huge banner declaring ‘Free Palestine some concern about the impact of a fair outcome. At the conference, – International Women’s Day’ was held Hamas’s victory on the social status a letter to the then Home Secretary, up outside City Hall, receiving approving women and families. Although Hamas Charles Clarke, was written pleading smiles from passers-by. has stated that it is not their present for a fair parole hearing for Samar. The intention to tackle the social agenda, Dr conference participants overwhelmingly The event was funded and supported by: Lipman Miliband el Farra urged supporters to be aware ratified the letter, with over 90 signatures Trust; Barry Amiel and Norman Melburn Trust; Sheffield of the potential implications of Hamas’s collected on the day. Women’s Forum; Sheffield Palestine Solidarity Campaign; power, particularly for women: There were a number of workshops Individual donations and fundraising activities of local “My message to all women on throughout the day which focussed on women. As a result of the conference, we have raised International Women’s Day is that solidarity and practical campaigning approximately £1,500 to go towards women’s projects for we are strong and should stay strong for women in Palestine. There are Palestine. Organisers and supporters of the conference together, and with continual organised many examples of how people can are meeting to discuss how to allocate the funds, and to work in different fields we can make the show practical support. For example: organise ongoing activities in support of women in Palestine. 20 palestine news ACTIVISM summer06 Trade Union conference pledges solidarity with the Palestinian people
ver 250 trade unionists attended like the ones that had been used against the Palestine Solidarity Campaign the racist South African Apartheid regime. Trade Union Conference Frances O’Grady said that she wanted held at Congress House, to “reaffirm the TUC’s commitment to Othe headquarters of the trade union and friendship with the PGFTU. We are movement in Britain, on Saturday 11 eager to deepen and strengthen our March 2006. mutual relationship. I would like to invite The conference was an historic event, Shaher and the PGFTU to meet with the which was sponsored by 15 national TUC formally, in the next few months, to trade unions, together with the Southern discuss what form that deeper solidarity and Eastern Region of the TUC. The should take.” She said that the TUC gathering brought together trade unionists supported the right of the Palestinian from across the country to discuss how to people to a viable independent build solidarity with Palestinian workers Shaher called for an international Palestinian state and for a negotiated challenging the Israeli Government campaign of solidarity with the Palestinian settlement. occupation of the West Bank, Gaza and people to demand that the Israeli Closing the Conference, Bernard East Jerusalem. Government immediately withdraw Regan, Trade Union Officer of the PSC, from the West Bank, Gaza and East said that the attempt to intimidate those ‘Apartheid was characterised by Jerusalem, which they illegally occupy in who defended the Palestinian people contradiction with international laws and by accusing them of being anti-Jewish killings, hangings, disappearances, UN resolutions. was like the McCarthyism of the 1940s arrests, exile, confiscations, inferior Shaher received a standing ovation and 1950s and should be resisted. He education, rapes and the creation from the delegates present expressing said that PSC had always and would the solidarity of British trade unionists always make a clear distinction between of Bantustans. All this was like a and showing the determination of those the Government of Israel, its army and Sunday picnic compared to what present to respond to his call. state institutions on the one hand and Willy Madisha, President of COSATU, the people of Israel on the other. PSC is happening to the Palestinian and also President of the South African stands shoulder to shoulder for example people.’ Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), with those like the Refuseniks and all the Willy Madisha, drew comparisons between the situation other campaigners in Israel who stand for the Palestinian people and the against the continuing repression of the President of COSATU situation in South Africa under Apartheid. Palestinian people. He said: “Apartheid was characterised He criticised the British Government’s Amongst the speakers were Shaher by killings, hangings, disappearances, concept of so-called ‘even-handedness’ Sae’d, General Secretary of the arrests, exile, confiscations, inferior and said that there was no equality Palestinian General Federation of Trade education, rapes and the creation of between the occupiers and the occupied. Unions, Willy Madisha, President of the Bantustans. All this was like a Sunday He pointed out the long history of Congress of South African Trade Unions picnic compared to what is happening collusion between the British Government (COSATU) and Frances O’Grady, Deputy to the Palestinian people.” He went on and the state of Israel going back into the General Secretary of the TUC. to say that Apartheid was a brutal and 1950s when the British Government had Shaher Sae’d, General Secretary of repressive regime but those fighting assisted the Israeli Government in setting the Palestinian General Federation of Apartheid had not faced attacks by F16 up the Dimona nuclear station and had Trade Unions (PGFTU), welcomed the fighter planes and helicopter gunships nor sold plutonium to the Israeli Government Conference. He outlined the problems had there been a repressive Wall like the in 1966 behind the backs of elected facing Palestinian workers as a result of one that now stole more and more land Labour Government ministers. The real the inhuman policies of the Government from the Palestinian people. truth was that successive Governments of Israel. He said that whilst official figures “Why are all the things done to had in fact never been ‘even-handed’. state that over 35 per cent of workers are Apartheid South Africa not being done to Supporting the notion of ‘even- unemployed, by the time the Apartheid Israel?” Willy Madisha asked: “I say with handedness’ in fact meant supporting Wall is completed in 2007 it could be as confidence that Israel is an Apartheid the status quo and that meant endorsing high as 50 per cent. He explained that state. The trade union movement must the occupation: that is not an option for over 60 per cent of Palestinians are now move beyond resolutions, otherwise anyone committed to achieving justice for living below the poverty line and that history will look back on us and spit on the Palestinian people. this was caused in part by the Apartheid our graves.” His call for a campaign of mass Wall and the many checkpoints set up He called for an international solidarity inside the trade union by the Israeli Government which prevent campaign of economic sanctions and movement in Britain with the Palestinian Palestinian workers getting to work. boycotts against the Government of Israel people was warmly supported. summer06 ACTIVISM palestine news 21 Demonstration for PSC protesters to face trial Palestinian Rights On 14 March the Israeli army invaded Jericho on the West Bank and shelled and bulldozed the jail where Palestinian prisoners were being held. huge success Three Palestinians were killed, many others wounded, and some prisoners housands braved the rain in were abducted and taken to an Israeli London on 20 May to demonstrate jail. The Israelis claimed they were in support of Palestinian rights. wanted for questioning in relation to the People came from all across assassination of racist Israeli minister Tthe country together to condemn the Rehavam Ze’evi. continuing Israeli occupation and Just half an hour before the apartheid, and the West’s denial of basic invasion the official British monitors, aid to Palestinians since their democratic who were responsible for the safety vote for Hamas. of some of the prisoners in the jail, Young and old; Muslims, Christians, withdrew. Jack Straw later claimed Jews, and Buddhists; secular trade they had no prior knowledge of, nor unionists and progressives – all showed collusion with, the Israeli incursion. their outrage at the UK government’s There was an outcry in Britain and hypocritical stance– chanting loudest elsewhere at this wholly illegal and when passing Downing Street: “One, brutal operation, and Betty Hunter, two, three, four, occupation no more…” General Secretary of the PSC, When Lauren Booth proclaimed her immediately set about organising a embarrassment at being related (by protest outside Downing Street. The accident of birth!) to the Prime Minister, police told her that this needed 24 she then led the chants of: “Tony Blair hours notice. Betty said: “I felt that a – Shame on you!” peaceful demonstration on the day Speaker after speaker in Trafalgar was the best way of diffusing the Square loudly criticised the pressure widespread anger felt at the Israeli being put on the Palestinians and the action and our government’s obvious criminal withdrawal of EU aid. Caroline involvement.” Lucas, Green MEP, spoke for us all About 60 people came to the when she said: “We condemn this protest, and stood peacefully with despicable form of blackmail.” placards until the police started to Israel, while killing over 90 take names and addresses. A week Palestinians since the Hamas later Betty Hunter was called for an government was elected, has not once interview, and charged with an offence faced demands to denounce violence, under section 132 of the 2005 Serious noted Betty Hunter of the PSC. “Hamas country in history that had sanctions Organised Crime and Police Act. have more or less kept to their cease-fire imposed on it, not the occupier. Betty and four other protesters have for over a year,” said Irene Bruegel, of One demonstrator was arrested, for now received summonses under this Jews for Justice for Palestinians: “But apparently chanting into a loudhailer, act. They will appear at the Horseferry where is the Israeli cease-fire?” reminding us that as the British state Magistrates Court, Horseferry Road, Leila Sansour, of the Open supports the Israeli government SW1, on 15 June at 10.00am. Bethlehem Project, urged us not to give suppressing Palestinian rights, our rights Geoffrey Bindman’s firm of solicitors, up or be disheartened by developments at home are also under attack. specialising in human rights cases, will – to keep up the struggle for justice in Otherwise, the day was a big be defending Betty Hunter. Palestine – and pointed out that the aid success. Congratulations and thanks Betty said: “This is an unacceptable is only necessary because of the illegal to all the volunteers for the day attack on our freedom to protest. Israeli occupation in the first place. who ensured it was so – and to the Our government should be more Fathy Khdirat, the Anti-Apartheid Wall Palestinian Dabka dance group, who concerned with trying to curb Israel’s Campaign Co-ordinator for the Jordan performed heartily, despite the cold war crimes than with prosecuting Valley, among others, brought greetings London drizzle. people aiming at upholding from those struggling against the wall in international law.” the West Bank. The irony was not lost on those who A petition: “Stop starving the There will be a protest outside the court asked why the west is not at all keen on Palestinians” was launched at the from 9.30am on 15 June . If you want a boycott of Israeli goods, but is happily rally — it can be signed online or to support the defendants in this case imposing sanctions on the Palestinians. in hard copy. Call the PSC office please contact the PSC office: Palestine must be the only occupied for copies. 0207 700 6192 22 palestine news MUSIC summer06 Music Reviews Paul Hughes-Smith • The Chehade • Palestinian Brothers – A Sounds – introduces us to some of Bridge over the compilation CD Mediterranean (a joint production the best Palestinian music (Elef 5046769372 between ESNCM & available from Sterns Yabous 2001). available in the UK. www.sternsmusic. A good introduction to many of the com) groups and artists associated with these Christians from Jerusalem, this duo two organisations including Sabreen, The following CDs are now available left for Beirut in the 90s and their latest Mustafa Al Kurd, Rim Banna, El Fanoun either commercially (distributors CD produced by Michel Elefteriades Group and Washem plus tracks from websites given in brackets) or by special is certainly Mediterranean in feel with other CDs listed here. Some of these order through PSC 020 7700 6192 or Greeks, Turks and Latin musicians in artists may no longer be playing with the Friends of Birzeit University for Edward the accompanying orchestra – but the groups featured however as this CD was Said National Conservatory of Music lyrics are all Palestinian. Was one of the made in 2001. (ESNCM) CDs — [email protected]; nominations for last year’s BBC Radio 3 020 7832 1340. World Music Awards. • Oriental Music Ensemble – Emm el Khilkhal • Khaled Jubran – Psalms • Adel Salameh – Hafla (ESNCM 2000) (available only through PSC) reviewed in (Enja Records 9153-2 – www. The first CD produced at the Edward Palestine News Autumn 2005. adelsalameh.com or distributor Said Conservatory in 2000 in their Debut CD of instrumental music by Alternative www.altmusic-dist.com) new recording studio. The ensemble this fine oud and buzuq virtuoso. ‘ud player originally from Nablus and is composed of teachers from the now living in France. Adel has produced Oriental Music department that included a number of solo and collaborative CDs, at that time, Khaled Jubran. Totally • Trio Jubran this latest is more relaxed and less instrumental, this CD is, unsurprisingly, – Randana serious than previous albums perhaps. quite academic in style and approach (Fairplay FP500 He performed at last year’s WOMAD though always wonderfully musical -www.uk.hmboutique. Festival. and easy on the ear for any non-Arab com) listener. The ensemble has recently Samir and Wissam toured the US. Jubran made the • Ahmad al-Khatib – Sada album Tamaas for French label Daqui in (ESNCM 2005) 2003. Now with younger brother Adnan Teacher and later head of the oriental • El-Funoun they form a trio of ‘uds playing distinctive music department at ESNCM he was – Zaghareed intricate instrumental pieces that display forced to leave for Jordan in 2002 – Music from a high level of musical understanding and is at present based in Sweden. the Palestinian between the players. Lacks the focus Also founder of group Karloma. A Holy Land and excitement, however, of their live highly accomplished and fluid player (Sounds True performances. he performs classic pieces by past STAM109D Distributor www.discord. virtuosos of the ‘ud as well some original co.uk) compositions on this new CD. U.S recording of pioneering folk • Rim Banna dance troupe based in Ramallah, not – The Mirrors of to be confused with another group from My Soul • Karloma – Karloma Gaza who visited UK. The group has (Kirkelig Kultur FXCD (ESNCM 2001) survived for over 20 years despite being 288- www.hotrecords. More experimental group formed by considered subversive by the Israelis. uk.com) Ahmad al-Khatib at Birzeit University. Zaghareed are the ululations made Palestinian singer Now has resident Scottish flute player by women and this CD is a portrait now based in Norway and married to and Norwegian bassist, highly musical of a wedding celebration based on a Ukranian guitarist. This recent CD performances that might appeal more traditional material, albeit with songs sounds like an uneasy mix between to those who were unfamiliar with Arab and music that have been collected and Palestinian passion and Western pop- music in general but might seem a little re-arranged by the group. Most of the style production using anything from lacking in ‘soul’ for those who like their tracks are very short but some of the punk to jazz. music more passionate. singing is electrifying. summer06 ARTS palestine news 23 Palestinian art comes to Mayfair
ork Street had seen nothing like brothers, Antony Gormley, John Keane, it. At the opening of Occupied the cartoonist Steven Bell and a number Space, the art exhibition and of distinguished members of the Royal sale organised by PSC, artists, Academy. Ccelebs, buyers and activists spilled out But the items that really stole the Visitors admire Steve Sabella’s haunting piece onto the street and TV crews squeezed show were the series of large signed from Gaza. into Gallery 27 to cover the show. photos of graffiti artist Banksy’s famous A wide range of artists were artworks actually painted onto the represented: works by established Separation Wall. These would have sold Palestinian artists like Nabil Anani, Vera several times over. Tamari and Suleiman Mansour hung The exhibition was designed to alongside paintings and photographs illustrate and support the vibrant cultural by the younger generation, such as life of the Palestinian people, and to Hani Zu’rob, Tayseer Barakat and raise funds for the campaigning work Jawad AlMalhi – all producing work of of PSC in the UK. It was generously astonishing quality under the challenging supported by the A M Qattan conditions of the Occupied Territories. Foundation. UK-based Palestinian artists Laila The works can still be viewed at Shawa and Mona Hatoum generously www.occupiedspace.org.uk. If you are donated their work, as did the interested in buying please contact the internationally renowned Chapman office.
Gwithian Birchall, Occupied Space web designer, with one of Banksy’s artwork
Rosa Issa, of the organising committee, with Mona Hatoum’s piece, Visitors with ‘Security/Impunity/Geometry & Terror ‘You are still here’ (2)’ by John Keane 24 palestine news ARTS summer06
reportage was buried in section B of the newspaper, just as, more generally, the meanings of any news item are as much the product of where the item appears, how it is headlined, how Settler psyche its message is shaped by a wider editorial context as it is of the journalist’s words. Emerging out of Dor’s survey is a consistent picture, a homogeneity of treatment on the couch across apparently very different The Suppression of Guilt: The Israeli nationalism: in South Africa, as settler state – the Naqba: “In both newspapers and television Media and the Reoccupation of the in Israel, the settler society was cases the state has ultimately channels. Even when the West Bank, by Daniel Dor, (Pluto grounded in a myth of indigenous failed to become the state of all Israeli media are, in effect, Press, 2005) ISBN 0-7453-2294-8. absence, of a ‘land without a its citizens but has remained in forced to acknowledge the people.’ many ways the state of a colonial terrible deeds being perpetrated Occupied Minds: A Journey through Veracini project.” in the Occupied Territories, the Israeli Psyche, by Arthur Neslen, explores, most Where Veracini these actions are presented as (Pluto Press, 2006) ISBN 0-7453- persuasively, the is more tendentious exceptions, as accidents, as acts 2365-0. parallels between is in his claim without agency. By these means, the operation of that US support Dor argues, Israeli society is able Israel and Settler Society by Veracini the Pass Laws in for Israel stems to suppress its guilt. Lorenzo (Pluto Press, 2006) ISBN South Africa and ultimately from the Dor’s presentation of the 0-7453-2500-9 the “racialized “settler-determined Israeli media is persuasive; system of mobility consciousness of a less so is his argument that the represented by specific republican media constructs and maintains By John Yandell settler-only roads tradition.” At this a national consensus. Arthur – associated with point, perhaps, Neslen’s Occupied Minds n this country, we are a corresponding there’s a danger that makes it seem highly unlikely that bombarded with cliché- and generalised Veracini is over- any such project could succeed. ridden, sentimental, guilt- pattern of mobility egging the pudding Neslen’s book consists of a inducing accounts of the state limitations continuously in – and underestimating America’s series of biographical snapshots Iof Israel (Linda Grant’s execrable place for Palestinians: curfews, strategic interests in the Middle of Israeli men and women, largely The People on the Street: a closures, roadblocks, etc.” East. in their own words. Subtitled writer’s view of Israel is a recent The characterisation of Israel Daniel Dor’s The A Journey through the Israeli case in point). Three newly- as an apartheid state might not Suppression of Guilt shares Psyche, it presents a collective published books be news, but Veracini an interest in the ideological consciousness so fractured, from Pluto Press demonstrates the (de)formation of the Israeli so tormented as to invite the offer much more strength of the analogy state, but focuses on diagnosis complicated, at the level of policy the operation of the of multiple thought-provoking and practice. More media, in particular its personality perspectives. original, perhaps, are representation of the disorder. In Israel and the parallels that he military occupation of There is Settler Society, draws between Israeli the West Bank in 2002 “Sammy”, the Lorenzo Veracini settler society and the – the systematic state young man takes on the histories of Algeria and violence that went under who talks with argument that Australia. In considering the Orwellian name of absolutely chilling the state of the French colonial Operation Defensive frankness of his Israel is unique. attitude to Algeria, Shield. Israeli press and time in the IDF: This claim, Veracini foregrounds television coverage of “I didn’t underpinned by notions of a the bankruptcy of attempts to the occupation included a variety humiliate Palestinians most of chosen people, is an important substitute military for political of political perspectives, some the time, but I stood by and did buttress in the edifice of Zionism goals – policies that are echoed of which were bitterly critical of nothing while it happened. A because it denies the very in the actions of successive Sharon and of the IDF – Amira very few soldiers in my unit were possibility of analogy. Without Israeli governments. Hass’ searing reports from Jenin, critical but I wasn’t one of them. such comparative perspectives, When he turns to Australia, published in Ha’aretz, are an I was just a good soldier in the judgement, analysis and critique Veracini considers the parallel obvious example of this. What most banal sense of the phrase. become well-nigh impossible. with Israel in terms of a contested Dor’s careful analysis reveals, “I didn’t think I was someone But, as Veracini points out, history – the chasm that however, is how such coverage evil. I had become the essence of exactly the same claim of separates the settlers’ myth of an was shaped, how news was evil without even thinking about uniqueness, and of a God-given empty land and the indigenous framed so as to marginalise it.” historic destiny, informed the people’s collective memory of and suppress unpalatable There’s Matan Cohen, a settler ideology of Afrikaaner the founding violence of the truths. It matters that Hass’ member of Anarchists against summer06 ARTS palestine news 25 the Wall, who comments, “It’s ridiculous that Israelis feel like victims when you see The impact of the Wall tanks – shooting at children throwing stones.” And there’s the remarkable honesty of Dov The West Bank Wall, illegal settlements, recognise the illegal situation. Yirmiya, who as a battalion Unmaking Palestine by Ray house demolitions, The lack of international commander in the Naqba had Dolphin, Introduction by settler-only roads, outrage about the Wall and its tried to court martial one of his Graham Usher. Published by checkpoints, effect on Palestinian lives today commanders for mass murder. Pluto closures, and the and its political implications for Referring to a recent opinion poll tangle of permits the Palestinian future, is deeply in which 65 per cent of Israelis which constrain shaming to the West. More wanted Arabs to be transferred, By Victoria Palestinian lives, important, the Wall itself, and the he says: “We were transferred none have been passivity of the rest of the world once. How can we utter that Brittain as devastating, before the outrage, is causing a word? As long as there is no as brutal, and as continuous radicalisation among justice, how can I be proud?” he Israeli Security ambitious as the the Palestinians themselves, and But these views, as Neslen Wall annexes ten per cent Wall. One of its aims is that tens of among the hundreds of thousands acknowledges, are wildly of the West Bank. It will be thousands of Palestinians simply of young Muslims across the world unrepresentative. The picture 670 kilometres long when move away from the unviable who identify with their suffering. that he paints is one of a society Tit is finished, though it would have homes with no work, which the Ray Dolphin has been a close riven by divisions and prejudices been only 315 km if all of it had Wall has created. observer of the unravelling of – Mizrahim against Ashkenazim, been built along the armistice line The Wall was begun in 2002 Palestinian hopes along with their secular against ultra-orthodox of 1949, the Green Line, instead and was described as a temporary economy, as an aid worker in Jews, new arrivals from Russia of only 20 per cent. The actual Security Fence. Today it is the Occupied Territories for 15 against those who were born in length of the Wall tells the story of sometimes literally a huge wall, in years. His travels to the towns and Israel. What permeates almost this immensely destructive new other places an electronic fence villages most seriously affected every page is the most deep- factor in Palestinian lives, which topped with razor wire, and with by this new catastrophe gives seated racism. It is there in winds through the West Bank, ditches and patrol roads on either this book impeccable detail. The the director of the Israeli Law separating people from their land side, which sends signals to the clear UN maps also tell the story Centre’s response to Neslen’s and livelihoods, cutting towns off military if anyone touches it. graphically. question, What goes through from their neighbours, making To build it the Israelis have This book is essential your mind when I say the word many work places, schools, and destroyed tens of thousands reading for anyone concerned to ‘Palestinians’?: “There is no such hospitals, only accessible through of Palestinian olive trees and understand what is going on in thing (laughs).” It’s there in the gates opened irregularly by Israeli annexed uncounted hectares of the Occupied Territories today. casual cynicism with which a soldiers. Palestinian land, and important Graham Usher, one of the best security guard describes his day- Forty nine thousand water supplies. This land is journalists working in Israel and job, supervising the demolition Palestinians will be left in limbo on often around the major illegal Palestine, lays out the grim of Arab houses in Jaffa. And the Israeli side of the Wall when it settlements, and allows for their present and possible future in his it’s there in the calm matter-of- is completed. Sixty five thousand continued expansion in defiance excellent introduction: “Israel’s factness with which Yonatan, a Palestinians will face a daily of the effectively defunct Roadmap entire purpose behind the policies fundamentalist settler in the West commute through 11 transit points which Western leaders constantly of demographic separation, Bank, outlines his views: where biometric screening will be urge the Palestinians to respect. autonomy and the Wall has been “Occupation has become a used. Sixty to seventy thousand John Dugard, the UN’s Special to prevent the ‘nightmare’ of a filthy word. It has such negative Jerusalem ID card holders live Rapporteur, has put it like this: binational unitary state.” connotations, but when Joshua outside the Wall, and thousands “What we are presently witnessing Usher underlines how the led the people of Israel through of them are moving inside it for in the West Bank is a visible and future envisaged by Sharon’s Jordan, he was supposed to fear of arbitrarily losing their right clear act of territorial annexation strategy is a provisional state, conquer, occupy and even to the ID. This is creating serious to Israel of the major settlement whether imposed or negotiated, destroy the people if he needed over-crowding among the 130,000 blocs, which had been implanted in which the PA’s role would be to. That was the commandment, Palestinians who live within the throughout the West Bank and that of a vast municipality, payer of you know? A Palestinian people wall being built around East East Jerusalem in contravention of salaries and provider of services. whose capital is Jerusalem is the Jerusalem. The direct impact on international law.” “It would never be economically most made-up thing I ever heard. hundreds of thousands of people In July 2004 the International viable, politically independent, These aren’t ancient tribes. is the crushing of lives. Court of Justice ruled that the internally democratic or territorially They’re just people who fought Tunnels are being built to Wall was illegal. The ruling was sovereign. It would be a state us.” link Palestinian areas, and the ignored by the Israeli government, doomed to politicide, not least There may be, as Lorenzo Orwellian phrase “transportational and effectively ignored by all for the lack of a leadership that Veracini observes, no easy contiguity” is used by Israeli the Western governments who would agree to it.” In fact a future way out of a colonial situation. policy makers to replace the idea have the power to end Israel’s which means the “liquidation of Occupied Minds shows us the that Palestinians need territorial occupation of Palestinian land, the Palestinian cause”, with the impossible inhumanity of life in a contiguity for a state. but instead choose to focus on West Bank and Gaza as leftovers colonial society – and the futility of Of all the facts on the other aspects of the conflict. from the new shape of Israel, to looking to that society to produce, ground Israeli governments In international law all states become annexes of Jordan and unilaterally, any lasting solution. have created over the years of are under an obligation not to Egypt. 26 palestine news OBITUARY summer06 Rosemarie Said-Zahlan ‘A woman who had no enemies’
osemarie Said Zahlan, who as possible in working for the Palestinian died on May 10 in London, was cause. She was particularly active, with one of the foremost academic her husband, in founding and working historians of the Gulf states. She for the Gaza Library Project, which Rwas the author of the first account of the campaigned to send books to Palestine. After Bryn Mawr she taught for a 1938 Reform Movement in Dubai, and Rosemarie, the oldest of four sisters, while in Cairo, then went to live in Beirut, in addition to her books on Qatar and was born in Egypt. Her father, Wadie giving courses on cultural history at the the origins of the United Arab Emirates, Said, a Palestinian Anglican, had American University of Beirut and the she researched and wrote prolifically on emigrated to the US before the First Beirut College for Women. She then the linkage between the Gulf states and World War, and returned to the Middle moved to London to do her PhD at the Palestine. She also published studies East with American nationality, to School of Oriental and African Studies. on such widely different subjects as the establish his business. Her subject was the 18th century history 19th century Red Sea route to India, of the Red Sea route to India, and Saudi relations with the other Gulf its pioneer, George Baldwin, whose states, Anglo/American rivalry in the ‘Although her style was more biography she was working on when she Gulf, the socio-economic impact of the behind-the-scenes than died suddenly from an infection which she early oil concessions, and was a sharp fought in intensive care for three weeks. critic of imperial pressures in the region. Edward’s, she was equally She had lived in London for over She also wrote for a number of 36 years, and was completely at home academic and journalistic outlets, involved in the struggle for here, though she travelled frequently to such as the Financial Times, the Washington to work in the US archives, Middle East Journal, the International justice for Palestinians on and to be with her sister Grace, Edward, Journal of Middle East Studies, and the many fronts. Like him she and other members of the family who Encyclopedia of Islam. were living there , and to Beirut, where Like her elder brother, the late was a patron of the Palestine she had two sisters, Jean and Joyce. Edward Said, Rosemarie’s Palestinian The family was extremely close, each identity was central to her life. She Solidarity Campaign closely in touch with each other’s work. was stamped from an early age by the Rosemarie was blessed with a experience of cousins, aunts and friends in the UK’ serenity and confidence about her work who were refugees from Palestine in In her brother’s memoir, Out of and herself. She warmly appreciated 1948, and she married a Palestinian Place (1999), Edward described the everyone’s contribution, and was academic from Haifa, Tony Zahlan. privileged childhood of their wealthy, loved by all who knew her. She She was an Anglican and a US citizen, westernised, family in Egypt, from which empathised with people and accepted but Palestine was in her heart, and she he was wrenched and sent to the US for her many friends around the world and brought her intellect to a close analysis education. enjoyed their talents and company in a of every detail of negotiations, political Wadie Said always encouraged his completely non-judgmental way. She infighting, and the Western policy she so children’s pursuit of higher education, maintained close ties to childhood, wanted to see change. and Rosemarie had an especially warm college, and professional acquaintances, Although her style was more and close relationship with him. as well as members of her extended behind-the-scenes than Edward’s, she Like Edward, she was deeply musical, family scattered around the globe. She was equally involved in the struggle and her first degree was in musicology, was a woman who had no enemies, no for justice for Palestinians on many at the US college of Bryn Mawr. A critics, only people trying to please her. fronts. Like him she was a patron of serious car accident broke several the Palestine Solidarity Campaign vertebrae and stopped her playing piano Victoria Brittain in the UK. She took an active part as a serious hobby, but she took intense in shaping the content of meetings, pleasure from others’ playing. Music was and was an excellent listener, and a just one strand of her cultural interests, Rosemarie Said Zahlan, born August 20 builder of consensus among different which included going to almost every 1937, died 10 May 2006. She is survived by constituencies and interests. Despite her new play in London, and, with Tony, her husband Tony, her stepdaughter Amal fragile health she participated as much collecting modern Arab painting. and her sisters, Jean, Joyce and Grace.
summer06 palestine news 27
‘Jerusalem’ by Leila Shawa
Signed and limited edition print produced for the ‘Occupied Space — Art for Palestine’ exhibition. A few copies still available from the PSC office — £75/ Tel: 020 7700 6192.
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*Be inspired by Kathy as an orange alongside Hackney’s boycott bus at the last national event in December.