Speaking Out Against Israel while the World Watches and Israel is Present.

As some of you may know the World Economic Forum has been taking place in Davos over the last couple of days. However, for those in the West, what you have likely not seen, or at least in full and in fact were the passionate and brave comments made by the Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the President Shimon Peres of Israel in a rebuttal to his address at the forum. The preceeding minutes are equally important to mention, as it should be noted that Peres said that Pres. Mubarak of Egypt knew the situation better than Erdogan and that Peres has respect for Mubarak. Hmmm.... what does that say about the political interests of Egypt. That Peres, would comment on a good relationship. The same was also said about Abbas.)
Having watched the forum on tv here in Turkey, and the following brief made by PM Erdogan, I wanted to be sure that everyone heard what was said, and under what circumstances, being that I have not been able to find it in the Western press.

The forum, which for the most part was speaking about the recent attack that has taken place in Gaza, and the need for financial aid to rebuild, saw an international panel. However, the PM of Turkey and the Arab Union were both allowed only 12 minutes to speak while the president of Israel, Shimon Peres was given 25 minutes to speak. During which Peres made direct comments to Erdogan, rasing his voice, and calling those of Palestine (Hamas) terrorists.

Erdogan, upset at the lack of moderation by the disproportionate division of time alloted for speakers, and the allowance of Peres to raise his voice in a manner not befitting such a forum, left the forum, but not before responding to the remarks of Peres.

Thus this blog entry somewhat ties into my most recent one while I applaude the comments of Erdogan for being one leader who will stand up against the bully Peres and his illegitamate country, not only on a personal or government level, but at an international forum. Comments are now being made about the potential for regional conflict for Turkey with Israel, a repurcussion that Erdogan would have been aware of, but truth was more important as Erdogan pointed out when he called Peres a liar in front of the world.

My husband and I have attempted to translate the rebuttal comments made by Erdogan-- May Allah reward him, and unify our ummah to stand behind him, stand against Peres and Israel, and work towards change. We would like to translate the initial address made by both individuals, but it is 12 minutes for Erdogan and 24 minutes for Peres, and unfortunately is a lot of work right now, however inshallah the rebutal comments are correct.

(The following is in response to Peres' comments--


Erdogan- "Your voice has been raised too a volume too high. I know that the reason your voice has been raised to such a volume is because of the natural psychology of a guilty conscience. My voice will not be raised to such a volume. When it comes to killing, you know very well how to kill. We know how you target and killed children on the beaches of Gaza. There have been two of your previous Prime Ministers who have said something of great significance to me: 'When they enter into Palestine riding in their tanks, they feel so happy. When they go into tanks and enter Palestine, they feel so happy.' And while you give me numbers, I can give you names. I am sure that there are those among us who are curious. And also I am condeming the one who is clapping in support for such inhumanity. Because whoever applaudes for people who are killing children and people of innocence, then that applause is likewise a crime against humanity. I cannot brush the truth aside. I have made so many notes in response to what you have said, however I have not been alloted the time to respond. However I am just going to say two things."

Moderator- "Excuse me Prime MInister, we cannot start the debate again." (And with his hand he physically touches him trying to restrain his dialogue, something not common to an internation forum.)

Erdogan-" Excuse me"

M- "We just dont have time."

E- "Dont cut my words

M- "With apologies, we really need to get to dinner."

E- "The Torah says in its sixth commandment, 'Do Not Kill', yet there is killing. And there is something very interesting. Diraet Asimoni, who himself is Jewish, says: 'The barbarity of Israel goes beyond bestiality.' The Oxford University Internation Relations Professor who served in the Israeli army, Ali Shalam, says in the British newspaper The Guardian...

M- (Places his hand on th shoulder of Erdogan trying to prevent him from continuing to speak.)Prime Minister I am going to have to ask you stop.

E- Thank you, thank you, thank you (directed to the moderator). Davos is over for me as you have allowed 24 minutes for Peres to speak, while only given 12 to me. And you are trying to cut me off while I am speaking. (He gets up to leave)

M- Let me turn this over to our host...

Syria, Turkey, and Gaza-- a glimpse at Solidarity

We recently finished out trip to Syria-- The majority of our time was spent in Damascus although we spent one day in Aleppo. Damascus is really a wonderful city. The Islamic history runs deep, Islam is present in the people and being that it is the world's oldest continually-inhabited city there is plenty to explore and see. There are plenty of opportunities to seek Islamic knowledge or to learn Arabic, and I pray that Allah will bring us back there to do just that.
One of the greatest blessings that we had while we were there was the random families that welcomed us into their homes for tea, or so they could show us where they lived-- the brothers that shared food in the mosque with the men in our group, or gave them tours of mosques. Muslims happy simply to have brotherhood with other Muslims. It is a brotherhood that is alive in Syria as you walk the streets and see posters in support of Gaza everywhere-- Everything from photographs of the terror and destruction, to artistry promoting rallies. Lots of people wearing the Palestinian scarf, stores with Israli flags in front of their entrances on the ground so people would step on them as they walked in, and of course the fact that if a person has a Visa in their passport from Occupied Palestine, they will be denied entry into Syria. Small acts of solidarity that unify the ummah.

Two days ago my husband's uncle went to Gaza for the second time recently. He is a Turkish MP and especially since the cease fire, Turkey has been rallying to get aid to our brothers in Gaza. My husbands uncle is off to help with that task, and has been meeting with Egyptian authorities to arrange the airlift of Gazan citizens in need of medical attention to Turkish hospitals.
The reason I mention this is Turkey is quick to pick up criticism from other Muslims. It is easy to label them a secular country who practise a cultural Islam yet at the same time, Turkey has been one of the largest suppliers of aid and support to Gaza since the start of the recent attacks. While other countries like Egypt whose border is shared with Gaza, have seemed to have gone to be with Israel, while the Palestinians on the other side are imprisoned in their own land--- or of course major financial powers like Saudi do nothing to stop the attrocity despite their being what most Muslims view as the "Islamic Center". Of course this doesn't even touch on the political lack of support by both Egypt and Saudi-- or rather their political allignment with the enemies of our Muslim brothers. I am proud of the efforts I have seen by Muslim brothers and sisters in Turkey. Attempts are being made to help.

Lastly, the person in charge of IHH-- a relief organization stationed out of Turkey and responsible for huge amounts of aid being distributed to Gaza from Turkey, called my husband's uncle before he left for Gaza and said one powerful comment that needs to be heard...

" The people of Gaza are happy about our victory, but saddened that they didnt get to be martyred."

A statement that shows true Iman, that shows that important ability to seek Allah even in the worst of circumstance, and the love of Allah over all things, including the safety of ones family and self.

From Br. Green's Blog-- How We Can Help GAZA

I took this from www.islamsgreen.org a blog run by Br Abdur Raheem Green. I know that the rallies have come and gone but I think the other information is of benefit. And I thought it worthwhile to note that one of the demonstrations was against the Arab nations who are standing by idlely with all of the money and power needed to stop this massacre, but yet choose to do nothing.
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Help the people of Gaza
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE OF GAZA ?

'During the last seven years, 14 Israelis have been killed by mostly homemade rockets
fired from the Gaza Strip, while more than 5,000 Palestinians were killed by Israel
with some of the most advanced US-supplied armaments in the world', Seumas Milne,
The Guardian, 30 December 2008.

You will by now have witnessed the horrific scenes of murder of Palestinians at the handsof Israeli missiles. There has been widespread revulsion about this massacre and a sense of helplessness from people around the world, unable to do anything about it. Aside from our prayers to Allah to seek His Mercy, many of us may wonder what we can do to help the people of Palestine and persuade Governments to condemn the Israeli military machine and stop giving it diplomatic cover to carry out its task with impunity.

What can YOU do to help the Palestinian people of Gaza ?

1. Read the ENGAGE 10 Point Guide and get working TODAY! Visit: www.iengage.org.uk
This includes writing to your MP, signing petitions and so on.

2. Donate Money - The Palestinian people are in urgent need for your donations for
urgent medical aid and you can donate to the various Muslim charities.

3. Join a Peaceful Protest and let your voice be heard both to the UK Government
and Muslim countries:

i) Major national rally will be held on Saturday 3 January at 12.30 pm in London. Assemble at Embankment, London SW1 will then move to Trafalgar Square where a rally will be held.And across the UK. Visit www.palestinecampaign.org / www.stopwar.org.uk

ii) Demo against Muslim Arab States, Sunday 4th January, gather at Paddington Green,
London W2 at 1pm: Visit: www.hizb.org.uk

And finally, do not forget the power of Dua, our work should always be coupled with
our prayers to Allah to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and
all the Muslims and non Muslims around the world.

The Last Prophet (sa) of Allah (swt) stated: 'He who amongst you sees something
abominable should modify it with the help of his hand; and if he has not strength enough to do that, then he should do it with his tongue; and if he has not strength
enough to do even that, then he should (at least abhor it) from his heart; and
that is the least of faith' [Sahih Muslim]

Occupation 101

This is quite possibly one of the most powerful and best documentaries I have watched recently. My good friend sent me the following information and link. Please, if you care about truth watch it--- each part is just a mere 8 minutes long, watch them at once or in between other tasks during your day.

-The documentary film is entitled "occupation 101". it was made in 2006 by sufyan and abdallah omeish. i think they are originally from the US. they travelled to palestine in 2000 and ended up chronicling the occupation.

the film traces the legal history of the occupation. it also depicts the nature of the occupation, namely, what it is and how it works. further, it displays the reality of the daily lives of palestenians who at every minute are subject to the deranged zionist regime. it also talks about the role of the US. while we ourselves don't need to be persuaded about the atrocities taking place, i think it is an excellent film for you to pass on to those who are uninformed about the situation.


here is a youtube link to the film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SbjAanvUqs - this is part 1. there are 11 parts. you don't even have to go to the video store and it is only an hour and a half. i urge you to circulate this film among people that you know, and to ask them to do the same. if applicable, host screenings at your university, send it to your colleagues, post it on your blogs, facebooks, myspaces, msn messengers, etc.

here is some information about the brothers who made it: Sufyan Omeish quit a secure corporate job in New York to join his brother in making "Occupation 101". For four years, they worked on the film, pausing each time they ran out of funding to perform side jobs to pay the rent. "It was stressful," says Omeish. "We started living month-to-month. Yet when we looked at the footage we knew what we were going through was nowhere near what the Palestinians were going through. That gave us the inspiration to continue."

Why do they hate the West so much-- Robert Fisk Article

Robert Fisk: Why do they hate the West so much, we will ask
Jan 7 2009

So once again, Israel has opened the gates of hell to the Palestinians. Forty civilian refugees dead in a United Nations school, three more in another. Not bad for a night's work in Gaza by the army that believes in "purity of arms". But why should we be surprised?


Have we forgotten the 17,500 dead – almost all civilians, most of them children and women – in Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon; the 1,700 Palestinian civilian dead in the Sabra-Chatila massacre; the 1996 Qana massacre of 106 Lebanese civilian refugees, more than half of them children, at a UN base; the massacre of the Marwahin refugees who were ordered from their homes by the Israelis in 2006 then slaughtered by an Israeli helicopter crew; the 1,000 dead of that same 2006 bombardment and Lebanese invasion, almost all of them civilians?

What is amazing is that so many Western leaders, so many presidents and prime ministers and, I fear, so many editors and journalists, bought the old lie; that Israelis take such great care to avoid civilian casualties. "Israel makes every possible effort to avoid civilian casualties," yet another Israeli ambassador said only hours before the Gaza massacre. And every president and prime minister who repeated this mendacity as an excuse to avoid a ceasefire has the blood of last night's butchery on their hands. Had George Bush had the courage to demand an immediate ceasefire 48 hours earlier, those 40 civilians, the old and the women and children, would be alive.

What happened was not just shameful. It was a disgrace. Would war crime be too strong a description? For that is what we would call this atrocity if it had been committed by Hamas. So a war crime, I'm afraid, it was. After covering so many mass murders by the armies of the Middle East – by Syrian troops, by Iraqi troops, by Iranian troops, by Israeli troops – I suppose cynicism should be my reaction. But Israel claims it is fighting our war against "international terror". The Israelis claim they are fighting in Gaza for us, for our Western ideals, for our security, for our safety, by our standards. And so we are also complicit in the savagery now being visited upon Gaza.

I've reported the excuses the Israeli army has served up in the past for these outrages. Since they may well be reheated in the coming hours, here are some of them: that the Palestinians killed their own refugees, that the Palestinians dug up bodies from cemeteries and planted them in the ruins, that ultimately the Palestinians are to blame because they supported an armed faction, or because armed Palestinians deliberately used the innocent refugees as cover.

The Sabra and Chatila massacre was committed by Israel's right-wing Lebanese Phalangist allies while Israeli troops, as Israel's own commission of inquiry revealed, watched for 48 hours and did nothing. When Israel was blamed, Menachem Begin's government accused the world of a blood libel. After Israeli artillery had fired shells into the UN base at Qana in 1996, the Israelis claimed that Hizbollah gunmen were also sheltering in the base. It was a lie. The more than 1,000 dead of 2006 – a war started when Hizbollah captured two Israeli soldiers on the border – were simply dismissed as the responsibility of the Hizbollah. Israel claimed the bodies of children killed in a second Qana massacre may have been taken from a graveyard. It was another lie. The Marwahin massacre was never excused. The people of the village were ordered to flee, obeyed Israeli orders and were then attacked by an Israeli gunship. The refugees took their children and stood them around the truck in which they were travelling so that Israeli pilots would see they were innocents. Then the Israeli helicopter mowed them down at close range. Only two survived, by playing dead. Israel didn't even apologise.

Twelve years earlier, another Israeli helicopter attacked an ambulance carrying civilians from a neighbouring village – again after they were ordered to leave by Israel – and killed three children and two women. The Israelis claimed that a Hizbollah fighter was in the ambulance. It was untrue. I covered all these atrocities, I investigated them all, talked to the survivors. So did a number of my colleagues. Our fate, of course, was that most slanderous of libels: we were accused of being anti-Semitic.

And I write the following without the slightest doubt: we'll hear all these scandalous fabrications again. We'll have the Hamas-to-blame lie – heaven knows, there is enough to blame them for without adding this crime – and we may well have the bodies-from-the-cemetery lie and we'll almost certainly have the Hamas-was-in-the-UN-school lie and we will very definitely have the anti-Semitism lie. And our leaders will huff and puff and remind the world that Hamas originally broke the ceasefire. It didn't. Israel broke it, first on 4 November when its bombardment killed six Palestinians in Gaza and again on 17 November when another bombardment killed four more Palestinians.

Yes, Israelis deserve security. Twenty Israelis dead in 10 years around Gaza is a grim figure indeed. But 600 Palestinians dead in just over a week, thousands over the years since 1948 – when the Israeli massacre at Deir Yassin helped to kick-start the flight of Palestinians from that part of Palestine that was to become Israel – is on a quite different scale. This recalls not a normal Middle East bloodletting but an atrocity on the level of the Balkan wars of the 1990s. And of course, when an Arab bestirs himself with unrestrained fury and takes out his incendiary, blind anger on the West, we will say it has nothing to do with us. Why do they hate us, we will ask? But let us not say we do not know the answer.

A Letter to The Government Re: The Atrocity in Gaza

I have composed a letter to the Canadian Government re: Gaza. Please copy and paste it and send it to anyone of power in the Government in Canada or any country for that matter. Do not stand by believing that you are powerless or only one person. Please also send it to major media sources demanding they change their biased broadcasting. Lets stand up for those who are being oppressed.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

As a Canadian Citizen, who has grown up believing that Canada is a country that works to support the peace, and liberties that it bestows upon its citizens I am writing to express my deepest anger towards the Canadian Government and the failure of politicians to adequately promote peace or put pressure on Israel towards the continual terror, loss of life, and cruel attacks they are putting on the citizens of Gaza. I demand that the government stand up for the rights of those persecuted and put an immediate end to the carnage that is occurring by a bully of a country, with unjustified means of attack.
I have read the letter the Liberal Party writes as its “Official Stance and Statement about what is occurring in Gaza, calling for a ‘Peaceful Resolution.’ I am utterly disgusted by the biased position the government has taken justifying the continual attack, and utter atrocity Israel continues towards those in Gaza by maintaining that it is “Israel's right to defend itself against such attacks, and also its right to exist in peace and security.” Such a statement not only ignores the plight of the Palestinians; as such attacks are in response to complete border lockdowns, denial of food, supply and electricity, but it is a statement by the Canadian Government that such defiance of human rights by Israel are condoned.
In the Liberal Party’s statement claiming right to “Peace and Security” it completely ignores the innocent citizens of Gaza who have been massacred by such terror, and whose dead bodies continue to pile, while those injured lay waiting for the aid, supply and support from countries like Canada, while Canada ignores such need and allows Israel to continue its murder.
Please re-look at the numbers and see that the 11 killed in Israel by Hamas’ rockets does in no way justify the carnage of nearly 700 Palestinians killed since December 27, including 150 children while almost 3000 have been injured in Israeli air strikes , blockade of aid and crossing points, and Israel’s seige on Gaza. There are rights that need to be upheld under the Geneva Conventions and International Humanitarian Law, and I expect Canada to be among those who fight for such rights. Not to mention the use of phosphorus by Israel over the Gaza region which undeniably affect citizens of innocence wherever it falls, not killing but maming and burning those who the chemical comes in contact with.
Israel has now fully invaded Gaza. Their ground troops are operating to the north, south and east of Palestine (The Australian, 6/1/09). Their atrocities are coming from air, land and sea, killing and destroying what remains of the already ruins of Palestine. Nothing is escaping this neo-Nazi rampage. Israel’s war is so shocking that they are prohibiting any reporters from entering the country. They are not even allowing any humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
I demand the Canadian government to condem Israel’s horrific massacre and to insist on Israel to lift its 18-month long blockade off the 1.5 million Palestinians who have been left without basic human needs including water, electricity and food. Moreover I demand the Canadain government take serious measures in helping the oppressed and innocent people of Palestine by putting an end to this inhumane butchery. We believe the Canadian government has the means to join the rest of the world in exerting pressure on Israel real enough that it is actually paid heed to by the Israeli government. Peace needs to be restored and it needs to be restored now!

Asalam Alaikum From Turkey

Bismillah...
Asalam Alaikum everyone, wow, three months have passed. I came to Turkey in November and between spending time here and lack of internet access (and just plain apathy maybe--) I put my blog on hold. Alhamdulillah it seems now more than ever is a time to speak up-- Muslims being persecuted left right and center, while the rest of the world sits back and watches a biased media and believes, or maybe just ignores what is going on... sadly many Muslims seem to be doing so as well. We continue on with our daily activites forgetting those persecuted in our dua, and not taking action to stop the attrocities that are occurring. Being in Turkey allows for many Middle Eastern media sources to be viewed--- my heart aches as I then flip to websites of Canadian news channels to view Israel as the "Good Guy" creating justice and stopping more "terror". Unforunately because nobody is doing anything about it now-- be it the international community or Muslim groups of significant power, it will be left to Allah on the day of Judgement when those who persecute will stand before Him labelled as murderous oppressors. I pray that Allah brings the Muslims victory, grants justice, and brings patience to those fallen victim to such crime.

The above serves as a segway for the rest of this post--- Today walking in the streets of Istanbul was a girl wearing a shirt that said "We are all from Gaza"-- No hijab, maybe not the person you would first guess as Muslim supporting those persecuted (Allah knows best of course) but there she was taking a stand. Alahmdulillah it helped me to sit back and realize just how much Islam is still here in Turkey. Of course the country is ruled by a secular state and I am no way ignoring the countless wrongs and injustices that are occuring here- I am constantly reminded of them as I watch my young relatives go to school having to remove hijab just to get an education, or being a niqabi and walking down the street to have insults hurled at me--- not even me just a person who chooses to cover their hair, or the brothers who can't wear a beard because they will lose a job... It isn't bombs or bullets but it is a hardship that the Muslims here face and makes me greatful for the freedom I do experience as a Muslim in Canada-- However, that being said, Islam is still alive here. Where else do you see a secular country that has mosques every 8 blocks and where the adthan calls out loudly in the streets below five times everyday! Where you can wake to the call of Allah (SWT) and pray in mosques of those dedicated to Allah (SWT). Beautiful mosques built to show the love the people here have for Allah (SWT). Stores where some store-owners great you with salaam, and people who when they look at my daughter say meshallah and remind me to recite Falaq and Naas over her. Where today the waitor that served us asked my daughters name and new that 'Asiye' was one of the women promised paradise because of her perfect faith... Yes Islam is still alive here.

Being in a country other that Canada helps put things in perspective. In Canada I think often Muslims either want only to leave Canada or the opposite they want to live in the West because they expect that it will bring something they didn't have in the country they previously lived in. I am learning that what is best is that we pray that Allah (SWT) gives us whatever is best for us. That we pray that He (SWT) puts us where we should be and that we are open to accept where that is. Because there is work to do as Muslims in Canada, just as there are things to run from with full force. There are lessons to be learned and things to be forgotten. And in Turkey, a country often labelled as dead when it comes to Islam, or those who practise culture instead of relgion, Allah has showed me a lot while being here. Areas that I took for granted while in the West. I am far more aware of waste, poverty, sincerity, honesty in business transactions... the list could go on and on.

I guess the intention of my ramblings is to really rethink about what I have been learning rather than tell others about it, however, if there is one lesson that I hope is taken, I hope that it is that we pray more. Pray for those persecuted, pray that Allah (SWT) puts us where we need to be to best serve Him, pray that He helps us to see the best in every situation, learn from others, and that He would benefit us in our religion in all ways. That we would actively be worshiping Him and learning about ourselves in this beautiful religion.

I pray that this finds you in the best and strongest of Iman, offering sincere prayers for our brothers and sisters all over the world. Especially those in Gaza. May we as Muslims and as a society stand up for their rights, and do something to make the atrocity stop. I also pray that if I have wronged anyone in the past that they would forgive me and that Allah would forgive me for any error I have committed openly or privately. Ameen.