A R C H I V E S
Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board
| Hindu extremist and Zionists join forces in Oxford |
|---|
| Aafreen |
| 09/14/03 at 10:35:23 |
| http://www.mpacuk.org/mpac/data/0c038261/0c038261.jsp Picket Diary, 4th September. I was expecting a peaceful couple of hours on Oxford Street, handing out leaflets and trying to raise awareness. But I was greeted by a crowd of pro-Israel supporters, determined to sabotage our attempt to help the Palestinians. They weren't content with defending the killings of Palestinian children and advocating ethnic cleansing. They wanted to speak for us too: apparently we are Nazis who support murder. The police removed one woman who was repeatedly calling us "a bunch of Arab murderers", but otherwise the many police present simply kept these hate-filled people at a safe distance from us. But the important point is that these people are really scared because the Boycott Campaign has the potential to force Israel to treat the Palestinians fairly. They know that the boycott of Apartheid South Africa helped end oppression and brought freedom and justice. I must congratulate the Zionists on their efforts: They did more to convince me of the importance of the boycott campaign than anyone else possibly could. Last night also taught me something else: If Muslims don't speak out for themselves there are plenty of Islamophobes who are eager to speak for us - telling everyone that Muslims are terrorists, that Islam is oppressive and that British Muslims hate Britain. And they'll use this propaganda to justify killing our brothers and sisters in Palestine, and anywhere else they can get away with it. It is vital that we redouble our efforts to help the Palestinians. The only people openly supporting the Zionists were a Hindu Nationalist, a Christian Fundamentalist and a Skinhead. Many members of the public, both Muslims and non-Muslims responded very positively to the call to boycott Israeli goods and companies that actively support Israel. Most people are shocked to learn what their money is being used for and keen to stop being an accessory to the crimes against the Palestinians. The Bravery of Jews who stand up for the rights of the Palestinians The Hindu nationalist towered over the small lady, standing next to me in the picket. "Have you ever had anyone killed in a bomb?" he shouted into her face. "Well, not by a bomb", she said, "I lost people in Auswitz and I don't want any more Auswitzes". I was incredibly moved by her calm authority but Mr Hindu Nationalist didn't seem impressed. He tore into her with abuse and insults, until he was eventually moved on by the police. "Are you Jewish?" asked the Zionist who had just spent the last two hours heaping insults on our small group of protesters. But before I could open my mouth to answer he launched into a passionate rant about how I should be ashamed of myself, I was disgusting, etc, etc. Eventually I managed to get a word in and explain that, as it happened, I wasn't Jewish. "You look Jewish!" he said, in a manner that suggested that he didn't believe me. I've always admired the many Jewish people who campaign for the rights of the Palestinians. But having had a tiny taste of what they must have to face from some people in their own community, my admiration and gratitude is increased many times. Fund this campaign by donating online ____________________________________________________________ URGENT APPEAL This is an urgent appeal for support against intimidation of pro-Palestinian protesters by Zionists and British nationalists. Last Thursday around 20 British zionists (fascists/racists) turned up before us with a stall handing out leaflets about why British people should buy Israeli goods, with placards showing pictures of people killed by suicide bombs, with Israeli flags and Union Jacks. They had a megaphone which they used to espouse the usual racist insults against Arabic and Muslim people and calling on people to shop in M&S. They have promised to return this Thursday. It is vital that we have a huge turnout to show them that active solidarity for the Palestinian people cannot be chased or intimidated off the streets. Please come to demonstrate against Zionist brutality and in support of the resistance this Thursday 11 September outside the flagship Marks and Spencer on Oxford Street, near Marble Arch from 6-8pm. Solidarity, Long Live Palestine! Victory to the Intifada |
| 09/14/03 at 10:36:38 |
| Aafreen |
Madinat al-Muslimeen Islamic Message Board |