Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Obama: Stuck in the Middle With You
Less than a year ago I was new to the DC area, and was one of the luckiest people on Earth. I was getting the chance to be one of over a million people to witness history: the inauguration of the first black American president. Not only was this moment racially important - it was pretty much all around important. It was a move that was to signify a shift in American politics and in American life in general. People were once again going to feel a sense of pride in their country. Murals were erected in Obama's honor. His face was seen on the caps and tee-shirts of people from every age, race and nationality. His election win was celebrated throughout the world and revered as the dawn of a new era. This was why I was so lucky. This was less than a year ago.
Today, a mere nine months later and it seems like things have totally changed. As may have been expected, the right wing basically lost their minds. Something as non-partisan as health-care reform has managed to turn into an excuse for crowds of conservatives to descend upon DC, holding signs of Obama altered to look like Hitler or the Joker, making cheap stabs at Senator Kennedy's death within days of his passing and making not-too-subtle remarks about a brewing revolution if "you Democrats don't step down."
It's hard to say what these people are really protesting. As many have offered, it may be a racial issue. They can't accept a black president. While this may be true in the minds of many a non-Obama-supporter, I view this as being to simple of an answer. And I rarely accept the simplest answer as the true one when it comes to politics. Is it the 24 hour media cycle, giving any lunatic with good ratings the premier air time?? Now we may be onto something! Let's look at the recent "Tea Bagging" (does that sound dirty to you, too?) protest mentioned above. The orchestrator of this event was none other than Fox "news correspondent", Glenn Beck. If one person with an hour long daily tv program can get 65,000 (not a million, as Fox claims...sorry I take the DC Fire Department's word over Fox News') to march on the Capitol, imagine what an endless stream of Becks, O'Reillies and all their buddies can do.
And for once, I can admit that the conservatives are not the only ones to blame here. The left wing has been just as vicious and unfair to Obama as the right wing has been. The right wing is expected to push this hard against Obama. I admit, I hardly expected the amount of push back that has happened and for "respectable" Congresspeople to act like bafoons (You lie!) and refuse to work together to get anything done, but it's not that surprising that it's happening. I almost wish the Democrats had fought this hard against Bush!
The real surprise here is the left's reaction to Obama. While he is trying to fight back/work with the right, the left has begun to fault him for being a sitting duck. He's hasn't changed anything. He's not doing enough. He hasn't done anything. How can he do anything with the right pushing so hard, so unbelievably and inexplicably hard against every move he attempts to make?? This is a question the left seems to be unwilling to ask themselves.
I'm not sure what to make of it quite yet. Is the left keeping the pressure on him as a way of saying, "You may have won the vote, but it doesn't end there! You've got a lot of campaign promises to keep!"? Or are they turning their backs to the person that was once their shining hope?
Whichever it is, it seems that everywhere I turn these days, someone is attacking something Obama has attempted to do or hasn't done yet. In this environment, it seems impossible to get anything done. I've read articles about America's turn to fanaticism on both the left and right and this seems to be a perfect example of it. With one side pulling just as hard as the opposite side it seems that moving forward and backward is impossible and that we are left with one option only: to stay in the same place we are in now. While other politicians gear up for next year's elections, this may come across as a positive strategy. But for the average American - the voter - this is doing absolutely no help whatsoever. This is not what we voted for. We voted for hope, for change. At this point I'm just hoping the left and the right will give just an inch for some kind of change.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Walking to a Place of Understanding
Davina Abujudeh
June 24, 2009
For many Americans, 9/11 marked the start of a new era that represented just about anything other than greater inter-faith dialogue and understanding. An era of fear, terror, war and suspicion—yes. The last thing anyone would expect to gain from the events of 9/11 is an enlightened interaction between Jews and Muslims and an attempt to spread a message of tolerance between the two faiths.
In Tucson, Arizona, however, this has been the case for the past 6 years. Since 9/11, there has been a heightened level of dialogue between Jews and Muslims, supported and expressed by the city’s annual Jewish-Muslim Peace Walk. The event’s goal each year is to get people talking to people outside of their regular circles about what’s going on and to promote mutual understanding between Tucson residents of the two faiths. It seems to have been a pre-emptive measure taken by the city’s residents to prevent what has happened in many other parts of the country and the world—a greater rift between people of different religions and cultures, and an ever-increasing fear and marginalization of Muslims in America.
The walk this year, which took place in March, began at a Jewish Synagogue and ended at a Mosque, where participants expanded their horizons even more with a Thai dinner. The event has a different theme each year, and this year’s theme was water. Participants learned how to spell the word water, as well as other words, in both Arabic and Hebrew.
Although the event is intended to serve only the city of Tucson with its message of coexistence and interfaith dialogue, its message has reached residents of cities as close as Phoenix and as far away as the state of Michigan. Hopefully, the message will resound even further, proving to people everywhere that there is nothing to fear and much to gain from simply taking a walk with someone different from you.
Another article I wrote for ALLMEP's website...a little late...
“Two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history”:
Obama’s Promise of Peace in Israel/Palestine
Davina Abujudeh
June 24, 2009
This is the quote that kicked off the Israeli-Palestinian conflict portion of President Obama’s June 4th highly anticipated speech in Cairo, Egypt. Within just 4 minutes and 45 seconds, the US’s still fairly new president laid down what he believes is the foundation for peace between Israel and Palestine.
In the speech, President Obama makes it very clear that he supports a two-state solution and makes demands of both sides to change their behavior, lest any chance of peace be lost. Many of the statements made by Obama can be remembered in speeches made by most other American presidents since this conflict has become significant enough for the US not to ignore. However, there were significant differences in Obama’s speech which may give people the notion that we can actually believe that Obama means what he says and that, with his speech, he made have forced the peace process to take a step forward.
It is obvious in his speech that Obama was taking careful steps to be an unbiased as possible. “If we see this conflict from one side or the other,” Obama states, “then we will be blind to the truth. The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met, through two states where Israelis and Palestinians can each live in peace and security.”
It was not these types of statements, however, which set Obama apart from the men who have previously held his position. In the sentence following this statement, Obama says that, “That is in Israel’s interest, Palestine’s interest, America’s interest and the world’s interest.” What makes this sentence stand out is the fact that, unlike former US Presidents, Obama refers to the West Bank and Gaza as ‘Palestine’, rather than ‘The Occupied Palestinian Territories’ or something similar, as many former presidents have while in office. What this means for potential future peace between Israel and Palestine is yet to be seen, but in the meantime is has been taken as a very good sign, and a statement that was awarded with loud cheering and clapping by Obama’s audience.
Obama promised to patiently dedicate himself to a peaceful process towards two secure states, but also called on Israelis and Palestinians to live up to their obligations, realize their mutual responsibilities and to remember and live up to past promises for peace. Using a powerful comparison to Martin Luther King Jr.’s peaceful struggle for civil rights for black Americans, and pointing out that this peaceful struggle has been mirrored in all parts of the world, Obama called on Palestinians to abandon violence.
“Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and it does not succeed,” Obama stated. “For centuries, black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation. But it was not violence that one full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America’s founding. This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia; from Eastern Europe to Indonesia.”
These words, powerful enough on their own, are made all the more convincing and motivating coming from the mouth of America’s first black president. Perhaps without even meaning to, Obama stood as a clear example that what he was saying was right.
Obama insisted that the use of violence is, “…not how moral authority is claimed…that is how it is surrendered,” and called on Palestinians, including Hamas, to refocus their efforts on economic and social development, paving the road for their eventual independence.
Demands were made of Israel as well. Obama insisted that, in order for peace to be possible, Israel must recognize Palestine’s right to exist just as Israel expects Hamas and Palestinians to recognize its own right to exist. “At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel’s right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine’s”, Obama stated.
Obama’s biggest criticism of Israeli policies was clearly the continue construction of settlements on Palestinian Territory. He stated that the United States condemns their construction and reminds Israel of past promises not to continue this practice. Of the settlements, Obama stated, “This construction violates previous agreements, and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop.” These statements as well as others condemning continued settlement construction were met with loud applause by the audience.
The portion of his speech dedicated to Israeli/Palestinian peace closed out with a reminder to of the basic humanitarian needs that are not being met in the West Bank and Gaza. He called on Israel to live up to its responsibility of ensuring that Palestinians in both areas are able to lead free, happy and fulfilling lives, and called to attention the fact that not doing so only acts against the security of Israel. “Progress in the daily lives of Palestinians must be a critical part of the Roadmap to Peace,” Obama proclaimed. “And Israel must take concrete steps to enable its progress.”
Since Obama’s speech, there has been one faulty promise of a two-state solution made by Israel’s government and rejected by the Palestinian government. Whether or not Obama will put continued pressure on both sides to live up to the expectations he set for them in his speech is yet to be seen. Where this conflict will lie on his list of priorities, along side a crumbling economy, North Korea’s threatening actions, massive protests in Iran, healthcare and immigration reform, a war in Iraq and Afghanistan and the countless other issues the new president is facing, is something I and many others hope he considers very carefully. Hopefully his determination to find peace will not have ended with that speech. Hopefully he will, at some point during his presidency, make a concerted and determined effort to bring about a peaceful resolution. Can we do it in the next four years? Simple logic would likely tell us no, but I prefer to use the campaign slogan that brought Obama to where he is now to answer that question: Yes we can.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Giving In? Giving Up?
In the aftermath of Dr. George R. Tiller's murder at the hands of an anti-abortion extremist, I cannot hep but find it incredibly disheartening that Tiller's family is now choosing to close down the clinic. Although there are certainly many reasons beyond my own understanding and comprehension, and I really have no place to judge their decision, I still can't help but feel that the action of shutting down the clinic sends one very clear message to radical anti-abortionists like Tiller's suspected assassin, Scott P. Roeder--that their wishes can and will be fulfilled through violent means.
Although it so far appears that Roeder planned and worked independently, a NY Times article provides statements from members of Operation Rescue, the anti-abortion group that generally targeted Dr. Tiller's clinic and was working towards its closing (through legal, not murderous means) in which they expressed their joy at the clinic's closing, and announcing their plans to move on from Wichita to other parts of the country.
While Operation Rescue is certainly not directly responsible for Tiller's murder, the joy they express over the closing of his clinic (and subsequently his murder) and their plans to move on to the next abortion clinic is only motivating the next fanatic to put up a rifle, kill another doctor and hopefully shut down another clinic. It's just a means to an end, right?
I don't pretend to have the slightest idea of why Tiller's family is choosing to close down the clinic, but I hope that the decision was not one made out of fear. Such a decision sends out the message to countless other extremists that they can get what they want by harming others. How many others will see what has happened and pick up their own weapons, knowing that by taking someone else's life they will scare others into submission. Could this be part of the reason a white supremacist walked into the US Holocaust Memorial in DC today and opened fire, killing an innocent security guard? What other lunatics, up until now teetering on the line between dangerous thought and deadly actions will now have the inspiration they needed to push them over that fragile edge?
I never understood why politicians and military personnel employ the unwavering strategy of non-negotiation with terrorists. Now I have a much better idea of why that is. It's because they're crazy, they're lunatics, and there is no negotiations for what they want. It's not right to win any fight by fear, and this situation is certainly no exception. Giving in or giving up is not the right answer.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Singing to the Peace Tune
Hello-
I figured I'd post this article I wrote for ALLMEP's website. It took me so long I don't know if it will actually be published, but I figured I'd put it up here anyway. Enjoy!
Building Peace, One Note At A Time
You can call them many things--ambassadors for peace, progress makers, barrier breakers, models of coexistence—just don’t call them off key!
Mira Awad, a Christian Palestinian from Galilee, and Noa (Achinoam Nini), an Israeli Jew, are singers working towards peace and coexistence through the power of their voices, in song form. While many people speak out against violence and war in the region, these two women chose instead to sing about the need for peace in Israel/Palestine. They hope to spread the word of peace to whoever in the world isn’t yet listening, one note at a time.
The duo’s song, “There Must Be Another Way”, was broadcast on this year’s Eurovision contest, in which the pair performed as representatives of Israel. The song’s lyrics are sung in English, Arabic and Hebrew and argue, as its title implies, that there must be an alternative to the present situation. “And when I cry, I cry for both of us…My pain has no name,” the lyrics state, telling the world that both sides of this conflict suffer and that both an Israeli and a Palestinian can relate to the pain the other is feeling.
The performance was aired in the midst of the conflict between Israel and Gaza, causing a flurry of criticism against the duo. An open letter was drafted, asking the pair to withdraw from the competition. The letter stated that the performance was just Israeli propaganda—a way of taking the world’s eyes off of the war in Gaza and putting them on a more positive vision of the situation in Israel/Palestine.
This criticism is outlined in a JTA article by Dina Kraft, “For Arab-Jewish singing duo, coexistence conquers criticism.” (http://jta.org/news/article/2009/05/04/1004896/arab-jewish-duo-head-for-singing-contest-amid-criticism) This article published a statement from the letter sent to the women, saying that, “The Israeli government is sending the two of you to Moscow as part of its propaganda machine that is trying to create the appearance of ‘coexistence’ under which is carries out the daily massacre of Palestinian civilians.” The sentiments expressed in this letters and by its supporters can be seen by recent protests occurring in Brooklyn, NY, where 150 people protested in support of boycotting Israeli based dance group, Batsheva Dance Company, which was performing at the Brooklyn Academy of Music during the war in Gaza. (http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/32/10/32_10_bm_bam_protest.html)
This article points out further criticism of the duo on behalf of right-wing Israeli law makers, who question Awad’s ability to ‘properly’ represent Israel. Awad, who grew up in Haifa and has expressed mixed emotions about being asked to perform in the show at the same time as the war in Gaza was occurring, is the first Israeli Arab to represent Israel in this competition. Awad is quoted in the article as responding to this criticism with stating, “I have a lot of friends who are Jewish Israelis, people who love me and would give their life for me. And therefore it opens your eyes when you realize the human connection is first and foremost, and then come the issues of nationality and religion.
The women did not withdraw, and have since also performed the song “Word” together. Despite their critics, these brave women are using their talents to work towards bringing about peace and letting the world now that it is possible for Israelis and Palestinians to work together, even if it’s just for a song. This positive momentum is exactly what the region, and the world needs.
I figured I'd post this article I wrote for ALLMEP's website. It took me so long I don't know if it will actually be published, but I figured I'd put it up here anyway. Enjoy!
Building Peace, One Note At A Time
You can call them many things--ambassadors for peace, progress makers, barrier breakers, models of coexistence—just don’t call them off key!
Mira Awad, a Christian Palestinian from Galilee, and Noa (Achinoam Nini), an Israeli Jew, are singers working towards peace and coexistence through the power of their voices, in song form. While many people speak out against violence and war in the region, these two women chose instead to sing about the need for peace in Israel/Palestine. They hope to spread the word of peace to whoever in the world isn’t yet listening, one note at a time.
The duo’s song, “There Must Be Another Way”, was broadcast on this year’s Eurovision contest, in which the pair performed as representatives of Israel. The song’s lyrics are sung in English, Arabic and Hebrew and argue, as its title implies, that there must be an alternative to the present situation. “And when I cry, I cry for both of us…My pain has no name,” the lyrics state, telling the world that both sides of this conflict suffer and that both an Israeli and a Palestinian can relate to the pain the other is feeling.
The performance was aired in the midst of the conflict between Israel and Gaza, causing a flurry of criticism against the duo. An open letter was drafted, asking the pair to withdraw from the competition. The letter stated that the performance was just Israeli propaganda—a way of taking the world’s eyes off of the war in Gaza and putting them on a more positive vision of the situation in Israel/Palestine.
This criticism is outlined in a JTA article by Dina Kraft, “For Arab-Jewish singing duo, coexistence conquers criticism.” (http://jta.org/news/article/2009/05/04/1004896/arab-jewish-duo-head-for-singing-contest-amid-criticism) This article published a statement from the letter sent to the women, saying that, “The Israeli government is sending the two of you to Moscow as part of its propaganda machine that is trying to create the appearance of ‘coexistence’ under which is carries out the daily massacre of Palestinian civilians.” The sentiments expressed in this letters and by its supporters can be seen by recent protests occurring in Brooklyn, NY, where 150 people protested in support of boycotting Israeli based dance group, Batsheva Dance Company, which was performing at the Brooklyn Academy of Music during the war in Gaza. (http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/32/10/32_10_bm_bam_protest.html)
This article points out further criticism of the duo on behalf of right-wing Israeli law makers, who question Awad’s ability to ‘properly’ represent Israel. Awad, who grew up in Haifa and has expressed mixed emotions about being asked to perform in the show at the same time as the war in Gaza was occurring, is the first Israeli Arab to represent Israel in this competition. Awad is quoted in the article as responding to this criticism with stating, “I have a lot of friends who are Jewish Israelis, people who love me and would give their life for me. And therefore it opens your eyes when you realize the human connection is first and foremost, and then come the issues of nationality and religion.
The women did not withdraw, and have since also performed the song “Word” together. Despite their critics, these brave women are using their talents to work towards bringing about peace and letting the world now that it is possible for Israelis and Palestinians to work together, even if it’s just for a song. This positive momentum is exactly what the region, and the world needs.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Swine Flu Blues
I was welcomed to Monday morning by a daily newspaper featuring three articles about the latest fashion in communicable diseases: the Swine Flu. Generally, this particular daily newspaper doesn't feature more than one article on a particular subject, so this must be a really big deal.
As I began reading through the articles, whose fear-inducing titles proudly proclaimed that the "Swine Flu's Course [is] Unpredictable" and letting us all know that "Fear Over Swine Flu Grows" throughout the world. Apparently, we should all be really, really scared.
For some reason, be it my natural aversion to all that is trendy or maybe just my common sense, as I read through these articles, I began a silent protest against any type of irrational fear of this "epidemic"--which, I must point out, isn't even guarenteed to become an epidemic quite yet. This point is really the heart of my protest. While I certainly feel for those who have been afflicted by this sickness and their families, and I carry some amount of healty fear of it, as I do any other serious sickness, I don't see what the point is of freaking out about this, especially if we don't even know if it will become our next plague yet. And even if it does become so, what can I do about it? How can I stop a plague from infecting millions of people--myself having the potential of infection as well? And why should I spend my time worrying about it? In my opinion, worry leads to stress, which makes people much more suceptable to infection.
Additionally, I am refusing to allow the media to control me by scaring the crap out of me. I highly suspect the media's motive to be to get everyone hanging off of their every words, fighting each other to get to the newspaper stands first to see just how safe or unsafe they may be. People need to make sure that the 'epidemic' is close enough to them that they can feel rightfully frightened but far away enough that they have dramatic tales to read about families being quarantined in Mexico. And the media is more than happy to give them just that for the right amount. I refuse to buy into it.
And then comes the irony, forever present if you keep your eyes open. Sitting right beside the major article about the swine flu is a much smaller article about a group of doctors stating that men over 50 do not necessarily need to screen for prostate cancer. The kicker?? Within the article, a figure is quoted that 28,000 men were killed last year by prostate cancer. Why are we advising against screening for a deadly disease that killed 28,000 people in one year while simultaneously spreading word that the Black Plague, Part Deux is on its way without even knowing how much of a 'pandemic' the recent outbreak of swine flu will even be?
This is my protest, and I'm sticking to it! Until, as irony would have it, I contract swine flu and proceed to stick my foot in my mouth, where it probably belongs anyway.
As I began reading through the articles, whose fear-inducing titles proudly proclaimed that the "Swine Flu's Course [is] Unpredictable" and letting us all know that "Fear Over Swine Flu Grows" throughout the world. Apparently, we should all be really, really scared.
For some reason, be it my natural aversion to all that is trendy or maybe just my common sense, as I read through these articles, I began a silent protest against any type of irrational fear of this "epidemic"--which, I must point out, isn't even guarenteed to become an epidemic quite yet. This point is really the heart of my protest. While I certainly feel for those who have been afflicted by this sickness and their families, and I carry some amount of healty fear of it, as I do any other serious sickness, I don't see what the point is of freaking out about this, especially if we don't even know if it will become our next plague yet. And even if it does become so, what can I do about it? How can I stop a plague from infecting millions of people--myself having the potential of infection as well? And why should I spend my time worrying about it? In my opinion, worry leads to stress, which makes people much more suceptable to infection.
Additionally, I am refusing to allow the media to control me by scaring the crap out of me. I highly suspect the media's motive to be to get everyone hanging off of their every words, fighting each other to get to the newspaper stands first to see just how safe or unsafe they may be. People need to make sure that the 'epidemic' is close enough to them that they can feel rightfully frightened but far away enough that they have dramatic tales to read about families being quarantined in Mexico. And the media is more than happy to give them just that for the right amount. I refuse to buy into it.
And then comes the irony, forever present if you keep your eyes open. Sitting right beside the major article about the swine flu is a much smaller article about a group of doctors stating that men over 50 do not necessarily need to screen for prostate cancer. The kicker?? Within the article, a figure is quoted that 28,000 men were killed last year by prostate cancer. Why are we advising against screening for a deadly disease that killed 28,000 people in one year while simultaneously spreading word that the Black Plague, Part Deux is on its way without even knowing how much of a 'pandemic' the recent outbreak of swine flu will even be?
This is my protest, and I'm sticking to it! Until, as irony would have it, I contract swine flu and proceed to stick my foot in my mouth, where it probably belongs anyway.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Oh, The Irony
As our nation's economy continues to....I won't use the word 'crumble' here...that is just too pessimistic of a word and I always prefer to err on the side of optimism. Besides, stating that our economy is crumbling would be somewhat of a stretch of the truth. So I will put it this way: As a portion of our nation's once successful industries continue to make declines in their prosperity (better than crumbling economy??) it's interesting to see how the international markets are doing, and why.
Having said that, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the latest hot-spot for the auto industry, one of America's industries that we all know is sadly struggling in our current recession. Americans seem to have the idea that if American business is doing badly, then all the world's business must be following suit. And in many cases, this statement holds true However, there is one place on Earth where the auto industry is actually booming--and here's the kicker--not only despite America's policies, but also because of them!
With that, I'd like to propose GM, Ford and the rest of them consider a new headquarters where the auto industry is steadily doing better...Baghdad! According to the April 4 edition of The Washington Post's Express newspaper, "Business, not bombs, is booming at Baghdad car dealerships, as well-heeled Iraqis are indulging in a passion long out of reach--spiffy new cars...This may make Baghdad one of the few cities where the auto industry is doing relatively well."
OK so this is great, but where, exactly, does the bitter irony set in? Right about the following sentence in the article, which states, "With its limited banking system, Iraq has laregly avoided the global finanical meltdown. And unlike elsewhere in the world, gas prices--about $1.52 a gallon--aren't much of a deterrent to those Iraqis eager and able to catch up with teh good life behind the wheel."
Through years of economic sanctioning and warfare against Iraq, the United States, along with a portion of the rest of the 'developed' world has actually created a country that the global financial meltdown may just bypass, or at least jsut not hit as hard. Of course, this is only one small advantage of the carnage amassed on this country over the past few....decades. And a very expensive one, as well. I would imagine (and the article supports) that there is only a very small percentage of Iraqis who can afford luxury cars and the gas needed to power them. But it will be very interesting to see what other, more affordable 'glitches' in the global financial breakdown will turn up, both in Iraq and the rest of the 'under-developed' world.
Having said that, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the latest hot-spot for the auto industry, one of America's industries that we all know is sadly struggling in our current recession. Americans seem to have the idea that if American business is doing badly, then all the world's business must be following suit. And in many cases, this statement holds true However, there is one place on Earth where the auto industry is actually booming--and here's the kicker--not only despite America's policies, but also because of them!
With that, I'd like to propose GM, Ford and the rest of them consider a new headquarters where the auto industry is steadily doing better...Baghdad! According to the April 4 edition of The Washington Post's Express newspaper, "Business, not bombs, is booming at Baghdad car dealerships, as well-heeled Iraqis are indulging in a passion long out of reach--spiffy new cars...This may make Baghdad one of the few cities where the auto industry is doing relatively well."
OK so this is great, but where, exactly, does the bitter irony set in? Right about the following sentence in the article, which states, "With its limited banking system, Iraq has laregly avoided the global finanical meltdown. And unlike elsewhere in the world, gas prices--about $1.52 a gallon--aren't much of a deterrent to those Iraqis eager and able to catch up with teh good life behind the wheel."
Through years of economic sanctioning and warfare against Iraq, the United States, along with a portion of the rest of the 'developed' world has actually created a country that the global financial meltdown may just bypass, or at least jsut not hit as hard. Of course, this is only one small advantage of the carnage amassed on this country over the past few....decades. And a very expensive one, as well. I would imagine (and the article supports) that there is only a very small percentage of Iraqis who can afford luxury cars and the gas needed to power them. But it will be very interesting to see what other, more affordable 'glitches' in the global financial breakdown will turn up, both in Iraq and the rest of the 'under-developed' world.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
OpEd gets published!!!
That's right! To my very great surprise, my op-ed (Finding the Middle Ground, which I posted earlier) was published by my alma matter's newspaper, the UMass Boston Mass Media. They probably only published it cuz I'm an alum, but hey, it's a start!
I really like their graphic!
Friday, February 13, 2009
A Peek at Peace
I want to showcase some of the photography done by Jessie Boylan, an Australian photographer who has been travelling through Israel/Palestine taking photographs of several organizations in t
he region working on various peace projects. Jessie was in contact with the Alliance for Middle East Peace (http://www.allmep.org/), an umbrella organization of over 50 non-profits working towards peace and coexistence in Israel/Palestine. I have been working with ALLMEP since October 2007 as an intern/volunteer and assisted in coordination efforts between Jessie and ALLMEP members in Israel/Palestine.
These photos were taken at Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salaam (Oasis of Peace), a village in Israel comprised of 50% Jewish and 50% Palestinian Israeli citizens. The photos are of Jewish and Palestinian children who live in the village, and offer a glimpse of what peace between Arabs and Jews in the region can look like. More information about the village can be found on their website at http://www.oasisofpeace.org/.
he region working on various peace projects. Jessie was in contact with the Alliance for Middle East Peace (http://www.allmep.org/), an umbrella organization of over 50 non-profits working towards peace and coexistence in Israel/Palestine. I have been working with ALLMEP since October 2007 as an intern/volunteer and assisted in coordination efforts between Jessie and ALLMEP members in Israel/Palestine.These photos were taken at Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salaam (Oasis of Peace), a village in Israel comprised of 50% Jewish and 50% Palestinian Israeli citizens. The photos are of Jewish and Palestinian children who live in the village, and offer a glimpse of what peace between Arabs and Jews in the region can look like. More information about the village can be found on their website at http://www.oasisofpeace.org/.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
You can pay for me to go to Israel/Palestine!!
This post is the official kick-off for my fundraising plan to raise the funds I need to cover the costs of a peace delegation to Israel/Palestine this year, which I was recently accepted to. The delegation is run by an organization called Interfaith Peace Builders, and the trip I will most likely be joining is co-sponsored by the American Friends Service Committee. This delegation is centered around the Palestinian Olive Harvest. Participants on the delegation will assist Palestinan farmers, as well as Palestinian and Israeli volunteers and peace makers, harvest this crop. Additionally, participants will gain in-depth knowledge from peace groups and avegerage people living on both sides of the conflict about what it's like to live in that environment, what is being done to help resolve the conflict and what Americans can do to work towards its resolution.
Upon return to the United States, delegates are required to share the knowledge they have learned with their communities and the media. As I am already somewhat active in this area, I plan to use experience to supplement and increase my activity. Staff members of sponsoring organizations as well as former delegates will assist myself and others with finding ways to share our experience with the public and the media.
The cost of the delegation itself is about $2,000.00, which does not include airfare. I am hoping to raise $3,000.00-$3,500.00 to cover the delegation, airfare (we are provided with group flight rates, which are discounted)and any meals that aren't covered in the cost. Any additional spending money will be provided by my own personal funds. The Interfaith Peace Builders does provide scholarships for those who require them. I have filled out a scholarship application and will find out whether or not I qualify for one and, if so, how much it will be for, closer to the trip.
More information about the delegation and about the Interfaith Peace Builders can be found on their website at: www.ifpbdel.org.
Upon return to the United States, delegates are required to share the knowledge they have learned with their communities and the media. As I am already somewhat active in this area, I plan to use experience to supplement and increase my activity. Staff members of sponsoring organizations as well as former delegates will assist myself and others with finding ways to share our experience with the public and the media.
The cost of the delegation itself is about $2,000.00, which does not include airfare. I am hoping to raise $3,000.00-$3,500.00 to cover the delegation, airfare (we are provided with group flight rates, which are discounted)and any meals that aren't covered in the cost. Any additional spending money will be provided by my own personal funds. The Interfaith Peace Builders does provide scholarships for those who require them. I have filled out a scholarship application and will find out whether or not I qualify for one and, if so, how much it will be for, closer to the trip.
More information about the delegation and about the Interfaith Peace Builders can be found on their website at: www.ifpbdel.org.
Totally Unrelated
So this is completely unrelated to anything on this blog, but I have to give a quick shot-out to my favorite band ever, The Mars Volta, who just won their first Grammy for best Hard Rock album or something like that. They don't need the Grammy to prove their greatness, but it's nice to know that quality music is finally being recognized and rewarded.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
My First Op-Ed
So after two full days of lobby/advocacy training and actual lobbying on the Hill I decided that daily e-mails to Obama may not exactly be the most effective way to get my voice heard. The occasional e-mail when the occasion calls for it is one thing but daily....maybe not so much anymore.
After the "success" of having my letter published (butchered as it may have been) I became motivated to take the next step: writing up an Op-Ed. Very much outside of my usual character, I have decided to be less controversial and take a much more middle ground, as the title illustrates. I will try submitting it to some big-name papers and, after being rejected by them, will try some smaller papers--I was thinking maybe North Dakota or Alaska, maybe some rural paper there will publish it. I will keep you updated on its progress!
February 3, 2009
Finding the Middle Ground
Within the past couple of months, the on-going conflict between Israel and Gaza has been on the forefront of the news as well as the op-eds and letters to newspapers nationally. Reading these opinion pieces are often like watching a soap opera or bad reality t.v. show—the pieces next to always swing back and forth from one extreme opinion to the other. The writer writes from their standpoint, which is either “Pro-Israel” or “Pro-Palestine” and attempts to educate the world on why their side is right and should have the upper hand and the sympathy of the masses. Aside from riling emotions and potentially increasing media sales figures, this opinion writing style does little to actually address and much less solve any issues in Israel/Palestine. What is clearly lacking is the essential middle ground.
On both sides of this 60-plus year old conflict, one will find stories of injustice, loss, anger and, in many cases, hatred towards the other side. For many people directly involved in the conflict, it is probably impossible to change many of those deep-seeded emotions, but I would assume that the majority of Israelis and Palestinians simply want to live their lives free of violence and the daily threat of death and destruction. It is the extremists, very much prevalent on BOTH sides of the conflict, who make this dream impossible.
Most US citizens can barely fathom what life is like for the average person living in this region. So it’s almost ironic that Americans can be the most radical, the most extreme in our one-sided opinions of Israel/Palestine. This issue of taking a side and defending it with such fervor (and often with much ignorance) makes it impossible for our government to be forced to find and follow through with a viable solution to offer the region. It’s time for Americans to offer a third option to this two-sided issue: a middle ground on which people who support peace, reconciliation and coexistence can stand. Not only is it moral, but also invaluable for our country’s security.
As someone who has studied this conflict and been actively involved in working towards its resolution in some way, I have found that the more I learn about the situation the more even-toned my dealings with it become. I have learned through experience that acting off of my emotions is the easier but much less effective way to deal with the situation. Bickering back and forth about who is right and who has suffered more is doing nothing but working backwards. Moving forward (this means not looking back at what has happened) with open hearts and minds and with, most importantly, a listening ear is the only effective action Americans can take. It is not us who have to pay the ultimate price for this ongoing fight.
Davina Abujudeh
After the "success" of having my letter published (butchered as it may have been) I became motivated to take the next step: writing up an Op-Ed. Very much outside of my usual character, I have decided to be less controversial and take a much more middle ground, as the title illustrates. I will try submitting it to some big-name papers and, after being rejected by them, will try some smaller papers--I was thinking maybe North Dakota or Alaska, maybe some rural paper there will publish it. I will keep you updated on its progress!
February 3, 2009
Finding the Middle Ground
Within the past couple of months, the on-going conflict between Israel and Gaza has been on the forefront of the news as well as the op-eds and letters to newspapers nationally. Reading these opinion pieces are often like watching a soap opera or bad reality t.v. show—the pieces next to always swing back and forth from one extreme opinion to the other. The writer writes from their standpoint, which is either “Pro-Israel” or “Pro-Palestine” and attempts to educate the world on why their side is right and should have the upper hand and the sympathy of the masses. Aside from riling emotions and potentially increasing media sales figures, this opinion writing style does little to actually address and much less solve any issues in Israel/Palestine. What is clearly lacking is the essential middle ground.
On both sides of this 60-plus year old conflict, one will find stories of injustice, loss, anger and, in many cases, hatred towards the other side. For many people directly involved in the conflict, it is probably impossible to change many of those deep-seeded emotions, but I would assume that the majority of Israelis and Palestinians simply want to live their lives free of violence and the daily threat of death and destruction. It is the extremists, very much prevalent on BOTH sides of the conflict, who make this dream impossible.
Most US citizens can barely fathom what life is like for the average person living in this region. So it’s almost ironic that Americans can be the most radical, the most extreme in our one-sided opinions of Israel/Palestine. This issue of taking a side and defending it with such fervor (and often with much ignorance) makes it impossible for our government to be forced to find and follow through with a viable solution to offer the region. It’s time for Americans to offer a third option to this two-sided issue: a middle ground on which people who support peace, reconciliation and coexistence can stand. Not only is it moral, but also invaluable for our country’s security.
As someone who has studied this conflict and been actively involved in working towards its resolution in some way, I have found that the more I learn about the situation the more even-toned my dealings with it become. I have learned through experience that acting off of my emotions is the easier but much less effective way to deal with the situation. Bickering back and forth about who is right and who has suffered more is doing nothing but working backwards. Moving forward (this means not looking back at what has happened) with open hearts and minds and with, most importantly, a listening ear is the only effective action Americans can take. It is not us who have to pay the ultimate price for this ongoing fight.
Davina Abujudeh
Friday, January 30, 2009
Letter Published in the Paper...Obama Gets a Break
So, today I had a letter published in the daily Express in DC, so I decided to let Obama off the hook for the day and not e-mail him. And Monday I will be lobbying all day so I may not e-mail him then either. But just wait till Tuesday, Obama!!! Here's what my letter stated (after all the editing the paper did to it):
Another Excuse for Israel
(not my title but definitely much catchier)
A story in Thursday's Express ("Envoy Urges Extended Gaza Truce") said Israel is threatening more violence for the use of the tunnels between GAza and Egypt. One of your stories a couple weeks ago said these tunnels are actually mainly used to bring food and medical supplies into Gaza. It's unrealistic for Israel to expect the Palestinians in Gaza to not use these tunnels when they have basically no other way to get supplies. It's just another excuse for Israel to continue its massacre on the Palestinians.
-Davina Abujudeh
Here's what I actually wrote:
January 29, 2009
Gaza Tunnels Used for "Smuggling"
In an article published in today's edition, there was an article stating that Israel is threatening more violence for one offense--the use of the tunnels between Gaza and Egypt. As one of your published articles a couple weeks ago explained, these tunnels used in Gaza to "smuggle" weapons used by Hamas are actually mainly used to bring food and medical supplies into Gaza, which is the most populated region in the world and is complete blocked off from the outside world but for these tunnels. It is completely unrealistic for Israel to expect that Palestinians in Gaza will discontinue using these tunnels when they have basically no other method of supplying themselves with food, water and medical supplies, especially in a time when they need those things the most. It's clearly just another excuse for Israel to continue its masacre on the Palestinian people.
-Davina Abujudeh
Their version makes me sounds a lot stupider, don't you think? Anyone else smell a consipracy?!?!?!?!? Make me sound stupid and look like a fool, will you?!?!?!?!? How dare the Express! I'm shocked by the bias and dishonesty of the media! Oh no, wait, I'm not.
Another Excuse for Israel
(not my title but definitely much catchier)
A story in Thursday's Express ("Envoy Urges Extended Gaza Truce") said Israel is threatening more violence for the use of the tunnels between GAza and Egypt. One of your stories a couple weeks ago said these tunnels are actually mainly used to bring food and medical supplies into Gaza. It's unrealistic for Israel to expect the Palestinians in Gaza to not use these tunnels when they have basically no other way to get supplies. It's just another excuse for Israel to continue its massacre on the Palestinians.
-Davina Abujudeh
Here's what I actually wrote:
January 29, 2009
Gaza Tunnels Used for "Smuggling"
In an article published in today's edition, there was an article stating that Israel is threatening more violence for one offense--the use of the tunnels between Gaza and Egypt. As one of your published articles a couple weeks ago explained, these tunnels used in Gaza to "smuggle" weapons used by Hamas are actually mainly used to bring food and medical supplies into Gaza, which is the most populated region in the world and is complete blocked off from the outside world but for these tunnels. It is completely unrealistic for Israel to expect that Palestinians in Gaza will discontinue using these tunnels when they have basically no other method of supplying themselves with food, water and medical supplies, especially in a time when they need those things the most. It's clearly just another excuse for Israel to continue its masacre on the Palestinian people.
-Davina Abujudeh
Their version makes me sounds a lot stupider, don't you think? Anyone else smell a consipracy?!?!?!?!? Make me sound stupid and look like a fool, will you?!?!?!?!? How dare the Express! I'm shocked by the bias and dishonesty of the media! Oh no, wait, I'm not.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
January 29, 2009
Dear President Obama,
I read in the paper today that George Mitchell has made some strong comments about Gazans' use of tunnels for "smuggling" purposes. As I have written to you before, and as you well know, these tunnels--while they may in some cases be used to smuggle weapons into Gaza--these tunnels are for the most part used to "smuggle" things like food and medical supplies to the citizens of Gaza. Without the access that these tunnels provide to the outside world, Gazans are left with barely any life-sustaining resources in the most populated region in the world.
I ask you once again to not punish or allow the punishment of Palestinians in Gaza to continue just because they are doing what they need to do to survive. The rest of the world knows that Israel is using the tunnels and the "smuggling" as an excuse to continuously kill Palestinians.
The actions taken by Israel in general and within the past few months in particular have been absolutely unthinkable. 600 Palestinian civilians have been killed, with more surely to come. There have been billions of dollars in damages, families have lost their homes, businesses and any other trace of a life they may have had before and young Palestinian children are being traumatized into the hatred towards Israel which has spurred this violence to begin with. Why are we letting this happen? It would be bad enough if we sat back and acted like we didn't know what was going on--I think I would prefer that to actually supporting the proprietors of this violence.
I know that you and your administration, with the appointment of George Mitchell, are working towards a resolution but I am already skeptical--will this resolution be unbiased? Will it be skewed in Israel's favor, once again?
I ask you to please not let this happen. History and the majority of the world will thank you for it.
Sincerely,
Davina Abujudeh
Dear President Obama,
I read in the paper today that George Mitchell has made some strong comments about Gazans' use of tunnels for "smuggling" purposes. As I have written to you before, and as you well know, these tunnels--while they may in some cases be used to smuggle weapons into Gaza--these tunnels are for the most part used to "smuggle" things like food and medical supplies to the citizens of Gaza. Without the access that these tunnels provide to the outside world, Gazans are left with barely any life-sustaining resources in the most populated region in the world.
I ask you once again to not punish or allow the punishment of Palestinians in Gaza to continue just because they are doing what they need to do to survive. The rest of the world knows that Israel is using the tunnels and the "smuggling" as an excuse to continuously kill Palestinians.
The actions taken by Israel in general and within the past few months in particular have been absolutely unthinkable. 600 Palestinian civilians have been killed, with more surely to come. There have been billions of dollars in damages, families have lost their homes, businesses and any other trace of a life they may have had before and young Palestinian children are being traumatized into the hatred towards Israel which has spurred this violence to begin with. Why are we letting this happen? It would be bad enough if we sat back and acted like we didn't know what was going on--I think I would prefer that to actually supporting the proprietors of this violence.
I know that you and your administration, with the appointment of George Mitchell, are working towards a resolution but I am already skeptical--will this resolution be unbiased? Will it be skewed in Israel's favor, once again?
I ask you to please not let this happen. History and the majority of the world will thank you for it.
Sincerely,
Davina Abujudeh
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
January 28, 2009
Dear President Obama,
In an e-mail I wrote to you yesterday, I expressed the need for humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza in order to help Palestinians there recooperate from the recent Israeli seige on them. Today, I read about US money that is given to Afghans when civilians are killed in US attacks.
An Israeli attack on Palestinians is almost like a US attack on Palestinians. The US gives Israel military aid dollars to buy US weapons with, which are then used to kill Palestinians. The US lets Israel do whatever they want with little question or complaint, and even backs them up in the UN with their Security Coucil veto powers.
Considering the fact that we "compensate" the people of Afghanistan after killing their civilians and destroying their property, doesn't it make sense to do the same thing with the citizens of Gaza? If we had a huge anti-Afghanistan lobbying group in the US, would we not give them reperations?
I write to you today to ask you again to please support the letter sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asking for humanitarian aid be sent to Gaza.
Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Davina
Dear President Obama,
In an e-mail I wrote to you yesterday, I expressed the need for humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza in order to help Palestinians there recooperate from the recent Israeli seige on them. Today, I read about US money that is given to Afghans when civilians are killed in US attacks.
An Israeli attack on Palestinians is almost like a US attack on Palestinians. The US gives Israel military aid dollars to buy US weapons with, which are then used to kill Palestinians. The US lets Israel do whatever they want with little question or complaint, and even backs them up in the UN with their Security Coucil veto powers.
Considering the fact that we "compensate" the people of Afghanistan after killing their civilians and destroying their property, doesn't it make sense to do the same thing with the citizens of Gaza? If we had a huge anti-Afghanistan lobbying group in the US, would we not give them reperations?
I write to you today to ask you again to please support the letter sent to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asking for humanitarian aid be sent to Gaza.
Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Davina
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
January 27, 2009
Dear President Obama,
Recently, a letter has been drafted to be submitted to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, asking a humanitarian aid package be sent to Gaza. Although this packaged will only scratch the very surface of the problems Gaza will be facing in trying to pick up after the devastation left by Israel's offense on them, it will not only provide much needed financial assistance but will also send a strong message that America is ready for something you repeatedly promised--change.
Thus far, you have clearly kept your promises of change, and I and millions of Americans are deeply thankful to you and so excited everyday to see what you are doing. I work for a non-profit in DC and every fundraising meeting I go to focuses on two things: the bad economy and the excitement of having your administration in office. I must say that, as scary as this recession is, the joy and hope that your Presidency brings far exceeds our fears about the economy.
I believe that one of the most important changes we need to make is our actions as far as Israel/Palestine goes. You have made words of support for the Palestinian people since you've been in office, and now I ask, as someone who both voted for you and volunteered for your campaign in New Jersey, that you please support this humanitarian aid package to Gaza and anything else that will help bring some sort of assistance to the Palestinian people. I also ask, as I have before, that you make finding a fair solution to this conflict one of your top priorities, which I'm sure it probably already is, and to hold Israel accountable for any war crimes that may have occurred during this particular siege.
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Davina
Dear President Obama,
Recently, a letter has been drafted to be submitted to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, asking a humanitarian aid package be sent to Gaza. Although this packaged will only scratch the very surface of the problems Gaza will be facing in trying to pick up after the devastation left by Israel's offense on them, it will not only provide much needed financial assistance but will also send a strong message that America is ready for something you repeatedly promised--change.
Thus far, you have clearly kept your promises of change, and I and millions of Americans are deeply thankful to you and so excited everyday to see what you are doing. I work for a non-profit in DC and every fundraising meeting I go to focuses on two things: the bad economy and the excitement of having your administration in office. I must say that, as scary as this recession is, the joy and hope that your Presidency brings far exceeds our fears about the economy.
I believe that one of the most important changes we need to make is our actions as far as Israel/Palestine goes. You have made words of support for the Palestinian people since you've been in office, and now I ask, as someone who both voted for you and volunteered for your campaign in New Jersey, that you please support this humanitarian aid package to Gaza and anything else that will help bring some sort of assistance to the Palestinian people. I also ask, as I have before, that you make finding a fair solution to this conflict one of your top priorities, which I'm sure it probably already is, and to hold Israel accountable for any war crimes that may have occurred during this particular siege.
Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Davina
Monday, January 26, 2009
January 26, 2009
Dear President Obama,
I woud like to thank you so much for your words of support for the Palestinian people. I hope that your future actions will back up these words of support. What we have witnessed since December 27th is an act of unbelieveable atrocities, many of which are international war crimes (such as the use of white phosphorous to burn and injure Palestinian civilians) and much of which has cost the Palestinians of Gaza millions of dollar of damage.
In addition, Israel's actions are only breeding a new generation of hate in young Palestinians towards Israel. In the paper this morning I read that many Palestinian children has suffered emotional trauma due to Israel's assault on their homes, families and communities. This trauma will most likely manifest into hate towards Israel and lead to thousands of new recruits for terrorist organizations in the Middle East. I don't know what can be done to reverse those problems now, but allowing Israel to continue their policies of condemnable actions against Palestinians and letting their crimes go unpunished (not to mention the $30 billion promised to Israel over the next decade to buy military weapons with) will only continue this cycle of violence and hate and only give Israel more "reason" to destroy any fabric of life the Palestinians may have.
Again, thank you for your kind words toward the Palestinian people. I only hope that you follow these words up with similar actions.
Sincerely,
Davina
Dear President Obama,
I woud like to thank you so much for your words of support for the Palestinian people. I hope that your future actions will back up these words of support. What we have witnessed since December 27th is an act of unbelieveable atrocities, many of which are international war crimes (such as the use of white phosphorous to burn and injure Palestinian civilians) and much of which has cost the Palestinians of Gaza millions of dollar of damage.
In addition, Israel's actions are only breeding a new generation of hate in young Palestinians towards Israel. In the paper this morning I read that many Palestinian children has suffered emotional trauma due to Israel's assault on their homes, families and communities. This trauma will most likely manifest into hate towards Israel and lead to thousands of new recruits for terrorist organizations in the Middle East. I don't know what can be done to reverse those problems now, but allowing Israel to continue their policies of condemnable actions against Palestinians and letting their crimes go unpunished (not to mention the $30 billion promised to Israel over the next decade to buy military weapons with) will only continue this cycle of violence and hate and only give Israel more "reason" to destroy any fabric of life the Palestinians may have.
Again, thank you for your kind words toward the Palestinian people. I only hope that you follow these words up with similar actions.
Sincerely,
Davina
Friday, January 23, 2009
January 23, 2009
Dear President Obama,
I read in today's paper that you are taking very fast steps towards reversing the negative course America has been taking for the past eight years. I am very happy to see already that you are keeping the promises that you made during your campaign. Once again, I must say that it is so nice to feel proud of my country and of my President, which is something I have never felt before.
In today's paper I also read about Israel's threats to continue their devastating violence in Gaza if Palestinians there continue to use their "smuggling" tunnels into Egypt. This threat is but another example of Israel's strangle-hold on the Palestinians and the impossible conundrum they have created for Palestinians both in Gaza and the West Bank. As you know, Gaza is the most populated prison in the world. It is surrounded by Israeli checkpoints on all but one side, which is controlled by Egypt. The movement of Palestinians in and out of Gaza is completely controlled by Israelis, and therefore their movement is severely limited. The tunnels that have been built by Gazans are used, for the most part, by Palestinians to "smuggle" things like food and medical supplies. Things that should be readily available everywhere, but most importantly in the most heavily populated area in the world.
I always think it's best to paint a mental image of this situation. Imagine that you and your family were stuck in the White House along with half the population of DC. You were told that you could not leave, and that you would not be supplied with food, water or medical attention. In that situation, the very least you would probably do is dug a tunnel to bring those supplies to your family.
I ask you once again to please look at the facts on the ground and end this cycle of extremley disproportionate violence and injustice.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Davina Abujudeh
Dear President Obama,
I read in today's paper that you are taking very fast steps towards reversing the negative course America has been taking for the past eight years. I am very happy to see already that you are keeping the promises that you made during your campaign. Once again, I must say that it is so nice to feel proud of my country and of my President, which is something I have never felt before.
In today's paper I also read about Israel's threats to continue their devastating violence in Gaza if Palestinians there continue to use their "smuggling" tunnels into Egypt. This threat is but another example of Israel's strangle-hold on the Palestinians and the impossible conundrum they have created for Palestinians both in Gaza and the West Bank. As you know, Gaza is the most populated prison in the world. It is surrounded by Israeli checkpoints on all but one side, which is controlled by Egypt. The movement of Palestinians in and out of Gaza is completely controlled by Israelis, and therefore their movement is severely limited. The tunnels that have been built by Gazans are used, for the most part, by Palestinians to "smuggle" things like food and medical supplies. Things that should be readily available everywhere, but most importantly in the most heavily populated area in the world.
I always think it's best to paint a mental image of this situation. Imagine that you and your family were stuck in the White House along with half the population of DC. You were told that you could not leave, and that you would not be supplied with food, water or medical attention. In that situation, the very least you would probably do is dug a tunnel to bring those supplies to your family.
I ask you once again to please look at the facts on the ground and end this cycle of extremley disproportionate violence and injustice.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Davina Abujudeh
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Hello From a New Woman!
Hello once again World! I know it's been a long time. I won't fill in the boring details but I will say that I am a new woman today. I have relocated and--I can hardly believe it--finally found a JOB with a SALARY and (this is the big one) INSURANCE!!!! (And the crowd goes wild!)
And, per usual, I have found something even better: NEW THINGS TO BITCH ABOUT!!!!
One thing I definitely don't have to bitch about it the fact that I was in DC to witness (without actually seeing) Barack Hussein Obama become the 44th and first black President of the United States of America!!!!!! First time in my life I can say I'm proud to be an American. It's a weird feeling. I like my President. I wear a hat with his name on it. Yeah, that's weird.
However, it wouldn't be the world we live in if there wasn't something to complain about. My issue of today is one that is probably not this-much-sarcasm-appropriate--the recent catastrophe in Gaza. Now that I'm in DC there are many ways to be involved in fighting against this crisis, which is a great feeling. I have tried to take on as much as I can. One of the things I have promised myself I would do is write an e-mail to President Obama every day, demanding he do something. And I have decided to share those e-mails and the other actions I take on this blog.
Here's what I have so far:
January 22, 2009
Dear President Obama,
I'm still so happy to be addressing a letter to President Obama! Congratulations once again on your new job! I volunteered for your campaign in New Jersey and nothing makes me happier than to know that you are our President!
I wrote to you yesterday expressing my concern about the current crisis in Gaza. As of today, Israeli troops have been pulled out of Gaza and the truth of what has happened there is just beginning to come to light. There are already reports of phosphorous being used against Palestinians to burn and otherwise injure them. This is a blatant international crime and a grave injustice to all of humanity. Generally when these horrific acts of violence are occuring in the world, the US will either do something or completely ignore it. In this case, we have done neither and take the additional step backwards of supporting the proprietors of this violence and inhumanity.
I unfortunately don't have any solutions to suggest--not that they would matter much anyway--but I can say once again that this issue deserves to be addressed immediately and that Israel must NOT be allowed to continue their barbarity against the Palestinian people. I am in no way anti-Israel--I am pro-peace and human rights. Israel's actions have shown that they are willing to stop at absolutely nothing to completely devastate the Palestinian population.
I beg you to listen to the millions of people globally who agree with me. Israel must be held accountable for its actions.
Sincerely,
Davina Abujudeh
And from yesterday....
January 21, 2009
Dear President Obama:
I am writing to you as a very concerned American and one of your constituents. While I am indeed buoyed with your message of change and hope, I am appalled by the ongoing tragedy and serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for 60 years now, and residents of the West Bank have been living under Israeli military occupation since 1967. While Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, it still controls the border, airspace, commerce, and sea shores. I strongly urge you to support the value of all human life, which includes the lives of the Palestinian people. They have been living in isolation and under extreme hardships, please don't allow this to continue.
Just like you, I am an American child of an immigrant father. My father is from the West Bank. He was born in 1948 and has suffered irreverable mental and emotional damage from his childhood as a Palestinian living in the West Bank under Israeli occupation. I just turned 25 and haven't spoken to my father in over 12 years because of his mental/emotional problems. As a result of growing up under brutal occupation, he was never able to completely "start over" in America and will carry that emotional baggage with him until the day he dies. Although his story is one of success compared to the overwhelming majority of Palestinian stories, he is still forever marred by the simple fact that he was born in the wrong place at the wrong time.
What is and has been happening in the West Bank and, especially recently in Gaza are clearly and undeniably human rights abuses to the extreme. I urge you to look at this situation for what it is and to take the action needed to end this crisis and find a workable solution to this conflict. It has been too long that Israel's government has been given free reign to slaughter Palestinian civilians and to strip them of all the basic human rights we, as Americans, take for granted every day.
We can't change what has happened in the past but you have already proved that anything is possible for the future. You have inspired me to continue pursuing what I believe in and I hope that you will listen to the people--though they may be the minority--standing up for the rights of the Palestinian people. We have all been taught as children that what is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right--I ask that you look beyond what the general American public/media has to say about this conflict and to address this issue honestly and from your heart, as you so clearly do with every other issue you are presented with.
I'm asking you to call for an immediate end to the siege on and blockade of Gaza. Residents of Gaza should be able to move freely and be able to have access to basic necessities like water, food, shelter, electricity and other necessities. Numerous international aid agencies have documented high levels of malnutrition and chronic vitamin deficiencies in Gaza's 1.5 million residents. Israel's attacks on Gaza have left thousands dead and injured, with the toll being especially high on Gaza's children.
Achieving a just and durable peace to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict necessitates that the United States value all human life and take immediate action.
Sincerely,
Davina H. Abujudeh
With more to come.
Thanks!
And, per usual, I have found something even better: NEW THINGS TO BITCH ABOUT!!!!
One thing I definitely don't have to bitch about it the fact that I was in DC to witness (without actually seeing) Barack Hussein Obama become the 44th and first black President of the United States of America!!!!!! First time in my life I can say I'm proud to be an American. It's a weird feeling. I like my President. I wear a hat with his name on it. Yeah, that's weird.
However, it wouldn't be the world we live in if there wasn't something to complain about. My issue of today is one that is probably not this-much-sarcasm-appropriate--the recent catastrophe in Gaza. Now that I'm in DC there are many ways to be involved in fighting against this crisis, which is a great feeling. I have tried to take on as much as I can. One of the things I have promised myself I would do is write an e-mail to President Obama every day, demanding he do something. And I have decided to share those e-mails and the other actions I take on this blog.
Here's what I have so far:
January 22, 2009
Dear President Obama,
I'm still so happy to be addressing a letter to President Obama! Congratulations once again on your new job! I volunteered for your campaign in New Jersey and nothing makes me happier than to know that you are our President!
I wrote to you yesterday expressing my concern about the current crisis in Gaza. As of today, Israeli troops have been pulled out of Gaza and the truth of what has happened there is just beginning to come to light. There are already reports of phosphorous being used against Palestinians to burn and otherwise injure them. This is a blatant international crime and a grave injustice to all of humanity. Generally when these horrific acts of violence are occuring in the world, the US will either do something or completely ignore it. In this case, we have done neither and take the additional step backwards of supporting the proprietors of this violence and inhumanity.
I unfortunately don't have any solutions to suggest--not that they would matter much anyway--but I can say once again that this issue deserves to be addressed immediately and that Israel must NOT be allowed to continue their barbarity against the Palestinian people. I am in no way anti-Israel--I am pro-peace and human rights. Israel's actions have shown that they are willing to stop at absolutely nothing to completely devastate the Palestinian population.
I beg you to listen to the millions of people globally who agree with me. Israel must be held accountable for its actions.
Sincerely,
Davina Abujudeh
And from yesterday....
January 21, 2009
Dear President Obama:
I am writing to you as a very concerned American and one of your constituents. While I am indeed buoyed with your message of change and hope, I am appalled by the ongoing tragedy and serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for 60 years now, and residents of the West Bank have been living under Israeli military occupation since 1967. While Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, it still controls the border, airspace, commerce, and sea shores. I strongly urge you to support the value of all human life, which includes the lives of the Palestinian people. They have been living in isolation and under extreme hardships, please don't allow this to continue.
Just like you, I am an American child of an immigrant father. My father is from the West Bank. He was born in 1948 and has suffered irreverable mental and emotional damage from his childhood as a Palestinian living in the West Bank under Israeli occupation. I just turned 25 and haven't spoken to my father in over 12 years because of his mental/emotional problems. As a result of growing up under brutal occupation, he was never able to completely "start over" in America and will carry that emotional baggage with him until the day he dies. Although his story is one of success compared to the overwhelming majority of Palestinian stories, he is still forever marred by the simple fact that he was born in the wrong place at the wrong time.
What is and has been happening in the West Bank and, especially recently in Gaza are clearly and undeniably human rights abuses to the extreme. I urge you to look at this situation for what it is and to take the action needed to end this crisis and find a workable solution to this conflict. It has been too long that Israel's government has been given free reign to slaughter Palestinian civilians and to strip them of all the basic human rights we, as Americans, take for granted every day.
We can't change what has happened in the past but you have already proved that anything is possible for the future. You have inspired me to continue pursuing what I believe in and I hope that you will listen to the people--though they may be the minority--standing up for the rights of the Palestinian people. We have all been taught as children that what is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right--I ask that you look beyond what the general American public/media has to say about this conflict and to address this issue honestly and from your heart, as you so clearly do with every other issue you are presented with.
I'm asking you to call for an immediate end to the siege on and blockade of Gaza. Residents of Gaza should be able to move freely and be able to have access to basic necessities like water, food, shelter, electricity and other necessities. Numerous international aid agencies have documented high levels of malnutrition and chronic vitamin deficiencies in Gaza's 1.5 million residents. Israel's attacks on Gaza have left thousands dead and injured, with the toll being especially high on Gaza's children.
Achieving a just and durable peace to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict necessitates that the United States value all human life and take immediate action.
Sincerely,
Davina H. Abujudeh
With more to come.
Thanks!
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