The Palestinian American Congress

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<A HREF="about2.html">About Us</A>	Editorial & News Posts September 29, 2005: Ayalon: Israel will stand by Delay September 2005: Al-AQSA INTIFADA TOLL October 20, 2005: Is the 'Road Map" at a Dead End? May 18, 2004: ISRAELI "WAR CRIMES" IN RAFAH; GAZA April 15, 2004: Condemnation of Bush's support of Sharon's withdrawal plan from Gaza. March 22, 2004: Condemnation of the assassination of Sheikh Ahmad Yaseen. February 1, 2004: Urging the US to take part in a peaceful solution. January 21, 2004: PAC's Fifth Annual Convention. October 14, 2003: Condemnation of the killing of three Americans in Palestine. September 25, 2003: Expression of Sadness over Professor Edward Said's passing away. September 17, 2003: Condemnation of US veto of a UN draft resolution denouncing Israeli's policy of removing President Arafat from Palestine. August 7, 2003: Condemnation of Israel's attempted assassination of Sheik Ahamd Yaseen. August 4, 2003: Criticism of Congressman Tom DeLay's anti-Palestinian Comments. June 8, 2003: Commemoration of the Massacres of Sabra and Shatila. June 8, 2003: PAC's position on the Road Map and future peace plans. May 18, 2003: Condemnation of Israel's aggression against Palestinians. May 15, 2003: President George Bush's comments on a Middle Eastern Peace Initiative. May 15, 2003: Commemoration of Al-Nakbah. April 30, 2003: Road Map. March 24, 2003: PAC's position on the war in Iraq. February 16, 2003: Letter to President George Bush opposing the war against Iraq. ************************************************************************ Ayalon: Israel will stand by DeLay NATHAN GUTTMAN, THE JERUSALEM POST , September 29, 2005 WASHINGTON – The first public appearance of Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) after being indicted and forced to leave his leadership position was at Wednesday night's dinner hosted by "Stand for Israel," a group of Israel-supporting evangelical Christians and Jews led by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. "It's really good to be here among so many old friends and brothers and sisters in the cause for justice and human freedom," DeLay opened, drawing a standing ovation from the crowed. Some shouted, "We love you, Tom." The ousted majority leader of the House of Representatives is known to be a staunch supporter of Israel and has close ties with right wing groups and the settlers. "Tom DeLay is a true friend of Israel and has always worked for the security and well-being of the state," Israeli ambassador to Washington Danny Ayalon said Thursday. "We will keep up the close ties with him." Tom DeLay was forced to step down, at least temporarily, from his position as House majority leader after a Texas grand jury indicted him Wednesday on charges related to illegal use of campaign contributions. DeLay has denied any wrongdoing and his lawyers claim that the prosecution was driven, in this case, by political motivation. As majority leader, Tom DeLay played a lead role in blocking US aid to the Palestinian Authority and conditioning its restoration on reforming the PA and fighting terror. He has supported foreign aid to Israel and backed pro-Israel resolutions on Capitol Hill. In 2003, DeLay was one of the co-sponsors of House Resolution 294 that expressed support for Israel as it fights terrorism. In his speech from the floor, DeLay said that "Israel's fight is our fight" and added that the point of the war against terror is not only to defeat terror, but also "to destroy terrorists." As a born-again Christian, DeLay is close to the pro-Israel Evangelical circles and has said in the past he believes that the land of Israel was given to the people of Israel by god and should not be divided. He opposed the US-led peace plan known as the road map, calling it a "road map to disaster," and has been a critic of the Sharon government's disengagement plan. In a 2003 speech at the Zionist Organization of America conference, DeLay said about his latest tour of Israel, "I didn't see any occupied territories, I only saw Israel." Israeli officials said Thursday that, even though Tom DeLay was a great supporter of Israel in his leadership position, they do not think Israel's stand in congress will be affected by his departure, since there is a strong support base for Israel in both parties and in both houses of Congress. ********************************************************************** AL-AQSA INTIFADA TOLL Statistics from Btselem, an Israeli human rights group. Intifada toll Sept 2000 - Sept 2005 The five years of the Palestinian intifada have cost more than 4,000 lives. Btselem, an Israeli human rights group, has been tracking casualty figures on both sides.** Most of the statistics cover the period from 29 September 2000 to 15 September 2005. PALESTINIANS KILLED BY ISRAELIS* 3,218 killed by Israeli security forces in the West Bank and Gaza including 657 aged under 18, 187 killed in extrajudicial executions and 296 (including at least 29 aged under 18) killed in the course of assassination operations. 56 killed by security forces in Israel including one aged under 18 41 killed by Israeli citizens in the West Bank and Gaza including at least three aged under 18 * There are no figures to show the proportion of Palestinians who were combatants and those who were civilians. ISRAELIS KILLED BY PALESTINIANS 444 civilians killed in Israel including 80 aged under 18 223 civilians killed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip including 37 aged under 18 221 Israeli security forces killed in West Bank and Gaza 84 Israeli security forces killed in Israel PALESTINIANS KILLED BY PALESTINIANS · 112 killed by Palestinian civilians on suspicion of collaborating · 50 killed by Palestinians in other circumstances FOREIGN CITIZENS Foreign citizens killed · 32 foreign citizens (including at least two aged under 18) were killed by Palestinians in Israel · 10 foreign citizens were killed by Israeli security forces in the West Bank and Gaza · 15 foreign citizens were killed by Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Killings by foreign citizens · 3 Israeli civilians were killed by foreign citizens (for September 2000 to September 2004) PALESTINIAN CITIZENS OF ISRAEL (for September 2000 to September 2004) Palestinian citizens of Israel killed: · 13 Palestinian citizens of Israel were killed in Israel by the Israeli police and border police. · 4 Palestinian citizens of Israel were killed by Israeli security forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip Killings by Palestinian citizens of Israel (for September 2000 to September 2004) · 3 Israeli citizens were killed in Israel by Palestinian citizens of Israel · 1 member of the Israeli security forces was killed in Israel by a Palestinian citizen of Israel * The above figures do not include: · Palestinians who died after medical treatment was delayed due to restrictions of movement · Palestinians killed by an explosive device that they set or was on their person · 12 Palestinian citizens of Israel killed within Israel by the Israeli police in October 2000 · One Jewish Israeli citizen killed within Israel by a Palestinian Israeli citizen in October 2000 · Two Jewish Israeli citizens and one member of the Israeli security forces, killed by a Palestinian citizen of Israel in Nahariya in September 2001 · Four Palestinian citizens of Israel killed by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) gunfire in the West Bank and Gaza · One Palestinian citizen of Israel killed by Border Police gunfire within Israel in July 2003 · Five Palestinian citizens of Israel killed by an absconded IDF soldier on a bus in Shfaram, within Israel, in August 2005 and the shooting soldier, beaten to death by Palestinian citizens of Israel ECONOMIC COSTS The World Bank reported in 2004 that after almost four years of conflict and Israeli restrictions on movement that disrupt business activity, average Palestinian incomes had dropped by more than one third, and a quarter of the workforce was unemployed. Nearly one-half of all Palestinians live below the poverty line. More than 600,000 people (16% of the population) cannot afford even the basic necessities for subsistence. Story from BBC NEWS. ************************************************************************** `Is the 'Road Map' at a Dead End? By MAHMOUD ABBAS, October 20, 2005` When I meet in Washington today with President Bush, I will reiterate his own inspiring words: "I believe that God has planted in every heart the desire to live in freedom." And I will put to him that the Palestinians, after nearly 40 years of occupation, still do not live as free people in their own land. Finally, I will reiterate that I remain fully committed to his vision for a viable and free Palestinian state, living in peace and security with Israel, and to the Road Map for achieving lasting Middle East peace through negotiations. `There is a sound logic to President Bush's vision: The Road Map will lead to an independent and democratic Palestinian state; a Palestinian state will allow its citizens finally to taste freedom; and our freedom will be the foundation for lasting peace in the Middle East.` `Since my democratic election as president of the Palestinian Authority in January, my government has done all in its power to advance the Road Map and live up to our commitments: My government has initiated serious reforms of our governing institutions; we have consolidated the official security agencies; we have declared a policy of non-violence and negotiations and we have worked hard to secure and maintain a cease-fire to which all factions signed on.` `Unfortunately, Palestinians cannot pursue the Road Map alone. Implicit in the idea of the Road Map is that Israel and the Palestinians are partners in the journey to peace. Yet the Israeli government has not fully cooperated with my government, created obstacles in the face of a full and unconditional return to the negotiating table, and acted as if Israel can resolve the Middle East conflict unilaterally. In addition, the Israeli government has taken steps that undermine the Road Map.` `For example, during Israel's Gaza disengagement, my government was asked to ensure that Israel's evacuation took place peacefully and without disruption. I am proud to say that we succeeded: not a single Israeli settler or soldier was attacked or fired on. We were told that our behavior would be a "test," and that if we did our part, Israel would reciprocate by allowing Gazans to breathe the air of freedom and begin rebuilding their shattered lives.` `Yet, this has not happened: Gaza's airport and crossing point to Egypt remain closed; its waters are off-limits to our fishermen; its borders are completely sealed and movement into or out of Gaza is virtually impossible; and no safe passage between Gaza and the West Bank exists. Because investors rightly fear that without access to the outside world, Gazans will not be able to rebuild a functioning economy, they have been slow at investing.` `This is not the vision that President Bush and I had for the Gaza Strip back in May: We wanted to see a free Gaza Strip, open to the rest of the world, where Palestinians can be free and where our economy can prosper. But as long as Israel maintains its stronghold over the borders, water and airspace of the Gaza Strip this will never come to pass.` Similarly, this is not the vision that we have for the West Bank. Palestinians have been assured that "Gaza first" would not be "Gaza last." We were told that we would soon enjoy an expansion of our freedom in the West Bank. We were told that Israel's evacuation of the Gaza Strip would not come at the expense of deepening the settlement activity in the West Bank. Instead, Israel has accelerated its settlement expansion in the Palestinian heartland. In fact, the 26 months since Israel announced its plans to disengage from Gaza have witnessed the highest rate of West Bank settlement construction in all the occupation years. Israel has also continued construction of the Wall -- deemed illegal by the International Court of Justice -- depriving more and more Palestinians their freedom and livelihood, and closed off access to East Jerusalem, Palestine's religious, cultural and political capital. Israel's lack of regard for the Road Map is having a powerfully negative effect on Palestinian society at an extremely critical time in our democratic development. There is a struggle underway for the hearts and minds of the Palestinian people between the moderates and the fundamentalists. I firmly believe that this struggle should be resolved to the advantage of the moderates via the democratic process, not through civil war. As John F. Kennedy once said, "A nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people." `* * ` I am not afraid of the Palestinian people. On the contrary, I have abiding faith that my people will pursue the path of tolerance and peace -- indeed, poll after poll shows that a majority of the Palestinian people wants a negotiated two-state solution to our conflict with Israel. I have managed, in the nine months since my election, to create a climate of peace and not a climate of violence amongst Palestinians. Yet this climate of peace needs the help of the U.S. and the international community: For without sustained pressure on the Israeli government to sit down and negotiate, Israel will only bolster those within Palestinian society who do not share the majority's desire for peace. Every time Israel launches a violent attack on our cities, commits a political assassination, or confiscates more Palestinian land, the voices for peace grow weaker. By refusing to negotiate with my government and by insisting on pursuing unilateral actions, the Israeli government is nourishing that minority within Palestinian society that sees violent struggle as the only answer. Israelis and Palestinians face a choice: We can either pursue President Bush's Road Map, or soon arrive at a dead end. I have made my choice, and I know that a majority of the Palestinian people is behind me. I am ready today to sit down with Prime Minister Sharon to resume bilateral negotiations on a permanent solution to our conflict. The Road Map offers hope for a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future -- for the Palestinian people as well as for the Israeli people. When I meet with President Bush today, I will make only one fundamental request: Grant the Palestinians the freedom they so desperately deserve. `Mr. Abbas is the president of the Palestinian National Authority.` `XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX` Rachel Corrie: An American Conscience The Palestinian American Congress Presents A documentary film from Palestine* Contact Us For Copies Director and producer Mr. Yahya Barakat will be available to answer your questions In Memory & Honor of Rachel Corrie Rachel Corrie: “An American Conscience” is a documentary film about a twenty three year old American activist who gave her live for a noble cause: defending the human rights and the freedom of the Palestinian people. Two years ago today, peace loving people around the world mourned the death of this courageous young woman who symbolized peace, justice, human rights, and the hope for a better tomorrow for all human beings regardless of their color, religion, race, gender, and ethnicity. Rachel Corrie’s work and message has become a beacon of hope in this sadly dark world. Rachel was not the first person killed as a result of Israel’s policy of house demolitions. Nuha Makadma Sweidan and her unborn child were killed in Gaza when Israeli army sappers “accidentally" demolished her home when they blew up another home nearby. A few weeks before that tragic incident, an elderly woman and a disabled man died under the rubble of their home in Gaza when the Israeli Army "failed to notify" them in a timely manner. These killings were no mere accidents. Israel has been routinely demolishing Palestinian homes without prior notice since 1967. In fact, thousands of homes have been demolished by Israel according to Human Rights Watch, an advocacy group based in New York City. Many of the houses were demolished on such “a short notice,” which prevented their owners from claiming their belongings. According to all United Nations reports, most of the houses destroyed belonged to individuals who did not represent any security threat to the state of Israel. A case in point was the home of Dr. Samir Nasrallah, which Ms. Corrie died protecting with her body. Dr. Nasrallah had engaged in no hostile activities and had never been convicted by the Israelis of any guilt. His only crime was the location of his house. His house was positioned next to a “security area” where the Israelis envisioned creating a buffer zone to run their operations. Mr. Nasrallah was neither allowed the due process of appealing his house destruction nor was given any compensation for losing his home. Mr. Yahya Barakat: Director of this powerful documentary goes beyond politics to reflect on the suffering of the Palestinians under occupation. He shows Palestinian suffering and demonstrates what motivates members of the International Peace Camp to come to Palestine to resist occupation with all its formalities. Rachel was neither an Israeli nor a Palestinian. She was a member of the International Solidarity Movement and a member of the larger International Civil Society. Her actions demonstrate and affirm the responsibility of all human beings to end the suffering of all people around the world peacefully regardless of their religion, race, color, and gender. ************************************************************************ ISRAELI "WAR CRIMES" IN RAFAH; GAZA For Immediate Release, May 18th, 2004 The Palestinian American Congress strongly condemns the demolition of Palestinian homes and the senseless killing of Palestinians by the Israeli military in the Rafah refugee camp in occupied Gaza. During the past week, at least sixty Palestinians were killed, hundreds injured, and over one hundred homes demolished by the Israeli military in a campaign of sustained attacks on the Rafah refugee camp, Gaza City, and all of southern Gaza. By demolishing Palestinian homes and property, and consequently leaving thousands of Palestinians homeless, Israel is breaking international law and is utterly disregarding the Geneva Convention. Amnesty International has described Israel's destruction of Palestinian homes in the Rafah refugee camp as "war crimes." In the current political climate in the Middle East, the United States government has the moral obligation to exert its influence in upholding the Geneva Convention. The Bush administration's silence on Israel's policy of the continued ethnic cleansing in Gaza only reinforces the negative image the United States has earned in the Middle East. We call upon the Bush administration to lay aside its blind loyalty to Israel, and instead, use its influence on Israel to avert the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We urge our government to support a United Nations draft resolution to force Israel to end its operation in Gaza. "History will be the witness of Palestinian refugees fleeing their refugee camp, their belongings strapped to their donkeys, escaping the barbarism of the Israeli military" said Linda Sobeh, President of the Palestinian American Congress. End What can you do? Call for press conference. Send press releases to your local media. Write OP-ED in your local papers. Hold activities at Educational Institutions, etc. Contacting the White House Mailing Address: The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Phone Numbers Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 FAX: 202-456-2461 TTY/TDD Comments: 202-456-6213 Visitors Office: 202-456-2121 E-Mail President George W. Bush: president@whitehouse.gov Vice President Richard Cheney: vice.president@whitehouse.gov ********************************************************************** For Immediate Release April 15, 2004 The Palestinian American Congress strongly condemns the declaration of support and endorsement granted by President George Bush to the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for his plan of unilateral disengagement. In endorsing such a plan, the U.S. administration has blatantly broken international laws by directly endorsing the annexation of occupied land. In addition to disregarding all UN resolutions regarding Palestine, President Bush has shown utter disregard to the fait of millions of Palestinian refugees by stating that they need to be absorbed by a Palestinian state. By accepting the Israeli plan, President Bush has destroyed the foundation of any acceptable peaceful solution and has shattered Palestinian hopes for a free Palestine. “We are an organization that speaks on behalf of thousands of Palestinian Americans,” said Linda Sobeh, president of the Palestinian American Congress, “and we reject Sharon’s plan of withdrawing from occupied Gaza as a reward for legitimizing illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank and denying the right of return of Palestinian refugees. President Bush must adhere to the Road Map, which includes negotiations over issues such as borders. A unilateral solution only serves to inflame the frustration of the Palestinian people”. The U.S. endorsement of the Israeli unilateral disengagement plan shows that the U.S. administration has no interest in treating the Palestinians as essential partners in any negotiations toward a peaceful solution to the conflict. History will hold President Bush responsible as he has failed to understand that finding a just and equitable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an essential element in the fight against terrorism. End ______________________________________________________ Action Alert--The Palestinian American Congress -- Use the information given here to assist you in any activities your chapter may elect to participate in. We are working on a nationwide campaign to resist efforts by the Administration to give away Palestinian Land and Rights. Palestine is not an American territory to be given away on April 14 president Bush said: "In light of new realities on the ground, including already existing major Israeli population centers, it is unrealistic to expect that the outcome of final status negotiations will be a full and complete return to the armistice lines of 1949." He also said: "It seems clear that an agreed, just, fair and realistic framework for a solution to the Palestinian refugee issue, as part of any final status agreement, will need to be found through the establishment of a Palestinian State and the settling of Palestinian refugees there, rather than Israel." Also on April 14 in a speech to the nation regarding Iraq He said: " A free Iraq will confirm to a watching world that America's word, once given, can be relied upon, even in the toughest times." Standing US policy on Illegal Israeli settlements in Palestinian areas: " Settlements are an obstacle to peace." Mr. President The world is watching and America's word was given on the settlements and the rights of Palestinian people to self-determination, can the Palestinians rely upon America's word? We must mobilize and intensifies our efforts to explain to the president, the Congress and the American people the following points 1- Palestinian land according to the UN and all free governments in the world is an occupied Land and according to international Law cannot be annexed as long as the occupied people are still resisting the occupation. 2- UN Resolution 194 stated: "The refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbors should be permitted to do so at the earliest practical date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or in equity, should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible." 3- A substantial and dangerous shift in US policy in the Middle East took place by President George W. Bush explicitly endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plans to permanently maintain major Israeli settlements in the West Bank (which are illegal under international law and comprise 15% of the whole territory), while denying 4.6 million Palestinians (refugees who were uprooted, dispossessed, and displaced in 1948) their right to return to their original homes in historical Palestine. Bush applauded Sharon's moves as "historic and courageous actions," giving his full backing to the "unilateral disengagement" plan and presenting Sharon with a letter of "assurances." 4- UN resolutions 242 and 338 call for exchange of territory for peace. 5- Bush said: "We're consulting closely with other key leaders in the region, in Europe, and with our Quartet partners -- the EU, Russia, and the United Nations. The US needs to consult with the people directly involved in the conflict: The Palestinians. 6- Land steeling through Armed robbery should never be rewarded by the nation that claims to be founded on freedom and justice for all. 7- Right of Return and the Independent Palestinian State on the West Bank with the Borders of pre 1967 are red lines that cannot be crossed. 8- Bush is the first president who has legitimized the settlements in the Palestinian territories when he said that there would be no return to the borders of 1967. The Palestinians reject that, and cannot accept that, we reject it and we refuse it. 9- The United States administrations have assured the Palestinians that issues like borders and settlements would be handled in negotiations between the two sides. 10- President Bush should not give land and rights that belong to the Palestinian people to insure his political future while endangering the political future of Israel, the Palestinians and the whole region. 11- The United Nation's secretary-general reiterated his position that unresolved details of a final Middle east peace deal "should be determined in negotiations between the parties, based on relevant Security Council resolutions." He strongly believes that they (Israelis and Palestinians) should refrain from taking any steps that would prejudice or preempt the outcome of such talks," ********************************************************************** For Immediate Release, March 22, 2004 Media Contact: Marwan ElMasri 1-888-PACUSA1 The Palestinian American Congress strongly condemns the assassination of Sheikh Ahmad Yaseen, the founder and spiritual leader of Hamas and his aides by the Israeli air force. The air strikes that resulted in the killing of Sheikh Ahmed Yaseen as he was being pushed in his wheelchair and ten Palestinians can only be described as ugly and cowardly. The United States must take a firm position in condemning this crime which not only resulted in the murder of a senior Palestinian leader, but also in the assassination of any remaining hope for peace in the Middle East. This assassination is yet another proof that the United States should no longer support Sharon’s barbaric policy. Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon has shown through his tactics that he does not qualify to be a partner in peace. This assassination only serves as an invitation to escalating the cycle of violence in the region. History will hold Sharon and his supporters responsible for any bloodshed that will follow. The Palestinian American Congress urges the United States government to take immediate and concrete steps towards the protection of the Palestinian people against this Israeli state-sponsored terrorism. The United States can not continue with this hands-off policy towards the Palestinian –Israeli conflict. End ********************************************************************** February 1, 2004 Media Contacts: Marwan ElMasri, 1-888-PAC-USA1 In light of the recent events in Gaza, Ramallah, Jericho, and Jerusalem, which resulted in the killing of 16 Palestinians and 10 Israelis, the Palestinian American Congress would like to reiterate its opposition to all actions resulting in the killing of innocent people. The Palestinian American Congress urges the Bush administration to acknowledge that Israel can not expect its security to be provided by the very people it occupies, and that this policy is the cause of this cycle of violence. After all, it was Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon who described the Israeli presence on Palestinian land as an occupation. “The situation in Gaza and the West Bank is catastrophic,” said Linda Sobeh, president of the Palestinian American Congress. “The continuous loss of innocent lives must be stopped on all sides. This situation will not change without the influence of the United States. The Bush administration must take concrete steps now towards implementing confidence measures to stop this blood bath. The President cannot wait until the election year has passed to begin to pave the way to a peaceful solution to the conflict”. We as an American organization demand that the Bush administration take an active role in reviving a peaceful solution to this conflict. This current hands-off policy towards the Palestinian Israeli conflict is not acceptable. We urge our administration to take immediate steps to avert a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank as a result of Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon’s policy of collective punishment. END ********************************************************************** Fifth Annual Convention, January 21, 2004 The Palestinian American Congress successfully completed its Fifth Annual Convention in Chicago Illinois on January 18, 2004. The convention included a series of educational and political panel discussions, workshops, and a presentation describing the detrimental effects the apartheid wall has on Palestinians. A board meeting was held on January 18th. Elections for the Executive Committee and Directors of the Board took place with the following results: Dr. Qaseem Blan, Chairman of the board Nidal Alzuraqi Vice Chairman of the board Rana Yaghnam Secretary of the board National Executive Committee Linda Sobeh President Hesham Tillawi Vice President Joanne AbuQartoumy Secretary Faraj Said Treasurer Dr. Zafer Miqdadi Member Samir Seba’a Member Abdallah Jaber Member The convention was concluded with a banquet, featuring our distinguished guest, Mr. Khalil Jahshan, and an evening of traditional Palestinian dance and songs. A fund raiser event raised almost $90,000 between donations and pledges. End ********************************************************************** For Immediate release December 1, 2003 Media Contact: Marwan ElMasri 1-888-PACUSA1 The Geneva Accord was launched today in Switzerland at a ceremony in the presence of former American President Jimmy Carter. While it is an unofficial document, it proved to be of considerable controversy. In response to the launching if this document, the Palestinian American Congress categorically rejects this document. The Geneva accords contradict with our principle of adhering to the right of return of Palestinian refugees to their land as emphasized by international law, in particular UN resolution #194. According to the Geneva accord, Palestinians would give up the right of return for the millions of refugees who were forced to leave their lands. It is worth noting that a few might be allowed back, that number will be determined by Israel, while the rest would be allowed to live in a Palestinian State and host countries mainly Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. Also, a few will be entitled to some form of compensation. We at the Palestinian American Congress, feel that the right of return of Palestinian refugees is a natural individual right, and that this right can not be part of any concessions by any party. We urge the Palestinian Authority not to endorse the Geneva Accord. We urge the US administration to pursue a peaceful solution to the Middle East based on UN resolutions, particularly #242, and #194. END For the full text of the Geneva Accord, please visit our web site. ********************************************************************** For Immediate Release October 14, 2003 Media Contact: Linda Sobeh 1-888-PACUSA1 The Palestinian American congress strongly condemns the attack on American civilians in the Gaza strip where three Americans died and a fourth was injured. The attack occurred hours after the United States vetoed a United Nations resolution to condemn the construction of the separation wall in the occupied territories. We call on the Palestinian Authority to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Palestinian president, Yassir Arafat condemned the attack and called it:” An awful crime” and immediately ordered a full investigation to the incident. Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia denounced the attack. He said: ''We strongly condemn this incident and we will conduct an investigation and we will follow it to find the source of this attack.” Islamic Jihad, Hamas and al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade have denied they were responsible. A statement by Islamic Jihad said the organization: ''has no intention to extend a cycle of confrontation with any nation ... except the occupation. Our battle is with the occupiers only.'' Linda Sobeh, President of the Palestinian American Congress said: “ We are shocked and outraged at the senseless killing of innocent Americans in Gaza, and we send our sincere condolences to the victims families.” The Palestinian American Congress urges the American Administration to work with the Palestinian Authority to find the perpetrators, and not to allow this incident to deter them from pursuing a peaceful solution. ********************************************************************** For Immediate Release September 17, 2003 Media Contact: Linda Sobeh 1-888-PACUSA-1 The Palestinian American Congress condemns the United State’s decision to veto a United Nations draft resolution denouncing Israel's policy of removing Mr. Arafat. The U.S. was the only one of fifteen countries on the Security Council to oppose the resolution, with Britain, Germany and Bulgaria abstaining. While the U.S. secretary of state Colin Powell said, "Washington did not support either the elimination or the exile of Mr. Arafat," this veto sends a contradictory message to the Israeli government that the U.S. does not oppose the Israeli threats of removing or killing Mr. Arafat. If Israel is allowed to “remove” Mr. Arafat, the resulting unrest and chaos will cost many Palestinian lives, it will also eliminate the possibility of any peace in the region for many years to come; the U.S. will be held responsible. We urge the United States administration to take a concrete position in opposing Israel's decision to “remove” Mr. Arafat. We also, urge the Palestinian authority to form a robust and powerful national unity with all Palestinian groups to face this barbaric attack on the Palestinian leadership. The Palestinian American Congress stands firmly with Mr. Yasser Arafat the elected president of the Palestinian people. ********************************************************************** Press Release September 25, 2003 The Palestinian American Congress "I urge everyone to join in and not leave the field of values, definitions, and cultures uncontested" - From the final work of Edward Said. The Palestinian American Congress today expresses its profound sadness at the passing of Professor Edward Said. Professor Said was one of the best known and most respected Palestinian Americans and a champion of the Palestinian cause. Palestine has lost an icon today. "Professor Said has left a great legacy. His frankness, boldness, and sincerity will continue to guide us in our struggle to liberate our people and our land," said Linda Sobeh, PAC national president. Professor Said spent his life writing, lecturing, and speaking about Palestine and the Palestinian cause. Born in Jerusalem and raised in Palestine and Egypt, Professor Said eventually immigrated to the United States where he became a well-known and respected professor of English and comparative literature at Columbia University in New York City. His seminal work, Orientalism, is widely credited with inaugurating the postcolonial studies movement in the humanities. Other works, including The Question of Palestine, After the Last Sky, The Politics of Dispossession, Peace and its Discontents, and his extraordinary memoir, Out of Place, constitute one of the most sustained and effective efforts to represent the Palestinian experience to the American public. The Palestinian American Congress extends its deepest condolences to Professor Said's family and to Palestinians world wide, and reiterates its deep sadness at having lost one of Palestine’s most valued and beloved sons. We vow to continue on the path that Professor Said lit for us. ********************************************************************** August 7, 2003 Media Contact: Marwan ElMasri 1-888-pacusa-1 The Palestinian American Congress condemns the failed Israeli assassination attempt on Sheikh Ahmad Yaseen, the leader and founder of Hamas. As a result of this attack, Sheikh Yaseen was injured and at least 14 other people, including several women and children, were also injured. The Palestinian American Congress believes that the Israeli policy of targeted assassinations is a form of state-sponsored terrorism, serving only to provoke and fuel the cycle of violence. “Sharon’s policy of targeted assassinations has destroyed the Hudna or cease fire, which has resulted in derailing the Road Map. Clearly this strategy of Sharon’s government proves it has no intentions of pursuing a peaceful solution to the conflict,” said Linda Sobeh, national president of PAC. ********************************************************************** August 4, 2003 Media Contact: Hisham Tillawi 337-849-393 The Palestinian American Congress calls on Congressman DeLay to be more responsible in his comments regarding peace in the Holy Land. The Palestinian American Congress views with great concerns statements made by U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) to a crowed of Israeli Lawmakers. Mr. DeLay said:"There is no middle ground, no moderate position worth taking." He added, "We fight humbly and proudly together. Brothers and sisters of Israel, be not afraid. The American people stand with you, and so does our president." He also said: "Israeli security is integral to the U.S.-declared war on terrorism." He also called the lifesaving truce between the Palestinians and The Israeli occupation regime " paper thin." This rhetoric coming from the House majority leader is intended to destroy the truce-observed only by the Palestinians and re-ignite hostilities that threatens the national security of the United States and its ally. Mr. DeLay's deed to push the peace process into a cycle of death and destruction while the President of the Unites States is trying to establish the U.S. as an honest broker for peace in the Holy Land, is categorically undermining the president's authority as the Chief executive officer of our country, and making mockery of our systems of government that have carried us thus far for over 200 years. Constitutionally the President is responsible to the country for international affaires. We call on Congressman DeLay to stop meddling in executive powers and concentrate on legislative power, the job he was hired to do by the good people of the great State of Texas. The substitute to peace negotiations is continued carnage of innocent civilians, imprisonment of innocent people, destruction of Palestinian homes, and confiscation of Palestinian land. The Peace between Israel and the Palestinians is an American national interest. We call on Congressman DeLay to support the peace process to end the bloodshed in the Holy Land. Congressman DeLay as he asked the Palestinians to renounce violence, should also ask the Israelis to renounce violence, stop killing innocent children, release all prisoners, dismantle all settlement built on Palestinian land, and abide by all UN resolutions regarding Palestine. Congressman Delay claims to represent the Christian Right, Christianity was built on peace and love not killing and destruction. We call on president Bush to make it abundantly clear to the American people that the Congressman is sabotaging and hijacking the chance for peace. We call on all our elected officials not to trade peace and national security for votes in the next election. ********************************************************************** Press Release June 8, 2003 Media contact: Hisham Tillawi 337-849-7111 Commemorating the Massacre of Sabra and Shatila We, in the Palestinian American Congress as we commemorate the tragic day of September 11 where 3000 innocent lives were perished, we also commemorate another September tragic day where 3500 innocents Palestinians were butchered at the Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila, at the orders of Ariel Sharon, the Israeli Defense Minister at the time and the Prime Minister of Israel today, as they slept "peacefully" in their homes in September 1982 The commemoration will certainly be a far cry from the ceremonies in New York and Washington, where American leaders told the world that its pre-eminent military power was going to ensure that justice for the victims would triumph over evil whatever the cost. The Palestinian survivors of the 1982 massacres will probably gather for speeches at the place where their loved-ones were buried en masse - a dirt vacant lot marked by a pathetic temporary monument of masonry blocks. But there will be no internationally observed minute's silence for the innocent victims of Sabra and Shatila, or global news coverage about the survivors and their miserable existence at the scene of this evil crime. There will be no interviews with those who were made orphans and widows. There will only be the forgotten Palestinian refugees of Sabra and Shatila. By mid-day on 15 September 1982, the refugee camps were entirely surrounded by Israeli tanks and soldiers, who installed checkpoints at strategic locations and crossroads around the camps in order to stop anyone from leaving or going into the camps. During the late afternoon and evening of that day, the camps were shelled. Around mid-day on Thursday 16 September 1982, a unit of approximately 150 Israeli-allied Phalangists entered the Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila (near Beirut). During the following 36 hours, they murdered 3500 (according to the investigations of the Israeli journalist Kapeliouk) people, including women and children. The victims and survivors of the massacres have never been deemed entitled to a formal investigation of the tragedy, since Israel's Kahan Commission did not have a judicial mandate and was not backed up by legal force. The Commission has found that Ariel Sharon was " personally responsible". He was forced to resign from his post in 1983 although he remained in the cabinet. One of the survivors describes what she went through during the ordeal. On Thursday, there was shelling when the Israelis came, then it got worse so we went down into the shelter. (...) We learned on Friday that there had been a massacre. I went to my neighbors‚ house. I saw our neighbor Mustapha Al Habarat; he was injured and lying in a bath of his own blood. His wife and children were dead. We took him to the Gaza hospital and then we fled. When things had calmed down, I came back and searched for my daughter and my husband for four days. I spent four days looking for them through all the dead bodies. I found Zeinab dead, her face burnt. Her husband had been cut in two and had no head. I took them and buried them. The Palestinian American Congress calls on all peace loving people around the world to remember those innocent lives that were perished during the dreaded three days in September in 1982. We call on president Bush to stop the butcher Sharon from committing another massacre in Palestine. ********************************************************************** For Immediate Release June 8, 2003 Media Contacts: Marwan ElMasri 1-888-PACUSA-1 Position on Road Map and future peace plans In light of the recent developments regarding the Road Map and the Al-Aqaba Summit, the Palestinian American Congress would like to express its position regarding the Road Map and any future peace plans for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. 1) The Land: any negotiations regarding the borders of a future Palestinian state must be based on United Nations resolution 242. Building a fence around a few parcels of land in the West Bank and adding to that a portion of the Gaza Strip will not make an acceptable Palestinian State. 2) The People: the right of return for the Palestinian refugees cannot be compromised. This must be accomplished according to United Nations resolution 194. 3) The Capital: East Jerusalem is the heart and soul of the Palestinian heritage and culture. Without it, there cannot be a Palestinian state. The Palestinian American Congress recognizes the natural and legal right of Palestinians to resist what even Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has described as an occupation. However, this is not to say that PAC condones the killing of innocent people by either party. The Palestinian American Congress acknowledges the lack of confidence that each party has regarding the other’s peaceful intentions. Therefore, PAC is cautiously optimistic that the Road Map may be a platform from which confidence-building measures might be taken on the path to peace. However, Linda Sobeh, national president of the Palestinian American Congress points out that “we would like to view the Road Map with optimism, but the killing of two Palestinians within hours of the Al-Aqaba Summit makes it difficult to believe in the Israeli commitment to peace.” ********************************************************************** For Immediate Release May 15, 2003 Media Contact: Linda Sobeh, National President 1888-pacusa-1 Media sources in Palestine have informed the Palestinian American Congress of the following developments. At the moment the situation in Beit Hanoun is escalating dangerously as one child (aged 15) was killed and 18 people were injured. Four homes have been destroyed, and Israeli forces are now encircling a mosque and firing at the people inside. It is evident that Sharon is doing his best to evade what President Bush has proposed in his peace plan: for the two sides to go along with the peace process and implement the Road Map. This was expressed in the meeting with Abu Mazen when Sharon refused to accept the Road Map in principle. Furthermore, Sharon has escalated his confrontation with the Palestinians. When the Palestinians retaliate, he labels them terrorists. To elaborate on this belligerent policy, Sharon’s government decided in an emergency meeting to seal off all Palestinian territories beginning Sunday night. As for the Palestinians who believe in the potential of the Road Map, it will not take much for them to lose confidence in that plan. ********************************************************************** PAC-PRESS: May 15th 2003 AL-NAKBAH The Palestinian American Congress (PAC) commemorates today (May 15th) Al-Nakbah. Activities to bring the Palestinian community together on this day have been on going throughout this week. In New Jersey, an art exhibit and a lecture; in New York, a picnic with music and poetry, in Houston, an art exhibit, in California, a picnic and a gathering to honor Rachel Corrie; and many more. Al-Nakba (Arabic for Catastrophe) is the expression that was named after the historic and tragic event of the ETHNIC CLEANSING (compulsory population transfer for political aims), and DISPOSSESSION of the Palestinian people for the past five and a half decades. In 1948, hundreds of thousands of Palestinian native inhabitants were forced to abandon their lands, homes and properties and flee from their homeland, under the constant attacks of the Zionist gangs. These gangs were funded by several countries and private Jewish rich people, in an effort to create a national homeland for the Jews. Until this very day, the Zionist attempts to dislocate the Palestinian people continue, taking several forms and names, recently dubbed the policy of "Transfer". This policy represents a firm and solid proof to the continuous efforts that have been exerted for the past 55 years to forger facts and deny Palestinians the right to return to their homeland, the right to live freely and the right for self determination. Palestinian refugees fled to different place; some fled to the neighboring countries around Palestine, others fled inside Palestine and lived in refugee camps, built for them by UN agencies, and the others were dispersed in several countries around the world. All these refugees had a common dream ?? to go back to their original homes. Generations and generations of refugees passed, and with each remembrance day of Al-Nakba, this dream is revived, and Palestinians in Diaspora look forward to the day where they would go back again to their stolen Palestine. Parents teach their children from where they originally came in Palestine, and urge them to pass this heritage to their children. ********************************************************************** For Immediate Release May 15, 2003 Media Contact: Linda Sobeh 972-849-8098 The Palestinian American Congress commends President Bush for his remarks during a commencement address at the University of South Carolina on Friday May 9. During his speech, President Bush articulated his strong commitment to a tangible peace plan, and to the establishment of a secure, free, and independent Palestinian State. Palestinian Americans remain cautious towards the proposed peace plan. As the outcome of Secretary of State Collin Powell’s visit to the region, did not yield an Israeli acceptance of the “road map”, while the Palestinian Authority has clearly expressed their acceptance of the plan. In addition, renewed attacks on Palestinian civilians by Occupation forces hours after Powell’s departure resulting in the killing of three Palestinians, certainly does not fit in President Bush’s peace plan. “The Palestinian American Congress will work with President Bush and his Administration to ensure his vision of a Palestinian flag flying over an independent Palestinian nation,” said Linda Sobeh, National President of the Palestinian American Congress. ********************************************************************** For Immediate Release 4/30/2003 The Palestinian American Congress, PAC Media Contacts: Ali Alarabi 312-953-6512 Palestinian Americans across the country urging the president of the United States to take immediate and effective steps to reinvigorate the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. In addition to the publication to the” Road Map” which is a positive step forward, however, a much and immediate work on the ground is needed to bring about improvements for the battered Palestinian economy and society. With Military actions has but all ended in Iraq, the administration should start working on brining a long over due peace in the region and ending the Middle East conflict justly. The Palestinian American Congress is urging the President to press Israel to dismantle its illegal settlements that have swallowed up Palestinian lands, furthermore, pressing Israel to withdraw its army from re-occupied Palestinian territories and negotiate an honorable agreement. "The United States, as a super power is the only country that can make Peace work in the region" said Linda Sobeh, National President of the Palestinian American Congress. "President Bush needs to advance a vision of peace through which an acceptable “Road Map” would lead to a meaningful, sovereign, and real independent Palestinian state” The confirmation of Palestinian prime minister, Mahamoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), and with the” Road Map” Already published, the onus is on Israel to start lifting its siege of Palestinian towns and cities, stop its military operations inside Palestinian territories and stop illegal settlement building. Those measures if taken seriously and sincerely, would help the work of the Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat, and PM Abu Mazen delivering to their constituency the benefits of peace and normal relations with Israel. ********************************************************************** March 24, 2003 Statement from the Palestinian American Congress To all members, The Executive Committee and the Board members of the Palestinian American Congress strongly opposes the war against Iraq. We believe this war is unsubstantiated, unprovoked, is irrelevant to the national security of the United States, will not benefit the long term interest of the United sates, is against all international laws, and is a crime against an innocent people. We firmly stand with and support our brothers and sisters in Iraq. We strongly encourage all members of the Palestinian American Congress to report any hate crimes against members of our Palestinian Community to their local PAC chapters. ********************************************************************** February 16th 2003 The Honorable George W. Bush President of the United States Washington, DC Dear Mr. President: The Palestinian American Congress stands with all peace-loving organizations locally and globally in opposing war against Iraq. We view Iraq's acceptance of multiple Security Council resolutions as the first step to resolve this dangerous conflict peacefully. As Palestinian Americans we urge you to seek diplomatic solution and abandon the military approach in the best interest of all Americans. We support a vision of a Middle East that is peaceful and free of weapons of mass destruction. To achieve such peace, all countries in the Middle East, including Israel must shed their nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. We, however, view that the continued imbalance of the American role in the Middle East will only cause frustration, and discontent, such dangerous environment would inevitably produce more extremism, which in turn would hurt America's interests in the long run. As a grass roots organization concerned with the interests of the Palestinian American community, we believe that a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Iraq will strengthen all Americans as well as America's moral stand at home and abroad. ********************************************************************** Action Alert On the 23rd of February, 2004 the International Court of Justice at The Hague holds hearings on the legal consequences of Israel's construction of a separation wall in the occupied Palestinian territory. This is a historic opportunity to raise global awareness of the detrimental effects this wall has on Palestinians. We must do our best in the US to expose the facts and to ensure that the American media covers the hearings and the surrounding events to the fullest extent. Simple steps can accomplish this big task. Your role is as follows. (Use the enclosed information below.) * Send letters to the editor of your local newspaper explaining very politely the facts surrounding the construction of this wall and the conditions the wall is creating for Palestinians. If you do not feel comfortable writing such letters, do not give up: find someone who does and accomplish the task. * Call your local Radio talk shows, explain to them verbally the above-mentioned issues. Again if you do not feel up to this task, find someone fluent in English and accomplish the task. * Give presentations in your area about the separation wall. This is done with the PowerPoint presentation given at the fifth PAC national convention in Chicago, 2004, by Mohamed AlAttar. This presentation is available to all. Simply create an event around the presentation. (to obtain a copy, email your request to info@pac-national.org) Facts and figures about the separation wall While the decision of this court is not binding, these hearings will receive intense international media coverage. The U.N. General Assembly passed a resolution asking the International Court of Justice at The Hague to issue an advisory opinion on Israel’s construction of a separation wall in the occupied Palestinian territory. Issuing an order in response to a request from the General Assembly for an advisory opinion on the matter, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) also ruled that written statements should be submitted by 30 January 2004. In addition to UN Member States, Palestine was invited to provide documents to the Court. The Court was also asked to consider the rules and principles of international law, including the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention as well as relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. Israel’s construction of the Apartheid Wall in the West Bank constitutes a grave violation of human rights and international law. The Apartheid Wall will result in the unilateral demarcation of a new border in the West Bank and the effective annexation of occupied land. Other violations of international law include collective punishment of the civilian population, the seizing of private property by an occupying power, the demolition of houses and property, and the violation of such basic human rights as the right to work and freedom of movement. In this fact sheet, which analyzes the Wall and its impact in the context of international humanitarian and human rights law, is an important resource for making clear that the Wall’s illegality cannot be denied The Apartheid Wall, a massive land grab that is causing the forced expulsion of Palestinians, is tearing apart the West Bank and isolating hundreds of thousands into ghettos. This fact sheet provides basic information on the Apartheid Wall including its length, path, and implications for life in Palestine The Wall: * The length of the wall is 408 miles; concrete sections are 6-24 feet high. * Other sections are a complex of trenches, barbed wire, electronic surveillance fences and patrol roads. * It is inside the 1967 borders - on Palestinian land. * It denies access to trees and grazing land. * It prevents reaching work places: denies income. * It confiscates thousands of acres of land. What does Israel gain: * Land for agriculture * Land for settlement expansion * Control of water resources * Link between Israel and the Jordan Valley * End of a viable Palestinian state Good case in point or example * Naqba, 1948: o Qalqiliya loses 80% of its land o 70% of Qalqiliya’s residents become registered refugees * With the WALL, 2003: o 50% of the remaining 20% of Qalqiliya land is confiscated o 4000 people have left to other locations in West Bank o 45 school days cancelled due to closures last year WATER: o Qalqilya sits over the second largest accessible water resource in the region after the Jordan River; Qalqiliya has 34 wells Link the following issues to the articles: · Israel is the only country in the world using the policy of home demolition for collective punishment. · Since the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza in 1967, Israel has demolished more than 10,000 Palestinian homes. · With the construction of the wall, this policy of demolition has intensified The Wall: Destroyed so far: * More than 100,000 ancient olive trees * 35,000 meters of irrigation network * 11,400 acres of agricultural land * 280 homes These numbers will triple by the completion of the wall. The above information was collected from the UN News Centre, www.stopthewall.org and a presentation given by Mohamed AlAttar at the fifth annual convention of the Palestinian American Congress. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX The Palestinian American Congress is a national grass roots organization that defends and represents the interests of Palestinian Americans.

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A documentary film from Palestine