STRADA PLACIDO: Palestine

Deconstructing Israel's 'Right to Exist'

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 12:07:00 GMT

Deconstructing Israel's 'Right to Exist'

If acknowledging Israel’s ‘right to exist’ means accepting that anyone who is Jewish can automatically become a citizen of Israel and then live on the very land, and in some cases, in the very home, of a Palestinian family who has lived there for generations; if it means relinquishing the right to say “this was my land and my home before you took it away from me”; if it means forsaking the right to return to Palestine with deed and keys in hand, demanding to know what entitles the newly arrived family from England, Russia, Morocco or Ethiopia to live on the property of those who were forcibly expelled; if it means denying the very existence of Palestine and Palestinians—as Golda Meir tried to do—by erasing their history, culture, and collective memory … Then no. Israel has no ‘right to exist’.

By RANNIE AMIRI

"There was no such thing as Palestinians ... They did not exist." - Former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir (The Sunday Times, 15 June 1969)

Gaza is abuzz with activity.

Humanitarian groups and relief agencies are trying to squeeze through Israeli and Egyptian bottleneck to deliver their much-needed supplies; fighter jets bomb tunnels and kill ‘militants’ as Ehud Olmert maintains he is abiding by the ceasefire; international human rights lawyers are busy recording eyewitness testimony and gathering evidence for future war crimes tribunals; Palestinian civilians are returning to their destroyed homes to sift through the rubble and mourn their dead; and intense negotiations underway in Cairo hope to broker an extended truce between Israel and Hamas.

But even if all of Gaza’s outstanding issues were miraculously resolved to Tel Aviv’s satisfaction, Israel will still find pretext to continue agitating against Hamas and the people of Gaza.

Why?

Because they have yet to recognize Israel’s ‘right to exist’.

Acceptance of this abstract, esoteric construct has been a longstanding and immutable demand of both the United States and Israel before substantive talks with Hamas, or any other self-described resistance group, can take place.

I submit however, that nearly all Palestinians have de facto accepted Israel’s ‘existence’.

Indeed, they will contend:

• Have we not recognized Israel’s ‘existence’ when we know it was they who prevented food, medicine, fuel, electricity and clean water from reaching Gaza for 18 months, causing a humanitarian crisis? Then afterward, bombed and invaded a defenseless population, killing over 1,300 and wounding thousands more - the vast majority of whom were civilians?

• Have we not recognized Israel’s ‘existence’ when we know it was they who fired white phosphorus at our people, causing burns so severe they penetrate through skin and muscle to the bone?

• Have the Samounis of the Zeitoun district of Gaza City not recognized Israel’s ‘existence’ when 110 members of their extended family were herded by Israeli soldiers into a warehouse without any food, water or heat for 24 hours, then the building they were placed in shelled the next day, massacring 30? When ambulances were prevented for four days from reaching those inside because the soldiers, a mere 100 yards away, had erected earthen barriers to deliberately obstruct them? What about the four infant children found huddled and starving next to the bodies of their dead mothers, or the injured, who had to be removed by donkey carts because ambulances were still not allowed to approach? Did they not all bear witness to Israel’s ‘existence’?

• Has Khaled Abed Raboo not acknowledged Israel’s ‘existence’ when he stood outside what remained of his home in Jabaliya and a tank with Israeli soldiers ordered him, his mother, his wife and their three children to evacuate? And when they did so waving white flags, all three of his children shot? Had Mr. Abed Raboo not recognized Israel ‘existence’ when he saw Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, only 15 meters away, shoot dead two of his daughters, age two and seven, and critically injure the third? Does witnessing one’s defenseless children being gunned down at close range, before one’s very eyes, not meet the standard of having accepted that Israel ‘exists’?

• Have the residents of Khuza’a not recognized Israel ‘existence’ when their village came under a 12-hour assault by Israeli forces, killing 14 people? Was the bulldozing of homes with civilians inside, the killing of those carrying white flags, the firing on an ambulance attempting to evacuate the wounded, and the shelling of homes with white phosphorus not enough to say yes, we acknowledge you ‘exist’?

• What about the refugees taking shelter in the Al-Fakhoura school in Jabaliya? When the school was shelled by the IDF and 43 displaced Gazans killed? Have their surviving relatives not adequately recognized the cause of their untold grief is Israel’s ‘existence’?

• Has Israel’s ‘existence’ not been confirmed by the A'aiedy family, whose home was hit by an IDF shell, wounding two 80-year old women and three of their grandchildren? Who waited 86 hours to be rescued because the army did not permit ambulances to evacuate them to hospital, and anyone who attempted to leave the courtyard in order to get water shot at?

• Has Israel’s ‘existence’ not been recognized by those in the West Bank forced to travel on different roads than Israeli citizens? And negotiate a maze of checkpoints where they undergo humiliating searches and delays, just so they can travel a few miles? Are the women who have been forced to give birth at checkpoints, and often miscarry at them, oblivious to Israel’s ‘existence’? Or how about those who have been cut off from their farms and livelihood by Israel’s ‘security fence’?

• In fact, isn’t the hardship and suffering endured by all Palestinians who have lived, or are living, under Israeli occupation enough proof that Israel ‘exists’?

But, if acknowledging Israel’s ‘right to exist’ means accepting that anyone who is Jewish can automatically become a citizen of Israel and then live on the very land, and in some cases, in the very home, of a Palestinian family who has lived there for generations; if it means relinquishing the right to say “this was my land and my home before you took it away from me”; if it means forsaking the right to return to Palestine with deed and keys in hand, demanding to know what entitles the newly arrived family from England, Russia, Morocco or Ethiopia to live on the property of those who were forcibly expelled; if it means denying the very existence of Palestine and Palestinians—as Golda Meir tried to do—by erasing their history, culture, and collective memory …Then no. Israel has no ‘right to exist’.

YA ALLAH MADAD!!

How Israel lost, AGAIN.

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 06:33:00 GMT

Israel Has Managed to Lose Again

Hamas is now becoming a widely accepted entity by the international community. It is regarded as an elementary ingredient in any possible solution. Israel, on the other hand, is seen for what it is for real, a murderous criminal state involved in genocidal war crimes of the worst order.

By GILAD ATZMON

Haaretz reported today that IDF Senior officials "believe that Israel should strive to reach an immediate cease-fire with Hamas, and not expand its offensive against the Palestinian Islamist group in Gaza."

This shouldn't take us by great surprise. Though Israel has proved beyond doubt that it is rather capable of conducting large-scale genocide, it also proved that its military forces do not have the answer to Islamic resistance. The Israeli chief military officials admitted as well that "Israel achieved several days ago all that it possibly could in Gaza." The IDF, so it seems, finished its role in Gaza. It turned its neighbourhoods into piles of rubble. Relentlessly, it even murdered the civilian population in broad daylight by means of air raids and attacks from warships. Images of white phosphorus artillery shells bursting over schools and hospitals are now part of our collective memory. Tanks firing into schools loaded with evacuees seeking refuge from the bombing of their buildings is now the image associated with the Hebraic soldier and yet, the Israelis failed to achieve any of their objectives. I must admit that it must take a special talent to be an Israeli general. As much as they are good in committing war crimes, they somehow fail in everything else.

The Israeli politicians initially swore to destroy Hamas, they then lowered their expectations, they promised just to destroy Hamas' rocket launching capabilities, all the while reassuring their excited Israeli voters that this time the Jewish State will fight till the bitter end. Seemingly, their promises fell too short once again.

Hamas is still there; its support within the Palestinian street is stronger than ever. But it is not only the Palestinian street. Hamas' message of defiance is spreading all over the Muslim world and beyond. Last week I was marching in London together with another 100,000 protesters. The support for Hamas was all around. It was on placards, flags, headbands and loudspeakers. Not only is Hamas far from being defeated, its rocket launching capability seems to be unaffected. Day after day Hamas combatants manage to remind Israelis in Ashdod, Ashkelon and Sderot that they actually live on stolen Palestinian land. Give Hamas the necessary time and the ballistic message will be carried to every corner of stolen Palestine.

Israel is desperate for an exit strategy. I learned today that Defence Minister Barak is looking for a week long humanitarian ceasefire. Please do not hold your breath, the notorious mass murderer didn't change his spots all of a sudden. Being a veteran general, Barak realises very well that his soldiers on the ground need a break and they need it now. Being that they are gathered together in a few scattered open areas, they are currently exposed to Hamas' snipers and mortar fire. In the last few days, Israeli forces started to suffer a growing number of causalities. The attempt to step up the battle into Gaza's neighbourhood met with some severe resistance. The Israeli army is stuck once again.

If this is not enough, within a few days Obama is going to reside in the White House and the Israelis are not totally convinced that the new American president will blindly support their murderous strategy. Defence Minister Barak realizes that his window of opportunity might be closing down. He realises that IDF soldiers may have to dig in Gaza city outskirts without achieving any of the war's military objectives. Barak needs a few days of ceasefire to create a new reality on the ground. He obviously prefers to hide behind a humanitarian effort. This is far easier than admitting that once again the IDF was caught unprepared. Olmert aids, however were stupid enough to admit the lie. Apparently one of them slammed Barak earlier on today suggesting that "Hamas sees the scenes and hears the voices, these comments are a shot in the arm for Hamas and its leaders."

As things stand, IDF soldiers are now stranded in Gaza. Don't misinterpret me, they are still capable of spreading death and inflicting carnage, yet they cannot win this war. The IAF ran out of ˜military" targets a week ago and the artillery is probably facing the same situation. As news floods in it becomes evident that once Israeli soldiers leave their armoured vehicles and Merkava tanks they are subject to the mercy of Hamas. I have read today on Ynet that some IDF soldiers reported that they "don't really see the enemy", "we get hit and we do not know by who and how."

As things stand, Hamas is becoming a symbol of heroic persistence. Its combatants on the ground fight almost with bare hands against America's most lethal technology. Similarly, Hamas'political leadership has managed to set itself as the key to any possible resolution of the current conflict. The hope that Hamas would be toppled or discredited proved to be just another Jewish wet dream. Hamas is now becoming a widely accepted entity by the international community. It is regarded as an elementary ingredient in any possible solution. Israel, on the other hand, is seen for what it is for real, a murderous criminal state involved in genocidal war crimes of the worst order.

However, there is a new reality that we have to bear in mind. The damage Israel is leaving behind in Gaza is horrific. It has flattened neighbourhoods, it has spread white phosphorus in populated areas. As if this is not enough, the many tons of bunker buster bombs which Israel was using day and night have shaken the foundations of every building in Gaza and the question looms large as to whether Gazan houses that are still standing will be safe to live in. EU officials raised the question today wondering who is going to pay for the reconstruction of these eradicated towns, camps and villages.

In an ideal ethical world, Israel would have let the Gazans go back to their land. But ethics and Israel are very much like parallel lines. They somehow never meet. As much as it is clear that Palestinians will come back to their land, it won't be Israel that that will welcome the inevitable returning Palestinians.

Someone will have to rebuild Gaza, and the only name that comes to mind is the democratically elected Hamas. Such a huge project maintained by Hamas will be the right answer to Israel's criminal war and its murderous objectives.

In Unity with Palestine

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:27:00 GMT

Salaamaleykum,

Stada Placido declares unity with Gaza (hence Palestinians), and condemns with utmost disgust to Israel's assault on Gaza.
It shames us that a country will act in the same manners as the terrorist organisations do.

When Islamabad was attacked, we condemn the attacks.
When Mumbai was attacked, we condemned the attacks.
And now, when Gaza is attacked heavy-handedly, we condemn it.

Israel, being home to many of the Holocaust victims, must understand that little over 60-years ago, they were just as victimised as the Palestinians. And today, when the comforts of a state is acquired, they have joined the ranks of their forefather's oppressors.

It should be reminded that life is a cycle ever in rotation. May this serve as a warning for you who oppress.

Last, but not least, we offer prayers for those oppressed...

اللهم أصلح أمة محمد اللهم فرج عن أمة محمد أللهم ارحم أمة محمد

'Allahumma aslih Ummata Muhammad. Allahumma farrij 'an Ummati Muhammad. Allahumma Rham Ummata Muhammad [sallAllahu alayhi wasalam]

O Allah! Improve (help) the state of the Ummah of Muhammad. O Allah! Grant ease to the Ummah of Muhammad. O Allah! Have mercy on the Ummah of Muhammad.

اللَّهُ اَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ اعَزُّ مِنْ خَلْقِهِ جَمِيعًا، اللَّهُ اَعَزُّ مِمَّا اَخَافُ وَ اَحْذَرُ، اَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ الَّذِي لا اِلَهَ اِلَّا هُوَ، الْمُمْسِكِ السَّموَاتِ السَّبْعِ اَنْ يَقَعْنَ عَلَى الاَرْضِ اِلَّا بِاِذْنِهِ، مِنْ شَرَّ عَبْدِكَ [....] ، وَ جُنُودِهِ وَ اَتْبَاعِهِ وَ اَشْيَاعِهِ، مِنَ الْجِنِّ وَ الِانْسِ، اللَّهُمَّ كُنْ لِي جَارًا مِنْ شَرِّهِمْ، جَلَّ ثَنَاؤُكَ وَ عَزَّ جَارُكَ، وَ تَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَ لا اِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ
(٣ مَرَّاتٍ)

Allahu Akbar, Allahu a'azzu min khalqihi jammii'an. Allahu a'azzu mimma akhaafu wa ahdharu, a'udhu billahil-ladhi la illaha illa Huwa, al-Mumsik is-samaawaatis sab'i-an an yaqa'na alal-ardhi illa bi'ithnihi, min sharri 'abdika [name of the person], wa junoodihi wa atbaa'ihi wa ashaa'ihi, minal-jinni wal-insi. Allahumma kun li jaaran min sharrihim, jalla thanaa'uka wa 'azza jarruka, wa tabaarakasmuka, wa la illaha ghairuka

Allah is Great, Mightier than all His Creation. He is Mightier than what I fear and dread. I seek refuge in Allah, Who there is none worthy of Worship but Him. He is the One Who Holds the seven heavens from falling upon the earth except by His Command. [I seek refuge in You Allah] from the evil of Your slave [name of the person], and his helpers, his followers and his supporters from among the jinn and mankind. O Allah! be my support against their evil. Glorious are Your Praises and Mighty is Your Patronage. Blessed is Your Name, there is no God but You (recite 3 times)

YA ALLAH MADAD!!

Yaumul Nakba (Day of Catastrophe)

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:39:06 GMT

Salaamaleykum.

    Today, 15th May 2008, marks the 60th year since the Catastrophe tragedy occured upon the Palestinians, or rather, Muslims in general.
    It was the day the illegal Zionist State of Israel was formed by evicting millions of locals (Palestinians) from their ancestral lands. This act, was nonetheless, a crime against humanity and contradicts International Laws.
    However, until this day, Israel has neither acknowledged nor tried to amend its abuse of basic human rights. Rather, it continues to deny the Palestinians their rights to return home.

    Strada Placido stands firm and united with the Palestinians around the world in their demand for justice- their right to return home.
    Had it been Jews who are being evicted, within days , the country in concern would have been under tremendous pressure from USA UK UN Europe and almost every single nation in the globe, with economic sanctions and military intervention threats. Instead, now with the table turned around, with Zionist Jews being the bad guy, the international community sits and condemns verbally, while conducting business and enriching the illegal state. Whereas the 'peace, freedom and human rights advocate' nation called the Zionist state a "model for democracy".
    If that is the model of democracy advocated by the US, I'ill pass.

YA ALLAH MADAD!

Prayer appeal

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 09:04:00 GMT

Salaamaleykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

As you might have heard from the news, Israel (lana’tullah) has openly violated the sovereignty of Lebanon, after weeks of aggression of Palestinians.

I will not talk about the political aspect of these, but as Muslims, I would like to remind you of our responsibilities.

Allah's Apostle said,

"You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body, so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it."

               Abu Salama reported it on the authority of Abu Huraira that the 
Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) recited Qunut after ruku' in 
prayer for one mouth at the time of reciting (these words):

" Allah listened to him who praised Him," and he said in Qunut:
" 0 Allah! rescue al-Walid b. al-Walid; O Allah! rescue Salama b. Hisham; 
O Allah! rescue 'Ayyash b. Abu Rabi'a; O Allah! rescue the helpless amongst the Muslims; 
O Allah! trample Mudar severely; O Allah! cause them a famine like 
that (which was caused at the time) of Joseph."

 Abu Huraira (further) said:

I saw that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) afterwards abandoned

this supplication.

I, therefore said:

I see the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) abandoning this blessing upon them.

 It was raid to him (Abu Huraira):

Don't you see that (those for whom was blessing invoked by the Holy Prophet) 
have come (i. e. they have been rescued)?

As we cannot participate in this Jihaad in defending out brothers and sisters, the best thing for us to do now is to pray for them.

Allah’s Messenger has mentioned us that if we see injustice, we’re suppose to act against it, and if we cant, we’re told to speak out against it, and if still we cant speak out, we’re to hate it in out hearts. And that is the least of action we can take.

I hope all of you can perform the (Salat-al-Tahajudd) / Qiyaam al-Layl. (http://www.ahya.org/amm/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=83) it will be better if you get your friends and family together and perform the Salaat and Do’a collectively.

BarakAllahu feek.

CHILDREN'S LAWS OF OWNERSHIP

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 11:28:00 GMT

Salaamaleykum
found this in a forum...

CHILDREN'S LAWS OF OWNERSHIP

1. If I like it, it's mine

2. If it's in my hand, it's mine

3. If I can take it from you, it's mine

4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine

5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way

6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine

7. If it looks just like mine, it's mine

8. If I think it's mine, it's mine

9. If it's yours and I steal it, it's mine

10. If I...........................!

Oops, sorry! I've been reading Israeli Foreign Policy documents!

Never mind.... Have a nice day!