Children of Gaza Desperate for Protection

Very touching…

Because there’s no one to protect them, Gaza children are trying to come up with ways to protect themselves. They made their own “journalist/ media vests” in hope of escaping the inhumane attack of Israel, they don’t know, Israel crossed that line long time ago.
A Swiss Journalist, gave this child his helmet as a gift to complete the costume that Israel will still ignore…

Screw every single being that is justifying this terror and allowing these innocent children to be massacred.

ظن هذا الطفل الغزّي ، بعد ملاحظته لملابس رجال الإعلام
…أنه إن لفّ نفسه بكيس بلاستيك أسود سيحمي جسمه من الإصابة بشظايا القصف الصهيوني
فما كان من صحفي سويسري إلا أن أهداه خوذته لتكتمل الحماية
..
أطفال غزة ..لكم الله فقط
‎يحدث في غزة

‎يحدث في غزة .. ظن هذا الطفل الغزّي ، بعد ملاحظته لملابس رجال الإعلام ، أنه إن لفّ نفسه بكيس بلاستيك أسود سيحمي جسمه من الإصابة بشظايا القصف الصهيوني ... فما كان من صحفي سويسري إلا أن أهداه خوذته ..لتكتمل الحماية !!! .. أطفال غزة ..لكم الله فقط‎

‎Jeff Kulen-Smith@__ tears one just wants to reach into the screen and extract them away from this barbaric slaughter. One feels hate and rage يحدث في غزة .. ظن هذا الطفل الغزّي ، بعد ملاحظته لملابس رجال الإعلام ، أنه إن لفّ نفسه بكيس بلاستيك أسود سيحمي جسمه من الإصابة بشظايا القصف الصهيوني ... فما كان من صحفي سويسري إلا أن أهداه خوذته ..لتكتمل الحماية !!! .. أطفال غزة ..لكم الله فقط‎

Category: Media, International, Palestine | 1 Comment

July 11 2014

Noam Chomsky Says It All…

Category: Media, International, Palestine | 1 Comment

July 11 2014

Palestine Did Not Cause The War On Gaza, Operation “Protective Edge” Is Pure Bullshit.

Nothing gets my blood boiling more than reading the ongoing claims that Palestinians caused this vicious, horrible war Israel is waging on Gaza.
Even news articles that are somehow moved by the horrible pictures of destruction in Gaza and the many causalities of unarmed civilians that seem to be mostly women and children, they have to add: “it’s to be mentioned that this whole thing was “sparked” by Hamas firing rockets at Israel”, or “this Israeli act of ‘self-defense’ followed the kidnapping and killing of 3 Israeli teens”… and most people in the west believe what their media tells them.

On social media,many people are blaming both sides, Palestinians and Israelis, putting Palestine on the same side of being a criminal of war causing the death of all these innocent people; in many news channels reporters are dictated to say nonsense such as: “the exchange of fire between Hamas & Israel”, trying to brainwash audience into believing that Palestinians had this war coming and brought this massacre to themselves; some tweets even read: “shame on you Palestine & Israel”… etc.

And although many Palestinians almost lost hope in any western justice and hope for support, I for one regained my hope in the West and its people, because they proved once again, that despite their Israeli biased media, and their unfair government political agenda, they have eyes to see for themselves, and they have the courage to speak up and stand up for the side that is really suffering: Palestine.

Here are a few examples that might help people get their facts straight.

3:19
And of course the AWESOME Robert Fisk, now, and forever: The True Gaza Backstory That The Israelis Are Not Telling.

Category: Media, International, Palestine | Comments Off

January 21 2014

Lizzie Velasquez Is Beautiful

I came across this article: “Labeled ‘World’s Ugliest Woman,’ Motivational Speaker Turns Hate Into Love”, and honestly, I can’t get over the fact that we’re in year 2014 and there are people who have the guts not only to label other people negatively, but to make things worse, they label them according to looks.
There’s nothing, and I mean NOTHING, more unfair than judging a person by their looks. I hear -and personally know- of individuals, mainly women, whose looks are the no. 1 factor in deciding their lives, whether on the personal, social or career level; which I find absolutely crazy.

“Beautiful” women, depend on their beauty to be hired, and the shocking truth is that they do get exactly what they want, if not even more than what they want in so many cases, simply because they’re attractive! They generate more “revenue” because they’re appealing and get the attention of buyers, customers, clients or whatever the targeted group is called depending on their place of work. And “ugly” women, get deprived of so many jobs and titles just because they don’t look good enough and would “reflect” a negative impression of their workplace.

No one should be given credit for looking beautiful, they didn’t work hard for it, they didn’t earn it, they were just given it, as simple as that. And no one should be punished for being “ugly”, because they didn’t create themselves this way, they’re just the victim of shallow societies that set their own standards for what’s beautiful and what’s not.

That said, not all beautiful women are stupid, not all “ugly” women are smart, and vice versa. Looks are just something additional on the surface of a very deep and precious thing many people tend to forget about: the soul.
If you want to judge someone, judge them by their actions, way of thinking, talents, skills, and respect for others. Do not judge someone by something they have no control over and no choice in. Don’t push people to change how they look just to please the crowds, and fit what is defined as acceptable by the majority.

It’s people like Lizzie Velasquez who should be on the cover of every magazine, be the role model to look up to, not the fake porcelain dolls that we see everywhere these days.

Category: Media, International, Women | 1 Comment

September 2 2013

War on Syria: To strike, or not to strike

My one and only answer now, tomorrow and forever is NOT TO STRIKE.

I know I’m not Syrian, and that the only ones who should make such a life-changing decision are Syrians, but since there are some Syrians who are calling for the US military strike, and those who are against it, and since almost all nationalities on planet Earth are giving themselves the right to interfere, I thought I’d share my two cents as well.

To be honest I’m in such a shock to hear that some people are actually pro the war on Syria! But then I look more carefully and see that most of them are living outside Syria, encouraging war and justifying their stand with: “it’s a strike on the government, the corrupt regime, on Assad, and not on Syria.”
Nothing good ever comes from war. War = violence, and violence is terror, you can’t eliminate terror with terror, it will only make things worse. And if the war on Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere did ever result in something other than more destruction and more loss of innocent lives, then this war on Syria would.

First it was boycott and now a military strike; decision-makers seem to turn a blind eye to the fact that the only ones who are paying the high price are the innocent Syrians. Since the Syrian revolution started, it’s always been them. And I don’t see how a military strike will improve things for them!
Obama said, this military strike is to ensure a violence-free, and a safe world for our children. The same children we teach every single day not to bully, and to never encourage violence no matter what. The same children we preach about the importance of peace, and how authority and power can never serve humanity without responsibility. While decision-makers are arguing what lesson they should be teaching dictators (who, as proven by history never hesitate to destroy everything till they get what they want, even if it meant having all their people bombarded and burnt to the bone), why don’t decision-makers focus on teaching their people how not to raise dictators and violence-thirsty generations. Why is it so easy to launch a missile, wage a war, but so hard to save lives and maintain peace?

I’m not a politician, nor a decision-maker, but I don’t see any reason why all these people and governments who are sparing no effort to support a war on Assad (which is just a way to paraphrase ‘war on Syria’), can’t all come together and unite, pay the same effort to get in there and protect Syrians until matters are solved. All I see are people looking from a far and safe distance, judging, condemning and supporting chaos, financially, how about a planned support targeting only who needs to be targeted, saving the real victims?

So please people, don’t go calling for a military strike, it’s not a ride to enjoy, it’s not something you do for fun, this is an expensive action, I couldn’t care less about the financial angle (although come to think of it, the money to be spent on war is better spent on feeding the poor and saving starving nations), what I meant is the lives that will be lost in the middle of this nonsense. Not to mention the side-effects that neighboring countries will be suffering from.

So, yes, I say Hands Off Syria. There must be an other way to solve this.

Category: Arab Societies, Media, International | Comments Off

May 21 2013

Palestinian Raed Zidan Reaches The Top of The World

[Source: MondoWeiss]

Raed Zidan, a PALESTINIAN- American, plants the Palestinian flag on top of Mount Everest, to be the first Palestinian to ever reach the summit of Everest.

Zidan dedicated his climb to Palestinians, especially political prisoners.

Way to go Zidan, not only did you make your family proud, but you made all Palestinians and pro-Palestinians extremely proud.
With this historical accomplishment, you’ll be forever remembered as the first Palestinian who marked the existence of Palestine on the highest Mountain on the face of this planet.

It is to be mentioned that Raed Zidan is a member of the “Arabs with Altitude” group, consisting of 4 members, that include Raha Moharrak, the first Saudi woman to reach the top of Everest, Qatari Shaikh Mohammad Al-Thani, aka Moe Al Thani, and Iranian Masoud Mohammad. The group’s main goal is to raise a million dollars for the funding of Reach Out To Asia‘s educational projects in Nepal.

Category: Arab Societies, Charity & Human Aid, Media, International, Palestine | Comments Off

April 22 2013

An Interesting Twist in Reactions to the Capture of Dzhokhar: Did They Catch the Real Bomber?

Ok, as most of you know by now there’s a trending Twitter hashtag #FreeJahar, which means that there are many people who believe that the suspect is actually innocent, and that the stories, details, evidence or whatever you may call them, don’t actually add up!

It comes to no surprise that the suspect’s parents believe he and his brother were actually framed, and that their sons could never do such a thing, nor plan it in the first place, is it the truth? or is just their instincts and emotions speaking? But away from the parents, most of the suspect’s friends repeatedly say that Dzhokhar was just an average college guy, he was actually named student of the month, he was studying after he got a scholarship, there was nothing fishy or freaky or suspicious about the boy… And according to many people, who are not even the suspect’s friend, details about the scene of the bombing, and the videos released tend to contradict each other and seem more like a fabricated story with really good edited images, tailored scenes and cut out recordings, than a real life story! Like the fact that many are arguing the changed color of Dzhokhar’s backpack, once it’s white, then it’s black; some are actually wondering how would a pressure-cooker-bomb fit in his backpack in the first place. Some shared a photo showing discrepancies in the face features & cap number between that of Dzhokhar and the actual suspect that was caught on tape. Another photo-analysis of the bombing scene is circulating stressing that the whole thing was “staged”. Not to mention the fact that no one is convinced he’d “run over” his brother, who is supposed to be the mastermind behind the whole thing, to save his own life and then try to kill himself when captured to “escape later execution”.
What I found also interesting is the argument of some people that if Dzhokhar’s motives were purely radical religious, then -like what radical terrorists usually do- he’d pride himself, and show off his ill-doings, brag about his accomplishments and spit out his intentions in the face of “evil”, not hide or escape or even try to kill himself.

The lack of proper proof backing up the story that he’s actually one of the bombers, made a lot of people research the whole thing from point 0, and some people who were greatly upset by the #FreeJahar campaign at first, are starting to put things together and are joining in, believing in the ‘innocent until proven guilty’ principle.

What do I think? I think that anyone of us or our families or friends could have been there, and might have been in the news headlines, therefore I truly believe that neither I nor any of the families of the victims would feel justice is served if the wrong guy was captured and the real sick person is out enjoying his freedom, and who knows, maybe planning another deadly attack! I hope truth is revealed and the real bomber, let it be Dzhokhar or someone else, pays the price no matter who he is, what his name, color, religion or origin.

A poem for Dzhokhar by Amanda Palmer.

Alleged bomber’s aunt: Tamerlan was religious, but not radical.

Category: Media, International | Comments Off

April 20 2013

Israel Violating Geneva Conventions AGAIN!

15- year-old Palestinian boy, Ahmad, was arrested in the middle of the night, by Israeli soldiers. Nothing new, it always happens, I know, but the boy’s begging and his reasons for not going along on that particular day is the heart-breaking bit, and I just wonder when will this inhumanity end! Watch the video of the boy’s arrest, and below it you’ll find my translation in English.

http://youtu.be/oj7W0B363GU

English translation of the video:

Mother: (talking to the soldier) have mercy, he’s just a child! do you want something like that to happen to your young son?
Boy: (to his mom) wait a moment! (to the soldier) I have a test tomorrow, the school wont postpone, if I don’t show up they’ll expel me, if it was any other day I will come with you.
Soldier interrupts…
Boy: just listen to me, please, they will kick me out of school, please, I beg you, I BEG YOU!

No one listens. The soldier cuffs the boy’s hands, ties a band around his eyes, tells him that he’s a “hero” and promises to return him back to school the next morning.
What’s the crime that made the Israeli authorities arrest him, just a 15 year old student, in the middle of the night? he threw a few rocks at some soldiers…

The chief officer of the arresting “raids” says -with a proud arrogant smile on his face- that they have absolutely no problem whom they arrest, even if it was a little boy, whoever takes part in riots will be arrested.

As it is the case with all Israeli “promises”, the boy was NOT released the next morning, instead, he was sent to ‘Ofer’ prison, where he’s being trialed with a list of accusations for throwing rocks, which is of course against the Geneva Conventions.

Ahmad is not the first, and wont be the last boy to go through this and suffer from the Israeli occupation and its oppression, this happens over and over, to all Palestinian families, “almost every Palestinian family has a member or relative thrown in Israeli prison”, comments Political Analyst Amnon Abramovich.

Helllooo, anyone watching?? anyone listening?? Human rights? political leaders? the Geneva Conventions are being, yet again, violated by Israel, human rights are being violated every day… ANY ONE AT ALL?!

Bravo World, keep watching, enjoy your frickin’ show!

Category: Arab Societies, Media, International, Palestine | Comments Off

April 17 2013

The Boston Attack & Islamophobia

Afters reporting that a “Saudi National” was a suspect in the Boston Marathon Bombings, and that he was taken into custody, the New York Post lost a lot of its credibility and was criticized for reporting, with no evidence, something as serious as that; not only did it give the Saudi student a really hard time -although he was just another victim of the bombings- but the false reporting of the New York Post fed the fire that’s burning the Muslim communities in general, the fire called Islamophobia.

I came across an article written by Vladimir Chituc, titled: “Even If It Was a Muslim, So What?” , and I believe that, so far, I haven’t read any better article tackling the issue of Islamophobia in relation to the Boston Marathon Bombings than this one.
I do encourage readers to read the article in full, but below are the paragraphs that I believe summarize the main points and do certainly hit the nail right on the head.

“What would have happened, though, if the perpetrator was this 20-year-old Saudi, who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time looking the wrong color and maybe calling out to the name of the wrong-sounding God? What if it was some other Muslim, instead? Why should that even matter?

“They use extraordinary examples as an excuse to rub in our faces how violent and harmful a religion Islam is… But what about the Gallup poll that shows that 93 percent of Muslims in the world aren’t radical, and that the radicals give political, not religious, justifications for their violence? What about the study out of Duke and UNC Chapel Hill showing that only 6 percent of terrorist attacks in the U.S. have been by Muslims? What about the studies by Robert Pape showing that nearly all suicide bombings have the secular goal of resisting Western occupation, rather than any religious aim? What about the secular and nationalist group, the Tamil Tigers, which pioneered the modern suicide attack, accounting for the majority in the latter end of the 20th century? …

“We don’t see Muslims in Minnesotta blowing themselves up because of Islam, so why should we even take seriously the idea that religion is involved when the effect is entirely explained by other factors? Stalin may very well have said “religion is a poison” as he was ordering the massacre of clergymen in Soviet Russia, but I think most of us are happy to chalk this up to economics, politics and nationalism. I see no reason we should treat Islam any differently. …

“… More than that, though, this topic is important because of how we treat people like the 20-year-old Saudi, a visiting student who looks, to many, more like a killer than a victim.
If we find out tomorrow that the bomber was a right-wing radical protesting tax day, then no one will look at their Republican friends any differently, and no Republicans will feel the need to be careful about how they respond in a tragedy. But if we find out tomorrow that the bomber was a Muslim, then I don’t think we can say the same. And that’s a problem.”
[Article in full]

What happened in the Boston Marathon was tragic, inhumane, heart-breaking and I don’t think that any culture, or religion, justifies or encourages such terrorism. I hope they catch the one(s) behind this tragedy and that they get what they deserve no matter where they come from, or what they believe in.

Related:

* Sign this petition to demand an apology from the New York Post for racial profiling and the harm it caused to the Saudi student.

* Another very well written article on the same issue, this time by Andreas Rekdal, titled: ‘The bomber isn’t one of “us” – and probably not one of “them”, either‘.

Category: Media, International, Religion | 4 Comments

June 20 2012

مبارك لمصر: أنا عايش ومش عايش ومش قادر على بعدك

هذا برأيي أصح وأدق تعبير قيل تعقيبا على خبر وفاة مبارك
@ZaidAtalla ‎‫مبارك‬‏ بيغني للشعب .. انا عايش ومش عايش ومش قادر على بعدك

وسأشارككم هذا المقال، الذي أعتبره أجمل وأخف دم مقال يخص موضوع وفاة مبارك، وشر البلية ما يُضحِك
تويتر مصر: مبارك ميت بنسبة 52% ل 48% حسب نتيجة الانتخابات

:وخاصة هذه التغريدات

@fildonia وفاة حسنى مبارك لمرات عديده يؤثر سلباً على صحته فى المستقبل

@Dr_Elmahdiدا شفيق طلع زى مبارك صاحبه . واحد قتل واتقتل والتانى كل يوم يموت ولسة عايش !

نرجع لوضع الدول العربية المُضحك المُبكي، ثورات قامت، وأُخرى ما زالت تقوم، انتخابات، حروب أهلية، كل شيء يتغير دون أن يتغير. الفوضى كانت مأساتنا، ولا تزال الفوضى تتربع على عروش بلادنا. أليس من المُخزي أن لا نترك وسيلة إعلامية مُتاحة لنتأكد من خبر بسيط؟؟؟ التلفزيون، الراديو، الإنترنت، فآيس بوك، تويتر، ولا نزال نجهل صحة خبر وفاة أو حياة أو حتى الحالة الصحية الدقيقة لرئيس مخلوع ومن المفروض أنه سجين؟! هذا حالنا دوما، الفوضى أولا والفساد ثانيا والمواطن الضائع بين الإثنين… على العموم، آخر الأخبار تقول أنّ مبارك لم يمت، ولكن وضعه الصحي تعيس وخطر للغاية.