Racism and Fascism
January 15, 2011
http://www.maki.org.il/he/english-mainmenu-106
Twenty thousands of activists, Jews and Arabs, from left-wing movements,
parties and human rights organizations march in Tel Aviv on Saturday
(January 15, 2001) in protest of the Knesset's decision to set up a
committee of inquiry to probe the funding sources of human rights movements.
The protest march, under the headline "Demonstration (since it's still
possible) for democracy", left from Tel Aviv's Meir Park, in front of the
Likud headquarters, toward the plaza in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art,
where a rally take place in which Knesset members from Hadash, Kadima and
Meretz as well as officials from Peace Now and human rights groups deliver
speeches.
Protesters chanted in support of democracy and free speech and against
racism and fascism, and carried hundreds of red flags and signs with slogans
such as "Jews and Arabs together against Fascism", "Awaiting Democracy",
"Danger - End of Democracy Ahead!", "Fighting the Rightist Government of
Darkness" and "Democracy is Screaming for Help". Among the MKs
taking part in the event were Dov Khenin (Hadash), Afo Agbarie (Hadash),
Meir Sheetrit (Kadima), Hanna Swaid (Hadash), Nitzan Horowitz (Meretz) and
Mohammad Barakeh (the Chairman of Hadash, the Democratic Front for Peace and
Equality - Communist Party of Israel).
MK Horowitz inveighed against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense
Minister Ehud Barak, whom he said were "supporting Lieberman's incitement
and encouraging racist legislation in the Knesset". "Tonight we are telling
the Labor Party that it is a full partner of the most racist government in
state history, and that they must leave it immediately," he said.
Peace Now Secretary-General Yariv Oppenheimer said at the rally that Israel
was suffering not only from the Iranian threat but also from the
"Liebermanian threat".
Hadash Chairman Barakeh said, "We are at a dangerous crossroads where
democracy is concerned. Democracy is collapsing, not because of Lieberman
but because of the support he is receiving from the prime minister. Jews and
Arabs who care about democracy cannot fail at this time. Anyone who wishes
to know the power of the people can look to Tunisia". In the same vein he
added, "The victory of the people in Tunis over cruel dictatorship teaches
us that oppression is not the fate of mankind and the people can win."
MK Sheetrit denounced Foreign Minster Avigdor Lieberman's proposal to probe
the funding sources of human rights organizations.
"If such legislation is passed, it will be like taking a brick out of the
wall of democracy. I am surprised that Likud members support this. It's
simply shameful that they can sit in a government that makes such a
proposal," he said.
MK Khenin said during the protest that "the thousands of people who are here
understand that our democracy needs protection against its destroyers. We
are voicing a clear voice in support of human rights and democracy, and
against racism, fascism, McCarthyism and future destruction of the
democratic values. We will continue to fight for democratic rights, freedom
of speech, equal rights for Jews and Arabs and the end of the occupation."
List of participating organizations in the Emergency rally
Hadash (the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality) // Communist Party of
Israel // ACRI (Association For Civil Rights in Israel // Meretz // New
Israel
Fund// Peace Now // The Kibbutz Movement // The Progressive Movement
// The Green Movement // Physicians for Human Rights // The Geneva
Initiative // Ha'Shomer Ha'tzair // Yisrael Hofshit (Free Israel)
// Coalition of Women for Peace
// Public Committee Against Torture // Yesh Gvul // Shutafut/Sharakah -
Organizations for a Shared, Democratic and Egalitarian Society: Agenda, The
Abraham Fund, Negev Institute - NISPED, Sikkuy, Kav Mashve, Keshev, Shatil
// Gush Shalom // Yesh Din // Almuntada Altakadumi - The Progressive
Circle in Ar'ara // Negev Coexistence Forum // Peace NGO's Forum
// Amnesty International Israel // Banki-Shabiba - Young Communist League
// Hagada Hasmalit Alternative Cultural Center in Tel-Aviv // Tandi -
Democratic Women's Movement // Parents Circle - Families Forum // Social
Workers for Peace and Social Welfare // Arab Movement for Renewal // Mossawa
Centre - the Advocacy Center for Arab Citizens in Israel // Adalah - the
Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel // Yesh Din - Volunteers for
Human Rights // Machsom Watch // Tarabut-Hithabrut // Rabbis for Human
Rights // Ir Amim
// Maan - Workers' Advice Center // Daam - Workers Party // Syndianna
Galilee for Fair Trade // Israeli Children // Campus Le'Kulanu - Left
Students Movement, the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Haifa University
// ASSAF - Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel //
ICAHD - The Israeli Committee against House Demolitions // Social TV
// Socialist Struggle // Labor Party Young Guard // HAMOKED - Center for
the Defense of the Individual // BINA - Center for Jewish Identity, Hebrew
Culture and Social Justice //AIC - Alternative Information Center
// Our Heritage - The Charter for Democracy //
***
From: Zahi Damuni
[Please forward widely]
LET GAZA LIVE DEMO & VIGIL!
To Mark the 2nd Anniversary of the Gaza Massacre
END THE SIEGE AND ATTACKS ON GAZA NOW!
When: Friday January 21, 2011 at 3 PM
Where: @ Federal Building, 11000 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90024
The holidays have arrived and people all over the world are celebrating with
their loved ones. Yet, this time of the year symbolizes a period of
continuing terror and constant uncertainty for Palestinians imprisoned in
the Gaza Strip, which remains today in its fourth year under a criminal
siege.
Two years ago, the state of 'Israel' launched a 22-day brutal and criminal
attack on 1.5 million Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. This attack
began on December 27, 2008 and continued until January 18, 2009. The state
of 'Israel' sealed off all the borders of Gaza to prevent Palestinians from
fleeing to safety. The Gaza Strip was transformed into a slaughterhouse
leaving 1417 Palestinians dead (including 352 children) & 5300 permanently
wounded.
With the intensifying recent Israeli attacks, publicized threats and leaked
plans of another major assault on Gaza, we will be holding a demonstration
followed by a candlelight vigil on this the 2nd anniversary of the 22-day
massacre. We will demand an End to the Siege and Attacks on Gaza, and will
remember and honor all the martyrs and the victims who were injured and
terrorized. We will also stand in solidarity and celebrate the resilience
and bravery of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
JOIN US!
The demonstration and candlelight vigil will take place on Friday, January
21 starting at 3 PM @ Federal Building, 11000 Wilshire Boulevard Los
Angeles, CA 90024.
Long live beloved Palestine!
For more information, contact:
Mazen Almoukdad
714-231-8403
323-350-0000
mazenalmoukdad@hotmail.com
Al-Awda, The Palestine Right to Return Coalition (PRRC) is a not for profit
tax-exempt educational and charitable 501(c)(3) organization as defined by
the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the United States of America. Under
IRS guidelines, your donations to PRRC are tax-deductible. To donate, please
go to http://www.al-awda.org/donate.html and follow the instructions. To
become a member of our organization, please follow the instructions at
http://www.al-awda.org/membership.html
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