By IOL Staff
Israeli authorities demolish scores of Palestinian houses in Al-Quds every year on claims of lacking construction permits.CAIRO — The United Nations on Friday, May 1, urged Israel to freeze demolitions of Palestinian houses in Al-Quds (occupied East Jerusalem), reflecting the growing international concerns over Israeli policies in the holy city.
"Israeli authorities should immediately freeze all pending demolition orders and undertake planning that will address the Palestinian housing crisis in East Jerusalem," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories said in a special report.
Israeli authorities demolish scores of Palestinian houses in Al-Quds every year on claims of lacking construction permits.
"According to official statistics, between 2000 and 2008 alone, the Israeli authorities demolished more than 670 Palestinian-owned structures in East Jerusalem due to lack of permit.
"In 2009, OCHA has recorded the demolition of 19 Palestinian-owned structures in East Jerusalem, including 11 inhabited residential structures."
The UN report said hundreds of Palestinian houses in the holy city are facing the risk of mass demolitions by Israeli authorities.
"Some 60,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem are at risk of having their homes demolished by the Israeli authorities."
The OCHA said that the population growth and the difficulty in obtaining permits have forced many Palestinians to build their homes without permits.
"The gap between housing needs based on population growth and the legally permitted construction is estimated to be at least 1,100 housing units per year."
Israel captured Al-Quds in the 1967 six-day war and later annexed it in a move not recognized by the international community.
Since the occupation of Al-Quds, Israel has adopted a series of oppressive measures to force the Palestinians out, including systematic demolition of their homes.
Al-Quds is home to Al-Haram Al-Sharif, which includes Islam's third holiest shrine Al-Aqsa Mosque, and represents the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Hardships
The UN also cautioned that Israel is also demolishing hundreds of Palestinian houses in West Bank every year.
"Israel's policy of home demolitions is not limited to East Jerusalem," the report said.
"Each year, hundreds of Palestinian-owned structures are demolished in Area C of the West Bank for lack of a building permit.
"Thousands of other Palestinian families in Area C face the constant threat of demolition due to outstanding demolition orders."
The report warned that the Israeli practices have huge negative impact on Palestinian civilians.
"The demolition of houses causes significant hardship for the people affected," it said.
"Not only must displaced families overcome the psychological distress of losing their homes, they are usually burdened with debt after the loss of their primary asset."
The report noted that Palestinian children are also bearing the brunt of the Israeli actions.
"Children, who represent over 50 percent of the Palestinian population, are particularly affected by the displacement of their families.
"In the immediate aftermath of demolitions, children often face gaps in education and limited access to basic services.
"Israel must ensure that the basic needs of the Palestinian population of the occupied territory are met."
Saturday, May 2, 2009
US Mosques Lead Swine Flu Campaign
By Muhammed Qasim, IOL Correspondent
"We have to make sure that all preventions are in place to contain the disease if there is any outbreak," Dr. Omeish, a surgeon and imam, told IOL.WASHINGTON – American Muslims are leaving no stone unturned in increasing their community's awareness about the swine flu virus that has been registered in several America states and is spreading globally.
"I think when we are facing challenges such as the health challenge of a pandemic, swine flu, that can become a very serious problem, we need to first brace ourselves and recognize [the problem]," Dr. Esam S. Omeish, a surgeon by profession, old IslamOnline.net.
Omeish, also the imam of Dar Al-Hijra Islamic Center, devoted his Friday sermon mainly to talk about pandemics.
"We have to make sure that all preventions are in place to contain the disease if there is any outbreak," he said.
Swine Flu…Beware, Be Safe (Special page)
Flu Epidemics: How Do They Happen? (Falsh)
All You Need to Know About Swine Flu "We need to make sure the treatment of those who are affected.
"So far Alhamdullah we have been able to contain the magnitude of the problem."
The United States is the second country to have a confirmed swine flu death.
American health officials on Friday, May 1, said the number of confirmed swine flu cased had risen to 143, spread across 20 states.
Two cases were reported in the south-eastern state of Florida on Friday.
Only one person has so far died from catching the virus: a Mexican toddler who was visiting relatives in Texas.
President Barack Obama has declared a national emergency, which means putting the facilities and resources together to ensure a rapid and swift response to any outbreak.
The administration will spend $251 million to buy 13 million more courses of flu medicine.
"That’s the kind of leadership we want and that’s the kind of response which is necessary to minimize human loss and human sufferings," said Omeish.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned last week that a global swine flu pandemic was imminent.
The new flu strain, a mixture of various swine, bird and human viruses, poses the biggest risk of a large-scale pandemic since avian flu surfaced in 1997.
Tips
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has called on religious leaders and imams to use daily and Friday congregational prayers as a platform for providing information about preventing the spread of swine flu.
"In times of crisis, public health and safety takes precedence over normal actions and activities that could lead to the spread of infection," CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad told IOL.
"Imams, because of their access to those attending mosques every day, are well-placed to offer advice to community members based on input from public health authorities."
The prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy group wants imams, who lead daily and weekly congregational prayers in more than 2,000 mosques nationwide, to stay up-to-date on the spread of swine flu in their areas.
It stresses the possibility of temporarily avoiding cultural traditions such as handshakes, hugs and kisses during the health crisis.
Dr. Zubair Saeed, a pandemic influenza educator at Fairfax County Virginia, is delivering lectures on swine flu at different mosques.
"What we going to do, is to emphasis the message of keeping the hands clean, cover our coughs and sneezing and wash our hands again and again after coughing or sneezing," he told IOL.
"The main message is that we can’t stop pandemic from occurring, it’s going to happen whether it’s this particular virus or any other. What we can do is try to contain it as much as possible," he explained.
"We should be very much vigilant of the symptoms which include fever, coughing, sneezing, sour throat, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea and must contact any health care provider as soon as possible," Dr. Saeed advises.
"The most important thing is to stay home if someone has this problem."
Larger Community
CAIR, in consultation with Muslim scholars, is suggesting that imams and mosque officials consider taking preventive actions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when swine flu is confirmed in a community.
This includes strongly encouraging worshipers who develop flu-like symptoms to seek medical advice by phone and to self-isolate themselves in their homes.
Cancellation of classes in Islamic schools should also be considered if there is a confirmed or a suspected case of swine flu in the school population.
Gatherings at mosques, even the otherwise-mandatory Friday prayers, should be temporarily cancelled if there is a risk of spreading infection.
"As Muslims are members of a greater society, we need to be in the forefront," insists Dr. Omeish, the surgeon and imam of Dar Al-Hijra Islamic Center.
"We need to be reminded of the role of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to be in the forefront of helping others who may be affected by such calamities."
He said all parties should join hands in addressing such a health crisis.
By Muhammed Qasim, IOL Correspondent
"We have to make sure that all preventions are in place to contain the disease if there is any outbreak," Dr. Omeish, a surgeon and imam, told IOL.WASHINGTON – American Muslims are leaving no stone unturned in increasing their community's awareness about the swine flu virus that has been registered in several America states and is spreading globally.
"I think when we are facing challenges such as the health challenge of a pandemic, swine flu, that can become a very serious problem, we need to first brace ourselves and recognize [the problem]," Dr. Esam S. Omeish, a surgeon by profession, old IslamOnline.net.
Omeish, also the imam of Dar Al-Hijra Islamic Center, devoted his Friday sermon mainly to talk about pandemics.
"We have to make sure that all preventions are in place to contain the disease if there is any outbreak," he said.
Swine Flu…Beware, Be Safe (Special page)
Flu Epidemics: How Do They Happen? (Falsh)
All You Need to Know About Swine Flu "We need to make sure the treatment of those who are affected.
"So far Alhamdullah we have been able to contain the magnitude of the problem."
The United States is the second country to have a confirmed swine flu death.
American health officials on Friday, May 1, said the number of confirmed swine flu cased had risen to 143, spread across 20 states.
Two cases were reported in the south-eastern state of Florida on Friday.
Only one person has so far died from catching the virus: a Mexican toddler who was visiting relatives in Texas.
President Barack Obama has declared a national emergency, which means putting the facilities and resources together to ensure a rapid and swift response to any outbreak.
The administration will spend $251 million to buy 13 million more courses of flu medicine.
"That’s the kind of leadership we want and that’s the kind of response which is necessary to minimize human loss and human sufferings," said Omeish.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned last week that a global swine flu pandemic was imminent.
The new flu strain, a mixture of various swine, bird and human viruses, poses the biggest risk of a large-scale pandemic since avian flu surfaced in 1997.
Tips
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has called on religious leaders and imams to use daily and Friday congregational prayers as a platform for providing information about preventing the spread of swine flu.
"In times of crisis, public health and safety takes precedence over normal actions and activities that could lead to the spread of infection," CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad told IOL.
"Imams, because of their access to those attending mosques every day, are well-placed to offer advice to community members based on input from public health authorities."
The prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy group wants imams, who lead daily and weekly congregational prayers in more than 2,000 mosques nationwide, to stay up-to-date on the spread of swine flu in their areas.
It stresses the possibility of temporarily avoiding cultural traditions such as handshakes, hugs and kisses during the health crisis.
Dr. Zubair Saeed, a pandemic influenza educator at Fairfax County Virginia, is delivering lectures on swine flu at different mosques.
"What we going to do, is to emphasis the message of keeping the hands clean, cover our coughs and sneezing and wash our hands again and again after coughing or sneezing," he told IOL.
"The main message is that we can’t stop pandemic from occurring, it’s going to happen whether it’s this particular virus or any other. What we can do is try to contain it as much as possible," he explained.
"We should be very much vigilant of the symptoms which include fever, coughing, sneezing, sour throat, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea and must contact any health care provider as soon as possible," Dr. Saeed advises.
"The most important thing is to stay home if someone has this problem."
Larger Community
CAIR, in consultation with Muslim scholars, is suggesting that imams and mosque officials consider taking preventive actions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when swine flu is confirmed in a community.
This includes strongly encouraging worshipers who develop flu-like symptoms to seek medical advice by phone and to self-isolate themselves in their homes.
Cancellation of classes in Islamic schools should also be considered if there is a confirmed or a suspected case of swine flu in the school population.
Gatherings at mosques, even the otherwise-mandatory Friday prayers, should be temporarily cancelled if there is a risk of spreading infection.
"As Muslims are members of a greater society, we need to be in the forefront," insists Dr. Omeish, the surgeon and imam of Dar Al-Hijra Islamic Center.
"We need to be reminded of the role of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to be in the forefront of helping others who may be affected by such calamities."
He said all parties should join hands in addressing such a health crisis.
"We have to make sure that all preventions are in place to contain the disease if there is any outbreak," Dr. Omeish, a surgeon and imam, told IOL.WASHINGTON – American Muslims are leaving no stone unturned in increasing their community's awareness about the swine flu virus that has been registered in several America states and is spreading globally.
"I think when we are facing challenges such as the health challenge of a pandemic, swine flu, that can become a very serious problem, we need to first brace ourselves and recognize [the problem]," Dr. Esam S. Omeish, a surgeon by profession, old IslamOnline.net.
Omeish, also the imam of Dar Al-Hijra Islamic Center, devoted his Friday sermon mainly to talk about pandemics.
"We have to make sure that all preventions are in place to contain the disease if there is any outbreak," he said.
Swine Flu…Beware, Be Safe (Special page)
Flu Epidemics: How Do They Happen? (Falsh)
All You Need to Know About Swine Flu "We need to make sure the treatment of those who are affected.
"So far Alhamdullah we have been able to contain the magnitude of the problem."
The United States is the second country to have a confirmed swine flu death.
American health officials on Friday, May 1, said the number of confirmed swine flu cased had risen to 143, spread across 20 states.
Two cases were reported in the south-eastern state of Florida on Friday.
Only one person has so far died from catching the virus: a Mexican toddler who was visiting relatives in Texas.
President Barack Obama has declared a national emergency, which means putting the facilities and resources together to ensure a rapid and swift response to any outbreak.
The administration will spend $251 million to buy 13 million more courses of flu medicine.
"That’s the kind of leadership we want and that’s the kind of response which is necessary to minimize human loss and human sufferings," said Omeish.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned last week that a global swine flu pandemic was imminent.
The new flu strain, a mixture of various swine, bird and human viruses, poses the biggest risk of a large-scale pandemic since avian flu surfaced in 1997.
Tips
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has called on religious leaders and imams to use daily and Friday congregational prayers as a platform for providing information about preventing the spread of swine flu.
"In times of crisis, public health and safety takes precedence over normal actions and activities that could lead to the spread of infection," CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad told IOL.
"Imams, because of their access to those attending mosques every day, are well-placed to offer advice to community members based on input from public health authorities."
The prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy group wants imams, who lead daily and weekly congregational prayers in more than 2,000 mosques nationwide, to stay up-to-date on the spread of swine flu in their areas.
It stresses the possibility of temporarily avoiding cultural traditions such as handshakes, hugs and kisses during the health crisis.
Dr. Zubair Saeed, a pandemic influenza educator at Fairfax County Virginia, is delivering lectures on swine flu at different mosques.
"What we going to do, is to emphasis the message of keeping the hands clean, cover our coughs and sneezing and wash our hands again and again after coughing or sneezing," he told IOL.
"The main message is that we can’t stop pandemic from occurring, it’s going to happen whether it’s this particular virus or any other. What we can do is try to contain it as much as possible," he explained.
"We should be very much vigilant of the symptoms which include fever, coughing, sneezing, sour throat, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea and must contact any health care provider as soon as possible," Dr. Saeed advises.
"The most important thing is to stay home if someone has this problem."
Larger Community
CAIR, in consultation with Muslim scholars, is suggesting that imams and mosque officials consider taking preventive actions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when swine flu is confirmed in a community.
This includes strongly encouraging worshipers who develop flu-like symptoms to seek medical advice by phone and to self-isolate themselves in their homes.
Cancellation of classes in Islamic schools should also be considered if there is a confirmed or a suspected case of swine flu in the school population.
Gatherings at mosques, even the otherwise-mandatory Friday prayers, should be temporarily cancelled if there is a risk of spreading infection.
"As Muslims are members of a greater society, we need to be in the forefront," insists Dr. Omeish, the surgeon and imam of Dar Al-Hijra Islamic Center.
"We need to be reminded of the role of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to be in the forefront of helping others who may be affected by such calamities."
He said all parties should join hands in addressing such a health crisis.
By Muhammed Qasim, IOL Correspondent
"We have to make sure that all preventions are in place to contain the disease if there is any outbreak," Dr. Omeish, a surgeon and imam, told IOL.WASHINGTON – American Muslims are leaving no stone unturned in increasing their community's awareness about the swine flu virus that has been registered in several America states and is spreading globally.
"I think when we are facing challenges such as the health challenge of a pandemic, swine flu, that can become a very serious problem, we need to first brace ourselves and recognize [the problem]," Dr. Esam S. Omeish, a surgeon by profession, old IslamOnline.net.
Omeish, also the imam of Dar Al-Hijra Islamic Center, devoted his Friday sermon mainly to talk about pandemics.
"We have to make sure that all preventions are in place to contain the disease if there is any outbreak," he said.
Swine Flu…Beware, Be Safe (Special page)
Flu Epidemics: How Do They Happen? (Falsh)
All You Need to Know About Swine Flu "We need to make sure the treatment of those who are affected.
"So far Alhamdullah we have been able to contain the magnitude of the problem."
The United States is the second country to have a confirmed swine flu death.
American health officials on Friday, May 1, said the number of confirmed swine flu cased had risen to 143, spread across 20 states.
Two cases were reported in the south-eastern state of Florida on Friday.
Only one person has so far died from catching the virus: a Mexican toddler who was visiting relatives in Texas.
President Barack Obama has declared a national emergency, which means putting the facilities and resources together to ensure a rapid and swift response to any outbreak.
The administration will spend $251 million to buy 13 million more courses of flu medicine.
"That’s the kind of leadership we want and that’s the kind of response which is necessary to minimize human loss and human sufferings," said Omeish.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned last week that a global swine flu pandemic was imminent.
The new flu strain, a mixture of various swine, bird and human viruses, poses the biggest risk of a large-scale pandemic since avian flu surfaced in 1997.
Tips
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has called on religious leaders and imams to use daily and Friday congregational prayers as a platform for providing information about preventing the spread of swine flu.
"In times of crisis, public health and safety takes precedence over normal actions and activities that could lead to the spread of infection," CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad told IOL.
"Imams, because of their access to those attending mosques every day, are well-placed to offer advice to community members based on input from public health authorities."
The prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy group wants imams, who lead daily and weekly congregational prayers in more than 2,000 mosques nationwide, to stay up-to-date on the spread of swine flu in their areas.
It stresses the possibility of temporarily avoiding cultural traditions such as handshakes, hugs and kisses during the health crisis.
Dr. Zubair Saeed, a pandemic influenza educator at Fairfax County Virginia, is delivering lectures on swine flu at different mosques.
"What we going to do, is to emphasis the message of keeping the hands clean, cover our coughs and sneezing and wash our hands again and again after coughing or sneezing," he told IOL.
"The main message is that we can’t stop pandemic from occurring, it’s going to happen whether it’s this particular virus or any other. What we can do is try to contain it as much as possible," he explained.
"We should be very much vigilant of the symptoms which include fever, coughing, sneezing, sour throat, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea and must contact any health care provider as soon as possible," Dr. Saeed advises.
"The most important thing is to stay home if someone has this problem."
Larger Community
CAIR, in consultation with Muslim scholars, is suggesting that imams and mosque officials consider taking preventive actions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when swine flu is confirmed in a community.
This includes strongly encouraging worshipers who develop flu-like symptoms to seek medical advice by phone and to self-isolate themselves in their homes.
Cancellation of classes in Islamic schools should also be considered if there is a confirmed or a suspected case of swine flu in the school population.
Gatherings at mosques, even the otherwise-mandatory Friday prayers, should be temporarily cancelled if there is a risk of spreading infection.
"As Muslims are members of a greater society, we need to be in the forefront," insists Dr. Omeish, the surgeon and imam of Dar Al-Hijra Islamic Center.
"We need to be reminded of the role of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to be in the forefront of helping others who may be affected by such calamities."
He said all parties should join hands in addressing such a health crisis.
Occupied Jerusalem as Cultural Capital
Bethlehem, West Bank- Israeli police forces have prevented Palestinians in Jerusalem from taking part in celebrations which mark the holy city as the 'Capital of Arabic Culture 2009.' The Israeli authorities refused to allow the program of events scheduled to take place in Jerusalem, forcing the celebrations to be launched from the West Bank instead.
Occupied Jerusalem as Cultural Capital
The city was elected two years ago by the Arab League for Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organizations (ALESCO) with the aim of restoring Jerusalem's prominence as a city of cultural, historical and religious value. The events also hoped to counter the 'Judaization' of Jerusalem and to help preserve the city's Arab cultural identity in the face of Israel's cultural and political dominance.
Al Jazeera reported that around 20 Palestinians were detained although there were no reports of violence. Police reinforcements on horseback were deployed around the illegally occupied east of Jerusalem and banners and flags to mark the event were confiscated. According to Israeli law, any celebrations organized and funded by the Palestinian Authority are banned within Jerusalem's municipal jurisdiction.
In response to these constraints, the Jerusalem choir who sang the Palestinian national anthem 'Fida'i' as well as recitations of Qu'ran were recorded in Jerusalem two days before the launch and aired in Bethlehem to coincide with live events. Adnan Al Husseini, the governor of Jerusalem also thanked all those who attended the main event in Bethlehem via a satellite link-up from Jerusalem.
Events to celebrate Jerusalem as Capital of Arab Culture 2009 were postponed in January due to the war on Gaza which left over 1,400 dead and 4,000 wounded. President Mahmoud Abbas states that he is working hard on a truce which would guarantee the rights of Palestinians and protect them from future attacks. Planned events for the rest of the year have now been canceled
Occupied Jerusalem as Cultural Capital
The city was elected two years ago by the Arab League for Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organizations (ALESCO) with the aim of restoring Jerusalem's prominence as a city of cultural, historical and religious value. The events also hoped to counter the 'Judaization' of Jerusalem and to help preserve the city's Arab cultural identity in the face of Israel's cultural and political dominance.
Al Jazeera reported that around 20 Palestinians were detained although there were no reports of violence. Police reinforcements on horseback were deployed around the illegally occupied east of Jerusalem and banners and flags to mark the event were confiscated. According to Israeli law, any celebrations organized and funded by the Palestinian Authority are banned within Jerusalem's municipal jurisdiction.
In response to these constraints, the Jerusalem choir who sang the Palestinian national anthem 'Fida'i' as well as recitations of Qu'ran were recorded in Jerusalem two days before the launch and aired in Bethlehem to coincide with live events. Adnan Al Husseini, the governor of Jerusalem also thanked all those who attended the main event in Bethlehem via a satellite link-up from Jerusalem.
Events to celebrate Jerusalem as Capital of Arab Culture 2009 were postponed in January due to the war on Gaza which left over 1,400 dead and 4,000 wounded. President Mahmoud Abbas states that he is working hard on a truce which would guarantee the rights of Palestinians and protect them from future attacks. Planned events for the rest of the year have now been canceled
A PALESTINIAN WOMAN AFTER SIX YEARS IN DETENTION
" They beat us, they kicked us, they humiliated us. They treated us as if we were animals". Sherine Sheikh Khalil, 24, said." it is really difficult to communicate to you the bestiality and savagery of their behaviour".added the young activist from the central gaza town of Khan Younis.
In 2003, then only 17, Sherine was convicted by an Israeli military court of taking part in an attempted abduction of a jewish settler in West Bank.
She was freed on sunday after the end of her jail term, though Sherine's father , mother and brother live in Ramallah the capital of the occupied west bank .
The Israeli occupation regime decided to expel her to the Gaza strip , apprantly as an act of further punishment.
"I am Happy I am free but I wish I could see my family inRamallah".
According to Human Rights group in Gaza , Israel has deported around 30 west bankers in the coastal enclave scince the beginneing of AL-Aqsa intifada in late september 2000.
Shrine describes the Israeli courts as" a System of retribution and reprisal" rather than a system of justice.
Sherine says you cannot speak about a genuine justice system in Israel", she insists.
We are talking about a country that sanctions the murder of Non Jews , theft of their property and demolition of there houses.
Sherine says the courts were no more than a tool in the hands of the israeli regime to inflict harm on the palestinian people and to give false legitemacy to the military occupation. there are more than 11000 palestenian detaniees. Most of them held for years withot any charge or trail.
In 2003, then only 17, Sherine was convicted by an Israeli military court of taking part in an attempted abduction of a jewish settler in West Bank.
She was freed on sunday after the end of her jail term, though Sherine's father , mother and brother live in Ramallah the capital of the occupied west bank .
The Israeli occupation regime decided to expel her to the Gaza strip , apprantly as an act of further punishment.
"I am Happy I am free but I wish I could see my family inRamallah".
According to Human Rights group in Gaza , Israel has deported around 30 west bankers in the coastal enclave scince the beginneing of AL-Aqsa intifada in late september 2000.
Shrine describes the Israeli courts as" a System of retribution and reprisal" rather than a system of justice.
Sherine says you cannot speak about a genuine justice system in Israel", she insists.
We are talking about a country that sanctions the murder of Non Jews , theft of their property and demolition of there houses.
Sherine says the courts were no more than a tool in the hands of the israeli regime to inflict harm on the palestinian people and to give false legitemacy to the military occupation. there are more than 11000 palestenian detaniees. Most of them held for years withot any charge or trail.
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