During Netanyahu's Speech in Congress on Tuesday 24th May 2011 one person courageously spoke out against the collective madness. She was immediately dragged to the ground by AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) supporters in the public gallery, injured so she had to go to hospital and then arrested for disturbing Congress. Rae Abileah is an American Jewish woman in her late twenties of Israeli descent. She is a member of the women's anti war group Code Pink.
She was interviewed on the web based news outlet "Democracy Now".
In Congress she shouted “No more occupation! Stop Israel’s war crimes! Equal rights for Palestinians! Occupation is indefensible!”
Below is a short summary of the "democracy now" interview:
Rae Abileah said that the suffering and inequality suffered by the Palestinians must end, and that it was appalling to see "Netanyahu pandered to by Congress as if he was the President of the United States". The progressive community must rise up for freedom, democracy, justice and equality in the Middle East as well as at home in the USA. They should support sanctions and disinvestment against Israel, and put pressure on their own elected representatives.
"Netanyahu proved in his speech that he is primary obstacle to peace and justice for Israelis and Palestinians". It is an outrage to see the US give 3 billion dollars each year for Israeli war crimes. She was surprised to be attacked so violently by people wearing AIPAC badges. After visiting Palestine she felt she had no option but to speak out for freedom and justice. These war crimes were being carried out in her name as a Jew and a US tax payer.
There is a culture of fear and silence in the Jewish community in the US against speaking out against Israel's mistreatment of Palestinians. She urged young Jews to stand up against the "blue washing" that they have been fed. She said it was important for her to stand up for her principles, integrity and her heart. The new generation should look through the "veil of religious narrative" to see that what Israel is doing in not in the best interests of Judaism either. What Israel is doing is completely out of line with Jewish values, "...the value of Tikkun olam, to repair and heal the world, is completely absent from the Netanyahu administration. We have to reclaim these values, and say it is not in the best interests of any faith to do this."
End of short summary.
I think she deserves everyone's support. Absolutely spot on. Deep insight, matched by true religious conviction and real courage. Shine on Rae Abileah, may God bless you.
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