[WCUSP] Oprah's travel "Israel for a solidarity visit"

[yvonne simmons]

To:  Oprah WInfrey 
Dear Oprah, 
You are planning to travel to "Israel for a solidarity
visit". Israel's UN Ambassador, Danny Gillerman, said
that a 'visit of a figure with such influence on the
international media could help bring an end to the
indifference towards the terror threat faced by
Israelis'. This statement as well as your visit is
troubling, frustrating and confusing us all. You are
renown to stand for peace and to support the weak and
the oppressed. As we all hailed for apartheid in South
Africa and the God given right for all people to live
together with equal rights, how can the world idly
watch the continued building of the apartheid wall in
Palestine? How can the world stay quiet about the
thousands of men, women and children who are
continuously tortured and confined in Israeli prisons?
How can the world condone the Israeli constitution
which only permits rights as a proper citizen to those
of one certain religion? What is Danny Gillerman
talking about? According to all international bodies
worldwide (Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch,
United Nations etc.), Israelis are the terrorizors and
Palestinians are the terrorized. One of the greatest
leaders of our time, Nelson Mandela, said "The
Palestinian-Israeli conflict is not just an issue of
military occupation and Israel is not a country that
was established "normally" and happened to occupy
another country in 1967. Palestinians are not
struggling for a "state" but for freedom, liberation
and equality, just like we were struggling for freedom
in South Africa. Apartheid is a crime against
humanity. Israel has deprived millions of Palestinians
of their liberty and property. It has perpetuated a
system of gross racial discrimination and inequality.
It has systematically incarcerated and tortured
thousands of Palestinians, contrary to the rules of
international law. It has, in particular, waged a war
against a civilian population, in particular
children." 

The Arab-Israeli conflict has a long and complicated
history filled with bloodshed, destruction and
injustice. We only ask that you read some of the
articles that we have attached to give you an idea
about the other, less publicized , side. You have
always epitomized truth and justice with such
integrity - we are hopeful that you will not allow
yourself to only see one side of a story - no matter
the circumstances! During your visit, please go visit
cities like Gaza Hebron, and Jenin in order to witness
a life that is considered inhumane and, as a result,
worthless to those enduring such humiliation. We hope
that you will visit the Palestinian women and children
who are taunted, raped, tortured , dehumanized and
killed everyday while they guard their homes and
families from everyday warfare . You will be amazed by
the hope most of these people still have - their faith
in God is great. 

We hope you re-consider the basis for your visit. We
want Oprah to promote peace and co-habitation amongst
Israelis and Palestinians. We hope that you will not
ignore the massacre of thousands of innocent, unnamed
Palestinian men, women and children. Israel is
blatantly carrying out a massive genocide not to
mention violations of basic human rights. There is a
dire need for fair representation. If no one will
bring it to the forefront, we only ask that you be
honest to yourself by basing your visit on solidarity
for the Middle East - inclusive of Palestinians. Be
objective and ask yourself, who is oppressed? Who is
terrorized? In short, Oprah, we hope that you seek
truth. 

Thank you! 

With all our respect and hope,Seekers of peace and
justice: 
FRIENDS OF PALESTINE 

Sincerely, 

The Undersigned 



 
View Current Signatures 
 



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The Oprah: Visit Occupied Terrirtories & Support the
Oppressed Petition to Oprah WInfrey was created by
Joint Advocacy Initiative; The East Jerusalem YMCA /
YWCA of Palestine; Building a National Voice for
Palestinian Canadians; and written by Leila Abdulhadi
(leila at amcde.com).  This petition is hosted here at
www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is
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