Showing posts with label Annies Letters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Annies Letters. Show all posts

NOTES 12-10-2008, on this the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and UN resolution 194

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

"Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home - so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the factory, farm, or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman, and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world." Eleanor Roosevelt
umkahlil From the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
Words to Honor: The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
Article 1. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood....The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

No Return = No Justice = No Peace
for the men, women and children of Palestine
Mike's Grandson Little Mohammed and Santa Claus
( "Come, I'll tell you about Palestine" www.Hanini.org)

BACKGROUND

"60 years of forced exile is wrong... Palestinians must be allowed to return home!"
FREEDOM & RETURN: A Rights Based Solution to building a just and lasting peace in the Middle East ... Not just the return (al-awda) of the refugees, but also a return to the rule of law and respect for human rights: For more than five decades Palestinian refugees and internally displaced have struggled for a solution to their plight based on UN resolutions and international law, including the right to voluntarily return to their homes and lands of origin from which they were displaced/expelled during wars in 1948 and 1967 and due to other Israeli policies of forced eviction, deportation, etc....

"...will return" by Ismail Shammout

"I remember that our right of return to our original villages and homes is eternal, and nothing can change it...""I remember the rusty keys of our houses in Beit Nateef, keys for doors that exist no more, but keys that have their doors in our hearts and our imagination… keys for doors that were real and have exited, for real houses that were build and have exited, in which real people lived in and brought up children. These rusty keys are still with me. I remember that we were brought up with this eternal belief that the right is the right, and nothing can justify ignoring it. I remember that our right of return to our original villages and homes is eternal, and nothing can change it, neither realities on the ground nor political agreement, because it is not only a collective right, but is as well individual right… it is my right Mr. the president, and the right of my children and grand children and all those who come after wherever they are born..." AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY FROM ABDELFATTAH ABUSROUR Director of Al-Rowwad Cultural and Theatre Training Center
Exile, Exclusion and Isolation: the Palestine Refugee Experience by Karen AbuZayd, Commissioner-General United Nations Relief and Works Agency To Mark World Refugee Day: 20th June 2008


WHEREAS recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world....Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948

Palestinian Refugees Right to Return

Our mission is to support Palestinian refugees and their right to return to Palestine.

  1. The right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and lands is a natural, fundamental, inalienable, legal and historical right
  2. The Right to Return is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Law
  3. The right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and lands was affirmed by UNGA resolution 194 in 1948, and 135 times since
  4. The Right to Return is an individual and collective national right. It cannot be delegated, diminished, reduced or forfeited
  5. For a Factsheet on the Palestinian Right to Return , see http://www.al-awda.org/facts.html
JOIN US... on Facebook: Our mission is to support Palestinian refugees and their right to return to Palestine


Sign the Universal Declaration of Human Rights!

2008 is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60th anniversary. It's time for a global conversation about human rights and the values that unite us as one human family. But it can also be a time when each of us chooses to take human rights into our daily lives, by joining a powerful people network.

I wish to take responsibility for upholding the goals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in my daily life and in my community. I will do my best to speak out to protect the freedom and rights of others in my community.

I affirm the following principle: “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”

I believe Every Human Has Rights.

Article 1.

    All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood....

"...Universal Echo" a poem in Growing Gardens for Palestine
الصدى الكوني ... حدائق فلسطين النامي



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Anniees Letters December 5th 2008

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Sixth Al-Awda Convention - 60th Year of Al-Nakba
BACKGROUND
"60 years of forced exile is wrong... Palestinians must be allowed to return home!"
FREEDOM & RETURN: A Rights Based Solution to building a just and lasting peace in the Middle East ... Not just the return (al-awda) of the refugees, but also a return to the rule of law and respect for human rights: For more than five decades Palestinian refugees and internally displaced have struggled for a solution to their plight based on UN resolutions and international law, including the right to voluntarily return to their homes and lands of origin from which they were displaced/expelled during wars in 1948 and 1967 and due to other Israeli policies of forced eviction, deportation, etc....

"I remember that our right of return to our original villages and homes is eternal, and nothing can change it...""I remember the rusty keys of our houses in Beit Nateef, keys for doors that exist no more, but keys that have their doors in our hearts and our imagination… keys for doors that were real and have exited, for real houses that were build and have exited, in which real people lived in and brought up children. These rusty keys are still with me. I remember that we were brought up with this eternal belief that the right is the right, and nothing can justify ignoring it. I remember that our right of return to our original villages and homes is eternal, and nothing can change it, neither realities on the ground nor political agreement, because it is not only a collective right, but is as well individual right… it is my right Mr. the president, and the right of my children and grand children and all those who come after wherever they are born..." AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY FROM ABDELFATTAH ABUSROUR Director of Al-Rowwad Cultural and Theatre Training Center
Exile, Exclusion and Isolation: the Palestine Refugee Experience by Karen AbuZayd, Commissioner-General United Nations Relief and Works Agency To Mark World Refugee Day: 20th June 2008

WHEREAS recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world....Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948
Palestinian Refugees Right to Return

JOIN US.... on Facebook

Our mission is to support Palestinian refugees and their right to return to Palestine.

  1. The right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and lands is a natural, fundamental, inalienable, legal and historical right
  2. The Right to Return is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Law
  3. The right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and lands was affirmed by UNGA resolution 194 in 1948, and 135 times since
  4. The Right to Return is an individual and collective national right. It cannot be delegated, diminished, reduced or forfeited
  5. For a Factsheet on the Palestinian Right to Return , see http://www.al-awda.org/facts.html
JOIN US... on Facebook: Our mission is to support Palestinian refugees and their right to return to Palestine


Sign the Universal Declaration of Human Rights!

2008 is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60th anniversary. It's time for a global conversation about human rights and the values that unite us as one human family. But it can also be a time when each of us chooses to take human rights into our daily lives, by joining a powerful people network.

I wish to take responsibility for upholding the goals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in my daily life and in my community. I will do my best to speak out to protect the freedom and rights of others in my community.

I affirm the following principle: “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”

I believe Every Human Has Rights.

Article 1.

    All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood....

"...Universal Echo" a poem in Growing Gardens for Palestine
الصدى الكوني ... حدائق فلسطين النامي
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Be the change you want- DARE HOPE !....in Growing Gardens for Palestine

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Be the change you want- DARE HOPE !....in Growing Gardens for Palestine

" ... And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow."Acceptance Speech: 'Change has come to America.' Remarks of President-Elect Barack Obama-as prepared for delivery, Election Night Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, Chicago, Illinois


I hoped- but did not dare believe it might become true... but it did!!!!!

Hate mongering and divisiveness did not win the day!

America has elected not only a person of color- but an inspiring optimist...

What a thrill to come across a veritable avalanche of great letters on the topic of this historic American election by good and decent people worldwide who are helping shape this new presidency already with their own positive energy and efforts:

" Ultimately, before we are Republicans, Democrats or Independents, we are Americans." Aim for healing letter in the Detroit Free Press by Sherri Muzher http://www.freep.com/article/20081105/OPINION04/811050407/1072

"As a proud American of Arab decent, I take strong exception to Senator John McCain's suggestion that somehow, to be decent, to be a good American, you can't be an Arab as well. Arab Americans have been loyal citizens of this nation for over 150 years and have served in every war this country had to fight. They have been loyal citizens serving with exceptional commitments in all areas of human endeavour whether it is in the arts, sciences, commerce, space and the continual enrichment of the spiritual and moral foundations of America. We pride ourselves on nurturing strong and wholesome families who are driven to excellence in education, self-reliance and good citizenship." McCain and Arabs letter in Al Ahram (newspaper published in Cairo since 1875) by Aref Assaf http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2008/920/letters.htm

"Obama can turn over this page of mutual misgivings and bridge the chasm between the West and the Muslim world. He can create a blueprint to solve the intractable Arab-Israeli conflict and bring a lasting peace to the turbulent Middle East. He can help deepen respect for the sovereignty of states and the compliance with international laws....Obama can succeed in redeeming the American heritage of tolerance, equity and justice." Obama Ascends letter in the International Herald Tribune by Munjed Farid Al Qutob http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/05/opinion/edlet.php

Now is not the time to be cynical- now is the time to do all we can to work for positive change. To take responsibility for our own part in shaping a more productive conversation to help produce better polices and better investments (both foreign and domestic) here there and everywhere.

And today, I reminded of an effort this year by the Elders http://www.theelders.org/elders/ to have The Universal Declaration of Human Rights taken more seriously, not only on an international level- but on an individual level.

The Elders, a group launched by Nelson Mandela in 2007, are asking individuals and organizations around the world to join together in standing up for human rights:

"2008 is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60th anniversary. It's time for a global conversation about human rights and the values that unite us as one human family. But it can also be a time when each of us chooses to take human rights into our daily lives, by joining a powerful people network."

I choose to sign this declaration because:

I wish to take responsibility for upholding the goals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in my daily life and in my community. I will do my best to speak out to protect the freedom and rights of others in my community.

I affirm the following principle: “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”

I believe Every Human Has Rights.

& then PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE READ Al-Awda The Palestine Right to Return Coalition's FACT SHEET The Right To Return, a Basic Right Still Denied

No one is perfect- nor is any organization perfect, there is always room for improvement!

One wish I have is that the Elders- and everyone else worldwide- would make it more of a priority to respect Palestine- and the Palestinian refugees inalienable legal, natural and moral right to return to original homes and lands.

The Palestinians have been harshly oppressed, cruelly tormented and essentially ignored for decades... it really is time to FREE PALESTINE in every possible way.

Free the people- free the land- free the story...

Start with FULL respect for true return.

To reiterate for the umpteenth time:

FREEDOM & RETURN: A Rights Based Solution to building a just and lasting peace in the Middle East ... Not just the return (al-awda) of the refugees, but also a return to the rule of law and respect for human rights: For more than five decades Palestinian refugees and internally displaced have struggled for a solution to their plight based on UN resolutions and international law, including the right to voluntarily return to their homes and lands of origin from which they were displaced/expelled during wars in 1948 and 1967 and due to other Israeli policies of forced eviction, deportation, etc....

Celebrate HOPE ... and change... positive change!

In celebrating Obama's victory we can and should celebrate all those who are right now this very minute busy overcoming HUGE challenges that might seem unsurmountable:

Celebrate the hard work and inspiring efforts of those who dare envision a better world- based on respecting human dignity... and the content of character... and the rule of fair and just laws.

Celebrate and support every cultural event and effort that helps remind us of our humanity and our shared history as time and time again proves that underneath it all we are one community constantly redefining how best to navigate a very modern complex world.

Celebrate potential- and Palestine.

Be the change you want.

Help grow another garden for Palestine where ever you might be.

Celebrate & help support Al-Awda : )

For Palestine Inspires...

Palestinian Refugees Right to Return

Our mission is to support Palestinian refugees and their right to return to Palestine.

  1. The right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and lands is a natural, fundamental, inalienable, legal and historical right
  2. The Right to Return is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Law
  3. The right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and lands was affirmed by UNGA resolution 194 in 1948, and 135 times since
  4. The Right to Return is an individual and collective national right. It cannot be delegated, diminished, reduced or forfeited
  5. For a Factsheet on the Palestinian Right to Return , see http://www.al-awda.org/facts.html
WHEREAS recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world....Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948
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Annie's Letters: Autumn leaves... in Growing Gardens for Palestine

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Autumn leaves... in Growing Gardens for Palestine

Our leafy green trees have been quickly turning into autumn trees with all the glorious autumn colors.

It is once again that intriguing time of year where some trees are still green, others are a blaze of brilliant autumn reds, oranges and golds, and a few have already lost all their leaves... and the air is cooling but not too cold yet.

Windows are opened and fresh air and bird song are everywhere inside and out... but the days are growing short.

Our wall of morning glories still blooms but most of the other summer flowers have disappeared.

Seasons are significant where I live, with winter bitter cold in a dramatic way which is quite a strong contrast to how summer can be relentlessly hot and humid.

Autumn is a traditional time of harvest, a time of gathering in all that we we have nurtured all summer long, and a time of knowing that we have to prepare for winter. Autumn is a time of transition- and education...

Autumn flowers in autumn colors such as the Mums are blooming. Chrysanthemums were cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BC. All our gardens really are an encyclopedia of civilization and exchange.

Enjoying flowers I like to look for deeper meanings, for folklore and history and fascinating tidbits which help connect me to all the many other human beings who are enchanted by life and love- and gardens... for what ever reason.

When I was a little girl one of my favorite books was a small book by of illustrated poems each about different flower fairy. Cicely Mary Barker born in 1885 brought meaning and magic to even the most humble flower.

I also enjoyed reading about the Language of Flowers "a Victorian-era means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages, allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. This language was most commonly communicated through Tussie-Mussies, an art which has a following today." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language_of_flowers

Symbols explore and explain what we human beings think and feel- and symbols are easily passed around... Through out the years many beautiful books have been published exploring myths and meaning and symbols.

"Because the chrysanthemum blooms in November, it stands for the light of HOPE in dark times" The Meaning of Flowers: Myth, Language & Lore by Gretchen Scoble and Ann Field

In looking at our Mums blooming so profusely I am reminded of a lion's mane... and Palestine: The Lion's Gate is located on the East side of the Old City and it opens up directly into the Muslim Quarter. Outside the Lion's gate one has a magnificent view of the Mount of Olives and a road to the ancient city of Jericho.

I find great hope and inspiration in all the many various efforts people make to enhance and to preserve civilization and our planet earth in large and small ways. The idea of home, whatever that might really mean to you is worth preserving- as is The Golden Rule Do Unto Others As You Would Do Unto Them .

My husband works hard, tackling every job no matter how humble by using his wits to figure out the best solution. Sometimes all you need is a piece of string to help hold things together. His ingenuity fascinates me.

In a complex modern world it is easy to get distracted and lose touch with core truths... and the basic dignity and decency of humankind. Bad news and nasty gossip and negativity often dominate the conversation, creating divisions and distractions that push aside awareness of all the good that is happening everywhere. Don't lose sight of the bigger picture: The Internet is an amazing miracle enabling the truth (and beauty) to set us free.

The lion roars... RoR

Everywhere I look I see more and more mention of Palestine- and the Palestinian refugees' very real right to return.

Letter of Palestinian Refugee Organizations to President Mahmoud Abbas

For every age group and every interest there are roads leading home to Palestine. From more formal symphonies to traditional folk music to Hip Hop many different types of music (and movies and art...etc) are being made for Palestine and all these many various efforts are drawing in audiences as well as Internet visitors...

DAM Concert in Los Angeles! - Saturday October 25, 2008

Wear Your Al-Awda Shirt to the DAM Concert!

The fires of autumn are not of ruin- but of renewal and warmth for we know that spring will come again

And in growing a Garden for Palestine where ever (and who ever) you might be- please pass on the word: PALESTINE: 60 YEARS OF FORCED EXILE...TIME FOR RETURN

Sixth Al-Awda Convention - 60th Year of Al-Nakba
  1. The right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and lands is a natural, fundamental, inalienable, legal and historical right
  2. The Right to Return is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Law
  3. The right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and lands was affirmed by UNGA resolution 194 in 1948, and 135 times since
  4. The Right to Return is an individual and collective national right. It cannot be delegated, diminished, reduced or forfeited
  5. For a Factsheet on the Palestinian Right to Return , see http://www.al-awda.org/facts.html

Palestinian Refugees Right to Return

Our mission is to support the Palestinian refugees and their right to return to Palestine.

JOIN US .... Facebook
and be part of the mosaic of Palestine past, present and future...

FREEDOM & RETURN: A Rights Based Solution to building a just and lasting peace in the Middle East ... Not just the return (al-awda) of the refugees, but also a return to the rule of law and respect for human rights: For more than five decades Palestinian refugees and internally displaced have struggled for a solution to their plight based on UN resolutions and international law, including the right to voluntarily return to their homes and lands of origin from which they were displaced/expelled during wars in 1948 and 1967 and due to other Israeli policies of forced eviction, deportation, etc....
For Palestine inspires....
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