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We’ve seen it all around us: droughts, hurricanes, weird weather and wild storms. Then last week, a major new report by over 2000 climate scientists ended all debate: climate change is real- we’ve caused it- and its impact will be catastrophic unless urgent action is taken.

Our leaders can stop this, but they’ve been too slow to act. This week, we’re launching a global TV ad campaign on 3 continents to wake world leaders up to the disaster we’re facing. Click below to watch our TV ad on our new website and sign the petition calling for urgent action now.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/climate_action/cf.php

Experts agree: we are fast approaching the point of no return. If the world’s temperature rises by even 2 degrees Celsius the consequences for life on earth will be devastating.

This problem can be solved. We need a new international agreement that commits countries to major emission cuts, and drives a global shift to renewable energy. This will require bold political action — and not just by one or two countries.

Climate change is a global problem that requires global action. It is time for people around the world to send a global wake up call to our leaders – before it is too late. Click here to send them a message:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/climate_action/cf.php

The leaders of the world’s most polluting countries will be meeting in Germany this June. The priorities for this summit are being decided right now.

Public awareness of the climate threat around the world is reaching fever pitch. Now the argument is over – it’s time to focus our energy on building a global movement to make our leaders act. Watch our TV ad and add your voice to the wake up call:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/climate_action/cf.php

It’s not too late to protect our planet – but the moment is now. Please sign the petition, post it on your blog or favourite listserve, forward this email to your friends and family – and tell everyone you know.

Alone, we can’t stop this disaster. But if we act together today, 2007 could become the year we took the first step to save the world.

With hope,

Ricken, David, Iain, Andrea, Jeremy, Rachel, Tom, Hannah, Paul, Lee-Sean, Galit, Graziela, Nicole and the whole Avaaz.org team (formerly the CeasefireCampaign.org team)

Perhaps Mr. Despain is being a hypocrite. He is after all living in a part of the world where freedom of expression and free speech are touted as the pinnacle of basic human values. For him to go around smearing our good name by branding this as a “hate site” (after thirty seconds!) goes to show his bias, hatred and anti-Islam tendencies towards the Palestinians and the Palestinian people. We have no problems with Jews, whether those living in Israel or elsewhere. We however have issues with Zionism and how the Israeli government is handling the Conflict and we will openly criticise their wrongdoings. We will not be silenced or blackmailed.

You claim that it took you 30 seconds to figure out that this is a “hate site”. Well, pal, it seems that you need to dig in a little deeper and spend more time than that to figure out what is our position with regard to Israel and their occupation of Palestine. We will not hesitate to close down this blog once a just solution is achieved and Israel gives the Palestinian people the dignity and freedom it deserves. Until then, you can go around bitching about us but we will still be around, and I am sure LoudLaunch will see our position as well.

At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). In 2006, Eid al-Adha will begin on approximately December 31st, and will last for three days.

What does Eid al-Adha commemorate?

During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. The Qur’an describes Abraham as follows:

“Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous.” (Qur’an 16:120-121)

One of Abraham’s main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah’s will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his “sacrifice” had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.

Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?

During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham’s trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.

Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah’s commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: “It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him.” (Qur’an 22:37)

The symbolism is in the attitude – a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah’s commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.

What else do Muslims do to celebrate the holiday?

On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.

To visit the site please go to the following link: www.jerusalemites.org

In this blessed month of Ramadhan, it is hoped that our readers could render their assistance and infaq according to their means and capabilities pertandingan seomyorionet, as well as forwarding this notice to their acquiantances and friends who could also help us, whether it is through email, forums and others.

More information can be referenced at:

http://www.bismikaallahuma.org/for-muslims/

If we do not help out, who else will?

Shukran, wassalam.

Webmaster
bismikaallahuma.org

May they all rest in peace.

“STOP THE WAR: SAVE THE PALESTINIAN CHILDREN” FORUM

organized by “Deir Yassin Remembered” Malaysia, which will be held on:

Date: August 26, 2006
Time: 2.00 p.m.
Venue: Auditorium Jabatan Muzium Malaysia (Muzium Negara), Jalan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur

Guest of Honour

Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia
His Excellency Mr. Abdelaziz Aboughosh

Speakers:

1. Keynote Address by His Excellency Mr Abdelaziz Aboughosh
2. Dr. Chandra Muzaffar, President International Movement for a Just World (JUST)
3. Mrs. F.R. Bhupalan (Social activist)
4. Aliyah Fong Abdullah (Medical Volunteer in Bourj el-Barajneh Camp in Beirut, Lebanon — from July ’87-July ’88; Oct. ’88-Oct. ’89; Mar ’90-Nov. ’90; Aug ’91-Oct.’91)

Moderator:
Y.Bhg. Dato’ Azman Ujang

PROGRAMME

1.45 p.m. Arrival of guests and digital presentation

2.15 p.m. Arrival of the Palestinian Ambassador His Excellency Mr Abdelaziz Aboughosh

2.20 p.m. Welcome speech by the Chairman of DYR Malaysia En. Hishamudin Ubaidulla

2.25 p.m. Keynote address by H.E. Mr Abdelaziz Aboughosh

2.55 p.m. Guest speaker: Mrs. F.R. Bhupalan

3.15 p.m. Guest speaker: Aliyah Fong Abdullah

3.25 p.m. Guest speaker: Dr. Chandra Muzaffar

4.10 p.m. Q & A

4.55 p.m. Tea/Coffee

• An Exhibition / Book Sales and Materials on Palestine will also beheld at the lobby of the Auditorium
• A collection box for the Palestinian children organized by MSRI/Sponsorship of Palestinian Children will also be set up. Please give generously.

Organizers: MSRI, Yayasan Ubaidi, ABIM, Global Peace Mission (GPM), Pergerakan Belia India Muslim Malaysia (GEPIMA), Muslim Professional Forum

Dress code: Smart/Casual RSVP: Alphonsa/Andrea at 4252-8699 before or on August 22, 2006

Please download the image and upload it to your server, place it in your website or blog to spread awareness. Thank you.

Security Council Resolution 1701 did not come a minute too soon if only because it blew the whistle on an Israeli assault that was killing dozens of Lebanese civilians daily, destroying the country and forcing nearly a million people to seek refuge from its escalating war crimes. The so-called “international community” provided cover for extending the war under the guise of prolonged negotiations at the UN, hoping that Israel would win a decisive victory. But what Israel failed to win on the battlefield, its friends helped to deliver in the UN resolution.

Resolution 1701, adopted unanimously, “calls for a full cessation of hostilities.” Those seven words are the most important ones in the entire resolution. The rest is neither fair, nor compatible with the Security Council’s duties and responsibilities as defined by the United Nations Charter. Even after the resolution was passed, Israel escalated its aggression, sending thousands of troops towards the Litani River. The move, perhaps meant to seize more ground before the ceasefire took effect, was a disaster, as Israel lost dozens of soldiers and much equipment. Hours after the resolution was passed, Israel ceased its aerial bombardment of Lebanon, but shot dead at least one Hizbollah fighter. This last minute invasion, like Israel’s initial assault on Lebanon, seems to have had a green light from council members.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan declared on Sunday that hostilities would cease by dawn on Monday at 05:00 GMT. Normally Security Council resolutions should take effect immediately, unless a specified time is mentioned in the resolution, which was not the case this time. Why Annan gave Israel an additional 48 hours to kill and destroy is a pressing question, but questions like that are never answered.

Resolution 1701 is flawed, both in form and content, much like many others of its kind lately. The bitter reality is that the work of the Security Council has been reduced to a mere reflection of the will of the big powers rather than international law. The council does not take the immediate initiative when necessary — as was the case in Lebanon when war broke out — to protect world peace and security as mandated by the charter. Instead it waited for the results of the war on the ground to tailor its actions in a manner that would give the greatest advantage to the winner, which the international community assumed would be Israel. In other words, the council’s actions have been confined to legitimising the desired outcome of any conflict regardless of how unjust, unlawful or potentially threatening to peace and security it is.

This war could have been easily prevented if the Security Council was called to intervene following the Hizbollah military action against Israeli soldiers on the border. The council, at that point, could have taken a decision ordering their release peacefully, utilising international pressure, which would normally be on Israel’s side against Hizbollah. If Israel was truly the victim of an unprovoked attack, as it claimed, why did it not ask the Security Council to intervene rather than launch its pre-planned destruction of Lebanon?

Article 51 of the UN Charter does indeed recognise the right of every nation to exercise the right of self-defence when attacked by another military power, but only until the Security Council acts following the victim’s notification. Israel was not under an ongoing attack. There was a border incident, which resulted in deaths on the Israeli side and the capture of two soldiers. Israel had every right to pursue its case against Lebanon or Hizbollah by peaceful means at the Security Council. There is no provision anywhere in international law to justify a total war on Lebanon, its infrastructure and its civilian population, under the false premise of self-defence; a war which ended without freeing the captured soldiers.

The Security Council said nothing about the fact that Israel responded to a military incident by immediately attacking civilians. It totally ignored the mountain of evidence of Israeli war crimes committed in Lebanon, and has said nothing about Israel’s obligation to compensate Lebanon and its people for the wanton destruction and killing which went far beyond the “military necessity” that limits a state’s actions in wartime. Based on the testimony of UN officials alone, let alone reports from groups like Human Rights Watch, the Security Council should have demanded that Israel bring to justice those alleged to have committed war crimes, or referred the matter to the International Criminal Court.

Although it “recalled” its many previous resolutions, the Security Council made no mention of the reports from UNIFIL peacekeepers in southern Lebanon who have documented hundreds of aggressive violations of Lebanese sovereignty by Israeli armed forces and warplanes, all prior to Hizbollah’s “unprovoked” attack.

All these discrepancies are reflected in the resolution. The US, through its permanent representative John Bolton, exerted enormous pressure to produce such a lopsided resolution intended mainly to secure a political victory for Israel, which in practical terms meant allowing Israel to maintain the status quo ante.

Hizbollah appears to be giving Israel a brief pause to withdraw its defeated army from Lebanon. If Israel delays, or tries to reinforce its positions, the resistance will not be able to remain inactive, and that will create new conditions for another showdown at a certain moment. This does not look at all compatible with what Condoleezza Rice said: Address root causes. That means ending the occupation, not only of Lebanese territory, but also of Syrian and Palestinian land as well, and dismantling all racist, discriminatory and exclusionary Israeli policies that keep millions of Palestinians oppressed. It is very unlikely that she meant any of that. The definition of her “root causes’ ” must be different: Removing any object from Israel’s offensive path.

Any lessons learnt, any meaningful appraisal?

Revelations about the longstanding Suez-like US-Israeli conspiracy against Lebanon, supported by some regional states, and President George W. Bush’s claim that Hizbollah was defeated, indicate that there is little chance of such a realistic appraisal. The US insists on trivialising the situation to “Hizbollah’s arms,” or the failure to implement Security Council Resolution 1559, or the Taif accord on Lebanon’s internal governance, or instead using Israel’s occupation of Lebanon as a way to provoke a confrontation with Iran. All of this merely marks the countdown to the next war.

Hasan Abu Nimah is the former permanent representative of Jordan at the United Nations.