August 24, 2006 - Vancouver, B.C.

CANADIAN ARABS URGE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE HEZBOLLAH OFF
'TERRORIST' LIST

The Canadian Arab Justice Committee (ADALA) adds its voice to calls across the country for the Canadian government to reverse its 2002 decision to add Hezbollah to the list of terrorist organizations.

The decision to add Hezbollah to the list was made after a concerted campaign by pro-Israeli special interest groups and after a smear campaign that was shown later to be full of lies.

Hezbollah began as a resistance movement to the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon that killed 20,000 civilians, injured many more and destroyed much of the country. Hezbollah's dedication and professionalism were instrumental in liberating Lebanon from a brutal occupation. They continuously urged Israel, to no avail, that they both cease targeting areas where the risk of civilian casualties is high. Hezbollah provides essential social and economic services to the downtrodden in the Shia community and operates clinics, hospitals, vocational schools, etc.

Hezbollah is, by far, the most popular party in Lebanon, and the Arab and Islamic worlds. It is not in the interest of Canada to make enemies  among 1.2 billion Muslims to appease supporters of a state that commits war crimes and violates international and humanitarian laws.

ADALA endorses the position of other prominent NGOs, such as the Canadian Arab Federation, that placing Hezbollah and Hamas on Canada's banned list, while Israel continues to oppress Palestinians and threaten its Arab neighbors, "is an unconscionable act of hypocrisy and a mockery of justice."

Canadian Arabs and Canadian Muslims are outraged at the position of this government that supported the wholesale slaughter of Lebanese civilians. As of now, over 1200 Lebanese civilians are dead (and more are being uncovered under the rubble on a daily basis), over 4500 injured, tens of thousands of homes destroyed and much of the infrastructure destroyed. Over 90% of Lebanese victims are civilians. On the other hand, the majority of Israelis killed are
military personnel invading Lebanese territory.

This begs the question: who is the terrorist?

CONTACTS:

Rafeh Hulays, Ph.D.
(604) 288-9322 (Office)
(778) 893-9348 (Cell)

E-mail: rhulays@netfone.ca
Web: http://www.adala.ca


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