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Letters from Canadian Arabs and Palestinians protesting the dinner to honour Stockwell Day
This morning, I sent an email asking one simple question: why are we (the Arabs and in particular the Palestinians) honoring Stockwell Day? I've waited since for answers from the organizers hoping this event was a mistake in print. It appears it was not. I have since received various emails from groups who support the Palestinian cause and they are asking me a simple question – how can we offer our solidarity to you – the Palestinians when you offer yourselves on a silver platter to those in power who have no respect for you as Palestinian-Canadians or for your cause? Here is a better question: How can we at a time like this when our own people are suffering and their suffering is received here on the hill with a chill and a "nay" vote at the UN - how can we reward the conservatives at this time with an honorary dinner. How can we sell out? Name Witheld ******************* I fully agree with your heartfelt comments and share your anguish. I find it shameful that any Arab or Palestinian organization would cater to and honour Stockwell Day while he spits on us and harms our people in Canada and in the Arab World. Khaled Mouammar, President, CAF ************ Dear Khaled, We have started an effort to cancel this unwarrented event. I wrote to all the presidents of the group whose names were listed as the hosts of the event urging them to cancel, or at least to withdraw their respective association's name. Some people are confusing "meeting" and "communicating" with Mr. Day and other Ministers for the purpose of sharing our views and concerns and "honouring" him. If we do not succeed in cancelling this event through dialogue with the organizers by the end of day today, we will have to initiate a boycott campaign to make sure that no one goes there. The integrity of our community hangs in the balance. Our non-Arab friends are so shocked, they cannot comprehend that some of us even consider the possibility of "honouring" the likes of Stockwell Day. Name withheld ******* Instead of taking a strong position based on principles and dignity, we continue to inflict humilation and indignity on our community and issues. Every one knows that Stockewll Day is a pro zionist, biased against Arabs/Muslims and loyal dog to GWB and right wing extremists. Are we so numb to the point were there is no blood of dignity circulating in our veins? What do say to Houda, the Palestinian girl who lost her family few weeks ago? and all the Victims of Palestine at the hand of S. Day who loved and praised the israeli terrorist state? We can not and should not justify impotence, cheep politics and photo ops any more. I hope Day's appearnce will be cancelled. If Not, Not only I support a full scale Boycott, but an open confrontation with anyone attempting to climb at the back of our community and our rightfull issues. Ali Mallah Stockwell Day did nothing close to being honored. He did not earn any of it yet! WE BOYCOTT! Nour |