UPDATE. (+ EEN artikel in Nederlands) His Name Is Ezra Nawi. By Naomi Klein, Noam Chomsky, and Neve Gordon
Reageer (0)21-9-2009
More video's here
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14-8-2009
Dear H,
This is not the first time that I stand trial for my beliefs. But it is the first time that they will probably be able to stop me.
I always knew that many people silently supported me, and that if I ever got into trouble they would stand behind me. This moment has come.
I have been harassed and targeted throughout the years, because I embody three elements which provoke bigotry in the Israeli society: I am a homosexual, I am a Mizrahi Jew, and I devote all my time to fighting for the human rights of Arab Palestinians.
I am a simple person. I did what my heart told me to do. Looking back, I know that what my friends and I have done is changing the harsh reality of the occupation in the whole area of south Hebron. I feel that now the Israeli authorities are punishing me on a personal level.
I would like to believe that my personal adversity will inspire and motivate individuals to actively oppose the occupation.
Thank you.
Ezra Nawi
Source
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Abu Pessoptimist
Help Ezra Nawi
29-6-2009
Dit is Ezra Nawi, een loodgieter uit Jeruzalem van Iraakse afkomst. Hij is een activist van Ta'ayush. Nawi dreigt op 1 juli naar de gevangenis te worden gestuurd, omdat hij geprobeerd heeft het platbulldozeren van huizen van arme Bedoeïnen te voorkomen.
Dat was op 4 februari in een armzalig dorpje, Umm al-Kheir, op 25 kilometer ten zuidoosten van Hebron. De inwoners van Umm al-Kheir proberen te leven van het laten grazen van schapen en geiten in de omgeving, maar intussen wordt hun weidegrond steeds meer ingepikt door de belendende nederzetting Carmel. Ezra is veel vaker bij dit soort acties betrokken geweest. Het platbulldozeren van huizen is nu eenmaal een soort dagelijkse routine op de Westoever. Ezra's vrienden in Ta'ayush staan er voor in dat de beschuldiging dat hij een politieman zou hebben bedreigd, onzin is. Meer hierover op de site free ezra . Wie een petitie wil tekenen kan daar ook terecht.
Bron
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Every so often someone comes along who is so brave and so inspiring that you just can't sit by and remain silent when you learn they need your help.
We're writing to you today about one of these rare people.
His name is Ezra Nawi.
You've probably never heard of him, but because you may know our names, now you will know his name.
Ezra Nawi is one of Israel's most courageous human rights activists and without your help, he will likely go to jail in less than 30 days.
His crime? He tried to stop a military bulldozer from destroying the homes of Palestinian Bedouins in the South Hebron region. These homes and the families who live in them have been under Israeli occupation for 42 years. They still live without electricity, running water and other basic services. They are continuously harassed by Jewish settlers and the military.
Nawi's friends have launched a campaign to generate tens of thousands of letters to Israeli embassies all over the world before he is due to be sentenced in July. They've asked for your help.
His name is Ezra Nawi.
We keep saying his name because we believe that the more people know him and know his name, the harder it will be for the Israeli military to send him quietly to jail.
And Ezra Nawi is anything but quiet.
He is a Jewish Israeli of Iraqi descent who speaks fluent Arabic.
He is a gay man in his fifties and a plumber by trade.
He has dedicated his life to helping those who are trampled on. He has stood by Jewish single mothers who pitched tents in front of the Knesset while struggling for a living wage, and by Palestinians threatened with expulsion from their homes.
He is loved by those with little power, to whom he dedicates his life, and hated by the Jewish settlers, military and police.
Now that you know Ezra, you have a chance to stand up for him, and for everything that he represents. Especially now, as Israel escalates its crackdown on human rights and pro-democracy activists.
He needs you. His friends need you. Those he helps every day need you. So please send a letter to the Consulate, to the media, to your family and friends.
Take just a moment to write your letter. Do it now. And then share his name with a friend. Do it for Ezra Nawi.
Noam Chomsky, Naomi Klein, and Neve Gordon
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