Monday, July 31, 2006
Human Shields: Shielding the Truth
Israeli commentator Amos Oz, in a 20 July opinion piece in the Evening Standard, used the term "human sandbags". His claim was run in a front-page news story in the paper, with the huge headline 'The Human Sandbags'. He was the only source in the article, and there was no attempt to ask human rights groups, journalists or Lebanese officials to verify whether this very serious allegation is true.more...
Israel backed by army of cyber-soldiers
WHILE Israel fights Hezbollah with tanks and aircraft, its supporters are campaigning on the internet.more...
Johann Hari writes
If only Olmert, Livni and the wider Israeli public could remember their own family’s history of ‘terrorism’, they would be able to see how futile their own current military campaigns against ‘terrorists’ in Gaza and Lebanon are. more...
Immediate Cease Fire please!!!
Israeli soldiers load missiles onto a military vehicle, as Israeli orthodox Jews dance to show their support for the troops, along the Israeli-Lebanese border, 26 July 2006. (MaanImages/Inbal Rose)The conflict escalated 17 days ago and its causes are complex and numerous.
Irrespective of political stands, the Lebanese civilian population is the target of continuous aggression from Israeli military forces. Help stop this unjustified collective punishment strategy that is ravaging the entirety of Lebanon's land and population and breaching all international laws.
So far Israel has fulfilled all its promises thanks to the inaction of the international community:
"...The targets of the operations are militants, not the Lebanese civilians..."
- IDF Deputy Chief of Staff
* Lebanese civilians constitute 92% of the 600 fatalities, out of whom:
* 74% are entire families, parents and their children, who have been targeted in their homes or on the roads while fleeing their hometowns,
* 53% are children,
* 35% are women
"...in order to make peace we need to strike them harder than ever..."
- Amir Peretz, Israel Defense Minister
* 100 daily Israeli air raids,
* 23 tons of bombs dropped in one day,
* 300 bombs dropped daily,
* At the rate of 3 bombs per minute,
* 4 factories of dairy farm, pharmaceutical factories, food supply depots destroyed
* 10 ambulances, and relief trucks hit on the road
"...If the soldiers are not returned, we will turn Lebanon's clock back 20 years..."
- Dan Halutz, Israel’s Chief of Staff
* 800 thousand people displaced,
* 32 roads destroyed,
* 55 bridges destroyed,
* airports bombed,
* 7 ports bombed,
* Civilian structures such as Hospitals, residential buildings, churches, mosques, factories, petrol stations bombed,
* Total estimated loss: 5 billion USD
We urge you to take action by calling for an immediate ceasefire to the
military operations through a number of ways:
1- Write to your MPs expressing your views on the British and European foreign policy. This can be easily done through
http://www.writetothem.com/
2- Voice your opinion to the national media, especially the wide audience ones such as the BBC website, Tabloids, and the Evening Standard
3- Spread this email to as many people as you can and inform as many people as possible about the crisis.
4- Raise donations to various humanitarian appeals and keep yourself updated about the situation by visiting the following blogs and websites:
July 2006 war on Lebanon
Stop Destroying Lebanon
Update from Beirut
from Israel to Lebanon pictures
letters apart
illustrations from the war
Angry Arab
http://www.tayyar.org/tayyar/pages.php?page=english
If it's good enough for Sanjay Gupta, it's enough to kill (the) Iraq (story)."
"You have (CNN's) Anderson Cooper parachuting into Beirut, all these superstars are heading into Lebanon. Even (CNN's) Dr. (Sanjay) Gupta.more...
Is the President Nuts?
COUNTERPUNCH: Pattern Recognition: "Is The 'President' Nuts?" asks Carol Wolman, M.D. "Many people, inside and especially outside this country, believe that the American president is nuts, and is taking the world on a suicidal path." [Counterpunch October 2, 2002]
continue...
Sunday, July 30, 2006
I am a Lebanese Kill me
I got this from Clotaire K today :
Picture taken today right before the Lebanese protest in Montpellier, how far can you accept the USraelian savagery and lies ?
Photo prise aujourd'hui juste avant la manifestation pour le Liban à Montpellier, jusqu'où pouvez vous accepter la sauvagerie et le mensonge USraelienne?
Soura min lyom abl l'mouzahara kermel Lubnan bi Montpellier, la had weyn fikoun tekbalou l'wahsh ou l'kezb l'USra'ïlyieh?
Picture taken today right before the Lebanese protest in Montpellier, how far can you accept the USraelian savagery and lies ?
Photo prise aujourd'hui juste avant la manifestation pour le Liban à Montpellier, jusqu'où pouvez vous accepter la sauvagerie et le mensonge USraelienne?
Soura min lyom abl l'mouzahara kermel Lubnan bi Montpellier, la had weyn fikoun tekbalou l'wahsh ou l'kezb l'USra'ïlyieh?
qana today
just cannot say more and cannot show u more photos
degrading....to the lebanese proud children who die... daily...
yea they only know how to condemn..
------------------------------------------------------------
if u have a heart problem do not look
... otherwise please forward to as many people in the west as possible, people
who cannot see the reality in the media.
and for those asking about publishing photos in papers, internet, or
exhibiting in galleries, please use those taken by Safir newspaper and saved
as ...Safir.jpg. the rest is for AP, reuters and AFP and we don't have rights
to use them but in emails. i'm afraid the pictures from Qana today are all
taken by the press agencies.
From Hanady
Qana - Sunday July 30th , 2006
Only to let you know that these are 55 civilians, all killed , 20 of them are kids betwween 7 months and 12 years old.
Only to let you know that a number of these children are handicapped, they were hit in the last Qana massacre in 1996.
Only to let you know CNN and BBC are hosting IDF spokespeople who tell the world that these civilians were warned to leave , but they just didn't.
Only to let you know the air strikes took place at 1:00 am , all they people were sleeping, in their pyjamas, bare feet, in a shelter. The house was hit twice. Twice. To make sure they will all die.
Only to let you know that despite the fact that we're animals, but it would have been impossible for animals to sleep had there been any shelling from anywhere close , as the IDF alleges.
Only to let you know you free media won't show you these pictures.
Only to let you know that this is not the first time this happens , and I can promise you it won't be the last time.
Hanady Salman
sorry for the long silence today
light a candle tonight :(
degrading....to the lebanese proud children who die... daily...
yea they only know how to condemn..
------------------------------------------------------------
if u have a heart problem do not look
... otherwise please forward to as many people in the west as possible, people
who cannot see the reality in the media.
and for those asking about publishing photos in papers, internet, or
exhibiting in galleries, please use those taken by Safir newspaper and saved
as ...Safir.jpg. the rest is for AP, reuters and AFP and we don't have rights
to use them but in emails. i'm afraid the pictures from Qana today are all
taken by the press agencies.
From Hanady
Qana - Sunday July 30th , 2006
Only to let you know that these are 55 civilians, all killed , 20 of them are kids betwween 7 months and 12 years old.
Only to let you know that a number of these children are handicapped, they were hit in the last Qana massacre in 1996.
Only to let you know CNN and BBC are hosting IDF spokespeople who tell the world that these civilians were warned to leave , but they just didn't.
Only to let you know the air strikes took place at 1:00 am , all they people were sleeping, in their pyjamas, bare feet, in a shelter. The house was hit twice. Twice. To make sure they will all die.
Only to let you know that despite the fact that we're animals, but it would have been impossible for animals to sleep had there been any shelling from anywhere close , as the IDF alleges.
Only to let you know you free media won't show you these pictures.
Only to let you know that this is not the first time this happens , and I can promise you it won't be the last time.
Hanady Salman
sorry for the long silence today
light a candle tonight :(
Saturday, July 29, 2006
NEW YORK DEMO and Vigil
Mikey went to a demo again yesterday in New yorkhere is what he sent
it was facing the Israeli embassy in New York
i heard there was a massive pro Israel demo last weekend , well u know what ??? i do not know anyone who went there
i would demonstrate for stop the killing as a whole in the Middle East but not for a pro Israel march , EXCUSE ME
A few blocks away from where Suha lives!
my mum said today
do you really think if they get nasrallah , hizbollah will disintegrate???
they broke a whole nation and did not break hizbolla ...
enough.....
enough....
______________________________________
Hezbollah leader said to be hiding in Iranian Embassy
By Bill Gertz
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
July 28, 2006
Intelligence reports indicate the leader of Hezbollah is hiding in a foreign mission in Beirut, possibly the Iranian Embassy, according to U.S. and Israeli officials. more...
do you really think if they get nasrallah , hizbollah will disintegrate???
they broke a whole nation and did not break hizbolla ...
enough.....
enough....
______________________________________
Hezbollah leader said to be hiding in Iranian Embassy
By Bill Gertz
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
July 28, 2006
Intelligence reports indicate the leader of Hezbollah is hiding in a foreign mission in Beirut, possibly the Iranian Embassy, according to U.S. and Israeli officials. more...
A letter from Beirut By a young mum...
Party On?
Well today I received and e-mail from my friends stating that some of the most popular bars, clubs and shopping outlets have relocated their addresses from Beirut to Faraya. I don’t know whether to be happy that Lebanese will never give up their life style no matter how much they are suffering, or be sad that some people are happy to go party, dance and drink with no care for their fellow nationals living in the South.
I am actually very confused. But if you ask me, I can’t even think of doing something fun while Lebanon is undergoing pain and heartaches on a daily basis.
Petrol, Nil
My husband and I went out for a ride, just to take a breather. We got a call from a friend who told us the petrol in the country has finished. I went mad, as I thought the government assured us that the country’s petrol resources will last us at least two months. It has been two weeks so far… I am going to cry. Not only are we prisoners in our own country, we are prisoners now in our own homes. We can’t use the petrol in our cars; as in cases of emergencies we will definitely need them.
Oh I guess people wanting to go party in Faraya have another thing coming their way…
My Baby
When I was younger, I didn’t really understand the concept of war. My mother would be stressed packing trying to get us out of the country, as my sisters and I would be so happy leaving – thinking we’re going on holiday.
I grew up knowing that Israel was an enemy, but since I was not too aware of the constant damages they inflicted in our country, my feelings towards them were indifferent.
Now I am 33, a mother of a one year old – I can not even begin to express the feelings that overpower me today. I never thought I was able to have so much hate for some one, a nation, Israel.
As a mother and a wife, I feel more responsible and therefore more afraid of what may happen in the near future. I am always in a state of panic – I need milk, diapers, bottled baby food and of course wet wipes… and water… as the supply is very very limited.
My baby should always be in front of my eyes. I worry and dread that something will happen to her. It’s happening to others. Mothers have lost their babies and babies have lost their mothers. Is this fair… and all for what?
Well today I received and e-mail from my friends stating that some of the most popular bars, clubs and shopping outlets have relocated their addresses from Beirut to Faraya. I don’t know whether to be happy that Lebanese will never give up their life style no matter how much they are suffering, or be sad that some people are happy to go party, dance and drink with no care for their fellow nationals living in the South.
I am actually very confused. But if you ask me, I can’t even think of doing something fun while Lebanon is undergoing pain and heartaches on a daily basis.
Petrol, Nil
My husband and I went out for a ride, just to take a breather. We got a call from a friend who told us the petrol in the country has finished. I went mad, as I thought the government assured us that the country’s petrol resources will last us at least two months. It has been two weeks so far… I am going to cry. Not only are we prisoners in our own country, we are prisoners now in our own homes. We can’t use the petrol in our cars; as in cases of emergencies we will definitely need them.
Oh I guess people wanting to go party in Faraya have another thing coming their way…
My Baby
When I was younger, I didn’t really understand the concept of war. My mother would be stressed packing trying to get us out of the country, as my sisters and I would be so happy leaving – thinking we’re going on holiday.
I grew up knowing that Israel was an enemy, but since I was not too aware of the constant damages they inflicted in our country, my feelings towards them were indifferent.
Now I am 33, a mother of a one year old – I can not even begin to express the feelings that overpower me today. I never thought I was able to have so much hate for some one, a nation, Israel.
As a mother and a wife, I feel more responsible and therefore more afraid of what may happen in the near future. I am always in a state of panic – I need milk, diapers, bottled baby food and of course wet wipes… and water… as the supply is very very limited.
My baby should always be in front of my eyes. I worry and dread that something will happen to her. It’s happening to others. Mothers have lost their babies and babies have lost their mothers. Is this fair… and all for what?
Casualties of War: Lebanon’s Trees, Air and Sea
JIYEH, Lebanon, July 28 — As Israel continues the bombing campaign that has turned parts of Lebanon into rubble, environmentalists are warning of widespread and lasting damage.
more...
Joao Silva for The New York Times
Smoke billowed and a fuel tank continued to burn in Jiyeh, just south of Beirut, where at least 10,000 tons of oil have spilled into the sea since Israeli airstrikes hit a fuel storage depot there on July 13 and 15.
____________________________________________________________
Fuel oil and fumes spill from power plant bombed by Israelis
more...
Joao Silva for The New York Times
Smoke billowed and a fuel tank continued to burn in Jiyeh, just south of Beirut, where at least 10,000 tons of oil have spilled into the sea since Israeli airstrikes hit a fuel storage depot there on July 13 and 15.
____________________________________________________________
Fuel oil and fumes spill from power plant bombed by Israelis
Friday, July 28, 2006
US 'outrage' over Israeli claims
The US state department has dismissed as "outrageous"
a suggestion by Israel that it has been authorised by the world
to continue bombing Lebanon. more...
a suggestion by Israel that it has been authorised by the world
to continue bombing Lebanon. more...
Israelis accused of 'human shields' tactic
The Israeli army has been accused of using Palestinian civilians as human shields in an operation in northern Gaza. According to the Israeli human rights group, B'tselem, six civilians including two minors were subjected to the illegal tactic during an incursion into the town of Beit Hanoun last week. more...
By Hanadi Salman
Hanady is spending her days throwing up while editing the huge
amounts of depressing and appalling photos that she receives for her newspaper...
And she is still writing... please read and forward... kx
Dear all,
Sad stories in the paper today. A colleague went to see a family in
AL Zahra Hospital In Beirut, they told her how they fled
Tireh village in the south
their house was bombed, some of the family members
stayed under the rubble, the rest went to the neighbours' house.
It was also hit, and under its rubbles were left more family members...
The rest ran away.
Their car was targeted on the road. More of them got killed.
They met a UN convoy and screamed for help.
What happened next is the following : one UN soldier was
taking their picture ,
and when he finished ,
he yelled "no , no "
and left them there.
Now the father and two sisters are in a hospital in the south,
and the rest of the family is in Beirut. (the shayto's picture below ).
My other colleague toured some schools hosting refugees
with a group of doctors.
Conclusion : spread of diseases due to lack of hygiene:
when you don't have water, or washing machines ,
when tens, sometimes hundred of people shared school rooms,
this is bound to happen.
She also met a group of some 30 people who could not find
a place in public schools and who are now in a garden of an empty house.
She tells the story of the 80 year old woman there who wouldn't eat,
because she wants to spare the food for the children.
She told Saada , my colleague, it would be a waste for her to eat
whereas the kids are hungry.
Milia did a small thing about a fx some hospitals
in the south received from a local association,
offering very attractive packages for nurses and radiologists needed in the US.
Now, here, the US is recruiting medical staff.
Faten went to the Securite Generale and found out
that loads of people are applying for passports:
five thousand passports are issued every day since July 13th
( in a country of 3,5 million people).
Some 151 thousand Lebanese nationals have left the county in nine days.
(betw July 13 and July 25th)
Habib wrote about Green Peace closing their offices
in Lebanon at a time the sea is plagued with unprecedented
pollution due to the Israeli shelling of fuel tank reserves that made
our sea's colour look black.
Experts say it will take the water, the rocks, the sand
and the fish tens of years to recover.
People shoud not swim in the sea for long years to come.
The minister of health annouced today that 600 people were killed
and some 1300 injured since the Israeli aggression started
on July the 12th.
George W. Bush says he's against a ceasefire
that does not solve the problem from the roots.
Well , tell him it's working :
we're being exterminated from the roots.
Hanady Salman
amounts of depressing and appalling photos that she receives for her newspaper...
And she is still writing... please read and forward... kx
Dear all,
Sad stories in the paper today. A colleague went to see a family in
AL Zahra Hospital In Beirut, they told her how they fled
Tireh village in the south
their house was bombed, some of the family members
stayed under the rubble, the rest went to the neighbours' house.
It was also hit, and under its rubbles were left more family members...
The rest ran away.
Their car was targeted on the road. More of them got killed.
They met a UN convoy and screamed for help.
What happened next is the following : one UN soldier was
taking their picture ,
and when he finished ,
he yelled "no , no "
and left them there.
Now the father and two sisters are in a hospital in the south,
and the rest of the family is in Beirut. (the shayto's picture below ).
My other colleague toured some schools hosting refugees
with a group of doctors.
Conclusion : spread of diseases due to lack of hygiene:
when you don't have water, or washing machines ,
when tens, sometimes hundred of people shared school rooms,
this is bound to happen.
She also met a group of some 30 people who could not find
a place in public schools and who are now in a garden of an empty house.
She tells the story of the 80 year old woman there who wouldn't eat,
because she wants to spare the food for the children.
She told Saada , my colleague, it would be a waste for her to eat
whereas the kids are hungry.
Milia did a small thing about a fx some hospitals
in the south received from a local association,
offering very attractive packages for nurses and radiologists needed in the US.
Now, here, the US is recruiting medical staff.
Faten went to the Securite Generale and found out
that loads of people are applying for passports:
five thousand passports are issued every day since July 13th
( in a country of 3,5 million people).
Some 151 thousand Lebanese nationals have left the county in nine days.
(betw July 13 and July 25th)
Habib wrote about Green Peace closing their offices
in Lebanon at a time the sea is plagued with unprecedented
pollution due to the Israeli shelling of fuel tank reserves that made
our sea's colour look black.
Experts say it will take the water, the rocks, the sand
and the fish tens of years to recover.
People shoud not swim in the sea for long years to come.
The minister of health annouced today that 600 people were killed
and some 1300 injured since the Israeli aggression started
on July the 12th.
George W. Bush says he's against a ceasefire
that does not solve the problem from the roots.
Well , tell him it's working :
we're being exterminated from the roots.
Hanady Salman
MOUWATINUN
This is the information for a grass roots organisation on the
ground in Ras Beirut. The information speaks for itself.
Anna Ogden Smith is in London and lobbying for help and support for the group.
Please read and see if you can support their endeavours.
It is a small but hugely effective group which sprang out
of the first days of the fighting and has been operating efficiently ever since.
Please contact Anna if you can help her.
Hello all,
Hope you are all safe.
Attached is the "mowatinun" flyer, for more information you can
check the blog (http://mowatinun.blogspot.com) or email us at:
mowatinun@gmail.com
"mowatinun" is a new independent organization with no political
or religious affiliation. We're 35 daily volunteers and 150
auxiliaries.
We are until now supplying 2800 people with food, water, milk
for kids,mattresses, pillows, medication, and hygienic products.
We are also working with a team of doctors associated with the red cross.
Plus, we provide entertainment units for the kids.
We are taking care of the refugees located in public schools and gardens as well as
the ones who have found refuge in vacant destroyed apartments.
We have reached a total of donations that amounts to 20,000 $
and are expecting a donation of 15,000$.
"Mowatinun" is 100% volunteer, our administrative costs is 6% of total expenditure.
Please contribute in any way you wish: direct help in Beirut
from our location facing the sanayeh garden, send us articles
or graphics nor anything interesting and we'll post them,
gather donations, spread the word, etc..
Since I am working on that from London for the meantime, I need
your help in emailing me whatever contacts you have in the UK
so we can gather enough interested people to work together from here.
For those of you who have left the country, please try to do the
same from wherever you are and get in contact with us.
You could also print out the flyer I have attached,
cheaply photocopy it and hand it to people it around.
will be on the post soon...
Financial donations are possible via
Account num. (USD): 022004362036181016
Account num. (LBP): 022001362036181014
Societe Generale - Lebanon (SGBL) - Verdun branch
Swift: SGLILBBX
You can also contact 009613577227 or 009613098894 in Beirut .
Regarding donations from London, donations in cash or cheques
(in the name of Help Lebanon Fund) should be handed to me,
Anna Ogden-Smith
(mobile # 00447899088768),
then will be sent to Beirut via the British Lebanese Association.
Worldwide donations are available via: www.savebeirut.org to
"mowatinun" amongst other effective and independent organizations.
For those of you who are already working with an organization or
have a personal blogspot, it'll be helpful to send me your links as we
would like to add them on our blogspot.
Please forward.
Thank You
Will keep you posted.
Hope to hear from all of you soon.
anna
ground in Ras Beirut. The information speaks for itself.
Anna Ogden Smith is in London and lobbying for help and support for the group.
Please read and see if you can support their endeavours.
It is a small but hugely effective group which sprang out
of the first days of the fighting and has been operating efficiently ever since.
Please contact Anna if you can help her.
Hello all,
Hope you are all safe.
Attached is the "mowatinun" flyer, for more information you can
check the blog (http://mowatinun.blogspot.com) or email us at:
mowatinun@gmail.com
"mowatinun" is a new independent organization with no political
or religious affiliation. We're 35 daily volunteers and 150
auxiliaries.
We are until now supplying 2800 people with food, water, milk
for kids,mattresses, pillows, medication, and hygienic products.
We are also working with a team of doctors associated with the red cross.
Plus, we provide entertainment units for the kids.
We are taking care of the refugees located in public schools and gardens as well as
the ones who have found refuge in vacant destroyed apartments.
We have reached a total of donations that amounts to 20,000 $
and are expecting a donation of 15,000$.
"Mowatinun" is 100% volunteer, our administrative costs is 6% of total expenditure.
Please contribute in any way you wish: direct help in Beirut
from our location facing the sanayeh garden, send us articles
or graphics nor anything interesting and we'll post them,
gather donations, spread the word, etc..
Since I am working on that from London for the meantime, I need
your help in emailing me whatever contacts you have in the UK
so we can gather enough interested people to work together from here.
For those of you who have left the country, please try to do the
same from wherever you are and get in contact with us.
You could also print out the flyer I have attached,
cheaply photocopy it and hand it to people it around.
will be on the post soon...
Financial donations are possible via
Account num. (USD): 022004362036181016
Account num. (LBP): 022001362036181014
Societe Generale - Lebanon (SGBL) - Verdun branch
Swift: SGLILBBX
You can also contact 009613577227 or 009613098894 in Beirut .
Regarding donations from London, donations in cash or cheques
(in the name of Help Lebanon Fund) should be handed to me,
Anna Ogden-Smith
(mobile # 00447899088768),
then will be sent to Beirut via the British Lebanese Association.
Worldwide donations are available via: www.savebeirut.org to
"mowatinun" amongst other effective and independent organizations.
For those of you who are already working with an organization or
have a personal blogspot, it'll be helpful to send me your links as we
would like to add them on our blogspot.
Please forward.
Thank You
Will keep you posted.
Hope to hear from all of you soon.
anna
ONLY A PHONE CALL TO SAINSBURY'S
Dear Friends -
Please find below Rob Hardy's legitimate and logical
political activism/anarchy/anti-consumerism campaign
for some sort for world justice...
All it takes is a phonecall...
Sainsbury's are ready to change if enough people call
and ask...
x
z
"rob.hardy@virgin.net" <rob.hardy@virgin.net>
wrote:
Dear All
I don't know about you, but I feel powerless against
what is happening in Lebanon.
Our government is positively encouraging the
continuing Israeli onslaught against the Lebanese
population.
Women and children are told to leave their villages
and are then systematically bombed by Israeli Jets
using illegal Phosphorus bombs.
Beautiful Beirut is being destroyed.
People like you and I are watching their country being
invaded and no one is standing up to Israel.
My three options are this:
1/ I organise a benefit gig for Lebanon with the likes
of Radiohead, Fugazi and Christina Aguilara(?)
2/ I set fire to the Israeli embassy.
3/ I boycott Israeli products.
The 3rd option seems to be the easiest and doesn't
involve being sent to Guantanamo.
So I go to Sainsbury's to buy some fresh herbs for a
nice little garlic sausage and pasta dish I have
arranged for a hot summer evening with friends
etc...and I find that without exception ALL the fresh
herbs are from Israel !!!! Holy Fuck. What is a part
time political activist to do??!
Thyme, Basil, Rosemary, are all grown throughout the
Mediterranean....so why no choice?
I phone sainsbury's and they actually agree that this
is a bit odd, given that there is no choice.
They tell me that if enough people complain they will
do something about it. Consumer is king and all that.
So call this number and tell them that you want your
herbs from Spain or where ever.
...and that sainsbury's is giving you NO CHOICE!!! but
try NOT to sound
like a political activist.
It's the least you can do instead of shaking your head
alot when the news is on.
Freephone sainsbury's careline- 0800 636262
Mr. H
p.s - consume as many Lebanese products as is humanly
possible. The wine is really good.
p.p.s - pass it on.
Please find below Rob Hardy's legitimate and logical
political activism/anarchy/anti-consumerism campaign
for some sort for world justice...
All it takes is a phonecall...
Sainsbury's are ready to change if enough people call
and ask...
x
z
"rob.hardy@virgin.net" <rob.hardy@virgin.net>
wrote:
Dear All
I don't know about you, but I feel powerless against
what is happening in Lebanon.
Our government is positively encouraging the
continuing Israeli onslaught against the Lebanese
population.
Women and children are told to leave their villages
and are then systematically bombed by Israeli Jets
using illegal Phosphorus bombs.
Beautiful Beirut is being destroyed.
People like you and I are watching their country being
invaded and no one is standing up to Israel.
My three options are this:
1/ I organise a benefit gig for Lebanon with the likes
of Radiohead, Fugazi and Christina Aguilara(?)
2/ I set fire to the Israeli embassy.
3/ I boycott Israeli products.
The 3rd option seems to be the easiest and doesn't
involve being sent to Guantanamo.
So I go to Sainsbury's to buy some fresh herbs for a
nice little garlic sausage and pasta dish I have
arranged for a hot summer evening with friends
etc...and I find that without exception ALL the fresh
herbs are from Israel !!!! Holy Fuck. What is a part
time political activist to do??!
Thyme, Basil, Rosemary, are all grown throughout the
Mediterranean....so why no choice?
I phone sainsbury's and they actually agree that this
is a bit odd, given that there is no choice.
They tell me that if enough people complain they will
do something about it. Consumer is king and all that.
So call this number and tell them that you want your
herbs from Spain or where ever.
...and that sainsbury's is giving you NO CHOICE!!! but
try NOT to sound
like a political activist.
It's the least you can do instead of shaking your head
alot when the news is on.
Freephone sainsbury's careline- 0800 636262
Mr. H
p.s - consume as many Lebanese products as is humanly
possible. The wine is really good.
p.p.s - pass it on.
Press RELEASE : AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: MDE 01/002/2006 (Public)
News Service No: 197
27 July 2006
Lebanon/Israel: Urgent need for arms embargo on Israel and Hizbullah
As civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict in Israel and
Lebanon, Amnesty International called for an immediate arms embargo on
both Israel and Hizbullah.
Amnesty International is gravely concerned about the continuing transfer
of weapons from the US, via the UK, as information emerged that a UK
airport is being used by USA cargo planes on their way to deliver
munitions to Israel.
"The pattern of attacks and the extent of civilian casualties show a
blatant disregard of international humanitarian law by Israel and
Hizbullah," said Irene Khan, Amnesty International Secretary General.
"Direct targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure and launching
indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks amount to war crimes."
"Governments supplying Israel and Hizbullah with arms and military
equipment are fuelling their capacity to commit war crimes. All
governments should impose an arms embargo on both sides and refuse
permission for their territories to be used for the transfer of arms and
military equipment."
UK media have reported that two chartered Airbus A310 cargo planes filled
with GBU 28 laser-guided bombs containing depleted uranium (DU) warheads
and destined for the Israeli airforce landed at Prestwick airport, near
Glasgow. The planes landed for refuelling and crew rests after flying from
the US this past weekend.
Other reports claimed that the USA has requested that two more planes be
permitted to land in the UK en route to Israel in the next two weeks. The
reports said the aircraft will be carrying other weapons, including bombs
and missiles.
"The UK government should refuse permission for its sea and air ports to
be used by planes or ships carrying arms and military equipment destined
for Israel or Hizbullah," said Ms Khan as Amnesty International wrote to
the UK's Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett. The organization also called
on the UK to suspend the sale or transfer of all arms and military
equipment to Israel.
"It is ridiculous to talk about providing humanitarian aid on the one
hand, and to provide arms on the other. In the face of such human
suffering in Lebanon and Israel, it is imperative that all governments
stop the supply of arms and weapons to both sides immediately," stated Ms
Khan.
PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: MDE 01/002/2006 (Public)
News Service No: 197
27 July 2006
Lebanon/Israel: Urgent need for arms embargo on Israel and Hizbullah
As civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict in Israel and
Lebanon, Amnesty International called for an immediate arms embargo on
both Israel and Hizbullah.
Amnesty International is gravely concerned about the continuing transfer
of weapons from the US, via the UK, as information emerged that a UK
airport is being used by USA cargo planes on their way to deliver
munitions to Israel.
"The pattern of attacks and the extent of civilian casualties show a
blatant disregard of international humanitarian law by Israel and
Hizbullah," said Irene Khan, Amnesty International Secretary General.
"Direct targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure and launching
indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks amount to war crimes."
"Governments supplying Israel and Hizbullah with arms and military
equipment are fuelling their capacity to commit war crimes. All
governments should impose an arms embargo on both sides and refuse
permission for their territories to be used for the transfer of arms and
military equipment."
UK media have reported that two chartered Airbus A310 cargo planes filled
with GBU 28 laser-guided bombs containing depleted uranium (DU) warheads
and destined for the Israeli airforce landed at Prestwick airport, near
Glasgow. The planes landed for refuelling and crew rests after flying from
the US this past weekend.
Other reports claimed that the USA has requested that two more planes be
permitted to land in the UK en route to Israel in the next two weeks. The
reports said the aircraft will be carrying other weapons, including bombs
and missiles.
"The UK government should refuse permission for its sea and air ports to
be used by planes or ships carrying arms and military equipment destined
for Israel or Hizbullah," said Ms Khan as Amnesty International wrote to
the UK's Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett. The organization also called
on the UK to suspend the sale or transfer of all arms and military
equipment to Israel.
"It is ridiculous to talk about providing humanitarian aid on the one
hand, and to provide arms on the other. In the face of such human
suffering in Lebanon and Israel, it is imperative that all governments
stop the supply of arms and weapons to both sides immediately," stated Ms
Khan.
Statement by Workers in the Public Cultural Sphere in Lebanon
We the undersigned declare:
1) Our conscious support for the Lebanese national resistance as it wages
a war in defense of our sovereignty and independence, a war to release
Lebanese imprisoned in Israel, a war to safeguard the dignity of the Lebanese
and Arab people.
2) Our unambiguous refutation of the logic that accuses HizbAllah of
having provided the "pretext" for the Israeli invasion. Israel did not invade
Lebanon, destroy its infrastructure, displace and murder its populace because
of the heroic operation carried out by HizbAllah. Israel has never needed a
pretext to breach the sovereignty of Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, or other
nations. Rather, the recent Israeli aggression is the latest in a long series
extending back to the founding of the Zionist state and motivated by both
historical ambitions vis-à-vis Lebanese territory and waters and by a racist
supremacist ideology that denigrates the indigenous population, their culture,
and their very existence. The most recent aggression is, more specifically,
the realization of a long-standing, openly professed desire of Israel to
avenge for its humiliation at being driven out of most of Lebanon by the
resistance operations that began in September 1982 and had their fruition in
May 2000. Israel’s very avowal of intent to implement by its own powers UN
Resolution 1559 is itself proof that its invasion of Lebanon today surpasses
any mere response to the above-mentioned operation and serves an American
policy that aims at annihilating all viable opposition in the world at large,
and at direct control of the Arab world and its resources in particular. How
strange that Israel should wish to be the policeman in charge of executing UN
Resolution 1559 when it has not yet executed any of the previously issued UN
resolutions addressing its own actions, with the exception of the partial
implementation of Resolution 425, which resulted essentially because of
strikes inflicted by the armed Lebanese Resistance.
3) Our staunch condemnation of official American support for, and
contribution to, the Israeli aggression. The war crimes Israel is currently
committing, as well as those it committed in the past and will commit in the
probable future, would not have occurred or occur yet without America’s
political and military support for Israel, that which is unmitigated by its
allegedly unswerving espousal of Lebanese freedom, sovereignty, and
independence.
4) Our utter rejection of the Lebanese government’s decision to "not
adopt" the Lebanese Resistance operation, thereby stripping the Resistance of
political credibility before the adversarial international powers, when it
behooved that government to deem the said operation as consistent with its
Ministerial Proclamation in support of the liberation of the Lebanese
prisoners in Israel, of Shebaa Farms, and of Kfar Shuba.
We the undersigned, in declaring our intentions, also therefore, call upon:
1) The Lebanese government, which we want to see leading a sovereign,
democratic state for all Lebanese, to realize its full responsibilities,
especially in terms of embracing the Lebanese Resistance in diverse ways, and
particularly after the clarification of Israel’s plan to destroy the
infrastructure, institutions, and political entity of Lebanon.
2) Arab intellectuals to stand beside the Lebanese Resistance, to expose
the Zionist racist, supremacist impetus, and to document Israel’s crimes
against Arabs since its founding. Likewise, we ask our Arab colleagues to
confront the continual calls for capitulation (wrapped in the cloak of
"realism"), and to expose both the American bias towards Israel and the
complicity of the majority of "rational" Arab governments against the Lebanese
Resistance. We, also, ask that you take a stand against all kinds of
normalization with Israel, by closing down the Israeli embassies and
government offices located in Arab countries, and by boycotting products of
Israeli and pro-Israeli companies, whatever their nationality.
3) Lebanese intellectuals, in particular, not to be swayed by the (il)
logic that accuses HizbAllah of having destroyed the Lebanese economy, but
instead to hold Israel fully responsible for its age-old policy of destruction
and war crimes. The principle of the Lebanese Resistance is to be a deterrent
force against Israel’s ability to pursue that policy with impunity.
4) Free-thinking intellectuals the world over, and advocates of justice
and peace, to publicize the history of Israeli aggression and to pressure the
American and European governments to halt their military and material
maintenance of the Zionist killing machine. Similarly, we call upon our peers
in the world to announce a boycott of Israeli products, and of Israeli
academic and scientific institutions that do not condemn the Israeli
aggression against Lebanon. Furthermore, we invite intellectuals the world
over to visit Lebanon in order to stand by the side of their Lebanese
colleagues and to view first hand the results of Israeli war crimes against
civilians, schools, infrastructure, humane institutions (foremost among them
the Lebanese Red Cross), and media (which, in addition to sustaining hits on
its press convoys and aerial transmitters, most recently lost to Israeli fire
the reporters Layal Najib and Sulayman Shidyak). The solidarity of world
intellectuals with the Lebanese people, press, and culture-workers, in such
direct terms, would constitute an international declaration of the refusal to
permit Israel to treat Lebanon as a mere "military target" for its airplanes,
warships, tanks, and "smart" bombs.
Resistance is an intellectual act par excellence. That is because the goal of
intellectual activity, like resistance, is to defend the values of justice and
equality of all people. For this reason we, the undersigned, consider,
regardless of our varying intellectual inclinations, cultural and critical
activity an integral part of Lebanese national resistance, indeed of
resistance to injustice anywhere in the world.
Initial Signatories:
Samah Idriss (PhD, Al-Adab Magazine),
Joseph Samaha (Al-Akhbar Newspaper),
Talal Salman (Al-Safir Newspaper),
Muhammad ‘Ali Shamseddin (Poet),
Mai Masri(Film director),
Kirsten Scheid (Asst. Prof in Anthropology, AUB),
Omar Nashabeh (PhD in criminology),
Rania Masri (Asst. Prof, Fac. of Science,University of Balamand),
Jean Cham’oun (Film director),
Wasef ‘Awadah (Journalist),
Amin Qammuriyyeh (Journalist),
Sa’dallah Mazra’ani (Journalist & Media Commentator),
Hilmi Mousa (Political Analyst),
Adonis Al-'Akra (Phd, philosophy, Lebanese Univ.),
Ibrahim Al-Amin (Journalist),
Graziella Kallab(Psychotherapist),
Laila Al-Khatib (Phd, Literary Criticism),
Zaynab Yaghi (Journalist),
Jihad Touma (Phd, AUB),
Husayn Ayyoub (Journalist),
Najib Nasrallah (Journalist),
‘Imad Marmal (Journalist),
Nasri Al-Sayigh (Writer),
Pierre Abi Sa’b (Journalist),
Fatima Sharafeddine (Children’s Author),
Khalil Zahreddin (Geologist & Cultural Activist),
Hanady Salman (Journalist),
Camille Dagher (Writer),
Walid Sharara (Journalist),
Khalil Harb (Journalist),
Hala Bajjani (Al-Akhbar Newspaper),
Hanna Al-Hajj (Phd, Sociology),
Nabil Haytham (Journalist),
Hashim Qasem (Journalist),
Sa’d Mehio (Journalist),
Adel ‘Ammous(Publisher),
George Haddad (Writer),
Ranwa Yehya (Coordinator of an Arab Youth program),
Adnan Al-Sahili (Economist & Journalist),
Mousa Al-Hindi (Cultural Activist),
Imad Haydar (Journalist),
Ahmad Dallal (Prof. of Islamic Studies, Georgetown Univ.),
As’ad Abu Khalil (Prof. of Political Sciences, Univ. of California at Stanislaus),
Rabi’a Salman (Journalist & Teacher),
Nada Al-Qara (Cultural Activist & Health Worker),
Firas Al-Amin (Writer), Sulayman Bakhti (Literary Critic),
Tareq Ghaddar (Prof. AUB),
Pascal Lahhoud (Phd),
Jumana B’albaki (Journalist),
Khalid Saghiyyeh (Asst. Prof., AUB),
Sa’da ‘Allaw (Journalist),
Sahar Mandour (Journalist),
Nader Sabbagh (Journalist),
Juhayna Khalidiyyah (Journalist),
Madonna Sam’an (Journalist),
Ghada Ali Kalash (Writer & Journalist),
Mundhir Sulayman (Phd, Political Analyst),
Husayn Nasrallah (Journalist, Al-Kifah Al-'Arabi Newspaper),
Gabi Abou ‘Atmeh (Journalist),
Salwa Ba’lbaki (Journalist),
Fatin Qubaysi (Journalist),
Rana Nawfal (Publisher),
Maysa ‘Awwad (Journalist),
Ali Salman (Journalist),
Wafiq Qansoh (Journalist),
Omar Al-Ayyubi (Writer & Translator),
Sharif Al-Rifa’i (Architect),
Saqr Abu Fakhr (Journal of Palestine Studies),
Jacques Al-Aswad (Art Critic & Lexicographer),
Michel Riyachi (Cultural Activist),
Zeinab Sharafeddine (Journalist),
Dr. Nicolas Abou Mourad (Doctorat en Théologie, Prof. à l'Université de Balamand),
Ahmad Bazzoun (Journalist),
Ghassan Nasser (Architect & Cultural Activist)...
In addition letters of support from workers in the public cultural sphere
outside Lebanon were received from
Dr. Nasr Hamed Abu Zayd & Dr. Ibtihal Younis (Egypt),
Nasser Rabbat (Agha Khan Professor of Architecture, MIT),
Khodor ‘Awarika (Novelist & Political Essayist),
Ziad Mona (Writer & Publisher, Syria)...
Beirut, July 25, 2006
1) Our conscious support for the Lebanese national resistance as it wages
a war in defense of our sovereignty and independence, a war to release
Lebanese imprisoned in Israel, a war to safeguard the dignity of the Lebanese
and Arab people.
2) Our unambiguous refutation of the logic that accuses HizbAllah of
having provided the "pretext" for the Israeli invasion. Israel did not invade
Lebanon, destroy its infrastructure, displace and murder its populace because
of the heroic operation carried out by HizbAllah. Israel has never needed a
pretext to breach the sovereignty of Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, or other
nations. Rather, the recent Israeli aggression is the latest in a long series
extending back to the founding of the Zionist state and motivated by both
historical ambitions vis-à-vis Lebanese territory and waters and by a racist
supremacist ideology that denigrates the indigenous population, their culture,
and their very existence. The most recent aggression is, more specifically,
the realization of a long-standing, openly professed desire of Israel to
avenge for its humiliation at being driven out of most of Lebanon by the
resistance operations that began in September 1982 and had their fruition in
May 2000. Israel’s very avowal of intent to implement by its own powers UN
Resolution 1559 is itself proof that its invasion of Lebanon today surpasses
any mere response to the above-mentioned operation and serves an American
policy that aims at annihilating all viable opposition in the world at large,
and at direct control of the Arab world and its resources in particular. How
strange that Israel should wish to be the policeman in charge of executing UN
Resolution 1559 when it has not yet executed any of the previously issued UN
resolutions addressing its own actions, with the exception of the partial
implementation of Resolution 425, which resulted essentially because of
strikes inflicted by the armed Lebanese Resistance.
3) Our staunch condemnation of official American support for, and
contribution to, the Israeli aggression. The war crimes Israel is currently
committing, as well as those it committed in the past and will commit in the
probable future, would not have occurred or occur yet without America’s
political and military support for Israel, that which is unmitigated by its
allegedly unswerving espousal of Lebanese freedom, sovereignty, and
independence.
4) Our utter rejection of the Lebanese government’s decision to "not
adopt" the Lebanese Resistance operation, thereby stripping the Resistance of
political credibility before the adversarial international powers, when it
behooved that government to deem the said operation as consistent with its
Ministerial Proclamation in support of the liberation of the Lebanese
prisoners in Israel, of Shebaa Farms, and of Kfar Shuba.
We the undersigned, in declaring our intentions, also therefore, call upon:
1) The Lebanese government, which we want to see leading a sovereign,
democratic state for all Lebanese, to realize its full responsibilities,
especially in terms of embracing the Lebanese Resistance in diverse ways, and
particularly after the clarification of Israel’s plan to destroy the
infrastructure, institutions, and political entity of Lebanon.
2) Arab intellectuals to stand beside the Lebanese Resistance, to expose
the Zionist racist, supremacist impetus, and to document Israel’s crimes
against Arabs since its founding. Likewise, we ask our Arab colleagues to
confront the continual calls for capitulation (wrapped in the cloak of
"realism"), and to expose both the American bias towards Israel and the
complicity of the majority of "rational" Arab governments against the Lebanese
Resistance. We, also, ask that you take a stand against all kinds of
normalization with Israel, by closing down the Israeli embassies and
government offices located in Arab countries, and by boycotting products of
Israeli and pro-Israeli companies, whatever their nationality.
3) Lebanese intellectuals, in particular, not to be swayed by the (il)
logic that accuses HizbAllah of having destroyed the Lebanese economy, but
instead to hold Israel fully responsible for its age-old policy of destruction
and war crimes. The principle of the Lebanese Resistance is to be a deterrent
force against Israel’s ability to pursue that policy with impunity.
4) Free-thinking intellectuals the world over, and advocates of justice
and peace, to publicize the history of Israeli aggression and to pressure the
American and European governments to halt their military and material
maintenance of the Zionist killing machine. Similarly, we call upon our peers
in the world to announce a boycott of Israeli products, and of Israeli
academic and scientific institutions that do not condemn the Israeli
aggression against Lebanon. Furthermore, we invite intellectuals the world
over to visit Lebanon in order to stand by the side of their Lebanese
colleagues and to view first hand the results of Israeli war crimes against
civilians, schools, infrastructure, humane institutions (foremost among them
the Lebanese Red Cross), and media (which, in addition to sustaining hits on
its press convoys and aerial transmitters, most recently lost to Israeli fire
the reporters Layal Najib and Sulayman Shidyak). The solidarity of world
intellectuals with the Lebanese people, press, and culture-workers, in such
direct terms, would constitute an international declaration of the refusal to
permit Israel to treat Lebanon as a mere "military target" for its airplanes,
warships, tanks, and "smart" bombs.
Resistance is an intellectual act par excellence. That is because the goal of
intellectual activity, like resistance, is to defend the values of justice and
equality of all people. For this reason we, the undersigned, consider,
regardless of our varying intellectual inclinations, cultural and critical
activity an integral part of Lebanese national resistance, indeed of
resistance to injustice anywhere in the world.
Initial Signatories:
Samah Idriss (PhD, Al-Adab Magazine),
Joseph Samaha (Al-Akhbar Newspaper),
Talal Salman (Al-Safir Newspaper),
Muhammad ‘Ali Shamseddin (Poet),
Mai Masri(Film director),
Kirsten Scheid (Asst. Prof in Anthropology, AUB),
Omar Nashabeh (PhD in criminology),
Rania Masri (Asst. Prof, Fac. of Science,University of Balamand),
Jean Cham’oun (Film director),
Wasef ‘Awadah (Journalist),
Amin Qammuriyyeh (Journalist),
Sa’dallah Mazra’ani (Journalist & Media Commentator),
Hilmi Mousa (Political Analyst),
Adonis Al-'Akra (Phd, philosophy, Lebanese Univ.),
Ibrahim Al-Amin (Journalist),
Graziella Kallab(Psychotherapist),
Laila Al-Khatib (Phd, Literary Criticism),
Zaynab Yaghi (Journalist),
Jihad Touma (Phd, AUB),
Husayn Ayyoub (Journalist),
Najib Nasrallah (Journalist),
‘Imad Marmal (Journalist),
Nasri Al-Sayigh (Writer),
Pierre Abi Sa’b (Journalist),
Fatima Sharafeddine (Children’s Author),
Khalil Zahreddin (Geologist & Cultural Activist),
Hanady Salman (Journalist),
Camille Dagher (Writer),
Walid Sharara (Journalist),
Khalil Harb (Journalist),
Hala Bajjani (Al-Akhbar Newspaper),
Hanna Al-Hajj (Phd, Sociology),
Nabil Haytham (Journalist),
Hashim Qasem (Journalist),
Sa’d Mehio (Journalist),
Adel ‘Ammous(Publisher),
George Haddad (Writer),
Ranwa Yehya (Coordinator of an Arab Youth program),
Adnan Al-Sahili (Economist & Journalist),
Mousa Al-Hindi (Cultural Activist),
Imad Haydar (Journalist),
Ahmad Dallal (Prof. of Islamic Studies, Georgetown Univ.),
As’ad Abu Khalil (Prof. of Political Sciences, Univ. of California at Stanislaus),
Rabi’a Salman (Journalist & Teacher),
Nada Al-Qara (Cultural Activist & Health Worker),
Firas Al-Amin (Writer), Sulayman Bakhti (Literary Critic),
Tareq Ghaddar (Prof. AUB),
Pascal Lahhoud (Phd),
Jumana B’albaki (Journalist),
Khalid Saghiyyeh (Asst. Prof., AUB),
Sa’da ‘Allaw (Journalist),
Sahar Mandour (Journalist),
Nader Sabbagh (Journalist),
Juhayna Khalidiyyah (Journalist),
Madonna Sam’an (Journalist),
Ghada Ali Kalash (Writer & Journalist),
Mundhir Sulayman (Phd, Political Analyst),
Husayn Nasrallah (Journalist, Al-Kifah Al-'Arabi Newspaper),
Gabi Abou ‘Atmeh (Journalist),
Salwa Ba’lbaki (Journalist),
Fatin Qubaysi (Journalist),
Rana Nawfal (Publisher),
Maysa ‘Awwad (Journalist),
Ali Salman (Journalist),
Wafiq Qansoh (Journalist),
Omar Al-Ayyubi (Writer & Translator),
Sharif Al-Rifa’i (Architect),
Saqr Abu Fakhr (Journal of Palestine Studies),
Jacques Al-Aswad (Art Critic & Lexicographer),
Michel Riyachi (Cultural Activist),
Zeinab Sharafeddine (Journalist),
Dr. Nicolas Abou Mourad (Doctorat en Théologie, Prof. à l'Université de Balamand),
Ahmad Bazzoun (Journalist),
Ghassan Nasser (Architect & Cultural Activist)...
In addition letters of support from workers in the public cultural sphere
outside Lebanon were received from
Dr. Nasr Hamed Abu Zayd & Dr. Ibtihal Younis (Egypt),
Nasser Rabbat (Agha Khan Professor of Architecture, MIT),
Khodor ‘Awarika (Novelist & Political Essayist),
Ziad Mona (Writer & Publisher, Syria)...
Beirut, July 25, 2006
Samidoun Network
salam to all
we worked with these people and filmed them. Half of them are friends of mine
or friends of friends.They are doing a great job... not only through distributing food
and medical aid but also by entertaining children and making sure they are in a safe
and healthy environment. Samidoun need as much help as possible.
All the people working with them are of course volunteers leaving their lives
and jobs to help. they don't expect or think to be paid but they want your donations
to be able to buy very needs. last time i spoke to one of the psychiatrist working
and playing with children she told me they don;t even have the means to buy toys
and crayons for the kids...
Please read doc, donate and circulate
Kat and Chri
Katia Saleh
Producer
Native Voice Films
www.nativevoicefilms.com
_________________________________________________
Gathering of Lebanese AND PALESTINIAN NGOs for relief
SAMIDOUN
(STEADFAST)
Proposal of emergency and relief needs
Beirut – 21 July 2006
Brief on the situation
The conflict started on Wednesday 12 July 2006 and by the next day the military escalation reached a critical level. In fact, the infrastructure of the country was heavily destroyed and lots of areas were cut off from each other in addition to the fact that Israel imposed an embargo on Lebanon cutting it from the rest of the world. The damages to date are as follows: Beirut airport installations have been demolished together with the three other airports, ports and radars in Lebanon have been bombed, most of the bridges and highways connecting main cities have been also hit and rendered unusable, the roads to Syria have been bombed and thus making it very hazardous to cross. All these led to the fact that today Lebanon has been cut off from the world and the most direct consequence being that no aids, rescues, food, medication, fuel and equipment can reach us from outside. Thus, Lebanon has to rely on internal resources and supplies.
To date, on the human level, there are 307 dead, at least 800 wounded and half a million displaced. These figures are a compilation from Lebanese governmental and UN sources. In addition to that and based on the newspapers it is estimated that Lebanon has lost 3.3 billion dollars of economical losses.
Background information on the gathering of Lebanese NGOs for Relief
This document represents the work carried out by the largest relief gathering of NGOs in the country. The gathering is constituted of three main groups with a total of forty Lebanese NGOs from all over the country (please find a comprehensive list of these NGOs and the groups in Annex IV). Around two hundred volunteers are also involved and the number is increasing on a daily basis. We should note that these volunteers are working ten hours per day on average and they are using their own cellular mobiles, cars and other personal resources.
These NGOs were already on the ground on the first day of the Israeli aggression and they are coordinating and providing immediate relief and emergency services and activities on a daily basis and these include:
- relief and emergency activities,
- medical aid and prevention,
- psychological support,
- provision of information on the situation,
- coordination with the relief actors,
- surveys and needs assessment,
- purchase and distribution of food and medical supplies,
- fundraising in and outside Lebanon.
Target populations and areas
The gathering is providing services to around 15, 000 refugees residing in 38 schools in the areas of greater Beirut and Mount Lebanon. It is worth noting that these figures are varying on daily basis as new refugees are coming to Beirut everyday. Also, an additional school is being opened everyday in order to host the new refugees.
List of needs
Based on the surveys and needs assessments carried out in the 38 schools and updated on daily basis, it has been noted that the most urgent needs are those related to the following:
- accommodation of the refugees in the schools
- Great lack and in some cases inexistence of mattresses and blankets,
- Sheets,
- Sanitary equipments (inexistence of showers),
- Hygienic materials,
- Food
- Medications, Medical supplies and equipments
- Cutlery
- Clothing
- Fuel
Based on our daily work with the refugees we have estimated the cost of 5$ per person per day covering basic needs of food, water and excluding medications, clothing, accommodation, fuel and transportation expenses.
It is worth noting that given the lack of facilities at the schools (kitchens) and the lack of water, gas and electricity we are providing the refugees with food items that do not need to be cooked such as cans (meat, fish and beans), bread, milk, tea, water. We are however planning to start a hot food unit in each school. This would require kitchen utensils and equipment which would contribute in reducing the costs of food per person per day. This provision has already started in five schools.
Health sector: the refugees are suffering from the lack of showers in their respective schools and this is resulting in a poor hygiene and some persons and mostly children and old people are starting to suffer from skin diseases.
Ten health / medical teams are on duty. These include volunteers from different universities and NGOs.
Budget
This budget is based on the lists of different needs (Annexes I, II, III) and on the following indicators:
- The family unit is composed five members
- Expected Population: 15 000 persons
- Duration: 30 days
| Food | 15000 x $5 x 30dys | $1, 350 000 | |
| Mattresses | 7500 pers x $20 | $150 000 | |
| Hygienic items | 15000 / 5 (family unit) x $10 | $30 000 | |
| Other consumables | 15000 / 5 (family unit) x $30 | $90 000 | |
| Medicinal drugs | 15000 / 5 (family unit) x $75 | $225,000 | |
| Medical supplies | 15000 / 5 (family unit) x $35 | $105,000 | |
| Medical equipments | 15000 / 5 (family unit) x $35 | $105,000 | |
| Total | | $2, 055, 000 | |
| Running costs 7% | $143,850 | ||
| Gross Total | | $2,198,850 | |
Bank Account details
Please find below the bank details to which you may
transfer your donations for the relief work:
SWIFT code: BLFSLBBX
Banque Libano – Francaise
AGENCE MAAMARI
HAMRA – LIBAN
Beneficiary Name: AL-LEQAA
Beneficiary Account: 905157.88
Annexes
Annex I
The needs identified to date are as follows:
FOOD ITEMSRice | |
| Sugar | |
| Salt | |
| Lens | Cans |
| Chickpeas | Cans |
| Corn | Cans |
| Beans | Cans |
| Pasta packs | |
| Tomato paste | |
| Vegetable oil | |
| Cheese | |
| Full fat milk | |
| Children’s milk | Infants and children |
| Tea | |
| Water | |
| Bread | |
Annex II
| Accommodation and Hygienic items & supplies | |
| Mattresses Blankets Floor mats Water buckets Sweeper Scraper Dust pans Plastic water containers Plastic containers Plastic food plates Plastic water buckets Plastic spoons Plastic cups Paper tissues | Bath sponges Hair brushes Toilet paper Soap Shampoo Detergents Dish washing powder Dish washing sponges Bath sponges Towel medium size Tooth brush tooth paste Paper tissues Antiseptics Cleaning powder Bin bags |
Annex III
- Medications, medical supplies and equipments
| Medications | Unit | Quantity | ||
| acetylsalicylic acid, tab 300 mg | tab | 15,000 | ||
| aluminium hydroxide, tab 500 mg | tab | 5,000 | ||
| benzyl benzoate, lotion 25% | bottle 1 litre | 5 | ||
| chlorhexidine (5%) | bottle 1 litre | 5 | ||
| ferrous sulfate + folic acid, tab 200 + 0.25 mg | tab | 10,000 | ||
| gentian violet, powder | 25 g | 20 | ||
| mebendazole, tab 100 mg | tab | 2,500 | ||
| ORS (oral rehydration salts) | sachet for 1 litre | 1,000 | ||
| paracetamol, tab 100 mg | tab | 10,000 | ||
| Ibuprofen | tab | 5,000 | ||
| Paracetamol syrup for Children | bottle 200 ml | 10,000 | ||
| | | | ||
| Anaesthetics | ||||
| lidocaine, inj 1% | 20 ml/vial | 25 | ||
| Analgesics | ||||
| morphine inj 10 mg/ml | 1 ml/ampoule | 25 | ||
| Anti-allergics | ||||
| hydrocortisone powder 100 mg | 100 mg powder for inj in vial | 25 | ||
| prednisolone, tab 5 mg | tab | 50 | ||
| epinephrine (adrenaline) | | 50 | ||
| Cetrizine | tab | 50 | ||
| Antidotes | | | ||
| naloxone inj 0.4 mg/ml | 1 ml/ampoule | 10 | ||
| Anticonvulsants/anti-epileptics | ||||
| diazepam, inj 5 mg/ml | 2 ml/ampoule | 100 | ||
| phenobarbital tab 50 mg | tab | 500 | ||
| Carbamazepine | tab | 500 | ||
| Valproic Acid | tab | 500 | ||
| Phenytoin | tab | 500 | ||
| Anti-infective drugs | ||||
| amoxicillin, tab 250 mg | scored tab | 1,500 | ||
| doxycycline, tab 100 mg | caps or tab | 1,000 | ||
| metronidazole, tab 250 mg | tab | 1,000 | ||
| nystatin, non-coated tab | 100,000 IU/tab | 500 | ||
| nystatin vaginal tab | 100,000 IU/tab | 500 | ||
| Amoxicillin/Clavulinate 1 g | tab | 500 | ||
| Cefadroxil | tab | 500 | ||
| Gatfloxacin | tab | 500 | ||
| Ciprofloxacin 400 mg | tab | 500 | ||
| Fluconazole | tab | 500 | ||
| Cardiovascular drugs | ||||
| methyldopa, 250 mg | tab | 250 | ||
| hydralazine, inj 20 mg | ampoule | 10 | ||
| Amiodarone | tab | 250 | ||
| Baby Aspirine | tab | 1,000 | ||
| Isosorbide dinitrate | tab | 500 | ||
| Clopidogrel | tab | 250 | ||
| Antihypertensive | ||||
| Atenolol | tab | 500 | ||
| captopril | tab | 500 | ||
| Propranolol | tab | 500 | ||
| Diltiazem | tab | 500 | ||
| Bisoprolol | tab | 500 | ||
| | | | ||
| valsartan | tab | 500 | ||
| Ramipril | tab | 500 | ||
| Diabetic Medications | ||||
| Rosiglitazone | tab | 250 | ||
| Metformin | tab | 500 | ||
| Glibenclamide | tab | 500 | ||
| Insulin NPH | vial | 1,000 | ||
| Dermatological drugs | ||||
| polyvidone iodine 10%, sol. | 200 ml bottle | 5 | ||
| silver sulfadiazine cream 1% | 50 g. tube | 15 | ||
| Diuretics | | | ||
| furosemide, inj 10 mg/ml | 2 ml/ampoule | 10 | ||
| hydrochlorothiazide, tab | 25 mg tab | 100 | ||
| Gastrointestinal drugs | ||||
| promethazine, tab 25 mg | tab | 250 | ||
| promethazine, inj 25 mg/ml | 2 ml/ampoule | 25 | ||
| atropine, inj 1 mg/ml | 1 ml/ampoule | 25 | ||
| Ranitidine | tab | 250 | ||
| Bisacodyl | tab | 250 | ||
| Omeprazole | tab | 250 | ||
| Metoclopramide | tab | 250 | ||
| Oxytocics | | | ||
| oxytocin inj 10 IU / ml | 1 ml ampoule | 100 | ||
| Psychotherapeutic drugs | ||||
| chlorpromazine, inj 25 mg/ml | 2 ml/ampoule | 10 | ||
| Clonazepam | tab | 50 | ||
| drugs acting on Respiratory tract | ||||
| salbutamol, tab 4 mg | tab | 500 | ||
| ipratropium bromide | tab | 500 | ||
| Beclomatasone | tab | 250 | ||
| Albuterol | tab | 250 | ||
| Solutions correcting water, electrolyte and acid-base disturbances | ||||
| compound solution of sodium lactate (Ringer’s lactate), inj sol., with giving set and needle | 500 ml/bag | 100 | ||
| glucose, inj sol. 5%, with giving set and needle | 500 ml/bag | 50 | ||
| glucose, inj sol. 50% | 50 ml/vial | 10 | ||
| water for injection | 10 ml/plastic vial | 1,000 | ||
| OTHER | ||||
| Levothyroxine | tab | 250 | ||
| Simvastalin | tab | 100 | ||
| Fenofibrate | tab | 100 | ||
| antitussive syrup for children | 200 ml bottle | 250 | ||
| Antitussive syrup for adults | 200 ml bottle | 250 | ||
Medical supplies and equipments
| Equipment | Unit | Quantity |
| gallipot, stainless steel, 100 ml | unit | 5 |
| kidney dish, stainless steel, approximately 26 x 14 cm | unit | 5 |
| dressing set (3 instruments + box)11 | unit | 10 |
| dressing tray, stainless steel, approximately 30 x 15 x 3 cm | unit | 5 |
| drum for compresses with lateral clips 15 cm H, diam. 15 cm | unit | 10 |
| foldable jerrycan, 20 litres | unit | 5 |
| forceps Kocher, no teeth, 12–14 cm | unit | 10 |
| plastic bottle, 1 litre | unit | 15 |
| syringe Luer, disposable, 10 ml | unit | 5 |
| plastic bottle, 125 ml | unit | 5 |
| scissors straight/blunt, 12–14 cm | unit | 10 |
| apron, utility plastic reusable | unit | 1 |
| clinical stethoscope, dual cup | unit | 2 |
| obstetrical stethoscope (metal) | unit | 1 |
| sheeting, plastic PVC clear 90 cm x 180 cm | unit | 1 |
| sphygmomanometer (adult) | unit | 2 |
| razor non disposable | unit | 1 |
| scale for adult | unit | 1 |
| scale, hanging, 25 kg x 100 g (Salter type) + trousers | unit | 2 |
| tape measure (cm/mm) | unit | 3 |
| tape measure, mid-upper arm circumference, MUAC | unit | 5 |
| towel HUCK, 430 mm x 500 mm | unit | 1 |
| drum for compresses, lateral ellipses H: 10 cm, diam. 15 cm | unit | 1 |
| otoscope + set of reusable paediatric specula | unit | 1 |
| tourniquet | unit | 1 |
| dressing tray, stainless steel, approximately 30 x 20 x 3 cm | unit | 1 |
| kidney dish, stainless steel, approximately 26 x 14 cm | unit | 1 |
| scissors straight/blunt, 12/14 cm | unit | 1 |
| abscess/suture set (7 instruments + box) | unit | 1 |
| dressing set (3 instruments + box) | unit | 3 |
| | | |
| supplies | Unit | Quantity |
| absorbent cotton wool | kg | 5 |
| Adhesive tape 2.5 cm x 5 m | roll | 150 |
| bar of soap (100–200 g) | bar | 50 |
| elastic bandage 7.5 cm x 5m | unit | 100 |
| gauze bandage with selvedge 7.5 cm x 5 m | roll | 1,000 |
| gauze compresses 10 x 10 cm, 12 ply | unit | 2,500 |
| thermometer, Celsius, clinical, flat type | unit | 30 |
| glove, examination, latex pre-powdered non sterile, disposable | unit | 500 |
| needle Luer IV, disposable 19G (diam. 1.1 mm x 38 mm) | unit | 500 |
| needle Luer IM, disposable, 21G (diam. 0.8 mm x 40 mm) | unit | 1,000 |
| needle Luer SC, disposable 25G (diam. 0.5 mm x 16 mm) | unit | 50 |
| syringe Luer, resterilizable, nylon, 2 ml (diam. 0.9 x 90 mm)26 | unit | 10 |
| syringe Luer, resterilizable, nylon, 5 ml | unit | 50 |
| syringe Luer, resterilizable, nylon, 10 ml | unit | 20 |
| syringe Luer, disposable, 2 ml | unit | 200 |
| syringe Luer, disposable, 5 ml | unit | 250 |
| syringe Luer, disposable, 10 ml | unit | 100 |
| syringe Luer conical connector (for feeding), 60 ml | unit | 10 |
| surgical gloves sterile and resterilizable no. 6.5 | pair | 25 |
| surgical gloves sterile and resterilizable no. 7.5 | pair | 75 |
| surgical gloves sterile and resterilizable no. 8.5 | pair | 25 |
| safety box for disposal of used syringes and needles | unit | 10 |
| glove, examination, latex non sterile large | unit | 50 |
| glove, examination, latex non sterile medium | unit | 50 |
| glove, examination, latex non sterile small | unit | 50 |
| suture, synthetic absorbable, braided, 70cm metric size | units | 72 |
| surgical blade (surgical knives) no.22 for handle no. 4 | unit | 25 |
| razor blade | unit | 50 |
| tongue depressor (wooden, disposable) | unit | 50 |
| gauze roll 90 m x 0.90 m | roll | 2 |
| gauze compresses, 10 x 10 cm, 12 ply, sterile | unit | 500 |
| | | |
| Gauze roll | roll | 300 |
| Gauze bandage 5cm | roll | 300 |
| Gauze bandage 7.5 cm | roll | 300 |
| Gauze bandage 10 cm | roll | 300 |
| Rectangular bandage | roll | 300 |
| Elastic bandage 5 cm | roll | 300 |
| Elastic bandage 7.5 cm | roll | 300 |
| Elastic bandage 10 cm | roll | 300 |
| Plastic adhesive 2.5 cm | roll | 300 |
| Plastic adhesive 5 cm | roll | 300 |
| Plastic adhesive 7.5 cm | roll | 300 |
| Plastic adhesive 10 cm | roll | 300 |
| Paper tape 2.5 cm | roll | 300 |
| Paper tape 5 cm | roll | 300 |
| Savlon gallon 5 liters | gallon | 150 |
| Eau oxygene 5 liters | gallon | 150 |
| Betadine 5 liters | gallon | 150 |
| Vaseline gauze | sheet | 150 |
| Latex gloves | box | 100 |
| Ointment for burns | tube | 200 |
| Handy plast | box | 200 |
| Neomycin ointment | tube | 200 |
| Ice bags | bag | 200 |
| Thermometers | unit | 100 |
Annex IV
The list of Lebanese and Palestinian NGOs of the Samidoun Network:
| Samidoun Network | Arab NGO for Network for Development (ANND) |
| Beirut DC | |
| Helem | |
| Lebanese Association for Active Learning | |
| Coordination Committee for NGOs working in the Palestinian Community in Lebanon | |
| Green Line Association | |
| Sawa Group | |
| Lebanese Union for the Disabled | |
| ATTAC Lebanon | |
| AJIAL Community Center | |
| PF – Youth | |
| Palestinian Cultural Clubs (American University of Beirut-AUB- Lebanese American University-LAU- Beirut Arab University, Lebanese University) | |
| No Frontiers (AUB) | |
| Pablo Neruda Group (LAU) | |
| Independent Left Group (LAU - Byblos) | |
| AUB Women’s Rights Club | |
| Leftist Assembly for Change | |
| AL-LEQAA | |
| People’s Health Movement |
Annex V
| | | SAMIDOUN | | |
| | | EMERGENCY RELIEF NETWORK | | |
| | | Friday 21-07-2006 | | |
| # | id # | School Name | people | |
| 1 | 1001 | Madame Beayneh- مدام بعيني | 770 | |
| 2 | 1002 | Fakhreddine / Borj Abi Haydar- ثانوية فخردين | 200 | |
| 3 | 1003 | Khaliyyeh Saudiyyeh الخلية السعودية | 172 | |
| 4 | 1004 | Zahya Ayyoub زاهية ايوب | 177 | |
| 5 | 1005 | Maari School مدرسة المعري | 250 | |
| 6 | 1006 | HIRIJJ beirut حرج بيروت | 800 | |
| 7 | 1007 | Rass el Nabeh School 1st for girls راس النبع الاولى للبنات | 175 | |
| 8 | 1008 | Koliyyat fonoon كلية الفنون | 255 | |
| 9 | 1009 | Mar Sawarios مار ساوريوس | 370 | |
| 10 | 1010 | BBS المعمدانية | 450 | |
| 11 | 1011 | Reneh Moawad -Ramlel Zareef رمل الظريف رينيه معوض | 550 | |
| 12 | 1012 | Ibin Roushod ابن رشد | 135 | |
| 13 | 1013 | Al Irshad الارشاد | 384 | |
| 14 | 1014 | Amlyeh High School العاملية | 670 | |
| 15 | 1015 | Fakhreddine nwayri فخر الدين النويري | 360 | |
| 16 | 1016 | Amlyet For girls العملية للبنات | 506 | |
| 17 | 1017 | Basta Fawqa School For boys البسطة الفوقى للبنين | 350 | |
| 18 | 1018 | Rasselnabeh 2nd moukhtalata راس النبع الثانية المختلطة | 150 | |
| 19 | 1019 | Maari School 2 (Palace) المعري القصر | | |
| 20 | 1020 | Raml el Zaidanieyeh رمل الزيدانية | 68 | |
| 21 | 1021 | Hassan Khaled (hawd el willayah) | 360 | |
| 22 | 1022 | Al Mostaqbal Official/ AlBanat 1 (official) | 760 | |
| 23 | 1023 | Madina Theatre مسرح المدينة | 61 | |
| 24 | 1024 | Sanayie حديقة الصنائع | 350 | |
| 25 | 1025 | Mazraa school-- المزرعة | 225 | |
| 26 | 1026 | Sarolla Building | 14 | |
| 27 | 1027 | CIS | 450 | |
| 28 | 1028 | Amn 3am (Old) | 25 | |
| 29 | 1029 | Karm Zeitoun | 285 | |
| 30 | 1030 | Al-Nasirah | 110 | |
| 31 | 1031 | Rmeil | 150 | |
| 32 | 1032 | Karantina | 65 | |
| 33 | 1033 | St. Louis | 380 | |
| 34 | 1034 | Baabdat | 124 | |
| 35 | 1035 | Besancon | 377 | |
| 36 | 1036 | Mar sassine | 24 | |
| 37 | 1037 | Ecole Technique Saint Joseph | 110 | |
| 38 | 1038 | Salma el Sayegh | 300 | |
| | | | | |
| | | TOTAL | 10962 | |
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