Sunday October 4, 2009, 7:14 pm
E-mail from Sydney Levy, Jewish Voice for Peace:

I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked whether there is an Arab counterpart to Jewish Voice for Peace. The implicit false assumptions behind the question are clear: Palestinians are violent; Jews seek peace but there is no one peaceful on the other side of the equation.

Even President Obama, in his Cairo speech, exhorted the Palestinians to seek a resolution to the violent Israeli/Palestinian conflict through the use of nonviolence--without dedicating a word to Israel's attack on the civilians of Gaza.

I used to get frustrated when asked the question, because I know that that its framework is false. I no longer get frustrated--now I use it as an opportunity to share what I know about so many Palestinian organizations and individuals that carry out acts, both small and large, of peaceful resistance against the occupation. People like Mohammad Othman.

My list is too big to contemplate, and the acts are nothing short of heroic. In reference to the weekly demonstrations in Bil'in against the theft of that village's land to build the wall and to expand settlements, Archbishop Desmond Tutu said,

"Just as a simple man named Gandhi led the successful nonviolent struggle in India and simple people such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King led the struggle for civil rights in the United States, simple people here in Bilin are leading a nonviolent struggle that will bring them their freedom." (1)

Bil'in is not unique, of course. Neither is the crushing response from Israel.(2)

Palestinians who travel abroad to advocate their cause are at risk too. They may be unjustly detained by Israel when they come back home. This is what happened to Mohammad Othman. He was arrested September 22 by Israeli soldiers on the Allenby Bridge Crossing, the border from Jordan to Palestine. He was returning from a trip to Norway, where he was advocating for Palestinian human rights. He is now sitting in jail. International pressure on Israel may set him free.

Thank you in advance,

Sydney Levy
Jewish Voice for Peace

P.S Read JVP's statement on the Goldtsone report. Our new Executive Director Rebecca Vilkomerson was in DC yesterday at his press conference and sent us live updates on Twitter. To join our twitter feed for more tweets, got to http://twitter.com/jvplive.

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(1) http://www.bilin-village.org/english/articles/press-and-independent-media/In-Village-Palestinians-See-Model-for-Their-Cause

(2) http://original.antiwar.com/neve-gordon/2009/09/27/palestinians-and-israelis-follow-thoreau-but-is-anyone-watching/
and
http://www.stopthewall.org/downloads/pdf/repress.pdf

Sunday October 4, 2009, 7:25 pm
Jelica,

You don't hear about Palestinian Voice for Peace or Arab Voice for Peace, because people with such views are shot at their legs by Hamas. They exist, but only as terrorized individuals.

In building the security wall by Israel, you see only theft of land. Many people view it as building an effective barrier against suicide bombers. Don't you notice that now neither Fatah, nor Hamas can blow up Israelis with the ease of early 200x, Arafat's time, one bomber a month or more?

I cannot blame Israelis for choosing life.

Sunday October 4, 2009, 7:46 pm
Wild Cat, with no history on care2
I assume you haven't sign the petition, read the article, wisit Bil'in's site, or do anything to enable you to speak about this cause.
Will you, then, please, shut up!

Sunday October 4, 2009, 8:12 pm
Jelica this fool has only just shown up and he's at several news offerings doing his best to be the buffoon he is. Wildcat since you're so sure more troops should be added to the mess already in Afghanistan and you assume to know so much about Hamas why don't you enlist and be the first to be sent to Afghanistan if "We" send in more troops. As for the terrorized individuals I think that you hit on something since those who Hamas represents are being terrorized by the Israeli government.

Why don't you get a life? Because you certainly have little regard for the lives of those who are being terrorized..by missiles, drones, bullets delivered by those who would "Dare" say this is in the best interest of the world! Sorry Jilica but I am so sick of these idiots that Dare put their rotten two cents in..This fool has no opinion only smart a__ crap to offer. I will gladly sign and get this out dear lady..As the saying goes "YOU CAN"T FIX STUPID"

Sunday October 4, 2009, 8:43 pm
Sign a petition for Mohammad Othman's release: http://www.petitiononline.com/stopwall/petition.html

Sunday October 4, 2009, 8:47 pm
Text:

To: Norway, EU member states, Sweden

On September 22, Mohammad Othman was arrested and detained by Israeli soldiers on the Allenby Bridge Crossing, the border from Jordan to Palestine. He was returning from a trip to Norway.

Mohammad, 33 years old, has dedicated the last ten years of his life to the defense of Palestinian human rights. His village, Jayyous, has lost most of its land to the Wall and the settlements. He has worked constantly to let the world know about the Israeli crimes against his people and has developed relations of international solidarity.
This is not the first time, Palestinian human rights defenders have been arrested after trips abroad. Recently, Muhammad Srour, an eye witness at the UN Fact Finding Mission on Gaza, was arrested on his way back from Geneva. Srour’s arrest was a clear act of reprisal for speaking out about Israeli violations of international law.
We, the undersigned, fear that the detainment of Mohammad Othman is a result of his peaceful criticism of violations of international law by Israeli authorities. The charges against him have not been made clear, but there is reason to believe that he is a prisoner of conscience, arrested solely for his human rights work through legal organizations. We therefore call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mohammad Othman.
Mohammad Othman represents only one of the 11,000 Palestinians being held in Israeli prisons, including 800 being held without charges in administrative detention. Justice should be ensured for all prisoners of conscience.

We urge all appropriate measures are taken, including official inquiries and protests, to ensure Mohammad’s immediate release by:

- Norway, where Mohammad was invited to speak,
- The EU member states, which have given Mohammad repeatedly nulla osta for the Schengen visas on his travels, recognizing him as a peaceful human rights defender
- Sweden, currently leading the presidency of the European Union

Please sign this petition calling for the release of Mohammad Othman and for supporting justice for all 11,000 Palestinian prisoners

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

Sunday October 4, 2009, 9:45 pm
Signed!
some people , think ad talk from a black hole in their brain, for them there is those who have to be killed so they can live, their, supremacy dream, what is your skin colour wild cat? do you wear a bed sheet at night?
Peace be iwth you Namaste!

Sunday October 4, 2009, 10:19 pm
I signed and than Barbara for sending me this.
Wild cat I am fed up with people assuming that we who are for peace are somehow under the illusion that if we all play nice these people who revere death will be nice as well and leave us alone. That is naivety of the highest order and I am not that naive nor is any one else here and I am tired of my tax dollars going to fund an insane war on a false premise and I am tired of defending that fact to people who have nothing more than propaganda rhetoric opinions. Is war necessary ...unfortunately yes... in this case??? No and this man is a political prisoner so ur comment is quite uncalled for. is Hamas a terrorist group yes they are and I have spoken my piece regarding their atrocities many a day .. but to become the thing one protests against ,to become as bad if not worse than their actions makes one just as unholy as the ones you complain about..there is no excuse for genocide Wildcat none whatsoever,no excuse under the sun makes what is happening in Gaza and Palestine from Israel OK. Hamas needs to step down and right now it is my understanding that they are falling out of favor and that is happening from world pressure not because of Israels killing in response to Hamas killing or Hamas killing in response to Israels killing. That mentality is lunacy. to quote Einstein... The Definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing expecting different results and by that def. Both the leaders of Hamas and Israel are insane.It is one thing to build a wall it is another entirely to starve women and children,deny them food and medical supplies or a way to leave to get them or deny people to bring those in..as in the case of Cynthia McKinney.

Sunday October 4, 2009, 11:03 pm
And to directly address this particular issue regarding Israels political Prisoners... We yelled plenty loud about Gitmo and we have yelled loud regarding Leonard Peltier and other political prisoners from our own government along with many others around the world..those of us who support Amenisty International proudly stand now to say to Israel... Let this humanitarian and your other non-violent political prisoners GO!

Sunday October 4, 2009, 11:59 pm
I WISH for PEACE everywhere in this our WORLD .Let's leave RELIGION out of our thinking & let us all be GOOD people willing to share with others less fortunate.

Monday October 5, 2009, 2:52 am
Thank you Jelica.Thank you Barbara.
Noted and signed

Monday October 5, 2009, 2:54 am
thanks barbara for sending this to me signed

Monday October 5, 2009, 3:49 am
Noted & signed ~ Thanks Jelica

Monday October 5, 2009, 5:13 am
Noted and signed Thank you Jelica

Monday October 5, 2009, 6:27 am
Gladly signed Tx Jelica posting on too X

Monday October 5, 2009, 7:21 am
Jelica R, I don't need you permission to respond to all stupid, hateful or dangerous posts appearing from time to time here. You didn't answer any of the points which I raised, instead, you started just insulting me, probably hoping to silence my voice. That won't happen, Jelica.

Of course, I WON'T SIGN THE PETITION which you sketched - I WILL NOT BE PROTECTING THOSE WHO WANT TO MURDER ISRAELIS, that simple. Or Americans. Or other Dhimmies of the world.

Do you have something to say about :
1. You don't hear about Palestinian Voice for Peace or Arab Voice for Peace, because people with such views are shot at their legs by Hamas. They exist, but only as terrorized individuals.

2. In building the security wall by Israel, you see only theft of land. Many people view it as building an effective barrier against suicide bombers. Don't you notice that now neither Fatah, nor Hamas can blow up Israelis with the ease of early 200x, Arafat's time, one bomber a month or more?

Monday October 5, 2009, 7:34 am
OMG, Mohammad Othman looks just like my brother. I have gladly signed. It just dawned on me, if these victims of injustice looked more like Americans, there might be more sympathy for these people. We have demonized muslims (9-11) so much, that many Americans see them as evil and could care less. These people are flesh and blood like us and we should care about them as much as or more than our animals. Thank you, Jelica.

Monday October 5, 2009, 8:02 am
"Americans see them as evil and could care less. These people are flesh and blood like us and we should care about them as much as or more than our animals."
Could we think that they are the same Humans like you and me? could we consider them like Americans? we signed partitions for the Journalists who have been held in North Korea, which they had no business there! any way,didn't hear any wild dog , or wild cat protest!

Monday October 5, 2009, 9:26 am
Wild Cat, what exactly in my answer was an insult?

Monday October 5, 2009, 9:30 am
Barbara, not everyone can enlist to fight for America in Afganistan - people have reasons to stay home. It doesn't mean those who stay home should let irresponsible extremists put pressure on congress with crazy ideas, like not giving the Army support it needs.

I don't want the war to come closer to my home, I care about our solders already in Afganistan fighting the same evil which attacked us and wants to attack more.

I don't have respect for cowards, traitors or idiots and won't sign petitions aimed at weakening the USA. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Monday October 5, 2009, 9:43 am
"Do you have something to say about :
1. You don't hear about Palestinian Voice for Peace or Arab Voice for Peace, because people with such views are shot at their legs by Hamas. They exist, but only as terrorized individuals."

OMG, so Palestinians are holding Othman in prison! Silly me, I thought he is imprisoned by Israelis.

"2. In building the security wall by Israel, you see only theft of land. Many people view it as building an effective barrier against suicide bombers. Don't you notice that now neither Fatah, nor Hamas can blow up Israelis with the ease of early 200x, Arafat's time, one bomber a month or more?"

About the wall, and other Israel/Palestina issues, I have posted so many times, and I have no wish to repeat myself ad nauseam.

You will think the same, no matter what I do.

Monday October 5, 2009, 10:07 am
"I don't have respect for cowards, traitors or idiots and won't sign petitions aimed at weakening the USA. GOD BLESS AMERICA! "

I am a 20-year veteran. Although I have never fought in a war, I was ready to do so. That was BEFORE I learned about the illegal War in Iraq, and the countless other wars that the USA has instigated, manipulated and forced upon innocent Americans and innocent civilians of other countries.

I find the REAL cowards are those who continue the lies of those who rush us to war, those who have never served in the military, and those who sit behind their computers and babble nonsense and live in the Twilight Zone.

The REAL threat to America are ignorant, cowardly Americans who hide behind media shills like Beck, Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly and others, as well as hiding behind their bibles.

Monday October 5, 2009, 10:17 am
WildCat just how exactly does signing this petition weaken the USA?
And yes God Bless America but what exactly does that mean to U?
And who are the Cowards,idiots,and traitors U are reffering to?
Does our army need our support? yes it does.are we giving it to them ?.Yes we are..We support on Care2 many things for our troops such as Veteran health Care... Supplies for our troops.and the fact that they are there dying,Wildcat ..some of those people there in the middle eastern wars are my nephews and my friends children. Some who will be going are my cousins...so I can tell U that I support our troops there for they are Americas sons and daughters my relatives and my friends children.. U do not want the war to come closer to home??? Trust me it won't and U know why//because the natural resources of Afghanistan are in Afghanistan and NATO and world finacial markets want them. but what has that got to do with this man being a political prisoner of Israel? What ? can Israel do no wrong in ur eyes? What is it with the mentality of people who think that just because one objects to a policy that an ally of our does that we are not supporting them??? If I say to my child I do not like a behavior of theirs ..I still support them, just will not accept that behavior..it is not a this or none mentality and that is what we are saying to Israel ..we love U but this behavior is wrong..fix it!

Monday October 5, 2009, 10:21 am
Ladies
This is a brainless troll who has nothing to do but mew in the aly and scavenge the garbage News ! so giving him attention would make him come every day for dinner! ignore him, it is not worth the troubles!
Bless you all abundance!, Namasté,
peace be with us all!

Monday October 5, 2009, 11:37 am
Wild cat you said: I don't have respect for cowards, traitors or idiots and won't sign petitions aimed at weakening the USA. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

If God has blessed America and I am a believer of the loving Christ as many on this forum know then what must Jesus be thinking about the people of America who continue to hide their head in the sand denying our own leaders ineptness while at the same time "We" allow them to encourage gr$$d centered corporations who, for a buck, will gladly kill, certainly forsake children, far and near..I come from a family who served America but they served for all the right reasons. Believing that we were the land of the free and more importantly "The Brave"

My heart and my activist time goes out to all who serve US but I also know that in today's world many are sent to fight for the bottom line of the very people who ripped US off with the "Bail Out" and the cost of the war in Iraq...

Complacency, Ignorance, cowards and Gr$$d are helping to bring America down! A true patriot sticks their neck out sounding the alarm of the injustices whereever they/we see them..The truth is always hard to swallow. A lie moves like wildfire consuming everything in it's path..As long as American's continue to divide their strengths "We" are doomed to fail. It's long overdue for "We" Americans of the varied cultures, faiths and ideas to "UNITE" since the enemy, which is certainly a threat to the sovienty of America, is close at hand! The attack on our freedoms is coming from within...

I and others have been at this for many years so it's no secret some of US need a hiatus but, "We" are unable to take one because of those who refuse to at least do some in-depth research about the off the wall information they choose to blindly follow. The media knows how to push certain Americans buttons and been doing a bang up job for years..Corporate owned, don't you know? We have been weaned on lies.

If you really loved America you would not allow yourself to be blindly led like sheep to the slaughter..

America is not without sin! Where Gr$$d rules supreme, civilizations soon fall into chaos and decay..Take a look around you if you have the courage too see what is and not what the "Political Talking Heads" wish for you to see...

..."Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore "wise as serpents" and simple as doves." - St. Matthew 10:16

Monday October 5, 2009, 12:22 pm
For those of you who DO care about America and Americans: we sent the solders to Afganistan.

If the majority thinks it is wrong and we have to wrap up the whole thing - fine, take EVERYONE OUT. But to say to the Army, guys keep up fighting, but - we won't give you resources you need - is either a stupidity, or a treason.

We may discuss, where do we want to fight those who are at war with us, but that's irrelevant to the question of sending demanded help to Afganistan. It also has nothing to do with different opinions where the dangers to American society come from, Greedy Corporations, Saudi Lobby, Israel Lobby, etc.

Give demanded help to the Army, or get everyone out of there, but don't do half-measures risking solders lives, Marion, does it make sense to you?

Monday October 5, 2009, 1:11 pm
No one can deny nor defend actions from both sides of the Palestian/Israeli wall, for they both have been autrocious.

However, when either side runs amuck, that is when you highlight their dirty deeds by shouting out the exposure. In this case, if all is pretty much factual, Israel has a lot of explaining and releasing of nonviolent prisoners to commence. Maybe Palestine is next, in particular Hamas, for though I cannot agree with the protesters of this article, they do make a point, the other side is most definitely not innocent. So, I would hope that all the signers of this petition would also sign the petition that surely will appear in the near future of Palestinian subhuman treatment, or for that manner sign 'any' protest against a country or group that doesn't yet know how to treat their fellow man, or as noted, fellow beings for that matter. Intentional ansand inflicted suffering really needs to go away.

Petition duly signed...

Monday October 5, 2009, 9:36 pm
You cannot currently send a star to Bruce because you have done so within the last week.
I would gladly sign a petition against Hamas or any other group acting a fool in this manner. We are the five fingured race and it's time to act like it

Tuesday October 6, 2009, 7:48 am
"Give demanded help to the Army, or get everyone out of there, but don't do half-measures risking solders lives, Marion, does it make sense to you?"

An illegal war and false flags says we shouldn't be there and to pull out immediately. There is no other option.

Tuesday October 6, 2009, 9:34 am
Fine, let Obama decide or by referendum. But as long as our solders are there - they must be provided with what they need: help, ammo, food, etc.

Tuesday October 6, 2009, 11:32 am
Well WildCat... Finally agreeance. Yes our solders should have all they require but we have been ignored on all other matters of this illegal war but the gov blames us when it cannot protect our solders in the field nor provide necessities??? They say it is our the voters peace makers fault that the solders get no money for needed supplies???? WT...??? Things that make me go HMMMMM, and since Americas children(solders) have been exposed to high doses of radiation while there they will require more health care and help when they come home.. Our government has a history of not giving a damn about our solders once they come home, that should be addressed loudly in continuence, because we do give a damn about those that served and then were abandoned by the very people who sent them there,I will look forward to U being down for that part of it with ur fiery nature as well.
Marion... Stars to U hon.

Tuesday October 6, 2009, 11:35 am
By the way WildCat have U been to see this: www.oathkeepers.blogspot.com?
I proudly support them.

Tuesday October 6, 2009, 11:41 am
If Mohammmed was coming back from a peaceful trip.. I do not see the point in him being detained... I wish for both sides to be able to sit around the camp fire at night... we must all remember.. we are ALL carved from the same tree, and we are people just with different shades of colouring, that should not make us different from one another... yet we seem to walk around with a veil that tends to blind us and we can't see each other like we should

Tuesday October 6, 2009, 1:06 pm
Faith, the link gave me an error: The blog you were looking for was not found. And YES, we must care about our solders here AND THERE ,providing them with what they need for as long as our government keeps them there.

Tuesday October 6, 2009, 1:13 pm
"But as long as our solders are there - they must be provided with what they need: help, ammo, food, etc. "

Why are you worried about keeping our soldiers safe now? No one complained about keeping them safe when Bush neglected them. They're safer now under Obama then they were the last 8 years. They'll be safer when we get them out of there.

Wednesday October 7, 2009, 6:42 am
You cannot currently send a star to Chaz Gaily because you have done so within the last week.

Wednesday October 7, 2009, 6:43 am
WildCat -Corrected Link
.http://oath-keepers.blogspot.com/

Thursday October 29, 2009, 12:18 am
E-mail from Sydney Levy, Jewish Voice for Peace:

The day before yesterday, a judge extended the detention of Mohammad Othman for yet another 11 days. He was detained on September 22 by Israeli authorities when returning to the West Bank after a trip to Norway, where he advocated for boycotts, divestments, and sanctions (BDS) against Israel. Since his detention, he has endured long interrogations and solitary confinement.

Over 8,000 people have written US President Obama, asking him to press Israel for his release.

Please keep fighting for his release, and get the latest on his case here: http://freemohammadothman.wordpress.com

From the blog Updates on Mohammad:

Update 12 (27 October 2009, 5 pm)

Yesterday, it was suddenly decided that the court hearing would be held today (Tuesday 27-10-09) instead of Thursday. The judge decided that yet again, Mohammad’s detention will be extended with another 13 days. The lawyer will appeal against this decision again.

Thursday October 29, 2009, 9:21 pm
There is a cease fire of sorts with the wall and check points, but the cost to Palestinian and Israeli relations is very high and the debt will take generations to pay back. Both sides are building more hate and the debt grows, but if the relative safety can afford one thing, it should be mercy and generosity.

To diplomatically appeal to the International community for sanctions or economic action against a perceived oppressor and aggressor is very non violent and sensible compared to a suicide bomber.

What of a change from Israel, if Palestinians are going to act intelligent and reasonable, and make their side of things known, debate, and work out problems as best they can, why couldn't Israel?

The settlements and wall have to be removed or there will be no peace, and rockets, bombs or suicide bombers, have to stop too. The two state solution, not the one state abusing the others.

Let Mohammad go to Norway and come home to show the world that Israel is a great culture and country.

Friday October 30, 2009, 4:47 pm
Faith, your reference to "oath keepers" was ringing a bell, so I did some research. I found several scary things.

1) Right wing hate groups or para military groups who advocate defending themselves against the government.

2) Hate watch groups have associated them with vigilante style at the least and neo Nazi group style at the worst, see link to the Southern Poverty Law Center's SPLC story about Oath Keepers:
http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2009/08/27/oath-keepers-gather/

3) Chris Mathews had the founder on MSNBC with a spokesman from the racist and hate group watchers called Southern Poverty Law Center - my bell, a few days ago.

This group is composed of X-military vets and police officers primarily. The point of contention is what if they decide to move as a group against the U.S. government, and they have advocated session from the U.S. if they deem it necessary.

Pretty scary stuff and a long way from the ACLU or Code Pink to many other very good groups like the SPLC.

Take a look at the link and tell me what you think... Your thoughts are usually on the mark.

Thanks

Friday October 30, 2009, 5:40 pm
Signed and forwarded. People, stop bitching at each other. Have respect that we do all have our own opinions. Recognise that these are, just opinions... Fact: Since the Gaza conflict, the Israelis have kept the border closed to even medical aid for children and animals. The people of Gaza have suffered so much, and so have their animals... donkeys are the usual form of transport in Gaza, the alleys are not wide enough for cars, its more like a place in Bible times. The animals have suffered the same injuries as humans... burns especially, including from phosphorous, which is banned under the Geneva convention but was used by Israel.It carries on burning and cannot be put out. Imagine that on your child or loved one or on your pet-- many Moslem people have cats.Blockades like this will not encourage the people of Gaza to feel anything but animosity towards Israel. How could it be otherwise? I believe that many Palestinians will need no further encouragement to look towards Hamas, as they must feel they have no one else to turn to.

Friday October 30, 2009, 7:04 pm
You cannot currently send a star to Susan because you have done so within the last week.

Sunday November 1, 2009, 4:21 pm
You cannot currently send a star to Jelica because you have done so within the last week. And Susan, thank you too. You are a decent, kind human being. It is not only people who suffer, but their pets and workaday animals. The Israelis do not care about people or animals, unfortunately. It is heartbreaking.

Thursday November 5, 2009, 6:13 pm
Update from Inter Press Service (IPS) MIDEAST: Israelis Targeting Grassroots Activists

Muhammad Othman, 33, from the northern West Bank village Jayyous continues to languish in solitary confinement in a dirty Israel prison cell devoid of natural light or windows.

Othman has been labelled a "security threat" by the Israelis ever since his arrest on Sep. 22 as he crossed into the West Bank from Jordan. Othman had returned from a trip to Norway where he met with senior officials to discuss human rights abuses in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Norwegian government has divested its funds from Elbit, an Israeli company which supplies drones and other military technology.

During his incarceration Othman has been subjected to hours of interrogation, handcuffed, seated in stress positions and denied sleep. Like Jallad he has had no involvement in military activities which could constitute a security threat to the Jewish state. He too, has not been charged with any infringement of the law.

But Othman, a political activist, has been joining the Stop the Wall Campaign against the illegal Zufim settlement built by Russian billionaire Lev Leviev. The Stop the Wall Campaign is fighting against Israel's construction of a separation barrier which separates Israel proper from the West Bank.

The wall cuts through swathes of Palestinian territory dividing Palestinians from their agricultural fields, and trapping some Palestinian communities in pockets of territory between Israel and the West Bank.

The wall was ruled illegal by the International Court at the Hague, and several years ago an Israeli high court ordered the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to reroute parts of the wall, arguing that is compromised the livelihoods of Palestinian farmers.

Othman is also involved in the Boycott Divestment Sanctions (BDS) campaign which has been drawing increased international support.

Othmans supporters believe his main "crimes" are his activities on behalf of the BDS which wants to see a boycott of Israel along the lines of the former boycott against apartheid South Africa.

"I think Israel is worried about its reputation amongst the international community now that more people are waking up to the human rights abuses and injustices being committed here," Jallad told IPS.

"I think in some ways we are perceived as more of a threat than an armed cell of Hamas fighters precisely because we are non-violent and what we are fighting for is reasonable."

Thursday November 12, 2009, 1:39 am
UPDATE

Fifty days have passed since his detention, but Mohammad Othman is still in prison. The Israeli government has given no reason for his arrest. And things are getting worse. We've learned that Mohammad is now incommunicado -- even from his own lawyers. Under these circumstances, there is reason to be seriously concerned about his well-being.

Mohammad was detained on September 22 by Israeli authorities when returning to the West Bank after a trip to Norway, where he advocated for boycotts, divestments, and sanctions (BDS) to pressure Israel to abide by international law. Since his detention, he has endured long interrogations and solitary confinement.

Israeli authorities have transferred him to a different prison and forbidden him from seeing his lawyer. According to Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, there is reason to believe that Mohammad Othman's transfer to the Ohalei Keidar prison in Beersheba was intended to exert further pressure on him. They may be placing him in so-called "collaborators' cells," where detainees are often beaten, punched, threatened and exposed to psychological pressure if they refuse to talk to other prisoners who are detained in the same cells and who are typically collaborating with Israeli military authorities.

Thanks to you, we have generated about 10,000 emails of support, asking President Obama to demand that Israel release Mohammad. So far the President that could not deliver a settlement freeze has not delivered Mohammad's freedom either. Only Israel holds the key to his jail cell. But you and I hold the key to keeping his name in the public eye.

The more people talk about Mohammad Othman, the sooner his unjust detention will be over. That's why I am asking you to keep up the pressure. Pick up the phone and call US Secretary Hillary Clinton, +1-202-647-5291

Tell her that he has been unfairly detained by Israel since Sep 22, and you are concerned about him. Ask her to demand that Israel Free Mohammad Othman!

Click here to let us know about your call. We want to know how many calls were made.

Mohammad should be set free right now.

Mohammad Othman went to jail for advocating for BDS. If you are in the US, you can do it without paying such a heavy price. Join the Campus BDS Conference at Hampshire College (Nov 20-22). There's more info here: http://www.hsjp.org/CampusBDS2009/

Thanks,

Sydney Levy
Jewish Voice for Peace

PS: If you want to keep updated on his case, please go to: http://freemohammadothman.wordpress.com

Another PS: Have you heard of Or Ben-David? She is a Shministit -- a young Israeli conscientious objector -- currently serving prison time. Please take action here: http://www.shministim.com/2009/10/first-prison-term-for-or-ben-david/

Wednesday November 25, 2009, 3:14 am
UPDATE:

Jewish Voice for Peace: Tell the US Consulate in Jerusalem About Mohammad Othman, posted 6 hours ago.