About Me

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Hussam has been a lifelong human rights activist who is passionate about promoting democratic societies, in the US and worldwide, in which all people, including immigrants, workers, minorities, and the poor enjoy freedom, justice, economic justice, respect, and equality. Mr. Ayloush frequently lectures on Islam, media relations, civil rights, hate crimes and international affairs. He has consistently appeared in local, national, and international media. Full biography at: http://hussamayloush.blogspot.com/2006/08/biography-of-hussam-ayloush.html

Friday, February 29, 2008

Israeli Official Threatens Palestinians of a "bigger holocaust"

I was shocked when I read yesterday in the news that an Israeli government minister is threatening Palestinians that Israel would unleash on them "a bigger holocaust". An Israeli news website (among many others) carried this Reuters story, on 2/29/2008:


Israeli minister warns Palestinians of 'holocaust'
By stepping up Qassam rocket attacks on Israel 'Palestinians will bring upon themselves a bigger holocaust because we will use all our might to defend ourselves,' says Deputy Defense Minister Vilnai says. Hamas in response: We are facing new Nazis

The British Sky News added:

Mr Vilnai's comments are likely to cause controversy, as the term "holocaust" is rarely used in Israel other than in discussions about the Nazi genocide in the Second World War.

Many Israelis are reluctant to countenance using the word to describe other contemporary events.


The story was also carried on FOX News, Al-Jazeera, ...

As someone who has repeatedly and strongly repudiated those who belittle or question the Nazi Holocaust against Jews, I find it reprehensible that an Israeli official, of Jewish background, would even consider subjecting any group of people to a holocaust.

Of all the people in the world, aren’t the Jewish people supposed to be among the most cognizant of such terrible inhumanity? Shouldn’t a nation that survived a past holocaust be the first to protect others from any form of holocaust or genocide? Where are the condemnations from the ADL, the Holocaust Museum, the Wiesenthal Center, the AJC, and all other Jewish organizations of those Israeli threats? Where is the outrage? (For the record, Jewish peace and human rights activists have always courageously spoken against Israel’s brutal practices in Palestine)

Denying the Nazi Holocaust against Jews and others is an offensive and immoral act that deserves to be strongly condemned, out of respect for all its victims and as an affirmation of our humanity.

Similarly, threatening Palestinians with an Israeli holocaust is an offensive and immoral act, in fact alarming, that deserves to be strongly condemned, out of concern for Palestinians and as an affirmation of our humanity.

Spanish philosopher and poet George Santayana wisely said:
Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Friday, February 08, 2008

Orthodox Jewish Rabbis Call for end to Gaza siege




Photo caption from the source of those photos: www.nkusa.org
London, England - January 26, 2008
Anti-Zionist Orthodox Jews demonstrated in protest against the Zionist atrocities in Gaza. (The copyrighted photos courtesy of International Photo Media(photos by Medyan Dairieh).

My comments:

Don't let the black beards confuse you. The protestors are not some Muslim "extremists". They are neither Palestinian nationalists. They are not your typical human rights activists neither, per se. They are righteous religious leaders. To be more specific, they are Orthodox Jewish Rabbis who wanted to make sure that no ignorant person wrongly blames Jews or Judaism for the Israeli genocidal crimes against Palestinians.

Thank you Rabbis. The message is loud and clear. Your message is inspiring and greatly appreciated.

Indeed, the message of co-existence, peace, compassion, justice, and tolerance is a breath of fresh air amidst a see of anger, inhumanity, war, and extremism that is sweeping our world.

Our world would be more peaceful and pleasant if all religious leaders, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, etc., stood for what is right and opposed injustice, like those brave rabbis did, regardless of who the victims or aggressors are.

The Othodox Rabbis are doing their part to end the siege on the Gaza Ghetto. Are we? Are you?

Friday, February 01, 2008

A powerful and inspiring prayer when facing difficulties

The Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) prayer as he left the city of Al-Ta’if (after being rejected and attacked)

دعاء رسول الله عند خروجه من الطائف


اللهم إليك أشكو ضعف قوتي، وقلة حيلتي، وهواني على الناس، يا أرحم الراحمين، أنت رب المستضعفين وأنت ربي، إلى من تكلني، إلى بعيد يتجهمني، أم إلى عدو ملكته أمري؟

إن لم يكن بك عليَّ غضب فلا أبالي،
ولكن عافيتك هي أوسع لي

أعوذ بنور وجهك الذي أشرقت له الظلمات، وصلح عليه أمر الدنيا والآخرة من أن تُنزل بي غضبك، أو يحل عليَّ سخطك، لك العتبى حتى ترضى، ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بك


"O Allah/God! I complain to You of my weakness, my lack/scarcity of resources and the humiliation I have been subjected to by the people.

O Most Merciful of those who are merciful. O Lord of the weak and my Lord too. To whom have you entrusted me? To a distant person who receives me with hostility? Or to an enemy to whom you have granted authority over my affair?

So long as You are not angry with me, I do not care (about the hardships). Your favor is of a more expansive/important relief to me. I seek refuge in the light of Your Face by which all darkness is dispelled and every affair of this world and the Next is set right, lest Your anger or Your displeasure descends upon me. I seek Your pleasure and satisfaction until You are pleased.

There is no power and no might except by You."