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2007-08-14
Statements of support
I am so sorry for all that your organization has been going through, I would very much like one of the intifadah NYC shirts, are you still selling them? I have volunteered in Palestine with the ISM and have many shirts from many demos here, but I can always use more!
thanks
B
Dear AWAAM,
I think it's spiteful, ignorant, and shameful. May we both live to see those who created the controversy sneered and jeered at by a more enlightened generation.
A
Hello,
Please tell me how I can buy an "Intifada NYC" T-shirt.
Also, a suggestion: Perhaps it's time for an "Intifada Media" T-shirt.
Thank you,
KC
Warm Greetings to all of you at AWAAM:
Have we reduced education to a knee-jerk reaction to a t-shirt? Has the President of AFT stopped learning? I support you wholeheartedly in continuing with this school, and as a teacher of English in high school, I would not hesitate to be a part of such an admirable venture. I applaud all of you and your efforts.
Anyone who has studiied another language understands that one cannot take a word out of context and assume that one understands the complexities and the subtleties of the word, especially in a language they do not speak. I am sorry that the principal has decided to let thier ignorance interfere with her realization of a dream such as this, but she must be true to herself. I respect her humulity and dignity.
I hope that you all will continue to move forward and challenge these small ideas and this need to dehumanize people whom we fear. We all know that ignorance breeds fear and fear breeds prejudice and discrimination. This must be challenged specifically by such institutions through information, if we are to teach all of our young people what Kahlil Gibran communicated in The Prophet. I was reading over my copy and found this:
And if it is a fear you would dispel, the seat of that fear
is in your heart and not in the head of the feared.
Thank you for what you are doing. It seems that the path to peace and understanding is always bumpy and rarely peaceful.
Sincerely,
KW
Give them hell.
They are the problem.
Racist fools don't deserve polite words.
Be outraged.
Do the world a favor:
Expose the ignorance.
Expose the Zionist angle.
Stand tall.
Your cause is beautiful and right.
'Intifada' USA!
Greetings from the rest of the world, suffering the same ignorance in US bully policies!
C
Dear Sisters,
Salaamz.
I saw the piece on DemocracyNow! and it was great. I hope that you will be successful in your mission.
Yours fraternally,
MA
Atlanta
Assalaamu alaikum sisters,
Congratulations on your well presented piece on
"Democracy Now." Insh'allah, the civil rights
struggles by Muslims, Arabs and all people of
color should slowly fade after the Bush-fostered
climate of fear slowly passes. However, I would
expect that courageous, persistent educational
and legal efforts will be necessary for a very
long time. As one can see in the world, ignorance
and racism seem to have been pandemic for perhaps
as long as humans have existed. The real silent
majority, I think, learned from the struggles in
the 60's and might be a broader source of social
support and justice. Developing collaborative,
community links outside the ignorant groups above
could spread greater social understanding and
justice.
As we can see, any democracy must always work to
maintain and improve its status as such. I hope
everyone who is elligible to vote, will do so, in
response to this big picture and I applaud your
continuing efforts.
Salaams,
JG
Colorado Springs, CO
hello all,
i watched the democracy now interview this morning & hav nuthin but [love] 4 u all.
i [heart] the fakt that u alluded 2 "littl rok" integr8shun in the 50z & 60z.
such a 1derfull interview & itz good 2 c beautifull sisterz in the struggl.
i will 4ward both the interview & the website 2 uther good peepz.
i'm jus a male who residez n c attl but if i can b uv inny help 2 u let me know.
b well,
S
Hello,
Is it possible for me to get an "Intifada NYC" t-shirt? That would be a men's x-large. I will happily wear it in protest of those who just don't get what you're trying to do.
Thanks,
JW
I heard about your problems on the radio show
Democracy Now, and I would like to apologize on behalf
of all American women and especially the ignorant
general right-wing fearmongers. MOST of the American
people (and especially the women), are, I believe,
tolerant and have a live-and-let-live type attitude.
What is being done to you is shameful, and although it
stems from fearful ignorance, that is no excuse for
treating ANYONE this way.
Please know that you are in my heart and prayers and
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!
With love,
PC
Hello AWAAM,
I once studied at an orthodox rabbinical school which
I left on account of the unbelievable racism and
stupidity I found there directed against Muslims and
Arabs. This went hand-in-hand with a contempt for
women which I found astonishing.
I know that thousands - if not millions - of people
have similar stories to tell.
Having heard your representative on DemocracyNow this
morning, it sounds to me like what you're doing is
much-needed and courageous.
Don't let the haters get you down.
Best Wishes,
JL
Hello,
I just wanted to write and let you know that I am appalled at the negative reaction that the "Intifiada NYC" t-shirts are getting to the point that the principle of a school has been forced to resign. Recognizing that the US is in the midst targeting Arabs and Muslims, we have a long road ahead of us. But I just wanted to lend a voice of support. Though I live on the West Coast, I would be very happy to buy some of the T-shirts for me and other supporters to wear and use as a teaching tool. Please let me know if you are interested in selling and shipping 3-4 shirts.
Please let me know what other means of support would be useful to you.
Thank you.
-C
Hi,
Are you still selling these t-shirts? How can I get one? Can you ship them?
-T
I am of Indignous culture being a Maya-Lenca originally from Honduras, Central America. The reason I am writing
is to let you that I support you. The acts, comments and media attacks on people of Arabic and people of the Moslem culture and religion is hurtful, ugly and can not be tolerated. I have a friend in Albuquerque the family is from Lebanon and she told me not to mention that her family was from Lebanon she was born here and realy has fear.
It breaks my heart because Indignous people have also been through this and still those mixed with white want to pass as white it is internal racism due to the assault.
Saying all this I respect your intention with the T-Shirt because one can help but be angry. At the same time choosing this particular slogan is not an act that can build better understanding. My thoughts that I want to share is that the language has been corrupted by the political power who want to divide people and may another way to approach
this would be to pring in your blog the real meaning of Intefada and all those other words that power's to be have
decided to tell us what they mean. I feel is important right in this issue to contearct the missinformation that is putting so many people in danger. Many american people don't have an interest in getting to know other cultures or people
in the schools racism is part of the institution and it also permeates the society. People are afraid to have real discussion. It is easier to protest the war than to bring people together to really discuss the racism because of knowledge that really exist.
Personally I believe from my own experience that we need to change from violence, in words and thoughts and not imitate those who invest in hate and separation. This is why with all my spirit I hope you take your words back and print real meanings and make it a campaign and also create community events to bring people together showing the beauty of your cultures, people, music, poetry and art to conteract the negativity that has been creater.
I know you probably are familiar with the AIM the American Indian Movement. AIM had wonderful things that it brought to our Indigenous communities it said hold your head up, stand up for your rights, and mary people within your communities because the US government is trying to close reservation and indigenous communities accusing them of being white mary too many time and they are not longer Indians. This was positive political action. Then they picked up guns and the media began a campaign that Indians were planning to attack the American way of life
and added words to our movement that had nothing to do with what we were about. The CIA, FBI went after all of our leaders one by one and systematically killed them, jailed them. Our loss was terrible they did not kill our spirit but there people who could being an asset to our community as elders who are not here today.
We are all hated equally by the oppresers and the people who believe in total contral and to take over countries. But we must think about changing how we act. Please consider my thoughts I have a love for all your people and many friends from Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria and Hebrew allies we need yell and scream in own groups and get the hate out and refuse to put ourselves in danger while we are trying to make changes. Walking in peace from within we can be so powerful that eventually we will win over the ignorance that stopping your school and looking at your people this time as the enemy. The American people are dangerous although there is a few like the Quakers and Menonites and others who can help the majority of Americans believe that they are unique and every one else is their colony. This is why the government has the policies of invention and hate with no regard for what they the people of this country are responsible in my humble opinion. I have lived here 50 years and I have gotten to know the people from one end to another and they are like many other societies to ready to pick an enemy out ignorance and fear. Please be careful I would like to invite to come to New Mexico Albuquerque to do a meeting of exchange and celebration to conteract this fear and ignorance. The T-shirt although I understand your anger and pain I can not in my heart support but I do support you in the effort to stop the violence and to do it changing the model of you hate so I will also.
My culture is May-Lenca and my prayers are not part of organized religion I am spiritual in my learning from birth I hope I hear from you and my thoughts will be connected with you to keep you safe.
MD
Hi there:
About "intifada" or "madrasa", or "jihad". It's the language.
People, especially Americans, are afraid of what they do not
understand.
It's like having a tshirt saying "Jewish" during Nazi Germany. (or the lead-up).
May I suggest proceding completely in English (spoken word in class and press releases,
etc) until at least you get your school started. After the heat cools off a little, gradually
start introducing things "arabic".
I know you probably dont have lots of money (maybe you do), but I would suggest
hiring a public relations firm.
As you know, it's all about sound bites, and first impressions.
And your group is at the bottom of the barrel in terms of acceptance. Afterall, the US
has been involved in or supporting actions against people that speak Arabic or practice
Islam for decades now.
Remember, any publicity is good publicity. What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
Try to get that lady back that just resigned, at all costs, even behind the scenes.
Your opposition wins whenever they discourage good people from helping you.
This is an age-old game.
I'm no scholar, but this reminds me of how Hawaiians were outlawed from speaking
their language for years. And I'm sure speaking Japanese during or shortly after WWII
would have gotten the same response from locals and the "Fox News" of the time.
Good Luck.
Just pretend you are Jewish trying to setup a Jewish school in Germany decades ago.
They wouldn't have given up, and neither should you.
A
Hi Ladies!
Marhaba!
I was fortunate to remember to watch DemocracyNow! On satellite this morning and watched the representative from AWAAM talk about the
Insane mess in NYC concerning the Khalil Ghibran School and the neo-CONartists who have been causing all the ruckus...again...and think
That if nothing else, now the ENTIRE US that listens/watches Democracy Now! Is aware that an Arabic cultural school is going to open
In NYC soon...somewhere very soon and that that school and the others that WILL follow will tell the story of the struggle to open and to
Be Arabic and Muslim in Amerikkka in 21st century Bush/Cheney US. It will be like hearing about Rosa Parks and Malcolm X of the
Civil rights struggle in the 60s...for the generations to come....have heart and keep hope--!!! This exposure of the bigotry and ignorance
Of the Pipes and other neoCON artists will blow back in their faces....because, in the end result..JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL...keep on
Keeping on sistahs..!!
Consider that here I am..1 little person in the Western US...(New Mexico) one of millions who listen or watch that news program faithfully...
To learn what is REALLY going on....and they now broadcast over 500 television stations across the US and countless radio stations and
Blog and Spanish and for blind/deaf as well...Your story has reached many thousands if not millions as a result of their stupidity and
prejudice....they LOOSE!
Now, my last request....How can I purchase (others will want to know too) your TEE shirt that says INTIFADA on it? Have you considered
Making different /similar Tees? Like by city or state? Or different colors? Like black with white letters....in English and Arabic too?
If not, I'd like to have 1 of your tees..the khaki color with Intifada NYC...that's lovely!!...pls contact me by email or by phone...
-MA
Shukran ikteer for all the good work you are doing for women and girls in NY! And everywhere else.....
Salamat
-MA
Albuquerque NM
Not all of us Americans are ignorant. I think what you are doing is long overdue.
Good Luck with your endeavors.
-MB
Hi
I heard you on DN! Thank you for speaking up, thank you for representing the voiceless. As a queer Arab woman I get my strength from people like you.
-T