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Valley marchers show support for Palestinians
By Sean Barron
The route approximated the length of Gaza, an organizer said.
YOUNGSTOWN — When it comes to showing solidarity toward those who are suffering or have lost their lives during the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, Najah Ahmed and Fadwa Aburahma were more than willing to go the extra mile.
Or 14 miles, to be more precise.
“I hope we will encourage someone to do something about the killing and bombing,” Ahmed said, referring to one reason she decided to take part in Sunday’s Death March, in which participants walked about 14 miles from downtown Youngstown to Warren.
Ahmed, of Youngstown, who has relatives in the West Bank, said seeing disturbing images on the news, such as medical personnel being unable to reach injured people near demolished homes, prompted her to join the walk.
Much of the media is biased in favor of Israel, and Hamas is trying to defend land that was stolen from the Palestinians, said Aburahma, of Youngstown. Many people in Gaza are without food, electricity and other essential needs, she continued.
“I love the Palestinians; they’re my family,” Aburahma added.
The march was set up to call attention to and honor the several hundred lives lost in eight days of Israeli air and ground strikes in Gaza, and to protest what marchers say is unjustified Israeli aggression against Palestinians and others living in the narrow region.
On Sunday, ground troops in tanks surrounded Gaza City as part of a new offensive. At least 31 civilians were killed in the latest onslaught, according to Gaza officials.
Overcast skies seemed to reflect the mood of the dozen people who gathered at the Thomas D. Lambros Federal Building and Courthouse, 125 Market St., and walked along U.S. Route 422 to Warren. Several teenagers and older people joined the march en route before it ended roughly five hours later at the Warren office of U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, 197 W. Market St.
Along the way, several marchers carried American and Palestinian flags as well as signs that read “Pray for Gaza.” Others tied roughly 500 black ribbons to trees and utility poles; the ribbons represented the approximate number of those killed in Gaza.
One of the people handling the ribbons was Janan Jadallah-Niser of Howland, who lived for a while in the West Bank.
For her, the march was about neither taking sides in the conflict nor advocating on behalf of any religion. Instead, it’s important to “stand up for humanity,” and recognize that most of those killed so far are citizens, not extremists, she continued, adding that Hamas was elected as the government of Gaza in 2007.
“Governments on both sides are killing innocent people,” said Jadallah-Niser, who also has family in the West Bank. “I don’t support war, but I have an understanding of these people’s struggles.”
Nevertheless, Israel is to blame for turning Gaza “into a massive crime scene,” said the Rev. Werner Lange, a peace activist and one of the march’s organizers.
“This is a moral outrage and a crime against humanity,” the Rev. Mr. Lange said. “We can’t take this.”
Nevertheless, Hamas broke a six-month truce with Israel by firing about 80 rockets and mortar into Israel last month, knowing that Israel would retaliate, as would any country being attacked, said Bruce Lev, a member of the Jewish Community Relations Council.
“Someone in the Hamas government knew by not extending the truce and by increasing the use of mortars and rockets ... they would [eventually] get a response” and endanger the lives of many Palestinians, he said.
Lev called Hamas “a terrorist organization,” saying it continues to refuse to recognize the state of Israel.
Lev added that he deeply sympathizes with Palestinian children and other innocent victims, and supports the marchers’ right to express their opinions.
Sunday’s Valley protest began at the courthouse to symbolize what Mr. Lange said is the misuse of U.S. dollars to support Israel. It stopped at Ryan’s office because the 17th District Democrat needs to be more vocal about Israeli aggression, he added.
Even though Israeli officials have said the operation is intended to quell mortar fire and military rockets that are able to reach farther into Israel, that doesn’t justify the “mass slaughter” of defenseless Palestinians, he said. In addition, he added, other innocent people are starving and cut off from the outside world.
Mr. Lange said the 14-mile route for the march was chosen because that’s the approximate length of Gaza.
The region also is about 3 miles wide, making it one of the most densely populated places in the world. With that many people living in such a condensed area, it’s impossible to bomb selected sites without also causing numerous unintended casualties, he explained.
Mr. Lange called the walk “very exhilarating,” saying many motorists honked in support of the marchers’ efforts.
“People know instinctively that [the bombings in Gaza] is wrong and shouldn’t have happened,” he said.
Participants also left about 500 ribbons next to Ryan’s office to send a message that they want him to speak out “against the slaughter,” Mr. Lange added.
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Comments
If Hamas was the legitimate government of the Palestinians, they should have their people's well being at heart before deciding to launch rockets into Israel. They KNEW that Israel would eventually retaliate, and when it happens it wouldn't be merely the launching of rockets. Hamas is simply using Palestinian citizens as pawns to advance their political agenda, pure and simple. I'm so tired of these people provoking Israel and then crying when they get bitten.
When you look at an image taken from the Hubble Deep Field camera of a teeny, tiny patch of sky, and you see that everywhere in the universe, as far as you can look, you see not hundreds or even thousands but billions of galaxies, and every one of these galaxies is made up of billions of stars, and we occupy such a tiny sliver of this universe that our entire galaxy could vanish or be destroyed in some kind of cataclysm and the universe would scarcely even notice. As Carl Sagan said...our planet is nothing more than "a mote of dust, suspended in a sunbeam."
When are people going to realize this and learn to get along? If used wisely, there are enough resources on this planet to serve its entire population for thousands of years.
"Much of the media is biased in favor of Israel, and Hamas is trying to defend land that was stolen from the Palestinians"
This was nothing more than a support Hamas march. Hamas wants peace after they get all of Israel.
When the Twin Towers were going down on 9-11-01 Palestinians in Patterson New Jersey cheered as if they were being liberated. There is no need for Palestinians to be oppressed here in the USA as they can leave anytime.
If Hammas did not have Israel to rail against, then they would be rocketing Christians. Every religion other than Muslim is the enemy for Hammas (and even some Muslim secs are their enemies). They will not rest until they defeat all religious opposition. They cannnot live any other way. I have no sympathy for them what-so-ever. They are reaping what they have sowed.
If Israel was going through Hamas how do you explain 50 woman and children being killed out of 82 the other day? How do you explain a Israel senior advisor admitting that they dont want the Western World to see whats actually going on in Gaza thats why the media is not allowed to enter?
Do you having any statments my senior advisors that this is going on? If this is the case why cant the media enter into Gaza so we can see wahts going on? If you goign to leave a comment please have some backing otherwise your wasting our time.
"If this is the case why cant the media enter into Gaza so we can see wahts going on?"
We don't want Hamas acting up for the cameras. Israel will do their best to get Hamas laid to rest.
ONE DOWN
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/mul...
Militant Hamas leader Nizar Rayan killed in air strike
Israel has killed a senior Hamas leader in an air attack on his home, striking its first blow against the top ranks of the Islamist group.
When u say "we" are u representing United States?
first blow??? Israel has been killing different Hamas leaders for years. Please educate yourself about Hamas before you go spouting off bad info.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1...
"When u say "we" are u representing United States?
Yes, I stand in solidarity with George W. Bush and the policy of our government as do most people who aren't Jihadists or wannabees!
Are you a wannabee or do you support Hamas with monetary contributions?
It's pretty cool how everyone here who knows the facts supports Palestine.
It would be nice, however, to get another perspective from someone who knows the facts and supports Israel. I guess I have to go somewhere else to find that.
I have neither a "wannabee"(I dont think this is english) nor have i ever supported Hamas with monetary contributions. Now lets put your opinion about me to the side and please answer OHIOPERSON...
"It would be nice, however, to get another perspective from someone who knows the facts and supports Israel. I guess I have to go somewhere else to find that."
aisalman86:
So you say that all Hamas has received from is your endorsement of their policies? I guess we will have to take your word for it. If you truly supported the average Joe Palestinian you would not support Hamas rocket attacks that have caused misery by the Israeli responce.
Just curiosity what have I said thus far that states I’m Pro-Hamas. Since your so eager to find out what I'm for let me tell you what im for. I'm for the people in Gaza who have been confined within the border under harsh condition without any rights or freedom. I am against a government that has broken dozens of international laws. I am for a Palestinian state where violence is no longer a worry where two people can live without the Israel government control every aspect of life for the Palestinian.
Your response:
Hamas shouldn’t have started to send rockets…(please look at this)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KntmpoRXF...
I'm not expert but I will provide you information to back what I'm saying..instead of writing on a blog where all u do is repeat yourself why don’t you take the time and you read this article…
http://www.counterpunch.com/eno01022009....
Or how about something from the Red Cross…
http://edition. cnn.com/2009/ WORLD/meast/ 01/07/gaza. red.cross/
Or here is a statement if you don’t have the time to read anything…
The statement said the international Red Cross “believes that in this instance the Israeli military failed to meet its obligation under international humanitarian law to care for and evacuate the wounded. It considers the delay in allowing rescue services access unacceptable.”
aisalman86:
Lets cut the BS. I see that you are pro Hamas and have yet to denounce Al Quaida for the carnage on 9-11-01 .
If Hamas wants peace stop shooting rockets into Israel. If the Palestinians seek peace stop supporting Hamas.
After the euphoria that Islamics had after 9-11-01 came reality. Ill will toward Palestinians for cheering on 9-11-01 as the Twin Towers were going down is still evident. Why would anyone in the USA support those who cheered our demise? If you dont like the USA leave!
THE MAGNIFICENT NINETEEN AKA SONS OF SATAN
http://www.investigativeproject.org/Magn...
ISRAEL is in VIOLATION of the American Arms Export Control Act.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arms_Export...
OhioPerson:
Why, did they supply those missiles to Hamas? We outsourced all of our computer technology to the Chinese along with nuclear technology.
The problem now is the very juvenile Hamas throwing a temper tantrum with missiles. The sad part is aid that was sent by the USA may have been used to buy those missiles.
Hamas is not seeking peace. The are seeking ways to exterminate the Jews. Will they succeed? Israel is making sure that they dont.
In the words of Rachel Corrie, a 23 year old American college student who was murdered in Rafah [Gaza Strip] by the Israeli Occupation Forces on March 16, 2003:
“…Just want to write to my Mom and tell her that I'm witnessing this chronic, insidious genocide and I'm really scared, and questioning my fundamental belief in the goodness of human nature. This has to stop. I think it is a good idea for us all to drop everything and devote our lives to making this stop. I don't think it's an extremist thing to do anymore. I still really want to dance around to Pat Benatar and have boyfriends and make comics for my coworkers. But I also want this to stop. Disbelief and horror is what I feel. Disappointment. I am disappointed that this is the base reality of our world and that we, in fact, participate in it. This is not at all what I asked for when I came into this world. This is not at all what the people here asked for when they came into this world…So when I sound crazy, or if the Israeli military should break with their racist tendency not to injure white people, please pin the reason squarely on the fact that I am in the midst of a genocide which I am also indirectly supporting, and for which my government is largely responsible.”
aisalman86:
Perhaps you could write a manual on how the Jews should not be troubled by the Palestinians desire to destroy them all?
Would I put myself in front of a bulldozer for the Palestinians? Not a chance. I guess Rachel Corrie didn't fault the Palestinians for their murderous ways and seen some redeaming value in them. Stop the missile attacks Hamas if you really seek peace.
The Palestinians desire to live.
How would you react if you and your family were trapped in a 14-mile-wide space, deprived of food, clean water, and medical supplies for years? How would you react if the people doing this to you were constantly assassinating the leaders of the only group in the entire world who seems to care if you live or die? What would you do? Die quietly? Or gain power in the only way available to you: some totally lame rockets? Seriously- what do people expect the Palestinians to do in this situation?
Don't we all desire to live?
What you're basically describing sounds somewhat similar to what went out during World War II. Which, by the way, was how many years ago? Clearly, the world is unable to mature.
And they have the nerve to bring religion into it? This isn't the era of crusades anymore. It's all very selfish and very unncessary -- on both sides.
"Seriously- what do people expect the Palestinians to do in this situation?"
I have seen Palestinians in action here in the USA as the Twin Towers were going down. The cheers and chants of death to America were very liberating for them. Of course if I had to live with them in Patterson New Jersey I would probably feel oppressed also. Palestinians are their own worst enemy.
Palestinians have lived on handouts for far too long. Why dont they manufacture goods to ship around the Middle East and the world? They have far too much idle time and satan sees that they make the best of it.
The Palestinians only reason for living seems to be for the goal of exterminating their Jewish neighbors. When coexistance is not the Palestinian goal then the Jews either have to maintain strength or perish.
Just how many terrorist groups has the United States or its People supported in the last 50 Years
The I.R.A. The Sandinisters, to name but two. We support a Government which steals land from its original owners the Palistinians, build settlements on land which they do not own.Allow the murder innocent refugees in Lebonon (Sabra & Shatela refugee camps)
I certainly do not support Israel nor do I support Hamas but to read the Vitreol in some of the comments makes me wonder where is compassion? Not for the innocent men,women and children killed in these attacks, but for the bully which Israel has become.
Ceaman:
"makes me wonder where is compassion?"
Fresh out since 9-11-01 when the Palestinians were cheering as the Twin Towers were going down. If Hamas stops the rocket attacks against the Israeli civillians peace will return.
Stan
Fresh out since 9-11-01 when the Palestinians were cheering as the Twin Towers were going down. If Hamas stops the rocket attacks against the Israeli civillians peace will return.
Not one of the attackers on 9/11 were "Palestinian" and they were cheering in other parts of the world.
I dont blame them for cheering, for the last 40 years the world has done nothing to sort the problem out.Wallpapering over the cracks is not a solution.
How would you like it if Israel took over your town, made you stand in line for hours and occasionally shut the town so you couldn't go to work, church, etc etc.The Palestinians are striking back not fun but for the injustice the world has shown them.
Excuse me, but has anyone noticed how all of a sudden poor Aisa is suddenly fluent? Y-Town has a big Jewish community who has been here forever, we who are not Jewish now need to be there for them and their families. I see Ceaman is also a terrorist supporter...good going my fellow American, send your support to Hamas, you don't blame them for cheering 911 ???? Well good for you, you traitor.
Ceaman:
"I dont blame them for cheering"
You embrace the nineteen sons of satan who did the dastardly dead on 9-11-01 also.
---------------------------------------
AMERICA WILL RESPOND
No need to live in misery
Libya is the place to be
Kadafy is your man
I know you are a big fan
To me every life is unique
Why you hate others so is a mystique
This is American land
Here we will take a stand
The sons of satan desire us dead
To them we will respond with high velocity lead
Blow them all to hell and let God sort 'em out. Bunch of terrorist - yea, where did i read "the enemy within", yea. Someone said that. We sure gottem here.
Sounds like regardless of what is going on in the Middle East, the only thing that matters to some here is that they heard somewhere that Palestinians cheered about what happened in the US on 9/11/01. Well, so did a bunch of other people all over the world probably. The US supports many totalitarian governments in the Middle East, South America, and Africa- why would the people who live there appreciate that?
Not that it matters. Who cares if some people cheered at a bad moment? Get over it. Bush is the one you should be mad about- he essentially ignored it except for when he needed to use it to rally numb brains like you to get behind his Iraq war and pass the Patriot Act under our representatives' noses.
Palestine had nothing to do with 9/11. (Neither did Iraq while we're on the subject.)
OhioPerson:
"rally numb brains like you to get behind his Iraq war"
Hey numb brain yourself! It is trash like you who would demonstrate in favor of those who would not hesitate to destroy the USA that the rest of us have built and fought for!
So, Ohioperson, WHO CARES?? I do, obviously you don't...this is YOUR country that was terrorized. NO I will never get over it, neither will the families of those who were killed. If this is a so nonchalant moment for you, maybe you are an Ohioperson by name , but I think maybe you are as Rocco said, the enemy within. You are a disgrace to all Americans.
I personally don't understand how anyone could support either side.
It's kind of like choosing who's right between the Crips and Bloods.
I said who cares *if people cheered*. Please. Of course I care that the US was attacked. But Palestine is being attacked, so I care about that too. Why are Americans more important than anyone else on this earth?
OhioPerson:
"But Palestine is being attacked"
Yes they are after the Jews got tired of the rocket barrage from the Palestinians.
Yes they fired rockets after they were trapped starved and had their homes bulldozed, their life-sustaining land ruined and taken away. Some lame rockets that hardly did any damage were not helping peace negotiations, but are **nothing** compared to the massive air strikes and ground assault Israel has carried out.
I see the war in Gaza has expanded here to Youngstown.
From the days of cavemen to our modern lifestyle today, there is still a basic need to protect oneself and family. History has proven time and again, there is only one victor in battle...only the strong survive.
OhioPerson:
Life was much better when they coexisted with the Jews. Then came the suicide attacks as they fantasized exterminating the Jews and having it all. Who can forget the plane hijackings? Now they are waiting for Iran to drop the atomic bomb on Israel for them.
Perhaps you should write a manual and explain to the Jews that it is their duty to absorb the rocket attacks and not retaliate.
Israeli politicians (Bibi, Peres, Olmert, Rabin, Sharon, etc.) have traded land for peace only to be disappointed in finding that does not lead to peace.
HIJACKING FROM THE PAST
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsou...
The Entebbe Rescue Mission
On June 27, 1976, four terrorists forced an Air France Airbus to land in Uganda, in the heart of distant Africa. They quickly demanded that Israel release 53 convicted terrorists. The hijackers freed the French crew and nonJewish passengers, while retaining 105 Jewish and Israeli hostages. A 48hour deadline was set before executions would begin.
Why are Americans more important?? Why? Because we live here, self-preservation is the first rule of surviving. Yes we care what goes on elsewhere, we can be compassionate and sympathetic, but bottom line, we care about what happens here to US first.
Israeli politicians (Bibi, Peres, Olmert, Rabin, Sharon, etc.) have traded land for peace only to be disappointed in finding that does not lead to peace.
How genorous of Israel to provide them with the Gaza Strip. A land flowing with milk and honey? 163Sq miles of what? Environmental disaster area more like, desertification; salination of fresh water; sewage treatment; water-borne disease; soil degradation; and depletion and contamination of underground water resources.
Most of this just didnt happen in the last few years, Israel held it for 27 years against the wishes of the United Nations. The Palestinians are treated like second class citizens, there are refugee camps that were established in 1967 and are still here today,this is where the resentment and frustration builds up into anger.
Remember the United States was founded by a group of people who the British would have called terrorists.
And I repeat - blow 'em all to hell and let God sort 'em out....
Ceaman:
"Remember the United States was founded by a group of people who the British would have called terrorists."
So those terrorists who struck on 9-11-01 were nation building? May those nineteen sons of satan rot in the depths of hell.
It looks like Hamas has had enough and is seeking peace. I think that Israel should hammer them some more to make them really feel defeated and not faking it so they can resupply.
Hamas needs to be destroyed, whatever it takes, period
Stan,
You're insane...ly FUNNY!
You don't just wear the tinfoil... you flaunt it!
No tinfoil need. Just pay attention to the news and you will be informed. It is up to you what you do with this information. History is both news from the past and a lesson from the past. If you learned the lesson well history will not repeat itself.
Just pay attention to the news and you will be informed.
Stan
Just where do you get your news from Tel Aviv.
Ceaman:
IT'S ALL GOOD !
The shooting of the missiles into Israel was good for the Palestinian pride as it warmed the cockles of their hearts. Israel's pounding of Hamas and the casualties was good for Palestinians as it brought some sympathy from around the world. Hamas now seeking peace is good as they may have been taught a lesson.
The Palestinians cheering in Patterson New Jersey as the Twin Towers were going down on 9-11-01 made them feel liberated. The sad fact is that these so called poor oppressed Palestinians were free to leave the USA at anytime. This fateful day taught Americans who our enemies are. We paid a heavy price for this knowledge.