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28th October 2007 |
Please forward this newsletter to colleagues who might be interested.This newsletter contains the following: This newsletter contains the following items: 1. Update on students trapped in Gaza Plus: 1. Update on students trapped in Gaza On 23rd October Gisha, the Legal Center for Freedom of Movement, in Israel issued an update expressing concern about the more than 670 students trapped in Gaza unable to reach their studies abroad, and also drawing attention to a mini-report on the issue. The case of Bradford university student Khaled Al-Mudallal is reported on below. (a) General Gisha's update reads: This week university students from Gaza petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice against Israeli border closures preventing them from traveling abroad to study. Gisha submitted the petition on their behalf. Israel is currently preventing more than 670 students from the Gaza Strip from traveling to the USA, Europe, Jordan, Asia and other destinations to pursue higher education. Since the government designated the Strip “hostile territory,” restrictions on movement to and from Gaza have been further tightened, and a shuttle bus service taking students out of Gaza has been discontinued. These restrictions raise serious concerns about a policy of co! llective punishment, illegal under international law. Many of the students in Gaza have already missed the start of the academic year at universities around the world. Some stand to lose their places for the entire year, as well as their scholarships, if they do not arrive to their campuses immediately. These figures do not include those students who, faced with the intensifying closure policy, lost hope and gave up on trying to get out. The intention declared has been to punish Hamas, but it is the 1.5 million civilians of Gaza who are paying the price. Preventing people from leaving the Gaza Strip violates the prohibition in international law against collective punishment. Preventing students from reaching their studies only hurts the interest Israelis and Palestinians share in allowing young people to acquire knowledge. I invite you to read the following update which tells the students' stories and provides background information: Israel Undermines Higher Education – and Its Own Best Interest – in Gaza. Please do not hesitate to contact Gisha - for further information or with questions and comments. Best Regards, (b) The case of Khaled Al-Mudallal of Bradford Univercity Khaled Al-Mudallal is a Bradford University business management student trapped in Gaza. His case can be followed on the Let Khaled Study website. On 15th October the Israeli government claimed that Khaled had 'chosen' not to leave Gaza, a claim rejected by both him and Gisha in the most emphatic terms as shown in his letter, on the web. Earlier, on 5th October the Guardian published two letters about the case, one from academic staff in Peace Studies at Bradford University, one from sections of the Palestine solidarity movement. 1. We find it deeply ironic, given the recent heated debate on the proposed academic boycott of Israeli universities by the UCU (Report, September 29), that the Israeli supreme court on October 2 ruled that Kahled al-Mudallal, a Bradford University student, cannot leave Gaza and return to his studies in the UK. We hope the voices that criticised the boycott and called so vociferously for preserving academic freedom and promoting dialogue will lend their support to those of us calling on the Israeli government to reverse the supreme court decision, and on the UK government to do all in its power to support the human rights of students like Kahled. This is not just an issue of academic freedom, important though that is, but is a flagrant breach of a fundamental human right to education. This judgment undermines both academic freedom and the very possibility of constructive dialogue across communities. 2. The right to education is a human right as stated in the UN universal declaration of human rights. Khaled al-Mudallal is one of hundreds of Palestinian students who are currently unable to leave Gaza to begin the new academic year. The British government should do everything in its power to ensure that Israel lifts the restrictions that are preventing Khaled and other students leaving Gaza to complete their education. 2. UK government response on the refusal to allow entry to the UK to the under-19 Palestinian football team Here is the reply from Kim Howells in response to a letter from Dr Phyllis Starkey MP, Milton Keynes South West (posted on the web) Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London SWIA 2AH From The Minister of State Dear Phyllis, Thank you for your further letter of 5 September to the Foreign Secretary regarding the refusal of entry clearance for the Palestinian National Youth Following representations from across the political spectrum, I requested officials in UK visas to review the decision. Upon review, I can assure you that the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) only refused the applications after lengthy discussions with the Entry Clearance Manager and Deputy Consul General in Jerusalem, the regional Director for Visa Services in Istanbul and senior policy officials in London. All 25 team members were refused on the grounds that the ECO could not be satisfied that they sufficiently demonstrated they intended to, or would be able to, leave the UK on completion of their visit. The borders to Gaza had been closed for over three months with no indication of when they would open again, and the team provided no evidence to demonstrate they had permission from the Israeli authorities to exit Gaza for onward travel to the UK in time for the training camp. The team also could not demonstrate that they would be able to return to Gaza on completion of their visit if they had been able to travel. Furthermore, many of the applicants supplied poor or insufficient documentation about their personal circumstances in Gaza. As such, although I appreciate the strength of feeling on this matter, I can assure you that the decision was correct and entirely in accordance with the Immigration Rules. You also ask how many entry visas are refused to young Israelis on the grounds that they are liable to be called up for military service. I am unable to provide these figures, as Israelis are non-visa nationals and do not need to apply for entry clearance prior to coming to the UK. Yours KIM HOWELLS Dr Starkey described this as an 'incredibly unhelpful reply' and commented: "Frankly, I think the refusal of entry visas was appalling and was effectively colluding in Israeli policies of trying to imprison the Palestinians within Gaza." 3. Update on the UCU and the academic boycott discussion The UCU has posted nothing further on its website since 28 September when its report "Israel boycott illegal and cannot be implemented, UCU tells members" went up (see last FFIPP-UK mailing). The UCU left has posted two comments on its website: For those who are unaware of it, the UCU Left describes itself as 'a national organisation of University and College Union activists. It is committed to ensuring that the new union has a democratic structure through which members can determine policy, and elected officers and professional officials can be held accountable. It seeks to defend educational equality, and to oppose the consequences of neo-liberal marketisation. It is opposed to all forms of racism, sexism, oppression and imperialism. It had previously issued a very useful "Statement on the 'Academic Boycott'" on 13th June, discussing the issues at stake and stating candidly that: 'UCU Left does not have an agreed position on the question of a boycott of Israeli academic institutions.' 4. Some good news, for a change: (a) Archbishop Tutu ban lifted The attempt to ban Archbishop Tutu from speaking at St Thomas's campus in Minnesota on the grounds that he was an antisemite proved to be a bridge too far, despite the Zionist Organization of America's President Morton Klein declaiming: "Desmond Tutu is an anti-Semite who hates Jews and is obsessed with demeaning and smearing the Jewish state." Even the Anti-Defamation League 'urged the president of St Thomas's to invite Archbishop Desmond Tutu to speak just days after it was revealed that he had been disinvited because of fears he might offend Jews'. (Jewish Telegraphic Agency report) (a) See the Muzzlewatch Report of developments: Amazing! End of Tutu smear! St Thomas reverses position and invites Tutu! (b) Also see Tony Karon's moving piece on his website entitled My Favorite ‘Anti-Semite’ (c) Finally, take a look at Rabbi David Goldberg's Madness this way lies on the Guardian's Comment is Free. (b) Pluto Press distribution in the US is guaranteed for now Pluto Press has a long-standing distribution arrangement with the University of Michigan Press in the United States. Recently, Michigan came under pressure when 'Stand With Us' took offense at the fact that it was distributing Joel Kovel's book Zionism and its Discontents. it initially suspended distribution of the book for a few weeks, then announced that it was continuing with it, but would review the entire arrangement with Pluto Press on 19th October. Historian Howard Zinn and many other rallied to Pluto's defence but the worst was feared. For once it has not materialised. Indeed the news is good. As the Pluto Press press release announced on 25th October: For a full account of the controversy and links to the major interventions on all sides see the articles in the online journal "Inside Higher Education": 'A Book on Hold' on 11th September and Michigan Keeps Link to Controversial Publisher on 25th October. 5. The Oxford Union Saga [This is a personal take on the events described below. Richard Kuper] The Oxford Union has scheduled a debate earlier this week on 23rd October: 'This House believes that one state is the only solution Not a new topic exactly, but the unusual thing about this debate was the speakers selected. Either the Oxford Union was being very clever (which I'd like to believe) or just plain dumb. The speakers in favour of the motion were to be Ghada Khami, Avi Shlaim and Ilan Pappe; those against - originally - Norman Finkelstein, Peter Tatchell and David Trimble. David Trimble's is staunchly pro-Israel, but all the others are fierce critics of its policies of occupation. The line-up would, in my view, have had the virtue of making the debate focus on the topic under discussion i.e. the solution to the problem rather than being a constant reiteration of arguments about whether one-staters are by definition 'anti-Israel' or not. It was not to be. First one to put both feet in, so he claims, was Peace Now UK's chair Paul Usiskin. A mailing to Peace Now UK (23rd October) says that he 'told the Union they were seeking sensation over substance but also that they were denying a proper and balanced debate. After a week of contacts with the Union's President Luke Tryll, the Union dropped Finkelstein and invited Usiskin... The debate will proceed with students participating in what Usiskin describes as a "more open forum where a free flow of views can be held."' Unfortunately for Usiskin, the three speakers for the motion, and Peter Tatchell against, all refused to play ball, seeing the dropping of Finkelstein in this way as simply unacceptable. Avi Shlaim is quoted in the Jewish Chronicle, 26th October: “Disinviting a speaker raises questions about the Oxford Union’s commitment to free speech. Unless the invitation to Norman Finkelstein is renewed, I will not take part.” Ghada Karmi's account is here and Peter Tatchell's here. I can see the arguments for wanting other line-ups, but this one had its logic. Perhaps the issue needs to be debated many times with different panels. But that is not what the critics want. For Dershowitz, for example, the very fact of having a one-state argument at all is seen as illegitimate: "The resolution is simply another way of presenting an anti-Israel side (the one-state solution) and a pro-Israel side (the two-state solution)." I think Magnes Zionist got it about right when he wrote on his blog: 'Finkelstein's views on Israel are quite moderate -- he does not demand a dismantling of the Zionist regime, or a return of all the refugees, but merely an end to the occupation. He is no Zionist, and he thinks that the founding of the state in 1948 was a mistake. Big deal. The question was not "Do you support Zionism," but "Do you support a one- or a two-state solution?" But it looks like the Oxford Union didn't realise how brilliant it had been with its invitations and just collapsed under the first criticism. Shame about that. The debate went ahead without any of the external guest speakers - except for Paul Usiskin. I suppose that's one version of claiming to have achieve a "more open forum where a free flow of views can be held". The motion was defeated by 191-60 - whatever that signifies.
6. Action Palestine: 'Fighting for Palestine Students' Conference', Sat 10th November, Manchester Action Palestine was founded in September 2006 by a group of students in Manchester. It has been encouraging the formation of Action Palestine groups at other univerisities and there are now to be five such societies listed - at London Met, Exeter and Leeds as well as at both Manchester universities. It is organising a 'Fighting for Palestine Students' Conference' on Saturday 10th November at Manchester 'The student movement has an important role to play in building support for the Palestinian cause. A lot of great work has been done over the years yet like all student societies; when few active members graduate leaving the society with few experienced people who are often busy with their last year studies, and many energetic but in experienced members who tend to drift away after a while. This along with many other difficulties can be over come through societies working together especially that ones that are geographically close to each other. Many societies managed to pass twinning motions or other types of solidarity policies but never really managed to make it the an active twinning or solidarity, sharing experiences we hope will help people tap into each others experiences and come up with new ideas. The idea of the conference has developed from the interaction between a few active societies over the last year. So far Palestinian solidarity societies and activist from 10 Universities confirmed their attendance as well as other organizations that have traditionally worked with and supported that fight for justice for Palestine such as FOSIS, PSC, Friends of Al-Aqsa, Amnesty international and others.' It also gives eminently sensible advice on organising: Start Action Palestine group in your university: 7. Call for papers: First International Academic Conference, “Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Pathways to Peace”, Connecticut, March 28-30 2008 CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 30, 2007 Sponsored by Central Connecticut State University, Jewish Academic Network for Israeli-Palestinian Peace, American Task Force for Palestine, Geneva Initiative North America "The goal of the conference will be to highlight the contribution that social scientific and humanistic research and scholarship can bring towards conflict resolution, peace and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. Presentations and panels will focus on research examining contributions and instrumental ideas to achieve a just and equitable solution to the conflict. FOR MORE INFORMATION ; e-mail Moises F. Salinas, Ph.D., Chair Reminder about the FFIPP-UK Books for Palestine Project Please help in any way you can. For more information email Richard Kuper at books@ffipp-uk.org We are very grateful to the UCU for including the following in their 'Campaigns Update, 14th September 2007': Books for Palestine UCU is a supporter of FFIPP, the Faculty for Israeli-Palestinian Peace, which is a network of network of Palestinian, Israeli, and International academics and reseachers working for an end to the occupation and for a just peace. In Gaza in particular, universities have been closed for prolonged periods and students prevented from traveling to university to study. Universities in Gaza are also starved of resources. As part of their work to promote academic freedom in the occupied territories, FFIPP are collecting books and donations to help buy study resources. You can help by Please help in any way you can. For more information email Richard Kuper |
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