Students urge PLO envoy not to attend Jewish lecture - But Palestinian Ambassador not deterred!!!

by Ilan Solomons on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 9:29pm

 

 http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=307220
Published yesterday (updated) 11/08/2010 19:54
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- A Palestinian student union has called on PLO ambassador to South Africa Ali Ahmed Halimeh not to attend a conference organized by a Jewish student group scheduled for Thursday.
The Palestinian Student Campaign for the Academic Boycott of Israel in Gaza said in an open letter that Halimeh's participation in a South African Union of Jewish Students lecture entitled Towards Peace in the Middle East – The Status of Current Democracy "as antagonistic to the values of our people, and it cannot be subsumed under the framework of diplomatic duties as SAUJS is neither a governmental nor parliamentary organization."
The student union said the South Africa Palestine Solidarity Campaign views the group as "part of the Zionist lobby, which is known to work relentlessly to support Israel and whitewash Israel's crimes."
"SAUJS considers Zionism as one of its three main pillars - in addition to "Jewish Identity" and "South Africa" - as is mentioned on their website. This ensures SAUJS's unconditional support or apartheid, and Israel's killing and ethnic cleansing policies, which have led to the displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians, and suffering caused by 62 years of ongoing Nakba."
According to the group's website, the Jewish organization hosts "interesting speakers, do interfaith events, have great socials, provide religious learning in own Beit Midrash, participate in political debates, do outreach work, help get exams moved from Jewish holidays and fight anti-Zionism on campus."
1 ) Ilan Solomons / South Africa
11/08/2010 14:06
If any one has any problems about this event I am one of the co - ordinators of this event as I am the National Liaison Officer for SAUJS.
His Excellency will be discussing the subject with an ex-Anti-Apartheid Activist and Israeli Human rights actvist, Benjamin Pogrund, this topic is important for University students and is intended to be a platform where serious issues can be discussed and debated at a university audience!Any one wanting to know more can contact me @ liaison@saujs.co.za
2 ) David / South Africa
11/08/2010 16:07
Benjamin Pogrund might have been an "Anti-Apartheid activist" of the white liberal variety, but today he supports Apartheid in Israel, and is an apologist of Israel and a propagandist for Zionist racism. It is fitting that he speaks on the platform of a Zionist-racist organisation. But it is disgusting that the "Palestinian ambassador" speaks on that same platform.
3 ) Daniel / South Africa
11/08/2010 23:28
For those of you who don't know the recent history of SAUJS and the PSC let me explain. In the last 3 years SAUJS has hosted multiple anti-xenophobia events, assisted survivors of the Rwandan Genocide and Congo War, securing finances and accommodation for underprivileged non-Jewish inorder to further their studies, engaged with South African Muslim Organisations inorder to promote dialogue. The PSC's most notable event is hosting an event that was later declared to contain Hate Speech by the HRC