Assalâmu alaykum (Peace be with you) On behalf of the Muslim community of Leicester you are cordially invited to…

‘Stop Now’

…Lebanon, Gaza & the Middle East Crisis

Highfields Community Centre- Main Hall | Sunday 30th July 2006 | 2 – 5pm


Abstract

As Israel orders the whole population of southern Lebanon to flee their homes before a full-scale invasion of Lebanon, the whole world except George Bush and Tony Blair say Israel should be answerable to the International community; and above all the war crimes must stop now. Israel is systematically destroying two countries, Lebanon and Palestinian Gaza. None of us can stand aside in silence and watch this happen.

The US Government and unfortunately also the British can clearly not be trusted to bring about any ceasefire; and why would they? They themselves have conducted a series of military campaigns with similar consequences for civilian populations. This is the aim; where a mindless war on terror, only creates more terror to the innocent.

For too long have the Arabs been left in a state of humiliation, occupation, degradation;
For too long has the focus of Western diplomacy solely focused on the protection of Israel; it is time both Arab and Israeli; Muslim, Christian and Jew are all treated with absolute equality and fairness by the International community.

We urge our British Government to finally act with urgency with the international community to demand a ceasefire, to ensure that the rule of law and any possible implications are investigated fully with perpetrators charged and all conflicts in the region are resolved in a fair, legal and sustainable manner.

The world is witnessing a country, in the words of the Lebanese government, being bombed back 50 years, with over 400 Lebanese civilians killed, unknown numbers buried in the rubble of villages flattened by Israel's onslaught, Beirut now under colossal bombardment, thousands injured and without access to medical help and Lebanon's civil infrastructure completely devastated.

Today the Muslim and wider community of Leicester join together to speak out; Stop Now!


Event Schedule: Sunday, July 30th, 2006 | 2:00 – 5:00PM | 4th Rajab 1427AH

2:00 Welcome | Introduction | Event Overview
Ibrahim Hewitt, Chair, Interpal

2:10 The Muslim Community of Leicester Demands for a ceasefire: ‘Stop Now’
Dr Abdul Karim Gheewala, Chair, FMO

2:20 ‘The forgotten war’ Palestine: Who are the real terrorists in the Middle East?
Ismail Adam Patel, Friends of Al Aqsa

3:00 Break | Refreshments

3:10 ‘The forgotten wars’ Iraq, Afghanistan: No more Bliars
Chris Talbot, Leicester Campaign to Stop War

3:30 Q&A Session: Ibrahim Hewitt, Ismail Adam Patel, and Chris Talbot

4:40 Dua for all past & present victims of religious and politically motivated violence