MRN

The aspiration of the Media Review Network is to dispel the myths and stereotypes about Islam and Muslims and to foster bridges of understanding among the diverse people of our country. The Media Review Network believes that Muslim perspectives on issues impacting on South Africans are a prerequisite to a better appreciation of Islam.

End Isaraeli apartheid

by MRN
January 1, 2013July 25, 2013

Gaza Freedom Marchers issue the "Cairo Declaration" to end Israeli Apartheid

(source:ZNet)

(Cairo) — Gaza Freedom Marchers approved today a declaration aimed at accelerating the global campaign for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israeli Apartheid.

Roughly 1400 activists from 43 countries converged in Cairo on their way to Gaza to join with Palestinians marching to break Israel’s illegal siege. They were prevented from entering Gaza by the Egyptian authorities.

As a result, the Freedom Marchers remained in Cairo. They staged a series of nonviolent actions aimed at pressuring the international community to end the siege as one step in the larger struggle to secure justice for Palestinians throughout historic Palestine.

On Gaza drivers rumours Egypts steel wall

by MRN
January 1, 2013July 25, 2013

By Ramzy Baroud

(source: Palestine Chronicle)

gaza taxis

Those pesky taxi drivers of Gaza are always circulating rumours. One story that made the rounds during the first Palestinian uprising in 1987 claimed that an Arab army crossed the Sinai desert to save Palestinians from the daily killings and protracted state of siege which caused untold suffering for civilians.

The army in question would change from time to time, but the focus inevitably returned to Egypt. The rumour of an Egyptian military intervention persevered through the years, and it registered deeply in Palestinian psyche, especially among those living in Gaza.

My father, as many in his generation, fought in the Egyptian army and the Palestinian Liberation Army. Following defeat in the war of 1967, he was hauled along wounded and dead Egyptian soldiers across Sinai, as well as on a floating army bridge over the Suez Canal under intense Israeli aerial bombardment. As a child, I once accompanied him on a journey to an impoverished neighborhood in Cairo to look for an Egyptian war buddy of his. When we found out that he was long dead, my father wept. Confused and scared among the ailing buildings, I too cried. Indeed, the bond between Egyptians and Palestinians is historical, everlasting, cemented in blood, sweat and tears.

Resist new travel measures mrn

by MRN
January 1, 2013July 25, 2013

(source: VOCfm Online)

The increased security measures being introduced in many countries after a failed attempt to bomb a US plane last month amounted to clear racial and religious profiling. As such, it should be resisted more than accommodated, said Iqbal Jassat, chairperson of the Gauteng lobby group, the Media Review Network (MRN), on Tuesday evening while speaking on VOC’s Late Night Live.

The comment came after the US announced that it would toughen security measures for US-bound airline passengers from or via 14 countries. This includes Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Yemen, Iran, Sudan, Syria and Cuba. Passengers holding passports from those nations, or taking flights that originate or pass through any of them, will be pulled aside for pat-downs and extra screening. Among others, their luggage and clothing will be checked for traces of explosive and they will be required to pass through controversial full-body screeners at airports equipped with the machines.

Joint press release

by MRN
January 1, 2013July 25, 2013

A Call To Israel: " Lift The Siege On Gaza"

The Muslim Judicial Council and Media Review Network forwards its support and well wishes to the representatives of the 42 countries, who through their concern and consciousness of the plight of the people of Gaza, gathered in Egypt for a noble attempt to March for the Freedom of Gaza, gain global support and pressure Israel into lifting the siege.

It is with pride that we have witnessed humanity standing up with strong convictions to defend an embattling nation against a brutal and powerful occupation army in order to allow another people an opportunity to live a life of freedom and dignity.

While we witnessed representatives from various countries STANDING UP, Egypt has failed this noble cause by towing the line in favour of Israeli policy at the expense of humanity through its senseless limitation of activists attending the Freedom March into Gaza. We urge the Egyptian government to rethink its position as supporters of evil and oppression will be judged alongside its allies.

Historically, global resistance success was always led by a united and committed front, a position reiterated by South African’s who rejected Egypt’s limitation by expressing an “all or none” position for the attendees of the lift the siege protest march.

Success cannot be achieved if the mission is divided, so the united message to Israel and its allies is: “Lift the siege and allow Gaza to breathe”.

Dr. Firoz Osman
Secretary-General,
Media Review Network
Cell: 082 337 6976
E-mail: fhosman@iafrica.com

Nabeweya Malick
Public Affairs & Media,
Muslim Judicial Council
Cape Town
Cell: 083 408 1157
E-mail: pro@mjc.org.za