| Zionist MP Smears MPACUK |
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| Tuesday, 20 May 2008 | |
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The follwing is a letter to Andrew Dismore (MP) in reply to his vile attack on our organisation. We must question if people with such pro israeli agendas should be part of our elected government. Shouldn't they be working for us, the British electorate and not Israel? ............. Dear Mr Dismore, We are writing in order to correct certain inaccuracies in your description of Muslim Public Affairs Committee UK in the House of Commons on 15th May 2008. MPACUK’s stance against anti-Semitism is clear and unambiguous. Anti-Semitism like Islamophobia and racism is an appalling attempt at demonising and discriminating against a community because of their religious belief or racial background. We deplore such acts without reservation. There is no place for such a point of view in society today and incitement to hatred against Jews is quite rightly illegal. MPACUK have strongly condemned examples of anti-Semitism perpetrated by Muslims [1]. We have highlighted the importance of standing together to fight prejudice and discrimination [2]. We have worked with and publicly supported Jewish campaigners for Palestinian rights. For instance last year MPACUK joined the ‘Enough! Coalition’ with the Jewish Socialist Group, Jews Against Zionism, Jews for Boycotting Israeli Goods, Jews for Justice for Palestinians as well as many Christian groups, trade unions and charities [3]. We also strive to educate the Muslim community that Israel and its supporters do not represent all Jews, and to highlight the good work being done by many Jews fighting for Palestinian rights [4]. Despite our clear and unequivocal position against anti-Semitism, opponents of MPACUK have attempted to label MPACUK as anti-Semitic. Jewish writers such as Tony Greenstein and Mark Elf have refuted these accusations against MPACUK as being an attempt to smear a pro-Palestinian Muslim organisation [5]. It is regrettable that you chose to recycle these accusations in the recent parliamentary debate on anti-Semitism. Your description of MPACUK included a number of inaccuracies [6]. The leaflet describing Lorna Fitzsimmons MP as "a Jewish member of the Labour Friends of Israel" was produced by the Association of Rochdale Muslims, and not by MPACUK. These facts are well documented in Channel 4’s documentary Operation Muslim Vote which followed our campaign closely. The documentary showed how MPACUK campaigned against Lorna Fitzsimons (and other MPs, including yourself) due to their pro-war, pro-Israel stance and not for any other reason. To suggest that Muslim voters would not vote for a Jewish MP shows deplorable anti-Muslim prejudice, and is clearly disproved by the factual record in constituencies such as Bethnal Green and Bow (where the Jewish MP Oona King was elected by the constituency with the highest number of Muslims, until she voted for the Iraq war). Many respected human rights organisations have documented the plight of civilians, including children, killed by the Iraq war, and by Israel. You equate our strong condemnation of Mike Gapes’ support for these policies to the anti-Semitic blood libel – a myth common in the history of European Christian anti-Semitism. Such an outrageous comparison seems even more tendentious considering that, as far as we are aware, Mike Gapes is not Jewish. In addition to the smear of anti-Semitism you also accuse MPACUK of “extremist views”. It is difficult to imagine what you consider extremist when MPACUK opposes Muslim extremism [7] and campaigns for democratic participation [8], mosque reform [9] and women's rights [10]. The Institute for Community Cohesion recently described MPACUK as an organisation “which addresses issues of concern for young Muslims from all backgrounds, encouraging the use of the ballot box to make a change… in accordance with the British democratic values of free speech and lobby.” [11] Regarding the issue you raise of registration with the Electoral Commission, they clearly advise that registration is only relevant for those organisations wishing to exceed the specified spending limit on election literature [12]. Furthermore concerning your other accusations, running a website without first buying or renting office space is common practice for grassroots organisations, and again it is difficult to imagine how this should constitute a concern. You go on to refer to MPACUK’s strongly anti-Zionist stance. As everyone is aware anti-Zionism does not equate with anti-Semitism. Zionism is a political ideology, and anti-Zionism is a stand against the discriminatory policies and practices of Israel. Academics such as the Harvard professors Mearsheimer and Walt have documented how the blurring of this clear distinction and confusion of anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism is commonly used to deflect criticism of the state of Israel [13]. Recent examples of those standing up for the Palestinian people who have faced accusations of anti-Semitism include journalists such as Johann Hari [14] and Robert Fisk [15], even former U.S. President Jimmy Carter [16], and organisations such as Christian Aid [17]. "The main purpose behind these periodic, meticulously orchestrated media extravaganzas is not to fight anti-Semitism but rather to exploit the historical suffering of the Jews in order to immunize Israel against criticism.". (Norman Finkelstein) [18] Such baseless accusations can only lead to real discrimination being overlooked – including the discriminatory policies of Israel towards the Palestinians. It is clear Israel does not speak for the whole Jewish community. Some of its most prominent critics are Jewish, such as academic Jacqueline Rose who is one of the most vocal advocates for the boycott campaign. In contrast you have chosen to speak for Israel and not for the Jewish community as a whole. Your membership of Labour Friends of Israel [19], various speeches in Parliament [20] and signing of Early Day Motions [21] on behalf of Israel signal clearly your pro-Israel political agenda. These were the reasons MPACUK unambiguously stated for opposing your re-election campaign in 2005. One would hope that a person in such a responsible position would take greater care and consideration of the consequences of his words - rather than fight against anti-Semitism you are devaluing its meaning. Rather than defending Israel, you are only making it clear that its policies are so wrong that they need to be shielded from criticism. Having thus misrepresented MPACUK’s policies and activities your statement concluded, “I hope that we will stand united against their activities and that the Government will take action in that regard." While we would not expect support from those members of Parliament whose re-election we have opposed, we believe it is their duty to uphold the British traditions of free speech and democracy. We call on the government to make clear that it will protect the freedom of British citizens to campaign peacefully and democratically for the human rights of Palestinians and to speak out against the political ideology of Zionism.
Yours sincerely,
References 1. E.g. http://www.mpacuk.org/content/view/2782/39/ 2. E.g. http://www.mpacuk.org/content/view/2821/39/ 3. http://www.enoughoccupation.org/?lid=13717 4. E.g. http://www.mpacuk.org/content/view/4091/103/ http://www.mpacuk.org/content/view/4611/ 5. http://www.mpacuk.org/content/view/2920/39 http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/tony_greenstein 6. http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debate/?id=2008-05-15a.1584.0
7. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4676524.stm
11. Understanding
and appreciating Muslim diversity: towards better engagement and participation, p.22 12. http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/regulatory-issues/legthirdparty.cfm 13. Mearsheimer, J. and Walt, S. “The Israeli Lobby” http://www.lrb.co.uk/v28/n06/mear01_.html 14. http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/johann-hari/ 15. http://www.counterpunch.org/fisk04272006.html 16. http://mediamatters.org/items/200605180005 17. http://www.ngo-monitor.org/article/ 18. Finkelstein, Beyond Chutzpah, 2005, p.21) 19. http://www.lfi.org.uk/who_we_are 20.http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates           Readers have left 19 comments.
W Potter:
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MPs like Andrew Dismore and other Friends of Israel lobbyists are a disgrace for democracy, all have to be exposed. Well done MPACUK.
(1)
2008-05-20 13:37:46
Taz:
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It's standard practice of Zionists to smear supporters of the Palestinians as anti-Semitic. I say ignore the prat.
(2)
2008-05-20 14:02:04
Kam-ikaze:
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Since you have clearly stated that you are strongly anti-Zionist and this does NOT equate to being Antisemitic, then it follows that people may be strongly anti-Islamism and not be against Muslims since Islamism is a political idealogy which comes from the root of a religion, Islam. Zionism comes from a religious root of Judaism.
Fair is Fair!
(3)
2008-05-20 14:22:08
Stu:
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Since you have clearly stated that you are strongly anti-Zionist and this does NOT equate to being Antisemitic, then it follows that people may be strongly anti-Islamism and not be against Muslims since Islamism is a political idealogy which comes from the root of a religion, Islam. Zionism comes from a religious root of Judaism. — Kam-ikazeFair is Fair! ermm.... do you need to spend a lot of time studying before you pass idiocracy and graduate as an idiot or can anyone be one. Of course as a zionist you would think that your religion is holier that no other religions exist including humanity starts and ends with zionists that allegedly beleive in judaism.... this kind of thinking is the root cause of many of the problems that exist.
(5)
2008-05-20 15:28:27
Shireen:
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Kam-ikaze:
So far so good. However, Jews are a race, whereas Muslims are not. You are comparing apples with pears. The correct analogy is: Jews/Judaism; Muslims/Islam. Perhaps you ahould be attacking not "Islam'ism'" (whatever that is), but rather, KHILAFA-ISM (the desire to have a land/region/country ruled by a Khalifa, purporting to be Islamic but in reality run according to non-Islamic intolerance). Khilafa-ism closely resembles Zionism. Can't see the point of an Israel, now that anti-semitism has been outlawed in all Western democracies. Similarly, Khilafa-ism is just some ill-educated people (mainly youths) looking at early Islamic societies through a rose-tinted telescope of History. The public in so-called Islamic countries watches SkyTV and BBC, so how could a Khalifa possibly rule according to 7th/8th Century traditions? Of course there is a crucial difference even between Khilafa-ism and Zionism: proponets of Khilafa-ism want to rule themselves in their own lands; Zionism requires the theft of another people's land. Nevertheless, they are both nonsense.
(6)
2008-05-20 15:57:09
A A:
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Just checked his voting record:
* Voted against a transparent Parliament. * Voted for introducing ID cards. * Voted for introducing student top-up fees. * Voted for Labour's anti-terrorism laws. * Voted for the Iraq war. * Voted against investigating the Iraq war.
(7)
2008-05-20 16:12:01
Don:
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The man's stand just does not make sense and it seems he is using his position and time as an mp to try and attack those who campaigned against him. Maybe he is hoping to create a witch hunt before the next election so you can't campaign against him again.
Doesn't he care about his consititents. Don't they have any issues that they would like him to speak out about? I'm sure that they would rather he used his energies in representing their issues in their parliament that they elected him to? Good letter mpacuk, there should be more like it. The man's totally lost the plot.
(8)
2008-05-20 16:45:29
Same Old from MPs:
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It looks like, anyone who wants to get votes, they'd come out with "we love Isreal, and we kiss your butt and yes, we agree, Isreal as a state and should have...blah, blah, blah."
You hear it most of time, where mps and even OBHAMA in US, has to answer, "No, I do not agree with so so, and I believe in Isreal to have its..." and all because the interviewee pushed him to talk about Isreal. Hey Andrew Dismore. Your work is about to backfire. I don't know how many assumption this thick twat has made but it sure looks like they are full of it behind doors but in public, they are in hiding. Well Andrew. It sure looks like, you're full of garbage and need to get your info intelligence sorted.
(9)
2008-05-20 17:54:44
Shamim Khan:
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Kam-ikaze: — ShireenSo far so good. However, Jews are a race, whereas Muslims are not. You are comparing apples with pears. The correct analogy is: Jews/Judaism; Muslims/Islam. Perhaps you ahould be attacking not "Islam'ism'" (whatever that is), but rather, KHILAFA-ISM (the desire to have a land/region/country ruled by a Khalifa, purporting to be Islamic but in reality run according to non-Islamic intolerance). Khilafa-ism closely resembles Zionism. Can't see the point of an Israel, now that anti-semitism has been outlawed in all Western democracies. Similarly, Khilafa-ism is just some ill-educated people (mainly youths) looking at early Islamic societies through a rose-tinted telescope of History. The public in so-called Islamic countries watches SkyTV and BBC, so how could a Khalifa possibly rule according to 7th/8th Century traditions? Of course there is a crucial difference even between Khilafa-ism and Zionism: proponets of Khilafa-ism want to rule themselves in their own lands; Zionism requires the theft of another people's land. Nevertheless, they are both nonsense. You need to reconsider this perspective as the Khilafa is mentioned in authentic hadiths and that 'Khilafa on the pattern of Prophethood' will return again according to a a sound hadith (Musnad Ahmad). Also, whereas the Zionist state is an apartheid state, the Khilafa will give equal rights to its citizens, regardless of religion.
(10)
2008-05-20 18:11:16
F Cockburn:
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This is the man who cares so much about this Country and its hard earned cash that he decided in 2003/2004 to spend a whopping £147,650 in expenses, placing him 9th amongst the 650-odd MPs.
This also included a staggering £26,664 for stationery (and associated postage costs), placing him at the No 2 position. Not content with that, the man also loaded £12,091 for centrally purchased stationery placing him firmly in position as the Petty Cash King/Queen (delete as appropriate). His hands must have been well and truly sore claiming all that cash. And that’s not all. Can the man gas for the money that’s given him: - ''An MP has talked - and talked and talked ...with a speech lasting 197 minutes'' Chapped lips as well. So oil the wheels of gas power by sending your new bottles of Vaseline complete with fullest of instructions to Andrew Dismore….. that’s assuming the old boy can’t claim them on expenses. References: Theyworkforyou & BBC
(11)
2008-05-20 21:38:11
mohammed:
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I don't agree with a lot of things that MPAC say, and sometimes i feel there is a lack of islamic ettiquete. However, on this ocassion i have to say that the scholarly way you have argued your point is commendable.
Labour MP's feel it is necessary to protect the rights of the zionist state and also to be its propoganda arm in the UK. Hence the Labour Friends of Israel. I wander if anyone in the Labour party has thought of forming a Labour Friends of Palestine? Instead we have Muslim Friends of Labour. Sounds like the Yes Sir mentality still exists.
(12)
2008-05-20 22:07:28
Zayba:
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This guy is totally pro-israeli and i supporter of right wing hindu lobby he loudly opposed louis farrakhan coming 2 uk because hes anti-semitic of course but he was completly quiet about narender modi coming 2 uk in fact hes never mentioned never mind condemnd riots in gujarat which killed over 2000 muslims these lives mean nothing 2 him.
(14)
2008-05-21 10:17:45
akram:
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for all those who want to do something about Dismore, keep hold of your anger. Come election time you can help us get rid of this man forever. By volunteering a few hours to help MPAC get rid of him. Read his speeches on www.theyworkforyou.com, and then be prepared to do something about him.
(15)
2008-05-22 14:46:59
wendy mann:
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Since you have clearly stated that you are strongly anti-Zionist and this does NOT equate to being Antisemitic, then it follows that people may be strongly anti-Islamism and not be against Muslims since Islamism is a political idealogy which comes from the root of a religion, Islam. Zionism comes from a religious root of Judaism. — Kam-ikazeFair is Fair! there is no such thing as 'islamism' except in the minds of neo conservative zionists who have coined the term in order for it to relate in a negative context to other isms such as marxism , socialism, communism. anti semitism relates to semitic peoples, they however may be of the jewish faith and not of the jewish faith, however it is more commonly used when referring to prejudice against jewish people or judaism. importantly we should recognise that this does not exclude its usage in terms of anti semitism that might be directed towards muslims or christians for that matter. jewish people are not a 'race' other than being part of the one we all belong to. zionism is in fact a political ideology that is about subverting religious texts for personal / political greed, power . zionists may have a religion, for eg christian, jewish, hindu and even muslim but they may equally be of no faith, no religion. it is purely a political ideology that subverts religious texts. when you reference islamism what you are actually referring to are 'zionist muslims', these are individuals or groups who like jewish or christian zionists are prepared to subvert religious text for their personal and political goals.
(16)
2008-05-23 01:02:36
Kiwi:
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SHIREEN:- You say Zionism requires theft of another people's land - the Jews (and Christians) inhabited those lands long before the Arab armies poured out of Arabia and subjugated and stole them. Just as they did to the Byzantine Empire, North Africa, Spain, Italy, the Balkans - need I go on?
SHAMIM KHAN:- Would those equal rights be the same oppressive regulations endured by the 'dhimmis' in Islamic lands? ZAYBA:- Whilst I also condemn the 2000 muslims killed by the indigenous Hindus in the Gujara riots, we must not forget the 70 million Hindus slaughtered in the Islamic invasion of India. Muslims kept meticulaous records of the numbers they killed for 'jihad'.
(17)
2008-05-23 05:47:49
F Ewell:
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Quite right Akram.
Oddly enough there is very little on this man's private life on the 'Net', not even on everyday sites like Wikipedia...nothing on his wife/family. Can someone look into this as to why in time for the elections? He also likes his ''fact finding'' and ''study'' trips to ....sunny Cyprus. Again these trips have been freeloaded.
(18)
2008-05-23 06:57:33
Shane:
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Semite is someone who is from the Middle East, that means ARAB as well. This fifth columnist spent so much BRITISH money on what? This needs to be investigated.
British or zionist, you cannot be both.
(19)
2008-07-16 20:29:01
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MPACUK is used to being challenged for the work we do. Sometime the challenges come from Muslims themselves. Other times it can be the press, media and critics who do not support us and might misreport something or a website that may publish quotes out of context. The worst smear mongering and opposition comes from Zionists and their supporters. When we take a stance against the brutal oppression of the Palestinians by Israel we expect opposition but when those people turn out to be members of our own government supporting state terrorism abroad it is time to expose the lies and smears publicly.
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