Ramadan Note

It's Ramadan! A holiest month for us muslim. A month for fasting, praying and giving. One whole month to recharge our faith and feed our soul.
And I've just learned from Velveteen Rabbi, that this year our Muslim holy month of Ramadan overlaps with the Jewish month of Elul.
Like Ramadan, Elul is also a month to reconnect with God.

We can never love our neighbour without knowing them. And it's nice to know that we have something in common.
It's time to start reaching out and learning about others. Looking for similarities rather than differences.

Happy fasting!
May we have a good and blessed Ramadan.

A Birthday Wish

I would love to meet this amazing man and give him a hug. But now, I just wish on August 16 he will be free from all chargers.
He has been pronounced guilty of assaulting a police officer who was demolishing a Palestinian house on July 22, 2007.

Guilty for what?
For saying "Very funny soldier? That the kids will be sleeping outside, that's funny?"?

Ezra Nawi and the laughing soldiers

August 14, a personal letter from Ezra:

This is not the first time that I stand trial for my beliefs. But it is the first time that they will probably be able to stop me.

I always knew that many people silently supported me, and that if I ever got into trouble they would stand behind me. This moment has come.

I have been harassed and targeted throughout the years, because I embody three elements which provoke bigotry in the Israeli society: I am a homosexual, I am a Mizrahi Jew, and I devote all my time to fighting for the human rights of Arab Palestinians.

I am a simple person. I did what my heart told me to do. Looking back, I know that what my friends and I have done is changing the harsh reality of the occupation in the whole area of south Hebron. I feel that now the Israeli authorities are punishing me on a personal level.

I would like to believe that my personal adversity will inspire and motivate individuals to actively oppose the occupation.

Thank you,

Ezra Nawi

In this sad sad world, we need more people like you..
Bless you, Ezra.