Why can't I buy a Kufiyeh at Urban Outfitters anymore?

Been slacking on the postage for some time but there has been quite a bit of action on Palestinian issues here in New Orleans.

This past week GUPS(General Union of Palestinian Students) hosted poet Remi Kanazi at the University of New Orleans.



If your in New Orleans on May 19th, you won't want to miss George Galloway speak at UNO as well.




A few inspirational videos I've come across:

First up, Invincible; a female Jewish rapper with a pro Palestinian/human slant(sorry I have to point that out but you don't come across too many). She recently performed in NOLA:




Second up, Narcicyst; a Canadian of Iraqi descent. Hilarious video!



On the local front; here in New Orleans, LSU is trying to destroy the Charity Hospital that serves mostly mentally and physically poor people of the city. Here's a link to support Save Charity Hospital

and a quick video on the issue:



Last up; if you're looking to purchase a Kufiyeh made by Palestinians and not some major manufactured one from Urban Outfitters, you might want to support The Kufiyeh Project.

Till next time!

Israel: Back against the wall

I don't know what to say. We are in the 20th day of this fucked up onslaught of killing. Over 1,000 people killed. Thousands more injured. People are starving and scared.
Are we not human beings or what? This makes my blood boil! Just imagine if this was being done to you and your family. It would make me want to go and hurt somebody(putting it nicely).

As a Jew, I have always been taught to have empathy for others and I think that's a basic principle for any human being. This type of killing and oppression is not the Jewish trait I was brought up to believe in.

From what I hear, the majority of Israeli's support this "war". Now why would they feel like this? Is it that they are scared? Is it that they feel guilty for oppressing other people? Are they confused that they have built a foundation on quicksand?
I can imagine it being confusing when you are a second or third generation person being brought up in Israel and you are thrown into this mix, but it takes a lot of courage to look at yourself and say, "maybe I don't belong here", "maybe I should look a mile away and see what's really going on".

Is it realistic that "Israeli's" are going anywhere, anytime soon? Probably not. But if they want to stay there, I think some serious ego checks are in order from the Israeli government. I think the people of Israel are reasonable people(at least I hope) and would go with serious concessions to restore their faith from the rest of the world.

Rant rant rant..........

Gaza rally in New Orleans last weekend

Another rally this Sunday for those in New Orleans. Contact me if you'd like details.

Photos by Abdul Aziz