Dignitaries from the Muslim world are paying respects to the millions of Jews and others who were systematically killed in the Holocaust.
About 150 people, including the Senegalese president, former heads of government and Arab world ambassadors are traveling on Tuesday to the former Nazi extermination camp of Auschwitz in Poland to learn first-hand about crimes perpetrated there during World War II.
The mission is organized by UNESCO, Paris City Hall and a group aiming to fight anti-Semitism and fear of Islam.
It comes amid the recent upheaval in the Arab world that toppled a regime in Tunisia and is threatening Egypt's longtime president, Hosni Mubarak, with whom Israel has painstakingly built strong ties.
AJC.com
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Islamophobic sought to bomb US mosque (USA)
A man planning to blow up one of the largest Islamic centers in the US has been caught with explosives in his vehicle near the mosque, where a large group of people were gathering.
Roger Stockham, 63, was arrested on January 24 in the parking lot of the Islamic Center of America in Michigan while about 700 mourners were gathered inside the mosque attending a funeral, the Associated Press reported on Monday.
Dearborn police Chief Ronald Haddad said that police received a 911 call from a resident.
"I was comfortable with the fact that we had taken him off the street -- he isn't going anywhere," Haddad said. "I think the society he wanted to impact is safe."
Stockham, a resident in Southern California, remained jailed Sunday on a USD 500,000 bond. He will appear in a preliminary examination on Friday.
Stockham had a large number of class-C fireworks including M-80s in his vehicle, which are illegal in Michigan, Haddad added.
Though police authorities believe that Stockham was acting alone in the plot against the Detroit mosque, but they still take him “very seriously.”
The incident comes while a report by the Guardian Weekly says that Islamaphobia is on the rise in America.
Anti-Muslim attacks have sufficiently increased since 2001 and an increasing number of Muslims are subjected to hate crimes.
A quarter of all religious discrimination claims has been filed by Muslims since 2001.
Muslim workers filed record number of discrimination claims in 2010, up 60% from the year 2005.
Protests against the mosque and Islamic center planned to be built about two blocks from ground zero in Manhattan is another example of religious intolerance and Islamophobia in the United States.
Press Tv
Dearborn police Chief Ronald Haddad said that police received a 911 call from a resident.
"I was comfortable with the fact that we had taken him off the street -- he isn't going anywhere," Haddad said. "I think the society he wanted to impact is safe."
Stockham, a resident in Southern California, remained jailed Sunday on a USD 500,000 bond. He will appear in a preliminary examination on Friday.
Stockham had a large number of class-C fireworks including M-80s in his vehicle, which are illegal in Michigan, Haddad added.
Though police authorities believe that Stockham was acting alone in the plot against the Detroit mosque, but they still take him “very seriously.”
The incident comes while a report by the Guardian Weekly says that Islamaphobia is on the rise in America.
Anti-Muslim attacks have sufficiently increased since 2001 and an increasing number of Muslims are subjected to hate crimes.
A quarter of all religious discrimination claims has been filed by Muslims since 2001.
Muslim workers filed record number of discrimination claims in 2010, up 60% from the year 2005.
Protests against the mosque and Islamic center planned to be built about two blocks from ground zero in Manhattan is another example of religious intolerance and Islamophobia in the United States.
Press Tv
Sikh and Hindu groups slam EDL (UK)
Leaders of some of the largest Sikh and Hindu organisations as well as Sikh Students in this country have signed a ‘Joint Statement’ condemning the English Defence League (EDL) including any Sikh youth who support the EDL.
The statement is also signed by two Members of Parliament from Asian background as well as a number of councillors, including Councillor Lakhbir Singh, former Mayor of Luton, who himself had suffered a vicious attack by a racist youth last year after some protests in Luton.
Other signatories include, Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall, the largest Sikh temple outside India, together with many other Sikh and Hindu temples in Southall, west London. Its also been signed by a major Sikh temple in Barking, east London, a hotspot for the British National Party (BNP), as well as by the British Sikh Council (UK), an umbrella organisation for a number of Sikh temples in this country.
The Sikh Student Societies include some of the most famous colleges in London, like the London School of Economics (LSE), University College London (UCL) and Imperial College as well as the University of Hertfordshire.
The statement is also signed by the Indian Workers Association (GB), Sikhs In England ( SIE ), an influential Sikh organisation, and Unite Against Fascism (UAF).
The statement reads, “We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned by the rise in fascism, Islamophobia, anti-semitism and racism. The English Defence League (EDL) has organised events across the country, stirring up hatred, Islamophobia and racism – running riot in some cases and provoking violent attacks on Muslim, black and Asian communities and on Mosques and Mandirs (Hindu temples)”.
It further highlights, ” They are using the old tactics of ‘divide and rule’ and are trying to divide the Asians by isolating the Muslim community. Furthermore, some misguided Sikh youth are letting themselves to be used by the EDL while a Sikh man has disgracefully joined the BNP. These people are helping to spread mistrust within our communities and we whole heartedly condemn their actions”.
And adds that, “At a time of economic crisis with mass unemployment and impending deep public spending cuts - if the racists are allowed to make any further gains then we all would suffer from grave consequences. Thus we urge all Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews and people of other faiths to come together to strongly condemn the actions of these racist organizations and unite to turn back this tide of hatred”.
Balwinder Singh Rana, spokesperson for UAF, also added, “The EDL pretend that they are not racist but they are no different than the old NF and the BNP. Now is the time for Sikhs and Hindus to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Muslim brethren and tell the EDL that their sinister aims of ‘divide and rule’ will not work. Otherwise it’s the Muslims today and it will be all us tomorrow”.
Varinder Singh, youth representative for the Turban Campaign, said, ”It is of great concern that our youth are being recruited into the fascist and Islamophobic ideology which the English Defence League promotes. We as a community must face this threat to our youth head on by staying true to the core teachings of the Sikh Guru’s, which emphasise the importance of pluralism and brotherhood amongst mankind.”
So far the EDL has held more than thirty marches and demonstrations up and down the country, often ending in violence. Now they are to return to Luton on Saturday, 5th February , which they regard their hometown as that’s where they began about 18 months ago.
Councillor Lakhbir Singh, ex Mayor of Luton, who himself had suffered a vicious attack by a racist youth last year after some previous protests in Luton is also one of the signatories.
Asian Image
The statement is also signed by two Members of Parliament from Asian background as well as a number of councillors, including Councillor Lakhbir Singh, former Mayor of Luton, who himself had suffered a vicious attack by a racist youth last year after some protests in Luton.
Other signatories include, Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall, the largest Sikh temple outside India, together with many other Sikh and Hindu temples in Southall, west London. Its also been signed by a major Sikh temple in Barking, east London, a hotspot for the British National Party (BNP), as well as by the British Sikh Council (UK), an umbrella organisation for a number of Sikh temples in this country.
The Sikh Student Societies include some of the most famous colleges in London, like the London School of Economics (LSE), University College London (UCL) and Imperial College as well as the University of Hertfordshire.
The statement is also signed by the Indian Workers Association (GB), Sikhs In England ( SIE ), an influential Sikh organisation, and Unite Against Fascism (UAF).
The statement reads, “We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned by the rise in fascism, Islamophobia, anti-semitism and racism. The English Defence League (EDL) has organised events across the country, stirring up hatred, Islamophobia and racism – running riot in some cases and provoking violent attacks on Muslim, black and Asian communities and on Mosques and Mandirs (Hindu temples)”.
It further highlights, ” They are using the old tactics of ‘divide and rule’ and are trying to divide the Asians by isolating the Muslim community. Furthermore, some misguided Sikh youth are letting themselves to be used by the EDL while a Sikh man has disgracefully joined the BNP. These people are helping to spread mistrust within our communities and we whole heartedly condemn their actions”.
And adds that, “At a time of economic crisis with mass unemployment and impending deep public spending cuts - if the racists are allowed to make any further gains then we all would suffer from grave consequences. Thus we urge all Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews and people of other faiths to come together to strongly condemn the actions of these racist organizations and unite to turn back this tide of hatred”.
Balwinder Singh Rana, spokesperson for UAF, also added, “The EDL pretend that they are not racist but they are no different than the old NF and the BNP. Now is the time for Sikhs and Hindus to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Muslim brethren and tell the EDL that their sinister aims of ‘divide and rule’ will not work. Otherwise it’s the Muslims today and it will be all us tomorrow”.
Varinder Singh, youth representative for the Turban Campaign, said, ”It is of great concern that our youth are being recruited into the fascist and Islamophobic ideology which the English Defence League promotes. We as a community must face this threat to our youth head on by staying true to the core teachings of the Sikh Guru’s, which emphasise the importance of pluralism and brotherhood amongst mankind.”
So far the EDL has held more than thirty marches and demonstrations up and down the country, often ending in violence. Now they are to return to Luton on Saturday, 5th February , which they regard their hometown as that’s where they began about 18 months ago.
Councillor Lakhbir Singh, ex Mayor of Luton, who himself had suffered a vicious attack by a racist youth last year after some previous protests in Luton is also one of the signatories.
Asian Image
Police ask for alcohol ban on day of demonstrations (UK)
A restaurant owner in Luton says businesses in the town will suffer when the English Defence League (EDL) and Anti-Fascist marches take place.
Pubs and restaurants in Luton are being asked by Bedfordshire Police to stop serving alcohol from 12 noon on 5 February 2011.
This is in an effort to reduce the risk of violence between the two factions.
Council leader Hazel Simmons has said the town will be open for shoppers as normal.
However, David Westcott, who has a restaurant in Park Street, has already been told by police not to sell alcohol.
"They have told me to keep the place closed and not to sell any alcohol on the day" he said, "and they'd let us know when it was safe for it to be re-opened.
"Unfortunately, when you've got to employ staff you've got to let them know when you're going to be open so we've got to make a decision whether or not we open which is quite unfair because we'll lose the busiest day of the week."
"Basically Luton's going to close down for the day and the loss and cost to businesses is enormous.
"I think we should be allowed to trade and the police should protect the town at all costs so that the town can trade and not be held to ransom by people who want to march around. OK - they can air their views but the don't have to stop everyone else from working by doing so."
Bedfordshire police say they are not imposing a ban, but asking landlords on a voluntary basis. They said:
"Bedfordshire Police and Luton Borough Council are working closely with all communities, businesses and organisations to ensure our town remains peaceful.
"We are already in consultation with many groups and their representatives such as the Chamber of Commerce and licensees via Luton Safe and through the Community Cohesion Contingency Planning Group meetings."
BBC News
Pubs and restaurants in Luton are being asked by Bedfordshire Police to stop serving alcohol from 12 noon on 5 February 2011.
This is in an effort to reduce the risk of violence between the two factions.
Council leader Hazel Simmons has said the town will be open for shoppers as normal.
However, David Westcott, who has a restaurant in Park Street, has already been told by police not to sell alcohol.
"They have told me to keep the place closed and not to sell any alcohol on the day" he said, "and they'd let us know when it was safe for it to be re-opened.
"Unfortunately, when you've got to employ staff you've got to let them know when you're going to be open so we've got to make a decision whether or not we open which is quite unfair because we'll lose the busiest day of the week."
"Basically Luton's going to close down for the day and the loss and cost to businesses is enormous.
"I think we should be allowed to trade and the police should protect the town at all costs so that the town can trade and not be held to ransom by people who want to march around. OK - they can air their views but the don't have to stop everyone else from working by doing so."
Bedfordshire police say they are not imposing a ban, but asking landlords on a voluntary basis. They said:
"Bedfordshire Police and Luton Borough Council are working closely with all communities, businesses and organisations to ensure our town remains peaceful.
"We are already in consultation with many groups and their representatives such as the Chamber of Commerce and licensees via Luton Safe and through the Community Cohesion Contingency Planning Group meetings."
BBC News
German animal trainer under fire for teaching dog to give Fascist salute
Admin comment: A news item from Germany that really needs a double facepalm.
An animal trainer for German television and movie productions has come under fire for teaching a dog called Goldie to give the 'Heil Hitler!' salute.
Goldie raises her right paw in homage to the Fuehrer in a new production about the destruction of the airship Hindenburg that airs next weekend.
The Zeppelin crossed the Atlantic in May, 1937, but crashed and burst into flames upon landing, killing 35 of the 97 people on board and bringing to an end the age of airship travel.
Goldie plays the pet of a cabaret artiste opposed to the Nazis in the two-part dramatisation.
"Goldie is a professional film dog and has learned many things in his time," said Hannes Jaenicke, the actor who will appear with him.
"It was my idea to get him to raise his paw in the Hitler salute. He got a biscuit each time he did it and an animal welfare specialist was on hand throughout. Animals are strictly regulated when they work for German TV."
But some politically correct animal lovers have branded the salute training a "form of cruelty." Why make a poor dumb animal pay reverence to history's greatest killer," Jens Mueller from Berlin asked?
Several years ago, a crazed neo-Nazi pensioner was jailed for teaching his German Shepherd Adolf to give the Nazi salute outside schools with high numbers of immigrants. His dog was given away to spend the rest of his life with a family with no radical political affiliations.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that a real dog called Jackie saluted when Hitler's name was mentioned in wartime Finland.
In 1941, just before the Nazi attack on the Soviet Union, Berlin told diplomats to gather notes on Finnish businessman Tor Borg's pet, as they felt it was insulting to Hitler.
The Telegraph
Texans protest racist symbols (USA)
Hundreds of workers and community leaders in Houston Monday held a protest rally against a local company they accuse of displaying racist symbols.
Civil rights activist Sara Kane, the Rev. Peter Johnson and other demonstrators massed in front of the Mickey Leland Federal Office Building, pressuring for a federal investigation of the Turner Industries factory in Houston, television station KTRK reported.
The protesters allege Turner, a business servicing the oil industry, has been displaying rebel flags and nooses -- actions they say violate their civil rights.
Turner Industries allegedly has had civil rights complaints in other cities where it operates, KHOU-TV, Houston reported.
Roland Toups, chief executive officer of Turner Industries, responded Monday to a federal lawsuit filed last week in Texas alleging race harassment and discrimination against his company saying, "Make no mistake, Turner Industries stands for diversity and inclusion for all. Our record supports that. We intend to defend our company and the jobs of our 15,000 employees who are employed in various divisions of the company."
UPI.com
Civil rights activist Sara Kane, the Rev. Peter Johnson and other demonstrators massed in front of the Mickey Leland Federal Office Building, pressuring for a federal investigation of the Turner Industries factory in Houston, television station KTRK reported.
The protesters allege Turner, a business servicing the oil industry, has been displaying rebel flags and nooses -- actions they say violate their civil rights.
Turner Industries allegedly has had civil rights complaints in other cities where it operates, KHOU-TV, Houston reported.
Roland Toups, chief executive officer of Turner Industries, responded Monday to a federal lawsuit filed last week in Texas alleging race harassment and discrimination against his company saying, "Make no mistake, Turner Industries stands for diversity and inclusion for all. Our record supports that. We intend to defend our company and the jobs of our 15,000 employees who are employed in various divisions of the company."
UPI.com
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