London is...

I am very excited about traveling to London for Islam Expo and more..I again rejoice at the opportunity to commune with the world in the greatest capital on the planet, London. And that makes me think of all that London means to me. As previously alluded to on this blog my travels have piqued the interests of my country, the USA, and that has put me in a vunerable position. It saddens me that I am afraid of my own government…but fearful I am. And so after this trip to London I have decided to stop my international travels, for the time being. Having US immigrations play rough with you is not a good position to be in...I have decided to remove myself from that position.

Still my lack of traveling will not change who I am, and I will always lust and crave knowledge of the world (and those who inhibit it) beyond my country of birth. And I will always love and be grateful to London for what that city had given me. And in the spirit of gratitude I would love to give thanks to a city that I have known intimately for 21 years, and a city I will always love.

London is:

1)One of the many cities that my dad was stationed in during WWII. It is the city that dad, a black man felt respected for the first time as a human being by Londoners.

2)It is the city that taught me I had a voice and a right to use it.

3)It is a city that embraced my writing – albeit in small grassroots women’s publications.

4)It is the city that exploded in my mind what it is to be a feminist...And the best word to describe it is global feminism.

5)It is the city that taught me that all policemen are not bad. And I will always be grateful for the wonderful patrolmen of Parliament Hills Field that made sure I got from the Kentish Town tube to my flat safely when I came home late at night after strategizing all day with other feminists.

6)It is the city in which I have huddled in dank, damp and dirty rooms with other women addressing political issues of the day.

7)It is the city that I have found other Muslim feminists.

8)It is the city that I have met women from across the globe that are fighting the fight and dealing with atrocities like forced marriage, rape, scaring, burning and murder of their children.

9)It is a city that celebrates IWD with a power and gusto matched by no other.

10)It is a city that is diversity and during IWD I literately was at an event in which Black, White, Asian, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Baha’i and Buddhist women sat side by side exchanging names, emails and mobile numbers as we all strategized and pontificated on issues of importance to each of us.

11)It is the city in which 3 gay white men came to my rescue when a straight white man followed me (he was running after me) from a bus in an attempt to do God only knows what to me.

12)It is a city “filled” with other vegans like myself.

13)It is city that makes shopping for Halal, vegan food a breeze.

14)It is the city that I wrote a letter to a politician (an MP) asking for an explanation of abuse of domestic workers in the UK. Not only did the MP write back, but he arranged to have a friend talk with me for an hour to provide further clarification.

15)It is the city with St. Joseph’s church on Highgate Hill, the church that was my religious home for many, many years.

16)It is the city with the Feminist Library

17)It is the city with “Gay is the Word” bookstore. Back in the day that store provided a wealth of information for me to take back to my gay friends in Chicago who were being obliterated by the new and frightening AIDS crisis.

18)It is the city with Big Ben. And on New Year’s Eve I always find a way to hear the chimes. They even sound cool over the net.

19)It is the city with Westminster – a symbol of enduring democracy.

20)It is a city with a dynamic Muslim community.

21)It is a city with a dynamic Catholic community.

22)It is a city that in one week I can go to masjid and church.

23)It is the city that encouraged me o grown the perm out of my hair.

24)Home to the British Museum.

25)It is the home of the Thames

26)It is the place that I first met Europe.

27)It is the place I mourned the loss of my father then my mother.

28)It is the place I went to for a week to watch television in my hotel room when I was sad.

29)It is the place I returned to when I was healed.

30)It is the place that I am an American, Muslim, Catholic, and vegan, feminist AND a citizen of the world.

31)It is the place with inhabitants that never seem to believe I am an American…And I have been TOLD I must be South Africa, Northern Africa or Western Africa...It has even been suggested more than once that I must be a Black Arab. Who knew huh?

32)Home to Harrods...Although I do not pass the picket lines.

33)It is a city that has taught me that the world is not black or white but shades of grey.
34)It is the city with vegetarian Irish food.

35)It is a city that has taught me it is what it is..And though I have felt saddened at the fact that I have never been able to make inroads into either London’s Afro Caribbean or Nigerian communities..I know that it is what it is.

36)It is home to the beautiful London Central Mosque.

37)It is a city in which the amazing is possible and I am brought to tears at the memory of an Asian, Muslim, woman dressed in an Abaya and I a Black American, Muslim, feminist (while dressed modestly but not covered) moved beyond our differences and embraced and and expressed words of respect and a few tears while we each gave voice to the other’s rightful place in the Ummah while waiting in line at the 2006 Islam Expo.

38)It is a city that always seems to be under attack, but never fails to prevail.

39)It is the city that I reached out to and London reached back…

40)A city I love.

Long may London reign.

Last update: 26 Dec 2018

The website for Christians Together in Camden

Take a gander at this website for a wealth of Christian and interfaith activities in and around Camden.
http://www.christianstogethercamden.org.uk/

The site is also a great source for Fairtrade activities. Oh yes and this site also gives times and locations for Taize Prayers in London. You have to at least once participate in Taize Prayer. It is yet another powerful way to commune with your maker. Don’t worry about your particular faith, as Taize can be done in complete silence. Just show up and be a part of the divine energy:
http://www.christianstogethercamden.org.uk/content.php?folder_id=17

Taize Prayer takes you to another level.

Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan

RAWA is an independent political/social organization of Afghan women dedicated to the struggle for peace, freedom, democracy and women's rights in Afghanistan. The sisters in RAWA have been in the struggle since 1977.

Their website is extremely informative and up to date. Also sign up for RAWA’s newsletter and show support to our sisters in Afghanistan.

www.rawa.org

A photography exhibition by some female Muslim students

Some images of Muslim females. Take a look at this. It will lead you to an exhibition of New York, Muslim (female) photographers who have taken some grand photos of some of the women in the Ummah. Also read the stories behind some of the women.

http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/3636

Nelson Mandela celebrates his 90th birthday in London

Concert 46664 (which was Mandela’s prison number) will start at 16.00 (4:00pm) on 27th June 2008 in Hyde Park. Proceeds from the concert with go to fund Mandela’s campaign against AIDS. And a ticket is £65.00. Check out this link for more information:

http://music.livenation.co.uk/46664concert/home/?gclid=CKnU_Ims-5MCFQuJ1QodyShGWg

The British Museum celebrates 04th July 2008 with the Yanks

If you are in the capital on 04th July 2008 drop in at the British Museum from 18.30–21.00 (6.30pm-9.00pm) for the festivities that include food cantering to the taste buds of those of us you rein from across the pond, jazz music, Native American crafts and printmaking, talks on The American Scene Exhibit. Give it a look.

Nearest Tubes: Russell Square and Tottenham Court Road
http://www.britishmuseum.org/
Address: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7323 8000/8299
Fax: +44 (0)20 7323 8616
Email: information@britishmuseum.org

Check out the Big Dance event in Trafalgar Square 12th July 2008

Your chance to dance or watch dancing...

If you are going to be around Trafalgar Square on Saturday, 12th July 2008 at 4pm check out what promises to be a gala dance occasion. I will not be a participate, but I will be watching..........................If you have more rhythm than me check out (and register) this link:

http://www.thebigdance2008.co.uk/


This event is sponsored by the Mayor of London's Office

My Thoughts on the Hunt

While in London for International Women’s Day I happened to watch The Qatar Debates (http://www.qatardebate.com/events/), and one of the panelist referred to the worldwide search for terrorists who identify themselves as Muslims by the various intelligence agencies as the Hunt. I am sure the term is an old one, but it is new to me. And my thoughts on the concept are equally as new.

In general I would say that I am a pacifist, but I am old enough to know that the USA like all countries needs the type of protection that only agencies such as the FBI, CIA and Secret Service can provide. The reality is that there are people with imagined and real grievances against the USA, and they seek to give vent to their ire through violent means. This can not be tolerant by any country, as there are courts, agencies, and a myriad of world-wide associations and groups where people or groups can and should seek redress. Violence is never an acceptable answer in any society…………………………………..And agencies like the FBI and CIA must protect the citizens of American. However there must be checks and balances in how these agencies protect.

I would think that there must be a personality type that is attracted to the FBI, CIA and Secret Service that would include a mixture of traits of intelligence, curiosity, courage, loyalty, and aggression. It is a good thing that the men and women who populate these agencies are more aggressive than not, BUT………………………There must always be agencies and procedures that provide checks and balances to what these folks do in the field and beyond. For example using airport passport control for the less than appropriate questioning and search of law abiding American citizens is nothing short of circumventing the Constitution and should not be allowed.

Agents in the FBI and CIA will always want to push the envelope to get the most desirous results. Indeed that is what they are trained to do. But the USA simply can not allow that to happen. When the folks of these agencies push the envelope the Constitution, committees, courts, laws and agencies that monitor them must and should push back. That to and fro may be bothersome to many, but it is what will keep this country a true democracy.

It is not particularly realistic for any of us to think that those who are in the heat of a hunt will remember such niceties as civil liberties, the rule of law or even the Constitution. Again, that must be done by those who watch and mind the hunters.

This I think not only makes for a purer democracy, but a safer one. Many innocent Muslims feel as though they are prey and that can be no good for the country or the agencies who hunt. A community that feels under siege is less likely (or willing) to provide valuable intelligence information to these agencies if they are being unjustly profiled or harassed. And surely the hunters want intelligence from a myriad of sources and not by and large from those ensnared in the system and imparting intelligence only because they have brokered a deal with their attorney.

And in closing allowing those who hunt to ravage through the lives of the innocent is something this country must never be a part of. The damaging of the innocent (whoever they may be) is more than collateral damage; it is an affront to the Constitution and everything America stands for.

Zimbabwe is calling for the support of the global village

Zimbabwe’s presidential election is Friday, 27th June 2008. Voice your contempt for the intimidation and violence that Mugabe’s administration is using to silence the will of the people. President Mugabe routinely uses rape, the withholding of food, false imprisonment and torture and more to maintain his rule of totalitarianism. Enough is enough.

Make yourself heard, and be a part of the global village.

Check out this website and please sign the petition: http:

www.zimbabwe-27june.com

The Irish give thumbs down to the Lisbon Treaty

Ireland has spoken and 53% of those casting votes have said no to the Lisbon Treaty which means it will not become law (for the moment) in the EU, as the treaty must pass all 27 member states to be ratified.
Here are the basics on the Lisbon Treaty:
1. Reduce chance of stalemates in the EU Council through more qualified majority voting
2. A stronger European Parliament
3. Elimination of the pillar system
Creation of a President of the European Council and a High Representative for Foreign Affairs
Lastly if ratified, the Treaty of Lisbon would also make the Charter of Fundamental Rights (human rights provisions) legally binding across all 27 member states.

It is thought by some that the main reason the Irish voted no was a fear of a loss of their autonomy including losing the right to ban abortion and gay marriage among other issues.

This is a quick and dirty take on a monumental and complex occurrence in EU history. For more detail check out: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/06/13/europe/union.php

Oh yes and this bit on Ireland may be a bit off topic, but I did live in Ireland for a year. And though it has been a decade since I set foot on the Emerald Isle it is a country that stays near and dear to me………………………………………I am just not ready to make a return visit to this most complex tiny island. I would elaborate, but perhaps that is best left to another blog.

10 Downing Street responds to Save Southall Black Sisters' petition

Number 10 Downing Street has responded to the petition to Save Southall Black Sisters, the charitable organization with expertise in the issue of domestic violence in the Black and minority women’s communities.
Read the petition:

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to urge the Department for Communities and Local Government to clarify it’s position on 'community cohesion' in relation to organisations providing non-generic, essential services to vulnerable people, such as those provided by Southall Black Sisters, a pioneering secular organisation that supports women victims of domestic violence from a wide range of ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds in Ealing Southall and beyond. More details
Submitted by Jessica Southgate – Deadline to sign up by: 06 May 2008 – Signatures: 902
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SaveSBS/


And the response from number 10 Downing Street:
Savesbs - epetition reply
13 June 2008
We received a petition asking:
"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to urge the Department for Communities and Local Government to clarify it's position on 'community cohesion' in relation to organisations providing non-generic, essential services to vulnerable people, such as those provided by Southall Black Sisters, a pioneering secular organisation that supports women victims of domestic violence from a wide range of ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds in Ealing Southall and beyond."
Details of Petition:
"Southall Black Sisters, a pioneering and pre-eminent organisation for women victims of domestic violence from black and ethnic minority communities, is facing possible closure if Ealing Council goes ahead with a plan to cut its core funding from 1st April 2008. Ealing Council's decision is based on the view that Southall Black Sisters is a 'single group' organisation and therefore promotes segregation within the community. This view fails to take account of two things: 1. SBS is a secular organisation, helping women from a wide variety of religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, by empowering them to access what are universal human rights. 2. SBS possesses the specialist knowledge and experience to reach and help this broad range of women, who, due to their social, economic and cultural backgrounds, can be among the most marginalised and voiceless women in British society."
· Read the petition
· Petition's home page
Read the Government's response
We recognise the good work Southall Black Sisters have done in the local community and the national impact that they have had.
In February of this year we published a consultation document on cohesion guidance for funders, setting out how building relationships with people from different backgrounds helps to ensure stronger community relations, as well as identifying some risks run by work focused only on a particular group. We published a consultation rather than final guidance as we want to learn from the experience of funders and funded organisations and develop the guidance in line with the commitment in the Compact on relations between Government and the Voluntary and Community Sector to consult on issues affecting the sector. We stated in our guidance that there may be reasons for different consideration on funding organisations that help tackle domestic violence and would encourage funders to take this guidance into account when making their decisions.
Further Information
http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page15744.asp

Plug into Amnesty International and you do your part

Amnesty International has an urgent call (UA 166/08) out for the release of Iranians:

Fathollah Manouchehri Fouladvand (aka Foroud Fouladvand)
Alexander Valizadeh (aka Kourosh Lor)
Nazem Schmidtt (aka Simorgh)

Fathollah Fouladvand is the leader of Anjoman-e Padeshahi-e Iran (API), a group which advocates the restoration of the Iranian monarchy. It is believed that Mr. Fouladvand and Mr. Vlizadeh and Mr. Schmidtt (also members of the same group) are all being detained in Tehran and subject to torture and ill-treatment with the possibility of death.

For more detailed information and what you can do to help check out Amnesty International’s website: http://www.amnestyusa.org/actioncenter/actions/uaa16608.pdf

A Delegation from the EU for the USA

Here is some interesting information on the EU. It is made up of the following countries:

Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom

Also take a look at the Europe Union Delegation of European Commission to the USA’s web page: http://www.eurunion.org/

There is loads of information on what the EU is and how it works. Also order some of the free publications (must have a USA address) for in-depth analysis on a myriad of aspect of the European Union from increasing trade from between the EU and Asia to civil rights issues unique to each member state (country). And download "The European Union: A Guide for Americans."

The House of Commons narrowly accepts PM Brown’s 42 day detention law. Now the law goes to the House of Lords for consideration. Very quickly the new law would allow the police to detain some terrorist suspects without charge. For more information on the pending change in the law and stats on the vote go to the BBC website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7448341.stm

War on Terror and Civil Liberties in the UK - And 42 day detention for terrorist suspects in the UK

For a lively discussion addressing the threat of terrorism without trampling on civil rights check out this week's Prime Minster's Questions . The debate between PM Gordon Brown and Tory Leader David Cameron is quite topical and interesting.

Here are some links:

Number 10:

http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page306.asp


Tory Slant:

http://www.conservatives.com/tile.do?def=news.story.page&obj_id=145241

C-Span:

http://www.c-span.org/Series/Prime-Minister-Questions.aspx


By the by C-Span shows Prime Minster's Questions three times a week. On Wednesdays at 6am (CST) and Sundays at 8pm & 11pm (CST). Prime Minster's Question is truly democracy in action as the various UK poltical parties hash out their constituent's issues/interests/concerns face to face..........................And they are so polite as they metaphorically slash each other to bits. It is so British, and I love it.


Also it is interesting to watch both Mr. Brown and Mr. Cameron as they maneuver and stretch as leaders of their respective parties. And though I tend to be on the more liberal side of the political spectrum I must admit that Mr. Cameron is turning out to be quite the political shinning star. Bravo Mr. Cameron.

Some mutterings and primal anxiety, as I prepare to cross the pond for Islam Expo

Originally published 08 June 2008
Last updated 30 September 2019

After more than 21 years of international travel my globetrotting (albeit it rather limited to London of late) seems to have caught the interest/attention of the powers that be in my country of birth, America.  As mentioned in a previous post on this blog I was stopped and integrated by two CBP (Custom Border Patrol agents (women) while two men watch (one male CBP agent and a man in a suit taking notes) in November 2007.

 It was nothing short of frightening, humiliating and demeaning. Then in March of this year (2008) I was stopped again on my return home (to the USA) and questioned again by one the two women who questioned me in November 2007. It is quite “interesting” that my government thought it was necessary for me to meet again one of the four people who had so violated me in November 2007.

In July 2008 I am crossing the pond to attend several Islamic functions. As always I will be forthcoming with British Immigrations about the purpose of my trip. In addition, I register my trips with the US Embassy in London via the State Department offers a free online service for all Americans to register their trips abroad. Which means what I am doing in London should be of little surprise to anyone. Still I must admit, I am nervous about facing Immigrations in my own country – my country of birth.

It is not that I have anything to hide…on the contrary as stated above my travels should be of little surprise to an. Still I am leery of US Immigrations. Of late I feel that the “War on Terror” has been engulfed with a mentality that is a mixture of fear/lack of knowledge/hubris/intimidation...that often leads to bullying people simply because they look, act, sound, or are perceived to be 'different.' 

Literally when walking through an airport in America I get the feeling that CBP has been programmed with the mantra, “US against them.” And I wonder if this is an effective manner of protecting America?

I have always thought that the role of Customs/Immigration in this country (or any country) was to protect the borders and gather intelligence all while operating under the auspice of the rule of law. 

If what is happening to me and many others that I know crossing the pond is indicative of a pattern…that is simply not the case. Instead I feel that the role of CBP is simply to instill feelings of fear and intimidation amongst the general population...focusing particularly on the population of travelers who are deemed to be "different" and therefore not one of "US".

People are routinely singled out because they “appear” to be Muslim or are traveling alone. In fact two years ago on a transatlantic flight returning to the States there was a Muslim woman traveling with her young son; she was wearing a hijab. I and another woman warned her that she would be singled out for harassment because she was visibly Muslim and traveling with a young child. 

She naively thought we were wrong. Sadly we were right…and literally the woman was being screamed at and told they (CBP) could not understand what she was saying. Now I cannot say with 100% certainty that this woman was a benign international traveler, however her accent laced English was easily understood by all – except it appears the two CBP agents screaming at her.

And then my experience of November 2007 being screamed at by a young, Latin X,  woman as she walked me from the plane to passport control…I still wonder how her behavior aided the US in keeping our borders safe? Also as this young, female CBP agent led me from the exit of the plane to passport control she spoke to me in Ebonics.

 Her neck gyrated to and fro like a turkey ready for battle as she waved her hands around in this most distasteful caricatured of a Black woman. She let me know right away that she thought I was a criminal and then she said she was sure that I was stopped all the time by CBP.  That was an interesting comment. Was the ISIS agent yet again voicing her beliefs that I was a nefarious character that needed to be rooted out...Or was she admitting CBP propensity for stopping women of color?

In fact the more vocal of my integrators was so sure I was up to something that she did not even bother to look at my passport file once I was processed through passport control. This young woman seemed to have a mission at hand, and it seemed to be completely based on her voicing her beliefs that my international travels were unusual and therefore I must be up to something despicable. 

It was also interesting to note that this young woman seemed to quite enjoy and found great pleasure in screaming at me and demeaning me. In fact this Custom Border Patrol agent thought it was even necessary to scream at me when she thought I was walking to fast too towards the passport control desk. At when I turned to look at her face her nostril were flared and she was smirking from ear to ear. Quite odd indeed.

Is that also an aspect of the “War on Terror”? And what was the substantive value of the racial/ethnic editorializing by CBP Agent and her hostile demeanor?I was watched while I collected my bags by the young female CBP agent and the man in a suit. Then I was walked by the volatile/violent young, female CBP agent and another female Custom Border Patrol  agent. I was taken to an open area where my luggage was searched by the older (of the two) female CBP agent while the younger female CBP agent continued to scream at me, call me a liar and tell me that I was making up stories.

The "gentleman" in a suit watched this freak show in abuse and took notes, while a black male CBP agent stood by and observed. I think this man’s role was to somehow “legitimize” this travesty simply because he was there and black, as he said nothing and did not “actively” participate in this civil rights carnage. 

Another interesting side is that the two men watched as the women, particularly 'Ms. Volatility' ripped me apart for 30 minutes. Every-time I looked away from the women I noticed the two men just staring at the mundane items (like business papers and programs from a museum and art gallery) taken out of my luggage.

The two men never directly made eye contact with me. I suppose the way they mollified their guilt and shame for watching me getting “mauled” was to not connect with me as a human being. It worked because the ladies continued in a frenzy that was akin to two lionesses in a hunting frenzy.

I am very curious what they could have possibly gleamed from the exercise in violation of my human rights. What kind of people could participate in and/or watch something like this for 30 minutes? Oh and the reason my detention finally stopped was that I was trembling and near tears. And what did they learn, nothing, as what I told them was information readily at the hands of the USA government. And in my passport file – and that would be the same passport file that the young, female, ISIS agent neglected to read. Is America safer as a result of what they did to me (and what I hear they are doing to countless others)?

I personally think the directive being employed by CBP is a “fast food” approach to national security. And stopping people of color simply because their genetic ancestry is not from Europe or they are "Muslim looking” people or lone women travelers are really way too simplistic criteria to have an effective impact on reducing the legitimate threat to America. I mean if I a middle-aged, accountant can pick out who will be stopped by CBP then something is clearly wrong.

Now the reality is that stopping (and making a great show of it) hijab wearing women, bearded men and “darkies” of all persuasions might make some people feel safe in and out of CBP but what does it accomplish? Really if one is aiming to do harm to America then to lessen the likely-hood of being stopped by CBP most people should now know you shouldn’t “look” Muslim and you might want to steer clear of the tanning salon or the sun and if you are a lone traveler than hook-up with someone if only to have a traveling companion. I know (and hope) the “random” selection of international travelers for secondary interviews might be more complex than that, but with CBP agents making racially inappropriate comments one wonders?

In closing the Ummah (the world wide Muslim community) is comprised of over a billion people. We rein from a plethora of countries, cultures, ethnics groups and ideologies. For CBP to be instructed to use a black and white paradigm (which is my belief) when the world is filled with shades of grey...is I think less than productive. Really there have always been Black, American, Muslim, Vegan, Anglophile, Middle-Aged, Feminists with Catholic leanings in the Ummah...It is you who have now only just realized that.

PS – To my friend “D” may I always have the courage that you show in your life...I am going to need that courage to deal with the powers who decide what is what.

Wassalaam,

Debra V. Wilson 

Upcoming events for Camden Abu Dis

Check out the following events for Camden Abu

(1) CADFA reception for the Palestinian children (and their teachers) - Tuesday evening 17th 7pm Torriano Meeting House - Please bring a dish to share (this will be supper for our guests so we are talking food rather than snacks) and come on time! We would like to eat and mingle at 7 (and again after the meeting that follows... )

(2) Public meeting for Refugee Week - PALESTINIAN REFUGEES - Tuesday evening 17th 7.30 pm Torriano Meeting House (our usual open meeting time)Talks bySirat Sandouqa, head of the UNWRA School, Abu DisAmjad Taha, Nakba 60Palestinian refugee from 1948 (invited)followed by discussion.NOTE - We would like to move this to a bigger room if we can find one (no luck so far) - any (rapid) help appreciated.

(3) CADFA PICNIC with the Palestinian children - Saturday lunchtime, 21st June, meet near the Parliament Hill Bandstand 1pm - bring food to share.

(4) MIDSUMMER CONCERT at Holy Cross Church, Cromer Street, 7pm - Saturday 21st June - with Wisam Boustany (flute)Ahmed Eriqat (oud)the Sadaqa trioGuests of honour Dr Manuel Hassassian, George Galloway, Dr Husam Zomlot, Sirat Sandouqa and the Palestinian childrenEntrance free thanks to sponsorship by Spiderednews.comand we hope for your donations towards the children's visitDo come early to ensure you get a seat.

(5) INTERNATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL at Hampstead Town Hall - Sunday 22nd June 1-4 pm includesthe Palestinian kidsPalestinian storyteller Rasha Hamamimusic, song, film by kids from various Camden youth groups and schoolsWe are hoping for the rough cuts of the Abu Dis kids' films - they have been working on them for the past few weeks!--------------------

Go to the source: www.camdenabudis.net

London United and pitbulls

London United in Finsbury Park on Sunday, 13th July 2008 is the annual free festival that aims to celebrate and embrace the rich diversity that is London through live music and other performances.

I attended London United in 2006 and it was well “interesting”. The music was great; however the second hand smoke was a bit daunting. And well I just did not know there were so many pitbulls in London. For some reason beyond my comprehension many of the young men in attendance seemed to think it was necessary to bring along their canine friend and the canine of choice seemed to be a pitbull. And speaking of young men the gender/age mix leaned heavy on the testosterone pumping crowd under 25 years of age……………………………..so um I will probably attend London United, but as I did in 2006 I will limit my visit to less than an hour.

Oh yes the police presence in 2006 was heavy, heavy, heavy…………………………………And if you do decide to attend let the cops be your guide. And when I saw the local men/women in blue get “nervous” I left. Still, London United gives you a less than glamorous – yet still valid view of London. And watching performance from every ethnic group in London is awe inspiring. All I say is watch the cops and when they start huddling together and calling for back-up – leave.
And yes I still love London even while attending a “thugged” out music festival.

For more information on London United follow the weblink: http://www.risefestival.org/

Big Dance in London 05th - 13th July 2008

Hey while in London for IslamExpo I am going to check out some other events around the capital. And I am looking forward to watching (but not participating in) the Big Dance in London.
Strictly speaking dancing is viewed as haram in many quarters of the Muslim world…………………………Still to watch a person master the art of moment without crudeness is an art form to me. So I shall hunt and peck through the boroughs of London city for Big Dance events. Check out the Mayor of London’s website for more information: http://www.london.gov.uk/bigdance/

The Big Dance runs from 05th – 13th July 2008. Watch and maybe even participate in the Capital’s week long celebration of movement to a beat.

Midsummer Concert - Music from East and West

Camden Abu Dis Friendship Association in association with the London Club invite you to a Midsummer free concert.

Music from East and West including Ahmed Eriqat from Abu Dis, oud the Saddaqa Trio from Camden, violin and viola.

When: 21st June at 7pm
Where: Holy Cross Church, Cromer St WC1

Guests of honour include Dr Manuel Hassassian - George Galloway - Dr Hussam Zumlot & Palestinian children visitors from Abu Dis.

Entrance will be free thanks to sponsorship from SpideredNews.com & all donations welcome.
All proceeds go to CADFA for the Abu Dis children's visit to Camden.
No advance booking, so please come early to ensure you get a place.

For more information go to: www.camdenabudis.net

Women's Leadership Summit in Canary Wharf

Take a look at this Women's Leadership Summit. It is expensive, but still give it a look.........................................the website is great and informative.

2008 Women's Leadership Summit By Aurora
OVER 150 IMPRESSIVE DELEGATES

Wednesday 4 June 2008The Marriot, Canary Wharf, London
Why attend:The Summit showcases the very best in female business leaders across sectors, discussing the exciting business critical projects they lead and the challenges they face. Learn about wider business issues, network with corporate colleagues from across sectors, be inspired to accelerate your own career.

Delegates include: Accenture, Aviva, Bank of America, British American Tobacco, Canon, Capital One, Channel 4, Cisco, Clifford Chance, Credit Suisse, Dell, Deloitte, EDF Energy, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Eversheds, E&Y, Goldman Sachs, Google, IBM, Infosys, KPMG, MBNA, McGraw Hill, Microsoft, MTV, National Grid, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Rabobank, Royal & SunAlliance, Royal Mail, RWE Npower, Schlumberger, Shell, UBS, Unilever, Zurich Financial and many more leading corporate organisations ...

Over 30 impressive female business leaders from progressive corporations discussing their work, the markets, their companies ... and their views on the Gender Agenda !

For more information follow the weblink: http://www.wheretowork.com/women2008/register.asp

Join the Millenium Group project in Empowering Women for Peace and Democracy

The Millenium Group project was launched in the House of Lords on April 21st and our first Information/Training Day was held on April 24th. Both attracted many enthusiastic participants and the Launch was the subject of a Sky Television programme on May 9th. We would now like to invite your members to our Second Information/Training Day on:
Saturday 14th June 2008
Venue: The Ba'hai Centre, 27 Rutland Gate, London SW7 1PD
Closest tube station: Knightsbridge
Time: 10.00am - 5.00pm(registration at 9.30)
Theme: Overcoming Institutional Barriers to Gender Equality
Speakers in the morning: Dr Jocelynne Scutt: 'Overcoming Barriers in Australia 'Dismantling Discrimination in Austria (Speaker TBC)UN Protection of Human Rights (Speaker TBC)LUNCH
Speakers in the afternoon: Elizabeth Sidney OBE, Chair WAFETina Coombes, Vice president Europe WFWP International'Overcoming Barriers to Women entering Parliament' (Speaker TBC)