Expulsion of 415 Palestinians
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The Israeli decision to expel 415 Palestinians is a continuation of the Israeli government’s disregard for human rights, political freedom and basic standards of dignity espoused by the West.
Those victimized are mainly Palestinian families who have lost their sons, brothers and fathers, and who have lost educated and productive members of the Palestinian community. The fact that these men were not charged with any crime before the expulsion exposes the true intent of the Israelis, that is, to rid Palestinians of the leadership necessary to defend their basic rights of freedom and self-determination.
For Israelis to indicate that their brutal action against the Palestinians was “the most humane of all options” is a travesty. The actual source of the violence is Israel’s occupation and dehumanization of Palestinians. We Americans should abhor collective punishment, whether in the form of mass deportation or indiscriminate house demolition, and we should accept the human inclination to resist occupation.
MAHER HATHOUT, Chairman
Islamic Center of Southern California
SALAM AL-MARAYATI, Director
Muslim Public Affairs Council
Los Angeles
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