Newt Gingrich, the leading republican nominee for president, received $10 million towards his campaign from wealthy, hard-line Israel supporters. In the wake of these generous contributions, Gingrich’s commentary regarding Palestine has caused a legitimate concern amongst many who are aware of the realities regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

CAIR-Chicago Intern Noor Salahuddin discusses the humanitarian flotilla to Gaza that was prevented from delivering aid by Greek authorities at an Athens port. Noor dispels false claims made by Israeli officials in their attempts to delegitimize the humanitarian mission.

CAIR-Chicago Civil Rights Director Christina Abraham discusses veteran reporter Helen Thomas’ criticism of Israel, and deputy managing editor of the Jerusalem Post, Caroline Glick’s offensive spoof of the Gaza Flotilla massacre entitled “We Con the World.”

“The irony is not lost on me that Israel would argue self-defense in a situation where it attacks peace activists in international waters,” said Ahmed Rehab, of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

“The United States should recognize, as Israel’s ally, that it must demand that Israel plays by our standards of respect for human rights and international law.”

“Israel is often dubbed “the Jewish State” by its supporters, so it is not out of left field to question whether its actions should be taken as a reflection of Jewish values,” writes Ahmed Rehab.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today urged President Obama to condemn what the Muslim civil rights group called an Israeli “massacre” of civilians on a flotilla of ships in international waters seeking to bring humanitarian aid to the people of the Gaza Strip. Israeli commandos killed at least 10 civilians in a pre-dawn raid on the flotilla.

Israel’s attack on the flotilla has already been condemned by the international community.

Despite an abysmal record on human rights, he has been invited by the University’s Harris School of Public Policy, as a leader with a vision of “achieving prosperity through peace.” CAIR-Chicago’s Civil Rights Director Christina Abraham will address the hypocrisy of this invitation at a press conference outside the event. Also read CAIR-Chicago’s Action Alert regarding this issue,
HERE.

Olmert was prime minister during Operation Cast Lead in which Israel Defense Forces killed more than 1,400 Palestinians and wounded more than 5,300. Olmert is also responsible for implementing the siege on Gaza, now well into its third year. The siege has plunged more than 80 percent of the population into abject poverty.

What: GAZA UNDER FIRE: Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis

Disappointed by the country’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a group of about 65 people stood in silent protest in Oak Park Monday (Jan. 19).