International Identity

I received following message through the internet: July 23rd: “Former European Parliament Vice President Luisa Morgantini was detained by the Israel Defense Forces during an anti-fence in Bilin protest on Friday together with two other activists. Morgantini was released shortly after she revealed her identity. Sixty nine-year-old Morgantini, an Italian Member of the Euopean Parliament (MEP) has long been an outspoken supporter of Palestinians. She has participated several times in demonstrations in Bil’in and in June 2008 was injured when Israeli soldiers attacked a group of non-violent activists.
Morgantini, who served as Vice President of the European Parliament between 2007 and 2009, today joined over 100 people from the West Bank village in their weekly Friday protest, which began after midday prayers. She was among a group of about 100 internationals supporting the peaceful demonstrators.
Israeli soldiers starting firing tear gas about ten minutes after the demonstration reached the fence that has been built illegally and cuts off villagers from their land. They then chased the protestors and forcefully detained the politician who was held for approximately 30 minutes before being released when her identity became clear to soldiers.
After her release Morgantini said: “I saw Palestinians protesting nonviolently attacked by the army for trying to defend their lands. I strongly encourage the EU to take strong action for the protection of Palestinians and the implementation of their rights.”
One Israeli activist, Kobi Snitz, was arrested while trying to speak to the army in order to secure Morgantini’s release.
Nominated for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize, Morgantini is a leading member of the Italian peace movement and a champion of the Palestinian cause.
Many people suffered from tear gas inhalation and stun grenades thrown into the field, caused a fire among the olive trees.
Today’s protest in Bil’in proves once again that the army is continuing its policy of harshly suppressing demonstrations and arresting non-violent protesters. The demonstration called for the release of prisoners, Adeeb Abu Rahma, Abdullah Abu Rahme, Ibrahim al-Bornat, and Ahmed al-Bornat – all Bil’in residents jailed by Israel for resisting the occupation.”

Pacifism is the Reconciliation of the Human Being with himself

Today at the anniversary of the uprising in Tibet I want to quote some words by Dieter Duhm about pacifism and nonviolence. They are the deepest words I could find. I want to dedicate them to all those who lost their lives in the years of occupation and suppression and I also want to dedicate them to those who survived and still follow the path of nonviolence.
“Violence is the eruption of blocked life energies. Pacifism does not mean to gently appease violence, nor does it mean overcoming conflict through appeals for peace. True pacifism is the radical and intelligent commitment of the human being to the liberation of all life energies and creative forced that are present in him. Pacifism means taking an uncompromising stand for all living beings An uncompromising stand for achieving inner truthfulness and freedom – for pacifism is the reconciliation of the human being with himself.“
(Dieter Duhm: Towards a New Culture)