Episode 18 - On Syria featuring Sarab al Jijakli

On Wednesday, February 29, Sarab al Jijakli joined Radio Against Apartheid to get us and our listeners up to speed on the Syrian Revolution. Sarab is an organizer with the Network of Arab-American Professionals and the Alliance for Syria. He explained the origins of discontent in Syria, and told us of the extreme violence of the regime of Bashar Al Assad which has claimed over 9,000 lives, incarcerated and tortured over 100,000, and displaced thousands more.

Sarab concluded by giving listeners means to affect change positively for the people of Syria:

1. Refute the propaganda of the Assad Regime (which lies by saying that the situation is complicated by deep sectarianism or that there is a foreign conspiracy to overthrow Assad). Jadaliyya.com and the Local Coordination Committees on Facebook are providing essential news and analysis on Syria.
2. Hold public events about Syria - panels, protests, concerts, fundraisers, etc. - to show solidarity and support for the people of Syria
3. Contribute to humanitarian efforts, such as Islamic Relief.
4. Directly confront regime propagandists here in the United States.

Also on the program:

DJ Ev Daddy and Matt are heading to Occupy AIPAC this weekend! See the compelling article by last week's guest, Medea Benjamin, "Ten reasons why AIPAC is  so dangerous".

News directly from Bethlehem, in the Occupied Palestinian territories of the West Bank, with Palestine News Network. PNN told listeners about demonstrations last Friday, and the Israeli Occupation Forces' attempts to quash the demonstrations in Jerusalem at al Aqsa Mosque and Qalandia checkpoint, and in Hebron. At the demonstration at Qalandia checkpoint, the IOF shot and killed one unarmed demonstrator, Tal'at Ramia. In Hebron, the IOF detained Mohammad Zughayar, the spokesperson for Youth Against the Settlements, at demonstrations to open Shuhada Street, a Jewish-only road through the Palestinian city.

PNN brought attention to Hana Shalabi, a Palestinian who has been on hunger strike for 14 days. 

Next week, PNN will be honoring inspirational women in Palestine for International Women's Day. Nominate a woman in Palestine who inspires you! E-mail your nominations to [e-mail].