Einstien's Letter to NewYork Times published Feb 04, 1948

 New Palestine Party. Visit of Menachen Begin and Aims of Political Movement Discussed. A letter to The New York Times. Saturday December 4, 1948 by Albert Einstein, Hannah Arendt, Sidney Hook, et.al.

New Palestine Party. Visit of Menachem Begin and Aims of Political Movement Discussed. A letter to The New York Times, published in the "Books" section (Page 12) of Saturday, December 4, 1948

by Albert Einstein, Hannah Arendt, Sidney Hook, et.al.

Source: Text from original microfilm

TO THE EDITORS OF NEW YORK TIMES:
Among the most disturbing political phenomena of our times is the emergence in the newly created state of Israel of the "Freedom Party" (Tnuat Haherut), a political party closely akin in its organization, methods, political philosophy and social appeal to the Nazi and Fascist parties. It was formed out of the membership and following of the former Irgun Zvai Leumi, a terrorist, right-wing, chauvinist organization in Palestine.
The current visit of Menachem Begin, leader of this party, to the United States is obviously calculated to give the impression of American support for his party in the coming Israeli elections, and to cement political ties with conservative Zionist elements in the United States. Several Americans of national repute have lent their names to welcome his visit. It is inconceivable that those who oppose fascism throughout the world, if correctly informed as to Mr. Begin's political record and perspectives, could add their names and support to the movement he represents.
Before irreparable damage is done by way of financial contributions, public manifestations in Begin's behalf, and the creation in Palestine of the impression that a large segment of America supports Fascist elements in Israel, the American public must be informed as to the record and objectives of Mr. Begin and his movement.
The public avowals of Begin's party are no guide whatever to its actual character. Today they speak of freedom, democracy and anti-imperialism, whereas until recently they openly preached the doctrine of the Fascist state. It is in its actions that the terrorist party betrays its real character; from its past actions we can judge what it may be expected to do in the future.

Attack on Arab Village
A shocking example was their behavior in the Arab village of Deir Yassin. This village, off the main roads and surrounded by Jewish lands, had taken no part in the war, and had even fought off Arab bands who wanted to use the village as their base. On April 9 (THE NEW YORK TIMES), terrorist bands attacked this peaceful village, which was not a military objective in the fighting, killed most of its inhabitants (240 men, women, and children) and kept a few of them alive to parade as captives through the streets of Jerusalem. Most of the Jewish community was horrified at the deed, and the Jewish Agency sent a telegram of apology to King Abdullah of Trans-Jordan. But the terrorists, far from being ashamed of their act, were proud of this massacre, publicized it widely, and invited all the foreign correspondents present in the country to view the heaped corpses and the general havoc at Deir Yassin.
The Deir Yassin incident exemplifies the character and actions of the Freedom Party.
Within the Jewish community they have preached an admixture of ultranationalism, religious mysticism, and racial superiority. Like other Fascist parties they have been used to break strikes, and have themselves pressed for the destruction of free trade unions. In their stead they have proposed corporate unions on the Italian Fascist model.
During the last years of sporadic anti-British violence, the IZL and Stern groups inaugurated a reign of terror in the Palestine Jewish community. Teachers were beaten up for speaking against them, adults were shot for not letting their children join them. By gangster methods, beatings, window-smashing, and wide-spread robberies, the terrorists intimidated the population and exacted a heavy tribute.
The people of the Freedom Party have had no part in the constructive achievements in Palestine. They have reclaimed no land, built no settlements, and only detracted from the Jewish defense activity. Their much-publicized immigration endeavors were minute, and devoted mainly to bringing in Fascist compatriots.

Discrepancies Seen
The discrepancies between the bold claims now being made by Begin and his party, and their record of past performance in Palestine bear the imprint of no ordinary political party. This is the unmistakable stamp of a Fascist party for whom terrorism (against Jews, Arabs, and British alike), and misrepresentation are means, and a "Leader State" is the goal.
In the light of the foregoing considerations, it is imperative that the truth about Mr. Begin and his movement be made known in this country. It is all the more tragic that the top leadership of American Zionism has refused to campaign against Begin's efforts, or even to expose to its own constituents the dangers to Israel from support to Begin.

The undersigned therefore take this means of publicly presenting a few salient facts concerning Begin and his party; and of urging all concerned not to support this latest manifestation of fascism.

ISIDORE ABRAMOWITZ,
HANNAH ARENDT,
ABRAHAM BRICK,
RABBI JESSURUN CARDOZO,
ALBERT EINSTEIN,
HERMAN EISEN, M.D.,
HAYIM FINEMAN, M. GALLEN, M.D.,
H.H. HARRIS,
ZELIG S. HARRIS,
SIDNEY HOOK,
FRED KARUSH,
BRURIA KAUFMAN,
IRMA L. LINDHEIM,
NACHMAN MAISEL,
SEYMOUR MELMAN,
MYER D. MENDELSON, M.D.,
HARRY M. OSLINSKY,
SAMUEL PITLICK,
FRITZ ROHRLICH,
LOUIS P. ROCKER,
RUTH SAGIS,
ITZHAK SANKOWSKY,
I.J. SHOENBERG,
SAMUEL SHUMAN,
M. SINGER,
IRMA WOLFE,
STEFAN WOLFE.
New York, Dec. 2, 1948

This work is assumed to be released into the public domain as a public manifesto or open letter which is not known to be licensed.

"Family First: A Journey of Priorities"

Before the vows, before the ring,

Before the start of everything,

For women all around the world, Family's been the flag unfurled.

For me, my child at just four months, 

Brought with them both joy and crunch, I left my job without a fuss, For family, I knew, was a must.

Contrary to what some may say, 

My career didn't last long that way, For four short years, I took to task, The time to care for those who asked.

But even though my work had ceased, 

My pursuit of knowledge had increased, For study kept my mind alight, And showed me things beyond my sight.

So, I worked to bring about a change, 

For families who needed to arrange, Their work and life in perfect tune, So that they could thrive, not just cocoon.

And with my children's care in line, 

I knew the time was finally mine, To reach out for that coveted goal, And earn a degree from Harvard's bowl.

An activist through all my life, 

I fought for what was just and right, But even with this passion true, My family's needs came shining through.

For in this life, it's plain to see, 

Family comes first, that's the key, And all the work we do and chase, Must take a back seat in its place.

Shakespeare's Venice: Where Stories Come Alive

In Venice's streets, where waters flow,

Lived Shakespeare's characters long ago,

Where merchants traded and lovers met,

A stage was set, a scene was set.

From fair Portia with her caskets three,

To shy Antonio with his destiny,

Shylock, the Jew, with his pound of flesh,

And Othello, the Moor, in love enmeshed.

In Venice's canals, where gondolas glide,

Were plots and twists that did reside,

The Merchant of Venice, a tale of love and loss,

In this city of beauty, where passions crossed.

The streets of Venice were where they dwelled,

Beneath the moon, the lovers spelled,

In the gardens of Belmont, secrets were kept,

And friendships formed, in friendships, wept.

But though the characters are but a tale,

Their stories live on, they never fail,

For in Venice's heart, their spirits reside,

In this city of love, that cannot be denied.

Oh Venice, where Shakespeare's characters dwell,

In your streets and canals, their tales still tell,

Of love, of friendship, of betrayal and more,

In this city of beauty, where the heart can soar.

Tazeen Hasan

#Venice, #Shakespeare, #merchentofvenice #Othello

Mother's Sacrifice: The Beauty of a Noble Cause

This sonnet praises a mother's sacrifice for her children as she leaves her career with grace and might. She walks like beauty in the night, leaving the mundane and fights behind. Her children's smiles light up her path as she steps into her role every day. Though her career is derailed, her love guides her way. Her legacy is her motherly love, that's beyond compare.

Tazeen Hasan 

Amidst the bustle of life's stage and plight,

She steps away from the glare of the light,

For the sake of her children's young delight, She departs with grace and power of might.

She walks like beauty through the night's embrace, Leaving behind the rat-race and the chase, Her children's smiles light up her weary face, As she sets forth on her motherly place.

The once tumultuous life takes a pause, As motherhood becomes her noble cause, Though her steps may be slower now, her voice Rings out with love that leaves no other choice.

With each arduous and demanding day, Her love guides her on the right motherly way, And though her career may now be derailed, Her children know that she has never failed.

For the gift of her time and tender care, Is a mother's love that's beyond compare, Her legacy, her shining light, her heart, That guides her steps with grace right from the start.

Thus, she'll always walk with beauty and poise, For in her children's eyes, she has no flaws, And though her career she may leave behind, A mother's love will never fade nor unwind.

A Tale of Apartheid and Settler Colonialism: House Demolitions in Kashmir and Palestine

 A Tale of Apartheid and Settler Colonialism: House Demolitions in Kashmir and Palestine

Tazeen Hasan

In two far-off lands, on opposite sides of the earth, A story of destruction, of homes and hearth, Kashmir and Palestine, both places we know, Where houses are razed, and families made to go.

In Kashmir, the army rolls in with tanks and guns, Bulldozers and explosives, the job has begun, They give no warning, no time to pack, As they shatter the walls, and the roof they hack.

In Palestine, it's the Israeli army's might, The bulldozers come, day or night, With no care for the people, who call it home, Their houses are leveled, to the ground they're thrown.

Both places are scarred, by these acts of violence, As families are left, with no place to find solace, Their memories, their dreams, their hopes and their fears, Are crushed, shattered, in a flood of tears.

The world looks on, with a deafening silence, As the people of Kashmir and Palestine, Are left to bear, the brunt of this hate, Their stories, their pain, they cannot abate.

Yet, amidst all this, they rise up again, With a resilience that's hard to contain, Their spirit, their strength, they will not yield, For in their hearts, a flame still burns, unhealed.

So, let us stand with them, in their darkest hour, And lift our voices, with all our power, To tell the world, that we will not be still, Till their houses are rebuilt, on the same old hill.

Khurram Parvez - A Hero's Struggle for Human Rights in Kashmir

 

Like a hero bold in the Kashmir strife, Khurram Parvez defends human rights with might, Amidst the darkness of oppression's life, He stands with courage and a spirit bright. Settler colonialism, a brutal foe, Genocide and homes demolished with disdain, The fate of Kashmiris, a tragic woe, And yet, Khurram's voice rings clear, a refrain. But fate has dealt a harsh and cruel blow, For he is detained, his voice now hushed, His message buried, a hero's spirit low, Injustice reigns, his spirit crushed. Yet still, his legacy endures with grace, For justice and freedom, he ran his race.

ibn khuldoon

"جب ذہن کسی رائے یا مذہب میں ڈوبا ہوا ہوتا ہے تو فوراً اس خبر کو مان لیتا ہے جو اس کی رائے یا مذہب کے موافق ہو کیونکہ اس کی بصیرت پر تعصب و محبت کی پٹی بندھی ہوتی ہے جو اسے تحقیق و تنقید سے روک دیتی ہے اور وہ جھوٹی خبر قبول کرکے غلطی کا شکار ہوجاتا ہے۔"

مقدمہ ابن خلدون۔ اردو ترجمہ (ص،145)

بشکریہ ڈاکٹر ساجد علی