June 1, 2004
The debate continues. We have received two queries from a journalist in the Jerusalem Post, Michael Mylea. He is asking for our position regarding the MRSCP, and has some specific questions. Issam and I are working on sending him the answers today. It’s the same kind of questions about the project and the Mezan being anti-semitic. (I will copy-paste the two messages below).
Also, I thought it is important to send you our response. I am sure that Michael will also be ‘selective’ in publishing the parts supporting a one-sided article. I wrote to him that we’re sendingthe letters to the MRSCP, too, and that they would be on the website, trying to make the selections a bit better.
Also, we have recieved letters from friends in the US, who were angry at the way the media treating this issue. We’re developing a 100-word-response to the NYT, which published (JO NAPOLITANO)’s article.
It is only a bit difficult for me and Issam to focus on this important issue for we have plenty of work that we cannot put aside. We would have done much more, otherwise.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Mahmud
Here are the two messages:
From: “Michael Mylrea”
To:
Sent: Sunday, May 30, 2004 6:17 PM
Subject: I’m a reporter for the Questions from Jerusalem Post. I’m currently following your proposal to create a sister city with Rafah
To whom it may concern,
My name is Michael Mylrea. I’m a reporter for the Jerusalem Post. I’m currently following your proposal to create a sister city with Rafah. If you could entertain any of the following questions it would be greatly appreciated. I spoke with Dr Emad Sha’at, deputy mayor of Rafah, and he sends his regards. Thank you very much for your time and attention.
1)What was your first reaction and general feelings about Madison adopting Rafah as a sister city?
2)What do you feel it is important to adopt Rafah? What was your motivation,etc?
3)Opponents of the project argue that donations from Madison could be funneled to some sort of terrorist entity in Rafah? How do you respond to this
4) Who is leading the movement to adopt Rafah as a sister city and why?
If there is anything you would like to add or relevants contacts you feel would strengthen my article it wikd be appreciated. Thank you very much for your time and attention.
Regards,
Michael Mylrea
The Jerusalem Post
972 2 531 5610
From: “Michael Mylrea”
To:
Sent: Monday, May 31, 2004 11:50 AM
Subject: important questions about rafah madison sister city arrangment
Issam Younis,
An opponent of the Rafah-Madison plans has argued that Al Mezan supports anti-semitic idelogy, citing thatyou used the Durban anti-racism conference to promote this ideologoy.
What is your response to that opionion?
And, why do you feel there is opposition to your city becoming adopted by Madison?
The same opponents have also suggest that AL Mezan refused to sign President Bush’s Executive Order 12334. Is that true? And if it is, why did Al Mezanrefuse to sign this order?
I hope to hear from you soon. I strongly belive its important to hear your side of the story. Thank you very much for your time and attention.
Regards,
Michael Mylrea
067984623 cell