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World Labor Condemns Israeli Raid With Exception Of Pro-Zionist AFL-CIO and Israeli Histad
World labor is condemning the international criminal attack by Israel on the flotilla bringing supplies to Gaza. The exceptions are the Zionist controlled AFL-CIO and the Israeli Histadrut which is a racist company union in Israel. The AFL-CIO leadership supports apartheid Israel regardless of it's crimes and this shows these officials to be tools and apologists for the racist regime.
World Labor Condemns Israeli Raid With Exception Of Pro-Zionist AFL-CIO and Israeli Histadrut
COSATU condemns Israeli state piracy
http://www.cosatu.org.za/show.php?include=docs/pr/2010/pr0531d.html&ID=3395&cat=COSATU Today
COSATU condemns Israeli state piracy
The Congress of South African Trade Unions is outraged at the murder by Israeli commandos’ of at least twenty people - and injuries to a further 60 - as a result of their armed attack on a convoy of ships carrying aid to the people of Gaza last night, 30 May 2010.
COSATU sends its condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and calls upon the people of the world to condemn this act of Israeli state-sponsored piracy.
The six-ship flotilla, with 750 Palestine Solidarity activists from around the world on board and carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid for the people of Gaza, left Cyprus on Sunday and had been due to arrive in Gaza today.
Then, when it was about 64 km out to sea, in international waters, Israeli armed forces boarded the largest vessel and fought with those on board. The activists say Israeli troops came on board shooting. Israel is now reported to be towing the boats to the port of Ashdod and says it will deport the passengers from there.
The ships were bringing the people of Gaza 10,000 tonnes of badly needed concrete, toys, workbooks, chocolate, pasta and substantial medical supplies. It was acting in accordance with international law.
COSATU fully supports the call on the international community to pressure their governments to condemn this brutal deed and hold Israel accountable for the murder of foreign civilians at sea and illegal piracy of civilian vessels carrying humanitarian aid.
The federation welcomes the decision by the government of Spain and Sweden to withdraw their ambassadors from Israel and calls upon the South African Government to follow their lead.
The flotilla was an international response to the plight of the people of Gaza, following Israel`s closure of the border. Amnesty International in their Annual Human Rights Report concluded that the siege has "deepened the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Mass unemployment, extreme poverty, food insecurity and food price rises caused by shortages left four out of five Gazans dependent on humanitarian aid. The scope of the blockade and statements made by Israeli officials about its purpose showed that it was being imposed as a form of collective punishment of Gazans, a flagrant violation of international law."
The United Nations has continuously stated that only a fraction of the required aid is entering Gaza due to what it calls ‘the medieval siege’. John Ging, the Director of UNRWA in Gaza, has specifically expressed the need for the flotilla to enter Gaza.
The European Union’s new foreign affairs minister, Catherine Ashton, has just reiterated its call for, “an immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.”
COSATU also calls for greater support for the international boycott, divestment and sanction campaign against Israel, which is proving again to be violent and ruthless in attacking and murdering those who stand in its way. We urge all South Africans to refuse to buy or handle any goods from Israel or have any dealings with Israeli businesses.
COSATU reaffirms its support of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to national sovereignty and the same human rights as any other people. We demand the immediate end to the Israeli siege and the illegal occupation of the sovereign territory which has been violently seized from the Palestinian nation.
Patrick Craven (National Spokesperson)
Congress of South African Trade Unions
1-5 Leyds Cnr Biccard Streets
Braamfontein, 2017
P.O. Box 1019
Johannesburg, 2000
SOUTH AFRICA
Tel: +27 11 339-4911/24
Fax: +27 11 339-5080/6940/ 086 603 9667
Cell: 0828217456
E-Mail: patrick [at] cosatu.org.za
IFJ Global - IFJ Condemns Gaza Attack and Demands International Inquiry after Reports of Media Casualties
http://www.ifj.org/en/articles/ifj-condemns-gaza-attack-and-demands-international-inquiry-after-reports-of-media-casualties#e16c53924797f75e336ce81899b11d61
31 May 2010
IFJ Condemns Gaza Attack and Demands International Inquiry after Reports of Media Casualties
0 commentsAdd a comment
Files
IFJ Letter to Israeli Prime Minister.pdf
The International Federation of Journalists(IFJ) today reacted with shock at the news of the brutal attacks on civilians, including journalists, by Israeli forces in the assault on a flotilla that yesterday tried to breach the military blockade of the Gaza coastline in Palestine.
The IFJ said that reports of casualties - including possible deaths of media staff - were unconfirmed and a curtain of secrecy drawn around the incident by the Israeli authorities was increasing anxiety among friends and relatives.
The IFJ is calling for an urgent and comprehensive international investigation into the incident and for the information blackout to be lifted.
"We join the European Union in demanding a full inquiry which must be independent in order to be credible. We condemn any attempt at the blackout and censorship of news by the Israeli authorities which is hindering journalists from giving an accurate account of what is happening," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President.
The IFJ believes that up to 100 journalists and media staff from a number of different countries were on board when the attacks took place, according to Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. He said the IFJ is fully investigating the incident and plans to raise the issue at a special meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council planned for Geneva on Friday.
The IFJ is also writing today to the Israeli government warning them about their responsibility vis-à-vis the security of the journalists on the flotilla and is asking its member union in Israel to take the matter up with the authorities.
"The international community must respond immediately to this outrage," said White. "The rights of journalists in conflict zones have been particularly highlighted by the United Nations and members states cannot stand by when one state acts in a reckless and dangerous manner."
For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 22 07
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 125 countries worldwide
ITF condemns Israeli attack on aid ship
http://www.itfglobal.org/press-area/index.cfm/pressdetail/4551
ITF condemns Israeli attack on aid ship
31 May 2010
The ITF, which represents professional seafarers worldwide, is shocked and appalled by Israeli forces’ attack this morning on the lead ship of a humanitarian aid convoy, the Turkish vessel “Mavi Marmaris”, killing at least ten people.
The ITF holds the Israeli authorities entirely responsible for the provocative storming of the ship, and condemns the harm caused to the civilians on board, who included peace activists and parliamentarians from many different countries.
With the rest of the international trade union movement, including the ITUC, the ITF is calling for a full, open and independent enquiry to establish the details of what took place when Israeli soldiers boarded vessels in the convoy.
The ITF denounces Israel’s blockade of Gaza and calls on the international community to support a political solution in which a viable Palestinian state can play a full part in international trade and commerce, which would include the full restoration of transport links.
“The ITF has been working with Israeli and Palestinian transport unions to improve the situation. We can only see this as a very serious setback” said David Cockroft, ITF General Secretary
ENDS
For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson.
Direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260.
Email: dawson_sam [at] itf.org.uk
International Transport Workers' Federation - ITF:
HEAD OFFICE
ITF House, 49 - 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871
Email: mail [at] itf.org.uk
Web: http://www.itfglobal.org
Israel: Killings at Sea an Outrage
http://www.ituc-csi.org/israel-killings-at-sea-an-outrage.html
Israel: Killings at Sea an Outrage
31 May 2010The ITUC condemns the killing of as many as 19 persons in a boat convoy headed for Gaza today, and the wounding of many more, as an outrage. A full, open and independent enquiry is needed to establish the precise details of what took place when Israeli soldiers boarded vessels in the convoy, which was organised to bring supplies to Gaza. Those responsible for violations of international law must be brought to justice.
The ITUC expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and its hope that all those injured will fully recover.
“This appalling development underlines once again that violence and confrontation will not bring peace and justice to Palestinians and Israelis. The only acceptable way forward is through negotiation based on commitment on all sides to renounce violence. Given that the Israeli authorities have apparently said that the supplies in the convoy will in any case be taken into Gaza, the world can only wonder why this happened in the first place. In any case, meeting a humanitarian convoy with military force is unacceptable,” said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.
The ITUC also repeats its call for an end to the blockade of Gaza, to help bring an end to the ongoing humanitarian crisis there.
COSATU condemns Israeli state piracy
http://www.cosatu.org.za/show.php?include=docs/pr/2010/pr0531d.html&ID=3395&cat=COSATU Today
COSATU condemns Israeli state piracy
The Congress of South African Trade Unions is outraged at the murder by Israeli commandos’ of at least twenty people - and injuries to a further 60 - as a result of their armed attack on a convoy of ships carrying aid to the people of Gaza last night, 30 May 2010.
COSATU sends its condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and calls upon the people of the world to condemn this act of Israeli state-sponsored piracy.
The six-ship flotilla, with 750 Palestine Solidarity activists from around the world on board and carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid for the people of Gaza, left Cyprus on Sunday and had been due to arrive in Gaza today.
Then, when it was about 64 km out to sea, in international waters, Israeli armed forces boarded the largest vessel and fought with those on board. The activists say Israeli troops came on board shooting. Israel is now reported to be towing the boats to the port of Ashdod and says it will deport the passengers from there.
The ships were bringing the people of Gaza 10,000 tonnes of badly needed concrete, toys, workbooks, chocolate, pasta and substantial medical supplies. It was acting in accordance with international law.
COSATU fully supports the call on the international community to pressure their governments to condemn this brutal deed and hold Israel accountable for the murder of foreign civilians at sea and illegal piracy of civilian vessels carrying humanitarian aid.
The federation welcomes the decision by the government of Spain and Sweden to withdraw their ambassadors from Israel and calls upon the South African Government to follow their lead.
The flotilla was an international response to the plight of the people of Gaza, following Israel`s closure of the border. Amnesty International in their Annual Human Rights Report concluded that the siege has "deepened the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Mass unemployment, extreme poverty, food insecurity and food price rises caused by shortages left four out of five Gazans dependent on humanitarian aid. The scope of the blockade and statements made by Israeli officials about its purpose showed that it was being imposed as a form of collective punishment of Gazans, a flagrant violation of international law."
The United Nations has continuously stated that only a fraction of the required aid is entering Gaza due to what it calls ‘the medieval siege’. John Ging, the Director of UNRWA in Gaza, has specifically expressed the need for the flotilla to enter Gaza.
The European Union’s new foreign affairs minister, Catherine Ashton, has just reiterated its call for, “an immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.”
COSATU also calls for greater support for the international boycott, divestment and sanction campaign against Israel, which is proving again to be violent and ruthless in attacking and murdering those who stand in its way. We urge all South Africans to refuse to buy or handle any goods from Israel or have any dealings with Israeli businesses.
COSATU reaffirms its support of the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to national sovereignty and the same human rights as any other people. We demand the immediate end to the Israeli siege and the illegal occupation of the sovereign territory which has been violently seized from the Palestinian nation.
Patrick Craven (National Spokesperson)
Congress of South African Trade Unions
1-5 Leyds Cnr Biccard Streets
Braamfontein, 2017
P.O. Box 1019
Johannesburg, 2000
SOUTH AFRICA
Tel: +27 11 339-4911/24
Fax: +27 11 339-5080/6940/ 086 603 9667
Cell: 0828217456
E-Mail: patrick [at] cosatu.org.za
IFJ Global - IFJ Condemns Gaza Attack and Demands International Inquiry after Reports of Media Casualties
http://www.ifj.org/en/articles/ifj-condemns-gaza-attack-and-demands-international-inquiry-after-reports-of-media-casualties#e16c53924797f75e336ce81899b11d61
31 May 2010
IFJ Condemns Gaza Attack and Demands International Inquiry after Reports of Media Casualties
0 commentsAdd a comment
Files
IFJ Letter to Israeli Prime Minister.pdf
The International Federation of Journalists(IFJ) today reacted with shock at the news of the brutal attacks on civilians, including journalists, by Israeli forces in the assault on a flotilla that yesterday tried to breach the military blockade of the Gaza coastline in Palestine.
The IFJ said that reports of casualties - including possible deaths of media staff - were unconfirmed and a curtain of secrecy drawn around the incident by the Israeli authorities was increasing anxiety among friends and relatives.
The IFJ is calling for an urgent and comprehensive international investigation into the incident and for the information blackout to be lifted.
"We join the European Union in demanding a full inquiry which must be independent in order to be credible. We condemn any attempt at the blackout and censorship of news by the Israeli authorities which is hindering journalists from giving an accurate account of what is happening," said Jim Boumelha, IFJ President.
The IFJ believes that up to 100 journalists and media staff from a number of different countries were on board when the attacks took place, according to Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. He said the IFJ is fully investigating the incident and plans to raise the issue at a special meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council planned for Geneva on Friday.
The IFJ is also writing today to the Israeli government warning them about their responsibility vis-à-vis the security of the journalists on the flotilla and is asking its member union in Israel to take the matter up with the authorities.
"The international community must respond immediately to this outrage," said White. "The rights of journalists in conflict zones have been particularly highlighted by the United Nations and members states cannot stand by when one state acts in a reckless and dangerous manner."
For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 22 07
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 125 countries worldwide
ITF condemns Israeli attack on aid ship
http://www.itfglobal.org/press-area/index.cfm/pressdetail/4551
ITF condemns Israeli attack on aid ship
31 May 2010
The ITF, which represents professional seafarers worldwide, is shocked and appalled by Israeli forces’ attack this morning on the lead ship of a humanitarian aid convoy, the Turkish vessel “Mavi Marmaris”, killing at least ten people.
The ITF holds the Israeli authorities entirely responsible for the provocative storming of the ship, and condemns the harm caused to the civilians on board, who included peace activists and parliamentarians from many different countries.
With the rest of the international trade union movement, including the ITUC, the ITF is calling for a full, open and independent enquiry to establish the details of what took place when Israeli soldiers boarded vessels in the convoy.
The ITF denounces Israel’s blockade of Gaza and calls on the international community to support a political solution in which a viable Palestinian state can play a full part in international trade and commerce, which would include the full restoration of transport links.
“The ITF has been working with Israeli and Palestinian transport unions to improve the situation. We can only see this as a very serious setback” said David Cockroft, ITF General Secretary
ENDS
For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson.
Direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260.
Email: dawson_sam [at] itf.org.uk
International Transport Workers' Federation - ITF:
HEAD OFFICE
ITF House, 49 - 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS
Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733
Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871
Email: mail [at] itf.org.uk
Web: http://www.itfglobal.org
Israel: Killings at Sea an Outrage
http://www.ituc-csi.org/israel-killings-at-sea-an-outrage.html
Israel: Killings at Sea an Outrage
31 May 2010The ITUC condemns the killing of as many as 19 persons in a boat convoy headed for Gaza today, and the wounding of many more, as an outrage. A full, open and independent enquiry is needed to establish the precise details of what took place when Israeli soldiers boarded vessels in the convoy, which was organised to bring supplies to Gaza. Those responsible for violations of international law must be brought to justice.
The ITUC expresses its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and its hope that all those injured will fully recover.
“This appalling development underlines once again that violence and confrontation will not bring peace and justice to Palestinians and Israelis. The only acceptable way forward is through negotiation based on commitment on all sides to renounce violence. Given that the Israeli authorities have apparently said that the supplies in the convoy will in any case be taken into Gaza, the world can only wonder why this happened in the first place. In any case, meeting a humanitarian convoy with military force is unacceptable,” said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.
The ITUC also repeats its call for an end to the blockade of Gaza, to help bring an end to the ongoing humanitarian crisis there.
For more information:
http://www.cosatu.org.za/show.php?include=...
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What evidence does the anonymous poster have that the AFL-CIO is somehow "Zionist controlled"? That's a pretty bizarre statement.
Video-International Secretary Of COSATU Challenges AFL-CIO Trumka On Support For Israel And Histadrut
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asPzyL_ipF8&feature=
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inminds
December 07, 2009
(less info)
Israel, the Palestinians and Apartheid: The Case for Sanctions and Boycott
On 4th December 2009, the British Committee for the Universities of Palestine (BRICUP) and SOAS Palestine Society organised a public meeting putting forward the case for sanctions and boycott of Israel. Amongst the speakers were several from the South African struggle against apartheid including Ronnie Kasrils - former minister in Nelson Mandelas ANC government and Bongani Masuku - International Secretary of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). Other speakers included Omar Barghouti from the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), Steven Rose of BRICUP, Yasmin Khan from War on Want, and Tarek Mustafa from Egypt's first independent trade union.
The speeches, lasting 80mins, were followed by a lively 50mins of question and answer session. To view full video continuously and see report on the event with photos and mp3 podcast please visit
SPME: New AFL-CIO Head Rejects Israel Boycott
http://spme.net/cgi-bin/articles.cgi?ID=6145
NEW AFL-CIO HEAD REJECTS ISRAEL BOYCOTT
Published in: JTA November 4, 2009
http://jta.org/news/article/2009/11/04/1008933/afl-cio-head-rejects-israel-boycott
WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The new president of the AFL-CIO rejected boycotting Israel.
The 11.5 million-member labor federation is "proud to stand with the JLC to oppose boycotting Israel," Richard Trumka said, during a talk to the Jewish Labor Committee at its annual Human Rights Dinner on Oct. 27. Trumka also spoke out against both anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.
"In America, we sometimes think that anti-Semitism is part of the past, but the truth is that it’s like a weed that can always grow back," he said. "And that’s especially true during hard times. You know, sometimes it’s couched as 'anti-Zionism.’ Other times there’s no effort to disguise it at all.”
He added, "The Jewish community here -- and around the world -- has never had a stronger ally than the AFL-CIO," and expressed support for President Obama's peace initiative in the Middle East.
Golda Meir In The AFL-CIO headquarters-Lenni Brenner
http://psreview.org/content/view/33/72/
PSR: What do you think about the issue of Palestine in American labor circles?
Brenner: You understand there is a statue of Golda Meir in the AFL-CIO headquarters?
PSR: We know that they straight up support Israel all the time.
Brenner: I tell people put it right to the AFL-CIO bureaucracy. Tell them you get that statue out of there and you cut union funds from Israel or we will have a sit-in in the headquarters. There is enough of a pro-Palestinian movement in the U.S. that this is a real threat. You could put three or four thousand people there. One way to educate workers who don’t know anything about Palestine is to create this media event.
Here is another thing to look at. The library shelves in America groan with the weight of documentation of the AFL-CIO’s collaboration with the CIA. But the average American worker doesn’t know about it.
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka Speaks Out Against Calls to Boycott Israel
http://www.jewishlaborcommittee.org/
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka Speaks Out Against Calls to Boycott Israel
Pledges Support for Israel, Calls for Support of U.S. President Obama’s Peace Initiative
(l-r: Sybil Sanchez, Morton Sloan, Roberta Reardon, Paul Almeida, Richard Trumka, Stuart Appelbaum, Jack Ahern, Rabbi Michael Miller, Ruben Diaz, Jr.)
Addressing the Jewish Labor Committee, newly-elected President of the AFL-CIO, Richard L. Trumka, has spoken out clearly and forcefully in opposition to calls to boycott Israel. .Before 475 participants of the annual Human Rights Dinner of the JLC, held in New York City on October 27th, Trumka stated that “we’re proud to stand with the JLC to oppose boycotting Israel.” Trumka was elected President of the national AFL-CIO in September of this year. The AFL-CIO is composed of 57 national and international labor unions, represents 11.5 million members.
He noted that “the Jewish community here – and around the world – has never had a stronger ally than the AFL-CIO,” adding that “so long as I’m president, you will never have a stronger ally than the AFL-CIO!”
Trumka added that “in America, we sometimes think that anti-Semitism is part of the past, but the truth is that it’s like a weed that can always grow back. And that’s especially true during hard times. You know, sometimes it’s couched as `anti-Zionism.’ Other times there’s no effort to disguise it at all.”
In a keynote address, Trumka stated that “there is only one way we’re going to stop the violence in the Middle East – and it’s not by bashing Israel – it’s by supporting President Obama’s peace initiative. And I ought to add, that’s why we need to stand by President Obama on Iran, too!” (President Trumka’s entire speech can be found here.)
Three extraordinary individuals received this year’s Human Rights Award from the JLC: Roberta Reardon, the National President, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO {remarks here}, presented by Paul E. Almeida, President of the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO; Morton Sloan, President of Morton William Supermarkets {remarks here}, presented by Ruben Diaz, Jr., Bronx Borough President; and John T. Ahern, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, and Business Manager & Financial Secretary of IUOE Local 30 (remarks here), presented by Richard Trumka.
The dinner, hosted by Jewish Labor Committee President Stuart Appelbaum (remarks here), received greetings on behalf of the Jewish community of New York from Rabbi Michael Miller, Executive Vice President of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (remarkshere.) JLC Executive Director Sybil Sanchez also shared remarks at the beginning of the dinner (remarks here).
For more information:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asPzyL_ipF8...
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