Morton Klein
Report by Abbas Hamidah on event held at Manhattenville College on3/30/03
I just got back from the Mazin Qumsiyeh/Morton Klein Debate at Manhattanville College in Westchester, New York. I must say that this was a victory for the Palestinian perspective and struggle in Westchester County, New York tonight!!
Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh (Co-founder, Al-Awda/Palestine Right To Return Coalition) was truly impressive tonight with his debate against Morton Klein (President, Zionist Organization of America), the oldest Pro-Israeli organization in the United States.
During the extensive debate, Dr. Qumsiyeh kept to the basics on the plight of the Palestinian people, explaining Israel's racist policies, endless human rights violations, defiance of International Law, UN Resolutions violations, continued building of Apartheid Wall, extrajudicial assassinations, killing of Internationals like Rachel Corrie and the continued and on going brutal occupation and oppression of Palestinians.
Meanwhile the Zionist Morton Klein in my view committed political suicide with his very racist references and attacks on Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, and even used his indoctrinated views of Arabs in general and Saudi Arabia's 'neglected Arab women.' Not to mention in his views that "Palestine never existed." The audience was purely disgusted with Klein's poor and overly abused Zionist propaganda. Basically Klein did the Palestinians a favor in spilling out his organizations racism publicly!
Mazin Qumsiyeh was truly patient and effective with his just and well articulated views on the Palestinian struggle both in Palestine and the United States. The US bias media was extensively exposed. He was magnificent and really got many if not most people attending on the side of Palestine!
One American Jewish listener said told people at the event "I came here to support Israel and Morton Klein but was disappointed when I learned the facts in Qumsiyeh's debate on Palestine." This person literally changed in an instant when he became aware of the real facts at hand. ZOA's Morton Klein's very racist and ignorant perspective backfired on Israel and it's supporters tonight. His racism, and hatred based debate was useless.
One of the amazing moments for me was when the Police Lieutenant of a local town took his hat off at the end of the debate and thanked Mazin and the Palestinians who were there to share their plight and said he himself benefited greatly tonight for being at the debate. The Police Luitenenant even purchased one of Mazin's published books on Palestine. This was an active duty Police Luitenenat in full uniform who came to supervise the security at the event. I truly believe that we can win the fight against Zionism propaganda if given the opportunity!
Channel 12 News in Westchester, New York came out and covered the event. There was a small clip of the debate that was aired immediately after the Manhattanville College event. Their coverage theme was called: "The Middle East Conflict took center stage at a local Westchetser College tonight." http://www.news12.com/WC
Much thanks to the Manhattanville College students and staff for putting this debate together and giving justice a chance to be heard on it's campus. Much thanks especially to the supporters of Palestine who came out to show their unequivocal support!
Long Live Palestine!
Thawra Hatal Awda!
Yours in struggle,
-Abbas Hamideh
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