Interview:
ABDUL MALIK
DAHAMSHE
Dr. Aaron Lerner of IMRA interviewed Knesset Member Abdul Malik Dahamshe, of the Arab Democratic Party, on March 24, 1997. The ADP represents Israeli Arabs who are supposedly "loyal" to Israel; this interview helps shed light on the nature of their "loyalty."
IMRA: Recently there have been declarations that the Western Wall in Jerusalem is holy to Islam. What is the ramification?
Dahamshe: That the Western Wall is holy to the Moslems is not new. We think, and also knowledgable Israeli sources think, that the Western Wall is not associated with the remains of the Jewish Temple. When the Temple was destroyed not a single stone remained in place. The Western Wall is part of the Al Aqsa Mosque
"There is nothing connecting the Jews to the Western Wall."
complex.
When Mohammed took his horse to Jerusalem --and it was a special horse--he tied it to the Western Wall before he ascended into heaven. Also Jewish sources say that there is nothing connecting the Jews to the Western Wall.
IMRA: What is the ramification of what you are saying?
Dahamshe: Nothing. We are not saying right now that the Jews should be barred from Jerusalem. Just that Jerusalem is holy to everyone. Everyone should have access and that the Moslems should have access, just as the Moslems had access for 5,000 years before the Jews were there.
IMRA: What about Jewish activities in the Plaza of the Western Wall, such as blowing shofars (rams' horns) which might disturb Moslem prayers, as was claimed during the Mandate period.
Dahamshe: This is not the Mandate period. Forget about blowing the shofars--no one calls it a disturbance. Jewish services at the Western Wall are not a problem. The problem is if Jews want to pray on the Temple Mount.
IMRA: Last week the CPRS put out a survey of Palestinians which found overwhelming opposition to a demilitarized Palestinian state or Israeli patrols on the
Jordan River with Israeli warning stations.
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Dahamshe: I, Israeli Knesset Member Abdul Malik Dahamshe, of the Arab Democratic Party, say that there cannot be peace unless there is an independent Palestinian state with its capital in Jerusalem.
IMRA: Demilitarization is possible?
Dahamshe: It must be a fully independent state, and have everything, including an army.
IMRA: Do you think the Palestinians will agree to Israeli patrols on the Jordan or warning stations?
Dahamshe: If the Palestinian state agrees to that, it is their business.
VISIT ISRAEL WITH
AMERICANS
FOR A SAFE ISRAEL
Americans For a Safe Israel will be joining with Chizuk #7 in their semi-annual solidarity mission to Israel, July 1-14.
The entire cost of the trip will be $1,995, plus registration and airport taxes. Interested parties should contact Helen Freedman at the AFSI office, 212-828-2424, or Bruce Rudolph at the Chizuk office, 212-967-5300, ext. 223.
Chizuk's unique trip to Israel, the purpose of which is to give strength to the Jewish citizens of Yehuda, Shomron, Gaza, and the Golan, is one from which we've heard only glowing reports--especially from the many who have participated over and over again.
We're told of the great strength received from visiting embattled residents of Hebron, Kiryat Arba, Gush Katif, Netzarim, Kfar Darom, Kever Yosef in Shechem, Kever Rachel in Bethlehem, Katzrin in the Golan, and so many more.
Of course, Jerusalem features prominently in the mission, including meetings with Mayor Ehud Olmert and members of the Knesset. David Bar-Ilan, Uzi Landau, Benny Begin, Benny Alon, Ariel Sharon, and Rabbi Eliezer Waldman, and many other distinguished personalities have been amongst those who've met with the Chizuk group.
The Chizuk #7-AFSI trip this July 1997 will also feature a meeting with AFSI favorite, renowned author, Shmuel Katz. There's so much to say about the extraordinary nature of this particular mission to Israel. Words don't do it justice. Be there!
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