Rafil's Statement for the Eight City Protest

On November 14, 2003 press conferences were held in eight cities nationwide to protest the fines and/or arrests of those that went to/or provided humanitarian aid to Iraq in defiance of the sanctions. Not only were these fines unjust but only a few groups and individuals were targeted. The Syracuse conference took place St. Lucy' gym at 425 Gifford Street at noon. To read an account of the conference go to Protest backs jailed doctor. Rafil's statement follows:


"We Will Not Go Quietly"

The U.S. Treasury and Justice Departments insist on pursuing charges against several individuals and groups that have traveled to Iraq. We fully acknowledge that we have also traveled to Iraq and are standing in solidarity with those charged. We affirm the First Amendment rights of U.S. citizens to speak freely, to have oversight of governmental policy, and to bring humanitarian assistance to its victims and tell the stories of their lives under sanctions, war time, and occupation. The ban on traveling was to prevent commercial profit to either the Iraqi government or businesses wanting to trade with Iraq. The purpose of our travel was not to engage in any commercial ventures, but rather to help alleviate the suffering of our fellow human beings and to communicate the results of U.S. policy in Iraq to our fellow citizens.

  • · We will not yield to the govern! ment's intimidation tactics that are designed to silence us.
  • · We intend to fully exercise our First Amendment Rights, and all of our treasured rights as American citizens.
  • · We will not cease relaying the stories of our travels to anyone who will listen.
  • · We will continue to pursue paths of peace, understanding, friendship and compassion with the citizens of the world rather than paths of violence, death, war and destruction.
  • · We ask all U.S. government agencies to vacate, in their entirety, any fines and penalties levied against groups or individuals who have traveled to Iraq for non-commercial, humanitarian purposes.
    • Statement prepared by Barbara Johns, (Los Angeles, CA, 31, writer, Iraq Peace Team, October 23-November 5, 2002, witness) organizer of the event. Over 72 travelers to Iraq signed the statement.

    We are fortunate to live in this great place on earth that our maker made prosperous and unique. Noble people are always grateful for any act of kindness extended to them. We should show our thanks and gratitude to our maker. Words and lip service [are] not enough. How can we pretend that we are grateful when the silent majority is not lifting a finger to change and improve our surroundings peacefully?

    Are we grateful when the liars are allowed to defame the truthful ones.

    Are we grateful when we [acquiesce] to the bigots and racists masquerading as law enforcers and keep silent.

    Are we grateful when we allow the good to be portrayed as evil and evil portrayed as good.

    Are we grateful when we keep silent when the greedy continue to exploit the needy.

    Are we grateful when we allow the mischievous few to ruin this beautiful country of ours under many guises.

    Are we grateful when the news media work in concert with dishonest government officials by not exposing them in asking the tough questions.

    Are we grateful when people are allowed to prosecute those who act to save and preserve the lives of the less fortunate?

    Those who impede the good deeds of others and make no effort to save the lives of their fellow human beings actively, directly and indirectly are responsible for the death of innocent children, women, and men whose only crime is that they are not like us and they are not of us.

    How can we claim that we are grateful when the silent majority don't even care, let alone do something, to alleviate the misery of fellow human beings?

    O our maker, the Generous One, we beg your forgiveness for our shortcomings, for our neglect of the needy ones and our ineptitude towards the corrupt ones. For we realize that unless we improve our surroundings we risk being deprived of your generosity.

    Rafil Dhafir

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