note to refugees from South Sudan: Israel is for the white man

These were the astonishing words uttered by Israel’s interior minister Eli Yishaiin an interview recently in which he outlined the Israeli government’s view of African migrants: “Most of the people [immigrants] coming here are Muslims who think the land doesn’t belong to us, to the white man”.

He also added in the same interview which featured in the newspaper Maariv that “The infiltrators along with the Palestinians will quickly bring us to the end of the Zionist dream.”

With particular reference to the few hundred South Sudanese refugees living in Israel, the comments by made by Yishai were delivered as the government set about enforcing its new policy-to expel the South Sudanese.

Formerly, the small number of South Sudanese refugees living in Israel, who number about 700, had granted permission to stay, but the Israeli government having won a recent court battle have successfully argued for the expulsion of the Sudanese on the basis that the country became independent last year.

Critics of the move however, argue that many refugees will likely face violence should they return. Certainly Yishai, and also Netanyahu with equally concerning language have made clear in no uncertain terms, exactly how they view Africans.

The move by the Israeli government follows scenes of violence in Tel Aviv and elsewhere that erupted following inflammatory speeches by some including Israeli cabinet members recently.

Some of the violence saw property and residences belonging to Africans being vandalised.

On Monday some of the refugees were taken to Juba South Sudan. More flights are scheduled for next Monday.

Given that there is somewhere in the region of 60,000 African migrants living in Israel, one could be forgiven for thinking that by targeting a relatively small group of refugees, is political point scoring.

The Israeli government cannot deport the remaining migrants who are largely from Sudan and Eritrea due to its international obligations.

Recent events must have had the effect of terrorising African communities living in Israel.

Undoubtedly, as a weapon to accompany government policy, it will prove successful, and the spate of attacks against Africans was aimed at sending out a message.

It is hard to imagine why, given these revelations and the wider policy toward the Palestinian people, anyone would argue that the state of Israel is not an apartheid state.

Many are united in opposing the current situation.  World renowned and much loved writer Alice Walker, recently refused an Israeli publisher permission to publish ‘The Color Purple’ as part of the BDS (boycott divestment and sanctions) and cited her reasons as to why here, explaining the importance of non violent opposition in countering apartheid like oppression.

The continual persecution of the Palestinians, politically and ideologically, the military court system, and now the emerging negative view of non-white people should outline clearly what the overriding Israeli government consensus is.  The superior race theory is one that we’ve seen in the past, and is the hallmark of theories centered on a perspective viewed through the prism of eugenics.  Those theories are dangerous and they need to be relegated to the past-along with Zionism.

Yishai and his ilk are quick to seek to democratically enforce the new rules of Israel’s immigration policy.  But I wonder then on that basis, how they feel about the right of the Palestinian refugees to return home to the land that was stolen from them?  Are they going to welcome them with open arms because they have the right to return as afforded under international law?

This question, the right of return, cuts to the heart of the so-called conflict between Israel and Palestine, and it is one that is continually and conveniently avoided.

The perception of an emerging ethnic cleansing policy ensuring that Israel remains ‘For the white man’ will evidently continue.

http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/06/22/note-to-refugees-from-south-sudan-israel-is-for-the-white-man/

U.K. Places Anti-Aircraft Missiles Atop Homes As Summer Olympics Near

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A Starstreak high velocity missile system, which could play a role in providing air security during the Olympics, is manned by members of the British Royal Artillery during a media demo in southeast London …more in May 2012. British residents living near London’s Olympic Park launched legal action Thursday over government plans to station surface-to-air missiles on the roof of their rented flats.

The British government confirmed Tuesday that it had placed missile batteries at six sites around London in advance of the upcoming Summer Olympics, including atop two apartment buildings where residents had previously expressed reservations about hosting the anti-aircraft weapons.

“Whilst there is no reported threat to the London Olympics,” said Defense Secretary Phillip Hammond in a statement, “the public expects that we put in place a range of measures aimed at ensuring the safety and security of this once-in-a-generation event. Ground-based air defense systems will form just one part of a comprehensive, multi-layered air security plan which, I believe, will provide both reassurance and a powerful deterrent.”

In addition to the Rapier and High-Velocity missile batteries, the government will also station a Royal Navy helicopter carrier in the River Thames and station Royal Air Force jets and army helicopters nearby.

Residents of the Fred Wigg Tower and the Tower Hamlets, which will host High-Velocity missiles, had expressed concern about the batteries when the government made a test deployment of the missiles atop their buildings in early May. “I’m not sure I can sleep in a house knowing there are missiles on the roof,” journalist and Tower Hamlets resident Brian Whelan told ABC News in May.

Said Secretary Hammond, “A small number of activists object to the deployment of these defensive measures and a legal challenge to the Government’s decision to deploy … has been initiated. The Ministry of Defense will defend these proceedings vigorously and is confident of defeating them.”

Additional anti-aircraft missile batteries are in place in farmland and hills east and south of London. The Olympic complex is north of the Thames and east of central London near the Stratford and West Ham mass transit stations.

“Our focus is to deliver and Olympic and Paralympic Games that London, the U.K. and the world can enjoy,” said Home Secretary Theresa May. “This is the biggest sporting event in the world, and with that comes the huge responsibility to deliver it safely and securely. … We will leave nothing to chance.”

http://news.yahoo.com/uk-places-anti-aircraft-missiles-atop-homes-summer-160509410–abc-news-topstories.html

call to address neo-nazi and skinhead attacks at sports matches

A United Nations independent expert says states must pay close attention to early signs of racism that could eventually lead to grave human rights violations, stressing that extremist groups in political movements and, in particular, sports arenas must be tackled.

“The presence of extremist groups, including neo-Nazi and skinhead groups, in sporting events is a matter of serious concern,” the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, Mutuma Ruteere, said in a report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

“Neo-Nazi symbols, slogans and banners displayed during football matches and racist chants against players or supporters of African origin should not be tolerated,” he noted, pointing to recent incidents of violence and racism during the European Union Football Associations’ (UEFA) championships as evidence that racism in sport is a serious problem.

“I call upon States to intensify the fight against racism in sport and to strengthen the role of sports in promoting cultural diversity,” he said. “In particular, in light of the upcoming Olympics it is crucial that further preventive measures be taken to avoid racist incidents during this event which is going to reach out to all regions of the world.”

The Special Rapporteur warned that impunity for crimes motivated by racism, xenophobia and intolerance encourages recurrence of such acts. He called on States to ensure that thorough and impartial investigations into these crimes are promptly carried out, that those responsible are prosecuted, and that victims have effective access to remedies.

Mr. Ruteere also warned of incendiary rhetoric from political parties, noting that the rise in extremist political parties, movements and groups continues to pose major challenges, particularly in the context of the current economic and financial crisis.

“In this context, vulnerable groups have been made the scapegoats for the rise in unemployment and State debt, and labelled a threat to the standard of living of the general population by extremist political parties,” he said.

In addition, Mr. Ruteere expressed particular concern over traditional political parties that have embraced an openly racist, xenophobic and nationalistic rhetoric.

The Human Rights Council is currently holding its 20th regular session, which ends on 6 July. Independent experts, or special rapporteurs, are appointed by the Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.

http://www.newsroomamerica.com/story/259773/call_to_address_neo-nazi_and_skinhead_attacks_at_sports_matches_.html

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The 1 Church, 1 Job, 1 Young Black Man Working Program

In times of economic strain, our whole community suffers from the complications of unemployment. In an effort to develop a new model of community outreach and economic sustainability, The Black«Star Project will soon launch the 1 Church, 1 Job program.  It is estimated that inChicago alone there are approximately 10,000 churches. The Black«Star Project will offer the opportunity to participate in this program to as many churches as are willing.  During this five-week program, young, jobless African Americans participating will receive a salary of $1000, job training and administrative mentoring throughout, and valuable work experience to draw from in the future.

By the end of the five-week program, all those who participate will gain something valuable. The workers, in addition to the five weeks of steady salary, will develop the skills and knowledge they need to pursue lasting employment. The churches will strengthen their community by keeping young people away from extra-legal forms of income, violence, and joblessness. Businesses will gain cheaper labor, informed workers, and federal recognition. Finally, those governmental bodies offering their support will help combat the problems they’ve been appointed to solve.

Tips for Churches and Businesses on Creating Effective Summer Job Opportunities and Internships

Effective Supervision

Due to the training nature of an internship, it is imperative that interns are provided with sufficient supervision. Considerable time investment will be needed, especially on the front-end, to plan for and implement necessary training. It is also recommended that the supervisor plan ongoing weekly meetings to stay up-to-date with the intern’s progress. Use care in identifying a seasoned staff member who “buys in” to the importance of utilizing interns. The person should realize that the purpose of an internship is two-fold. Interns will provide some useful assistance for the organization while also gaining on-the-job training that will assist them with their future career search.

Meaningful Assignments

Gone are the days of using interns as simple “go-fers”. Students are seeking opportunities that will stimulate them and provide real experience. A good internship program will ensure the assignment of challenging projects and tasks. Effective assignments are coupled with adequate supervision so as to provide an information resource and to ensure interns are keeping pace. Be sure to have some additional projects available in case an intern successfully completes a project ahead of schedule. Whenever possible, try to include the intern in organization events such as staff meetings and allow opportunities for networking and informational interviewing with key personnel.

Effective Hiring

Equal Employment Opportunity laws apply to the hiring of student interns. You will want to check with your state to see if workers’ compensation laws cover interns. Just as you would a regular employee, it is important to provide interns with information on your safety and harassment policies, as employers may be held liable for intern safety and harassment issues. In general, student interns fall into an “at will” employment status and may be terminated for poor conduct.

Appropriate Documentation

Documentation is very important for effective learning to take place. It is strongly advisable that an employer and intern create mutually agreed upon learning objectives. Well documented learning objectives provide clear direction and targeted goals for the intern. This ensures both parties envision the same experience and reduces the possibility of misunderstanding and disappointment. Effective learning objectives are concise and measurable.

An example of a measurable learning objective:

The intern will produce a marketing plan for XYZ product line.

An example of an immeasurable learning objective:

The intern will receive an understanding of our marketing concepts.

It is a good idea to also document other aspects of your internship program. This may include your internship program mission, internship job descriptions, eligibility and application requirements, compensation structures, supervisory roles, and supervisor/intern evaluations.

In most instances, the intern’s school will require the above information if the intern is receiving college credit for the experience. Additional forms beyond those stated above and/or agreements may be necessary for college credit depending on the school’s requirements.

Ensure Interns Feel Welcome

Just as you would a new full-time employee, it is very important that interns be provided with a warm introduction to your organization. Not only are interns new to your organization, in many cases, they are new to the professional world of work. Before interns arrive, be sure to provide them with any necessary housing, transportation, parking and/or dress code information. Once interns start, they should review necessary policies (i.e., work hours, missing work, harassment, safety, etc.). Acquaint them to their work space and environment by introducing them to co-workers. Interns should become familiar with your organization’s communication process and chain of accountability. The intern should also know the extent of their job authority and decision-making capabilities. You may even want to plan lunch activities with various staff members for the first week. Many organizations plan intern group outings and special events to recognize interns’ accomplishments.

Evaluation An internship can only be a true learning experience if constructive feedback is provided. An effective evaluation will focus on the interns’ learning objectives that were identified at the start of the internship. Supervisors should take time to evaluate both a student’s positive accomplishments and weaknesses. If an intern was unable to meet their learning objectives, suggestions for improvement should be given.

In conclusion, utilizing interns in your organization can result in many benefits. It is important to do some careful planning before creating your internship program. You can be sure to continue recruiting from your pool of internship candidates and foster positive public relations by implementing an effective, thorough internship program.

Resources:

Internships: Tips for employers on starting an internship program. [10 paragraphs]. National Association of Colleges and Employers: Jobweb, HR/Staffing Professional’s Desktop, Tools and Publications [Website]. Available: http://www.jobweb.org/hr/interntips.htm

Patterson, V. (1997). The employers’ guide: Successful intern/co-op programs. Journal of Career Planning and Employment, Winter, 30-34, 55-56, 58-59.

http://blackstarjournal.org/?p=1159

greater segregation for Chicago’s Black and Latino students

For white students in suburban Chicago, school has become a much more diverse place in the last 20 years. But the region has seen a jump during that time in the number of highly segregated black and Latino schools, a new WBEZ analysis shows.

Half of all African American students in the region still go to school in what sociologists would consider “extreme segregation, ” in schools where 90 percent or more of students are African American. Twenty-two percent of all Latino public school students in the eight-county region go to highly segregated schools, a proportion that is growing in the city and the suburbs.

WBEZ compared school demographics from 20 years ago and today for our series Race: Out Loud. We examined schools in Chicago, suburban Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties.

“There were a lot of opportunities for integration and making progress, and nothing much was done,” says Gary Orfield, a lead researcher nationally on school segregation and a proponent of racial integration.

Open the Popup Window

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All summer, WBEZ and vocalo will be talking about race—out loud, and on the air, in frank conversations and stories, and in lively public events. We’re asking what it would sound like if people said what they really think and feel about race and ethnicity. What if they really talked about how it shapes them, their lives, and attitudes?  What would we hear?

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Chicagoland Schools-Race Index

View this document on Scribd

• A segregated education, K-12
• In suburban Plainfield, preserving diverse schools

He says school desegregation is no longer a priority in education.

“We just test more and we put more pressure on the schools that are segregated and everything will be fine. It’s a lie.”

Chicago sees deepening segregation

WBEZ’s analysis shows a stark resegregation of the city’s schools:

►The number of Chicago public schools that are 90 percent or more black has increased in the last 20 years, from 276 to 287. That’s despite a 57,000-student drop in black enrollment in the district.

►71.0 percent of all CPS black students go to extremely racially isolated schools or more black. In 20 years, that figure has inched down only negligibly, from  73.4 percent.

►The number of racially isolated Hispanic schools is up, from 26 to 84. Thirty-nine percent of all CPS Hispanic students go to extremely racially isolated schools. This is up from 20 years ago, when 17 percent of Hispanics went to such schools.

►White students have become more concentrated. There are now seven schools that are at least 70 percent white; 20 years ago there were none.

►The number of “integrated” schools–schools where no one race makes up more than 50 percent of the student body–has taken a nosedive, from 106 schools in 1990 to 66 schools today. “No majority” schools used to make up 17.5 percent  of all city schools. Today the proportion is just 9.8 percent.

Chicago Public Schools declined to comment on WBEZ’s findings.

The demographic shifts have occurred even though a student’s school assignments now depend far less on kids’ addresses and far more on parental choice than in the past.
Many of the city’s newest schools are highly segregated. The overwhelming majority of charter schools that opened in the last 20 years are extremely racially isolated.

“To me, this is all about school quality, it’s not just about race,” says Phyllis Lockett, president and CEO of New Schools for Chicago, which encourages and funds charter school creation.

Lockett says a one-race school can be a nurturing, safe place for many students.

She says the number of highly segregated black and Latino schools may be growing for an obvious reason: schools have gotten smaller. She says a single school 20 years ago may have held many more students; today the same number of students may be spread across two or more schools.

Suburban schools diversify

Another WBEZ finding: a dramatic decrease in the number of extremely white schools.

In 1990, a third of schools in the metro area were 90 percent or more white. Today, just 4 percent are. The number of overwhelmingly white schools dropped from 562 to 103.
At the same time, the number of schools where no one race holds a majority has grown across the suburbs. The number of such schools more than quadrupled–from 58 to 280.
“The whole foundry of racial change has moved well out into suburbia and people aren’t very aware of it,” Orfield says.
But racially isolated black and Latino schools are popping up in the suburbs: 10 percent of all suburban Latino kids and 20 percent of all suburban black kids attend them, up from 20 years ago.
Today, 80 percent of all white kids living in the suburbs still attend schools that are at least 50 percent white. That number is down from 90 percent twenty years ago.

A quality education 

Sylvia Puente, executive director of the Latino Policy Forum, says it doesn’t necessarily matter whether a student is in a racially isolated or integrated environment if they are getting a quality education.

Number of Chicago land schools that are…

	20 years ago		Today
	1989-90		2009-10
Number of Chicagoland schools that are:
At least 90% Black	309		343
At least 70% Black	380		451
At least 50% Black	466		534
At least 90% Hispanic	27		114
At least 70% Hispanic	83		290
At least 50% Hispanic	142		449
At least 90% White	562		103
At least 70% White	1001		590
At least 50% White	1217		955
At least 90% Asian	0		0
At least 70% Asian	0		1
At least 50% Asian	0		3
“No Majority” (no racial group has more than 50 percent)	164		346
Total number of schools	1990		2287

She raised concerns about the increase in racial-isolation over the last two decades, but says overall, all schools–integrated, racially isolated, suburban, and inner-city–have a long way to go in raising the achievement of Latino children.But Amy Stuart Wells, a researcher at Columbia University and a proponent of school integration, says, “Parents have to ask themselves, ‘Can a segregated public school prepare our children for the kind of society they’re going to be a part of in the 21st century?’ I think the answer to that, and the research suggests, the answer is clearly, ‘No.’”

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