[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Anonymous User) writes:
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/england/newsid_1844000/1844326.stm
>
> BBC News | ENGLAND | Students debate Israel 'apartheid'
>
> Wednesday, 27 February, 2002, 14:11 GMT
> Students debate Israel 'apartheid'
>
> A student at Manchester University proposed the motion
>
> Large numbers of students are expected to converge on Manchester
> University to demonstrate over an attempt to brand Israel an
> "apartheid state".
>
> A motion being proposed by a Manchester University student and
> supported by the Islamic Society, argues that Israel is carrying out
> human rights abuses against Palestinians. Students from across the
> country are travelling to the city to support and protest against
> the action on Wednesday. If it is passed, Jewish students fear
> anti-Semitic sentiment will lead to the ban of Jewish societies
> within universities and fuel prejudice.
>
> The proposal draws a parallel between South African and Israeli
> apartheid and human rights abuse
>
> Andrew Perfect, Students' Union
>
> General secretary of the university's Students' Union, Andrew Perfect
> said tensions on campus were running "fairly high". He said they
> were expecting at least 1,000 people in the debating hall, students
> outside and people from the local community.
>
> He said: "This is a human rights motion regarding abuses against
> the people of Palestine. "The proposal draws a parallel between
> South African and Israeli apartheid and human rights abuse. "We are
> expecting at least 1,000 of our 24,000 members to vote, with lots of
> others outside, as well as a large number of people from around the
> country and a number from the community."
>
> Heated debate
>
> The motion is expected to be debated for most of the afternoon.
> Greater Manchester Police have been notified of the expected crowds
> and are sending officers to the event. A police spokeswoman said: "We
> are aware of it and there will be a low key presence to ensure it
> passes off peacefully."
>
> Mr Perfect said: "Tensions are fairly high on campus at the moment.
> "But this is not the first time something like this has happened.
> In 1996, a group of students tried to ban the Jewish Society." A
> spokesman for the university said they had read the motion and were
> satisfied it was "a legitimate debate".
>
> He said: "The motion relates to the situation in Israel and Palestine
> and that is why some kind of heat has been generated. "We are
> expecting it to be quite heated."
>
> http://www.manchesterisoc.org.uk
>
> Islamic Society at Manchester University
>
> Human Rights For Palestinians
>
> Dear Friends, Peace Be Upon You.
>
> We would like to bring to your attention that students at Manchester
> University have felt that there is a need to condemn the genocide and
> ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in their own homeland, by the racist
> 'Israeli' apartheid regime, on an official level.
>
> A motion detailing the atrocities and blatant disregard for human
> rights was submitted to the Students Union to be discussed and voted
> on in a general meeting next Wednesday the 27th of Feb. at 1.30pm in
> the Academy.
>
> Unfortunately, certain groups opposing this motion (hmm, I wonder
> who that could be?!), have sunk to all time new lows in trying to
> divert the attention away from the issue up for discussion. They have
> resorted to attempted provocation and outright childish behaviour in
> an attempt to stop this motion.
>
> However, those supporting the motion, have been ignoring these
> pathetic attempts, much to the despair of those opposed to it.
>
> What's on this microsite?
>
> Well, due to the huge support we have received from people up and
> down the country, we have decided to add a diary of events including
> pictures detailing what has been going on.We have also added a list of
> links that you may find useful.
>
> What Can You Do?
>
> Keep sending us your comments via email : [EMAIL PROTECTED] and
> spread the word about what is happening at Manchester University. More
> importantly, remember us in your du'a.
>
> There will be more information soon...
>
> Wassalam
