Middle+Eastern+Group

**History/ Other -Israeli and Palestinian Conflict** The following resources give an insight of the aggressive historical movement in the heart of the Middle-East. It not only gives you an outlook of the past struggles, loss, and heartaches but also narrates the importance of the history of Israel and Palestine. It helps tie up with the common knowledge of Jews, the Zionist Movement, Christians, Muslims, not to mention the beliefs of historians.

Kershner, I. (2010). Human Rights Group Warn of New Powers for Israel. New York.: //The New York Times Company.// Retrieved on 4-10-2010 from []. I chose this current article because it exemplifies the continued disagreement of the Israeli and Palestinian territories which has dated back as far as King David. With Israel and Palestine being historical contenders of conquerors and an array of keys and cultures to empowerment, everyday is a fight to keep the land bounded. This continuous and timeless battle has threatened the livelihoods of all neighboring territories. The article discusses the sensitive issue surrounding Israeli soldiers and Palestinians aggression towards maintaining the 1967 agreement issued concerning boundaries of designated land and in this case the infamous West Bank. The West Bank near the Gaza strip is a Palestinian territory under military occupation by Israel since the end of the Six Day War (in 1967). It discusses as of April 10, 2010 an amended military order that will allow Israeli military to remove people from the West Bank which could lead to expulsion of many Palestinians. Dating back to the Greeks, Alexander the Great, the Romans, Muslims, and many others, many have fought and defeated to keep this small chip of land inhabited and held down by their people. The Holy Land in April 2010. Today it is the Israeli and Arabs that continue to maintain their territories. Who will be the crowned glory and succeed their neighbor in a thousand years? // E.S //

Oren, B ., M. (2002). Six Days of War, //June 1967 And The Making of the Modern Middle East.// Oxford University Press, Inc. New York, New York. This book was informative in the sense it provided an immense amount of detail in discussing the history of aggression between Israel and Palestine in the early 1900's as opposed to focusing solely on biblical 'Zionism' occurrences. It demonstrates a non-biased opinion on the once called ‘Land of Canaan’ with stories of defeat, conquer, raids, empires, and rulings. In order to understand and approach the terms of this aggressive lands history, it is important to realize how many rulers have conquered and infiltrated the heartbeat of the middle-east. It is said that this small perplexed piece of land located at the Eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, with Egypt in the south, Lebanon in the North, and Jordan in the East is an intersection of all rulings dated all the way back to the fossil findings of //Homo Erectus// and later //Neanderthals//. When taking a look at the in depth views of this lands people and culture, what they have fought for in this day and age, will help give a better understanding to the complexity of this on going ancient war. A war that is continuous but is marked with a staple and capacity of what is called the 'Six Days of War'. -// E.S //

Makhoul, R. (2010). Sidewalk Standoff in East Jerusalem. New York: //The New York Times Company.// Retrieve on 4-10-2010 from []. Before the outbreak of the 1967 war, America's consul general Evan Wilson surmises, "It is always possible, if hostilities do occur that Jerusalem will be spared". East Jerusalem is Israel’s territory and west Jerusalem jurisdiction is occupied by the Palestinians. Because of the ongoing struggle and fight over land control and territories incidents like this occur often. Some would feel hatred and disgust towards the Israeli Jews that forced the Palestinian mother and children to vacate the premises and were put literally out on the streets. The aggression and force continues to be an ongoing cultural movement even in the present day. Consider the history of this movement and look at the story in a non-biased and yet knowledge and factual approach. Based on the circumstance, who is really at fault in this situation? The Israeli Jews have vintage accredited documents stating the property belongs to them and their family. An existing opposing Palestinian family occupies the residence. The Israelis are entitled to their property. -// E.S // media type="youtube" key="gJn1a7RPLGc" height="385" width="480" []

Lander, M. and Cooper, H. (2010). Obama Speech Signals a U.S. Shift on Middle East. New York: //The New York Times Company.// Retrieve on 4-14-2010 from [] This article touches on Obamas peace treaty approach to the Israeli and Palestinian conflict. Balancing American interests and the Israeli- Palestinian strife is somewhat difficult when American soldiers are at battle with Islamic extremists and other terrorism in the Middle East. It also discusses the support left behind from the Bush administration and how the Obama administration is tackling these reoccurring issues and passing on the peace torch. Serious issues are still at hand and continue to be re-evaluated for Israel and the entire Middle-East. // E.S //

Meehan, M. (1999). Israeli Textbooks and Children’s Literature Promote Racism and Hatred Toward Palestinians and Arabs. Washington on Middles East Affairs, September 1999, pages 19-20. Retrieve on 4-10-2010 from []. Although this article is dated over ten years, the history facts mentioned in the article support prior statements dealing with the ongoing disagreement among the Palestinians and Israelis. Although the textbooks tend to present Palestinians as ‘unfair’, ‘hostile’, ‘deviant’ and ‘cruel’, on the latter it encourages the once suppressed Jews as an industrious, brave, and determined to cope with difficulties. It also discusses how the land was not as fruitful and productive due to the Palestinians neglect and it is because of the return of the Jews after exile that it is in the current state of productivity. The textbooks consist of information in an aspect that is taught one way: negative = Palestinians. One of the Israeli high school students stated in the article, “We are accustomed to hearing the same thing, only one side of the story. They teach us that Israel became a state in 1948 and that the Arabs started a war. They don’t mention what happened to the Arabs—they never mention anything about refugees or Arabs having to leave their towns and homes, said Banvolegyi.” It later discusses the continued racist Israeli upbringing which aligns with the state of minds of the culture and the ongoing war today. -// E.S //

** Religion/Beliefs ** The information below focuses on the two biggest religions in the middle east which are Muslim and Jewish.  Cultural Diversity Organization. (2005). The Middle Eastern Community. Author. Retrieved April 8, 2010, from: [] In the Arab culture and Islamic religion, many Arab Muslims do not eat pork. Much importance is placed on maintaining a healthy life. They stress practicing good hygiene and eating healthy. Prior to seeking medical treatment, they often look to family members, particularly elders, for guidance and support (i.e., ask for home remedies). They refer to the Quran for prayer when a family member is sick. Arab Muslims believe recovery is left to God’s will. Male and female Arab Muslims favor male doctors for treatment. However, women favor female doctors when it comes to pregnancy/prenatal care and when discussing their private lives (i.e., sexual relationship). In Arab culture, women prefer to breast feed their child. Also, as for Arab tradition, they believe in circumcision for infant boys. In regards to privacy, some Arab Muslims are less likely to disclose personal information about themselves or their families to medical staff (i.e., doctors/nurses, etc). It is important for medical staff and individuals in the helping professions (i.e., therapists, social workers, etc.) to provide culture appropriate care based on an individual’s cultural values, beliefs and customs. Finding out and learning about Arab Muslims beliefs of well-being and illness is one step toward providing better care/services. S.R.

Patheos. (2008). Portal on the world’s religions. Englewood, CO: Author. Retrieved on March 15, 2010 from: [] Arab Muslim Americans are defined as people who trace their lineage to many countries. Their cultures and traditions are not the same, but they share the "Arabic heritage and the Arabic language.” Traditionally, in the Middle East, Islam religious belief is that there is only one God-creator, with no equivalent. Islam is a religion and a way of life. Islam means to give in to God-Allah’s will. Belief is in the Quran as the main source of faith and practice for Muslims. The Quran is the scripture of Islam and the equivalent of the Bible. Arabic is the language of the Quran. As expressed in the Quran, moral and social laws are to be followed by all Muslims. Islam, which means "surrender" or "submission," came from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. It is said that Muhammad received a revelation fourteen centuries ago from Allah known as the Quran. The Quran is considered a sacred text that contains the word of Allah. It holds the teachings of Muhammad that were communicated to him by an angel from God-Allah. Islamic worship mostly occurs in mosques, however, there are some individuals or groups who are not able to go to mosque, but pray almost anywhere. As ritual, Muslims are expected to wash their hands and take off their shoes before entering the mosque. According to scripture in the Quran, women are forbidden to pray when they are menstruating. Muslims believe that past prophets, such as Moses, Abraham, Jesus, Muhammad, and others who were once mortal, spread Gods word. Certain groups within the Islamic tradition stress that Muslims must stick to the religious practices and set of laws. Islam is broken up mainly into two groups, traditionally the Sunni and Shi'a, each have different ways of maintaining religious power, but they are very much the same. They are connected by their practices/characteristics of Islam. For example, the Five Pillars (i.e., the basic practices of Islam), is one practice they share. These five practices are: ritual of faith, ritual prayer, charity or zakat, self purification or fasting, and the pilgrimage or hajj to Mecca. Muslims also believe in life after death. Emphasis is placed on living one’s life ethically and morally so their soul can live on awaiting the next life/afterlife. They believe in a day of resurrection and judgment (i.e., God will send a Messiah). Shi’a Muslims are committed to praying to Allah five times a day, the Sunni pray three times a day. Sacred to Islam are places such as Jerusalem and Mecca. Muslims assemble at mosques to worship Allah, pray, and learn scripture. Most Muslim's daily life consists of serving Allah. For Muslims, fornication and drinking alcohol is forbidden. S.R


 * Education **

Elliott, A. (2008). Critics Cost Muslim Educator Her Dream School. New York, N.Y.: //The New York Times Company.// Retrieved March 16, 2010 from: [|http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/28/nyregion/28school.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&ref=nyregion] In 2007, controversy surrounded a Muslim-American citizen, Ms. Almontaser, who had a dream of opening a school that would teach a foreign language: Arabic to students of Arab descent along with students from different ethnic backgrounds. Through a grant, Ms. Almontaser spearheaded the project that entailed opening a school for students in grades 6-12, where half of instruction would be provided in Arabic, the other in English. The school was named the Khalil Gibran School. In an effort to get Ms. Almontaser removed, groups and movements formed because many individuals did not want her as the principal of the Khalil Gibran School. Some also called for her resignation due to concerns that she had her own agenda to use the school system to convert students to the Islamic faith. Concerns stemmed from questions about the curriculum, textbooks, and how the Arabic-language and Islamic teaching would be implemented. According to the article, some Americans were concerned that Muslim-Americans, such as Ms. Almontaser, might have connections to violent groups or organizations, and might use the public school system as a venue to impose their religious values. During the controversy, it was discovered that Ms. Almontaser had affiliations with a Muslim organization that has ties to terrorist groups, although this was never substantiated. Also, more questions began circulating about her views on American foreign policy. Conflict regarding the school increased after critics discovered that the schools advisory board included three religious leaders (i.e., imams), as well as rabbis, and priests. Her financial donation to Islamist supporters was also a cause for concern. There are individuals and groups that argue Ms. Almontaser was a target. These individuals and/ or groups claim she was discriminated against because of her religious beliefs/values and because she is Muslim. Ms. Almontaser argued that her First Amendments rights had been violated and the media/newspapers defamed her by writing false statements. Although Ms. Almontaser was never given the opportunity to work as a principal at the Khalil Gibran School, her ideas did materialize, but in a school in the Bronx. At the same time the Khalil Gibran School opened, a small new school in the Bronx opened and the foreign language is Spanish. It is noteworthy that this school in the Bronx, with her same ideas opened successfully, under no controversy. S.R

Sataline, S. (2009). Muslims Press for School Holidays in New York City, New York, N.Y.: //The Wall Street Journal.// Retrieved April 8, 2010, from: [] In an effort to recognize Muslim holy days in New York, some individuals from the Muslim community have been trying to convince Mayor Michael Bloomberg to shut the public schools on two of their most important Muslim religious days. Since New York public schools are closed for Jewish and Christian holidays, some Muslims groups and/or individuals would like the same acknowledgment. Currently, students in public schools who are Muslim stay home from school to practice their faith. Muslims who are against instituting official school holidays believe some Muslims would not benefit. They argue that Hindus and other groups would be left out. Furthermore, they believe that if schools get involved in recognizing Muslim holy days, it might become concerned with establishing religion. Due to the number of different religions and diverse populations, careful attention must be considered so as not to ignore or ostracize any one group. S.R.

Stillwell, C. (2008). Islam in America's Public Schools: Education or Indoctrination? Philadelphia, PA: The Middle East Forum. Reprint from //San Francisco Chronicle//. Retrieved March 15, 2010, from: [] This article claims that public education in America is under attack. It argues that 9/11 events spurred demands for Arabic instruction and many institutions such as charter, private, and some public schools are inappropriately using taxpaying funds to implement a religious (i.e., Islamic) curriculum. According to the article, some of these institutions or schools are permitting individuals with Islamist connections to speak and teach students about GOD-Allah, the Quran, and prayer. This is occurring in across America, in some classrooms during school time and without parental consent or parental knowledge. Parents are unaware that their children are being taught how to wear religious clothing and about prayer (i.e., the Five Pillars of Islam). T hese textbooks are screened by the Church of Islamic Education, but there are concerns about the groups “ideological” agenda. According to the American Textbook Council, some American textbooks have false and inaccurate information about Islam, and at times, glorify Islam. Parents are not aware that in some textbooks, information about Islam is incorrect and some cultures/religions are portrayed as hostile. There are individuals or groups (i.e., Middle Eastern) who do not reside in America that are providing financial assistance to some schools in America. The writer argues at the same time, these same schools or organizations are being financially supported by taxpayers. As per the article, o ne way to go about appropriately teaching students about Islam is within a religious studies perspective, but if textbooks are compromised, that is an issue that needs to be explored. Students receive a biased education when textbooks are compromised. Additionally, this may possibly go against the First Amendment. It is up to parents to get involved and know what their children are learning. It is a parent’s right to know what their children are exposed to and learning in school. After all, their children’s education might be at risk. S.R.

**Arts**



Mideastweb: The Arts (2010). Retrieved March 22, 2010 from: [] This link is listed with websites that show the many different art works such as poetry, music, dance, visual arts, theater, and cuisines from the middle east. The web page focuses on the Arabic and Jewish arts. It is a good page only because most of the time one will not find a webpage in which both of the cultural aspects share the same page. It has the image of unity between two religions that have been in conflict for centuries. J.G

Khadra, A. (2009). Contemporary art in the Middle East; “Orientalism” is not the issue—we have art all of our own." Issue #206. The Art Newspaper. Retrieved March 22, 2010 from: [] This article discusses the contemporary art world of the middle east and questioning whether if its ok to "borrow" westerner influences and adding them to middle eastern art. The writer basically is trying to point out and defend this by stating that incorporating influences outside of the middle east isn't wrong and does not necessarily make it unoriginal. There is nothing wrong with trying to grab the attention of the west. This quote from the article best what the article is about; “Colonisation” means, among many things, that in former colonies, the European schools of art have had and still have enormous influence. Nevertheless, we have come up with our own unique style that has only fairly recently found its own voice. But our own voice it is. While the west has helped to increase awareness of Middle Eastern art, one has to acknowledge that what caught its attention in the first place was a unique style born of an intricate mixture of rich history, deep-rooted culture and ongoing conflict. There is no danger of Middle Eastern artists making the mistakes that Somers Cocks cited as a downfall of Chinese contemporary art—producing works simply to satisfy western taste. We have all the necessary ingredients for an art all of our own: patronage, talent, exposure and variety. Tate or no Tate, with or without “orientalist flourishes”, the lure of the East prevails. J.G

Khazoom, L (2010) My Jewish Learning; Jews of the Middle East. Retrieved March 22, 2010 from: [] This article is very similar to the one mentioned previous except it focuses on Jewish art throughout the religions history. It talks about the evolution of Jewish art and how times affected their art work. Throughout centuries of exiles in many parts of the eastern hemisphere to modern questions of identity and how the people feel about themselves today as a whole, are all elements that are expressed in their arts. J.G.


 * Literature **

Islamicity in the Media (2001). Islam and Islamic History in Arabia and the Middle East. Retrieved March 22, 2010 from**:** [] This link talks about the history of Arabic literature and it's roots. The Quran is the foundation of Islamic literature. The Quran, being the primary document of the Islamic faith, is the first Arabic book. Its style, at once vigorous, allusive, and concise, deeply influenced later compositions in Arabic, as it continues to color the mode of expression of native speakers of Arabic, Christian as well as Muslim, both in writing and in conversation. The Quran also largely determined the course of Arabic literature. The earliest Arabic prose came into being not from literary motives, but to serve religious and practical needs, above all the need to fully understand the Islamic revelation and the circumstances of the first Muslim community in the Hijaz. (1st paragraph of the link). The reading continues to elaborate the growth and changes of Islamic literature throughout the centuries. J.G.

Jannah.org (2009). Some Islamic Poems. Retrieved April 25, 2010 from: []. This website is a collection of islamic poems. They vary from love, religion, social events, etc. An example are poems such as "The Scarf,"by Nura Alia Hossainzadeh which talks about how proud she is in wearing her scarf. Because of her scarf she doesn't fall into the traps of what society views beauty. According to the writer, she compares the world views (or American view) or beauty as the devil bringing about this ideal. This is an excerpt of her poem.  "For my scarf is my protector, my lover, my devotion, my pureness, my beauty, my remembrance of God, And I proudly pull it over my hair knowing that when I wear it, I so rightfully thrust away all the things that the devil brought about, And when I put it on, I am Free..." J.G.