STATEMENT: MSA Union of South Africa reaffirms decision on SAUJS invitation

25^th April 2013

The Muslim Student Association (MSA) as well as various individual members and representatives of the MSA have received a second invitation from the South African Union of Jewish Students (SAUJS) to attend the annual "Muslim-Jewish Conference" which will be held in Sarajevo, Bosnia on 30 June - 5 July 2013. The annual conference is billed as an inter-cultural, inter-religious conference hosted by a number of organizations and individuals. The conference list of Board Members and Honorary Members include individuals who openly show their support for Israel and its policies. One of them is Rafi Elul, advisor to the President of Israel and former member of the Israeli Parliament.

Subsequent to the invite by SAUJS, MSA has taken a decision not to send delegates to or to participate in this conference. This decision is consistent with one taken last year. We are concerned about being associated with an organization that has links to Zionists, such as Mr. Elul and others. We are also concerned about the fact that the invitation came through a Zionist organization such as SAUJS.

MSA realizes the importance of and advocates for healthy inter-religious relationships based on the desire to establish justice and oppose injustice, colonialism and imperialism. We are thus willing to engage and cooperate with any faith-based, or other, organizations that support the goals of justice and wish to collaborate in fighting injustice. We refuse to cooperate with any organization that supports injustice, racism and colonialism. We support the objective of the conference to create unity and improve ties between religious communities. However, we believe that such relationships can only be forged on the basis of a just struggle for liberation and the freedom of all people. The fact that certain groups support a racist ideology cannot be overlooked and in order to combat antisemitism: Zionism needs to be untied from Jewish identity.

SAUJS is neither an organization that promotes true inter-religious engagement nor is it an organization that supports our objectives of justice and liberation from imperialism and colonialism. Indeed, and this is entrenched in their constitution, SAUJS supports Zionism and advocates for a state which practices colonialism and Apartheid; that state being Israel. As long as SAUJS supports Israel, MSA refuses to cooperate or have any affiliation with SAUJS on any project or activity - whether conferences, sporting events or any other events.

As the MSA we have to take caution when attending inter-religious dialogues and conferences for these platforms are often used for political objectives. Dialogue is argued to be a non-aggressive, peaceful interaction between two groups of people on a supposedly equal platform, and in this case these groups are Jewish and Muslim youth. While this is appealing at face value, when talking and engaging with Zionists, the platforms are never equal. These platforms seek to legitimize the Zionist agenda and we will not allow our religious affiliation to assist this unjust political aim.

In this spirit, the MSA will not accept this invitation and calls on all Muslim students that might be approached by SAUJS to firmly reject the invitation and to reject any joint activity or collaboration with SAUJS.

Statement issued by Yusuf Talia, President and Khadeeja Manjra, Vice President, of the MSA Union of South Africa

Yusuf Talia: yusuf.talia@gmail.com / 071-677-2391

Khadeeja Manjra: kmanjra@gmail.com / 071 351 2094

STATEMENT: Union of Muslim Students' Association of South Africa Endorses the cultural boycott on Israeli Independence day on the 15th of April 2013

                                          

The Union of Muslim Students' Association South Africa (MSA Union), in our commitment to justice, freedom and equality, endorses and pledges full support to the boycott and protesting of the celebration of Israeli Independence Day.

Yom Ha'atzmaut, which is known as Israeli Independence Day, will be taking place on the 15th of April 2013 to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Jewish State which came into being by ethnic cleansing, dispossession and the massacre of the indigenous Palestinian population. The celebration of Israeli Independence will be taking place this year at the Lyric Theatre in Gold Reef City, in which both South African and Israeli Musicians and choirs will be partaking in the event- namely the Wits Choir - in a concert entitled "The Miracle of Israel: A Symphonic Celebration."

The cultural boycott calls all supporters of peace and justice in society to join the protest, and urges artists taking part in the concert to cancel their acts, as the concert clearly defies the international boycott-of-Israel line by accepting funding and sponsorship from official Israeli sources such as El Al, IUA, UCF and the Israel Centre, and secondly by hosting Israeli artists who have not distanced themselves from Israel's occupation and apartheid regime.

In the spirit of resistance, unity and success which we have gained from the epoch of Israeli Apartheid Week this year, the MSA Union and individual MSA chapters has realised the importance of furthering our stance on the Palestinian struggle in the name of freedom, justice and equality.  We believe that supporting a principled boycott and pledging solidarity must be reinforced by being more active in our stance.

MSA Union, along with Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel in South Africa (BDS South Africa),  South African Communist Party(SACP), COSATU, Young Communits League , Coalition for a Free Palestine, Media Review Network (MRN), Palestine Solidarity Alliance (PSA), South African Artists Against Apartheid, StopTheJNF South Africa, Tuks Palestine Solidarity Committee, Wits University Palestine Solidarity Committee, South African Students Congres (SASCO) and Kairos Southern Africa, has endorsed the statement released by StopTheJNF and Kol Tsedek South Africa, to reaffirm our support and endorsement of the cultural boycott on Yom Ha'atzmaut, and we encourage all our members, constituents and supporters to do the same and partake in the protest.

For more information, contact 0714565104 or 0842119988.

Statement issued by Yusuf Talia, President and Sumayya Omar, Political Officer, of the MSA Union of South Africa

Yusuf Talia: yusuf.talia@gmail.com / 071-677-2391

Sumayya Omar: sumz01@hotmail.co.za / 071-456-5104

MSA Union Tarbiyyah Programme

MSA Union Tarbiyyah Programme: Messengers of Truth - Begins Saturday, 13 April 2013

Who are the Ambiyaa (AS)? What lives did they live? What tasks and tests were set upon them? What was the importance of their job? How did they spread the message of God? These are questions many of us do not know the details about.

The community program "Messengers of Truth" seeks to give an in-depth understanding of these extraordinary people to shed light on the situations they endured and the way in which they acted, allowing you to understand that they were people, just like us, having the same human feelings, but were chosen by Allah to guide man to the straight path. This was the most important, yet most difficult job, bearing the absolute most responsibility and the highest levels of care for mankind.

In this regard, MSA has decided to host a programme on the Ambiyah (AS) called “The Messengers of Truth” that will be conducted by Abdur Rahman Laily.

The programme is approximately a 10 part series with a time-line focusing on the most prominent of the Ambiyah (AS) and will begin on Saturday, 13 April 2013. The programme seeks to remind people to be thankful for these role models and to remind people about the most important objectives in life we seem to have forgotten. They will be followed by a reflection lesson at the end to draw similarities between the messages of the Prophets (AS) and to accord the high status that these men deserve - bringing them back into our hearts and minds as role models Inshaa Allah.

Details of the 1^st part:

Venue: Suliman Nana memorial Centre, 65 Foyle Street,Crosby

Date: 13 April 2013, Saturday

Time: 3pm - 4pm
 

Remember: it’s a free programme for the masses! These programmes are open to the community for the guidance of our Muslims so we may choose rightful role models, and to seek the goal of uplifting our communities with Da’wah Inshaa Allah.

Daily Nasiha: Illustrated Explanation of Surah al Asr by Nouman Ali Khan

 

 

 

It's all about TIME! TICK TOK!

#HumanRightsDay

 

Have a look at our infographic about #HumanRightsDay and sharpville. Don't forget share the graphic ...

Today,we commemorate the Sharpeville massacre-when 69 people were killed opposing discriminatory pass laws during Aparthied.

This year... , World Down Syndrome Day coincides with human rights day in SA.Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. Follow @DownSyndromeSA for more information about this condition. Support world down syndrome day.

Creating the Awareness : Israeli Apartheid Week

Monday the 11th of March marked the start of Israeli Apartheid Week.

Increasing media coverage leading up to this week was matched with Enthusiasm from students and Organisations in South Africa.

The Launch of Israeli Apartheid Week took place on Sunday , at the symbolic Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.

Since the day before yesterday , Campaigns creating awareness about the issues facing Palestinians were led on by student organsations at Universities across South Africa.

Encapsulating a day under Israeli ruling, "Life in palestine" and expressing solidarity with Palestinians ,are some of the initiatives taken up at Wits University.
Last night an incredible stance by students from different  organisations incl. MSA, ANC an COSATU disrupted an event said to have been hosted by the Israeli embassy.
Tomorrow a massive balloon release is expected to take place on the campus lawns.

follow @msa_wits for more info

 

 

 

 "I am a settler" flashmobs became an inspiring stepping stone for creating awareness on the University of Johanessburg campus which included a historic palestine exhibition.

A public discussion "bond between Palestine and Sa " --with Baleka Mbete (ANC) an Susan Abulhawa (Palestinian Author)took place at the Council  Chambers at the University of Jhb  . Massive attendace at this event led to venue being maxed out and not all guests had seating. Live media coverage by channel islam's Azhar Vadi.
FOLLOW  @msa_uj for more info.

 NMMU students , academics and friends spent Monday with Ahmed Khatrada ( Rivonia trialist and anti- apartheid struggle stalwart)   discussing "Israel- an apartheid state?" this event made the local newspapers as it led to questionable debates about Israeli's.
Discussion with Pepi Silinga on Israeli apartheid and youth struggle also were part of the week’s IAW schedule at Port Elizabeth.
@msa_nmmu

Grahamstown - Protesting the Israeli Musician whose visit co-incided conveniently during israeli apartheid week , students at Rhodes University protested against this event. An article about this incident can be found in today's "The Herald" newspaper.
Discussions  thus far included "everyday occupation" and "voices of the dispossed" witih various guest speakers.
@msa_rhodes

UKzn westville campus's IAW events is revolving around the main student quad where a Palestinian stall is set up daily , information on IAW is available and palestinian peripherals are on sale.
On Monday a flashmob re-enacting an aspect of the israeli-palestinian conflict took place , another flashmob took place today with Beatboxer Naz Jam and graffiti artist Ewok Robinson. Westville also had a rally yesterday , speakers incl. Ancyl , cosatu , ukzn Hindu Association an ukzn Golden Key honorary members.

 

Students at UKZN Howard College , commenced their israeli apartheid awareness campaign by painting the student union wall two days ago.  A skype session between ukzn academics , students and staff with Palestinian students in Gaza was set to take place yesterday during Lunch. Today a flashmob took place on campus.

 

Medschool - A actual timeline was created with tour guide's running you through the history of Palestine to present day, set up with rope strung across the quad , this timeline aims to educate in a colorful eye-catchy way. A roaming flashmob in various parts of the campus grounds took place yesterday aswell as a "misconception balloon wall". An open mic session is to take place during the course of the week.

follow @MEDMSA for more info

 

 

 UKZN PMB undertook "raise your hand for palestine" campaign and are screening 4 movie documentaries throughout the week.  Look out for a balloon release on the campus tomorrow.
follow @msa_pmb for more info

 

An incident that took place at the Durban beachfront , during the build_up of IAW. Graffiti artist Ewok together with students part of 'flashmob4gaza' were pinpointed as users of 'hate speech' for expressing the words "freedom.justice.equality.peace" "free palestine" and "israeli apartheid week" on a wall at the durban skate park. The painting had been painted over, after hours of being told that the painting was to stay.
This led to numerous articles in the Daily News, the Mercury , SABC  news , CII , Radio Islam and Lotus fm.

For more info about events in KZN , like the fb page MSA KZN

 

At Stellenbosch University  "Courageous conversations on palestine-israel" took place on Monday  and A protest march was set to take place today.
for more info follown@us_is , @us_tis

A performance by "amandla intifada" protesting israeli apartheid drew in support at University of Pretoria yesterday ,this public rally event had included in the front lines Ronald Lamola (president of anc youth league) and Mbuyiseni Ndlozi (bds south africa)
Today Jessie Duarte headed a disccussion on ANC support for palestine .
"Mock israeli checkpoints and apartheid wall" are still to be initiated as part of the israel apartheid week awareness campaign at University of Pretoria.
For more info follow @psf_tuks

 

Activities in Cape Town commenced with a rocky start , Israeli students trained to spread propaganda an infiltrate incorrect information were flown down to UCT , where a tent was sent up for these zionists and free beverages were handed out to anyone who chose to associate themselves with them, making it difficult for awareness to be spread about israeli apartheid week.

 
This did not deter students , a candlelight vigil and Qiyamul Layl (late night prayer) took place last night.Permission was not granted to have a march/peaceful walk on the grounds of the University today. Activists at UCT are continuing with IAW events and An "eviction notice initiative” has commenced at certain residences on the Cape Town University , creating a feel of what Palestinians have had to undergo when demanded to disperse from their homes.
@msa_uct

The Israeli Apartheid Week activities have certainly created awareness , but a lot more needs to be done in aiding the plight of the Palestinians.
"We condone the pleas of the people of Palestine and call upon upon our South African Government to boycott Israeli products, disinvest in Israel and place sanctions on Israel

 

A screening of the national film tour : Jerusalem: The East Side Story is to take place throughout the week across the country.

For more info and live tweets follow @msa_union and @IAWSouthAfrica #IAW2013

"Every Generation needs a revolution"

 

Fathima Gori

 

STATEMENT: MUSLIM STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS ISRAELI APARTHEID WEEK

The Muslim Students’ Association of South Africa (MSA) - in its commitment to justice, freedom and equality – has pledged its full support to the 9th international Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) campaign. IAW is a global series of events and campaigns that take place in cities, campuses and communities across the world and aims to raise awareness of Israel’s apartheid policies towards the Palestinian people and serves to promote Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. IAW will take place from the 11 - 17 March in South Africa.

MSA realises the massive importance of IAW in furthering the Palestinian struggle for liberation and thus, in addition to support, is playing an active role in the campaign by forming part of the IAW national steering committee. We will also be hosting events and campaigns on our campuses across the country.

In the spirit of IAW we will reaffirm our stance on Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions as a constructive means of achieving liberation for the people of Palestine. BDS is a global movement that aims to isolate Israel until it complies with international law and ends its apartheid policies. We realise, in addition, that we, as a Muslim community in particular, need to move away from the charity framing of the Palestinian struggle and acknowledge that this is a political story of resistance against oppression and all forms of other injustices that violate basic human rights.

MSA acknowledges and echos many of our South African leaders and struggle icons such as: Ahmed Kathrada, Kader Asmal, Blade Nzimande, Zwelinzima Vavi and Winnie Mandela who have compared Apartheid South Africa to current day Israel. We also acknowledge cases made by the SA Human Sciences Research Council, Russell Tribunal on Palestine and the United Nations Committee for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination that support this comparison.

MSA has joined numerous other organisations, including: South African Union of Students, Jamiat-Ul-Ulema, Congress of South African Trade Unions, Muslim Judicial Council, ANC Youth League and South African Council of Churches in its support of IAW. We lend our support to IAW in the same spirit that we do for the people of Sudan, Burma, Syria, Zimbabwe and other people who are victims of injustice and oppression. Indeed, this principled spirit will continue to be our approach to the Palestinian struggle.

In addition, we urge all our chapters, constituents and supporters to participate and get involved in Israeli Apartheid Week on your campuses, communities and cities.

For more information on IAW South Africa and ways to get involved, see the link here: http://www.bdssouthafrica.com/2011/02/israeli-apartheid-week.html.

For the complete IAW South Africa schedule, you can view the link here: http://www.bdssouthafrica.com/2011/02/iaw-2013-full-schedule-and-speaking.html

Statement issued by Yusuf Talia, President and Sumayya Omar, Political Officer of the MSA Union of South Africa

Yusuf Talia : yusuf.talia@gmail.com / 071-677-2391

Sumayya Omar: sumz01@hotmail.co.za / 071-456-5104

**The Muslim Students' Association (MSA) was established in 1973. It has grown to be one of the largest student representative bodies in South Africa. The MSA aims to assist in developing students and creating an active citizenship. This is done by developing structures to create a national and influential student representative body, leadership development programs, advocating for social, political and economic justice through campaigns, social projects and humanitarian initiatives that are all student based.