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May 30, 2008

U.S. Withdraws Fulbright Grants to Gaza
I know this is 'off-topic' but injustice is not confined to the Darfur region. I think this decision is an outrage and all Americans of all faiths should be appalled. These gifted students who have earned their Fulbright grant should not be denied it. Let's urge the State Department to reconsider its hurtful and short-sighted position. My heart has always been with Israel but this is not right. It can only lead to more anger, more suffering, more trouble in an already inflamed situation. Anyone in a position to influence them to grant the students permission to leave should do so. And to the students I can only say this; I hope you realize that this completely unfair and incomprehensible decision does not represent the views of most Americans. I wish you well in your continuing pursuit for knowledge and in your life. I hope, with you, that things will get better and that leaders everywhere will be wiser and more just. Perhaps you will be among them

NEW YOUR TIMES
By ETHAN BRONNER

GAZA - The American State Department has withdrawn all Fulbright grants to Palestinian students in Gaza hoping to pursue advanced degrees at American institutions this fall because Israel has not granted them permission to leave.

Israel has isolated this coastal strip, which is run by the militant group Hamas. Given that policy, the United States Consulate in Jerusalem said the grant money had been 'redirected' to students elsewhere out of concern that it would go to waste if the Palestinian students were forced to remain in Gaza.

A letter was sent by e-mail to the students on Thursday telling them of the cancellation. Abdulrahman Abdullah, 30, who had been hoping to study for an M.B.A. at one of several American universities on his Fulbright, was in shock when he read it.
"If we are talking about peace and mutual understanding, it means investing in people who will later contribute to Palestinian society," he said."I am against Hamas. Their acts and policies are wrong. Israel talks about a Palestinian state. But who will build that state if we can get no training?"
 
 
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