IFE MEDIA RELEASE 10 May 2008
Palestine: 60 Years of Painful Occupation As much of the international community, led by Israel and the United States, celebrates 60 years of the state of Israel the Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE) draws attention to the 60 years of occupation and oppression endured by the Palestinian people. While the birth date of the state of Israel represents a day of celebration and joy for some, it represents a day of catastrophe and resistance for Palestinians and Muslims throughout the globe. Muhammad Habibur-Rahman, President of the Islamic Forum of Europe said "The birth of Israel also means the confiscation by force of land from Palestinian people and the death of many. It signifies the pain and anguish of a people without rights, the plight of the refugees and more recently the construction of an apartheid wall. It further signifies the struggle of a people to earn freedom from occupation and a desire for self determination and a right of return for the refugees. It's only right that we remember what really happened." IFE encourages all to attend the National Demonstration for Palestine on Saturday (9th May) which is calling for the end of the siege on Gaza, the right of return for displaced Palestinians as well as the end of the Israeli occupation.