A letter written by one of three Palestinian Fulbright students who had their U.S. student visas canceled last week was printed in the San Diego Union-Tribune yesterday.
Fidaa Abed, who was anticipating a Masters Degree in Computer Science from UC San Diego, writes:
Last week, I landed in Washington, D.C., brimming with optimism. Upon arrival, I was whisked into a separate room. An American official informed me that he had just received information about me that he could not reveal. However, it required him to put me on the next plane home. I was shocked. And I was taken aback at the cruelty of snatching away my educational dreams at the last possible moment.
I’d like to mention that four other Gaza Fulbright students passed their security clearances and are currently studying in the United States. Why Fidaa Abed didn’t pass still hasn’t been revealed but it should be noted that it wasn’t a blanket decision to block ALL of the Palestinian Fulbright scholars from attending American universities.
Who does Mr. Abed blame?
Israel tightened economic restrictions in 2006 following the election victory of Hamas. Hoping to weaken Hamas, Israel has gradually tightened restrictions on freedom of goods and people from the Gaza Strip to the outside world, maintaining a near total blockade on some 1.5 million Palestinian civilians for more than a year.
Thankfully, I have received support from people around the world. Journalists have wanted to hear my story. The American officials who saw me in Amman and Jerusalem upon my return were friendly and seemed embarrassed by my predicament.
Despite my treatment, I know that most Americans are kind people who mean well. What happened to me runs contrary to the good will exhibited by the American people. Israeli policies that relegate Palestinians in Gaza to prison-like conditions and Palestinians in the West Bank to an apartheid-like existence do not advance the cause of peace. The United States should use its tremendous sway with Israel to advance the cause of freedom and equal rights for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
According to Mr. Abed, the United States is under the thumb of Israel and the reason he was declined a visa was simply because Israel didn’t like the glisten in his eyes.
Stop pulling at my heart strings, fella. The truth will be revealed all in due time.
Continue reading complete letter here.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Good. When we seek exchange students from Hamas University, we'll give you a call.
Good. When we seek exchange students from Hamas University, we’ll give you a call.
The reason for such tight security lies with the Palestinian people, who harbour, support, finance and idolize suicide bombers.
Until civilian-killing terrorist groups are disbanded, Israel has every right to whatever security it desires and the Palestinians have no right to grumble.
Get rid of the military wing of Hamas, Islanic Jihad, the Al Asqa Martyr Brigade and the use of civilian murder as "resistance", then Israel won't need the security.
Until then…well don't say you weren't told.
.
The reason for such tight security lies with the Palestinian people, who harbour, support, finance and idolize suicide bombers.
Until civilian-killing terrorist groups are disbanded, Israel has every right to whatever security it desires and the Palestinians have no right to grumble.
Get rid of the military wing of Hamas, Islanic Jihad, the Al Asqa Martyr Brigade and the use of civilian murder as “resistance”, then Israel won’t need the security.
Until then…well don’t say you weren’t told.
.
@ Stu
Agreed. Just as ANY country has the right to do whatever it takes for security, Israel is no different. Why this fella thinks he's above all that, I have no idea.
@ Stu
Agreed. Just as ANY country has the right to do whatever it takes for security, Israel is no different. Why this fella thinks he’s above all that, I have no idea.