Twenty thousand march in Tel-Aviv against McCarthyism, racism and fascism

Twenty thousands of activists, Jews and Arabs, from left-wing movements, parties and human rights organizations march in Tel Aviv on Saturday (January 15, 2001) in protest of the Knesset's decision to set up a committee of inquiry to probe the funding sources of human rights movements.

The protest march, under the headline "Demonstration (since it's still possible) for democracy", left from Tel Aviv's Meir Park, in front of the Likud headquarters, toward the plaza in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, where a rally take place in which Knesset members from Hadash, Kadima and Meretz as well as officials from Peace Now and human rights groups deliver speeches.

Protesters chanted in support of democracy and free speech and against racism and fascism, and carried hundreds of red flags and signs with slogans such as "Jews and Arabs together against Fascism", "Awaiting Democracy", "Danger - End of Democracy Ahead!", "Fighting the Rightist Government of Darkness" and "Democracy is Screaming for Help". Among the MKs taking part in the event were Dov Khenin (Hadash), Afo Agbarie (Hadash), Meir Sheetrit (Kadima), Hanna Swaid (Hadash), Nitzan Horowitz (Meretz) and Mohammad Barakeh (the Chairman of Hadash, the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality – Communist Party of Israel).

MK Horowitz inveighed against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, whom he said were "supporting Lieberman's incitement and encouraging racist legislation in the Knesset". "Tonight we are telling the Labor Party that it is a full partner of the most racist government in state history, and that they must leave it immediately," he said.

Peace Now Secretary-General Yariv Oppenheimer said at the rally that Israel was suffering not only from the Iranian threat but also from the "Liebermanian threat".

Hadash Chairman Barakeh said, "We are at a dangerous crossroads where democracy is concerned. Democracy is collapsing, not because of Lieberman but because of the support he is receiving from the prime minister. Jews and Arabs who care about democracy cannot fail at this time. Anyone who wishes to know the power of the people can look to Tunisia". In the same vein he added, "The victory of the people in Tunis over cruel dictatorship teaches us that oppression is not the fate of mankind and the people can win."

MK Sheetrit denounced Foreign Minster Avigdor Lieberman's proposal to probe the funding sources of human rights organizations.

"If such legislation is passed, it will be like taking a brick out of the wall of democracy. I am surprised that Likud members support this. It's simply shameful that they can sit in a government that makes such a proposal," he said.

MK Khenin said during the protest that "the thousands of people who are here understand that our democracy needs protection against its destroyers. We are voicing a clear voice in support of human rights and democracy, and against racism, fascism, McCarthyism and future destruction of the democratic values. We will continue to fight for democratic rights, freedom of speech, equal rights for Jews and Arabs and the end of the occupation."

LDF in Kerala to campaign against Centre

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) has decided to launch a State-wide campaign against the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre over the ongoing increase in prices of essential commodities in the country.

Briefing presspersons after a meeting of the LDF State committee here on Monday, the front's convener, Com. Vaikom Viswan, said the campaign would focus on telling the people of the State about the good things the LDF government in the State had done during its term.

The LDF MLAs, members of the local bodies and State leaders would observe a dharna in front of the Raj Bhavan on Thursday protesting against the Union government's policies that had “made inflation and price increase uncontrollable.” The LDF volunteers would hold torchlight processions in various places in the State that evening.

Feeder organisations of the LDF parties would hold conventions at all levels to mobilise themselves for the campaign. Their conventions would be over by mid-February.

They would be followed by two ‘jathas,' one led by Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan from Kasaragod and the other led by Civil Supplies Minister C. Divakaran from Ernakulam. The one from Kasaragod travelling south to Thrissur district would be inaugurated by Communist Party of India State secretary Com. C.K. Chandrappan and the other from Ernakulam travelling south to Thiruvananthapuram district by Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan. These ‘jathas' would start on February 16 and, together, would cover all the Assembly constituencies in the State, Mr. Viswan said.

He said the mega corruption in 2G Spectrum allocation and the Commonwealth Games would be placed in their proper dimension before the people of the State during the campaign. The issue of Central neglect towards the State, as manifested in the lack of railway development and cuts imposed on rice quota, would figure in the campaign.

Com. V S Achuthanandan presided over the meeting. The next LDF meeting would be on February 9, Mr. Viswan said.

(Courtesy : The Hindu)

Carry forward Jyoti Basu's ideals: Prakash Karat

The first death anniversary of Jyoti Basu, a stalwart of the Communist movement in India, was observed in a sombre ceremony at his Salt Lake residence here on Monday even as tributes flowed in through the day.

Addressing an event in Durgapur in Bardhaman district, Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Prakash Karat spoke about the “Champion of the working class” and of the need to take a “pledge to carry forward the ideals and work that he stood for his entire life.”

The former Lok Sabha Speaker, Somnath Chatterjee, visited Indira Bhavan, which served as Jyoti Basu's residence for years, and bemoaned the loss of the leader at a time when political violence had gripped the State.

Describing the situation as “unfortunate and a matter of concern,” Mr. Chatterjee said, “He [Jyoti Basu] always spoke against violence and for working together to build a society not for partisan political purposes, but for the benefit of the people.”

Mr. Chatterjee recounted the days when the veteran Marxist leader was able to hold discussion on several issues, including the violence at Nandigram.The CPI(M) State Committee launched a 10-day campaign to collect funds for the setting up of a centre dedicated to his memory at the Jyoti Basu Centre for Social Science and Research Organisation.

Funds for centre

Issuing an appeal to party workers, supporters and the people to donate funds for the centre, CPI(M) State Secretary Biman Bose said the land for the centre had been allocated in Jyoti Basu Nagar, located on the north-eastern fringe of the city, and a sizeable sum was required to purchase the land. The centre would have details of his life, an auditorium, a meeting hall, a conference room, a library and a guest house, Mr. Bose said in a written statement.

“The life of Jyoti Basu is the history of the people's movement in the country,” Mr. Bose said.