Ashrawi surprised by controversy(Australia)

The Age ^ | November 6,2003 | aap

[smpc]

Palestinian scholar and MP Hanan Ashrawi said she was surprised at the controversy surrounding her visit to Australia, but said she had never thought of backing out.

Jewish groups and Sydney's Lord Mayor Lucy Turnbull are among those who oppose tonight's awarding to Dr Ashrawi of the 2003 Sydney Peace Prize, and the row has sparked widespread debate over whether she is a suitable recipient.

Dr Ashrawi said she was surprised at the reaction to her nomination, as Australia seemed so far from the Middle East.

"You wouldn't think they would take such a visceral approach," she said on ABC radio after delivering the 2003 Sydney Peace Prize lecture.

"There is so much passion without really even knowing the issues.

"I have had many awards and many honorary degrees and given speeches all over the world. I have never - with the exception of Colorado which is one place which has also failed - I have never seen such a mobilisation for hate language and rejection as I saw in a very, very, small minority."

[FreeReporting]

Protest Sydney Peace Prize to Hanan Ashrawi Petition

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ppha1103/petition.html

[tet68]

Oh heck, where to begin.

Dr Ashrawi said she was surprised at the reaction to her nomination, as Australia seemed so far from the Middle East.

(we thought you wouldn't notice our terrorist tactics,being so far away.)

"You wouldn't think they would take such a visceral approach," she said on ABC radio after delivering the 2003 Sydney Peace Prize lecture.

(Doesn't know why Aussies are upset over the killing of innocent jews.)

"There is so much passion without really even knowing the issues.

(How dare they take a side, they don't really know the Jews as we do.)

"I have had many awards and many honorary degrees and given speeches all over the world. I have never - with the exception of Colorado which is one place which has also failed - I have never seen such a mobilisation for hate language and rejection as I saw in a very, very, small minority."

(Colorado.......FAILED???)

"...I have never seen such a mobilisation for hate language and rejection as I saw in a very, very, small minority."

(Well, except for us palestinians trying to drive the
zionist Entity into the sea.)

Baaaah.