The Ramadhan Foundation wishes to commend David Ward MP, the Liberal Democrat MP for Bradford East for his passionate and honest words on Palestine. In recent visits to occupied Palestine he has seen the reality of Israeli occupation and oppression of the Palestinians. David Ward MP is a decent and honourable man who is driven not by personal interests but a commitment to highlight injustices he has seen himself. As Mr. Ward has recognised himself he should have been more clearer in the words he used but I am glad he stands by his comments on Israel.
The Holocaust is part of our history and should never be forgotten but remembering the decades occupation, apartheid and oppression of the Palestinians shouldn't also be ignored. The Palestinian people have lived under Israeli occupation for decades and yet in 2013 they are still waiting for their rights and end to the occupation. We have seen in the recent Gaza massacres, children and babies being killed by Israeli weapons and firearms. We all have a duty to ensure that the lessons of the Holocaust are remembered and that in today's world we learn the lesson that killing and oppressing people will never lead to security or peace.
David Ward's words and statements on Palestine and Israel are a wakeup call for the international community, following elections in Israel there is less chance of peace and a Palestinian State because right wing Israeli Politicians are moving ahead with illegal settlements and confiscation of Palestinian land. I urge voters in Bradford East to remember this courageous and decent man when it comes to voting in the next General Election.
The decades old oppression of the Palestinians is a cause that is recognised around the world irrespective of religion, faith or background. It requires politicians of all parties to see beyond lobbies and see the human suffering Israeli occupation is having on the Palestinians.
David Ward MP is a courageous man who has seen the reality of occupation on recent visits and that vision has led him to speak out on the suffering of the Palestinians. Finally I hope the Liberal Democrats discover their commitment to freedom of speech which they seem to have lost since entering government. The cause of Palestine is a cause sacred to all decent people around the world including many Jewish people, I hope in 2013 the Palestinians can truly be free of this occupation.