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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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2 March 2006

Press Release: United Campaign launched against Arsenal’s Support of Israel

The Islamic Human Rights Commission is launching a campaign against Arsenal FC’s support of the racist apartheid state of Israel. The campaign comes as a result of Arsenal FC’s recent deal with Israel to promote it as a tourist destination.

Veteran anti-apartheid activists such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu have recognised Israel as an apartheid state and called for a complete global boycott of Israel, similar to the boycott which ultimately toppled the apartheid South African regime.

In addition to its apartheid policies, Israeli human rights groups have documented the routine shooting by Israeli soldiers of Palestinian children playing football. Furthermore, Israeli authorities regularly prevent Palestinian players from attending international games. Yet, it expects to be accepted among the civilized nations of the world.

The campaign has received widespread support from numerous organisations including Innovative Minds, the Palestinian Return Centre, Friends of al Aqsa, the British Muslim Initiative, the Palestinian Forum in Britain, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the Muslim Association of Britain.

IHRC Chair Massoud Shadjareh stated:

“As long as apartheid states such as Israel are promoted by Britain’s top football clubs, the ‘kick racism out of football’ campaign will never progress beyond being a hollow slogan.”

For further information about Arsenal’s ties to Israel and Israel’s apartheid policies, please visit

http://www.inminds.co.uk/boycott-arsenal.html

For more information please contact (+44) 20 8904 4222, or (44) 7958 522196 or email:info@ihrc.org.[ ENDS ]

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Fax (+44) 20 8904 5183
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org